• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.395-399
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• 2023

The knee arthritis patients are generally performed standing position radiography. However, patients with pain caused by degenerative diseases or injuries in the knee have difficulty maintaining a standing position. Therefore, this study aims to develop a knee joint standing weight bearing projection assist device to solve these problems when patients undergo knee radiography due to various diseases. The design of the knee joint weight-bearing radiography assist device is carried out with 3D design and drawing production to secure basic data, electric support and frame manufacture. A fixed device for maintaining the patient's knee standing weight-bearing projection, an electric digital height device, a digital protractor, and a safety device were designed. The arm support is made of PVC with a cushion to relieve the impact and make it easier to remove debris. The digital electric device can be moved up and down according to the patient's height, and a remote control is attached. The safety device is made to be adjustable in size by attaching metal hooks on both sides of the frame and to shield the scrotum. A digital protractor was attached to the side frame to set the desired knee angle. When a self-made assist device was used to perform a knee joint standing weight bearing projection, it helped maintain arm support and lower extremities position. In addition, the height could be adjusted using an assist device during standing projections, which helped the patient maintain the position.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.429-434
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• 2023

Kitchen cabinets are essential furniture for storing the kitchen tools, but their high installed location makes it difficult for users to access the upper of the cabinets. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a new type of kitchen cabinet that allows users to easily take out or store items by adding new height adjustment features while maintaining the function of the existing cabinet. For convenience and safety, an appropriate complex link mechanism is designed so that the selected floor, not the entire cabinet, can come down to a desired height with one operation. Moreover, the optimal descent path is set to prevent the floor tilting or interfloor interference during descent, and appropriate link shapes, lengths, and joint types are selected to implement it. FEA analysis is performed to ensure that the stretched complex linkage can support the load of the stored items and the feasibility of the height adjustable kitchen cabinet is verified through fabrication.

• The Transactions of the Korea Information Processing Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.13-17
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• 2024

In this paper, union-based rule antecedent neuro-fuzzy controller, which can guarantee a parsimonious knowledge base with reduced number of rules, is proposed. The proposed neuro-fuzzy controller allows union operation of input fuzzy sets in the antecedents to cover bigger input domain compared with the complete structure rule which consists of AND combination of all input variables in its premise. To construct the proposed neuro-fuzzy controller, we consider the multiple-term unified logic processor (MULP) which consists of OR and AND fuzzy neurons. The fuzzy neurons exhibit learning abilities as they come with a collection of adjustable connection weights. In the development stage, the genetic algorithm (GA) constructs a Boolean skeleton of the proposed neuro-fuzzy controller, while the stochastic reinforcement learning refines the binary connections of the GA-optimized controller for further improvement of the performance index. An inverted pendulum system is considered to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method by simulation and experiment.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.465-470
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• 2024

Kitchen cabinets are widely used for their spacious storage and efficient use of space, but their high installed location makes it difficult for the elderly and disabled to access. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a new height-adjustable kitchen cabinet that can be used more easily and safely. The lift-down range of cabinet was set considering the installation location of cabinet for efficient use of kitchen space and the maximum height accessible to the elderly and disabled, and the link geometry and driving method of the complex link mechanism were determined through the mechanism design procedure to ensure that the selected floor come down safely along the optimal descend path. In addition, the appropriate motor and control algorithm were added to allow the user to descend to the desired height with a simple button operation. It was confirmed through actual production that the proposed linkage mechanism performs the desired lift-down motion.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.373-382
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• 2023

The task of sorting and excluding blemished apples and others that lack commercial appeal is currently performed manually by human eye sorting, which not only causes musculoskeletal disorders in workers but also requires a significant amount of time and labor. In this study, an automated apple-sorting machine was developed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in apple production workers and to streamline the process of sorting blemished and non-marketable apples from the better quality fruit. The apple-sorting machine is composed of an arm-rest, a main body, and a height-adjustable part, and uses object detection through a machine learning technology called 'You Only Look Once (YOLO)' to sort the apples. The machine was initially trained using apple image data, RoboFlow, and Google Colab, and the resulting images were analyzed using Jetson Nano. An algorithm was developed to link the Jetson Nano outputs and the conveyor belt to classify the analyzed apple images. This apple-sorting machine can immediately sort and exclude apples with surface defects, thereby reducing the time needed to sort the fruit and, accordingly, achieving cuts in labor costs. Furthermore, the apple-sorting machine can produce uniform quality sorting with a high level of accuracy compared with the subjective judgment of manual sorting by eye. This is expected to improve the productivity of apple growing operations and increase profitability.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.171-178
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• 2024

