• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.247-256
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• 2021

Understanding the selective feeding behavior of zooplankton on phytoplankton is essential for evaluating the nutrient cycle and energy flow in the food web. Although many studies have been conducted regarding the feeding behaviors of zooplankton through gut content analyses, there are limitations in the visual identification of digested contents using a microscope. DNA techniques have been applied to overcome these limitations since they can detect and amplify small amounts of prey DNA remaining in the gut contents. We designed a method to extract prey DNA from the gut contents of the whole body of the copepod specimen and tested the resolution of DNA identification for the prey phytoplankton. The common brackish species, Sinocalanus tenellus, were collected from Saemangeum Reservoir in different sites and seasons, and gut content DNA was extracted using 2.5% bleach treatment for 2 min for removal of potential contamination sources existing in preserved specimens without dissolution of the body. The sequences of the extracted gut contents were confirmed using BLASTn suite based on the NCBI database. The phytoplankton species detected in the gut showed temporal and spatial differences. Although DNA analysis of small copepod gut contents has been suggested as an effective method to examine the dynamics of primary prey sources at the genus or species level, uncertainties such as misidentification and limitations in the detailed information of the composition still exist.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.307-319
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• 2024

Purpose: This study compared the differences in health and dietary characteristics between middle-aged men and women according to their health-related quality of life. Methods: This study used the data from the 2019 and 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The participants were men (n = 1,571) and women (n = 2,179) aged 40-59. A health-related Quality of Life Instrument with eight items (HINT-8) was used to measure the health-related quality of life. The participants were divided into four groups based on their HINT-8 total scores (high, mid-high, mid-low, and low). The general and health characteristics, mental health, and dietary behaviors were compared according to the quality of life. Results: Men with a lower quality of life had lower incomes, were more likely to be single, smoked and drank more, and perceived themselves as slim or obese. Women with a lower quality of life had a higher proportion of older age, obesity, lower education and income, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Both men and women with a lower quality of life had higher proportions of subjectively perceiving poor health, weight gain over the past year, and considering themselves as obese. Both men and women with a lower quality of life had lower consumption frequencies of vegetables/mushrooms/seaweed and fruits. Conclusion: Both men and women with lower health-related quality of life had lower incomes, higher rates of perceiving their health as poor, and consumed vegetables/ mushrooms/seaweed and fruits less frequently, but they showed different characteristics in other aspects. Therefore, policy development tailored to men and women is necessary.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.352-363
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• 2015

Purpose: Despite the popularity of dietary supplements, little data are available on their use by university students. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of vitamin mineral supplements and to identify factors related to supplement use among university students. Methods: University students (N = 345) in Seoul were surveyed. Survey questions included descriptive demographics, types of vitamin and mineral supplements used, health related lifestyle factors, mini dietary assessment, and knowledge and behaviors related to supplement use. Results: Of university students surveyed, 41% consumed vitamin and mineral supplements. Among the supplement users, multivitamins were the most commonly used dietary supplements (68.6%), followed by vitamin C (31.4%) and calcium (17.1%). In particular, the use of vitamin C and iron supplements was more common in females than males (p < 0.05). For the number of supplements taken daily, 32.1% of supplement users consumed 2 or more supplements; 20% of supplement users had almost no knowledge of the supplements being taken. Based on the results of multivariable logistic regression analysis, supplement use was associated with higher interest in their own health, non-smoker, and supplement use by family (p < 0.05). In addition, supplement use was slightly associated with healthy dietary behavior such as consuming a variety of foods (p = 0.05) and current disease status (p = 0.05). Conclusion: University students with relatively healthy lifestyles appear to take vitamin and mineral supplements, but they had little knowledge of the supplements. Given high prevalence of dietary supplement use among university students, nutrition education regarding supplement use is needed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.433-444
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the status and needs of school-based nutritional education programs for reducing sugars intake in elementary schools. Methods: A total of 230 elementary nutrition teachers participated in this study through an online survey in July 2017. Results: Approximately one-third of the schools conducted nutrition education on reducing sugars intake as a main topic. The most frequent educated grade and education period were $4^{th}$ and $3^{rd}$ grade, and once a year. Most of the nutrition teachers answered that nutrition education related to reducing sugars intake for children was necessary. The nutrition teachers answered that first graders were the recipients in most need of nutrition education for reducing sugars but, realistically, third graders were the most suitable for nutrition education. The appropriate education topics were limited to the lower grades, such as sugars consumption related health problems, foods containing high sugars, and behaviors to reduce sugars intake; however, a wider variety of topics were selected for the upper grades. The experiment was considered to be an effective educational method for both the lower and upper grades. The most appropriate nutrition education media appeared to be a mock-up in the lower grades, and an experiment kit in the upper grades. Games and videos were highly considered to be effective media to educate students in reducing sugars consumption by voluntary participation in free time in the classroom in both the lower and upper grades. Conclusion: Nutrition education programs focusing on sugars intake reduction were conducted in some elementary schools, but the training time was short and the types of activities were limited. The perception and demand for nutrition education was very high. Therefore, the development and dissemination of elementary school-based nutritional education programs for sugars intake reduction is urgently needed. Moreover, to develop an effective nutrition education program, the education environment and demand in the field should be fully considered.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.41-49
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• 2011

