• Title/Summary/Keyword: use potential

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Intent to Use a Smartphone Application for Radiation Monitoring in Correlation with Anxiety about Exposure to Radiation, Recognition of Risks, and Attitudes toward the Use of Radiation

  • Han, Eunkyoung;Rott, Carsten;Hong, Seung-Woo
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.42 no.4
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    • pp.205-211
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    • 2017
  • Background: Radiation is used in a variety of areas, but it also poses potential risks. Although radiation is often used with great effectiveness in many applications, people perceive potential risks associated with radiation and feel anxious about the possibility of radiation exposure. Various methods of measuring radiation doses have been developed, but there is no way for the general public to measure their doses with ease. Currently, many people use smartphones, which provide information about the location of an individual phone through network connections. If a smartphone application could be developed for measuring radiation dosage, it would be a very effective way to measure individuals' radiation doses. Thus, we conducted a survey study to assess the social acceptance of such a technology by the general public and their intent to use that technology to measure radiation doses, as well as to investigate whether such an intention is correlated with anxiety and attitudes toward the use of radiation. Materials and Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted among 355 Koreans who were 20 years old or older. Results and Discussion: Significant differences were found between the genders in attitudes, perceptions of radiation risk, and fears of exposure to radiation. However, a significant difference according to age was observed only in the intent to use a smartphone dose measurement application. Attitudes towards the use of radiation exerted a negative effect on radiation risk perception and exposure anxiety, whereas attitudes towards the use of radiation, risk perception, and anxiety about exposure were found to have a positive impact on the intent to use a smartphone application for dose measurements. Conclusion: A survey-based study was conducted to investigate how the general public perceives radiation and to examine the acceptability of a smartphone application as a personal dose monitoring device. If such an application is developed, it could be used not only to monitor an individual's dose, but also to contribute to radiation safety information infrastructure by mapping radiation in different areas, which could be utilized as a useful basis for radiation research.

Integrated Tree Crops-ruminants Systems in South East Asia: Advances in Productivity Enhancement and Environmental Sustainability

  • Devendra, C.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.24 no.5
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    • pp.587-602
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    • 2011
  • Improved efficiency in the use of natural resources, pragmatic production systems and environmental sustainability, justified by the need for improved land use systems and increased productivity, are discussed in the context of Asian integrated systems, diversification, and issues of sustainability. The importance of these are reflected by serious inadequate animal protein production throughout Asia, where available supplies cannot match current and projected human requirements up to 2050. Among the ruminant production systems, integrated tree crops-ruminant production systems are grossly underestimated and merit emphasis and expansion. As an example, integrated oil palm- based system is an important pathway for integration with ruminants (buffaloes, cattle, goats and sheep), and provides the entry point for development. The importance and benefits of integrated systems are discussed, involving animals with annual and perennial tree crops, integration with aquaculture, the significance of crop-animal interactions, stratification of the systems, production options, improved use of forages and legumes, potential for enhanced productivity, implications for improved livelihoods of the rural poor and the stability of farm households. The advances in research and development in South East Asia highlight demonstrable increased productivity from animals and meat offtakes, value addition to the oil palm crop, sustainable development, and distinct economic impacts. The results from 12 out of a total of 24 case studies concerning oil palm over the past three decades showed increased yield of 0.49-3.52 mt of fresh fruit bunches (FFB)/ha/yr; increased income by about 30%; savings in weeding costs by 47- 60% equivalent to 21-62 RM/ha/yr; and an internal rate of return of 19% based on actual field data. The results provide important socio-economic benefits for resource-poor small farmers. Potential increased offtakes and additional income exist with the integration of goats. Additionally, the potential for carbon sequestration with tree crops is an advantage. The reasons for low adoption of the syatems are poor awareness of the potential of integrated systems, resistance by the crop- oriented plantation sector, and inadequate technology application. Promoting wider expansion and adoption of the systems in the future is linked directly with coherent policy, institutional commitment, increased investments, private sector involvement, and a stimulus package of incentives.

A Study on Groundwater Contamination Potential of Pyungtaek-Gun Area, Kyunggi-Do Using GIS (GIS를 이용한 경기도 평택군 지역의 지하수 오염 가능성 평가 연구)

  • 조시범;민경덕;우남칠;이사로
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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    • v.6 no.2
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    • pp.87-94
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    • 1999
  • This study is providing Modified DRASTIC Model to which lineament density and land use are added as additional factors using geographic infomation system(GIS). and then to evaluate groundwater contamination potential of Pyungtek-Gun area in Kyunggi-Do. In this study. the reason for using additional factors is because. in case of lineament density. when we consider that most of aquifer is bedrock aquifer in hydrogeologic environment of the Korea, lineament is very important to flow of groundwater and contamination material. and because land use can reflect indirectly impact of point or non_point source in study area. For statistical analysis. vector coverage per each factor is converted to grid layer and after each correlation coefficient between factors, covariance, variance. eigenvalue and eigenvector by principal component analysis of 3 direction. are calculated. correlation between factors is analyzed. Also after correlation coefficients between general DRASTIC layer and rated lineament density layer and between general DRASTIC layer and rated land use layer are calculated. final modified DRASTIC Model is constructed by using them with each weighting. when modified DRASTIC Model was compared with general DRASTIC Model, comtamination potential in modified DRASTIC Model is fairly detailed and consequently. vulnerable area which has high contamination potential could be presented concretly.

