• Title/Summary/Keyword: reduced eye

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A Study on the Relationship between the Disc of Least Confusion and Corrected Vision of Astigmatism (난시안의 최소착락원과 교정시력과의 관계 연구)

  • Kim, Jung-Hee;Kim, In-Suk
    • Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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    • v.13 no.2
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    • pp.51-57
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: This study has been conducted to know how the size and position of the circle of least confusion has an influence on the vision for minimization of asthenopia when astigmatism is corrected and appropriated prescription to provided clear vision life. Methods: The method of the study has been worked on 68 students (136 eyes) of man and woman enrolled in university of Gyeong-gi-do aged 20 to 40, who have myopic astigmatism in order to know how the corrected vision changes according to the size and position of the circle of least confusion of astigmatism, the vision has been tested by giving the vision whose astigmatic power of 0.25D and 0.50D was just reduced, low correcting the astigmatic power into 0.50D, and at the same time inserting additionally spherical power -0.25D, all under a condition that the corrected vision after completely corrected astigmatism, and the axis of astigmatism was not changed. Results: The average vision was 1.047 when the astigmatic power was fully corrected, and in low correction of 0.25D, it was 0.914, and in low correction of 0.50, it was 0.772. It has been learned that the bigger the circle of least confusion was the bigger the range of vision reduction and the corrected vision in astigmatism has correlation with the size of the circle of least confusion. It has been examined that the average vision according to position of the circle of least confusion in astigmatism was 1.047 when the astigmatic power was completely corrected and focused on the retina with state of point, and in case that the astigmatic power was 0.50D of state of low correction, that is, the circle of least confusion was focused before retina, it was 0.828, and it was also 0.826 when the astigmatic power is low corrected with 0.50D and the circle of least confusion was focused on the retina. Explained briefly, It has been examined that in case that the state of low correction of the astigmatic power was same, the vision reduction was less in the image of the circle of least confusion focused upon the retina than in the image of its being focused before the retina. Conclusions: In case that the refractive power of cylindrical lens is reduced in test of wearability in astigmatism, there needs surely an adjustment of spherical lens that can place the circle of least confusion on the retina.

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Usefulness of Non-coplanar Helical Tomotherapy Using Variable Axis Baseplate (Variable Axis Baseplate를 이용한 Non-coplanar 토모테라피의 유용성)

  • Ha, Jin-Sook;Chung, Yoon-Sun;Lee, Ik-Jae;Shin, Dong-Bong;Kim, Jong-Dae;Kim, Sei-Joon;Jeon, Mi-Jin;Cho, Yoon-Jin;Kim, Ki-Kwang;Lee, Seul-Bee
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.31-39
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    • 2011
  • Purpose: Helical Tomotherapy allows only coplanar beam delivery because it does not allow couch rotation. We investigated a method to introduce non-coplanar beam by tilting a patient's head for Tomotherapy. The aim of this study was to compare intrafractional movement during Tomotherapy between coplanar and non-coplanar patient's setup. Materials and Methods: Helical Tomotherapy was used for treating eight patients with intracranial tumor. The subjects were divided into three groups: one group (coplanar) of 2 patients who lay on S-plate with supine position and wore thermoplastic mask for immobilizing the head, second group (non-coplanar) of 3 patients who lay on S-plate with supine position and whose head was tilted with Variable Axis Baseplate and wore thermoplastic mask, and third group (non-coplanar plus mouthpiece) of 3 patients whose head was tilted and wore a mouthpiece immobilization device and thermoplastic mask. The patients were treated with Tomotherapy after treatment planning with Tomotherapy Planning System. Megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) was performed before and after treatment, and the intrafractional error was measured with lateral(X), longitudinal(Y), vertical(Z) direction movements and vector ($\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$) value for assessing overall movement. Results: Intrafractional error was compared among three groups by taking the error of MVCT taken after the treatment. As the correction values (X, Y, Z) between MVCT image taken after treatment and CT-simulation image are close to zero, the patient movement is small. When the mean values of movement of each direction for non-coplanar setup were compared with coplanar setup group, X-axis movement was decreased by 13%, but Y-axis and Z-axis movement were increased by 109% and 88%, respectively. Movements of Y-axis and Z-axis with non-coplanar setup were relatively greater than that of X-axis since a tilted head tended to slip down. The mean of X-axis movement of the group who used a mouthpiece was greater by 9.4% than the group who did not use, but the mean of Y-axis movement was lower by at least 64%, and the mean of Z-axis was lower by at least 67%, and the mean of Z-axis was lower by at least 67%, and the vector was lower by at least 59% with the use of a mouthpiece. Among these 8 patients, one patient whose tumor was located on left frontal lobe and left basal ganglia received reduced radiation dose of 38% in right eye, 23% in left eye, 30% in optic chiasm, 27% in brain stem, and 8% in normal brain with non-coplanar method. Conclusion: Tomotherapy only allows coplanar delivery of IMRT treatment. To complement this shortcoming, Tomotherapy can be used with non-coplanar method by artificially tilting the patient's head and using an oral immobilization instrument to minimize the movement of patient, when intracranial tumor locates near critical organs or has to be treated with high dose radiation.

