• Title/Summary/Keyword: problem analysis

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Efficacy and Safety of Cyclosporine Therapy in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome (소아 신증후군에서의 Cycplosporine의 치료효과 및 안전성)

  • Chon, Myoung-Hun;Lee, Suk-Hyang;Jin, Dong-Kyu;Sohn, Kie-Ho;Choi, Kyung-Eob
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.11-23
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    • 2004
  • Although most children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome respond to corticosteroid therapy, many responders show steroid dependency and frequent relapse. In these children, one of the major problems is the serious side effects resulting from continuous steroid therapy. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of six-month cyclosporine treatment with the low-dose deflazacort therapy in children with nephrotic syndrome. Thirty children with steroid dependence (SD), frequent relapse (FR) and steroid resistance (SR) were enrolled in this study. They were treated with 6-month oral cyclosporine $(Cypol-N^{(R)})$ plus the low-dose deflazacort $(Calcort^{(R)})$ therapy at Samsung Medical Center from September 2002. The dosage of cyclosporine was started at 5 mg/kg/day and was monthly adjusted to maintain clinical remission and/or a trough blood level, while deflazacort dosage was reduced gradually. Clinical evaluation and monitoring of cyclosporine toxicity were performed every $2\sim4$ weeks. Outcomes were compared to the latest sir-month period of steroid only therapy before cyclosporine treatment. Student's t-test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Out of 28 children with SD and FR, 23 $(82.1\%)$ sustained remission, and 5 $(17.9\%)$ experienced 1 or 2 relapses during therapy. Out of 2 children with SR, 1 child sustained remission, and 1 child showed no response. The mean duration of remission and occurrence of relapse were significantly improved (p <.0001). In addition, the mean dosage of steroid was significantly reduced (p=.003). Although a number of adverse effects occurred in this study, they were not so serious as to necessitate discontinuation of the therapy. No nephrotoxicity was observed. Twenty out of the 28 children who had been in remission relapsed after withdrawal of cyclosporine. Fifteen of these children showed relapse within a month. These results demonstrated that the combination of cyclosporine with the low-dose deflazacort was efficient and safe in children with SD and FR during the six-month treatment. However, further studies are necessary in order to resolve the problem of high relapse rate after discontinuation of cyclosporine.

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Location Accuracy Analysis and Accuracy Improvement Method of Pattern Matching Algorithm Using Database Construction Algorithm (패턴매칭 알고리즘의 측위 성능 분석 및 데이터베이스 구축 알고리즘을 이용한 정확도 향상 방법)

  • Ju, Yeong-Hwan;Park, Yong-Wan
    • Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea TC
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    • v.46 no.4
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    • pp.86-94
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    • 2009
  • Currently, positioning methods for LBS(Location Based Service) are GPS and network-based positioning techniques that use mobile communication networks. In these methods, however, the accuracy of positioning decreases due to the propagation delay caused by the non-line-of-sight(NLOS) effect and the repeater. To address this disadvantage, the CDMA system uses Pattern Matching algorithm. The Pattern Matching algorithm constructs a database of the propagation characteristics of the RF signals measured during the GPS positioning along with the positioned locations, so that the location can be provided by comparing the propagation characteristics of the received signals and the database, upon a user's request. In the area where GPS signals are not received, however, a database cannot be constructed. There are problem that the accuracy of positioning decreases due to the area without a database Because Pattern Matching algorithm depend on database existence. Therefore, this paper proposed a pilot signal strength prediction algorithm to enable construction of databases for areas without databases, so as to improve the performance of the Pattern Matching algorithm. The database was constructed by predicting the pilot signals in the area without a database using the proposed algorithm, and the Pattern Matching algorithm analysed positioning performance.

