• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.626-638
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of the scientifically gifted high school students to the research and education (R&E) program. 270 scientifically gifted high school students participating in R&E program were sampled and surveyed according to the R&E' purpose, the process of topic selection, the advantage, and disadvantage of R&E. 4 students among them were interviewed in depth. Students perceived the purposes and advantages of R&E as fostering the scientist' qualifications, providing the research opportunities, and improving the inquiry ability and the disadvantages of R&E as the time consumption in research, the participation as a sideline, and the difficulty of contents. The R&E program was mainly composed of a pre-determined topic, fixed procedures, and expert's settlements in the problem-emerging situation and was not cognitive but technical apprenticeship. In addition, students considered the participation of R&E as a chance of experience about the high techniques and the valuable instruments instead of the improvement on the creative problem-solving ability. The role of mentors in the R&E program is so important that it affects largely on the productive participation and the perceptions of science and scientists.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.147-156
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• 2024

This study aims to reduce CO₂ generated during the manufacturing process by using limestone (CaCO₃), a carbonate mineral used in the production of cement clinker, as a decarbonated raw material that does not contain CO₂. Among various industrial by-products, we attempted to use cement paste attached to waste concrete. In general, limestone for cement must have a CaCO₃ content of at least 80% (CaO, 44% or more) to ensure the quality of cement clinker. However, the CaO content of waste concrete fine powder is about 20% on average, so in order to use it as a cement clinker raw material, the CaO content must be increased to more than 35%. Therefore, by using the difference in hardness of the mineral composition of waste concrete fine powder to selectively crush CaO type minerals with relatively low hardness, classify and sieve, the CaO content can be increased by more than 35%. Accordingly, in this study, we experimentally and statistically reviewed and analyzed the optimal conditions for efficiently separating CaO and SiO₂ and other components by selectively pulverizing minerals containing relatively low CaO through a grinding process. As a result of the optimal grinding conditions experiment, it was found that the optimal conditions were a grinding time of less than 5 minutes, a type of material to be crushed of 30 mm, and an amount of material to be crushed of 1.0 or more. However, it is judged that it is necessary to review pulverized materials of mixed particle sizes rather than pulverized products of single particle size.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.39.1-39.15
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• 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination may non-specifically alter the host immune system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg) titer and host immunity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Consecutive 2,797 CHB patients who had serial HBsAg measurements during antiviral treatment were included in this study. Changes in the HBsAg levels after COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed. The dynamics of NK cells following COVID-19 vaccination were also examined using serial blood samples collected prospectively from 25 healthy volunteers. Vaccinated CHB patients (n=2,329) had significantly lower HBsAg levels 1-30 days post-vaccination compared to baseline (median, -21.4 IU/ml from baseline), but the levels reverted to baseline by 91-180 days (median, -3.8 IU/ml). The velocity of the HBsAg decline was transiently accelerated within 30 days after vaccination (median velocity: -0.06, -0.39, and -0.04 log₁₀ IU/ml/year in pre-vaccination period, days 1-30, and days 31-90, respectively). In contrast, unvaccinated patients (n=468) had no change in HBsAg levels. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of NK cells expressing NKG2A, an NK inhibitory receptor, significantly decreased within 7 days after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (median, -13.1% from baseline; p<0.001). The decrease in the frequency of NKG2A⁺ NK cells was observed in the CD56^dimCD16⁺ NK cell population regardless of type of COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination leads to a rapid, transient decline in HBsAg titer and a decrease in the frequency of NKG2A⁺ NK cells.

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.57-67
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• 2024

This paper explores the potential of electromyography (EMG) as a means of gesture recognition for user input in gesture-based interaction. EMG utilizes small electrodes within muscles to detect and interpret user movements, presenting a viable input method. To classify user gestures based on EMG data, machine learning techniques are employed, necessitating the preprocessing of raw EMG data to extract relevant features. EMG characteristics can be expressed through formulas such as Integrated EMG (IEMG), Mean Absolute Value (MAV), Simple Square Integral (SSI), Variance (VAR), and Root Mean Square (RMS). Additionally, determining the suitable time for gesture classification is crucial, considering the perceptual, cognitive, and response times required for user input. To address this, segment sizes ranging from a minimum of 100ms to a maximum of 1,000ms are varied, and feature extraction is performed to identify the optimal segment size for gesture classification. Notably, data learning employs overlapped segmentation to reduce the interval between data points, thereby increasing the quantity of training data. Using this approach, the paper employs four machine learning models (KNN, SVC, RF, XGBoost) to train and evaluate the system, achieving accuracy rates exceeding 96% for all models in real-time gesture input scenarios with a maximum segment size of 200ms.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.24-33
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• 2024

