• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.50 no.8
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• pp.187-195
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• 2013

Most of former studies for car license plate detection restrict the image acquisition environment. The aim of this research is to diminish the restrictions by proposing a new method of using SIFT and neural network. SIFT can be used in diverse situations with less restriction because it provides size- and rotation-invariance and large discriminating power. SIFT extracted from the license plate image is divided into the internal(inside class) and the external(outside class) ones and the classifier is trained using them. In the proposed method, by just putting the various types of license plates, the trained neural network classifier can process all of the types. Although the classification performance is not high, the inside class appears densely over the plate region and sparsely over the non-plate regions. These characteristics create a local feature map, from which we can identify the location with the global maximum value as a candidate of license plate region. We collected image database with much less restriction than the conventional researches. The experiment and evaluation were done using this database. In terms of classification accuracy of SIFT keypoints, the correct recognition rate was 97.1%. The precision rate was 62.0% and recall rate was 50.2%. In terms of license plate detection rate, the correct recognition rate was 98.6%.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.123-132
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• 2008

Objective: In this study, the author tried to investigate whether revised Seonbangpaedok-tang (SPT) and Sigyeongcheongpye-tang (SCT) significantly effects both PMA-induced mucin production and MUC5AC gene expression from airway epithelial cells. Objective: In this study, the author tried to investigate whether revised Seonbangpaedok-tang (SPT) and Sigyeongcheongpye-tang (SCT) significantly affects both PMA-induced mucin production and MUC5AC gene expression from airway epithelial cells. Materials and Methods: Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated for 30 min in the presence of SPT and SCT and treated with PMA (10 ng/$m{\ell}$), to assess the effects of the agents on PMA-induced mucin production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, the effects of the agents on PMA-induced MUC5AC gene expression from the same cells were investigated. Possible cytotoxicities of the agent were assessed by measuring the rate of survival and proliferation of NCI-H292 cells after treatment of agents during 48 hrs. Results: (1) SPT and SCT did not show significant cytotoxicity to NCI-H292 cells; (2) SPT significantly inhibitedthe expression levels of PMA-induced MUC5AC gene in NCI-H292 cells. SCT slightly decreased the expression levels of PMA-induced MUC5AC gene; (3) SPT significantly decreased PMA-induced mucin production from NCI-H292 cells. However, SCT did not affect mucin production. Conclusion: Theseresults suggest that SPT can not only affect the production of mucin but also the expression of the mucin gene and this explains the traditional use of SPT in oriental medicine. The effects of SPT and SCT with their components should be further investigated using animal experimental models that reflect pathophysiology of airway diseases via ongoing studies.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.231-244
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• 2001

This study was conducted to observe the effect on appendage muscle strength according to increase in occlusal vertical dimension. For this study, ten males with a mean age of 21 were selected. The subjects had a complete or almost complete set of natural teeth and reported no subjected symptoms of pain or dysfunction in the masticatory system. The tested occlusal splints were made at the position of increased occlusal vertical dimension of 2mm, 3.5mm, and 5mm from the ICP. Before and after wearing occlusal splints, the appendage muscle strength were tested by CybexII Dynamometer in each subject. The results were as follows : 1. When occlusal vertical dimension was increased, most of mean muscular strength values were increased except for those of supination and pronation of forearm at the position of 5mm increased occlusal vertical dimension. 2. The statistical analyses demonstrated that the increased occlusal vertical dimension position to be significantly stronger than intercuspal position for the muscle strength of the flexion and extension of hip, supination of forearm, external and internal rotation of knee, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of ankle (p<0.05). 3. At the position of 3.5mm increased vertical dimension displayed the highest mean muscluar strength value than other positions. 4. Statistically demonstrated values, except for supination of forearm, internal rotation of shoulder, were related to lower appendage. Therefore splint was more effective on lower appendage than upper appendage to make muscle strength increased. 5. The mean increased rate of muscular strength tested on knee(57%), ankle(42%), and wrist(20%) were higher than hip(31%), elbow(14%), and shoulder(17%).