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Changes in Subjective Discomfort, Blinking Rate, Lens Centration and the Light Transmittance of Lens Induced by Exceeding Use of Daily Disposable Circle Contact Lenses in Dry Eyes (일회용 써클소프트렌즈의 일일 초과착용 시 유발되는 건성안의 자각적 불편감, 순목횟수, 중심안정 및 렌즈 광투과율의 변화)

  • Park, Mijung;Kang, Shin Young;Chang, Jung Iee;Han, Arum;Kim, So Ra
    • Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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    • v.19 no.2
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    • pp.153-162
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: This study was assessed to investigate the change of subjective and/or objective symptoms and the light transmittance of lens caused by the use longer than recommended wearing time of daily disposable circle contact lenses (circle lens) in dry eyes. Methods: Three daily disposable circle lenses made of etafilcon A, hilafilcon B, and nelfilcon A were applied on 30 dry eyes with smaller tear volume than normal eyes in their twenties free from any eye diseases by when subjects complained any kind of discomfort. On the first and the last days of lens wearing, subjective discomfort, blinking rate, lens centration on corneal surface and visible light transmittance of lens were recorded at every case and compared. Results: The circle lens wearers complained subjective discomfort and quit the lens wearing when they wore the circle lens longer than 10 hours even though there were some difference according to the lens materials of daily disposable circle lens. However, around 20% of dry eyes could wear the circle lens made of non-ionic materials longer than 40 hours. Dry eyes showed most sensitive feeling of subjective discomfort against the circle lens made of etafilcon A among three different lens materials. On the last day of lens wearing, the representative subjective discomforts were irritation, stiffness, dryness and tiredness. When the subjects wore circle lens more than the recommended time, blinking rate was significantly increased about 20~30% regardless of lens materials when it compared with the values right after lens wearing. On the last day of lens wearing, the vertical direction of lens centration was shifted to pupil center however, its distribution in horizontal direction was wide compared with the distribution right after lens wearing. Especially, the centration of etafilcon A lens was unstable. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance of 3 different circle lenses in dry eyes has significantly been reduced around 15% averaged. Conclusions: From these results, it was known that the increase of dryness and stiffness caused by overusage of daily disposable circle lens induced excess irritation and decreased visible light transmittance and caused significant more blinking, which provoked lens decentration. It was also revealed that dry eyes showed sensitive reaction subjectively and objectively against the overusage of circle lens made of high water content/ionic lens material even there were some difference of the degree depending on the individual and the lens material. Thus, this research can be suggested as the basic reference for the education about some unexpected problems and the side effect caused by the wearing of circle lens in dry eyes.

The Effect of Various Coffees on the Color Stability of Self-cured Temporary Crown Resin (커피종류에 따른 자가중합형 임시치관용 레진의 색 안정성에 관한 연구)

  • Hwang, Su-Hyun;Yu, Ji-Su;Han, Yang-Keum
    • Journal of dental hygiene science
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    • v.12 no.4
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    • pp.342-347
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    • 2012
  • This study is a temporary crowns and the period you want to avoid the exposure of the coffee girl polymerization types is difficult given the temporary tolerance by producing resin. 1. Change of brightness ($L^*$) edge in time increases, distilled water, Americano, Cafelatte, Vanillalatte was reduced to a significant level of brightness (p<.001). The most significant decrease in brightness of the Americano, which tend to grow out of a Cafelatte, Vanillalatte, which was followed by distilled water. 2. Change of redness ($a^*$) edge in time tend to increase saturation increases, the redness value of Americano, Cafelatte, redness value was a statistically significant difference in distilled water and Vanillalatte (p<.05) was not significant. 3. Change of yellowness ($b^*$) edge in time tend to increase saturation increases, the yellowness value of Cafelatte, Vanillalatte, Americano, except for distilled water at the saturation of yellowness value were no statistically significant (p<.05). 4. Change of color difference (${\Delta}E^*$) in order of (Americano>Cafelatte>Vanillalatte) as time of immersion increases change of color difference appear and no statistically significant (p<.05). Americano, the edge, since there can be more than chrominance is 3.3 uses station than a Vanillalatte, Cafelatte and discoloration when edge in 28, since even in the one to two difficult to distinguish with the naked eye as a discoloration. It was no difference statistically in color difference (${\Delta}E^*$) value in distilled water (p>.05).

