• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2011

Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes of the tumor prosthetic replacement and osteosynthetic fixation for pathologic fracture of skeletal metastatic lesion of the proximal femur. Materials and Methods: From 1994 May to 2009 May, medical records of 22 patients who underwent tumor prosthetic replacement with tumor resection (group 1) and 15 others (16 hips) who underwent osteosynthetic fixation without tumor resection (group 2) were reviewed. The mean age of overall patients were 59 (group 1) and 60 (group 2). Mean follow up periods were 23 and 11 months. The oncological and functional results were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier methods and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system, 1993. The statistical evaluation was assessed with Log rank test and t-test. Results: The mean survival periods were 24 months in group 1 and 11months in group 2. The 1 year survival rates were 86% in group 1 and 50 % in group 2, and 2 year survival rates were 29.7% in group 1 and 9.4% in group 2. The mean MSTS functional score were 26.4 (19-30), 87.9% in group 1 and 15.3 (10-23), 51.0% in group 2. Conclusion: The results of tumor resection and prosthetic replacement in selected cases was better than osteosynthetic fixation without tumor resection for metastatic bone tumors around proximal femur in oncological and functional aspects.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.109-131
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• 2014

As the demand of nuclear power plant equipment is continuously growing worldwide, the importance of handling nuclear strategic materials is also increasing. While the number of cases submitted for the exports of nuclear-power commodity and technology is dramatically increasing, preadjudication (or prescreening to be simple) of strategic materials has been done so far by experts of a long-time experience and extensive field knowledge. However, there is severe shortage of experts in this domain, not to mention that it takes a long time to develop an expert. Because human experts must manually evaluate all the documents submitted for export permission, the current practice of nuclear material export is neither time-efficient nor cost-effective. Toward alleviating the problem of relying on costly human experts only, our research proposes a new system designed to help field experts make their decisions more effectively and efficiently. The proposed system is built upon case-based reasoning, which in essence extracts key features from the existing cases, compares the features with the features of a new case, and derives a solution for the new case by referencing similar cases and their solutions. Our research proposes a framework of case-based reasoning system, designs a case-based reasoning system for the control of nuclear material exports, and evaluates the performance of alternative keyword extraction methods (full automatic, full manual, and semi-automatic). A keyword extraction method is an essential component of the case-based reasoning system as it is used to extract key features of the cases. The full automatic method was conducted using TF-IDF, which is a widely used de facto standard method for representative keyword extraction in text mining. TF (Term Frequency) is based on the frequency count of the term within a document, showing how important the term is within a document while IDF (Inverted Document Frequency) is based on the infrequency of the term within a document set, showing how uniquely the term represents the document. The results show that the semi-automatic approach, which is based on the collaboration of machine and human, is the most effective solution regardless of whether the human is a field expert or a student who majors in nuclear engineering. Moreover, we propose a new approach of computing nuclear document similarity along with a new framework of document analysis. The proposed algorithm of nuclear document similarity considers both document-to-document similarity (${\alpha}$) and document-to-nuclear system similarity (${\beta}$), in order to derive the final score (${\gamma}$) for the decision of whether the presented case is of strategic material or not. The final score (${\gamma}$) represents a document similarity between the past cases and the new case. The score is induced by not only exploiting conventional TF-IDF, but utilizing a nuclear system similarity score, which takes the context of nuclear system domain into account. Finally, the system retrieves top-3 documents stored in the case base that are considered as the most similar cases with regard to the new case, and provides them with the degree of credibility. With this final score and the credibility score, it becomes easier for a user to see which documents in the case base are more worthy of looking up so that the user can make a proper decision with relatively lower cost. The evaluation of the system has been conducted by developing a prototype and testing with field data. The system workflows and outcomes have been verified by the field experts. This research is expected to contribute the growth of knowledge service industry by proposing a new system that can effectively reduce the burden of relying on costly human experts for the export control of nuclear materials and that can be considered as a meaningful example of knowledge service application.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2008

The in vitro cell transformation assays (CTA) were performed using BALB/3T3 murine fibroblasts and HaCaT human keratinocytes in order to evaluate concordance between both in vitro CTAs and carcinogenicity with compounds differing in their genotoxic and carcinogenic potential. Six test articles were evaluated, two each from three classes of compounds: genotoxic carcinogens (2-amino-5-nitrophenol and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide), genotoxic noncarcinogens (8-hydroxyquinoline and benzyl alcohol), and nongenotoxic carcinogens (methyl carbamate and N-nitrosodiphenylamine). Any foci of size $\geq$2 mm regardless of invasiveness and piling was scored as positive in CTA with BALB/3T3. As expected, four carcinogens regardless of their genotoxicity had positive outcomes in two-stage CTA using BALB/3T3 cells. However, of the two genotoxic noncarcinogens, benzyl alcohol was positive CTA finding. We concluded that, of the 6 chemicals tested, the sensitivity for BALB/3T3 system was reasonably high, being 100%. The respective specificity for BALB/3T3 assay was 50%. We also investigated the correlation between results of BALB/3T3 assay and results from HaCaT assay in order to develop a reliable human cell transformation assay. However, evaluation of staining at later time points beyond the confluency stage did not yield further assessable data because most of HaCaT cells were detached after $2{\sim}3$ days of confluency. Thus, after test article treatment, HaCaT cells were split before massive cell death began. In this modified protocol for this HaCaT system, growing attached colonies were counted instead of transformed foci 3 weeks since last subculture. Compared to BALB/3T3 assay, HaCaT assay showed moderate low sensitivity and high specificity. Despite these differences in specificity and sensitivity, both cell systems did exhibit same good concordance between in vitro CTA and rodent carcinogenicity findings (overall 83% concordant results). At present the major weakness of these in vitro CTA is lack of validation for regulatory acceptance and use. Thus, more controlled studies will be needed in order to be better able to assess and quantitatively estimate in vitro CTA data.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.126-135
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• 2015

