• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.17-26
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• 2020

Purpose: This paper presents research evidence that the environmental design of the doffing area in a biocontainment unit (BCU) can have a measurable impact on increasing the safety of frontline healthcare workers (HCW) during doffing of high-level personal protective equipment (PPE), and proposes optimized biocontainment unit design. Methods: From 2016 to 2019, The SimTigrate Design Lab conducted 3 consecutive studies, focusing on ways in which the built environment may support or hinder safe doffing. In the first study, to identify the risky behaviors, we observed 56 simulation exercises with HCWs in 4 BCUs and 1 high-fidelity BCU mockup. In the second study, we tested the effectiveness of a redesigned doffing area on improving the HCWs performance and used simulation, observation, and rapid prototyping in 1 high-fidelity mockup of a doffing area. In a follow-up study, we used simulation and co-design with HCWs to optimize the design of a safer doffing area in a full-size pediatric BCU mock-up. Results: We identified 11 specific risky behaviors potentially leading to occupational injury, or contamination of the PPE, or of the environment. We developed design strategies to create a space for safer doffing. In the second study, in a redesigned doffing area, the overall performance of HCW improved, and we observed a significant decrease in the number of risky behaviors; some risky behaviors were eliminated. There was a significant decrease in physical and cognitive load for the HCWs. Finally, we propose an optimized layout of a BCU for a safer process of PPE doffing. Implications: The proposed BCU design supports better staff communication, efficiency, and automates safer behaviors. Our findings can be used to develop design guidelines for spaces where patients with other highly infectious diseases are treated when the safety of the patient-facing HCWs is of critical importance.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.371-378
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of group combined intervention that combined animal-assisted therapy and integrated elderly play therapy on the depression, self-esteem, and emotional expression of geriatric patients residing in nursing homes. This was achieved by providing cognitive, physical, and emotional activities and social interaction at the same time. The group combined intervention method was applied to twelve elderly patients (six in the control group, six in the experimental group) aged 65 or older who live in a nursing home for the elderly in C province, from May 3, 2019 to June 21, 2019, for a total of 8 times (once a week, 50 minutes at a time). The quantitative evaluation was analyzed through SPSS 21.0 for comparison before and after the program was implemented, using the Korean version of the depression and the self-esteem scale. The qualitative evaluation compared emotional expression pre-test and post-test. The major results of the study were as follows: First, the group combined intervention was effective in reducing depression levels of the experimental group among the elderly patients. Second, it was effective in improving the self-esteem of the experimental group among the elderly patients. Third, it showed a significant difference in the emotional expression of the experimental group among the elderly patients. Therefore, it was found that group combined intervention reduces depression and improves self-esteem and emotional expression of the elderly. Based on these results, it is hoped that this study will be a cornerstone in the development of concrete programs for the benefit of elderly patients living in facilities.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.173-179
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• 2004

Amyloid ${\beta}-peptide\;(A{\beta})$ contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), causing neuronal death through apoptosis. In this study, the neuroprotective role of BF-7, extracted form sericultural product, was examined against $A{\beta}-induced$ toxicity in cultured human neuronal cell SKN-SH. In order to know if the BF-7 has positive role on the cognition and memory in human, the mixture of BF-7, DHA and EPA (BDE) was examined using Rey Kim and K-WAIS test with 50 healthy high school student. We report here that BDE significantly attenuated $A{\beta}-induced$ apoptosis through the reduction of ROS accumulation, and diminished caspase-like protease activity. Moreover, the memory index and memory preservation, and attentative concentration of BDE treated group for 1 month were significantly improved, in contrast to the case of placebo control treated with DHA and EPA. This result represent that the BF-7 play significant positive role on learning memory. Taken together, our result suggested the natural product BF-7 is a good substance for the brain functionally and physiologically.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.143-148
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• 2008

Objective: Postoperative delirium (POD) is characterized by an acute change in cognitive function and can result in longer hospital stays, higher morbidity rates, and more frequent discharges to long-term care facilities. In this study, we investigated the incidence and risk factors of POD in 224 patients older than 70 years of age, who had undergone a neurosurgical operation in the last two years. Methods: Data related to preoperative factors (male gender, >70 years, previous dementia or delirium, alcohol abuse, serum levels of sodium, potassium and glucose, and co-morbidities), perioperative factors (type of surgery and anesthesia, and duration of surgery) and postoperative data (length of stay in recovery room, severity of pain and use of opioid analgesics) were retrospectively collected and statistically analyzed. Results: POD appeared in 48 patients (21.4%) by postoperative day 3. When we excluded 26 patients with previous dementia or delirium, 17 spontaneously recovered by postoperative day 14, while 5 patients recovered by postoperative 2 months with medication, among 22 patients with newly developed POD. The univariate risk factors for POD included previously dementic or delirious patients, abnormal preoperative serum glucose level, pre-existent diabetes, the use of local anesthesia for the operation, longer operation time (>3.2 hr) or recovery room stay (>90 mini, and severe pain (VAS>6.8) requiring opioid treatment (p<0.05). Backward regression analysis revealed that previously dementic patients with diabetes, the operation being performed under local anesthesia, and severe postoperative pain treated with opioids were independent risk factors for POD. Conclusion: Our study shows that control of blood glucose levels and management of pain during local anesthesia and in the immediate postoperative period can reduce unexpected POD and help preventing unexpected medicolegal problems and economic burdens.

