• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.997-1006
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are closely related and considered as allergic respiratory diseases (ARD), and their prevalence has recently increased. Data on the association of dietary antioxidant vitamin intake with asthma and AR in adults are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the associations of vitamin A and C intake with asthma, AR, and all cases of both diseases in young adults who participated in a cross-sectional national survey, with the use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level as an effect modifier. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 6,293 male and female adults aged 20-49 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2016 and 2018. The questionnaire-based reports on asthma and AR diagnosis were used to determine outcome variables. Further, 24-h recall data on dietary vitamin A and C, carotene, and retinol intake were acquired. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Dietary vitamin C intake was inversely associated with asthma prevalence among participants with hs-CRP levels (≥ 1 mg/L); the OR of asthma prevalence was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.08-0.84) for participants with vitamin C consumption ≥ 75 mg/day compared with those consuming < 20 mg/day. Similar association analyses limiting to non-users of dietary supplements were performed to rule out the potential effects of supplement intake on the outcomes; results showed a stronger association. However, the association between vitamin C and asthma was not significant in participants with hs-CRP levels < 1 mg/L; the OR of asthma was 1.44 (95% CI, 0.66-3.16) for participants with vitamin C consumption ≥ 75 mg/day compared with those consuming < 20 mg/day. Vitamin C intake was not associated with AR. Moreover, there was no association between vitamin A intake and neither asthma nor AR. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that higher vitamin C intake may play a potential role in reducing asthma prevalence. Nevertheless, further studies should be conducted to evaluate whether this association is causal.

• 한국보건간호학회지
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.426-440
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• 2015

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to understand older adults' perspectives on successful aging and develop a model of a successful aging process, within the Korean socio-cultural context. Methods: This study used a Grounded Theory approach. Through theoretical sampling, 14 participants were selected from older adults at a public health center and a volunteer institution in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Results: The basic social process identified was "expanding the aging self", which was preceded by three phases, namely, adjusting to the changes, developing the valuable self, and embracing the environment. Participants used 2-3 strategies for successful aging in each phase. For adjusting to the changes, participants used strategies such as "adopting a positive attitude", "accepting the changes", and "being at the center of life". To develop the valuable self, "re-identifying capacities", "having something to do", and "advancing to a healthy lifestyle" were used. Participants embraced their environments with "sharing with others" and "embracing younger generations". The causal condition for expanding the aging self was the changes in participants' physical, mental, or psychosocial situations. Conclusion: These findings suggest a theoretical foundation for the development of potential nursing interventions to promote self-care management and the interpersonal relationship for successful aging among Korean elderly individuals.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• 제21권12호
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• pp.45-52
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• 2021

The article proves the relevance of developing conceptual frameworks for managing the quality assurance of logistics activities in the context of socio-economic interaction of their participants. It is established that the fundamental difference of the logistic approach in management from traditional approaches is the allocation of a single management function of previously separated, disparate material flows, as well as economic, technological, information integration of chain links into a single system capable of effective management of these flows. It is substantiated that the functioning of the enterprise as a logistics system can be represented in the form of a triad of logistics components, namely: supply logistics, production logistics, sales logistics. Management of quality assurance processes of logistics activities in the context of socio-economic interaction of their participants is a functional component of the entire logistics system due to the quality of work and interaction of all participants in the implementation of certain activities. The quality of logistics activities will affect the level of economic potential, rationalization and optimization of all logistics flows. It is proved that the management of quality assurance processes of logistics activities in the context of socio-economic interaction of their participants involves the following main areas: the introduction of a quality system of logistics processes; development and implementation of the general strategy of quality improvement at the enterprise; internal integration; controlling. Management of quality assurance processes of logistics activities in the context of socio-economic interaction of its participants requires compliance with the following requirements: systematic and comprehensive management of all flow processes; coordination of criteria and indicators for assessing the effectiveness of the entire logistics system; dissemination of the use and application of information technology; ensuring partnerships and close interaction of all participants in sales networks.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.234-241
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• 2024