Background: We developed a novel interlocking three-dimensional (3D) miniplate design with an adjustable configuration. As this device is new, surgeons must become familiar with its application. This study evaluated the usability and learning curves associated with the novel interlocking 3D miniplate for mandibular fracture fixation. Methods: The study participants, nine plastic surgeons, were asked to apply an interlocking 3D miniplate and a standard miniplate to polyurethane mandible models. The participants had completed the Basic Craniomaxillofacial Osteosynthesis course during residency and had operated on craniomaxillofacial fractures within the past 5 years. They were instructed to place the interlocking 3D miniplate three times and the standard miniplate once. We assessed the time required for implant placement, the comfort level of the surgeons, and the biomechanical stability of the plates. Biomechanical testing was conducted by subjecting the mandible to forces ranging from 10 to 90 N and the displacement was measured. Results: The results indicate increasing comfort with each attempt at placing the interlocking 3D miniplate, with a significant difference between the first and third attempts. Additionally, a reduction in application time was noted with repeated attempts, suggesting improved efficiency. Biomechanical tests showed comparable stability between the tested plates. Conclusion: Multiple attempts at applying the interlocking 3D miniplate resulted in increased comfort and reduced application time. These findings indicate that, despite its novelty, the interlocking 3D miniplate is relatively straightforward to apply and has a short learning curve. However, surgeons must have specific qualifications to ensure proper training and minimize errors during placement.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.84-89
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• 2013

Purpose: Patients' movement during long image acquisition time for the fusion image of PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) results in unconformity, and greatly affects the quality of the image and diagnosis. The arm support fixtures provided by medical device companies are not manufactured considering the convenience and safety of the patients; the arm and head movements (horizontal and vertical) during PET/CT scan cause defects in the brain fundus images and often require retaking. Therefore, this study aims to develop patient-compensation device that would minimize the head and arm movements during PET/CT scan, providing comfort and safety, and to reduce retaking. Materials and Methods: From June to July 2012, 20 patients who had no movement-related problems and another 20 patients who had difficulties in raising arms due to shoulder pain were recruited among the ones who visited nuclear medicine department for PET Torso scan. By using Patient Holding System (PHS), different range of motion (ROM) in the arm ($25^{\circ}$, $27^{\circ}$, $29^{\circ}$, $31^{\circ}$, $33^{\circ}$, $35^{\circ}$) was applied to find the most comfortable angle and posture. The manufacturing company was investigated for the permeability of the support material, and the comfort level of applying bands (velcro type) to fix the patient's head and arms was evaluated. To find out the retake frequency due to movements, the amount of retake cases pre/post patient-compensation were analyzed using the PET Torso scan data collected between January to December 2012. Results: Among the patients without movement disorder, 18 answered that PHS and $29^{\circ}$ arm ROM were the most comfortable, and 2 answered $27^{\circ}$ and $31^{\circ}$, respectively. Among the patients with shoulder pain, 15 picked $31^{\circ}$ as the most comfortable angle, 2 picked $33^{\circ}$, and 3 picked $35^{\circ}$. For this study, the handle was manufactured to be adjustable for vertical movements. The material permeability of the patient-compensation device has been verified, and PHS and the compensation device were band-fixed (velcro type) to prevent device movements. A furrow was cut for head fixation to minimize the head and neck movements, fixing bands were attached for the head, wrist, forearm, and upper arm to limit movements. The retake frequency of PET Torso scan due to patient movements was 11.06% (191 cases/1,808 patients) before using the movement control device, and 2.65% (48 cases/1,732 patients) after using the device; 8.41% of the frequency was reduced. Conclusion: Recent change and innovation in the medical environment are making expensive medical image scans, and providing differentiated services for the customers is essential. To secure patient comfort and safety during PET/CT scans, ergonomic patient-compensation devices need to be provided. Therefore, this study manufactured a patientcompensation device with vertically adjustable ergonomic ROM according to the patient's body shape and condition during PET Torso scan. The defects in the basal ganglia images due to arm movements were reduced, and retaking was decreased.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.472-480
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• 1998

