• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.15-24
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• 2015

The soil ecosystem is a complex system performing particularly complicated and varied functions, such as providing a habitat for organisms, acting as a medium for plant cultivation and growth, and functioning as a buffer against external materials in the environment. To assess whether these important functions of the soil ecosystem are executed appropriately, the concept of soil ecosystem health has been introduced, which is defined as the ability to perform the specific functions of the soil ecosystem. Understanding soil properties and soil indicators related to soil functions is essential to assess the soil health. In this study, systems, the indicators, and evaluation factors for assessing soil ecosystem health employed in a number of countries were investigated and discussed. In particular, it is necessary to introduce a technique for the evaluation of soil ecosystem health in Korea and to develop techniques and indicators appropriate to the soil ecosystem and status in Korea.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.303-310
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to evaluated for its validity and assessment of oral health impact profile 14 as a tool for evaluating of life related with oral health status for the ADL inpatients in geriatrics hospital and as a basic data for establishing geriatric oral health policies. The sample of this study consisted of 120 in ADL inpatients in geriatrics hospital in Pusan and Ulsan city, through face-to-face interviews of sample extraction method. In conclusion, the analysis results of the short OHIP14 forms have an effect on necessity of cure, filled teeth and current oral stale, spouse, intension. Through this results, OHIP14 could be used as an indicator to measure the quality of life related with oral health status for the ADL inpatients in geriatrics hospital as well as elderly general people.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.2-13
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• 2022

Purpose: This study assessed the status of the Development and Utilization of critical pathways (CP) in South Korea. Methods: We surveyed 195 hospitals obtained on the Korean Hospital Association website. Data were collected using structured questionnaires for staff members in charge of CP management personnel in these hospitals. The questionnaire included CP developed by the institutions, the coverage rates and completion rates of CP in the current year, and management indicators related to CP. The questionnaire also included CP support systems and content within the institutions and questions regarding the advantages of CP utilization and obstacles associated with the CP development process. Results: Analysis of the responses from 70 hospitals (35.9% response rate) showed that a total of 1,370 CP sets were developed. The number of CP related to surgery departments was 365 (26.6%), and CP related to surgery and procedure was 1,093 (79.8%), respectively. The CP coverage rate was the most frequently used indicator to monitor the effect of CP (97.1%), followed by the completion rate (90.0%) and the length of stay in hospital (61.4%). CP managers reported that CP were highly useful for communication (3.39±0.493) and accurate information provision (3.39±0.491). The perception that CP violated doctors' autonomy in treatment was relatively low (2.87±0.645). Conclusion: It is necessary to establish an infrastructure in hospitals for CP. CP can facilitate communication and provide accurate information.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.293-303
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• 2023

Patients with chronic renal failure, many of which treated with hemodialysis, present a high prevalence of impaired muscle strength which suggest that muscle mass parameters may be used as markers for changes in muscle in these patients. Measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) is a common, simple, and quick measure of muscle function an indicator of overall muscle strength which has been associated with physical activity and several anthropometric traits. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are biochemical markers associated with inflammatory processes which are a common consequence of dialysis. Additionally, hemodialysis patients frequently present signs of malnutrition and depression. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate if muscle and biochemical markers could be used to predict the risk of depression in hemodialysis patients. Several anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, depression state and the serum levels of ICAM-1 and IGF-1 were determined and Pearson's correlation coefficient and/or Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to test the correlation between them. Our results do not show a correlation between HGF, IGF-1 and ICAM-1 with the depression status of the patients, but mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) was statistically and positively correlated with depression. Additionally, ICAM-1 levels were negatively correlated with HGS, MAMC, and IGF-1. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that HGS may be used as an indicator of cardiovascular diseases and MAMC may be a good predictor of the level of depression in hemodialysis patients, although further studies are required.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.411-420
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the demand and supply status of patient beds by type of medical institution, categorized into 70 clinical privilege, in order to understand the regional bed supply situation. Methods: Utilizing the 70 clinical privilege defined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, we calculated bed demand and supply quantities from 2019 to 2021 using data from Statistics Korea and the Health Insurance Statistical Yearbook. The bed demand calculation formula was based on the detailed guidelines for the medical sector by the Korea Development Institute and the 3rd edition of bed supply basic policies announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Additionally, to mitigate distorted bed supply situations caused by factors such as regional levels and patient outflows, we classified bed supply types using the population decrease index indicator published by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security. Results: Among the 70 clinical privilege, it was analyzed that a relatively balanced bed supply situation exists overall, irrespective of the type of healthcare institution. However, in medical institutions at or above the level of hospitals, regions with bed supply ratios exceeding 20% compared to demand, particularly in institutions at or above the level of general hospitals, showed a relatively high rate of demand diversion. Conclusion: We have identified the bed supply types in the 70 clinical privilege in South Korea. Based on the results of this study, we emphasize the need for bed supply policies that consider regional characteristics. It is expected that this research can serve as fundamental data for future efforts aimed at managing or rectifying bed supply imbalances on a regional basis.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.319-326
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• 2007

