• Title/Summary/Keyword: Measurement and assessment

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Assessment of Productivity and Foodservice Management Practices in Elementary School Foodservices Located in Seoul and KangNung (서울.강릉지역 초등학교 급식소의 급식생산성 분석)

  • 김은경;김은미;강명희;홍완수
    • Korean journal of food and cookery science
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.76-83
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    • 1998
  • The purpose of this study was to evaluate the foodservice management practices and productivity in elementary schools in order to provide basic information for an efficient food service management. This approach was achieved using a variety quantitative and qualitative information including general foodservice management, managerial and operational factors, and the productivity in elementary school foodservice systems. The labor productivity in 28 school foodservice system was assessed and related to a number of influencing variables within the system. The productivity measurement was based upon the total meal equivalents as a ratio of the total direct and non-direct labor hours required to prepare these meals. Twenty-eight elementary schools located in Seoul and Kangnung were surveyed to get data for the variables. Questionnaire and a survey form were mailed. Statistical methods used in this study were descriptive analysis, $\chi$$^2$-test, 1-test and one-way ANOVA analysis. Elementary schools in Seoul were all located in urban areas, whereas elementary schools in Kangnung were in urban areas (40.0%), provincial areas (40.0%) and in isolated areas (20.0%). Total average number of meals including children and staff was 928.2${\pm}$ 650.0 with a yery significant difference (p<0.001) between Seoul and Kangnung. The average cost of school meal in Seoul and Kangnung were 1191.0 won and 1526.2 won, respectively. The result of Pearson Correlation analysis indicated that labor cost per meal, 1-week meal equivalents and meal equivalents per labor were significantly correlated with the productivity.

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Psychometric Analysis of a Persian Version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer OG25 Quality of Life Questionnaire in Oesophagogastric Cancer Patients

  • Hesari, Ali Esmaeili;Lari, Mohsen Asadi;Shandiz, Fatemeh Homai
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.6
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    • pp.2739-2745
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    • 2014
  • Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a fundamental outcome in oncology patients and quality of life (QOL) assessment requires clinically relevant questionnaires. The purpose of this study was translation and definition of measurement properties and the clinical validity of Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-OG25 module in Persian patients with oesophagus, oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) or gastric cancers. Materials and Methods: The translation procedure followed European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines. Both EORTC QLQ-OG25 and a core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) were administered to patients with oesophagus (150), OG junction (93) and gastric (32) cancer undergoing multi-modal treatments. Convergent and discriminant validity, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and known-groups comparisons were used to examine reliability and validity. Results: In all, 275 patients (mean age 62 years) completed both questionnaires. Compliance rate was high and the questionnaire module was well accepted. We found good reliability for multi-item subscales of QLQ-OG25 (Cronbach's alpha coefficients 0.76-0.89). About 73% had TNM staging and scales distinguished between clinically distinct groups of patients. However, patients in palliative group experienced compromised functional status and worse treatment-associated symptoms than those in the potentially curative group. Test-retest scores were consistent. Multi-trait scaling analysis demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions: Overall, the Persian version of QLQ-OG25 demonstrated psychometric and clinical validity that supports its application as a supplement to the original tool (EORTC QLQ-C30) when assessing HRQL in patients with upper-gastrointestinal (GI) cancer both in curative and palliative phases.

Comparison of vertical ground reaction forces between female elderly and young adults during sit-to-stand and gait using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board

  • Lim, Ji Young;Yi, Yoonsil;Jung, Sang Woo;Park, Dae-Sung
    • Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.179-185
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    • 2018
  • Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare vertical ground reaction forces during sit to stand (STS) and gait between female elderly and young individuals using the Wii Balance Board (WBB). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-one female elderly people (age: $75.18{\pm}4.60years$), and 13 young people (age: $29.85{\pm}3.69years$) performed the five times STS test and gait respectively on the WBB. We analyzed time (s), vertical peak (%), integral summation (Int_SUM, %), and counter variables (%) in STS and 1st peak (body weight, BW%), 2nd peak (BW%), peak minimum (BW%), time (second), center of pressure (COP) path length (mm), and Int_SUM (BW%) in gait. The independent t-test was used to assess for differences in STS, gait ability, and general characteristics between the female elderly group and young adults group. With the first and last trials excluded, the mean value was obtained from the middle three of the five trials. Results: During STS, Int_SUM and time of young adults were significantly less than of the female elderly subjects. There were no significant differences in peak and counter variables. In gait, all variables (1st peak, 2nd peak, min, time, COP_path, and Int_SUM) showed significant differences between groups (p<0.05). This study demonstrated that the validity of vertical ground reaction forces occurring during STS and gait was significant in female elderly and young adults. Conclusions: Based on the measurement of vertical ground reaction forces in STS and gait using the WBB, it is possible to clinically improve the quality of geriatric physical therapy. Further studies are necessary to examine concurrent validity of elderly patients who have undergone total hip or knee replacement.