Objective : This study aims to compare children with and without pervasive developmental disorders in terms of the sensory processing ability and behavioral characteristic of oral feeding. This study also aims to identify correlation between sensory processing and characteristics of eating. Methods : The subjects of this research were normal children and those who have diagnosis of a pervasive developmental disorder, aged from 4 to 6. The research instruments were composed of Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) and Food Items of the Sensory Checklist. Data collection was done by a professional survey institute located in 10 cities including Busan, South Korea. The survey questionnaires were distributed to 455 parents of children with and without pervasive developmental disabilities through the survey institutes. Total 263 answers were collected out of 455 questionnaires (62%) and 154 answers were used in data analysis. Out of 154 answers, 45 were for children with pervasive developmental disabilities and 109 were for normal children. Data analysis was done to identify correlations between sensory processing and characteristics of eating such as eating behavior and oral feeding. Results : 1. There was a significant difference between children with and without pervasive developmental disorders in all area of sensory processing ability (p<.05). 2. There was no difference between children with and without pervasive developmental disorders in eating behavior (p=0.881) and oral feeding (p=0.324). 3. In the group of children with a pervasive developmental disorders, it is found that there is negative correlation between sensory processing, eating behavior and oral feeding (r=-0.384, p<.01). 4. A remarkable significant correlation was found between sensory processing and eating behavior especially in taste/smell sensitivity (r=-0.6, p<.01) and auditory filtering (r=-0.326, p<.05). The correlation between sensory processing and oral feeding was most significant in under responsiveness/seeking sensation (r=-0.372, p<.05) and auditory filtering (r=-0.382, p<.05). Conclusion : This study found that there are significant correlations between sensory processing ability and some characteristics of eating behaviors for children with pervasive developmental disorders. This information can be useful to develop a program to intervene eating behavior problems of children with pervasive developmental disorders.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.330-339
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the dietary habits and nutritional status of young children in Korea. Methods: Data were collected from the 2013 ~ 2015 KNHNES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by health behavior interviews and the 24-hour dietary recall method. This study included 1,214 (445 aged 1 ~ 2 years, 769 aged 3 ~ 5 years) young children aged 1 ~ 5 years. To analyze the dietary status of young children, the general characteristics of young children and their mothers, their dietary behaviors and health factors, and nutritional status and frequently consumed foods were analyzed. Results: The starting time of bovine milk and weaning were 14 ~ 15 months and 6.2 months, respectively. Eighty two percent of young children ate breakfast 5 ~ 7 times per week while only 2.3% of them skipped breakfast. The highest percentage (35.8%) of the frequency of eating-out was 5 ~ 6 times per week. The prevalence of asthma, atopy, and allergic rhinitis was significantly higher in young children 3 ~ 5 years old than in those 1 ~ 2 years old. The subjects with lower recommended energy intake were 44.1% and 57.4% of young children 1 ~ 2 years old and 3 ~ 5 years old, respectively. Most nutrients except calcium and potassium were taken enough. For the intakes of calcium and potassium, 51% and 64% of young children 1 ~ 2 years and 3 ~ 5 years old, respectively, were taking less than the recommended calcium intake, and 79.5% and 75.5% of young children 1 ~ 2 years and 3 ~ 5 years old, respectively, did not meet the recommended potassium intake. The frequently consumed foods of young children 1 ~ 2 years old were milk, white rice, apple, curd yogurt, and egg, and those of 3 ~ 5 years old children were milk, white rice, apple, egg, and mandarin. Conclusion: The results of this study can be used to provide basic data for the nutritional education of mothers and teachers and assist in the development of sustainable dietary programs for young children.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.295-306
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• 2018

Purpose: Koreans' internet and smartphone usage hours are steadily increasing and the dependence of young people on smartphones is causing social problems. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine health and dietary habits, as well as hair mineral contents according to the level of dependence of smartphone use among adolescents to clarify the interrelation of smartphone dependence, lifestyle, dietary behavior, and mineral nutrition status. Methods: A total of 80 smartphone-addicted adolescents participated in this study and were divided into three groups (general, potential and danger group) according to smartphone dependence. The subjects' lifestyles and dietary behaviors were then surveyed, and hair mineral contents were analyzed. Results: Higher smartphone dependence was associated with lower average weekly sleeping time and later first smoking age. In the danger group, the rate of eating fast and the rate of snacking twice a day was also relatively high. Parents (45.0%) and mobile (30.0%) were the factors having the greatest influence on an individual's dietary behavior. In the hair mineral analysis, all subjects had lower selenium concentrations and higher lead concentrations than normal. In addition, the levels of aluminum in the danger group were higher than in the normal range and the highest among the three groups. Conclusions: It is necessary to guide adolescents to use smartphones correctly and manage dietary habits. In addition, careful attention is needed the mineral nutritional status of smartphone-addicted adolescents.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.664-678
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• 2017

