• Title/Summary/Keyword: Contrast Scale

Search Result 609, Processing Time 0.034 seconds

HIV-related Perceptions, Knowledge, Professional Ethics, Institutional Support, and HIV/AIDS-related Stigma in Health Services in West Sumatra, Indonesia: An Empirical Evaluation Using PLS-SEM

  • Vivi Triana;Nursyirwan Effendi;Brian Sri Pra Hastuti;Cimi Ilmiawati;Dodi Devianto;Afrizal Afrizal;Adang Bachtiar;Rima Semiarty;Raveinal Raveinal
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
    • /
    • v.57 no.5
    • /
    • pp.435-442
    • /
    • 2024
  • Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of associations between knowledge, professional ethics, institutional support, perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS-related stigma among health workers in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving health workers at public hospitals and health centers in West Sumatra in June 2022. The Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale was employed to assess the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. To estimate and evaluate the model's ability to explain the proposed constructs, we utilized the standardized partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). Results: In total, 283 individuals participated in this study (average age, 39 years). The majority were female (91.2%), nearly half were nurses (49.5%), and 59.4% had been working for more than 10 years. The study revealed that HIV/AIDS-related stigma persisted among health workers. The PLS-SEM results indicated that all latent variables had variance inflation factors below 5, confirming that they could be retained in the model. Knowledge and professional ethics significantly contributed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma, with an effect size (f2) of 0.15 or greater. In contrast, perceived and institutional support had a smaller impact on HIV-related stigma, with an effect size (f2) of at least 0.02. The R2 value for health worker stigma was 0.408, suggesting that knowledge, professional ethics, institutional support, and perceived support collectively explain 40.8% of the variance in stigma. Conclusions: Improving health workers' understanding of HIV, fostering professional ethics, and strengthening institutional support are essential for reducing HIV-related stigma in this population.

Comparison of the Plaque Removal and Cleaning Efficiency of Regular and Large-Head Toothbrushes

  • Ji-won Lee;Myoung-Hee Kim;Koung-hee Kim;Da-bin Han;Yu-jin Hwang;Young Sun Hwang
    • Journal of dental hygiene science
    • /
    • v.24 no.3
    • /
    • pp.125-133
    • /
    • 2024
  • Background: The management of dental plaque and the appropriate use of oral hygiene tools are crucial for oral health. With increasing interest in oral health care, various oral hygiene products are available on the market. As the most basic oral hygiene tool, the large-head toothbrush has gained significant consumer interest. This study evaluates the suitability of large-head toothbrushes as oral hygiene tools by comparing their efficacy with that of regular-sized toothbrushes. Methods: We evaluated the efficacy of large-head and regular-sized toothbrushes. The amount of dental plaque before and after brushing was measured using quantitative light-induced fluorescence digital (QLF-D) images and the plaque index (PI) in adult participants with more than 28 teeth (n=15/group). After brushing, the collected toothbrushes were rinsed 10 times in clean water, thoroughly dried, and weighed on an electronic scale. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with SPSS Statistics Version 29.0. Results: QLF-D analysis showed a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity scores after use of a regular-sized toothbrush, whereas the scores after use of a large-head toothbrush were not significantly reduced. PI measurements indicated significant reductions in dental plaque for both head types. However, detailed analysis by tooth surface revealed that the regular-sized toothbrush significantly reduced plaque on the proximal, palatal/lingual, and labial/buccal surfaces. In contrast, the large-head toothbrush only showed significant reductions in place on the proximal and palatal/lingual surfaces, not on the labial/buccal surface. Additionally, compared to the regular-sized toothbrush, the large-head toothbrush retained more toothpaste residue despite similar cleaning efforts after brushing. Conclusion: Compared to the regular-sized toothbrush, the large-head toothbrush showed lower overall efficacy in dental plaque removal. The results of this study provide significant information regarding the use of large-head toothbrushes.