Assessment of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the chicken digestive tract for potential use as poultry probiotics

  • Merisa Sirisopapong;Takeshi Shimosato;Supattra Okrathok;Sutisa Khempaka
    • Animal Bioscience
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    • v.36 no.8
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    • pp.1209-1220
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    • 2023
  • Objective: The use of probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics in animal feed has received considerable attention in recent decades. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have remarkable functional properties promoting host health and are major microorganisms for probiotic purposes. The aim of this study was to characterize LAB strains of the chicken digestive tract and to determine their functional properties for further use as potential probiotics in poultry. Methods: A total of 2,000 colonies were isolated from the ileum and cecal contents of the chickens based on their phenotypic profiles and followed by a preliminary detection for acid and bile tolerance. The selected 200 LAB isolates with exhibited well-tolerance in acid and bile conditions were then identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene, followed by acid and bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, adhesion to epithelial cells and additional characteristics on the removal of cholesterol. Then, the two probiotic strains (L. ingluviei and L. salivarious) which showed the greatest advantage in vitro testing were selected to assess their efficacy in broiler chickens. Results: It was found that 200 LAB isolates that complied with all measurement criteria belonged to five strains, including L. acidophilus (63 colonies), L. ingluviei (2 colonies), L. reuteri (58 colonies), L. salivarius (72 colonies), and L. saerimneri (5 colonies). We found that the L. ingluviei and L. salivarius can increase the population of LAB and Bifidobacterium spp. while reducing Enterobacteria spp. and Escherichia coli in the cecal content of chickens. Additionally, increased concentrations of valeric acid and short chain fatty acids were also observed. Conclusion: This study indicates that all five Lactobacillus strains isolated from gut contents of chickens are safe and possess probiotic properties, especially L. ingluviei and L. salivarius. Future studies should evaluate the potential for growth improvement in broilers.

Assessment of Display and Events of Agro-Healing Experience Center for Visitors Satisfaction and Revisit Intention: A Case Study of 2018 Changwon Agricultural Technology Exhibition

  • Jang, Hye Sook;Gim, Gyung Mee;Jeong, Sun-Jin;Kim, Jae Soon
    • Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.15-29
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    • 2019
  • The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the exhibition displays and events of the Agro-healing Experience Hall in the Agricultural Technology Exhibition 2018 on satisfaction and revisit intention of visitors. A survey was conducted on visitors of the Agro-healing Experience Hall and the responses of 274 visitors excluding 26 cases with inappropriate responses were analyzed. For psychological measurement, the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), level of plant gardening experience, satisfaction and loyalty were measured. There was a significant difference among age groups in all four factors of the PRS (repose, fascination, coherence, and legibility). In the case of education level, there was a significant difference in the three factors (repose, fascination, and legibility). In addition, average monthly income showed a significant difference among groups in the two factors (fascination and coherence). As a result of analyzing the mood states of visitors for the exhibition events of the Agro-healing Experience Hall, there was a significant difference among age groups only in the case of vigor (p < .05). As a result of analyzing the correlation between the level of plant gardening activities (3 factors) and PRS (4 factors) in the exhibition events of the Agro-healing Experience Hall, plant preference tendency and plant-related event showed a high positive correlation of 0.5 or more with repose of the PRS factors. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of the level of plant gardening activities, PRS and POMS on the satisfaction and loyalty of visitors. As a result, it was found that in terms of relative explanatory power over independent variables affecting satisfaction and revisit intention, fascination had the greatest effect, followed by vigor, fatigue, and occupation (company employee). The results of this study suggest that exhibition events of the Agro-healing Experience Hall affect repose, fascination or vigor of visitors, and thus can be used positively to increase satisfaction and revisit intention of visitors.

