• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.251-257
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• 2024

Background Plastic surgery has developed to benefit in a variety of challenging areas formerly handled by other disciplines. Medical students do not have a clear picture of plastic surgery as a career due to lacking scope, clinical practice, and understanding of plastic surgery as a clinical area of expertise, including general practitioners, nursing staff, medical trainees, and the general public, and misconceptions about the extent of reconstructive and plastic surgery. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on Kuwait University Medical students (2nd-7th Years) over a period of 1 month. A questionnaire and a consent form were provided to eligible students. The inclusion criteria were Kuwait University Medical students from 2nd to 7th Years with signed consent form. The response was collected via email sent in coordination with the Vice Dean of Student Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine. Using statistical package for the social sciences, responses were statistically analyzed. Pearson's chi-square test was used to calculate p-values, where p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 244 eligible medical students, 121 males and 123 females, were included in the study, with a mean age of 21 (±2) years. Similarly, 126 (51.6%) were preclinical students (2nd-4th-year students), while 118 (48.4%) were clinical students (5th-7th-year students). About 79.8% of medical students believed that plastic surgery plays an essential role in trauma management, whereas 9.2% did not consider plastic surgery significant for trauma management. This study found that only 15.5% of medical students were interested in enrolling in plastic surgery residency after graduation, while 47.1% of students did not consider plastic surgery residency after graduation. However, 37.4% were uncertain. The two most driving factors in deciding on plastic surgery residency were expected income (61.8%) and lifestyle (14.3%). Conclusion Improving medical students' education quality can enhance their perception and awareness of plastic surgery. Students should be taught the broader scope of plastic surgery. The inclusion of formal training during undergraduation is the essence of time and should be added to or improved during plastic surgery rotations with more emphasis on reconstructive and hand/peripheral nerve surgery. Student-led interest groups can be a useful tool for educating students about their specialty.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.50.1-50.11
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• 2023

Background: The rise in telecommuting or non-face-to-face work owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has fueled conversations regarding the "right to disconnect." Although evidence suggests that receiving work-related communications through telecommunication devices outside of work hours may lead to various symptoms and illnesses, limited research has been undertaken on these symptoms. This study therefore aims to investigate the correlation between receiving work communications through telecommunication devices after work hours and the occurrence of work-related headaches and eyestrain in full-time, non-shift white-collar workers. Methods: This study used data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. The frequency of using telecommunication devices for work purposes outside of working hours was divided into five categories: "Every day," "Several times a week," "Several times a month," "Rarely," and "Never." Work-related headaches and eyestrain were categorized based on a "yes" or "no" response to the survey questions. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Results: After adjusting for sex, age, income level, education, occupation, workplace size, work hours, and sleep disorders, the odds ratio (OR) of work-related headaches and eyestrain based on frequency of telecommunication device usage were as follows: "rarely" (OR: 1.292; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111-1.503), "several times a month" (OR: 1.551; 95% CI: 1.249-1.926), "several times a week" (OR: 1.474; 95% CI: 1.217-1.784), and "every day" (OR: 1.548; 95% CI: 1.321-1.813). Conclusions: Employees who use telecommunication devices for work after regular hours are more susceptible to experiencing work-related headaches and eyestrain compared to those who do not. However, there is a dearth of research examining the physical and mental health impacts of using telecommunication devices for after-hours work. Furthermore, the existing preventative measures in Korea are insufficient. Consequently, it is imperative to develop effective measures and conduct additional research to address this issue.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.425-437
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• 2023

Obesity, which continues to increase worldwide, was shown to irreversibly impair the differentiation potential and angiogenic properties of adipose tissue mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs). Because these cells are intended for regenerative medicine, especially for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, and the effects of obesity on the immunomodulatory properties of ADSCs are not yet clear, here we investigated how ADSCs isolated from former obese subjects (Ex-Ob) would influence macrophage differentiation and polarization, since these cells are the main instructors of inflammatory responses. Analysis of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of overweight (OW) and Ex-Ob subjects showed the maintenance of approximately twice as many macrophages in Ex-Ob SAT, contained within the CD68⁺/FXIII-A^- inflammatory pool. Despite it, in vitro, coculture experiments revealed that Ex-Ob ADSCs instructed monocyte differentiation into a M2-like profile, and under inflammatory conditions induced by LPS treatment, inhibited HLA-DR upregulation by resting M0 macrophages, originated a similar percentage of TNF-α⁺ cells, and inhibited IL-10 secretion, similar to OW-ADSCs and BMSCs, which were used for comparison, as these are the main alternative cell types available for therapeutic purposes. Our results showed that Ex-Ob ADSCs mirrored OW-ADSCs in macrophage education, favoring the M2 immunophenotype and a mixed (M1/M2) secretory response. These results have translational potential, since they provide evidence that ADSCs from both Ex-Ob and OW subjects can be used in regenerative medicine in eligible therapies. Further in vivo studies will be fundamental to validate these observations.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.34-48
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• 2024