This study was conducted to develop a large scale map of species-specific plantation sites based on selected environmental variables such as topography, soil, and climatic factors in Namwon city. Site index equations by tree species were first regressed to 27 environmental variables that could influence the productivity of forest sites using digital forest site maps, digital climate maps, and the 5th National Forest Inventory data. Site index equations by tree species were all evaluated to estimate site productivity using 4-5 environmental variables, and the models' reliability was confirmed based on evaluation statistics. The determination coefficients of site index equations by species ranged from 0.42 to 0.76. With the site index equations, the site conditions appropriate for productive sites by species were considered to assess spatial distribution of productive areas for each species. The final map for optimal plantation in Namwon city was produced based on both site index equations and site conditions appropriate for productive sites by each species using GIS technique. Field survey was conducted to evaluate the suitability of selected species on the map of species-specific plantation sites. Results showed that the plantation map provides relatively reasonable spatial distribution of productive areas for selected species. It was revealed, however, that the sites evaluated as 'not suitable' for any tree species should be revised and complemented with additional information, especially with the site conditions appropriate for productive sites by species of interest. The outcomes of this study are expected to provide information for making customized species-specific plantation maps.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.661-665
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• 2016

Background: Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of death among cancers throughout the world. Therefore, stomach cancer outcomes can affect health systems at the national and international levels. Although stomach cancer mortality and incidence rates have decreased in developed countries, these indicators have a raising trend in East Asian developing countries, particularity in Iran. In this study, we aimed to determine the time trend of age-standardized rates of stomach cancer in different districts of Iran from 2000 to 2010. Materials and Methods: Cases of cancer were registered using a pathology-based system during 2000-2007 and with a population-based system since 2008 in Iran. In this study, we collected information about the incidence of stomach cancer during a 10 year period for 31 provinces and 376 districts, with a total of 49,917 cases. We employed two statistical approaches (a random effects and a random effects Markov model) for modeling the incidence of stomach cancer in different districts of Iran during the studied period. Results: The random effects model showed that the incidence rate of stomach cancer among males and females had an increasing trend and it increased by 2.38 and 0.87 persons every year, respectively. However, after adjusting for previous responses, the random effects Markov model showed an increasing rate of 1.53 and 0.75 for males and females, respectively. Conclusions: This study revealed that there are significant differences between different areas of Iran in terms of age-standardized incidence rates of stomach cancer. Our study suggests that a random effects Markov model can adjust for effects of previous responses.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.123-142
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• 2010

Objectives : The knee pain is the main reason of getting acupuncture treatment. In order to have confidence in the results of a study, it is necessary to establish that questionnaire is both valid and reliable in questionnaire related study. The aim of this study was to review the instruments that are currently in sue for assessing the knee joint. Methods : A literature study was performed to choose appropriate scales for assessment for pain and the function of the knee. Theoretically based scales were selected for review. Therefore, 18 scales for knee and 9 scale for pain were reviewed. the status of scales involved in knee treatment of acupuncture throughout several countries was evaluated. Results & Conclusion : Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Cincinnati knee rating system(CKRS) are adequate for ligament injury in knee. International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system(IKDC) may become a publication requirement for journals in view of the international standing of the committee. The available outcome measure for use in osteoarthritis are Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC), Lequesne Functional Severity Index(LFI) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score(KOOS), and in rheumatoid arthritis are McMaster-Toronto Arthritis patient function preference questionnaire(MACTAR), Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale(QoL-RA Scale). Visual analog scale(VAS), verbal rating scale(VRS) are commonly used for the standard pain scale. For long term follow-up study The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36(SF-36), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales(AIMS), Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ) should be included. Each measurement has its own composition and characteristics. Their validity, reliability, responsiveness and practical characteristics were already evaluated. We found 20 domestic and 28 overseas papers about knee treatment using acupuncture assessed with knee scales.