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Concurrent Use of Sulfonylureas and Antimicrobials of the Elderly in Korea: A Potential Risk of Hypoglycemia (고령자에서 Sulfonylureas와 항균제의 병용투여 현황)

  • Lee, Sera;Ock, Miyoung;Kim, Hyunah
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.28 no.3
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    • pp.188-193
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    • 2018
  • Background: Previous studies have noted that the simultaneous use of sulfonylureas and antimicrobials, which is common, could increase the risk of hypoglycemia. In particular, an age of 65 years or older is a known risk factor for sulfonylurea-related hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients. Therefore, we performed this study to determine the potential risk of hypoglycemia from the concurrent use of antimicrobials and sulfonylureas. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort from 2013. The eligibility criteria included patients of 65 years of age or older taking a sulfonylurea with 25 different antimicrobials. Different risk ratings of severity in drug-drug interactions (potential DDIs), level X, D, or C in Lexi-$Interact^{TM}$ online, and contraindicated, major, or moderate severity level in $Micromedex^{(R)}$ were included. SAS version 9.4 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 6,006 elderly patients with 25,613 prescriptions were included. The largest age group was 70 to 74 (32.7%), and 39.7% of patients were men. The mean number of prescriptions was 4.3 per patient. The most frequently used antimicrobials were levofloxacin (6,583, 25.7%), ofloxacin (6,549, 25.6%), fluconazole (4,678, 18.0%), and ciprofloxacin (2,551, 9.8%). Among sulfonylureas, glimepiride was prescribed most frequently, followed by gliclazide, glibenclamide, and glipizide. Conclusion: Of the antimicrobials with a high potential of hypoglycemia, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, fluconazole, and ciprofloxacin were used frequently. Thus, the monitoring of clinically relevant interactions is required for patients concurrently administered sulfonylureas and antimicrobials.

Analysis of Non-point Source Pollution using GIS Technique (GIS를 이용한 충주호주변의 비점원 오염 분석 연구)

  • 김윤종;유일현;김원영;류주영;이영훈;민경덕
    • Spatial Information Research
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.1-18
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    • 1995
  • Despite the widespread use of GIS over the past ten years, it has been limited application for regional modeling of pollutant loadings such as sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus(non-point source pollution), The goals of this study were to: select important processes and parameters of watersheds that contribute to non-point source pollution degradation, develop a ranking model to use the environmental geologic data and verify the model by comparing results with existing water quality data(Chung-ju Lake) for specific watersheds, The GIS database consisted of topography, geology, soils, precipitation, rainfall erosivity, land use, and watershed boundaries. The index(NPSP) for assessing non-point source pollution was comprised in the following three seperate components: soil loss index(SLI) assesses the potential soil erosion and sedim-ent delivery from field to stream; run-off potential ratio(R.P.R) predicts the potential production of surface runoff; chloropgyll-a index ranks the potential manure(animal or human) production within a watershed. The GIS model was a valuable tool to assess the impact of environmental pollation in watersheds.

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Increase in Potential Low-value Magnetic Resonance Imaging Utilization Due to Out-of-pocket Payment Reduction Across Income Groups in Korea: An Experimental Vignette Study

  • Shin, Yukyung;Lee, Ji-Su;Do, Young Kyung
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.55 no.4
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    • pp.389-397
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    • 2022
  • Objectives: This study examined the effect of out-of-pocket (OOP) payment reduction on the potential utilization of low-value magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across income groups. Methods: We conducted an experimental vignette survey using a proportional quota-based sample of individuals in Korea (n=1229). In two hypothetical vignettes, participants were asked whether they would be willing to use MRI if they had uncomplicated headache and non-specific low back pain, each before and after OOP payment reduction. To account for the possible role of physician inducement, half of the participants were initially presented with vignettes that included a physician recommendation for low-value care. The predicted probability, slope index of inequality (SII), and relative index of inequality (RII) were calculated using logistic regression. Results: Before OOP payment reduction, the lowest income quintile was least likely to use low-value MRI regardless of physician inducement (36.7-49.6% for low back pain; 30.5-39.3% for headache). After OOP payment reduction, almost all individuals in each income quintile were willing to use low-value MRI (89.8-98.0% for low back pain; 78.1-90.3% for headache). Absolute and relative inequalities concerning potential low-value MRI utilization decreased after OOP payments were reduced, even without physician inducement (SII: from 8.15 to 5.37%, RII: from 1.20 to 1.06 for low back pain; SII: from 6.99 to 0.83%, RII: from 1.20 to 1.01 for headache). Conclusions: OOP payment reduction for MRI has the potential to increase low-value care utilization among all income groups while decreasing inequality in low-value care utilization.

