• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of robot arm reach training on upper extremity functional movement in chronic stroke survivors. Design: One group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Thirteen chronic stroke survivors participated in this study. Robot arm reach training was performed with a Whole Arm Manipulator (WAM) and a 120-inch projective display to provide visual and auditory feedback. During the robotic arm reach training, WAM provided gravity compensation and assist-as-needed (AAN) force according to the robot control mode. When a participant could not move the arm toward the target for more than 2 seconds, WAM provided AAN force to reach the desired targets. All patients participated in the training for 40 minutes per day, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. Main outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Box and Block Test (BBT) to assess upper extremity functional movement. Results: After 4 weeks, significant improvement was observed in upper extremity functional movement (FMA: 42.15 to 46.23, BBT: 12.23 to 14.00, p<0.05). In the subscore analysis of the FMA upper extremity motor function domains, significant improvement was observed in upper extremity and coordination/speed units (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the ARAT. Conclusions: This study showed the positive effects of robot arm reach training on upper extremity functional movement in chronic stroke survivors. In particular, we confirmed that robot arm reach training could have a positive influence by leading to improvement of motor recovery of the proximal upper extremity.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.20-35
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• 2021

Objectives: Waste treatment by incineration is gradually increasing as the emission of harmful substances has decreased owing to developments in incineration technology. However, residents living near incinerators continue to express anxiety regarding the effects on their health. Therefore, we attempted to summarize the health impact of incinerators by comprehensively reviewing the recently reported literature. Methods: Sixty-two epidemiological research papers related to incineration and health effects were selected from the Google Scholar database and analyzed (from between January 2001 and December 2019). Results: When compared to older incinerators, newer incinerators established after 2000 are considered relatively safe in terms of health effects. Nevertheless, there have been some studies that have linked them to various diseases, such as malignant tumors including soft tissue cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, reproductive disorders, respiratory diseases, and more. In addition, incinerator workers and local residents are considered to be exposed to dioxins and some heavy metals from the incinerator. Since most studies included subjects exposed to older incinerators, it is difficult to apply these results to the health impact assessment of new incinerators. However, it is not appropriate to conclude that new incinerators made with state-of-the-art technology are safe, as chronic environmental diseases caused by hazardous substances tend to appear only after prolonged exposure. Conclusions: In terms of environmental health, it is necessary to continuously monitor the health effects of incinerators. Also, there is a need to develop a research methodology that can minimize various confounders in incineration-related epidemiological study.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.483-491
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• 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8), neutrophil collagenase, is a functional player in the progressive pathology of various inflammatory disorders. In this study, we administered an MMP-8 inhibitor (MMP-8i) in Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) G2019S transgenic mice, to determine the effects of MMP-8i on PD pathology. We observed a significant increase of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)-positive activated microglia in the striatum of LRRK2 G2019S mice compared to normal control mice, indicating enhanced neuro-inflammatory responses. The increased number of Iba1-positive activated microglia in LRRK2 G2019S PD mice was down-regulated by systemic administration of MMP-8i. Interestingly, this LRRK2 G2019S PD mice showed significantly reduced size of cell body area of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons in SN region and MMP-8i significantly recovered cellular atrophy shown in PD model indicating distinct neuro-protective effects of MMP-8i. Furthermore, MMP-8i administration markedly improved behavioral abnormalities of motor balancing coordination in rota-rod test in LRRK2 G2019S mice. These data suggest that MMP-8i attenuates the pathological symptoms of PD through anti-inflammatory processes.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.81-88
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• 2021

The presented scientific research substantiates the principles of the mechanism of the investment resources involvement in order to introduce innovations at enterprises in the context of digitalization using a resource-functional approach. The importance of attracting investment resources, which contributes to the modernization of production systems, the creation of a stable economic field of development of economic entities, is justified. The expediency of application of the resource-functional approach on research of the mechanism of attraction of investment resources for introduction of innovations at the enterprises in the conditions of digitalization is proved. The investment process is presented in the form of a chain of interdependent processes which include: attraction of investment resources, investments, increase of investment value, profit. It is proved that the mechanism of attracting investment resources for the introduction of innovations in enterprises in the context of digitalization cannot be considered in isolation from the process, due to the fact that the mechanism is aimed at performing specific functions. The functions of the mechanism include management, complex, coordination, monitoring, performance and control functions. Functions of the mechanism of attraction of investment resources for introduction of innovations at the enterprises in the conditions of digitalization are caused by the purposes of attraction of investment resources for innovative development; the presence of an objective nature; relative independence and homogeneity; implementation of functions in the process of investing in innovative activities of the enterprise.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.229-234
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• 2021

This study investigated spray patterns and coverage generated by three types of commercial nozzles for spraying pesticides with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using a multi-copter. Flufenoxuron+metaflumizone SC and bifenthrin EC were sprayed. The falling particles of the spraying agent were measured using WSP (Water and oil Sensitive Paper) and the coverage was determined. The results showed that the uniformity of falling particles was different according to the difference in wind strength, and there was no difference for different formulations. The injection amount for each nozzle was found to be different from the official information provided by the manufacturers. These results could be used to establish guidelines for the control of UAVs and pesticide registration testing.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.18-22
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• 2007