Improved Breast Irradiation Techniques Using Multistatic Fields or Three Dimensional Universal Compensators (Multistatic Field또는 3차원 공용보상체를 사용한 유방의 방사선 조사법의 평가)

  • Han Youngyih;Cho Jae Ho;Park Hee Chul;Chu Sung Sil;Suh Chang-Ok
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.20 no.1
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    • pp.24-33
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    • 2002
  • Purpose : In order to improve dose homogeneity and to reduce acute toxicity in tangential whole breast radiotherapy, we evaluated two treatment techniques using multiple static fields or universal compensators. Materials and Methods : 1) Multistatic field technique : Using a three dimensional radiation treatment planning system, Adac Pinnacle 4.0, we accomplished a conventional wedged tangential plan. Examining the isodose distributions, a third field which blocked overdose regions was designed and an opposing field was created by using an automatic function of RTPS. Weighting of the beams was tuned until an ideal dose distribution was obtained. Another pair of beams were added when the dose homogeneity was not satisfactory. 2) Universal compensator technique : The breast shapes and sizes were obtained from the CT images of 20 patients who received whole breast radiation therapy at our institution. The data obtained were averaged and a pair of universal physical compensators were designed for the averaged data. DII (Dose Inhomogeneity Index : percentage volume of PTV outside $95\~105\%$ of the prescribed dose) $D_{max}$ (the maximum point dose in the PTV) and isodose distributions for each technique were compared. Results : The multistatic field technique was found to be superior to the conventional technique, reducing the mean value of DII by $14.6\%$ (p value<0.000) and the $D_{max}$ by $4.7\%$ (p value<0.000). The universal compensator was not significantly superior to the conventional technique since it decreased $D_{max}$ by $0.3\%$ (p value=0.867) and reduced DII by $3.7\%$ (p value=0.260). However, it decreased the value of DII by maximum $18\%$ when patients' breast shapes fitted in with the compensator geometry. Conclusion : The multistatic field technique is effective for improving dose homogeneity for whole breast radiation therapy and is applicable to all patients, whereas the use of universal compensators is effective only in patients whose breast shapes fit inwith the universal compensator geometry, and thus has limited applicability.

Training Program to Raise Consciousness Among Adolescents for Protection Against Skin Cancer through Performance of Skin Self Examination

