• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.122-131
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• 2008

For B-mode ultrasound images, we propose an image enhancement algorithm based on a multi-resolution approach, which consists of edge enhancing and noise reducing procedures. Edge enhancement processing is applied sequentially to coarse-to-fine resolution images obtained from wavelet-transformed data. In each resolution, the structural features of each pixel are examined through eigen analysis. Then, if a pixel belongs to an edge region, we perform two-step filtering: that is, directional smoothing is conducted along the tangential direction of the edge to improve continuity and directional sharpening is conducted along the normal direction to enhance the contrast. In addition, speckle noise is alleviated by proper attenuation of the wavelet coefficients of the homogeneous regions at each band. This region-based speckle-reduction scheme is differentiated from other methods that are based on the magnitude statistics of the wavelet coefficients. The proposed algorithm enhances edges regardless of changes in the resolution of an image, and the algorithm efficiently reduces speckle noise without affecting the sharpness of the edge. Hence, compared with existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm considerably improves the subjective image quality without providing any noticeable artifacts.

• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.869-878
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• 2009

Image restoration techniques such as noise reduction and contrast enhancement have been researched for enhancing a contaminated image by the noise. An image degraded by additive random noise can be enhanced by noise reduction. Sigma filtering is one of the most widely used method to reduce the noise. In this paper, we propose a new sigma filter algorithm based on noise variance estimation which effectively enhances the degraded image by noise. Specifically, the Bartlett test is used to measure the degree of noise with respect to the degree of image feature. Simulation results are also given to show the performance of the proposed algorithm.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 1998

Changes of chlorophyll fluorescence and xanthophyll cycle pigment contents in maize leaves were investigated dunng desiccation in darkness or in the light. In darkness, a drastic dehydration of detached maize leaves down to 50% relative water content (RWC) affected photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and pht)tochemical quenching (qP) only slightly. In contrast, desiccation in the light with a moderate intensity led to a pronounced reduction in Fv/Fm with a Fo quenching when RWC was greater than 70%. This reduction in Fv/Fm could be recovered in darkness under hutrod condition. In leaves with RWC below 70%, significant reduction in Fv/Fm was accompanied by an increase of Fo, which could not be reversed within 5 h in darkness under humid condition. The nonphotochemical quenching increased during desiccation in the light with a concomitant rise in zeaxanthin at the expense of violaxanthin. Pretreatment with dithiothreitol (DTT), an inhibitor of zeaxanthin synthesis, inhibited the development of nonphotochemical quenching and prevented the xanthophyll interconversion during desiccation in the light. These results suggest that even light with a moderate intensity becomes excessive under dehydration and zeaxanthin-associated photoprotection of photosynthetic apparatus against photodamage is involved, but the protection is not complete against severe desiccation.

• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.126-130
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• 2008

We propose and experimentally demonstrate an effective method to reduce near-field speckle noise at the output of a 50 ${\mu}m$ graded index multimode fiber using a short cylindrical piezoelectric transducer(PZT) vibrating in the radial direction. The fiber was coiled as tightly as possible around the mandrel of the PZT and a periodic stretching effect was caused by the radial oscillations of the actuator. The output of the optical fiber using the He-Ne laser source was intensively observed by a CCD camera. By counting all the pixels corresponding to relative intensity graded into 256 levels in the selected area and by calculating standard deviation and mean value of the intensity, we could measure the speckle contrast and vibration effect quantitatively with reduction ratio of pixels and line profile of the illuminated region. It was clearly observed that the characteristics of the speckle pattern in the vibration-on state were significantly improved over that of the vibration-off state due to time-averaged smoothing.

• Disaster and Security
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.93-100
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• 2015

Although many years passed since 'The Legislative bill on the support of voluntary activities of enterprises for disaster reduction'(hereinafter referred to as 'enterprise disaster reduction act') has been first enacted in 2007, BCMS is still not activated in our society. In contrast, after 911 Terror, importance of BCM is getting magnified and standardization research & institutionalization i s a lso proceeding i all over world. Lately, Disaster preventing activities is urgently needed like the sinking of 'Sewol ferry'. So the purpose of this paper is proposed for establishment of 'BCMS' and activation of the certificate system for Best-Run Business by analyzing the problem of 'enterprise disaster reduction act' and weak of activation as following. First, propel changing the policy of self-regulated participation to mandatory about the certificate system for Best-Run Business from public entity to government ministry and it is able to activate by propelling demo business of the certificate system for Best-Run Business. Second, public entity that has been given the certificate system for Best-Run Business by affiliating with Disaster Management Assessment of government management can be exempted from Disaster Management Assessment or those entity can arrange for connectivity acquisition method of 'Excellent rate'. Third, to publicize the activation of the law mentioned above, makes public entity r ecognizable by incorporating 'BCMS' into National safety management plan and establishment of National critical infrastructures security plan. Fourth, it should be reviewed to improving the related act regarding to inclusion of public organizations as well as private enterprises.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2024