A study for detection of melt flow zone about polyethylene butt fusion joints (폴리에틸렌 배관 버트융착부 열용융거리 측정에 대한 연구)

  • Kil, Seonghee;Kim, Younggu;Jo, NYoungdo;Lee, Yeonjae
    • Journal of Energy Engineering
    • /
    • v.25 no.4
    • /
    • pp.103-109
    • /
    • 2016
  • Polyethylene pipes has useful benefits which are anti-corrosive and flexible material, so it is used to gas pipes but also class 3 water pipes of nuclear power plant, process pipes of petrochemical plant and chemical plant. So the usage of polyethylene pipes is widely increased. But it has been limited for the usage of polyethylene, because it can not be directly detected to fusion joints by using non destructive evaluation. Polyethylene pipes are connected by two methods, one is butt fusion and the other is electrofusion. Butt fusion is widely used to connecting the pipes. It is proposed to method for determining the reliability of joints in this study that is detection of the melt flow zone at fusion joints. In this study, middle density polyethylene is used, outside diameter of the test specimen is 225mm and thickness is 20.5mm. Speed of ultrasonic of this test specimen is 2,200m/s. Test specimens were fabricated by varying the heating time which means from 0% to 130% applying time through heating plate to polyethylene for detecting melt flow zone. Also 4 additional test specimens were made, one was made that not scrapping attached surface of pipes but applying 100% of the proper heating time and the others were made to include of soil, gravel and vinly tape paper at fusion joints, that were also applied 100% of proper heating time. Ultrasonic testing to measure the melt flow zone of 20 test specimens was conducted by using 3.5MHz and 5.0MHz ultrasonic probes and melt flow zone measuring was conducted to three times at different point to one specimen. To differentiate the melt flow zone signal, post image processing was equally conducted to all test results and image levels, contrast, sharpen, threshold were adopted to all teat results and the test results were displayed gray scale. From the results, for the shorter heating times the reflection area of multiple echo have been increased, so the data was obtained from the position where it can be eliminated as much as possible. At 80% of proper heating time(168 sec.), the signal of melt flow zone was obtained clearly, so measuring could be conducted. From 7% of proper heating time(15 sec.) to shorter heating times. we could not obtain the signal because test specimen was not fused. From the result, we can verify that measuring of melt flow zone by using phased array ultrasonic imaging method is possible. And we can verify to complete and incomplete butt fusion by measuring the melt flow zone.

Quantitative Assessment and Ligament Traceability of Volume Isotropic Turbo Spin Echo Acquisition (VISTA) Ankle Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Fat Suppression versus without Fat Suppression (발목관절 VISTA 자기공명영상에서 정량평가와 인대의 Traceability: 지방억제 대비 지방억제기법)

  • Cho, Kyung Eun;Yoon, Choon-Sik;Song, Ho-Taek;Lee, Young Han;Lim, Daekeon;Suh, Jin-Suck;Kim, Sungjun
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    • /
    • v.17 no.2
    • /
    • pp.110-122
    • /
    • 2013
  • Purpose : To compare the image quality and ligament traceability in ankle images obtained using Volume Isotropic Turbo Spin Echo Acquisition (VISTA) MRI with and without fat suppression. Materials and Methods: The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in images from a phantom and from the ankle of a volunteer were compared. Ten ankles from 10 non-symptomatic volunteers were imaged for comparisons of contrast ratio (CR) and ligament traceability. All examinations were performed using VISTA sequences with and without fat suppression on a 3T MRI scanner. The SNRs were obtained from images with subjects and without subjects (noise-only). Contrast ratios from images of the 10 ankles were acquired between fluid and tendon (F-T), F-cartilage (C), F-ligament (L), fat (f)-T, f-C and f-L. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently scored the traceability of 7 ligaments, in sagittal, axial and coronal images respectively, based on a 4-point scale (1 as not traceable through 4 as clearly traceable). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the CR. Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-squared test were used to compare the ligament traceability. Results: The SNRs did not differ significantly between the two sequences except in bone marrow. VISTA SPAIR showed the higher CR only in F-T (p = 0.04), whereas VISTA showed higher CR in f-T (p = 0.005), f-C (p = 0.005) and f-L (p = 0.005). The calcaneofibular ligament traceability with VISTA was superior to that obtained with VISTA SPAIR (p < 0.05) in all planes. Conclusion: VISTA showed significant superiority to VISTA SPAIR in tracing CFL due to the superior CR between fat and ligament.