  • Balyaci, Ozum Erkin;Kostu, Nazan;Temel, Ayla Bayik
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.10
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    • pp.5011-5017
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    • 2012
  • Background: Overexposure to sunlight in childhood and the adolescent period and associsated sunburns significantly increase the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. In Turkey, the incidence of skin cancer in the general population is 0.8%. The incidence is 0.6% and the mortality rate is 0.4% for men, while these rates are 1.0% and 0.7%, respectively, for women. If skin cancer is found early, its treatment is facilitated. Therefore, personal skin examination is important for early diagnosis. Objectives: Our aim was to determine the effects of training for raising consciousness among adolescents to protect against skin cancer by influencing skin self examination behavior. Method: This quasi experimental intervention study was conducted between February and April 2012 in Izmir. The study population consisted of students attending $6^{th}$, $7^{th}$ and $8^{th}$ classes of a primary school (n:302). No sampling was performed. Data were collected with a form developed by the researchers based on the literature. The first part of form is aimed to determine demographic characteristics of adolescents (3 questions) and their risk status of skin cancer (6 questions). The second part was prepared for skin cancer risks of adolescents (8 questions) and indications of skin cancer (12 questions). The last part was intended to determine their knowledge about skin self examination (4 questions) and behavioral stages of skin self examination (1 question). Data collection was achieved with a questionnaire form in three phases. In the 1st phase, data about demographic characteristics of students, risk status of skin cancer, knowledge level of skin cancer and behavior stages were collected. In the $2^{nd}$ phase, skin self examination training based on the transtheoretical model was performed within the same day just after obtaining preliminary data. In the $3^{rd}$ phase, adolescents were followed up three times to establish the efficacy of the training (on the $15^{th}$ day after training program and at end of the $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ months). Follow-up data were evaluated by questioning skin self examination performing behavior stages through electronic mail. Results: Half of the adolescents (50.5%) are male, and 58.4% of them are 13 years old with a mean age of $12{\pm}1.15$ years. About 29.4% of adolescents had brown hair color, 37.9% had brown/hazel eye color, 29.4% had white skin, and 47.2% had fewer than 10 moles in their body. The pretest mean score on knowledge level about risks of skin cancer was found to be $4.19{\pm}1.96$, while the post-test mean score was $6.79{\pm}1.67$ (min:0, max:8).The pretest mean score about indications of skin cancer was $7.45{\pm}3.76$, while the post-test mean score was $10.7{\pm}2.60$ (min:0, max:12). The increases were statistically significant (p<0.05). The behavior "I do not perform skin self examination regularly in every month and I do not think to perform it in the next 6 months" was reduced from 52.8 to 35.5% after training. Conclusion: The training program organized to raise consciousness among adolescents for protection against skin cancer increased the knowledge level about risks and indications of skin cancer and it also improved the behavior of performing skin self examination.

The Way of Expression of Wangreungdo(王陵圖: A Kind of A Royal Mausoleum Map) Reflected on Sanhyoungdo(山形圖: A Kind of A Mountain Map) in the Late Nineteenth Century - Centering the Drawings Relevant to Jogyoungdan(肇慶壇) of Lee Han, the Founder of Jeonju Lee Family - (19세기 후반 산형도(山形圖)로 본 왕릉도(王陵圖)의 표현방법(表現方法) -전주이씨(全州李氏) 시조(始祖) 이한(李翰)의 조경단(肇慶檀) 관련 그림을 중심으로-)

  • Kim, Jeong-Moon
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.57-65
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    • 2012
  • This work attempted to study the properties of expression of ground, the composition of outlook and the implications of the connotative symbolic scenery throughout investigating the properties of expression content and method of the scenery, outlook, viewpoint, natural features for each drawing and intention of making 4 old maps, which had been made in the period of the Great Korean Empire and had been called 'Wansan-dohyoung(完山圖形),' 'Jogyeongdan- bigak-jaesil-dohyoung(肇慶壇碑閣齋室圖形),' 'Jeonju-geonjisan-dohyoung(全州乾止山圖形)' and 'Jogyeongmyo-gyounggijeon-dohyoung(肇慶廟慶基殿圖形),' and analyzing the correlation between their drawings. For this aim, observatory investigation by using a map, on-spot investigation, analysis involving the satellite images and internet were carried out with literature review simultaneously. The result of investigation could be sum up as follows. Gyounggijeon(1410), Jogyeongmyo(1771) and Jogyeongdan(1899), where are the core space to lay the historically firm foundation for securing the fact Jeonju is the home of the Royal Family of Joseon, had been built, fixed and extended for giving legitimacy to the Joseon Dynasty and a part of strengthening of royal authority. And these had played an important role of spiritual mainstay from early in the Joseon Dynasty to the era of the Great Korean Empire and had been managed and maintained continuously. It is grasped that the 4 maps consist of Sanhyuoungdo(山形圖; a kind of a mountain map), which is the map for showing a burial place of Lee Han(李翰), the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, and its auxiliary drawings and these had been drawn intensively to justify dignity and authority of the Imperial Family and the Emperor after the name of country was renamed the Great Korean Empire as a part of national undertaking. In detail, Wansan-doghyoung is the key map for announcing the existence of Jogyeong-myo, Gyounggijeon and Jogyeongdan in Jeonju and informing their locations and Geonjisan-dohyoung is the map of divination based on topography for highlighting the geomantic justification of the founder's mausoleum. Jogyeongdan-bigak-jaesil-dohyooung is the partial map detailing for Geonjisan-dohyoung. Jeonju-geonjisan-dohyoung and Jogyeongmyo-gyounggijeon-dohyoung had employed the binary reduced scale and the bird-eye view method and in the above maps, Geonji Mountain is the main mountain and these maps make an exaggeration of the main geographical features, centering Wangjabong and Euimyoso, unlike the real geographical features. Also, the other main geographical features, which are found in the burial place, are expressed in detail by changing the view. In the point of view of 1 set being consisted of 4 maps, 'Wansan-dohyoung' has the property not only as Gunhyoundo, which Gun and Hyoun mean a unit of the administrative district, respectively and Gynhyoundo is a kind of the map for recording their locations, but also as the map of showing their locations. On the other side, 'Jogyoungmyogyounggijeondohyoung' is a kind of lay-out drawing as a partially detailed map. In addition, it has been found out that 'Jeonju-geonjisan-dohyoung' and 'Jogyeongdan-bigak-jaesil-dohyoung' is not only Pungsu- hyounggukdo having the function of Sanhyoungdo but also a detail drawing. On the base of these properties, it is considered that the functionality as a serial map had been strengthened, unlike the existing old maps.