Analysis of Correlation between Respiratory Characteristics and Physical Factors in Healthy Elementary School Childhood (학령기 정상 아동의 호흡 특성과 신체 조건에 관한 상관분석)

  • Lee, Hye Young;Kang, Dong Yeon;Kim, Kyoung
    • The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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    • v.25 no.5
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    • pp.330-336
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    • 2013
  • Purpose: Respiratory is an essential vital component for conservation of life in human, which is controlled by respiratory muscles and its related neuromuscular regulation. The purpose of this study is to assess lung capacity and respiratory pressure in healthy children, and to investigate relationship and predictability between respiratory pressure and other related respiratory functions. Methods: A total of 31 healthy children were recruited for this study. Demographic information and respiratory related factors were assessed in terms of body surface area (BSA), chest mobility, lung capacity, and respiratory pressure. Correlation between respiratory pressure and the rested variables was analyzed, and multiple regression using the stepwise method was performed for prediction of respiratory muscle strength, in terms of respiratory pressure as the dependent variable, and demographic and other respiratory variables as the independent variable. Results: According to the results of correlation analysis, respiratory pressure showed significant correlation with age (r=0.62, p<0.01), BSA (r=0.80, p<0.01), FVC (r=0.80, p<0.01), and FEV1 (r=0.70, p<0.01). In results of multiple regression analysis using the backward elimination method, BSA and FVC were included as significant factors of the predictable statistical model. The statistical model showed a significant explanation power of 71.8%. Conclusion: These findings suggest that respiratory pressure could be a valuable measurement tool for evaluation of respiratory function, because of significant relationship with physical characteristics and lung capacity, and that BSA and FVC could be possible predictable factors to explain the degree of respiratory pressure. These findings will provide useful information for clinical assessment and treatment in healthy children as well as those with pulmonary disease.

A Study on the Statistical Distribution of Rebound Number and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity in RC and PSC Concrete Structures (RC 및 PSC 콘크리트에서 반발도 및 초음파 속도의 변화에 대한 연구)

  • Sa, Min-Hyung;Yoon, Young-Geun;Lee, In-Bok;Woo, In-Sung;Oh, Tae Keun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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    • v.32 no.4
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    • pp.53-58
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    • 2017
  • The rebound hammer test and the measurement of ultrasonic pulse velocity(UPV) have been widely used for the physical properties & condition evaluation of reinforced & prestressed concrete structures for a long time, but the acoustoelastic effects by the prestressing in the prestressed concrete structures on the rebound number and ultrasonic pulse velocity have not been studied clearly. Therefore, this study investigated the data distribution of the rebound numbers and ultrasonic pulse velocities in reinforced and prestressed concrete slabs of $3000{\times}3000mm$ with a thickness of 250 mm. Also, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test was done in order to identify statistical consistency and reliability. The statistical analysis results show that the rebound number and ultrasonic pulse velocities increased about 1.9% and 2.5%, respectively when prestressing was applied. As expected, the UPV shows better statistical reliability and potential for in situ evaluation than the RB because the RB are more sensitive to testing posture, surface condition, temperature and humidity so on. The experimental data in this study can be used for the condition assessment of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures by the rebound number and ultrasonic pulse velocity.

Altered Cell to Cell Communication, Autophagy and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential Protective Effects of Curcumin and Stem Cell Therapy

