• Proceedings of the ESK Conference
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• 1996.10a
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• pp.47-55
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• 1996

This study developed a comprehensive and easily applicable nuclear reactor control system evaluation method using reactor operators behavioral and mental workload database. A proposed control panel design cycle consists of the 5 steps: (1) finding out inconvenient, erroneous, and mentally stressful factors for the proposed design through evaluative experiments, (2) drafting improved design alternatives considering detective factors found out in the step (1), (3) comparative experiements for the design alternatives, (4) selecting a best design alternative, (5) returning to the step (1) and repeating the design cycle. Reactor operators behavioral and mental workload database collected from evaluative experiments in the step (1) and comparative experiments in the step (3) of the design cycle have a key roll in finding out defective factors and yielding the criteria for selection of the proposed reactor control systems. The behavioral database was designed to include the major informations about reactor operators' control behaviors: beginning time of operations, involved displays, classification of observational behaviors, dehaviors, decisions, involved control devices, classification of control behaviors, communications, emotional status, opinions for man-machine interface, and system event log. The database for mental workload scored from various physiological variables-EEG, EOG, ECG, and respir- ation pattern-was developed to indicate the most stressful situation during reactor control operations and to give hints for defective design factors. An experimental test for the evaluation method applied to the Compact Nuclear Simulator (CNS) installed in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) suggested that some defective design factors of analog indicators should be improved and that automatization of power control to a target level would give relaxation to the subject operators in stressful situation.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.269-282
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• 2023

Purpose: Dental fear hinders patients from receiving appropriate dental treatment. In particular, the noise generated by high-speed air turbines and ultrasonic scalers can adversely affect patients. Many efforts have been made to reduce the discomfort caused by noise, but no methods are definitively recommended. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones in reducing the pain and discomfort associated with dental scaling. Methods: Fifty-five patients requiring scaling and root planing, aged ≥19 years and showing no auditory problems, were included. Scaling was performed for the bilateral maxillary molars and premolars while patients wore headphones, with ANC turned either on or off. The degree of noise and pain reduction in the on and off conditions were surveyed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare noise-and pain-related discomfort with ANC turned on and off. Results: The sample included 28 men and 27 women with a mean age of 45.45±13.12 years. The average noise-related discomfort score was 3.84±2.12 and 2.95±1.99 when noise-canceling was turned off and on, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Similarly, the average pain-related discomfort score was 3.78h±2.00 and 3.09±1.96 when noise-canceling was turned off and on, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions: The use of ANC headphones seems to reduce the discomfort caused by noise and pain in patients undergoing scaling.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.30.1-30.8
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• 2023

Metformin is a treatment used widely for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with few side effects and acts by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Lymphoma is one of the most common hematological malignancies in dogs. Chemotherapy is used mainly on lymphoma, but further research on developing anticancer drugs for lymphoma is needed because of its severe side effects. This study examined the anticancer effects of metformin alone and in combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glucose analog, on EL4 cells (mouse T cell lymphoma). Metformin reduced the metabolic activity of EL4 cells and showed an additive effect when combined with 2-DG. In addition, cell death was confirmed using a trypan blue exclusion test, Hochest 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Annexin V/PI staining. An analysis of the cell cycle and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) to investigate the mechanism of action showed that metformin stopped the G2/M phase of EL4 cells, and metformin + 2-DG decreased MMP. Metformin exhibited anticancer effects as a G2/M phase arrest mechanism in EL4 cells and showed additive effects when combined with 2-DG via MMP reduction. Unlike cytotoxic chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs, metformin and 2-DG are related to cellular glucose metabolism and have little toxicity. Therefore, metformin and 2-DG can be an alternative to reduce the toxicity caused by chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs. Nevertheless, research is needed to verify the in vivo efficacy of metformin and 2-DG before they can be used in lymphoma treatments.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.31-42
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• 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining the lumbar stabilization exercise with the gluteal muscle strength exercise on pain, the dysfunction index, and postnatal depression in women experiencing chronic low back pain after a cesarean section. Methods: The study used a randomized design with two groups: one group (n=15) performed the lumbar stabilization exercise along with the gluteal muscle strength exercise, while the other group (n=15) only did the lumbar stabilization exercise. The intervention consisted of 30 minute exercise sessions, twice a week, for 6 weeks. The pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), the dysfunction index with the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and postnatal depression using the edinburgh postnatal depression scale-Korean version (EPDS-K). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in their VAS, ODI, and EPDS-K scores within their respective groups (p<.05). Additionally, the between-group analysis revealed significant differences in post-test results (p<.05). Conclusion: The combination of the lumbar stabilization exercise and the gluteal muscle strength exercise proved to be more effective in reducing pain, improving the dysfunction index, and alleviating postnatal depression in women with chronic low back pain after a cesarean section. Therefore, incorporating these exercises could be beneficial as an intervention program for women experiencing chronic low back pain after a cesarean section.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.25-40
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• 2023

Background: Although not clarified, the overall prevalence of visual field loss after stroke was estimated at 52% of stroke survivors and for visual acuity loss, at 70% of them. Among visual field loss patients after stroke, homonymous hemianopia is the most common symptom. Visual defect degrades the quality of life by disrupting independent life and affecting the survival of the patients, but highly-evidenced treatment has not been found until now. ■Case report A 51-year-old female with left-side homonymous hemianopia and central vision loss by a right occipital-temporal hemorrhage was treated with Hyeolbuchukeo-tang, Ikgibohyeol-tang, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion. We used a confrontation visual field exam, automated perimetry and visual analog scale, and visual acuity test to observe changes in the patient's symptoms and evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. After 61 days of such interventions, the patient's subjective discomfort lessened, followed by positive changes in the scales of tests mentioned above. ■Conclusion This case suggests that combined Korean medicine treatment might be an effective tool for treating post-stroke homonymous hemianopia and central vision loss. More studies should be conducted to support the effectiveness of the treatment.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.67-71
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• 2023

