• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.565-574
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• 2024

Objective: To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of the Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon (DCB) in endovascular revascularization procedures under real-world conditions in a Korean population with atherosclerotic disease of the infrainguinal arteries, including below-the-knee (BTK) arteries. Materials and Methods: Eight institutions in the Republic of Korea participated in this prospective, multicenter, single-arm, post-market surveillance study. Two hundred patients with Rutherford class 2-5 peripheral arterial disease and infrainguinal lesions suitable for endovascular treatment were competitively enrolled. Data were collected at baseline, the time of intervention, discharge, and 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up visits. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from major adverse events (MAE) within 6 months (except when limiting the time frame for procedure- or device-related mortality to within 30 days), and the primary effectiveness endpoint was freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) within 12 months after the procedure. Results: A total of 197 patients with 332 target lesions were analyzed. Two-thirds of the patients had diabetes mellitus, and 41.6% had chronic limb-threatening ischemia. The median target lesion length was 100 mm (interquartile range: 56-133 mm). Of the target lesions, 35.2% were occlusions, and 14.8% were located in the BTK arteries. Rate of freedom from MAE was 97.9% at 6 months, and the rate of freedom from CD-TLR was 95.0% and 92.2% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Subgroup analysis of 43 patients and 49 target lesions involving the BTK arteries showed rate of freedom from MAE of 92.8% at 6 months and rates of freedom from CD-TLR of 88.8% and 84.4% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study, including the BTK subgroup analysis, showed outcomes comparable to those of other DCB studies, confirming the safety and effectiveness of Passeo-18 Lux DCB in the Korean population.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.259-270
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• 2023

Objective: It is unknown whether artificial intelligence-based computer-aided detection (AI-CAD) can enhance the accuracy of chest radiograph (CR) interpretation in real-world clinical practice. We aimed to compare the accuracy of CR interpretation assisted by AI-CAD to that of conventional interpretation in patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute respiratory symptoms using a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent CRs for acute respiratory symptoms at the ED of a tertiary referral institution were randomly assigned to intervention group (with assistance from an AI-CAD for CR interpretation) or control group (without AI assistance). Using a commercial AI-CAD system (Lunit INSIGHT CXR, version 2.0.2.0; Lunit Inc.). Other clinical practices were consistent with standard procedures. Sensitivity and false-positive rates of CR interpretation by duty trainee radiologists for identifying acute thoracic diseases were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. The reference standards for acute thoracic disease were established based on a review of the patient's medical record at least 30 days after the ED visit. Results: We randomly assigned 3576 participants to either the intervention group (1761 participants; mean age ± standard deviation, 65 ± 17 years; 978 males; acute thoracic disease in 472 participants) or the control group (1815 participants; 64 ± 17 years; 988 males; acute thoracic disease in 491 participants). The sensitivity (67.2% [317/472] in the intervention group vs. 66.0% [324/491] in the control group; odds ratio, 1.02 [95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.49]; P = 0.917) and false-positive rate (19.3% [249/1289] vs. 18.5% [245/1324]; odds ratio, 1.00 [95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.26]; P = 0.985) of CR interpretation by duty radiologists were not associated with the use of AI-CAD. Conclusion: AI-CAD did not improve the sensitivity and false-positive rate of CR interpretation for diagnosing acute thoracic disease in patients with acute respiratory symptoms who presented to the ED.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.17.1-17.14
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• 2022