Study on Image Quality Assessment in Whole Body Bone Scan (전신 뼈검사에서의 영상 평가 연구)

  • Kwon, Oh Jun;Hur, Jae;Lee, Han Wool;Kim, Joo Yeon;Park, Min Soo;Roo, Dong Ook;Kang, Chun Goo;Kim, Jae Sam
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
    • /
    • v.19 no.1
    • /
    • pp.30-36
    • /
    • 2015
  • Purpose Whole body bone scan, which makes up a largest percentage of nuclear medicine tests, has high sensitivity and resolution about bone lesion like osteomyelitis, fracture and the early detection of primary cancer. However, any standard for valuation has not yet been created except minimum factor. Therefore, in this study, we will analysis the method which show a quantitative evaluation index in whole body bone scan. Materials and Methods This study is conducted among 30 call patients, who visited the hospital from April to September 2014 with no special point of view about bone lesion, using GE INFINIA equipment. Enumerated data is measured mainly with patient's whole body count and lumbar vertabrae, and the things which include CNR (Contrast to Noise ratio), SNR (Signal to Noise ratio) are calculated according to the mean value signal and standard deviation of each lumbar vertabrae. In addition, the numerical value with the abdominal thickness is compared to each value by the change of scan speed and tissue equivalent material throughout the phantom examination, and compared with 1hours deleyed value. Completely, on the scale of ten, 2 reading doctors and 5 skilled radiologists with 5-years experience analysis the correlation between visual analysis with blind test and quantitative calculation. Results The whole body count and interest region count of patients have no significant correlation with visual analysis value throughout the blind test(P<0.05). There is definite correlation among CNR and SNR. In phantom examination, Value of the change was caused by the thickness of the abdomen and the scan speed. And The poor value of the image in the subject as a delay test patient could be confirmed that the increase tendency. Conclusion Now, a standard for valuation has not been created in whole body bone scan except minimum factor. In this study, we can verify the significant correlation with blind test using CNR and SNR and also assure that the scan speed is a important factor to influence the imagine quality from the value. It is possible to be some limit depending on the physiology function and fluid intake of patient even if we progress the evaluation in same condition include same injection amount, same scan speed and so on. However, that we prove the significant evaluation index by presenting quantitative calculation objectively could be considered academic value.

  • PDF

A Double-Blind Comparison of Paroxetine and Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Depression Accompanied by Alcoholism : Behavioral Side Effects during the First 2 Weeks of Treatment (주정중독에 동반된 우울증의 치료에서 Paroxetine과 Amitriptyline의 이중맹 비교 : 치료초기 2주 동안의 행동학적 부작용)