We reviewed the surgical results of intracardiac lateral tunnel Fontan procedure for the repair of functional single ventricles. Between 1990 and 1996, 104 patients underwent total cavopulmonary anastomosis. Patients' age and body weight averaged 35.9(range 10 to 173) months and 12.8(range 6.5 to 37.8) kg. Preoperative diagnoses included 18 tricuspid atresias and 53 double inlet ventricles with univentricular atrioventricular connection and 33 other complex lesions. Previous palliative operations were performed in 50 of these patients, including 37 systemic to pulmonary artery shunts, 13 pulmonary artery bandings, 15 surgical atrial septectomies, 2 arterial switch procedures, 2 resections of subaortic conus, 2 repairs of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and 1 Damus-Stansel-Kaye procedure. In 19 patients bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt operation was performed before the Fontan procedure and in 1 patient a Kawashima procedure was required. Preoperative hemodynamics revealed a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 14.6(range 5 to 28) mmHg, a mean pulmonary vascular resistance of 2.2(range 0.4 to 6.9) wood-unit, a mean pulmonary to systemic flow ratio of 0.9(range 0.3 to 3.0), a mean ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 9.0 (range 3.0 to 21.0) mmHg, and a mean arterial oxygen saturation of 76.0(range 45.6 to 88.0)%. The operative procedure consisted of a longitudinal right atriotomy 2cm lateral to the terminal crest up to the right atrial auricle, followed by the creation of a lateral tunnel connecting the orifices of either the superior caval vein or the right atrial auricle to the inferior caval vein, using a Gore-Tex vascular graft with or without a fenestration. Concomitant procedures at the time of Fontan procedure included 22 pulmonary artery angioplasties, 21 atrial septectomies, 4 atrioventricular valve replacements or repairs, 4 corrections of anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and 3 permanent pacemaker implantations. In 31, a fenestration was created, and in 1 an adjustable communication was made in the lateral tunnel pathway. One lateral tunnel conversion was performed in a patient with recurrent intractable tachyarrhythmia 4 years after the initial atriopulmonary connection. Post-extubation hemodynamic data revealed a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 12.7(range 8 to 21) mmHg, a mean ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 7.6(range 4 to 12) mmHg, and a mean room-air arterial oxygen saturation of 89.9(range 68 to 100) %. The follow-up duration was, on average, 27(range 1 to 85) months. Post-Fontan complications included 11 prolonged pleural effusions, 8 arrhythmias, 9 chylothoraces, 5 of damage to the central nervous system, 5 infectious complications, and 4 of acute renal failure. Seven early(6.7%) and 5 late(4.8%) deaths occured. These results proved that the lateral tunnel Fontan procedure provided excellent hemodynamic improvements with acceptable mortality and morbidity for hearts with various types of functional single ventricle.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.205-215
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• 2005

Health is easily overlooked because it doesn’t be changed good or bad due to sudden effort or indifference unexpectedly but kept in daily life. Especially, schoolchildren period, an important lifetime to develop both physically and mentally needs to be helpful to promote the growth of the body and keep well-balanced mind through balanced and nourishing diet. The purpose of this study was to develop nutrition education contents for discretional activities in elementary school. The present educational contents about food and nutrition was analysed in the curriculum of elementary school. The results showed the Korean language(20.8%) included an highest ratio in educational contents about food and nutrition, the next was the courses of physical education and wise life(18.1%, each). As the educational contents about food and nutrition in the textbook were dealt with food information (20.8%), Health․Disease(15.3%), and correct dietary habits by order. We could found more contents in the text for the higher classes than for the lower classes. But the most of the contents appeared lack of structure, profundity and continuity for the systematic nutrition education in its entirety. The developed nutrition education contents for discretional activities in this study consist of korean dinning cultures and foreign dinning cultures, correct dinning etiquette, how to choose healthy food, personal sanitary and health, nutrients and food tower, and problem for children’s nutrition as main subject. This six main subjects were composed of 23 subtitles. The teaching manual consisted of the educational goal, background, teaching plan and effect-evaluation plan, and the notice point for the effective lesson. The teaching plan was made for 30 hours and consisted of cooking course, singing/making lyrics, games in nutrition, debate on dietary habit, and role play etc which are oriented to practical learning. We intended to develop this program that attempts to improve in dietary habit of schoolchildren. It is because once formed an adults dietary habit is difficult to change. Schoolchildren’s period is the best adjustable stage. Therefore, nutrition education in elementary stage can change to dietary habit and build the awareness of health.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.750-758
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• 2016

In general, a system can be stable when it is designed with a rigid material. However, the use of a rigid system can be limited, such as grasping a glass or using a small surgical instrument. To resolve this limitation, a variable stiffness mechanism was developed using a flexible material. Previous research verified the variable stiffness mechanism where flexible segments and rigid segments were connected alternately in series. However, research into the design parameters of the variable stiffness structure is needed to satisfy the desired stiffness. Therefore, a variable stiffness structure was tested by varying the design parameters to confirm the trend of the stiffness variation. When the radius of the structure becomes larger, the stiffness increases. The stiffness increased with decreasing length of the flexible segments. Under the same design parameters, the length of the flexible segments had a greater effect on the stiffness than the length of the rigid segments. In addition, the stiffness was estimated using the pseudo rigid body model and was compared with the experimental results. This parametric study can be used as a design guideline for designing the variable stiffness mechanism to satisfy the desired stiffness.