We aimed to investigate associations of dietary diversity (DD) with gut microbial diversity and the development of hen's egg allergy (HEA) in infants. We enrolled 68 infants in a high-risk group and 32 infants in a control group based on a family history of allergic diseases. All infants were followed from birth until 12 months of age. We collected infant feeding data, and DD was defined using 3 measures: the World Health Organization definition of minimum DD, food group diversity, and food allergen diversity. Gut microbiome profiles and expression of cytokines were evaluated by bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. High DD scores at 3 and 4 months were associated with a lower risk of developing HEA in the high-risk group, but not in the control group. In the high-risk group, high DD scores at 3, 4, and 5 months of age were associated with an increase in Chao1 index at 6 months. We found that the gene expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-8 were higher among infants who had lower DD scores compared to those who had higher DD scores in high-risk infants. Additionally, high-risk infants with a higher FAD score at 5 months of age showed a reduced gene expression of IL-13. Increasing DD within 6 months of life may increase gut microbial diversity, and thus reduce the development of HEA in infants with a family history of allergic diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.225-249
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to develop an evaluation tool for map-based data visualization platforms and to conduct heuristic usability evaluations on existing platforms representing inter-regional information. We compared and analyzed the usability evaluation criteria of map-based platforms from the previous studies along with Nielsen's (1994) 10 usability evaluation principles. We proposed nine evaluation criteria, including (1) visibility, (2) representation of the real world, (3) consistency and standards, (4) user control and friendliness, (5) flexibility, (6) design, (7) compatibility, (8) error prevention and handling, and (9) help provision and documentation. Additionally, to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed criteria, four experts was invited to evaluate five domestic and international map-based data visualization platforms. As a result, the experts were able to rank the usability of the five platforms using the proposed map-based data visualization usability evaluation criteria, which included quantified scores and subjective opinions. The results of this study are expected to serve as foundational material for the future development and evaluation of map-based visualization platforms.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.105-115
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• 2024

In coastal structure design incorporating revetments, the assessment of wave overtopping discharge relies on hydraulic model experiments. Numerous empirical formulas have been developed to predict overtopping discharge based on quantitative data from these experiments. Typically, for revetment structures aimed at mitigating wave overtopping, crest height is determined by considering the maximum amplitude of the design wave, resulting in a relatively high freeboard compared to wave heights. However, achieving complete prevention of all wave overtopping would require the crown wall to have substantial crest heights, rendering it economically impractical. Therefore, the concept of limiting discharge has been introduced in the design of revetment structures, aiming to restrict wave overtopping discharge to an acceptable level. Consequently, many coastal structures in real-world settings feature relatively lower freeboard heights than incident wave heights. This study investigated wave overtopping discharge on rubble-mound breakwaters with relatively low freeboard heights through hydraulic model experiments. Furthermore, it conducted a comparative analysis of the predictive capabilities of existing empirical formulas for estimating overtopping discharge using experimental data.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.149-158
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• 2024

Photo booths have traditionally provided a fun and easy way to capture and print photos to cherish memories. These booths allow individuals to capture their desired poses and props, sharing memories with friends and family. To enable diverse expressions, generative AI-powered photo booths have emerged. However, existing AI photo booths face challenges such as difficulty in taking group photos, inability to accurately reflect user's poses, and the challenge of applying different concepts to individual subjects. To tackle these issues, we present CINEMAPIC, a photo booth system that allows users to freely choose poses, positions, and concepts for their photos. The system workflow includes three main steps: pre-processing, generation, and post-processing to apply individualized concepts. To produce high-quality group photos, the system generates a transparent image for each character and enhances the backdrop-composited image through a small number of denoising steps. The workflow is accelerated by applying an optimized diffusion model and GPU parallelization. The system was implemented as a prototype, and its effectiveness was validated through a user study and a large-scale pilot operation involving approximately 400 users. The results showed a significant preference for the proposed system over existing methods, confirming its potential for real-world photo booth applications. The proposed CINEMAPIC photo booth is expected to lead the way in a more creative and differentiated market, with potential for widespread application in various fields.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.125-132
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• 2024

Recently, with immersive virtual reality(IVR) technologies, various services such as education, training, entertainment, industry, healthcare and remote collaboration have been applied. In particular, researches are actively being studied to visualize and interact with virtual humans, research on virtual pets in IVR is also emerging. For interaction with the virtual pet, similar to real-world interaction scenarios, the most important thing is to provide physical contact such as haptic and non-verbal interaction(e.g., gesture). This paper investigates the effects on factors (e.g., shape and texture) of passive haptic feedbacks using mapping physical props corresponding to the virtual pet. Experimental results show significant differences in terms of immersion, co-presence, realism, and friendliness depending on the levels of texture elements when interacting with virtual pets by passive haptic feedback. Additionally, as the main findings of this study by statistical interaction between two variables, we found that there was Uncanny valley effect in terms of friendliness. With our results, we will expect to be able to provide guidelines for creating interactive contents with the virtual pet in immersive VR environments.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.711-719
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• 2024