Purpose: The rapid change to an aging society generates an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases. Many chronic patients have been facing their illnesses without enough preparation. In order to solve these problems, we designed and tested a public healthcare service based on ubiquitous technology. Method: Telemedicine has emerged as new medical care system of chronic disease. However, public potential of its technology is difficult to know under current traditional health care system. In this work, we developed a Personal Digital Access (PDA) phone based healthcare system by trained visiting nurses for elderly patients. A field test was performed by SeongBuk Public Health Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROK). Result: Surveys were generated to assess the effects of this system compared to conventional public health system. Findings of trials demonstrate that healthcare coordination enhanced by PDA phone technology is satisfactory to the patients and nurses compared to previous one because prompt responses arouse their recognition of health. Conclusion: Ubiquitous healthcare system applied to public health service proved to be efficient and time-saving to monitor and control the chronic illnesses of large population.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.1
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• pp.53-65
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• 2023

With the gradual implementation of long-span suspension bridges into high-speed railway operations, the main beam's bending stiffness contribution to the live load response permanently grows. Since another critical control parameter of railway suspension bridges is the beam-end rotation angle, it should not be ignored by treating the main beam deflection as the only deformation response. To this end, the current study refines the existing method of the main cable shape and simply supported beam bending moment analogy. The bending stiffness of the main beam is considered, and the main beam's analytical expressions of deflection and rotation angle in the whole span are obtained using the cable-beam deformation coordination relationship. Taking a railway suspension bridge as an example, the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed analytical method are verified by the finite element method (FEM). Comparison of the results by FEM and the analytical method ignoring the main beam stiffness revealed that the bending stiffness of the main beam strongly contributed to the live load response. Under the same live load, as the main beam stiffness increases, the overall deformation of the structure decreases, and the reduction is particularly noticeable at locations with original larger deformations. When the main beam stiffness is increased to a certain extent, the stiffening effect is no longer pronounced.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.141-153
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to determine the effects of a 12-week program of beta-glucan intake and muscle strengthening exercises on the body composition, physical fitness, blood lipids, insulin and insulin resistance of adult women. Methods : For this study, 45 adult women were selected and divided into two groups : the experimental group (n= 25), which received a combination of beta-glucan and strength exercise, and the control group (n= 20), which received only strength exercise. The program was conducted for 50 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Results : Several significant differences were found in both groups pre-to post program. First, in both groups, there were significant differences in hip circumferences (p<.05). Second, the results showed significant improvements in left grip strength and sit-ups achieved (p<.05), right grip strength (p<.001). Third although the results show no significant post-program differences in either group, there was a significant pre-to post-program difference in free fatty acids in both groups (p<.05). Fourth, the results show no significant differences in insulin or insulin resistance in either group, nor do they show any significant differences between the groups. Conclusion : The above results indicate that both groups exhibited decreased hip circumference and increased muscle strength (left grip strength) and muscle endurance. Furthermore, they indicate that when the beta-glucan intake and exercises were combined, the effects were more pronounced. Finally, because both groups exhibited significant increases in fat-free mass, muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength (right grip strength), and coordination as well as decreases in free fatty acids, it can be concluded that both the combined program of beta-glucan intake and exercise and a program of exercise alone can positively affect these outcomes.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.740-748
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• 2024

Different dietary patterns affect the gut microbial compositions and diversity. Consistently, microbiome alterations are linked to digestion, immunity, and productivity. Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (SQ) is a perennial bamboo species rich in proteins and fiber. Previous studies have confirmed the health benefits of SQ; however, the effects of SQ supplementation on gut microbiome and production performance are unclear. Herein, Landrace pigs were supplemented with SQ extract (SQE) and gut microbial compositions as opposed to the control group were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, the influences of SQE supplementation on average daily gain (ADG) and backfat thickness (BF) were assessed after slaughter. In the SQE group, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla increased significantly, whereas Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes phyla markedly decreased (p < 0.05). The expression level of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera increased, whereas that of Treponema, Prevotella, and Turicibacter decreased (p < 0.05). The microbial richness was similar between groups; however, microbial diversity decreased in the SQE supplementation group. Additionally, the SQE supplementation in pigs resulted in a slight increase in ADG. In contrast, BF in the SQE group decreased notably (p < 0.05). These results underscore the significant influence of SQE supplementation on the gut microbiota and demonstrate the potential of SQ as a valuable feed resource for enhancing animal productivity.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.63-73
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• 2015

Objective : To report the effects of a specific intervention, the Interactive Metronome$^{(R)}$ (IM), on timing, attention and motor function of a children with ADHD. Methods : The study is case reports about two boys with ADHD. One boy who is born 2008 is attending general elementary school as a first year student (case 1), and another boy who is born 2001 is attending general elementary school as a second year student (case 2). For each case subject, IM training was provided during 3 weeks, from January 2015 to Febrary 2015. Evaluations were performed pre- and post-intervention in order to exam timing, attention and motor skills. The measurements uses in this study are Long Form Assessment (LFA) for the timing, RehaCom screening module for the attention, and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Morot Proficiency, second version (BOT-2) for the motor function. Results : The timing function was improved in both cases since both showed reduced response time for all motor tasks of LFA. In terms of attention, case 1 showed improvement of visual attention division, neglect and response Inhibition, and case 2 showed improvement of sustained attention. Lastly, in the BOT-2, case 1 showed improved the percentile rank of short (from 42%ile to 96%ile), and case 2 also showed similar improvement (from 21%ile to 66%ile). Conclusion : This study provides positive evidence that the Interactive Metronome$^{(R)}$ training has positive power to facilitate several body functions such as timing, attention and motor control of children with ADHD, through two case studies.