• ETRI Journal
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.822-835
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• 2023

Recent semantic segmentation frameworks usually combine low-level and high-level context information to achieve improved performance. In addition, postlevel context information is also considered. In this study, we present a Context ReFinement Network (CRFNet) and its training method to improve the semantic predictions of segmentation models of the encoder-decoder structure. Our study is based on postprocessing, which directly considers the relationship between spatially neighboring pixels of a label map, such as Markov and conditional random fields. CRFNet comprises two modules: a refiner and a combiner that, respectively, refine the context information from the output features of the conventional semantic segmentation network model and combine the refined features with the intermediate features from the decoding process of the segmentation model to produce the final output. To train CRFNet to refine the semantic predictions more accurately, we proposed a sequential training scheme. Using various backbone networks (ENet, ERFNet, and HyperSeg), we extensively evaluated our model on three large-scale, real-world datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.221-228
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• 2024

As the importance of cardiovascular health is highlighted, research on its correlation with blood pressure, the most important indicator, is being actively conducted. Therefore, extensive clinical data is essential, but the measurement of the central arterial blood pressure waveform must be performed invasively within the artery, so the quantity and quality are limited. This study suggested a mock circulatory robot and artificial aorta to reproduce the blood pressure waveform generated by the overlap of forward and reflected waves. The artificial aorta was fabricated with biomimetic silicone to mimic the physiological structure and vascular stiffness of the human. A pressurizing chamber was implemented to prevent distortion of the blood pressure waveform due to the strain-softening of biomimetic silicone. The reproduced central arterial blood pressure waveforms have similar magnitude, shape, and propagation characteristics to humans. In addition, changes in blood pressure waveform due to aging were also reproduced by replacing an artificial aorta with various stiffness. It can be expanded to construct a biosignal database and health sensor testing platform, a core technology for cardiovascular health-related research.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.110-126
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• 2024

This study conducted a classification of small-scale biological habitats created in Seoul to analyze and synthesize location characteristics, habitat structure, biological habitat functions, and threat factors of representative sites, as well as derive creation and management problems according to the ecological characteristics. The aim was to suggest improvement measures and management items. Data collected through a field survey was used to categorize 39 locations, and 8 representative sites were selected by dividing them into location, water system, and size as classification criteria for typification. Due to the characteristics of each type, the site was created in an area where amphibian movement was disadvantageous due to low or disconnected connectivity with the hinterland forest, and the water supply was unstable in securing a constant flow and maintaining a constant water depth. The habitat structure has a small area, an artificial habitat structure that is unfavorable for amphibians, having the possibility of sediment inflow, and damage to the revetment area. The biological habitat function is a lack of wetland plants and the distribution of naturalized grasses, and threats include the establishment of hiking trails and decks in the surrounding area. Artificial disturbances occur adjacent to facilities. When creating habitats according to the characteristics of each type, it was necessary to review the possibility of an artificial water supply and introduce a water system with a continuous flow in order to connect the hinterland forest for amphibian movement and locate it in a place where water supply is possible. The habitat structure should be as large as possible, or several small-scale habitats should be connected to create a natural waterfront structure. In addition, additional wetland plants should be introduced to provide shelter for amphibians, and facilities such as walking paths should be installed in areas other than migration routes to prevent artificial disturbances. After construction, the management plan is to maintain various water depths for amphibians to inhabit and spawn, stabilize slopes due to sediment inflow, repair damage to revetments, and remove organic matter deposits to secure natural grasses and open water. Artificial management should be minimized. This study proposed improvement measures to improve the function of biological habitats through the analysis of problems with previously applied techniques, and based on this, in the future, small-scale biological habitat spaces suitable for the urban environment can be created for local governments that want to create small-scale biological habitat spaces, including Seoul City. It is significant in that it can provide management plans.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.160-169
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• 2008

Bakcground: To treat anastomosis site stenosis and occlusion of the artificial vessels used in vascular surgery, tissue-engineered artificial vessels using autologous cells have been constructed. We developed artificial vessels using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells and performed an in vivo evaluation. Material and Method: We manufactured a vascular scaffold using biodegradable PLCL (poly lactide-co-${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone) and PGA (poly glycolic acid) fibers. Then we seeded autologous bone marrow cells onto the scaffold. After implantation of the artificial vessel into the abdominal aorta, we performed an angiography 3 weeks after surgery. After the dogs were euthanized we retrieved the artificial vessels and performed histological analysis. Result: Among the six dogs, 2 dogs died of massive bleeding due to a crack in the vascular scaffold 10 days after the operation. The remaining four dogs lived for 3 weeks after the operation. In these dogs. the angiography revealed no stenosis or occlusion at 3 weeks after the operation. Gross examination revealed small thrombi on the inner surface of the vessels and the histological analysis showed three layers of vessel structure similar to the native vessel. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated regeneration of the endothelial and smooth muscle cell layers. Conclusion: A tissue engineered vascular graft was manufactured using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells that had a structure similar to that of the native artery. Further research is needed to determine how to accommodate the aortic pressure.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.141-147
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• 2013