This study examined the policy of opening up the Chinese A-share market and its performance in four aspects: institutional investors system, cross-trading system with overseas stock markets, inclusion of A-shares into global indices, and establishment of a new board. Then, the impact of these policies on the Stock Index was empirically analyzed, and it was confirmed that institutional investors system such as QFII and RQFII, cross-trading system with overseas stock markets such as Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, inclusion of A-shares into global indices such as the MSCI EM index and FTSE Russell index, and the establishment of a new board of the Science Innovation Board all had statistically significant positive impacts on the stock index. Based on the results of these analysis, we conclude that China should further expand its stock market opening to the outside world, that mutual efforts are needed to alleviate political conflicts and improve understanding, and that easing industry regulations, including real estate, will help China's economic recovery and foreigners' investment in the A-share market.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.467-472
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• 2024

This paper examines the history of karate, its utilization as military training, and its value as a national defense sport. Originating from Okinawa, karate was introduced into Japanese military training in the modern era and spread worldwide. During World War II, the Japanese military intensified karate training for close-quarters combat. Post-war, karate was introduced to Western society through the U.S. military presence in Japan. In contemporary militaries, various martial arts, including karate, are utilized in training programs such as the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) and the Israeli military's Krav Maga. These programs integrate techniques from karate, judo, boxing, and other martial arts to create systems optimized for real combat. In military education, karate enhances individual physical and mental capabilities and improves unit combat effectiveness. Rigorous training develops physical fitness, mental resilience, and practical skills for close-quarters combat. Group training fosters camaraderie and unit cohesion. However, due to the changing nature of modern warfare, it is necessary to reconsider the proportion and methods of martial arts training in military education. With the advancement of high-tech weaponry, team operations have become more critical than individual combat skills. Rather than applying traditional karate techniques unchanged, it is essential to modify and develop them to suit modern warfare. Nevertheless, the value of martial arts training, including karate, remains significant in cultivating key soldier qualities such as physical strength, indomitable spirit, and camaraderie. It is anticipated that militaries worldwide will continue to evolve their martial arts training systems in line with changing times.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.52 no.11
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• pp.814-825
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Real-world trends in the utility and type of gatekeeping studies in invasive coronary angiography (ICA) requires further investigation. Methods: We identified outpatients who underwent noninvasive cardiac tests or directly ICA for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) from the nationwide Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Sample database between 2012 and 2018. Results: Among 71,401 patients, the percentage of patients who were evaluated for suspected CAD was 34.7% for treadmill test (TMT), 4.2% for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), 24.2% for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), 1.6% for multiple gatekeepers, and 32.3% for directly ICA without noninvasive studies. The proportion of CCTA as a gatekeeper showed linear increase, (18.6% in 2012 and 28.8% in 2018; p<0.001), while those of TMT, SPECT, and direct ICA have decreased (p<0.001, p=0.03, and p<0.001, respectively). The overall incidence of downstream ICA after gatekeeper was 13.8% (6,662/48,346), and SPECT showed higher ICA rate in pairwise comparison with TMT and CCTA (p<0.001). Patients who performed gatekeepers before ICA showed higher rate of subsequent PCI (34.7% vs. 32.3%; p<0.001) and CABG (3.5% vs. 1.0%; p<0.001), compared to those who directly underwent ICA, and CCTA was associated with higher revascularization rate after ICA in pairwise comparison with TMT and SPECT (p<0.001). Conclusions: Nationwide database demonstrated that CCTA is utilized increasingly as a gatekeeper for ICA and is associated with high revascularization rate after ICA in outpatients with suspected CAD.