  • Yoon, Jin-Sang;Yoon, Bo-Hyun;Choi, Tae-Seok;Kim, Yong-Bum;Lee, Hyung-Yung
    • Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
    • /
    • v.3 no.2
    • /
    • pp.277-287
    • /
    • 1996
  • Objective : It has been proposed that cognition and related aspects of mental functioning are decreased in depression as well as in alcoholism. The objective of the study was to compare behavioral side effects of paroxetine and amitriptyline in depressed patients accompanied by alcoholism. The focused comparisons were drug effects concerning psychomotor performance, cognitive function, sleep and daytime sleepiness during the first 2 weeks of treatment. Methods : After an alcohol detoxification period(3 weeks) and a washout period(1 week), a total of 20 male inpatients with alcohol use disorder (DSM-IV), who also had a major depressive episode(DSM-IV), were treated double-blind with paroxetine 20mg/day(n=10) or amitriptyline 25mg/day(n=10) for 2 weeks. All patients were required to have a scare of at least 18 respectively on bath the Hamilton Rating Scale far Depression(HAM-D) and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) at pre-drug baseline. Patients randomized to paroxetine received active medication in the morning and placebo in the evening whereas those randomized to amitriptyline received active medication in the evening and placebo in the morning. All patients performed the various tasks in a test battery at baseline and at days 3, 7 and 14. The test battery included : critical flicker fusion threshold for sensory information processing capacity : choice reaction time for gross psychomotor performance : tracking accuracy and latency of response to peripheral stimulus as a measure of line sensorimotor co-ordination and divided attention : digit symbol substitution as a measure of sustained attention and concentration. To rate perceived sleep and daytime sleepiness, 10cm line Visual analogue scales were employed at baseline and at days 3, 7 and 14. The subjective rating scales were adapted far this study from Leeds sleep Evaluation Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In addition a comprehensive side effect assessment, using the UKU side effect rating scale, was carried out at baseline and at days 7 and 14. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated using HAM-D, BDI and clinical global impression far severity and improvement at days 7 and 14. Results : The pattern of results indicated thai paroxetine improved performance an mast of the lest variables and also improved sleep with no effect on daytime sleepiness aver the study period. In contrast, amitriptyline produced disruption of performance on same tests and improved sleep with increased daytime sleepiness in particular at day 3. On the UKU side effect rating scale, mare side effects were registered an amitriptyline. The therapeutic efficacy was observed in favor of paroxetine early in day 7. Conclusion : These results demonstrated thai paroxetine in much better than amitriptyline for the treatment of depressed patients accompained by alcoholism at least in terms of behavioral safety and tolerability, furthermore the results may assist in explaining the therapeutic outcome of paroxetine. For example, and earlier onset of antidepressant action of paroxetine may be caused by early improved cognitive function or by contributing to good compliance with treatment.

  • PDF

Alexithymia in Major Depressive Disorder and Subclinical Depression (주요 우울장애와 준임상적 우울증에서의 감정표현불능증)

  • Kim, Seog-Ju;Yu, Seung-Hee;Kim, Seong-Youn;Kim, Dong-Wook;Cho, In-Hee;Cho, Seong-Jin
    • Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
    • /
    • v.15 no.2
    • /
    • pp.100-106
    • /
    • 2007
  • Objectives : The objective of the present study was to investigate alexithymia in major depressive disorder(MDD) and subclinical depression(SCD). Methods : Three hundred eighty-six community-dwelling adults(238 females and 148 males, age 19-79; mean age $43.0{\pm}13.9$) were recruited. Structured clinical Interview for DSM-IV(SCID) was conducted for the diagnosis of MDD or other Axis I psychiatric disorders. The Center for Epidemiological Studies for Depression Scale(CES-D) and the Totonto Alexithymia Scale(TAS) were administered to assess depressive symptom and alexithymia, respectively. Among subjects without MDD, those who had minor depressive disorder on the SCID or high scores(i.e. over 16) on the CES-D were defined as subjects with SCD. TAS total score and factor I, II, III scores of TAS in MDD, SCD, and non-depressive controls were compared. Results : Among 386 subjects, 38 subjects(9.8%) were diagnosed as MDD by DSM-IV criteria, while 57 subjects(14.8%) were classified into SCD group. There were significant differences between 3 groups(MDD, SCD and non-depressive controls) in total score($F_{2,383}=14.0$, p<0.01), factor I(difficulty in identifying feeling)($F_{2,383}=23.4$, p<0.01) and factor II(difficulty in describing feeling)($F_{2,383}=7.8$, p<0.01), but not factor III(external oriented thinking)($F_{2,383}=1.8$, p=0.16) of TAS. In post-hoc analysis, both MDD subjects and SCD subjects had higher scores in TAS total, factor I and factor II, compared to non-depressive controls(all p<0.01). In contrast, there were no significant differences between MDD subjects and SCD subjects in any TAS factor. Conclusion : In this study, both MDD subjects and SCD subjects were more alexithymic than non-depressive control subjects. These findings suggest that SCD, as well as MDD, is also related to alexithymia.

