• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.51-57
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• 2021

The seawater cooling system of naval ships is installed to remove the toxic substances generated by CBR (Chemical, Biological, and Radiological) warfare and reduce the infrared signature of naval ships from outside the hull. The dispersion range of the nozzle is determined according to the injection pressure of seawater and the nozzle type. Therefore, it is necessary to select the appropriate injection pressure and design the optimal nozzles to increase the seawater dispersion area and maximize the efficiency of the cooling system. In this study, the applying feasibility of 3D printing technology to produce an injection nozzle for the seawater cooling system was examined. To this end, the extruded plastic specimens were fabricated by 3D printing, and the physical properties of the specimens were estimated through tensile testing. After this, the strain and stress of the nozzle as a function of the pressure were simulated by applying the estimated results to the finite element analysis. The finite element analysis results showed that the nozzle remained within the elastic range at the optimal pressure. The nozzle was estimated to be structurally stable, and the possibility of this study was confirmed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.705-715
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• 2021

Objective : Through our previous clinical trials, the demonstrated therapeutic effects of MSC in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) were found to be not sufficient. Therefore, the need to develop stem cell agent with enhanced efficacy is increased. We transplanted enhanced Wnt3-asecreting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) into injured spines at 6 weeks after SCI to improve axonal regeneration in a rat model of chronic SCI. We hypothesized that enhanced Wnt3a protein expression could augment neuro-regeneration after SCI. Methods : Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were injured using an Infinite Horizon (IH) impactor at the T9-10 vertebrae and separated into five groups : 1) phosphate-buffered saline injection (injury only group, n=7); 2) hMSC transplantation (MSC, n=7); 3) hMSC transfected with pLenti vector (without Wnt3a gene) transplantation (pLenti-MSC, n=7); 4) hMSC transfected with Wnt3a gene transplantation (Wnt3a-MSC, n=7); and 5) hMSC transfected with enhanced Wnt3a gene (1.7 fold Wnt3a mRNA expression) transplantation (1.7 Wnt3a-MSC, n=8). Six weeks after SCI, each 5×10⁵ cells/15 µL at 2 points were injected using stereotactic and microsyringe pump. To evaluate functional recovery from SCI, rats underwent Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor test on the first, second, and third days post-injury and then weekly for 14 weeks. Axonal regeneration was assessed using growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), and neurofilament (NF) immunostaining. Results : Fourteen weeks after injury (8 weeks after transplantation), BBB score of the 1.7 Wnt3a-MSC group (15.0±0.28) was significantly higher than that of the injury only (10.0±0.48), MSC (12.57±0.48), pLenti-MSC (12.42±0.48), and Wnt3a-MSC (13.71±0.61) groups (p<0.05). Immunostaining revealed increased expression of axonal regeneration markers GAP43, MAP2, and NF in the Wnt3a-MSC and 1.7 Wnt3a-MSC groups. Conclusion : Our results showed that enhanced gene expression of Wnt3a in hMSC can potentiate axonal regeneration and improve functional recovery in a rat model of chronic SCI.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.136-141
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• 2021

Background: Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, poses a major concern to surgeons. We conducted this study to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of AKI after orthopedic surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included 351 patients who underwent total hip or knee replacement surgery at Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. Results: AKI occurred in 13 (3.7%) of the 351 patients. The patients' preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 66.66 ±34.02 mL/min/1.73 m² in the AKI group and 78.07±21.23 mL/min/1.73 m² in the non-AKI group. The hemoglobin levels were 11.21±1.65 g/dL in the AKI group and 12.39±1.52 g/dL in the non-AKI group. Hemoglobin level was related to increased risk of AKI (odds ratio [OR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.68; p=0.016). Administration of crystalloid or colloid fluid alone and the perioperative amount of fluid did not show any significant relationship with AKI. Further analysis of the changes in eGFR was performed using a cutoff value of 7.54. The changes in eGFR were significantly related to decreased risk of AKI (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61-0.89; p=0.002). Conclusion: Renal function should be monitored closely after orthopedic surgery if patients have chronic kidney disease and low hemoglobin level. Predicting the likelihood of AKI occurrence, early treatment of high-risk patients, and monitoring perioperative laboratory test results, including eGFR, will help improve patient prognosis.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.1103-1109
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• 2021