Purpose: To improve the image quality in positron emission tomography (PET), the attenuation correction technique based on the computed tomography (CT) data is important process. However, the artifact is caused by metal material during PET/CT scan, and the image quality is degraded. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate image quality according to with and without iterative metal artifact reduction (iMAR) algorithm using customized 3D printing phantom. Materials and Methods: The Hoffman and Derenzo phantoms were designed. To protect the gamma ray transmission and express the metal portion, lead substance was located to the surface. The SiPM based PET/CT was used for acquisition of PET images according to application with and without iMAR algorithm. The quantitative methods were used by signal to noise ratio (SNR), coefficient of variation (COV), and contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Results and Discussion: The results shows that the image quality applying iMAR algorithm was higher 1.15, 1.19, and 1.11 times than image quality without iMAR algorithm for SNR, COV, and CNR. Conclusion: In conclusion, the iMAR algorithm was useful for improvement of image quality by reducing the metal artifact lesion.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.393-400
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to suggest a method to reduce the dose by Analyzing the dose area product (DAP) and image quality according to the change of tube current using NEMA Phantom. The spatial resolution and low contrast resolution were used as evaluation criteria in addition to signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR), which are important image quality parameters of intervention. Tube voltage was fixed at 80 kVp and the amount of tube current was changed to 20, 30, 40, and 50 mAs, and the dose area product and image quality were compared and analyzed. As a result, the dose area product increased from $1066mGycm^2$ to $6160mGycm^2$ to 6 times as the condition increased, while the spatial resolution and low contrast resolution were higher than 20 mAs and 30 mAs, Spatial resolution and low contrast resolution were observed below the evaluation criteria. In addition, the SNR and CNR increased up to 30 mAs, slightly increased at 40 mAs, but not significantly different from the previous one, and decreased at 50 mAs. As a result, the exposure dose significantly increased due to overexposure of the test conditions and the image quality deteriorated in all areas of spatial resolution, low contrast resolution, SNR and CNR.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.387-401
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• 2016

This paper takes a half-through steel truss arch bridge as an example. A seismic analysis is conducted with nonlinear finite element method. Contrast models are established to discuss the effect of simplified method for main girder on the accuracy of the result. The influence of seismic wave direction and wave-passage on seismic behaviors are analysed as well as the superstructure and arch ring interaction which is mostly related with the supported bearings and wind resistant springs. In the end, the application of cable-sliding aseismic devices is discussed to put forward a layout principle. The main conclusions include: (1) The seismic response isn't too distinctive with the simplified method of main girder. Generally speaking, the grillage method is recommended. (2) Under seismic input from different directions, arch foot is usually the mostly dangerous section. (3) Vertical wave input and horizontal wave-passage greatly influence the seismic responses of arch ring, significantly increasing that of midspan. (4) The superstructure interaction has an obvious impact on the seismic performance. Half-through arch bridges with long spandrel columns fixed has a less response than those with short ones fixed. And a large stiffness of wind resistant spring makes the the seismic responses of arch ring larger. (5) A good isolation effectiveness for half-through arch bridge can be achieved by a reasonable arrangement of CSFABs.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.153-157
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• 2019

Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential plant growth regulator that functions as a signaling molecule in plants. The purpose of this study was to clarify how the exogenous application of SA counteracts aluminum stress-induced growth and biomass yield reduction in alfalfa exposed to aluminum (Al) stress. Two-week-old alfalfa seedlings were exposed to a combination of $AlCl_3$ ($0{\mu}M$, $50{\mu}M$ and $100{\mu}M$, respectively) and SA (0.1 mM) for 72 hours. We observed, Al stress-induced plant growth inhibition and forage yield reduction are Al stress-dependent manner. A significant reduction of plant height (42.0-52.9%), leaf relative water content (13.0-21.4%), root length (35.4-48.7%), shoot fresh weight (31.2-25.9%), root fresh weight (15.4-23.3%), shoot dry weight (12.7-22.2%), roots dry weight (47.3-53.5%), were observed in alfalfa. In contrast, SA alleviated the Al-stress and enhanced growth and biomass yield in alfalfa. This study provides useful information concerning the role of SA that counteracts aluminum stress-induced growth and yield reduction in alfalfa.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.11-21
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of posture improvement exercise using virtual reality programs on the posture and balance of patients with forward head postures. METHODS: Thirty men and women in their 20 s, who had a forward head posture, were divided randomly into a group with posture correction exercise and a group with posture correction exercise combined with virtual reality programs. The posture correction exercise was composed of squats, XCO training, and chin-tuck exercise. In contrast, exercise with virtual reality games involved the Hot Squat, Climbey, and Baskhead programs while wearing a headset. Both groups performed the exercises 15 min a day, three times per week, for four weeks. The balance ability, distance between the acromion and earlobe, and neck joint range of motion were assessed before and after the exercises. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant reductions in the distance between the acromion and the earlobe, along with significant improvements in the range of joint motion. The group that performed the virtual reality exercises showed a significant increase in the limit of stability. Both groups showed a significant decrease in the sway length. In contrast, the group given the virtual reality exercises showed a significant reduction in the sway speed while standing with their eyes closed. CONCLUSION: Exercise applying virtual reality programs can be used in clinical and home programs to correct the postures of individuals with a forward head posture because they can trigger interest in inducing active participation.