• Hwankyungkyoyuk
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• v.18 no.2 s.27
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• pp.31-43
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• 2005

In this study, after establishing assessment framework and reviewing the conceptual evolution and component of EL(Environmental Literacy) through literature review, through middle school students as population, the level of EL and relationship of its related variables were examined. The investigation was consisted of second and third grades of urban and rural middle schools in Choongbook. The used measurement methods were objective evaluation and Likert-type scale. The questionnaire instrument variables were consisted of 80 items on environmental literacy variables and six items on student gender, area of residence, environmental lesson, degree of environmental concern, environmental information, environmental activity as background variables. The major findings of this study were as follows: 1. Although the broad and obscure concept of EL has been evolved until 1992, it has been developed more systematic and precise after 1992. But there is not still an agreed concept. 2. The subordinate components of EL were consisted of cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects. Both ecological knowledge(KEOC) and environmental skill(SKILL) were determined to serve as two powerful predictors of EL. 3. The level of EL of middle school student was showed statistically significant difference to some variables by student gender, residential area, environmental lesson, environmental concern, environmental information, and environmental activity variables. And the most influential variables of EL in middle school student were environmental skill(SKILL), and locus of control (LOC). Based on the findings of this study, the following suggestions are drawn: It should be established a precise concept on EL as the ultimate aim of environmental education both interdisciplinary cooperation and experts of environmental education and also performed further longitudinal study which assessed multidimensional variables which are able to exactly measure the EL of middle school student.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.209-223
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There were 11 databases searched for randomized controlled trials using acupuncture treatment for AD. The risk-of-bias assessment tool of the Cochrane Library was used to evaluate the quality of each study. Using the Review Manager (RevMan), a meta-analysis was performed using risk ratio, mean difference, 95% confidence interval, and random effect model. There were 32 studies selected, all of which were conducted in China. There were 16 studies where acupuncture was used as the intervention, and 23 studies used Donepezil as the control group. Acupoint GV20 was most frequently selected during the treatment. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was the most frequently used outcome variable. A period of 12 weeks was the most common treatment duration. As a result of meta-analysis (n = 25), acupuncture improved the MMSE and activities of daily living scores. Electroacupuncture improved the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, and scalp acupuncture improved the MMSE score for AD. Acupuncture alleviates the symptoms of AD. However, further research is necessary to provide a better level of evidence.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2017

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices advises that, "Signs should be placed on the right side of the roadway where they are easily recognized and understood by road users." Guidance is provided on the spacing and prioritization of signs, and in some conditions, additional steps may be needed to ensure that signs are conspicuous. This study proposes a design methodology using ergonomics concepts applied to traffic sign and street name signs. Initially, a literature revision on cognitive ergonomics is performed. Several design methodologies are analyzed and the aspects to be considered in traffic signs are selected.. In this study, problems of traffic signs in Korea were identified through the comparative analysis of domestic and foreign traffic signs and a prototype of ergonomic traffic sign was developed based on the analysis results. And the driver's views on the developed traffic sign were investigated. In addition, based on the results of this study, this study is to provide the necessary foundation for improving traffic signs in order to help the various age groups of drivers to reach their destinations without difficulties when they drive.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.263-276
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• 2020

Purpose: This paper systematically reviewed the effects of smoking cessation (SC) intervention among female smokers. Methods: A systematic search was performed targeting articles published on eight electronic databases, from January 1, 2010, to February 25, 2020. Nine studies were included in the systematic review. The risk of bias (RoB) tool was used to evaluate the quality of scientific evidence. Results: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed in all nine studies. Interventions were classified as exercise (n=4), cognitive behavioral counseling (n=2), motivational counseling (n=1), group counseling with self-help group (n=1), and pharmacotherapy (n=1). The SC rates were measured using a 7-days point prevalence abstinence in 55.6% of the studies. Exercise studies showed higher SC rates in the experimental groups than control groups after the intervention, but the differences were not significant. Other interventions were employed in two or fewer studies or did not conduct long-term follow-up, thus we were unable to examine effects of these interventions. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop SC programs for female smokers by carefully considering the characteristics of female smokers. Further research will be needed to confirm the effects of SC programs in certain subgroups among females. Also more experimental studies on SC intervention should be carried out with scientific rigor.

• Journal of The Korean Association of Information Education
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.317-324
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• 2014

In this paper, we investigate the effects of programming education using educational programming languages. We select 70 papers which contain 101 individual experimental studies we can estimate the effect size from. The average effect size of the studies is .641, which means that programming education has modest effects on the learners. The average effect size of the learners' cognitive and affective domains are 0.632 and 0.666, respectively. The average effect size by the controlled variables such as school level, experimental periods, and programming languages have no statistically significant difference. The results of our study show that the experimental group receiving programming education, can be expected perform about 23.9% better compared to the control group having received no programming education.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.101-108
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• 2013

In this paper, we propose a method in which the negative acknowledge (NACK) message is used as command for cooperation and spectrum sharing. This allows for an automatic request for cooperation and sharing when the direct link of the primary user is in outage, and also allows for saving the number of control messages in cooperation-spectrum sharing based paradigm. In the sharing phase, the selected relay shares a power fraction of $1-{\alpha}$ for secondary transmitted signal while the remaining of ${\alpha}$ is for primary retransmitted signal. In the case of no relay collected, primary transmitter uses NACK as a command to retransmit the signal with fully power fraction (${\alpha}=1$). Both systems are assumed to employ BPSK signals. In this scheme, we propose the joint optimal decoding in the secondary user. The frame error rate (FER) performance at both systems is then analyzed. The theoretical and simulation results validate the analysis and confirm the efficiency of the protocol.