  • Tork, Ola M;Khaleel, Eman F;Abdelmaqsoud, Omnia M
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.16 no.18
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    • pp.8271-8279
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    • 2016
  • Background: Hepato-carcinogenesis is multifaceted in its molecular aspects. Among the interplaying agents are altered gap junctions, the proteasome/autophagy system, and mitochondria. The present experimental study was designed to outline the roles of these players and to investigate the tumor suppressive effects of curcumin with or without mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: Adult female albino rats were divided into normal controls and animals with HCC induced by diethyl-nitrosamine (DENA) and $CCl_4$. Additional groups treated after HCC induction were: Cur/HCC which received curcumin; MSCs/HCC which received MSCs; and Cur+MSCs/HCC which received both curcumin and MSCs. For all groups there were histopathological examination and assessment of gene expression of connexin43 (Cx43), ubiquitin ligase-E3 (UCP-3), the autophagy marker LC3 and coenzyme-Q10 (Mito.Q10) mRNA by real time, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, along with measurement of LC3II/LC3I ratio for estimation of autophagosome formation in the rat liver tissue. In addition, the serum levels of ALT, AST and alpha fetoprotein (AFP), together with the proinflammatory cytokines $TNF{\alpha}$ and IL-6, were determined in all groups. Results: Histopathological examination of liver tissue from animals which received DENA-$CCl_4$ only revealed the presence of anaplastic carcinoma cells and macro-regenerative nodules. Administration of curcumin, MSCs; each alone or combined into rats after induction of HCC improved the histopathological picture. This was accompanied by significant reduction in ${\alpha}$-fetoprotein together with proinflammatory cytokines and significant decrease of various liver enzymes, in addition to upregulation of Cx43, UCP-3, LC3 and Mito.Q10 mRNA. Conclusions: Improvement of Cx43 expression, nonapoptotic cell death and mitochondrial function can repress tumor growth in HCC. Administration of curcumin and/or MSCs have tumor suppressive effects as they can target these mechanisms. However, further research is still needed to verify their effectiveness.

The Study of Speech Rate in Normal-Speaking Adults and Children (정상 성인 및 아동의 구어속도에 관한 연구)

  • Ahn, Jong-Bok;Shin, Myung-Sun;Kwon, Do-Ha
    • Speech Sciences
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    • v.9 no.4
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    • pp.93-103
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    • 2002
  • The purpose of this study was to establish preliminary data on the speech rates in groups of normal speaking adults and children. The results of the present study are intended to serve as clinical measurement guidelines for diagnosis, assessment, treatment planning, and therapy progresses of stuttering. Thirty-one adults (16 females, 15 males), aged 18-30 years and thirty normally developing children (15 females, 15 males), aged 8-10, participated in the study. The subjects' reading of the Stroll (Jeong, 1994) passage and l-minute portion of talking about the daily routine were sampled. The adult speakers had rates of $308.29\pm22.57$ syllables per minute (SPM) or $108.06\pm6.17$ words per minute (WPM) during reading, and $252.87\pm40.86$ SPM and $92.26\pm17.12$ WPM during talking. The children had rates of $176.67\pm33.65$ SPM or $64.07\pm12.62$ WPM during reading, and $149.30\pm33.14$ SPM and $56.60\pm11.36$ WPM during talking. The results of t-tests for reading and talking tasks in adults showed that SPM in reading (t=2.211, p< .05) and WPM in talking (t=-2.284, p< .05) differed significantly by the gender. To answer the questions whether the rate is different across children' s gender and age, a two-way ANOVA was performed. Both SPM and WPM in reading tasks were significantly different between groups of children aged 8 and 10 (p< 01), In speaking tasks, both SPM and WPM were significantly different between groups of children aged 8 and 10, and between 9 and 10.

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Public Health Policy and Health Equity (공중보건정책과 건강 형평성)

  • Kim, Chang-yup
    • Health Policy and Management
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    • v.26 no.4
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    • pp.256-264
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    • 2016
  • Equity-focused public health policy has solid theoretical and practical basis, in addition to ethical one. In the Republic of Korea (hereafter Korea), however, equity in health has not had a high priority in policy goals, regardless of policy areas and particular actors or approaches. Equitable health has been only a minor concern in most public health issues and their decision-making. Generic public health policies are needed to reduce inequity in health, but the importance of a firm basis for sound policy-making cannot be overemphasized. Health equity should be 'mainstreamed' in all public health policies. Potential approaches include intersectoral collaboration, health impact assessment, and 'Health in All Policies.' Public policy agendas for equitable health cannot be formulated without measurement and recognition of the problem. Korea is still suffering from the lack of reliable information on the current status of health inequity, resulting in a relatively weak awareness of the problem among both the general public and policy-makers. More information is needed to increase recognition and awareness that will increase intervention and actions. The absence of decision-making and actions should not be justified even by the lack of information on determinants and pathways of health inequities. Generic plausible solutions can often work in the real world according to political and social commitment. I have discussed several aspects of public health policy from the perspective of health equity, focusing on current status and plausible explanation. Policy process, agenda setting in particular, is highlighted and theories and concepts are presented along with analysis and description of current situation.