In higher education, integration of technologies - particularly generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT - has become increasingly widespread, serving numerous purposes to its stakeholders. While users acknowledge the utility of technology, concerns have emerged regarding its misuses. The present study is designed to investigate authentic perspectives and opinions of college freshman students to critically address the relevant concerns, and suggest meaningful solutions. To this end, seven college freshman student participants were recruited in a four-days-long online questionnaire. Their responses indicated that the college student participants appear to find ChatGPT positive in terms of its practicality and usefulness. However, they also showed concerns about a few potential issues (i.e., possible plagiarism and copyright problems). With recommendations the student participants suggested to reduce the aforementioned problems, the article discusses implications of the findings, providing valuable insights into the balance between implementation of AI technologies and dealing with the associated challenges in higher education in general.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제55권4호
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• pp.389-397
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• 2022

Objectives: This study examined the effect of out-of-pocket (OOP) payment reduction on the potential utilization of low-value magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across income groups. Methods: We conducted an experimental vignette survey using a proportional quota-based sample of individuals in Korea (n=1229). In two hypothetical vignettes, participants were asked whether they would be willing to use MRI if they had uncomplicated headache and non-specific low back pain, each before and after OOP payment reduction. To account for the possible role of physician inducement, half of the participants were initially presented with vignettes that included a physician recommendation for low-value care. The predicted probability, slope index of inequality (SII), and relative index of inequality (RII) were calculated using logistic regression. Results: Before OOP payment reduction, the lowest income quintile was least likely to use low-value MRI regardless of physician inducement (36.7-49.6% for low back pain; 30.5-39.3% for headache). After OOP payment reduction, almost all individuals in each income quintile were willing to use low-value MRI (89.8-98.0% for low back pain; 78.1-90.3% for headache). Absolute and relative inequalities concerning potential low-value MRI utilization decreased after OOP payments were reduced, even without physician inducement (SII: from 8.15 to 5.37%, RII: from 1.20 to 1.06 for low back pain; SII: from 6.99 to 0.83%, RII: from 1.20 to 1.01 for headache). Conclusions: OOP payment reduction for MRI has the potential to increase low-value care utilization among all income groups while decreasing inequality in low-value care utilization.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.84-92
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• 2022

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are available both as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines at pharmacies. Although they are generally safe drugs, inappropriate and excessive use could result in potential side effects. Thus, it is important to have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of TCs. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess public knowledge and the potential misuse or overuse of TCs. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide online survey was conducted among participants who were aware of TCs. The survey items included sources of information, indications, potential side effects, and methods of application of TCs. A comparative analysis was conducted between those with (TC users) and without (TC non-users) an experience of using TCs. Results: Among 3,000 participants, 74.4% were TC users. The mass media was the most common information source of TCs, and only one-third of the surveyed people relied on pharmacists or doctors for information. Regarding indications and application methods, incorrect answer rate was high in some items, but respondents showed adequate knowledge. However, awareness of the safety of TCs was low. Overall, the TC users showed a higher knowledge of TCs than TC non-users. Conclusions: Public knowledge of the use of TCs appears to be appropriate. However, we found potential misuse or overuse of some items and a lack of awareness of the side effects concerning TCs. Thus, healthcare professionals' significant role is required.