Coastal marine ecosystems continue to suffer unrelenting pressures from human population growth, increased development, and climate change. Moreover, these systems' capacity for self-repair is declining with such increases in anthropogenic production of various pollutants. What is the present health status or condition of the coastal ecosystem? If our coastal areas are unhealthy, which conditions are considered serious? To answer such questions, the United States, Canada, and Australia are currently assessing coastal ecosystem health using systematic monitoring programs as well as identifying and implementing management plans to improve the health of degraded coastal ecosystems. To evaluate marine environments, Korea is currently using a limited number of factors to estimate water quality. In fact, we are ill-prepared for assessing coastal ecosystem health because no biologically specific criteria are in place to measure the responses to various pollutants. We should select ecosystem-specific indicators from physicochemical stressors and evaluate the subsequent biological responses within each ecosystem. Furthermore, a set of practical indicators should be generated by considering the characteristics and uses of a local coastal area and the key issues at hand. The values of indicators should be presented as indices that allow understanding by the general public as well as by practitioners, policy makers, environmental managers and other stakeholders.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.6081-6084
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• 2013

Objective: Both estrogen receptors, ER alpha ($ER{\alpha}$) and ER beta ($ER{\beta}$), are expressed in 50-70% of breast cancer cases. The role of $ER{\alpha}$ as a prognostic marker in breast cancer has been well established as its expression is negative correlated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis. $ER{\beta}$ is also a favorable prognostic predictor although this is less well documented than for $ER{\alpha}$. Materials and Methods: To explore whether ERs independently or together might influence clinical outcome in breast cancer, the correlation between the ERs with the clinicopathological features was analyzed in 84 patients. Results: $ER{\alpha}$ expression negatively correlated with tumor stage (r=-0.246, p=0.028) and tended to be negatively correlated with lymph node status (r=-0.156, p=0.168) and tumor size (r=-0.246, p=0.099). Also, $ER{\beta}$ was negatively correlated with nodal status (r=-0.243, p=0.028), as was coexpression of $ER{\alpha}$ and $ER{\beta}$ (p=0.043, OR=0.194, 95% CI= 0.040-0.953). Conclusion: Coexpression of ERs might serve as an indicator of good prognosis in breast cancer patients.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.940-955
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the degree nutrient intake, health status and other characteristics of females aged 65 years and over in a longevity area according to family arrangement. For analysis, 585 female elderly were recruited from the Kugoksoondam area (Kurye, Goksung, Soonchang and Damyang counties), known as the longevity-belt region in Jeonla province, Korea. The subjects were categorized into three groups according to family arrangement (living alone, living with spouse only and living with family). Demographic characteristics were collected, as well as information on physical measurements, blood tests for biochemical indicators, health status and health-related life style, dietary behavior, favorite food groups, consumption frequency of food groups, nutrient intake and mini nutrition assessment. In the group living with their spouse only, the highest education, physical activity, diverse food intake, frequency of eating meats and fish, energy and nutrients intake, and score on the mininutrient status assessment (MNA) were found to be significantly favorable factors. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the group living with their spouse only had relatively superior nutrient intake and the quality of diet. In contrast, the group living alone showed the lowest self-rated economic status, diversity of food intake, and physical activity, with the highest frequency of drinking, smoking and regular exercise for almost everyday compared with the other groups. On the other hand, those living with family demonstrated the lowest intake of supplements or functional foods, and levels of hemoglobin hematocrit MCH, but the highest HBA1c and blood sugar. Therefore, the group living with family was assumed to be at risk of anemia and diabetes. These results could be useful to plan effective strategies to increase the health-life expectancy of Korean elderly people living in rural areas, according to family arrangement.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.46-61
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• 1998