A Study on the Spatial Control Effect of Panjang in Donggwoldo (동궐도(東闕圖) 판장(板墻)의 공간통제 효과에 관한 연구)

  • HA Yujeong;KIM Choongsik
    • Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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    • v.55 no.4
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    • pp.196-209
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    • 2022
  • This study compared and analyzed the spatial division function and role of partitions by comparing the entire space and the spatial changes before and after the installation of partitions in <Donggwoldo>, which was manufactured in the late Joseon Dynasty. As a research method, a set standard was prepared to decompose the space of <Donggwoldo> into a unit space, and the standard was set according to the role and height of the space by classifying it into a main space, sub space, and transition space. Two convex maps were prepared according to before and after the installation of the Panjang, and the values of connectivity, control, and integration, which are spatial syntax variables, were calculated and analyzed. The results of the study are as follows. First, the partition in <Donggwoldo(東闕圖)> did not affect the overall spatial arrangement and control or connection of Donggwol, but the movement and access of space is limited to specific areas. Second, the partition was a facility intensively distributed in Naejeon(內殿) and Donggung(東宮) to be used actively in the way of space utilization. It shows that the unit space increased rapidly due to the installation of the partition. Since the partition was installed in the spaces that were open and under high control in the case of Naejeon(內殿), it helped to secure private spaces as closed ones under low control. On the other hand, for Donggung(東宮), the spaces were compartmented and divided with the partition to guide the movement path through narrow gates of the partition and increase the depth of the space. This helped to create spaces that are free and can be hidden as it increased the number of spaces coming through. Third, In addition to the functions of "eye blocking, space division, and movement path control" revealed in prior research, the partition has created a "space that is easy to control" within a specific area. The installation of the partition reduced the scale through the separation of spaces, but it occurred the expansion of the movement path and space. Also, the partition functioned to strengthen hiding and closure or increase openness as well through space division. This study is significant in that it revealed the value of the spatial control function of panjang through the analysis of spatial control and depth by analyzing the function of the partition with a mathematical model in addition to the analysis and study of the function and role of panjang. In addition, it is valuable in that it has prepared a framework for analysis tools that can be applied to traditional residential complexes similar to palaces by applying space syntax to <Donggungdo> to create convex spaces according to unit space division and connection types of palace architecture and landscape elements.

The lesson From Korean War (한국전쟁의 교훈과 대비 -병력수(兵力數) 및 부대수(部隊數)를 중심으로-)

