Regional Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Republic of Korea, 2007-2011

( Geun Yong Kwon ),( Hyung Min Lee ),( Jin Gwack ),( Sang Won Lee ),( Moran Ki ),( Seung Ki Youn ) 대한소화기학회 2014 Gut and Liver Vol.8 No.4

Background/Aims: In Korea, hepatitis C is included as an infectious disease in a sentinel surveillance system. Recently, a large variation in hepatitis C incidence between different regions in Korea has been noticed. The current study verified the nationwide distribution of hepatitis C infection for effective prevention and management. Methods: We counted the number of hepatitis C patients who visited a hospital per county using the National Health Insurance database from 2007 to 2011. The age-adjusted prevalence ratio was used, and the age adjustment method was used as an indirect standardization method. Disease mapping and spatial analysis were conducted using a geographic information system. Results: The annual prevalence of diagnosed hepatitis C was approximately 0.12% to 0.13% in Korea. The age-adjusted prevalence ratios in Busan, Jeonnam, and Gyeongnam were high (1.75, 1.4, and 1.3, respectively). The three regions in the southern coastal area of the Korean Peninsula were identified as a high-prevalence cluster (Moran`s index, 0.3636). Conclusions: The present study showed that hepatitis C infection has very large regional variation, and there are several high-risk areas. Preventive measures focusing on these areas should be applied to block the transmission of hepatitis C and reduce the disease burden. (Gut Liver 2014;8:428-432)

Effect of interface voids on electroluminescence colors for ZnO microdisk/<i>p</i>-GaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes

Mo, Ran,Choi, Ji Eun,Kim, Hyeong Jin,Jeong, Junseok,Kim, Jong Chan,Kim, Yong-Jin,Jeong, Hu Young,Hong, Young Joon American Institute of Physics 2017 Applied Physics Letters Vol.111 No.14

Appraising genetic resources in pigs

Moran, Chris 濟州大學校 農科大學 動物科學硏究所 2000 動物科學論叢 Vol.15 No.1

Influence of Different Dielectrics and Machining Parameters for Electrical Discharge-Assisted Milling of Titanium Alloy

Moran Xu,Changping Li,Rendi Kurniawan,Jielin Chen,Tae Jo Ko 한국정밀공학회 2022 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.23 No.10

The machinability of the hybrid machining method for electrical discharge assisted milling (EDAM) has been validated in previous research. The influence of three different dielectrics (kerosene, EDM oil, and deionized water) on the performance of the EDAM was investigated in this study. An analysis of the discharged signal, surface morphology, and elemental composition of the electrode under different machining parameters reveals the influence of different dielectrics. The results show that compared with deionized water, kerosene and EDM oil have a higher discharge frequency. After long-term discharge, debris and carbides will be generated during processing, which will affect the microhardness and discharge stability of the processed material. Among the result of EDAM, EDM oil produced the best surface integrity, with surface roughness values 34.93%, 87.92%, and 121.68% lower than those of kerosene, deionized water, and conventional milling (CM), respectively. The results show that EDAM reduces the microhardness after machining by reducing the plastic deformation of the surface.

Factors Affecting High Mortality Rates of Dairy Replacement Calves and Heifers in the Tropics and Strategies for Their Reduction

Moran, John B. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2011 Animal Bioscience Vol.24 No.9

The tropics is not an ideal location for calf rearing as the high temperatures and humidities introduce many potential disease problems to milk fed calves. In addition, the type of dairy farming (generally poorly resourced small holder farming) and the general lack of awareness of the long term implications of poorly reared stock do not encourage farmers to pay close attention to their calf and heifer rearing systems. Surveys of calf rearing systems in Asia, tropical Africa and South America highlight the high calf and heifer mortalities. A range of 15 to 25% pre-weaning calf mortality is typical on many tropical dairy farms. It is often as high as 50%, indicating very poor calf management. This contrasts with US findings of less than 8% mortality from birth to 6 months while surveys of Australian farmers report only 3% losses. Simple extension programs on farms in Sri Lanka and Kenya have drastically reduced calf mortalities and improved pre-weaning growth rates. Improved management strategies leading to lower calving intervals, higher calving rates, reduced still born and pre-weaned calf mortalities and fewer non pregnant heifers can supply many more dairy herd replacements than currently occurs. Such strategies can increase the number of replacement heifer calves in the herd from 15 to over 35%, thus allowing farmers to increase their herd sizes through natural increases. Simple management procedures such as ensuring adequate intake of good quality colostrum within the first 12 hours of life, housing and good hygiene to minimise disease transfer, providing clean drinking water, developing appropriate feeding protocols to encourage early rumen development and paying closer attention to climate control and animal health can all lead to improved calf vigour and performance. Good record keeping is also important so farmers can more easily identify susceptible calves and quickly treat potential problems.

