• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.53-58
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• 2023

After thyroidectomy, some patients who show normal vocal cord movement still complain of subjective voice problems, which could lead to a decrease in quality of life related to communication. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a newly designed voice therapy applying neck exercise and semi-occluded vocal tract exercise (SOVTE) to improve voice problems after thyroidectomy without neurological injury. For this purpose, voice therapy was randomly assigned to 10 women who received thyroidectomy. Acoustic analysis [fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonics ratio, min Voice Range Profile (VRP), max VRP, VRP] was performed before and after surgery and immediately after voice therapy to compare voice changes. The study showed a statistically significant increase in max VRP and VRP after voice therapy compared to before surgery. These results suggest that the voice therapy methods in this study effectively improve a major symptom of voice problems after thyroidectomy, specifically the reduction in the high-frequency range. However, this study was limited in the number of s participants and did not control for the type of surgery. Therefore, further research utilizing larger sample sizes and controlled variables is needed to investigate the long-term effects of voice therapy.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.795-799
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• 2023

The Canadian military participated in World War I and felt the limitations of the recruitment system through the continuous shortage of troops caused by the prolonged war, therefore expanded the role and scope of female manpower. The use of female manpower, which began with medical support for the first time, increased its necessity and importance as medical support personnel were dispatched overseas and women's manpower was expanded to combat support missions for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Since then, the proportion of female manpower has been limited to 1.5% of the total number of employees at the end of the Second World War and the reduction of troops and the dismantling of the women's unit. In this situation, the Austrian Defence Force gradually accepts the recommendation of the Royal Canadian Women's Status Committee to improve the service conditions of women, marking a turning point in expanding the role of women in the Canadian military. The the Austrian Defence Force conducted long-term combat experiments to increase the proportion and role of female manpower, increasing reliability through observation and analysis to prove whether female manpower is suitable for combat troops. Korea also wants to draw implications for the future direction by comparing the history and current appearance of the Canadian military's use of female manpower with the Korean military at a time when the problem of a shortage of troops is emerging due to the recent decline in fertility and low birth rates.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.785-796
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• 2023

The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance(ESG) practices in domestic construction firms is predominantly driven by major corporations. These companies not only publish reports on their ESG management but also engage in a meticulous process of identifying key issues and setting priorities. This process entails an in-depth evaluation of the severity of various issues and the gathering of insights from experts in the field. Interestingly, a comparative analysis of ESG assessments for construction companies, both domestically and internationally, reveals significant discrepancies in outcomes. These differences stem from the varied evaluation methodologies and criteria employed by different assessing bodies. Addressing this gap, our study proposes a suite of strategies aimed at bolstering ESG management within the construction sector. We advocate for enhanced policy support and financial backing, especially targeting small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) to facilitate their engagement in ESG practices. A critical step forward involves the standardization and transparent disclosure of ESG evaluation criteria, tailored to reflect the unique aspects of the construction industry. Moreover, the standardization and publication of ESG assessments for subcontractors are essential, equipping them with the necessary tools for effective ESG management and evaluation. Given the global nature of construction projects, particularly those commissioned by the European Union in regions like Africa and East Asia, adherence to ESG standards is imperative. Our long-term vision includes the development of a comprehensive database detailing ESG regulations and their impacts, segmented by region and country. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for companies venturing into international construction projects.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.693-702
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• 2023

This research explores the potential application of Liquid Red Mud(LRM), a byproduct of industrial processes, in the construction sector. We neutralized LRM(pH 10-12) using nitric acid, aiming to understand its viability in construction applications. The study involved substituting LRM(pH 7-8) in mortar formulations, varying by cement type. We assessed the properties of these mixtures by measuring flow, setting time, and compressive strength. Additionally, X-ray Diffraction(XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) analyses were conducted to examine the chemical properties. Results indicated a reduction in flow value for LRM and LN(neutralized LRM) compared to the control (Plain ) across different cement types. The setting times(initial and final) for LRM and LN were notably shorter than Plain. In compressive strength tests, LRM replaced with slag cement showed enhanced initial strength, though long-term strength gains were marginal across different cement types. SEM analysis revealed distinct voids in Plain and LN, with LRM exhibiting a fibrous microstructure. XRD patterns in SN(slag neutralized) resembled those in OR(original red mud) and ON(original neutralized), with a notable peak at a 2θ value of 22°. The study concludes that unneutralized LRM, when substituted for slag cement in mortar, yields superior initial strength compared to its neutralized counterpart.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.109-120
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• 2024

For successful waterproofing construction, it is very important to secure construction quality as well as material performance of waterproofing materials used in construction. Due to the long-term cost reduction policy following the economic downturn in the construction market, most construction companies are using general low-priced waterproof materials rather than high-quality waterproof materials without clear quality control standards. Without clear education on construction, construction is being carried out with meaning only on construction activities. In addition, the waterproofing method applied in combination is a situation where water leakage occurs due to waterproofing failure due to insufficient construction quality because the construction method is complicated. Therefore, it is necessary to review the quality control measures(design, materials, construction) for successful waterproofing work and improve problems that are derived so that stable waterproofing work can be done. In order to expect the leakage prevention effect of a building, first, it is required to select appropriate materials for each part of the building and environment in the design stage, and the selected materials must satisfy all items of the Korean Industrial Standard(KS). Second, to secure the quality of waterproofing construction, sincere construction by workers is required. In this paper, we tried to describe "review of waterproof design", "constructor education", "site inspection", and "criticism(correction/supplementation)" as quality control measures after material selection.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2024