  • Yoon, Il-Young
    • Journal of National Security and Military Science
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    • s.8
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    • pp.49-168
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    • 2010
  • Just before the Korean War, the total number of the North Korean troops was 198,380, while that of the ROK(Republic of Korea) army troops 105,752. That is, the total number of the ROK army troops at that time was 53.3% of the total number of the North Korean army. As of December 2008, the total number of the North Korean troops is estimated to be 1,190,000, while that of the ROK troops is 655,000, so the ROK army maintains 55.04% of the total number of the North Korean troops. If the ROK army continues to reduce its troops according to [Military Reform Plan 2020], the total number of its troops will be 517,000 m 2020. If North Korea maintains the current status(l,190,000 troops), the number of the ROK troops will be 43.4% of the North Korean army. In terms of units, just before the Korean War, the number of the ROK army divisions and regiments was 80% and 44.8% of North Korean army. As of December 2008, North Korea maintains 86 divisions and 69 regiments. Compared to the North Korean army, the ROK army maintains 46 Divisions (53.4% of North Korean army) and 15 regiments (21.3% of North Korean army). If the ROK army continue to reduce the military units according to [Military Reform Plan 2020], the number of ROK army divisions will be 28(13 Active Division, 4 Mobilization Divisions and 11 Local Reserve Divisions), while that of the North Korean army will be 86 in 2020. In that case, the number of divisions of the ROK army will be 32.5% of North Korean army. During the Korean war, North Korea suddenly invaded the Republic of Korea and occupied its capital 3 days after the war began. At that time, the ROK army maintained 80% of army divisions, compared to the North Korean army. The lesson to be learned from this is that, if the ROK army is forced to disperse its divisions because of the simultaneous invasion of North Korea and attack of guerrillas in home front areas, the Republic of Korea can be in a serious military danger, even though it maintains 80% of military divisions of North Korea. If the ROK army promotes the plans in [Military Reform Plan 2020], the number of military units of the ROK army will be 32.5% of that of the North Korean army. This ratio is 2.4 times lower than that of the time when the Korean war began, and in this case, 90% of total military power should be placed in the DMZ area. If 90% of military power is placed in the DMZ area, few troops will be left for the defense of home front. In addition, if the ROK army continues to reduce the troops, it can allow North Korea to have asymmetrical superiority in military force and it will eventually exert negative influence on the stability and peace of the Korean peninsular. On the other hand, it should be reminded that, during the Korean War, the Republic of Korea was attacked by North Korea, though it kept 53.3% of troops, compared to North Korea. It should also be reminded that, as of 2008, the ROK army is defending its territory with the troops 55.04% of North Korea. Moreover, the national defense is assisted by 25,120 troops of the US Forces in Korea. In case the total number of the ROK troops falls below 43.4% of the North Korean army, it may cause social unrest about the national security and may lead North Korea's misjudgement. Besides, according to Lanchester strategy, the party with weaker military power (60% compared to the party with stronger military power) has the 4.1% of winning possibility. Therefore, if we consider the fact that the total number of the ROK army troops is 55.04% of that of the North Korean army, the winning possibility of the ROK army is not higher than 4.1%. If the total number of ROK troops is reduced to 43.4% of that of North Korea, the winning possibility will be lower and the military operations will be in critically difficult situation. [Military Reform Plan 2020] rums at the reduction of troops and units of the ground forces under the policy of 'select few'. However, the problem is that the financial support to achieve this goal is not secured. Therefore, the promotion of [Military Reform Plan 2020] may cause the weakening of military defence power in 2020. Some advanced countries such as Japan, UK, Germany, and France have promoted the policy of 'select few'. However, what is to be noted is that the national security situation of those countries is much different from that of Korea. With the collapse of the Soviet Unions and European communist countries, the military threat of those European advanced countries has almost disappeared. In addition, the threats those advanced countries are facing are not wars in national level, but terrorism in international level. To cope with the threats like terrorism, large scaled army trops would not be necessary. So those advanced European countries can promote the policy of 'select few'. In line with this, those European countries put their focuses on the development of military sections that deal with non-military operations and protection from unspecified enemies. That is, those countries are promoting the policy of 'select few', because they found that the policy is suitable for their national security environment. Moreover, since they are pursuing common interest under the European Union(EU) and they can form an allied force under NATO, it is natural that they are pursing the 'select few' policy. At present, NATO maintains the larger number of troops(2,446,000) than Russia(l,027,000) to prepare for the potential threat of Russia. The situation of japan is also much different from that of Korea. As a country composed of islands, its prime military focus is put on the maritime defense. Accordingly, the development of ground force is given secondary focus. The japanese government promotes the policy to develop technology-concentrated small size navy and air-forces, instead of maintaining large-scaled ground force. In addition, because of the 'Peace Constitution' that was enacted just after the end of World War II, japan cannot maintain troops more than 240,000. With the limited number of troops (240,000), japan has no choice but to promote the policy of 'select few'. However, the situation of Korea is much different from the situations of those countries. The Republic of Korea is facing the threat of the North Korean Army that aims at keeping