  • PDF

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Smoking Cessation Education between CAI(Computer Assisted Instruction) and Lecture - Focused on Vocational High School Male Students - (CAI 개별 학습 프로그램을 적용한 금연 교육과 강의식 금연 교육의 효과 비교 - 실업계 남자 고등학생을 대상으로 -)

  • Lee Eun Suk;Kim Chung Nam
    • Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
    • /
    • v.19 no.1
    • /
    • pp.74-94
    • /
    • 2005
  • The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of education between CAI(Computer Assisted Instruction) and lectures for smoking cessation among male students who attended vocational high schools. Conducted from February 24th to April 26th, 2003, the study design was quasi-experimental with nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The study subjects were 60 male students in K vocational high school in Daegu city, who were present smokers and had more than 7.0 ppm concentration level of carbon monoxide. Thirty students were randomly chosen as the experimental group which applied CAI education method for smoking cessation. The other 30 students served as the control group which received lecture education method of 40 minutes on four consecutive days. CAI education for smoking cessation was composed of ready-made individual learning contents, counseling by using cyber-communication, writing a letter to stop smoking, and writing a written agreement for smoking cessation. Lecture education for smoking cessation was composed of a ready-prepared lecture for the group, writing a letter to stop smoking, and writing a written agreement for smoking cessation. To measure smoking related knowledge, Jeong Ree Roh(1996)'s smoking related knowledge scale$(Cronbach's\;{\alpha}=0.84)$ was modified and used by the researcher. To measure smoking related attitude, Jeong Ree Roh(1996)'s smoking related attitude scale$(Cronbach's\;{\alpha}=0.91)$ was modified and used by the researcher. Smoking related knowledge scale's Cronbach's $\alpha$ was 0.83 in the pilot study and 0.93 in this study. Smoking related attitude scale's Cronbach's a was 0.80 in the pilot study and 0.98 in this study. To determine the smoking amount, the number of cigarettes smoked per day was checked. The concentration level of CO in the exhaled breath was measured (Micro CO Cat. No. MCO2, UK). Data was analyzed by $x^2-test$, t-test, repeated measures ANOVA. simple main effects, and time contrast test with SPSS/Win 11.0 program. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The first hypothesis. that 'Smoking-related knowledge score in the experimental group by using CAI education for smoking cessation will be higher than that in the control group by using lecture education for smoking cessation', was not supported. 2. The second hypothesis, that 'Smoking-related attitude in the experimental group by using CAI education for smoking cessation will be higher than that in the control group by using lecture education for smoking cessation'. was supported(F=6490.79. p=0.000). 3. The third hypothesis. that 'Smoking amount in the experimental group by using CAI education for smoking cessation will be less than that in the control group by using lecture education for smoking cessation'. was supported. 1) The third-1st sub-hypothesis. that 'The number of cigarettes smoked per day in the experimental group by using CAI education for smoking cessation will be less than that in the control group by using lecture education for smoking cessation'. was supported(F=134.19. p=0.000). 2) The third-2nd sub-hypothesis. that 'The concentration level of CO by ppm per one exhaled breath in the experimental group by using CAI education for smoking cessation will be lower than that in the control group by using lecture education for smoking cessation"' was supported(F=268.55. p=0.000). From the above results. CAI education can be an effective intervention to improve smoking-related knowledge and attitude. and to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the concentration level of CO by ppm per one exhaled breath. Lecture education can be effective to improve smoking-related knowledge. In the future, when CAI education and lecture education for smoking cessation are applied on the school nursing field. the students can gain a comprehensive understanding of smoking cessation, changes in smoking-related knowledge. smoking-related attitude and reducing smoking amount. Furthermore, CAI education for smoking cessation could be developed as an individual self initiative program and could give a guideline to apply CAI education for smoking cessation in other field.