ECS is a control device so that the warship can perform the mission stably by controlling and monitoring the entire propulsion system. As the recent provisions of the warship, it's propelling system is complicated than past, as the demand performance and mission of the warships are diverse. In accordance with the complicated propulsion system configuration, the demand for automatic control function of the ECS is increasing for convenient and stable propulsion system control for convenient and stable. As a result, verification of ECS stability and reliability is required. In this paper, we develop an interlocking signal simulator for verifying ECS control logic and communication protocol for warship with CODLOG propulsion systems. The simulator developed was implemented to simulate a signal of gas turbine, propulsion motors, diesel generator and 11 kinds of auxiliary equipment. The reliability of ECS was verified through the ECS communication program and the I/O signal static test with the simulator.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.199-208
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the masking ability of three types of high translucent zirconia according to the various thicknesses and backgrounds. Materials and Methods: Using three types of high-translucency zirconia (Ceramill zolid fx white, Ceramill zolid ht+ white, Ceramill zolid ht+ preshade A2), 10 cylindrical specimens were fabricated in 10mm diameter and each with four thicknesses (0.6 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm), respectively by CAD/CAM method. The background was 10 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness. A1, A2, A3 flowable resin backgrounds, blue-colored core resin background, and Ni-Cr alloy background were prepared, and black, white backgrounds provided by the spectrophotometer manufacturer (x-rite, Koblach, Austria) were used. zirconia specimens and the background specimen were stacked to measure L, a^*, b^* with Spectrophotometer (Color i5, x-rite, Koblach, Austria) and the ΔE value with the other background is calculated. The Calculated mean ΔE values were compared based on perceptibility threshold 1.0 and acceptability threshold 3.7. Nonparametric tests such as Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to verify statistical significance (α = 0.05). Results: There was a significant difference in the mean ΔE value according to the zirconia type, background and thickness change (P = 0.000). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the pre-colored high-translucent zirconia can obtain the desired zirconia shade when it is restored on teeth, composite resins, and abutments except for the blue resin core.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2022

It is a study for the evaluation of the stability of the distribution automation system for the expansion of renewable energy. Through the Renewable Energy 3020 Implementation Plan, the government plans to expand new renewable energy and convert it to participatory energy that improves the quality of life of the people by 2030. The government has set a target of 20% of domestic supply energy for renewable energy generation by 2030. It is planning to establish more than 95 percent of its new facilities with clean energy such as solar power and wind power. By expanding the supply of renewable energy, new energy businesses and distributed power industry were fostered, and short-distance, low-voltage, and small-scale power generation were rapidly expanded rather than large-scale power development in the past. Due to this demand, the importance of power distribution facility operation has emerged and the need for distribution automation system is increasing. This paper discusses the development of a power distribution simulator for the performance and function evaluation of power distribution automation systems and presents the results of an interlocking test with the power distribution automation system. In order to introduce an advanced system into the power distribution system, it is necessary to take advantage of the transmission and distribution system. The DNP3.0 protocol is used in the distribution system and the IEC61850 protocol is used in the transmission and distribution system. It was concluded that the functions and performance of operations were satisfied when these two protocols are mixed and used in the distribution automation system.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.592-608
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• 2022

This study conducted a group reminiscence program for the elderly who use the elderly daycare center. And this study verified the effectiveness of the elderly's mental health related quality of life to identify the relationship between the participating elderly and the non-participating elderly in a group reminiscence program. To this end, in order to examine the effectiveness of a group reminiscence programs for the elderly using the daycare center on MHRQoL, and the difference between the experimental group and the control group was compared with the non-equivalent control group pre-post test design. The research results are as follows. First, the experimental group that conducted the group reminiscence program in this study had a higher quality of life than the control group that did not participate the group reminiscence program. Second, significant results were found in vitality and mental health in the sub-factors of MHRQoL of the experimental group, and emotional role restriction and social function did not show significant results. Based on the results of this study, to develop and improve programs that encompass the entire sub-areas of MHRQoL, and to implement programs that positively affect the psycho-social intervention for the elderly persons. Finally, it was suggested to link and cooperate with senior welfare centers and general social welfare centers.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.363-373
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to improve the gait ability and quality of life of stroke patients by combining virtual reality technology and a visual feedback gait training program with entertainment elements. Ten stroke patients with circumduction gait were selected. The visual feedback treadmill gait training program using virtual reality technology and a force plate measurement system was conducted 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, with 25 sessions in 5 weeks. To investigate the effects of this gait training program, evaluations using the joint range-of-motion test, muscle activity tests, Berg balance scale (BBS), gait analysis, and stroke-specific quality-of-life scale (SS-QOL) were performed before and after intervention. Statistically significant differences were found in the joint range of motion and muscle activity of the affected side from the initial swing phase to the mid-swing phase of the gait cycle, dynamic balance, gait function, and quality of life (p <0.05). The results of this study indicate that the gait training program improved the foot drop, muscle activity, dynamic balance, and gait ability of stroke patients with circumduction gait, thereby improving the quality of life of the patients. Therefore, we recommend the application of the visual feedback treadmill gait training program using virtual reality technology and a force plate measurement system to improve gait ability and quality of life of stroke patients with circumduction gait.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.341-352
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• 2022