As global supply chain risks proliferate unpredictably, the high interdependence of port and logistics industry intensifies the risk burden. This study conducted fundamental research to explore diverse safety issues in domestic ports. Utilizing news article data about Busan Port, we employed LDA topic modeling and time-series linear regression to understand key safety trends. Over the past 30 years, Busan Port faced nine major safety issues-maritime safety, import cargo inspection, labor strikes, and natural disasters emerged cyclically. Major port safety issues in Busan Port are primarily characterized by an unpredictable nature, falling under socio-environmental and natural phenomena types, indicating a significant impact of global uncertainty. Therefore, systematic policies need to be formulated based on identified port safety issues to enhance port safety in Busan Port. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen the resilience of port safety for unpredictable risk situations. In conclusion, advanced research activities are necessary to promote port safety enhancement in response to dynamically changing social conditions.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.419-423
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• 2024

With the rapid increase of multicultural families in South Korea due to international marriages and the influx of foreign workers, the number of children from these families enlisting in the military is also rising. It is projected that by 2030, over 10,000 recruits from multicultural backgrounds will join the military annually. This influx can help mitigate the issue of decreasing military resources due to low birth rates and enhance the cultural diversity within the military. However, the lack of multicultural awareness and the presence of discrimination in the military can hinder the well-being of these multicultural soldiers. This study aims to analyze the multicultural phenomenon in the Korean military and explore development strategies to ensure the stable service and healthy military culture for multicultural soldiers. The theoretical background of multiculturalism and diversity in the military is examined, along with the analysis of multicultural military operations in other countries. Management strategies for multicultural soldiers, including leadership and organizational culture innovation, multicultural education and awareness programs, and the establishment of tailored support systems, are proposed. Furthermore, policy recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of multicultural policies in the Korean military are presented. Supporting the successful military service of multicultural soldiers will contribute to the enhancement of military combat power and the acceptance of multiculturalism in Korean society.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.51-75
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• 2024

This case study aimed to develop a therapeutic rap protocol based on narrative components for improving discourse skills of adolescents with mild intellectual disability (ID) and to explore its applicability. The protocol matched narrative elements (background, initiating event, internal response, attempts, and reaction) with rap components (verse, hook, and interjections), guiding participants to narrate their experiences in a connected discourse form. The protocol was also structured to gradually increase in difficulty, considering the developmental levels of adolescents with ID and it included steps for understanding discourse structures, applying narrative elements to content creation, and expanding narratives. Post-intervention analysis of the stories and rap lyrics created by participants to express their real-life experiences showed that participants increased the length of their stories and rap compositions, with notable improvements in rhythmicity and the inclusion of narrative elements. These findings suggest that, instead of constructing rap from random utterances, providing a structured framework reflecting discourse structure enhanced participants' understanding of event context and logical connections. Furthermore, the various elements and rhythmic features of rap can strengthen motivation and organization in discourse. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of rap in addressing the unique developmental needs of adolescents with mild ID, thereby diversifying and systematizing music therapy interventions for this population.

• Journal of the Health Care and Life Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.303-309
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• 2023

This study conducted a survey using Google on 282 college students to investigate college students' awareness of COVID-19, which has been converted into a class 4 infectious disease. As a result, the average level of interest in COVID-19 information was 2.85, and the average level of interest in COVID-19 information was 2.85. 54% did not know that the level had changed, showing that interest in COVID-19 was not high. In terms of personal hygiene attitude, the average of those who are not currently wearing a mask was 3.95, but the average of those who wear a mask when necessary was 3.94, washing hands for more than 30 seconds, washing hands frequently, and coughing etiquette were observed well. Additionally, awareness of infection was observed by others. Rather, they thought of their symptoms as connected to COVID-19 and were still conscious of COVID-19 infection (average 3.85). Additionally, COVID-19 was recognized as a threatening infectious disease that could cause a resurgence and repeat a pandemic. Since the crisis stage regarding COVID-19 can change at any time in the WithCorona era, this study sought to provide basic data for successful response to future crises by investigating trends in changes in people's perceptions.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.337-353
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between consumer reviews and managerial responses, aiming to explore the necessity of webcare for efficiently managing consumer reviews. We intend to propose a methodology for effective webcare and to construct a webcare model using machine learning techniques based on an audiobook platform. In this study, we selected four audiobook platforms and conducted data collection and preprocessing for consumer reviews and managerial responses. We utilized techniques such as topic modeling, topic inconsistency analysis, and DBSCAN, along with various machine learning methods for analysis. The experimental results yielded significant findings in clustering managerial responses and predicting responses to consumer reviews, proposing an efficient methodology considering resource constraints and costs. This research provides academic insights by constructing a webcare model through machine learning techniques and practical implications by suggesting an efficient methodology, considering the limited resources and personnel of companies. The proposed webcare model in this study can be utilized as strategic foundational data for consumer engagement and providing useful information, offering both personalized responses and standardized managerial responses.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2024.07a
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• pp.1326-1327
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• 2024