Adaptive Mapping Information Management Scheme for High Performance Large Sale Flash Memory Storages (고성능 대용량 플래시 메모리 저장장치의 효과적인 매핑정보 캐싱을 위한 적응적 매핑정보 관리기법)

  • Lee, Yongju;Kim, Hyunwoo;Kim, Huijeong;Huh, Taeyeong;Jung, Sanghyuk;Song, Yong Ho
    • Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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    • v.50 no.3
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    • pp.78-87
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    • 2013
  • NAND flash memory has been widely used as a storage medium in mobile devices, PCs, and workstations due to its advantages such as low power consumption, high performance, and random accessability compared to a hard disk drive. However, NAND flash cannot support in-place update so that it is mandatory to erase the entire block before overwriting the corresponding page. In order to overcome this drawback, flash storages need a software support, named Flash Translation Layer. However, as the high performance mass NAND flash memory is getting widely used, the size of mapping tables is increasing more than the limited DRAM size. In this paper, we propose an adaptive mapping information caching algorithm based on page mapping to solve this DRAM space shortage problem. Our algorithm uses a mapping information caching scheme which minimize the flash memory access frequency based on the analysis of several workloads. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can increase the performance by up to 70% comparing with the previous mapping information caching algorithm.

A Study on the Mobile Communication System for the Ultra High Speed Communication Network (초고속 정보통신망을 위한 이동수신 시스템에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Kab-Ki;Moon, Myung-Ho;Shin, Dong-Hun;Lee, Jong-Arc
    • Journal of IKEEE
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    • v.2 no.1 s.2
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    • pp.1-14
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    • 1998
  • In this paper, Antenna, LNA, Mixer, VCO, and Modulation/Demodulation in Baseband processor which are the RF main components in Wireless LAN system for ultra high-speed communications network are studied. Antenna bandwidth and selective fading due to multipath can be major obstacles in high speed digital communications. To solve this problem, wide band MSA which has loop-structure magnetic antenna characteristics is designed. Distributed mixer using dual-gate GaAs MESFET can achieve over 10dB LO/RF isolation without hybrid, and minimize circuit size. As linear mixing signal is produced, distortions can be decreased at baseband signals. Conversion gain is achieved by mixing and amplification simultaneously. Mixer is designed to have wide band characteristics using distributed amplifier. In VCO design, Oscillator design method by large signal analysis is used to produce stable signal. Modulation/Demodulation system in baseband processor, DS/SS technique which is robust against noise and interference is used to eliminate the effect of multipath propagation. DQPSK modulation technique with M-sequences for wideband PN spreading signals is adopted because of BER characteristic and high speed digital signal transmission.

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A Communication Structure of Science Gifted Students Based on the Social Network Analysis (사회연결망법을 이용한 과학영재들의 의사소통 구조 분석)

  • Chung, Duk-Ho;Yoo, Dae Young
    • Journal of the Korean earth science society
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.81-92
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    • 2013
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the communication structures that science gifted students used in small group activities, and to examine the relationship between communication styles and their achievement level. Eight small groups,5 members in each, participated in small group activities, in which they discussed how to calculate the average density of the earth. The communication structures and the achievement level presented in the group activities were analyzed using Pajek, Ucinet 6.0. As a result, we classified the communication styles of science gifted students into monopolistic type and co-ownership type according to the degree of dispersion of the interaction. We also classified it into $D_H{\cdot}N_H$ type, $D_H{\cdot}N_L$ type, $D_L{\cdot}N_H$ type, and $D_L{\cdot}N_L$ type based on the density and network centralization of interaction. The achievement levels of gifted students in their group work were affected by the density of interaction and the network centralization in small group activities, not by the dispersion of interaction among the members of the groups. Therefore, we recommend that teachers make the communication relevant to solving problem when they utilize a small group activity in science teaching.