Comprehensive Study on the Cutting Force Modeling and Machinability of High Frequency Electrical Discharge Assisted Milling Process Using a Novel Tool

Moran Xu,Rong Wei,Changping Li,Rendi Kurniawan,Jielin Chen,Tae Jo Ko 한국정밀공학회 2023 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.10 No.2

Previous research had validated the machinability of the new machining method of electrical discharge assisted milling (EDAM). However, the EDAM tool has shortcomings, such as its inability to compensate for the electrodes and small discharge area, which restricted further popularization and applications of the method. So, this research introduced a high frequency EDAM (HF-EDAM), based on a novel tool with flexible electrodes. Notably, the material removal mechanism of HF-EDAM under different machining parameters was deeply explored in this study. In particular, the discharge signal, electrode and workpiece surface topographies, cutting force, tool wear, and machined-surface integrity of HF-EDAM were analyzed to find the machining mechanism of HF-EDAM under different machining parameters. At the same time, a two-dimensional cutting force model of HF-EDAM was also established, and a series of experiments showed that the model had good prediction accuracy for cutting forces. Furthermore, the experiments also showed that the HF-EDAM greatly reduced the cutting force and tool wear, and improved the machined-surface integrity as compared to those under CM, respectively. In essence, the excellent machinability of HF-EDAM was verified by experiments and modeling. Hence, HF-EDAM is an effective method for high-quality and efficient machining of titanium alloys, which are difficult to machine.

AAFCS Credentialing : Quality Support for Quality Families

Moran, Jim 대한가정학회 2003 Human Ecology Research(HER) Vol.41 No.11

Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korean Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Big Data Analysis

( Moran Ki ),( Hwa Young Choi ),( Bo Hyun Kim ),( Joong-won Park ) 대한간학회 2016 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2016 No.1

Aims: The Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and/or its individual componentshave been linked to the development of various cancers. Recentstudies have suggested MetS as a risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). However, the association between MetS and HCC is incontroversial especially in an HBV- and HCV-endemic area. We evaluatedthe association between the MetS and HCC in Korea.Methods: The HCC incidences according to the MetS were analyzedin general population by using the Health Examination Cohort dataof National Health Insurance. We followed all 112,794 people whowere 40-79 years old and had health examination in 2002 or 2003.According to limited source justification, the criteria for MetS areas follows: BMI 25+, hypertension SBP 130+ or DBP 85+, fastingblood glucose (FBG) 100mg/dL+ and total cholesterol (TC) 240mg/dL+. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used.Results: Out of 112,794 people, 40,443(35.9%) had one,26,410(23.4%) had two, 19,874(17.6%) had three, and 1,604(1.4%)had four components of MetS. HCC incidence rates for 10 yearswere 1.27% for one, 1.38% for two, 0.59% for three, and 1.12%for four components groups of MetS. Univariate analysis on risk ofHCC showed significant results with hypertension (HR: 1.184), FBG(HR: 1.256) and TC (HR: 0.676). However, after adjusting for age,sex, alcohol drinking, and viral hepatitis (B and/or C), only TC (HR:0.717) showed a significant result. After excluding TC which showedprotective effect, adjusted HRs of BMI, FBG, and hypertension werenot significant (1.016, 1.046 and 1.038, respectively).Conclusions: MetS may not be a significant risk for HCC developmentin a Korean population-based study. A subsequent analysis of theHCC risk and MetS is currently under way in the second set includingdata of triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol.

Causes and countermeasures for repeated outbreaks of hepatitis A among adults in Korea

Moran Ki,Hyunjin Son,Bo Youl Choi 한국역학회 2019 Epidemiology and Health Vol.41 No.-

The 2019 hepatitis A outbreak has become increasingly prevalent among adults in Korea and is the largest outbreak since that in 2009-2010. The incidence in the current outbreak is highest among adults aged 35-44 years, corresponding to the peak incidence among those aged 25-34 years 10 years ago. This may indicate a cohort effect in the corresponding age group. Causes of these repeated outbreaks of hepatitis A in Korea are low level of immunity among adults, Korean food culture that consumes raw seafood such as salted clam and inadequate public health system. Among countermeasures, along with general infectious disease control measures including control of the infectious agent, infection spread, and host, urgent actions are needed to review the vaccination policy and establish an adequate public health system.

Healthcare Costs for Chronic Hepatitis C in South Korea from 2009 to 2013: An Analysis of the National Health Insurance Claims’ Data

( Moran Ki ),( Hwa Young Choi ),( Kyung-ah Kim ),( Eun Sun Jang ),( Sook-hyang Jeong ) 대한간학회 2017 Gut and Liver Vol.11 No.6

Background/Aims: The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in 2013 revolutionized hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, offering a cure rate >90%. However, this therapy is expensive, and estimations of the number of chronic HCV-infected (CHC) patients and their treatment costs pre-2013 are therefore essential for creating policies and expanding drug access. Herein, we aimed to investigate the number of HCV-related liver disease patients, their healthcare utilization, their annual direct medical costs, and the interferon-based antiviral treatment rates and costs from 2009 to 2013 in South Korea. Methods: The National Health Insurance database was reviewed, and patients diagnosed with CHC from 2009 to 2013 were extracted. Data regarding detailed healthcare utilization, prescribed drugs, and direct medical costs were obtained. For annual direct healthcare cost calculations, a prevalence-based approach was used. Results: Overall, 181,768 CHC patients were identified. In 2013, the annual per-patient costs for chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and the first year post-liver transplant were 895, 1,873, 6,945, and 67,359 United States dollars, respectively. Interferon-based antiviral therapeutics were prescribed to 25,223 patients (13.9%). Conclusions: Healthcare costs have increased remarkably with increasing liver disease severity. Thus, efforts to stop disease progression are needed. Moreover, the low rate of interferon-based therapy indicates an unmet need for DAA. (Gut Liver 2017;11:835-842)