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 2010

In this study we have designed and fabricated an inexpensive micro electronic system that we call Alvitek. It can indirectly but accurately predict and display the partial pressures of alveolar oxygen and carbon dioxide for the patients in the ICU of a hospital. Alvitek consists of both hardware part and software part. Performance of the system is tested by animal experiment with pigs for various $F_{t}e_{2}$ and RR(Respiratory Rate) values under the mechanical ventilation. The predicted alveolar gas partial pressures are cprpared with the approximate alveolar oxygen partial pressures easily calculated by the physician’s bedside formula. As a result, we have concluded that the relative error of A-$aDe_2$ calculated by the bedside formula grows seriously for lower $F_{t}e_{2}$ values. The present prediction method of Alvitek is henceforth believed very meaningful to the physicians. The system hardware and software are described in the text.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.50
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• pp.321.1-321.7
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• 2018

Background: Pertussis is highly contagious respiratory disease. Healthcare workers (HCWs) can be an important mediator of the disease. A seroprevalence of pertussis was investigated in HCWs to determine the immune status against pertussis and to detect the unidentified pertussis. Methods: This study was conducted for HCWs at a hospital located in Korea in 2011. After obtaining written informed consent for HCWs voluntarily participating in the study, 10 mL of blood was collected from each subject. Demographic and medical data were collected using questionnaire. Data on the underlying disease and vaccination history were reviewed again through medical records. The presence of anti-pertussis toxin (anti-PT) immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) was detected by quantitative analysis using a commercially available ELISA kit (EUROIMMUN, $L{\ddot{u}}beck$, Germany). Results: A total of 412 HCW participated in the study. Among them, 14 were excluded due to the inadequate sample amount or medical history not secured. Of the 398 HCWs analyzed, 16.6% (66/398) were men and the mean age was $33.82{\pm}9.10years$ (range, 21-67). The mean anti-PT IgG titer was $8.32{\pm}20.40IU/mL$ (range, 0.4-287.5 IU/mL). The overall seroprevalence (rate of anti-PT IgG antibody [Ab] titer > 5 IU/mL) was 33.7%. Three (0.8%) HCWs had the Ab level > 100 IU/mL indicated acute infection. There was no statistically significant difference in the seroprevalence and mean titer of anti-PT IgG Ab according to age group, type of occupation, patient-facing position, or working in the pediatric department. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of pertussis of the HCWs of a university hospital in Korea was low, and there were some unrecognized acute infections. Therefore, booster immunization of pertussis to HCWs should be actively considered.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2023

Background: Several previous studies have reported that quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis patients affects mortality. However, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, which has been used mainly in previous studies, is complicated in terms of questionnaire composition and interpretation. This study aimed to identify the impact of QoL on mortality in hemodialysis patients using an easier and simpler diagnostic tool. Methods: This retrospective study included 160 hemodialysis patients. QoL was evaluated using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF). Psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We also evaluated medical factors, such as dialysis adequacy and laboratory results. Results: The mean hemodialysis vintage was 70.7±38.0 months. The proportion of patients who were elderly was higher in the mortality group than in the surviving group, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index score was also higher in the former group. Of the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, the physical health and psychological scores of the mortality group were significantly lower than those of the survival group. When the score in the physical health domain or psychological domain was ≤10, the 10-year mortality rate after hemodialysis initiation increased by approximately 2.3- and 2-fold, respectively. Conclusion: QoL may have a significant effect on mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The WHOQOL-BREF is an instrument that can measure QoL relatively easily and can be used to improve the long-term prognosis of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.403-424
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• 1999

To evaluate the antitumor activity, antimetastatic and radioprotective effects of Kamisasammaekmundongtang(KSMT), studies were done experimentally. The results were obtained as follows: 1. In cytotoxicity against P388, A549 and B16-F10, KSMT was not showed satisfiable cytotoxicity as compared with control. 2. In Inhibitory effect on activity of DNA topoisomerase I, KSMT has strong inhibitory effect. 3. The inhibitory effect on adhesion of A549 to complex extracellular matrix was significantly increased at 0.5mg/ml, 1mg/ml of KSMT. 4. The T/C% was 122 in KSMT treated group in S-180 bearing ICR mice. 5. In antiangiogenetic effect on CAM assay, inhibitory rate was 33% in KSMT treated group. 6. In pulmonary colonization assay, a number of colonies in the lungs were decreased significantly in KSMT treated group as compared with control group. 7. By FACS analysis of splenic leukocyte after exposure to radiation by linear accelerator, T-helper cell, B cell and macrophage in KSMT treated group were significantly increased while splenocytes were decreased in control group. 8. In histological changes of jejunum of $Bald{\setminus}C$ mice after exposure to radiation by linear accelerator, exclusion and fusion of villi were decreased as compared with control group. But in duodenum and ileum, exclusion and fusion of villi were not decreased as compared with control group. 9. WBC, PLT were increased in KSMT treated group as compared with control group after exposure to radiation by linear accelerator, but the increasing effect was not significant. Above results suggest that KSMT may be useful in prevention of cancer metastasis and protection from damage by radiotherapy. But the further study of KSMT would be demanded.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2023