• 보건교육건강증진학회지
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.179-193
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• 2004

The potential contribution of the internet and mobile phone to smoking cessation seems huge, given that a majority of Koreans now use internet and have mobile phones. The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare developed and has been offering an internet-based smoking cessation program from the January, 2002 and a mobile-based program from the April, 2004. Despite the anticipated effectiveness of internet and mobile-based smoking cessation programs, there is little empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of both types of programs. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the effectiveness of an internet and a mobile-based smoking cessation program and to provide the basic database for the development of effective smoking cessation strategies for the health promotion for the whole nation. Cessation and satisfaction data were obtained from the 434 participants in both programs. The data were analysed for the comparison of quit-smoking rate and the degree of satisfaction between an internet smoking cessation program and a mobile smoking cessation program. The main results of this study were as follows: 1. For the internet program participants, there were statistically significant differences in cessation rate by gender(P<0.05) and age(P<0.01). In contrast, none of general characteristics provided statistically significant differences in cessation rate for the mobile program participants. 2. For the internet program participants, smoking related characteristics(average smoking amount and the reasons for smoking) didn't have an effect on smoking cessation. But, for mobile program participants, there was a statistically significant difference in cessation rate by the reasons for smoking(P<0.05). 3. The cessation rate was 31.9%(abstinence for the previous 30 days) for internet program participants and 17.8% for mobile program participants.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제39권
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• pp.10.1-10.5
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• 2017

Background: Because of changing surgical procedures in the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery, new methods for surgical education are needed and could include recent advances in digital technology. Many doctors have attempted to use digital technology as educational tools for surgical training, and movies have played an important role in these attempts. We have been using a 3D full high-definition (full-HD) camcorder to record movies of intraoral surgeries. Method: The subjects were medical students and doctors receiving surgical training who did not have actual surgical experience (n = 67). Participants watched an 8-min, 2D movie of orthognathic surgery and subsequently watched the 3D version. After watching the 3D movie, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire. Result: A lot of participants (84%) felt a 3D movie excellent or good and answered that the advantages of a 3D movie were their appearance of solidity or realism. Almost all participants (99%) answered that 3D movies were quite useful or useful for medical practice. Conclusions: Three-dimensional full-HD movies have the potential to improve the quality of medical education and clinical practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

• Human Ecology Research
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• 제61권3호
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• pp.445-458
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• 2023

This study aims to develop and implement a coaching program in the metaverse space to address issues faced by university students during their life stage and verify their effectiveness. The overall program consists of four sessions: "Opening," "Metaverse-based Coaching Clinic (2 sessions)," and "Coaching Clinic Reflection and Feedback." A total of 20 participants were selected through S University's extracurricular program system. To assess the effectiveness of the program, surveys, as well as focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted. Using SPSS 26.0, significant differences were observed in the participants' career decision self-efficacy and resilience. The FGIs were conducted with a total of four participants divided into two groups, with each group lasting for one hour. The analysis revealed key phases, including the introductory phase comprising participants' motivation and expectations, the main phases consisting of program operation, coaching perception and outcomes, metaverse environment, and metaverse coaching perception and outcomes, as well as the concluding phase in which recommendations are suggested for subsequent programs. The study confirmed the significant impact of coaching in the metaverse space and highlighted the maximization of coaching effectiveness through mutual anonymity facilitated by avatars. This research holds significance as an exploratory study that practically verifies the potential expansion of the metaverse environment in the coaching field.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.61-73
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• 2024

A diet rich in proinflammatory components and inflammation are suggested to be significant risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of MS and the inflammatory potential of an individual's diet and dietary diversity through pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory food intake score (PAIFIS) and dietary diversity score (DDS). In a hospital-based case-control study, 397 participants, including 197 patients with MS and 200 healthy participants aged over 18 years, were evaluated. The history of smoking, dietary intake, and anthropometric characteristics, including body mass index, waist circumference, total body fat, and fat-free mass were assessed. A validated 160-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the PAIFIS and DDS scores. The mean age of the participants was 32.45 ± 8.66 years, and most were females (274, 79.4%). The PAIFIS score was significantly higher among MS patients than healthy participants (p = 0.001). Between PAIFIS and DDS, only PAFIS was significantly related to MS risk (odds ratio, 1.002; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.004; p = 0.001). PAIFIS, as an index of dietary inflammation, can predict MS. Further studies are needed to document these findings.