Compressive strength in concrete has many affecting parameters and varies with exposure conditions. Although the concrete has same mix proportions, its properties are different with exposure conditions, and sea-environment can be classified into three groups such as tidal, atmospheric, and sea submerged region particularly. In this study, compressive strength was evaluated on 7-year-cured concrete and the results from previous equations (KDS, ACI, CEB, and JSCE) were compared with them. Furthermore the strength and carbonation progress were evaluated on concrete cured for 7 years exposed to three different sea environment. Three levels of w/c (water to cement) ratio (0.37, 0.42, and 0.47) and three different exposure conditions (tidal, atmospheric, and submerged) were considered. The results from wet-cured condition are all higher than those from the previously proposed equations, and the results from different sea exposure conditions (tidal, atmospheric, and submerged region) were lower than those from wet-cured condition. A reduction of strength was evaluated with increasing w/c ratio and the minimum strength was evaluated in the sea-submerged conditions. Several experimental constants applicable to the previous equations were obtained from regression analysis since the strength change with w/c ratios were not considered in those equations. Regarding carbonation depth with different exposure conditions, higher carbonation depth clearly was observed with increasing w/c ratios, and evaluated in the order of atmospheric, submerged, and tidal region. Considerable carbonation depth was observed in submerged and tidal region due to sulfate ion and dissloved carbon dioxide as well.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.162-172
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• 2021

Purpose We retrospectively evaluated the technical success rate and long-term efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided synovial cyst rupture followed by an intra-articular steroid injection at the post-laminectomy lumbar facet. Materials and Methods We selected subjects who had undergone a fluoroscopy-guided synovial cyst rupture with simultaneous intra-articular steroid injection within 6 months of MRI and demonstrated a symptomatic facet joint synovial cyst at the level of a previous lumbar laminectomy. Fourteen patients were enrolled, and we determined whether cyst rupture and symptom improvement were achieved after each procedure. The degrees of symptom improvement were categorized into 4: 1) symptoms improved (30% or more reduction, based on pre-procedural and post-procedural Numerical Pain Rating Scale scores), 2) symptoms not improved, 3) patient underwent surgery after injection, and 4) loss of follow-up. Results The success rate of percutaneous synovial cyst rupture decreased with repeated procedures (62.5% for the first procedure and 0% to 33.3% for additional procedures). However, 80% of the patients had symptom improvement with the procedures, overall. The surgery rate was 14.3% in 14 patients. Conclusion For patients with post-laminectomy symptomatic lumbar facet joint synovial cysts, fluoroscopy-guided synovial cyst rupture with intra-articular steroid injection may be an effective and less invasive treatment before considering a surgical approach.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.276-284
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• 2023

After tooth extraction, alveolar bone is resorbed over time. Loss of alveolar bone and reduction of upper soft tissue poses difficulties in future implant placement and long-term survival of the implant. This case report focuses on increasing the soft and hard tissues at the implant placement site by using alveolar ridge augmentation and a xenogeneic collagen matrix as a soft tissue substitute in an extraction socket affected by periodontal disease. In each case, the width of the alveolar bone increased to 6 mm, 8 mm, and 4 mm, and regeneration of the interdental papilla around the implant was shown, as well as buccal keratinized gingiva of 4 mm, 6 mm, and 4 mm, respectively. Enlarged alveolar bone facilitates implant surgery, and interdental papillae and keratinized gingiva enable aesthetic prosthesis. This study performed alveolar ridge augmentation on patients with extraction sockets affected by periodontal disease and additionally used soft tissue substitutes to provide a better environment for implant placement and have positive effects for aesthetic and predictive implant surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.459-471
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• 2024

In modern society, where tension and stress are ubiquitous, individuals often experience psychological imbalances. These stressors not only affect mental well-being but also manifest physically, through the skin. Consequently, a new term psychodermatology combining psychiatry and dermatology, has emerged, garnerning attention and research focus. In this study, we aimed to develop materials improving chronic skin conditions caused by stress by utilizing a compound of Cucurbita moschata, Paeonia japonica, and Prunus cerasus known to alleviate skin disorders. We sought to develop and validate the efficacy of materials alleviating chronic skin conditions induced by stress in keratinocytes..Therefore, in this study we analyzed the effects of a complex extract using Cucurbita moschata, Paeonia japonica, and Prunus cerasus on HaCaT keratinocyte cells to understand how it influences them. The complex extract on HaCaT keratinocyte cells showed a concentration-dependent decrease in the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDC, and TARC at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ㎍/mL. Particularly noteworthy was the efficacy observed in inhibiting IL-1β, with a reduction of over 40% at a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL. Additionally, the production levels of AQP-3, HA, and filaggrin exhibited a significant concentration-dependent increase. The protein expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38, which were elevated by TNF-α/IFN-γ, was significantly decreased with the treatment of the complex extract. These findings suggest that the compound extract may be utilized as a material for treating and preventing skin conditions, potentially mitigating the adverse effects of the mutual relationship between skin disorders and stress.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.20-29
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• 2024

Given the recent increases in feed cost, the demand for rice straw has been increasing on dairy farms because it is cheaper than expensive imported forages. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effect of rice straw feeding on the growth and productivity of dairy heifers. This study compared how feeding tall fescue and rice straw affects the growth, age at first calving, and feed cost of heifers. we compared the growth, age at first calving, and feed cost for each group during the breeding period. Body height was higher in the tall fescue-fed group than in the rice straw-fed group (p<0.05). The length of the growing stage was significantly shorter in the tall fescue group than in the rice straw group (p<0.001) and the age at calving also showed a significant reduction in the tall fescue group compared to the rice straw group (p<0.001). However, the feed cost was lower in the rice straw group because of the difference in the unit price of forage (p<0.001). Based on these results, during the growing period, the rice straw group had delays in growth and the age at first calving compared to the tall fescue group, but also had reduced feed costs in the short term.