Analysis of Fundamental Properties of Concrete Using Mix of Coarse Aggregate With Formation Causes (성인이 다른 굵은 골재를 혼합사용한 콘크리트의 기초적 특성 분석)

  • Noh, Sang-Kyun;Kim, Young-Hee;Kim, Jeong-Bin;Han, Cheon-Goo
    • Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.15-21
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    • 2015
  • Recently, attempts of replacing some of natural aggregate with mix of low quality aggregate are carried out for stable supply of aggregate. However, low quality aggregate such as recycled aggregate produced during the disposal process of construction wastes and by-product aggregate produced by industrial activities has problem of failing to comply to KS Standards. Therefore, we have compared fundamental properties of concrete by using granite crushed aggregate, recycled aggregate, blast furnace and electric arc furnace slag aggregate for effective utilization of lacking aggregate resources. As the result, slump in case of mixed use of aggregate was increased 0~10% compared to single use. Therefore, it is judged to be economically advantageous as it can expect effects in unit quantity or reduction of SP agent. Compressive strength in case of mixed use of aggregate was increased 0~10% compared to single use as it filled internal crevice of concrete with continuous particle size distribution. Accordingly, if we utilize by satisfying standard particle scope through mix of aggregate with different cause of formation in proper ratio, it was possible to confirm utility of mixed aggregate with demonstration of effects of increases of fluidity and compressive strength of concrete.

Agency Problems in Banks and the Efficiency of Restructuring Distressed Firms (은행의 대리문제와 부실기업에의 출자전환)

  • Lee, Sang-Woo;Park, Rae-Soo
    • The Korean Journal of Financial Management
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    • v.24 no.2
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    • pp.113-145
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    • 2007
  • In this paper, we examine whether the poor performance of distressed firms where banks take equity may occur due to agency problems in banks. By adopting the debt-equity swap, the bank can effectively postpone the occurrence of bad loans form the failure of the distressed firm. As a result, firms with more debt will be more likely to obtain debt-equity swap, regardless of their probabilities of revival. This is not because they are more profitable, but because they have more debt and thus it poses greater risk to the bank. We empirically look into these predictions with the data of 44 workout firms and find the following results. First, debt-equity swap appears to be more applicable especially when the distressed firms are large and when BIS of related banks is low. Specifically, the conditional probability of 'large firms' based on debt-equity swap is 65.52% and the conditional probability of 'bad banks' based on debt-equity swap is 75.86%. Also, as predicted, the performance of these debt-equity firms is poorer than that of non debt-equity firms. The conditional probability of 'large firms' based on posterior failure is 84.62% and the conditional probability of 'bad banks' based on posterior failure is 84.62%. This is consistent with our predictions and is also confirmed through results of the logit regression analysis. Second, when the restructuring is led by 'good banks', the performance of equity-swap firms is superior to that of non equity-swap firms. This result is consistent with that of James(1995). Hence, we can conclude that there may be some agency problems in restructuring distressed firm-especially when distressed firms are large and banks are bad. And these agency problems can reconcile the difference between James' results and Park, Lee, and Jang's.

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A Study on the Adoption of Cyclotron Decommissioning Plan Criteria by the Analysis of Domestic Relocation and Abroad Dismantling Practices (국내 사이클로트론 이전 및 해외 해체 사례 분석을 통한 해체 계획 기준 도입 연구)

  • Woo, Rina;Kim, Yongmin;Song, Minchul;Cho, Daehyung;Lee, Jaesung;Kim, Wantae
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.38 no.2
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    • pp.91-99
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    • 2013
  • There are many reasons for decommissioning of cyclotron such as not only age-related deficiency, any serious wear or damage but also relocation, upgrade and changing mission. Decommission of cyclotron in USA and EU give rise to a lot of low-level radioactive waste and costs. Various research on decommissioning of particle accelerator have been carried to reduce the cost of decommissioning in USA and EU. In USA, the NRC require DFP (Decommissioning Funding Plan) to authorized licenser by 10 CFR Part 30.35. To resolve radioactive waste problem and reduce the estimated cost of cyclotron decommissioning, we should consider technical aspects (decommissioning procedures, decontamination techniques, etc.) and safety aspects(residual radioactivity, the expected dose, etc) for decommissioning. In this study, we analyzed practical information on the decommissioning of cyclotron in ANL (Argonne National Laboratory) and Belgium (EU). And we investigated the experience on the cyclotron relocation from SNUH (Seoul National University Hospital) to SKKU (Sungkyunkwan University). From these results, we provide the basic data for establishing of relevant standards on domestic cyclotron decommissioning. It is necessary to adopt the DFP for safe and economic decommissioning and waste recycling. These result could be utilized for the establishment on the standards and useful requirements.