a large-scale military force. In addition, the countries surrounding Korea are also super powers containing strong military forces. Therefore, to cope with the actual threat of present and unspecified threat of future, the importance of maintaining a carefully calculated large-scale military force cannot be denied. Furthermore, when considering the fact that Korea is in a peninsular, the Republic of Korea must take it into consideration the tradition of continental countries' to maintain large-scale military powers. Since the Korean War, the ROK army has developed the technology-force combined military system, maintaining proper number of troops and units and pursuing 'select few' policy at the same time. This has been promoted with the consideration of military situation in the Koran peninsular and the cooperation of ROK-US combined forces. This kind of unique military system that cannot be found in other countries can be said to be an insightful one for the preparation for the actual threat of North Korea and the conflicts between continental countries and maritime countries. In addition, this kind of technology-force combined military system has enabled us to keep peace in Korea. Therefore, it would be desirable to maintain this technology-force combined military system until the reunification of the Korean peninsular. Furthermore, it is to be pointed out that blindly following the 'select few' policy of advanced countries is not a good option, because it is ignoring the military strategic situation of the Korean peninsular. If the Republic of Korea pursues the reduction of troops and units radically without consideration of the threat of North Korea and surrounding countries, it could be a significant strategic mistake. In addition, the ROK army should keep an eye on the fact the European advanced countries and Japan that are not facing direct military threats are spending more defense expenditures than Korea. If the ROK army reduces military power without proper alternatives, it would exert a negative effect on the stable economic development of Korea and peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsular. Therefore, the desirable option would be to focus on the development of quality of forces, maintaining proper size and number of troops and units under the technology-force combined military system. The tableau above shows that the advanced countries like the UK, Germany, Italy, and Austria spend more defense expenditure per person than the Republic of Korea, although they do not face actual military threats, and that they keep achieving better economic progress than the countries that spend less defense expenditure. Therefore, it would be necessary to adopt the merits of the defense systems of those advanced countries. As we have examined, it would be desirable to maintain the current size and number of troops and units, to promote 'select few' policy with increased defense expenditure, and to strengthen the technology-force combined military system. On the basis of firm national security, the Republic of Korea can develop efficient policies for reunification and prosperity, and jump into the status of advanced countries. Therefore, the plans to reduce troops and units in [Military Reform Plan 2020] should be reexamined. If it is difficult for the ROK army to maintain its size of 655,000 troops because of low birth rate, the plans to establish the prompt mobilization force or to adopt drafting system should be considered for the maintenance of proper number of troops and units. From now on, the Republic of Korean government should develop plans to keep peace as well as to prepare unexpected changes in the Korean peninsular. For the achievement of these missions, some options can be considered. The first one is to maintain the same size of military troops and units as North Korea. The second one is to maintain the same level of military power as North Korea in terms of military force index. The third one is to maintain the same level of military power as North Korea, with the combination of the prompt mobilization force and the troops in active service under the system of technology-force combined military system. At present, it would be not possible for the ROK army to maintain such a large-size military force as North Korea (1,190,000 troops and 86 units). So it would be rational to maintain almost the same level of military force as North Korea with the combination of the troops on the active list and the prompt mobilization forces. In other words, with the combination of the troops in active service (60%) and the prompt mobilization force (40%), the ROK army should develop the strategies to harmonize technology and forces. The Korean government should also be prepared for the strategic flexibility of USFK, the possibility of American policy change about the location of foreign army, radical unexpected changes in North Korea, the emergence of potential threat, surrounding countries' demand for Korean force for the maintenance of regional stability, and demand for international cooperation against terrorism. For this, it is necessary to develop new approaches toward the proper number and size of troops and units. For instance, to prepare for radical unexpected political or military changes in North Korea, the Republic of Korea should have plans to protect a large number of refugees, to control arms and people, to maintain social security, and to keep orders in North Korea. From the experiences of other countries, it is estimated that 115,000 to 230,000 troops, plus ten thousands of police are required to stabilize the North Korean society, in the case radical unexpected military or political change happens in North Korea. In addition, if the Republic of Korea should perform the release of hostages, control of mass destruction weapons, and suppress the internal wars in North Korea, it should send 460,000 troops to North Korea. Moreover, if the Republic of Korea wants to stop the attack of North Korea and flow of refugees in DMZ area, at least 600,000 troops would be required. In sum, even if the ROK army maintains 600,000 troops, it may need additional 460,000 troops to prepare for unexpected radical changes in North Korea. For this, it is necessary to establish the prompt mobilization force whose size and number are almost the same as the troops in active service. In case the ROK army keeps 650,000 troops, the proper number of the prompt mobilization force would be 460,000 to 500,000.

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