  • PDF

Mild Impairments in Cognitive Function in the Elderly with Restless Legs Syndrome (노인 하지불안증후군에서의 인지기능 저하)

  • Kim, Eun Soo;Yoon, In-Young;Kweon, Kukju;Park, Hye Youn;Lee, Chung Suk;Han, Eun Kyoung;Kim, Ki Woong
    • Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
    • /
    • v.20 no.1
    • /
    • pp.15-21
    • /
    • 2013
  • Objectives: Cognitive impairment in restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients can be affected by sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression, which are common in RLS. The objective of this study is to investigate relationship between cognitive impairment and RLS in the non-medicated Korean elderly with controlling for psychiatric conditions. Method: The study sample for this study comprised 25 non-medicated Korean elderly RLS patients and 50 age-, sex-, and education- matched controls. All subjects were evaluated with comprehensive cognitive function assessment tools- including the Korean version of Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K), severe cognitive impairment rating scale (SCIRS), frontal assessment battery (FAB), and clock drawing test (CLOX). Sleep quality and depression were also assessed with Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and geriatric depression scale (GDS). Results: PSQI and GDS score showed no difference between RLS and control group. There was no significant difference between two groups in nearly all the cognitive function except in constructional recognition test, in which subjects with RLS showed lower performance than control group (t=-2.384, p=0.02). Subjects with depression ($GDS{\geq}10$) showed significant cognitive impairment compared to control in verbal fluency, Korean version of Mini Mental Status Examination in the CERAD-K (MMSE-KC), word list memory, trail making test, and frontal assessment battery (FAB). In contrast, no difference was observed between subjects who have low sleep quality (PSQI>5) and control group. Conclusions: At the exclusion of the impact of insomnia and depression, cognitive function was found to be relatively preserved in RLS patients compared to control. Impairment of visual recognition in RLS patients can be explained in terms of dopaminergic dysfunction in RLS.

Study on the Planning Method of the Sacheonwangsa Temple Architecture in Silla (신라사천왕사건축(新羅四天王寺建築)의 설계기술(設計技術) 고찰(考察))

  • Lee, Jeongmin;Mizoguchi, Akinori
    • Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
    • /
    • v.53 no.3
    • /
    • pp.80-109
    • /
    • 2020
  • The Sacheonwangsa Temple in Silla is an esoteric temple that was founded provisionally in 670, and was completed in 679. This study attempted to elucidate the planning method of the Sacheonwangsa Temple based on the results of research on excavations and investigations into its construction processes and construction measures thereof. The research results are as follows. (1) In the site construction, assuming the size of one Bang (坊) on the south of Nangsan Mountain, after dividing the north-south width into three equal parts, there is a possibility that two of these parts were set to the flat portion. (2) In the 'Jochang (祖創, 670)', it is estimated that an area of 300 cheoks by 300 cheoks was postulated on the flat surface, and, as an initial conception, the mandala's plane design of the outer square 2 hasta (3 cheoks) and inner square 1 hasta (1.5 cheoks) was originally devised for the setting of 'Mudra (神印)', and an area 100 times greater has been set as the basis in the scale and layout planning of the central block. (3) During 'Gaechang (攺刱, ~679)', it is judged that because of the narrowness of the distance between the Pagoda and Geumdang Hall, which occurs when the center of the Geumdang Hall coincides with the center of 'the first stage of the foundation (先築基壇)', the scale and layout planning were adjusted from the initial conception. (4) The arrangement of the building was determined by dividing the fixed size of the central block (280 cheoks by 320 cheoks). Specifically, the east-west direction is set on the quartile's line of the east-west width of the central block, and in contrast, the north-south direction is based on the structural characteristics of the central block. It is presumed that the position of the transept was determined through the division and adjustment of the column spacing of the east-west corridor, then the Geumdang Hall and Altar were based on this. (5) The scale of the Geumdang Hall and Pagoda is determined by the petition of the division by the unit fraction starting from the quartile's line of the central block's east-west width. This planning is understood to be based on the self-similarity, which is rooted in the mandala's plane design as the model.