The construction industry is renowned for its dynamic and intricate characteristics, which demand proficient leadership skills for successful project management. However, the existing training platforms within this sector often overlook the significance of soft skills in leadership development. These platforms primarily focus on safety, work processes, and technical modules, leaving a noticeable gap in preparing future leaders, especially students in the construction domain, for the complex challenges they will encounter in their professional careers. It is crucial to recognize that effective leadership in construction projects requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and navigate complex relationships. These soft skills are critical for managing teams, resolving conflicts, and driving successful project outcomes. In addition, the construction sector has been slow in adopting and harnessing the potential of advanced emerging technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, to enhance the soft skills of future leaders. Therefore, there is a need for a platform where students can practice complex situations and conversations in a safe and repeatable training environment. To address these challenges, this study proposes a pioneering approach by integrating conversational AI techniques using large language models (LLMs) within virtual worlds. Although LLMs like ChatGPT possess extensive knowledge across various domains, their responses may lack relevance in specific contexts. Prompt engineering techniques are utilized to ensure more accurate and effective responses, tailored to the specific requirements of the targeted users. This involves designing and refining the input prompts given to the language model to guide its response generation. By carefully crafting the prompts and providing context-specific instructions, the model can generate responses that are more relevant and aligned with the desired outcomes of the training program. The proposed system offers interactive engagement to students by simulating diverse construction site roles through conversational AI based agents. Students can face realistic challenges that test and enhance their soft skills in a practical context. They can engage in conversations with AI-based avatars representing different construction site roles, such as machine operators, laborers, and site managers. These avatars are equipped with AI capabilities to respond dynamically to user interactions, allowing students to practice their communication and negotiation skills in realistic scenarios. Additionally, the introduction of AI instructors can provide guidance, feedback, and coaching tailored to the individual needs of each student, enhancing the effectiveness of the training program. The AI instructors can provide immediate feedback and guidance, helping students improve their decision-making and problem-solving abilities. The proposed immersive learning environment is expected to significantly enhance leadership competencies of students, such as communication, decision-making and conflict resolution in the practical context. This study highlights the benefits of utilizing conversational AI in educational settings to prepare construction students for real-world leadership roles. By providing hands-on, practical experience in dealing with site-specific challenges, students can develop the necessary skills and confidence to excel in their future roles.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2012

Objectives: To survey the awareness of patient to scrub typhus to provide data for education and communication concerning scrub typhus. Methods: Patients with scrub typhus (case group, n=299) and people without scrub typhus within the previous 2 years (control group, n=598) were matched for age (within 5 years), gender, and occupation (farmer or non-farmer). The participants were recruited from 15 study areas between October and December 2006. Results: The awareness rate of scrub typhus was 75.1%, and was significantly higher than in the case group (79.4% vs. 66.6%, respectively; p<0.01). The major routes of awareness were from 'past history of scrub typhus in family members or neighbors' (54.9%), 'television' (28.3%), and their past history of scrub typhus (5.5%). The average correct rate of scrub typhus was 48.4%, and the correct response rate of cases was significantly higher than controls (p<0.01). Especially, the correct rate of etiology, incubation period, route of transmission, and acquired immunity was <40%. Through conditional logistic regression test, the factor significantly associated with awareness in case group was age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-0.98). And the factors associated with awareness in control group were female (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03-2.36) age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), family history of scrub typhus (OR, 10.18; 95% CI, 1.37-75.99), history of receiving prevention education (OR, 8.47; 95% CI, 1.14-63.00). Conclusions: The rate of awareness was relatively low in study population. Thus, effective working guidelines and educational program to prevent scrub typhus must be developed, and publicity activities about the prevention of scrub typhus are needed for high-risk groups.