Elementary Teachers' Epistemological Beliefs and Practice on Convergent Science Teaching: Survey and Self-Study (융합적 과학수업에 대한 초등교사의 인식론적 신념과 실행 -조사연구 및 자기연구-)

  • Lee, Sooah;Jhun, Youngseok
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.40 no.4
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    • pp.359-374
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    • 2020
  • This study is a complex type consisting of survey study and self-study. The former investigated elementary teachers' epistemological beliefs on convergence knowledge and teaching. As a representative of the result of survey study I, as a teacher as well as a researcher, was the participant of the self-study, which investigated my epistemological belief on convergence knowledge and teaching and my execution of convergent science teaching based on family resemblance of mathematics, science, and physical education. A set of open-ended written questionnaires was administered to 28 elementary teachers. Participating teachers considered convergent teaching as discipline-using or multi-disciplinary teaching. They also have epistemological beliefs in which they conceived convergence knowledge as aggregation of diverse disciplinary knowledge and students could get it through their own problem solving processes. As a teacher and researcher I have similar epistemological belief as the other teachers. During the self-study, I tried to apply convergence knowledge system based on the family resemblance analysis among math, science, and PE to my teaching. Inter-disciplinary approach to convergence teaching was not easy for me to conduct. Mathematical units, ratio and rate were linked to science concept of velocity so that it was effective to converge two disciplines. Moreover PE offered specific context where the concepts of math and science were connected convergently so that PE facilitated inter-disciplinary convergent teaching. The gaps between my epistemological belief and inter-disciplinary convergence knowledge based on family resemblance and the cases of how to bridge the gap by my experience were discussed.

Screw Loosening of Various Implant Systems (수종의 임플랜트 시스템의 나사풀림에 관한 연구)

  • Ahn, Jin-Soo;Cho, In-Ho;Lim, Ju-Hwan;Lim, Heon-Song
    • Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.81-91
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    • 2002
  • Dental implant systems have shown many post-surgical problems and One of the most frequent problem is screw loosening. To reduce screw loosening, a number of methods have been tried and recently fundamental modification of fixture-abutment connection structure was developed and used the most frequently. Former implant system structure, such as Br${\aa}$nemark, had external hex with the height of 0.7 mm and later, fixture with external hex of 1.0 mm height and internal hex structure were developed. In addition, the method of morse taper application was introduced to reduce screw loosening. In this study, the level of screw loosening of each implant systems was compared based on the vibration loosening measurement of abutment screw of each implant systems. Analysis of measured value was performed using 3 kinds of methods, (i) Percentage of average of initial 3 times loosening-torque value(initial loosening value) to tightening-torque of 30 Ncm, (ii) Percentage of loosening-torque value after 200 N strength loaded(experimental value) to initial loosening value and (iii) Percentage of experimental value to 30 Ncm of tightening-torque. Each result of analyses shows the value of initial loosening, loosening by repetitive load and final loosening level. The results of this study were as follows. (1) Percentage of initial loosening value to tightening-torque was increased in order of 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex, internal hex and internal taper and all values between each groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05). (2) Percentage of experimental value to initial loosening value was increased in order of internal hex, 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex and internal taper. Value of internal taper showed significant difference with that of 0.7 mm external hex and internal hex (p<0.05). (3) Percentage of experimental value to tightening torque was increased in order of 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex, internal hex and internal taper. Values of all groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05) except between the groups of 1.0 mm external hex and internal hex. Based on those results, there was no significant difference of loosening-torque by repetitive loading except internal taper. It is supposed that implant system with high resistant capability against initial loosening could be recommended for clinical use. In addition, in case of single implant restoration, 1.0 mm external hex or internal hex could be recommended rather than 0.7 mm external hex, and the use of internal taper would be the most useful way to reduce screw loosening.