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate individual- and community-level factors on suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among Korean adults. Methods : This study was conducted on 225,965 adults collected through data from the 2021 Community Health Survey and the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS). The general characteristics, suicidal behavior (e.g., suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts), and community-level characteristics of the study subjects were analyzed using frequency (%) and mean (standard deviation). The effects on individual- and community-level factors on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. Results : The community-level factor associated with suicidal ideation was unmet health care (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.053, 95% CI=1.035-1.071), and the community-level factor associated with suicide attempt was the aging rate (OR=1.015, 95% CI=1.001-1.030). Regarding health-related variables, the individual-level factors associated with suicidal ideation were stress status (OR=9.388, 95% CI=8.629-10.213), depressive experience in the past year (OR=6.737, 95% CI=6.454-7.032), and the predominantly individual-level factors associated with suicide attempt were also stress status (OR=5.213, 95% CI=3.699-7.347), and depressive experience in the last one year (OR=13.433, 95% CI: 11.247-16.044). Conclusions : We confirmed individual-level and community-level factors influencing suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Through these findings, we need to establish suicide prevention policies, considering managing individual-level factors such as stress and depression as well as community-level factors such as unmet health care.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between job stress and burnout among primary healthcare practitioners during COVID-19 pandemic through mixed methods study. Methods: Data were collected from October to November 2022 using Qualtrix, a web-based survey platform. 1,082 primary health care practitioners participated in the survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation analysis using IBM SPSS/WIN 27.0. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis through open-ended questions. Results: Job stress and burnout among primary healthcare practitioners during COVID-19 were positively correlated. Four categories and seven subcategories were identified. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is necessary to develop a support system for primary healthcare practitioners according to the type of residential area and the number of peopleto reduce job stress and burnout.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.30-41
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• 2022

Objective: Computed tomography enterography (CTE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are considered substitutes for each other for evaluating Crohn's disease (CD). However, the adequacy of mixing them for routine periodic follow-up for CD has not been established. This study aimed to compare MRE alone with the mixed use of CTE and MRE for the periodic follow-up of small bowel inflammation in patients with CD. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively compared two non-randomized groups, each comprising 96 patients with CD. One group underwent CTE and MRE (MRE followed by CTE or vice versa) for the follow-up of CD (interval, 13-27 months [median, 22 months]), and the other group underwent MRE alone (interval, 15-26 months [median, 21 months]). However, these two groups were similar in clinical characteristics. Three independent readers from three different institutions determined whether inflammation had decreased, remained unchanged, or increased within the entire small bowel and the terminal ileum based on sequential enterography of the patients after appropriate blinding. We compared the two groups for inter-reader agreement and accuracy (terminal ileum only) using endoscopy as the reference standard for enterographic interpretation. Results: The inter-reader agreement was greater in the MRE alone group for the entire small bowel (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.683 vs. 0.473; p = 0.005) and the terminal ileum (ICC: 0.656 vs. 0.490; p = 0.030). The interpretation accuracy was higher in the MRE alone group without statistical significance (70.9%-74.5% vs. 57.9%-64.9% in individual readers; adjusted odds ratio = 3.21; p = 0.077). Conclusion: The mixed use of CTE and MRE was inferior to MRE alone in terms of inter-reader reliability and could probably be less accurate than MRE alone for routine monitoring of small bowel inflammation in patients with CD. Therefore, the consistent use of MRE is favored for this purpose.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.90-96
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• 2024

In this paper, we propose an automated system. It utilizes a Raspberry Pi camera and a function generator to analyze luminance in an image. Then, it applies voltage based on this analysis to control light transmission through coloring smart windows. The existing luminance meters used to measure luminance are expensive and require unnecessary movement from the user, making them difficult to use in real life. However, after taking a photography, luminance analysis in the image using the Python Open Source Computer Vision Library (OpenCV) is inexpensive and portable, so it can be easily applied in real life. This system was used in an environment where smart windows were applied to detect the luminance of windows. Based on the brightness of the image, the coloring of the smart window is adjusted to reduce the brightness of the window, allowing occupants to create a comfortable viewing environment.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.37-46
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• 2024

Objectives: The objective of this study was to characterize mental health issues among Vietnamese healthcare workers (HCWs) and to identify related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 990 HCWs in 2021. Their mental health status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Results: In total, 49.9%, 52.3%, and 29.8% of respondents were found to have depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The multivariable linear regression model revealed that factors associated with increased anxiety scores included depression scores (β, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.51) and stress scores (β, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.52). Factors associated with increased depression scores included being frontline HCWs (β, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.10 to 1.10), stress scores (β, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.56), and anxiety scores (β, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.47), while working experience was associated with reduced depression scores (β, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.01). Factors associated with increased stress scores included working experience (β, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.16), personal protective equipment interference with daily activities (β, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.07 to 1.00), depression scores (β, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.59), and anxiety scores (β, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.50), while age was associated with reduced stress scores (β, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.05). Conclusions: Specific interventions are necessary to enhance and promote the mental health of HCWs so they can successfully cope with the circumstances of the pandemic.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

In order to improve the effectiveness of carbon neutrality in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, this study identifies the current state of social environmental education through literature research, excluding school environmental education being implemented in elementary, middle, and high schools in the province, and identifies shortcomings or problems. The purpose is to establish a plan to systematically and integratedly operate social environmental education, and the derived plan can be used as a guide to change environmental awareness and induce eco-friendly behavior to improve the effectiveness of carbon neutrality. As a result of the study, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province established a consultative body with environmental education institutions, organizations and expert groups operating dispersed throughout the province through the substantial operation and support of the environmental education center currently being entrusted, to identify the current status and develop content necessary for establishing environmental education policies, establishing a platform to enable information sharing, role division, regular communication, empathy, and policy feedback, and on-site environmental education centered on the field to stimulate emotions and personalize environmental problems so that environmental problems can be properly recognized. Emphasizing the necessity.