Medical image segmentation is the most important task in radiation therapy. Especially, when segmenting medical images, the liver is one of the most difficult organs to segment because it has various shapes and is close to other organs. Therefore, automatic segmentation of the liver in computed tomography (CT) images is a difficult task. Since tumors also have low contrast in surrounding tissues, and the shape, location, size, and number of tumors vary from patient to patient, accurate tumor segmentation takes a long time. In this study, we propose a method algorithm for automatically segmenting the liver and tumor for this purpose. As an advantage of setting the boundaries of the tumor, the liver and tumor were automatically segmented from the CT image using the 2D CoordConv DeepLab V3+ model using the CoordConv layer. For tumors, only cropped liver images were used to improve accuracy. Additionally, to increase the segmentation accuracy, augmentation, preprocess, loss function, and hyperparameter were used to find optimal values. We compared the CoordConv DeepLab v3+ model using the CoordConv layer and the DeepLab V3+ model without the CoordConv layer to determine whether they affected the segmentation accuracy. The data sets used included 131 hepatic tumor segmentation (LiTS) challenge data sets (100 train sets, 16 validation sets, and 15 test sets). Additional learned data were tested using 15 clinical data from Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The evaluation was compared with the study results learned with a two-dimensional deep learning-based model. Dice values without the CoordConv layer achieved 0.965 ± 0.01 for liver segmentation and 0.925 ± 0.04 for tumor segmentation using the LiTS data set. Results from the clinical data set achieved 0.927 ± 0.02 for liver division and 0.903 ± 0.05 for tumor division. The dice values using the CoordConv layer achieved 0.989 ± 0.02 for liver segmentation and 0.937 ± 0.07 for tumor segmentation using the LiTS data set. Results from the clinical data set achieved 0.944 ± 0.02 for liver division and 0.916 ± 0.18 for tumor division. The use of CoordConv layers improves the segmentation accuracy. The highest of the most recently published values were 0.960 and 0.749 for liver and tumor division, respectively. However, better performance was achieved with 0.989 and 0.937 results for liver and tumor, which would have been used with the algorithm proposed in this study. The algorithm proposed in this study can play a useful role in treatment planning by improving contouring accuracy and reducing time when segmentation evaluation of liver and tumor is performed. And accurate identification of liver anatomy in medical imaging applications, such as surgical planning, as well as radiotherapy, which can leverage the findings of this study, can help clinical evaluation of the risks and benefits of liver intervention.

• 한국노년학
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.511-530
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• 2020

The present study aimed to examine the moderating effects of marital satisfaction (MS) on the association between the number of chronic disease (CD) and depressive symptoms (DS) among ol der men and women. The 6th wave of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing was utilized and the sample was married men (N=585) and women (N=460) aged 65 and over. Multiple regression analysis using SPSS WIN 25.0 and Process Macro was used to test moderating effects of MS. Control variables were age, education, household income, parent-child relationship satisfaction, self-rated health, cognitive function, current smoking status and CD of spouse. Resul ts from elderly men showed the moderating effect of MS was significant. Specifically, those with more CD were more likely to report higher level of DS in the low MS group. However, the effect of CD on DS was not significant in the high MS group. Results from elderly women showed the moderating effect of MS was not significant. This study showed the moderating effect of MS on the association between CD and DS differed by gender in later life. It suggests practical intervention to utilize the resources of spouses is in need to promote mentally healthy aging even though having chronically ill in later life.