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin D nutritional status on bone mineral density of adults (21-49 years). To attain the aim, we measured bone mineral density (BMD) of the subjects at distal radius by single-photon absorptiometry (SPA). Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25-(OH)D) , known to be the best indicator of indicator of vitamin D status in humans was analyzed . The factors affecting this vitamin D level were also investigated in autumn in 122 young adults. Serum level of 25-(OH)D was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography(HPLC) and biochemical variables, general health status, time spent outdoors, and dietary intakes of the subjects. BMD of the male subjects was significantly greater than that of female subjects. Weight, activity and total energy expediture (TEE) showed a positive correlation with distal BMD. The mean level of serum 25-(OH)D was 24.4$\pm$11.0 ng./ml and by sex, 26.0$\pm$6.8ng/ml for males and 23.3$\pm$12.3ng/ml for females , the level was significantly higher in male (p<0.01). there was significant correlation between BMD at distal-radius and s-25(OH)D levels (p<0.001). The serum level fo parathyroid hormone (PTH) showed a negative correlation with BMD(p<0.05), with the more obvious correlation in females. Vitamin D intake was estimated to be 3.75$\pm$2.19ug/day in average. Among the nutrients studied, protein ,fat, calcium , and vitamin D intake were positively correlated with distal BMD. When food frequencies were concerned , milk and dairy products showed a significant positive correlation with the BMD level, and driedfoods, eggs , fats and oils, and cereals also showed a positive correlation. Time spent outdoors was estimated to be about 70 minutes in average and positively correlated with the distal BMD level(p<0.01). During the day, the specific time between 12 :00pm and 2:00pm showed the most significant correlation with BMD (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis with the variables showed that distal BMD could be fit 31.9% by the time spent outdoors a day, intake of Ca and vitamin D, and TEE. The standardized estimates were 0.344 for vitamin D intake, 0.284 for Ca intake 0.179 for the time spent outdoors a day and 0.273 for TEE. For males, s-25*OH)D level, TEE and time spent outdoors during a day showed a significant correlation. For females, intake of Ca and vitamin D could fit about 27.1% of the distal BMD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.54-64
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• 1987

The purpose of this study is to computerize all the necessary information on the daily food value and nutritional status for individuals and groups. In this research, a FOCUS-16jXT (16 bit personal computer ) compatible with IBM-PCjXT was used, and the database files and programs were created by using the dBASEIII package. The food life evaluation system consists of 3 subsystems of Reference, Nutrition Status Assessment and Food Source. The findings are summerized a8 follows: 1. Reference: This subsystem enables users to proceed to the next step, if necessary, by describing each subsystem. 2. Nutrition Status Assessment. 1) Food Habit Assessment: This subsystem determines whether the user has a good food habit or not, based on the answers for ten questions about daily food life. 2) Obesity Assessment: This subsystem calculates Broca index, which is used as a indicator of obesity. 3) Nutrient Intakes: When personal data such as age, sex, weight, height and food consumptions are input, it is possible to calculate the followings. i) Comparison between the amounts intaked and the recommended dietary daily allowances of various nutrients ii) Nutrient intakes from each food group and their composition rates for the nutrients iii) Nutrient intakes per unit body surface area iv) Composition of lipid intake 3. Food Sources: The appropriate food sources for the lacking nutrients will be recommended to the subjects.