• Korean Security Journal
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• no.17
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• pp.361-381
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• 2008

Quality rating of machine security systems is difficult because both tangible and intangible services are included. However, still, the research template applied the SERVQUAL model with the intention of confirming machine security systems' service quality formation and experimentally inspecting the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction. Therefore, the following highlights the experimental research outcomes and their implications for small-scale businesses utilizing machine security systems in the Daegu region. First, after observing whether the determining factors constitute service quality, four components were found to have significant influence on customer satisfaction. Additionally, in observing any differences in their influences, the following in order were observed as having influence on customer satisfaction: empathy, assurance reliability, responsiveness, and tangibility. Moreover, though companies‘ newest facilities and equipment are important, it can be concluded that a company employees’ prudent consideration, individual interest, reliability, and assurance for the customer carry greater importance. Secondly, though we intended to survey machine security systems by employing the SERVQUAL model, determinant factor analysis results found applying SERVQUAL model in its original state a challenge. According to results from determinant factor analysis, the basis for forming service quality is determined by assurance reliability, empathy, tangibility, and responsiveness. Furthermore, in future research, while more accurately distinguishing between assurance and reliability, a more appropriate model must also be considered for modification in domestic machine security system industry‘s service quality evaluation.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.39-50
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• 2014

The goal of this work is to develop a framework of methods to entirely evaluate effects of LID (Low Impact Development) on soil-groundwater environmental quality as well as land-scape and ecological factors. For this study, we conducted an extensive literature review. As outcomes, soil-groundwater environmental quality is newly conceptualized as a comprehensive index reflecting (i) groundwater pollution sensitivity (hydrogeological factor), (ii) biochemical contamination, and (iii) biodegradability. The methods of classifying and indexing is shown by combining selection of the items to be measured for soil-groundwater environmental quality and integrating the resulted items comprehensively. In addition, from soil-groundwater environmental quality, land-scape and ecological factors in existing environmental impact assessment a method was developed an overall index which can evaluate effects to environment by using GIS (Geographic Information System) and AHP (Analytic Hierachy Process). For optimizing LID planning, designing and post-evaluation, LCIA (Life Cycle Impact Assessment) was regarded as an appropriate method.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2017

An adaptive optics system can be simulated or analyzed to predict its closed-loop performance. However, this type of prediction based on various assumptions can occasionally produce outcomes which are far from actual experience. Thus, every adaptive optics system is desired to be tested in a closed loop on an optical test bench before its application to a telescope. In the close-loop test bench, we need an atmospheric simulator that simulates atmospheric disturbances, mostly in phase, in terms of spatial and temporal behavior. We report the development of an atmospheric turbulence simulator consisting of two point sources, a commercially available deformable mirror with a $12{\times}12$ actuator array, and two random phase plates. The simulator generates an atmospherically distorted single or binary star with varying stellar magnitudes and angular separations. We conduct a simulation of a binary star by optically combining two point sources mounted on independent precision stages. The light intensity of each source (an LED with a pin hole) is adjustable to the corresponding stellar magnitude, while its angular separation is precisely adjusted by moving the corresponding stage. First, the atmospheric phase disturbance at a single instance, i.e., a phase screen, is generated via a computer simulation based on the thin-layer Kolmogorov atmospheric model and its temporal evolution is predicted based on the frozen flow hypothesis. The deformable mirror is then continuously best-fitted to the time-sequenced phase screens based on the least square method. Similarly, we also implement another simulation by rotating two random phase plates which were manufactured to have atmospheric-disturbance-like residual aberrations. This later method is limited in its ability to simulate atmospheric disturbances, but it is easy and inexpensive to implement. With these two methods, individually or in unison, we can simulate typical atmospheric disturbances observed at the Bohyun Observatory in South Korea, which corresponds to an area from 7 to 15 cm with regard to the Fried parameter at a telescope pupil plane of 500 nm.

• Journal of Korean Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.391-399
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• 2018

Background : The Antimicrobial Stewardship Program promotes interdisciplinary interventions and targeted recommendations for the proper utilization of antibiotics. In particular, the aim of the program is to avoid indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics based on the documented literature on the significant impact of unsystematic usage of antibiotics on the distribution of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. To improve the care process for pneumonia treatment using antimicrobial agents, institution-level guidelines were established and disseminated at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in April 2016. In this study, we evaluated changes in the physicians'antibiotic prescribing patterns both before-and after-the implementation of the guidelines. Methods : The electronic medical records of inpatients who were prescribed with one or more antibiotics in May 2014 (Group A) and May 2016 (Group B) were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, and antibiotic prescriptions were collected and the prescription records were compared both before- and after- the implementation of the guidelines. Results : A total of 180 patients were included in the study: 77 patients in group A and 103 patients in group B. The baseline characteristics of the patients were not significantly different between the two groups. Community-acquired pneumonia was the most common diagnosis in both the groups and the difference was not significant (68.8% vs. 67.9%; p=0.67). The type of antibiotic prescriptions used for empirical treatment was not different between the two groups. The most commonly prescribed empirical antibiotics were cephalosporins, with no significant difference (p=0.31). One of the most inappropriately used antibiotics was piperacillin/tazobactam and the rate of prescription was similar in both the groups (p=0.68). The rates of appropriate empirical selection of antibiotics remained unaltered between the two groups (67.5% vs. 71.8%; p=0.53). Conclusions : Implementation of the guidelines only exhibited no significant effect on the antibiotic prescribing patterns of physicians for the treatment of pneumonia. To improve the adequate use of empiric antibiotics, more active interventions and closer monitoring of the feedbacks should be additionally considered and evaluated in future studies.