General Public Knowledge Regarding Topical Corticosteroids: A Nationwide Survey in South Korea

  • Seo, Heenam;Song, Seoung Yeon;Kim, Dahye;Park, Ji Hwan;Shin, Yoonho;Lee, Kang Hyuk;Choi, Soo An;Lee, Ju-Yeun;Kim, Do Young;Shin, Wan Gyoon;Kim, Eunyoung
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.84-92
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    • 2022
  • Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are available both as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines at pharmacies. Although they are generally safe drugs, inappropriate and excessive use could result in potential side effects. Thus, it is important to have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of TCs. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess public knowledge and the potential misuse or overuse of TCs. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide online survey was conducted among participants who were aware of TCs. The survey items included sources of information, indications, potential side effects, and methods of application of TCs. A comparative analysis was conducted between those with (TC users) and without (TC non-users) an experience of using TCs. Results: Among 3,000 participants, 74.4% were TC users. The mass media was the most common information source of TCs, and only one-third of the surveyed people relied on pharmacists or doctors for information. Regarding indications and application methods, incorrect answer rate was high in some items, but respondents showed adequate knowledge. However, awareness of the safety of TCs was low. Overall, the TC users showed a higher knowledge of TCs than TC non-users. Conclusions: Public knowledge of the use of TCs appears to be appropriate. However, we found potential misuse or overuse of some items and a lack of awareness of the side effects concerning TCs. Thus, healthcare professionals' significant role is required.

Study on Utilizing Resources in Ecopolis -Evaluation of the Potential Heat Capacity of Sewage For Utilizing as Sewage Energy- (생태도시에서의 자원활용에 관한 연구 -하수 에너지 활용을 위한 보유열량 평가-)

  • 정용현
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
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    • v.12 no.6
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    • pp.583-591
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    • 2003
  • The research on potential energy was conducted to conserve the high-exergy energy like primary energy and utilize waste heat from sewage. From the Point of view in using the waste heat, the energy Potential of waste water from the model house was simulated. From the results, when the heated water was supplied to the model house side in order to put unused energy to Practice use, heated water had higher energy Potential than unheated water, which was due to the discharge of most of unused energy. The possessing heat capacity of sewage from heated water was increased to 40-70 percents in comparison with that from the unheated water. Therefore, it can be used as energy source for improving coefficient of performance of heat pumps. By adopting the multiple heat pump into a model house, It showed that the possessing heat capacity of sewage was reduced. It was also found that the heat was recovered as energy source fur multiple heat pump in a model house.

Surface Potential Properties of CuPc/Au Interface with Varying Temperature (CuPc/Au 계면에서의 온도 변화에 따른 표면전위 특성)

  • Lee, Ho-Shik;Park, Yong-Pil
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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    • v.21 no.10
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    • pp.934-937
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    • 2008
  • Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are of interest for use in widely area electronic applications. We fabricated a copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) based field-effect transistor with different metal electrode. So we need the effect of the substituent group attached to the phthalocyanine on the surface potential was investigated by Kelvin probe method with varying temperature of the substrate. We were obtained the positive shift of the surface potential for CuPc thin film. We observed the electron displacement at the interface between Au electrode and CuPc layer and we were confirmed by the surface potential measurement.

Thermodynamic Model for Partition Coefficients in the Two Protein Systems

  • Jung, Chang-Min;Bae, Young-Chan;Kim, Jae-Jun
    • Macromolecular Research
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    • v.15 no.7
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    • pp.682-687
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    • 2007
  • The equation of state developed herein is predicated on a hard-sphere reference with perturbations introduced via a potential function to account for electrostatic forces and for attraction between protein particles. During this process, the generalized Lennard-Jones (GLJ) pair potential function is employed. The GLJ pair potential function is employed to represent the protein-protein interaction in two-protein systems. Via the use of the relation between the equation of state and the chemical potential, the phase behavior in the aqueous two-protein system can be estimated. The partition coefficients can be obtained via these processes. The calculated values of the coefficients agree fairly well with the experimental data in the given pH and ionic strength range, with no additional adjustable model parameters.