Purpose: To identify the effectiveness of policy evaluation, consistent monitoring is necessary. This study aimed to carry out mid-term evaluation of objectives and programs related to comprehensive plans for sodium intake reduction by 2020 for Seoul city and then reestablish the objectives of the sodium intake reduction plans. Methods: Literature reviews, data analysis, and reviews of expert focus-groups were performed to evaluate objectives, to develop a new goal, and to identify the priority subjects of the sodium intake reduction programs. In order to examine target populations for the programs, awareness and behaviors related to sodium intakes among Seoul citizens were examined by sex, age, and income level using the 2008~2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Results: Current objectives of the sodium intake reduction plan by 2020 for Seoul city were not appropriate, so objectives were reset to 3,600 mg of sodium intake by 2020 among Seoul citizens with 2% reduction per year. Although sodium intake showed a decreasing trend by year, it was still high, especially in men. The sodium intake reduction programs currently in progress have not been assessed at multiple levels across multiple sectors and have only been assessed fragmentarily. For dietary behavior related to sodium intakes by sex, age, and income level, sodium intake was higher in the group with less than 100 g of fruit intake compared to the group with 100 g or more. Subjects aged 30~59 years and the low household income group showed relatively higher sodium intakes. Based on the data analysis and the expert review, the priority subject of the sodium intake reduction programs was determined to be adult men. In terms of a program strategy for sodium intake reduction, multi-level and setting approaches, including work sites, home, and restaurants, were suggested to reduce sodium intakes of the target subject. Conclusion: The suggested objectives should be consistently monitored by data analysis, and the determined programs need to be phased in over 5 years.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.426-434
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• 2014

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate eating behavior of university students through social commerce and to analyze factors affecting university students' attitude regarding social commerce. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 445 university students in Changwon, Korea from March 28 to April 28, 2013. A total of 339 questionnaires were used for the final analysis, which excluded improperly-completed questionnaires. Results: The major factor considered for eating behavior through social commerce was price (37.2%). Purchasing experiences of foodservice products according to types of foodservice were 64.9% for coffee shop, 59.3% for fast food restaurant, 53.4% for family restaurant, 46.0% for specialty restaurant, 35.7% for pizza restaurant, 35.4% for buffet, and 31.9% for bakery. Factors affecting satisfaction with social commerce for purchasing foodservice products were 'service quality of foodservice company', 'communication of social commerce', and 'discount rate of social commerce'. Factors affecting repurchasing intention of foodservice products through social commerce were 'service quality of foodservice company', 'site design of social commerce', and 'discount rate of social commerce'. Conclusion: In order to increase satisfaction with social commerce, 'service quality of foodservice company', 'communication of social commerce', and 'discount rate of social commerce' should be increased. And, to increase repurchasing intention of social commerce, 'service quality of foodservice company', 'site design of social commerce', and 'discount rate of social commerce' should be increased. In addition, two factors 'service quality of foodservice' and 'discount rate of social commerce' were found to have an effect on satisfaction and repurchasing intention of social commerce. For development of social commerce and foodservice industry, cooperative relationship between social commerce and foodservice industry is needed, and a reasonable price strategy should be established. The university students considered price as a major factor of eating behaviors and did not consider menu and taste as a major factor. From a longer perspective, such an eating behavior would have an effect on university students' dietary life and it would cause nutrition and health problems for university students. Thus, it implied that further studies from the perspectives of nutrition and health regarding eating behavior through social commerce service should be conducted.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.277-286
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of nutrition-related knowledge, dietary habits, and nutrient intakes of alcoholic patients and how nutrition education affects these nutritional behaviors. Methods: Subjects included 37 adult male alcoholic patients who were hospitalized. The nutrition education program consisted of five lessons over a five-week period. An each 80-minute nutrition education program per week was implemented for the alcoholic patients over a five-week period. Both before and after the implementation of nutrition education, their nutrition-related knowledge and dietary habits were assessed and nutrient intakes were investigated. Results: The subjects showed drinking habits of considerably high frequency, a large quantity of alcohol consumption, and preference for soju (a liquor) over beer. They had proper weight, height, and BMI, and came from relatively poor socioeconomic backgrounds with a low-level of self-rated health status and a comparatively high rate of suffering from disease. Mean score of their nutrition-related knowledge and dietary habits was quite low. They consumed less energy, dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, Ca, and K, but more Na compared to each Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). After implementing the nutrition education, mean score of nutrition-related knowledge and dietary habits showed significant improvement. In addition, the meeting rate of each DRI of several nutrients was increased significantly, including energy, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and $B_6$, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, Ca, P, K, Fe, and Zn, while that of Na decreased. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that alcoholic patients had various nutritional problems, such as lack of nutrition-related knowledge, bad dietary habits, and insufficient nutrient intakes, however, these problems can be positively modified by implementation of a relatively short-term nutrition education program.