Purpose: This study purposed to analyze the economic feasibility of introducing a third party logistics system as a strategic alternative to hospital management. Methods: Economic analysis was performed by measuring changes in costs and benefits before and after implement the third party logistics system and estimating the size of net benefits for the next five years for the target hospital. A questionnaire survey and in-depth interview with stake-holders were conducted to find out the satisfaction and effectiveness of the system. Findings: According to results, the cost-benefit ratio for the implementation of the system was 1.18. For the next five years, the cost-benefit ratio was 1.48, the net present value was about 1.7 billion won, and the internal rate of return was 64%. The satisfaction of internal stake-holders was relatively high, in terms of improving the concentration of unique tasks and increasing the efficiency of inventory management. Practical Implications: It was found that the increase in benefits had a greater effect on the change in the cost-benefit ratio than the increase in costs resulting from the expansion of logistics, and the increase in the present value of net benefits gradually decreased as the cost increased. In addition, overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with outsourcing companies were relatively low, which means that stabilization of the new system is important. Further study is needed for more accurate economic analysis.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.10
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• pp.1671-1679
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• 2021

Objective: We quantitatively measured the fat fraction (FF) in the vertebrae of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and investigated the role of FF as an indicator of both active inflammation and chronicity. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 patients with AS who underwent spinal MRI were retrospectively evaluated. The FF values of the anterosuperior and anteroinferior corners of the bone marrow in the L1-S1 spine were assessed using the modified Dixon technique. AS activity was measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), AS Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and serum inflammatory marker levels. AS disease chronicity was assessed by AS disease duration and the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to investigate the correlation between FF and other clinical characteristics. Results: The mean FF ± standard deviation of the total lumbar spine was 43.0% ± 11.3%. At univariable analysis, spinal FF showed significant negative correlation with BASDAI (β = -0.474, p = 0.002) and ASDAS with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP; β = -0.478, p = 0.002) and a significant positive correlation with AS disease duration (β = 0.440, p = 0.001). After adjusting for patient age, sex, and total mSASSS score, spinal FF remained significantly negatively correlated with BASDAI (β = -0.543, p < 0.001), ASDAS-CRP (β = -0.568, p < 0.001), and ASDAS with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (β = -0.533, p = 0.001). Spinal FF was significantly lower in patients with very high disease activity (ASDAS-CRP > 3.5) than in those with only high disease activity (2.1 ≤ ASDAS-CRP ≤ 3.5) (p = 0.010). Conclusion: Spinal FF may help assess both AS disease activity and chronicity.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.171-187
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• 2015

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Sagan-tang (SGT) on COPD mouse model. Methods The study was carried out by two ways (in vitro, in vivo). In vitro RAW264.7 cells (mouse macrophage) were used and analysed by flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blot. In vivo LPS and CSS challenged mice were used and its BALF had been analysed by cytospin image, FACS, ELISA, lung tissue by real-time PCR. Results In vitro, SGT maintained 80-100% rate of viablilty on 10 ~ 500 ㎍/㎖ concentration. In ELISA analysis with RAW264.7 cells, SGT significantly decreased NO over 30 ㎍/㎖. In flow cytometry, SGT 100 ㎍/㎖ dosage group displayed a tendency for decrease ROS. In Western blot analysis, SGT 100 ㎍/㎖ dosage group decreased NF-κB. In ELISA analysis, SGT significantly decreased TNF-α, IL-6 over 200 ㎍/㎖. In vivo SGT 200 ㎎/㎏ dosage group, application of SGT significantly decreased increase of neutrophils, TNF-α, IL-6 in BALF, muc5AC, TGF-β, TNF-α, expression of mRNA in lung tissue and histological lung injury. Conclusion This Study suggests usability of SGT for COPD patients by controlling lung tissue injury.