Recently, the method of making a dental prothesis is changed in the ICT based digital way. In particular, with the emergence of the CAD/CAM or 3D printing for dental purpose, a computer based digital type is selected gradually more than an analog type. To make an implant abutment, it is possible to apply the conventional technique of making round bars, or the technique using a CNC milling machine. This study tested these two types of the techniques to find which one had more precision and a smaller error when the margin and occlusal surface was made. According to the test, the technique using a CNC milling machine to make an implant abutment had a small error and supported precise processing in terms of the margin fit and the occlusal surface. Therefore, it was found to be useful in making a custom-made prothesis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.140-149
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• 2023

Objectives: This case report aims to describe the effects of craniosacral therapy and acupuncture in a patient with chronic migraine. Methods: A 33-year-old man with chronic migraine was treated with 20 sessions of craniosacral therapy and acupuncture for 8 weeks. The number of migraine and headache days were monitored every month. The pain intensity of headache was measured on the visual analog scale (VAS). Korean Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and Migraine Specific Quality of Life (MSQoL) were also used. Results: The number of headache days per month reduced from 28 to 7 after 8 weeks of treatment and to 3 after 3 months of treatment. The pain intensity of headache based on VAS reduced from 7.5 to 3 after 8 weeks and further to < 1 after 3 months of treatment. Furthermore, the patient's HIT-6 and MSQoL scores improved during the treatment period, which was maintained or further improved at the 3 month follow-up. No side effects were observed during or after the treatment. Conclusion: This case indicates that craniosacral therapy and acupuncture could be effective treatments for chronic migraine. Further studies are required to validate the efficacy of craniosacral therapy for chronic migraine.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.243-252
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of anxiety, depression, social support, and physical health status on the health-related quality of life of Korean pregnant women using Spilker's quality of life model. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a correlational design. The participants included 166 pregnant women who were recruited via convenience sampling at two healthcare centers in South Korea. Questionnaires were collected from April 22 to May 29, 2023, in two cities in South Korea. The EuroQol-5D-3L, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, Perceived Social Support through Others Scale-8, and EuroQol visual analog scale were used to assess the study variables. The t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression tests were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0. Results: Statistically significant correlations were identified between the health-related quality of life of pregnant women and anxiety (r=.29, p<.001), depression (r=.31, p<.001), social support (r=-.34, p<.001), and physical health status (r=-.44, p<. 001). Physical health status (β=-.31, p<.001) and social support (β=-.21, p=.003) had the greatest effect on health-related quality of life (F=15.50, p<.001), with an explanatory power of 26.0%. Conclusion: The health-related quality of life of pregnant women was affected by social support and physical health status. This study demonstrated that physical health and social support promotion can improve the health-related quality of life of pregnant women. Healthcare providers should consider integrating physical health into social support interventions for pregnant women in the post-pandemic era.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2024

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 80%. Among nonsurgical treatments for chronic LBP, Korean medicine treatments are highly preferred, and pharmacopuncture therapy combining acupuncture and herbal medicine is widely used. However, no evidence-based study has focused on the use of various types of pharmacopuncture. Methods: The pragmatic randomized controlled clinical trial will include 44 participants; recruitment will start in July 2023. All participants will receive integrated Korean medicine treatment including acupuncture, cupping, and infrared therapy, and the intervention group will also receive pharmacopuncture. After 16 treatment sessions, twice a week for 8 weeks, follow-up assessments will be performed at week 9. As a pragmatic randomized controlled clinical protocol, the type, dose, and acupoints of acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are not determined in advance but are selected and recorded according to the clinical judgment of the Korean medicine doctor. Results: The primary outcome will be measured using a visual analog scale score, and the secondary outcomes include the Oswestry disability index, patient global impression of change, no worse than mild pain, and range of motion. Safety will be assessed by examining participants' self-reported adverse events and vital signs and conducting blood tests before and after the test. Conclusion: This study aims to provide clinical evidence of the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture for chronic LBP.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.129-137
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the risk factors focusing on the neck and lower back between general workers (GW) and mild intellectual disability workers (MIDW) in the automobile manufacturing industry. Methods: A total of 32 participants were required for this study design to achieve 80% power, 0.9 effect size, and an alpha level of 0.05. Each group consisted of 16 subjects, including GW and MIDW. Pain levels in the neck and lower back were measured for all participants using the visual analog scale (VAS). A dual digital inclinometer was used to measure the range of motion (ROM) in the neck and lower back three times, and the average was used for analysis. The independent t-test was used to compare between the wo groups. Cohen's d effect analysis was employed to determine the effect size. The significant level was set at 0.05. Results: In the MIDW, neck pain was significantly higher, and left cervical flexion was significantly decreased compared with the GW. There was no significant difference in lower back pain between the MIDW and GW. However, both lumbar flexion and extension, as well as lateral flexion, were significantly reduced in the MIDW compared with the GW. Conclusion: This study reveals that MIDW working in the automobile manufacturing industry have a greater risk of neck pain, limitation in left cervical flexion, and overall restriction in the ROM of the lower back compared with GW.