An artificila fish-reef is a artificail structure installed at marine ranching under the littoral sea. The artificial fish-reefs provide the function of fish spawning ground, habitation, nursery ground, and enhance the productivity of fising industry devastated by environmental pollution. After the installation of artificila fish-reef, continuous monitoring is demanded to check the validity of artificila fish-reef plan. However, the support of follow-up management is impossible because of the lack of a huge budget and professional manpower. Therefore, the artificial fish-reef combined with IT devices can be controled IT devices through the IT artificial fish-reef management system, and collect the marine environment information for the fair management. This paper shows the example of systematization for the management of artificial fish-reef based on the marine rancing management system.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.23 no.4 s.181
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• pp.176-182
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• 2006

Although several artificial disc designs have been developed for the treatment of discogenic low back pain, biomechanical changes with its implantation were rarely studied. To evaluate the effect of artificial disc implantation on the biomechanics of functional spinal unit, a nonlinear three-dimensional finite element model of L4-L5 was developed with 1-mm CT scan data. Biomechanical analysis was performed for two different types of artificial disc having constrained and unconstrained instant center of rotation(ICR), ProDisc and SB Charite III model. The implanted model predictions were compared with that of intact model. Angular motion of vertebral body, forces on the spinal ligaments and facet joint, and stress distribution of vertebral endplate for flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation with a compressive preload of 400N were compared. The implanted model showed increased flexion-extension range of motion compared to that of intact model. Under 6Nm moment, the range of motion were 140%, 170% and 200% of intact in SB Charite III model and 133%, 137%, and 138% in ProDisc model. The increased stress distribution on vertebral endplate for implanted cases could be able to explain the heterotopic ossification around vertebral body in clinical observation. As a result of this study, it is obvious that implanted segment with artificial disc suffers from increased motion and stress that can result in accelerated degenerated change of surrounding structure. Unconstrained ICR model showed increased in motion but less stress in the implanted segment than constrained model.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.641-647
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• 2013

We installed mesocosms including zooplankton, fishs, artificial marshy land and aquatic macrophytes in Kyoungan stream to study the reduction effects of algae from Sep. 16 to Oct. 28, 2011. The control tendency of phytoplankton taxa was compared by analyzing community structure and dominant species in each mesocosm. Under the condition where Bluegill was absent, Daphnia similoides showed good effect of algal control since it has large food area and has high grazing pressure. Bluegill selectively preys upon large zooplankton, Daphnia similoides, as it also preys on small zooplanktons that flow in. In condition that Bluegill was absent, Daphnia similoides preyed selectively large phytoplankton (Cryptomonas ovata). Due to the shading of light, removal of nutrients and providing refuge for small zooplanktons, aquatic macrophytes and artificial marshy land showed high level of algal control. In corrals with aquatic macrophytes and artificial marshy land, the dominancy of genus Coelastrum and Pediastrum, which are difficult for small zooplanktons to feed on, relatively increased. In conclusion, under conditions of small number of predators such as Bluegill, Daphnia similoides is thought to be useful in algal bloom; however, when lots of predators are present, using small sized zooplanktons along with artificial marshy land and aquatic macrophytes is thought to be more useful than using large zooplanktons.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.46-49
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• 2012

Purpose: The forehead flap is the workhorse in nasal reconstruction, which provides a similar skin color, texture, structure, and reliability. There are some disadvantages, including donor site morbidities, 2- or 3-stage operations, and postoperative management after initial flap transfer. Furthermore, there has been little attention to the exposed raw surface wound, after the first stage of an operation. This article describes the authors' modification to overcome this problem, using artificial collagen membrane. Methods: An Artificial collagen membrane is composed of an outer silicone membrane and an inner collagen layer. After a forehead flap elevation, the expected raw surface was covered by an artificial collagen membrane with 5-0 nylon suture. A simple dressing, which had been applied to the site, was changed every 2 or 3 days in an outpatient unit. At 3 weeks postprocedure, a second stage operation was performed. Results: With biosynthetic protection of the raw surface, there were no wound problems, such as infection or flap loss. Thus, the patient was satisfied due to an effortless management of the wound and a reduction in pain. Conclusion: The application of an artificial collagen membrane to the raw under-surface of the flap could be a comfortable and a protective choice for this procedure.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.192-200
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• 2021

Korean bell is a macroscopically axi-symmetrical structure, but has a slight asymmetry due to complex patterns and casting irregularity. Small asymmetry separates one vibration mode into a mode pair with slight frequency difference. The mode pair interferes and creates a beat. The vivid beat with an appropriate period makes the bell sound magnificent and lively feeling. In this study, we propose a method to make the vivid beat using artificial dumshoi. This method creates the vivid beat by designing artificial dumshoi that overwhelms the bell asymmetry. To this end, the asymmetry of Korean bell is quantified by analyzing the beat period data of a number of Korean bells cast in modern times. Based on the measured beat period data, the magnitude of asymmetry is quantified using an equivalent bell model and artificial dumshoi is applied. The movement of mode pair by dumshoi is predicted through finite element analysis. Finally, a design example of the artificial dumshoi for clear beat is introduced.

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1993.10b
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• pp.224-229
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• 1993

The robot has spread remarkably, is used not only in manufacturing but also in various other fields, and is becoming more popular in everyday life. At the same time, the functional demands for all manner of robots have been diversified. Education regarding robots has been developing in the computer, mechanism, sensor and artificial intelligence fields. Technical education which integrates all of the above is necessary and in great demand. We have developed an educational robot so that it can be used in education in fields including structure, sensory and brain function and can also organically integrate those.