• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.182-190
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• 2010

We examined the association of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < $10\;{\mu}m$ ($PM_{10}$) with asthma-related hospitalization, stratified by socioeconomic status (SES), among children less than 15 years of age in Seoul, Korea, between 2003 and 2005. In addition, we estimated the reduction in the number of asthma-related hospitalizations that would result from implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline. SES was defined based on data concerning health insurance premium grades, and grouped into two levels: lower-income group and control group. The lower-income group was classified as having an accumulated income which did not exceed the 50th percentile of the median income. Time-series analysis was performed to evaluate the association between $PM_{10}$ and asthma-related hospitalization. The Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program was used to analyze the impact on children's health. Based upon an increase of $10\;{\mu}g/m^3$ of $PM_{10}$, the asthma-related hospitalization risk for the lower-income group was increased by 1.78% (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.79-2.78%), while the risk for the control group was increased by 0.83% (95% CI = 0.34-1.32%). Attaining the WHO guideline, relative to the concentration in 2007, would result in a reduction in asthma-related hospitalizations of 18 cases per 100,000 of the children population in the lower-income group, and 7 cases in the control group. The health benefits of improved air quality for children in the lower-income group were thus 2.5 times greater than for children in the control group. Our results show that the lower-income group is disproportionately burdened with asthma-related hospitalization arising from air pollution. Therefore, biologically- and socioeconomically-disadvantaged populations should be considered in public health interventions in order to protect the children's health.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.165-175
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• 2021

As the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Information Age, companies are in the state of infinite competition due to the rapidly changing technological environment and fierce competition. In this situation companies are making efforts to gain the competitive advantage by introducing information systems. Supply Chain Management (SCM) is considered a method to gain a competitive edge in rapid change. In fact, companies that already have introduced the SCM system are achieving company renovation with positive effects such as increase of sales stock reduction on-time delivery cost reduction and improved efficiency. This study was started to investigate the resistance that occurs in introducing the SCM system for small and medium-sized manufacturing industries that have not yet introduced the SCM system despite the importance of the SCM system, and to check the effect on the intention of the introduction. As the result of this study, the first is that the company has the higher technological innovation, the more positive the effect on Relative advantage Compatibility Perceived risk, Complexity. Second, The compatibility of the SCM system was rejected in innovation resistance, but it is adopted with the highest impact in the introduction intention. In addition, the mediating effect of innovation resistance was also rejected, confirming that if the SCM system is compatible for the company, it doesn't affect the resistance and is the biggest factor to consider in the introduction of the SCM system. Third, the perceived risk of the SCM system doesn't directly affect the intention to introduce, but has an indirect effect when mediation innovation resistance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.288-305
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• 2023

Background: The compression therapy, which is the standard treatment for lymphedema patients, may be difficult to implement and contraindicated to some patients depending on their health condition. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether kinesiology taping (KT) can be used effectively and safely in the management of lymphedema as an alternative treatment through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: In February 2023, the literature was systematically collected through eight search engines with a combination of terms, 'lymphedema' and 'kinesiology taping.' We qualitatively analyzed the differences and safety of KT methods, and quantitatively meta-analyzed the effects of volume reduction in edema, range of motion (ROM), and pain improvement using Review Manager ver. 5. 4. To assess the risk of bias in the randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies, Risk of Bias was used. Results: A total of 616 articles searched and 20 studies were selected, including 12 RCTs and eight case studies. KT intervention could not replace multilayer compression bandage (MLB), but it demonstrated similar or better results compared to compression garment (CG), with reduced pain and improved intervention comfort. Studies reported skin adverse events ranging from 2.5% to 20.68%, with a total adverse event incidence of 7.7%. There was no significant difference in the application method of KT. As a result of the meta-analysis from the 8 RCTs, the KT intervention showed a mean difference (MD) of -7.18 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [-12.64 to -1.72] in the volume change of lymphedema, while the pain difference was MD 0.82 with CI 95% [0.50 to 1.15], in comparison to the MLB and CG intervention. Conclusion: KT therapy led to a reduction in edema size, volume, pain, and improved ROM and quality of life. KT may be a viable option for lymphedema patients who have trouble applying traditional compression therapies.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.389-401
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• 2024

In recent decades, numerous instances of blockages have been reported in coastal nuclear power plants globally, leading to serious safety accidents such as power reduction, manual or automatic power loss, or shutdown of nuclear power units. Loss or shortage of cooling water may compromise the reliability of the cooling water system, thus threatening the operational safety of power plants and resulting in revenue reduction. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current state of cooling water system safety in coastal nuclear power plants worldwide and the common challenges they face, as well as the relevant research on cooling water system safety issues. The research overview and progress in investigation methods, outbreak mechanisms, prevention and control measures, and practical cases of blockages were summarized. Despite existing research, there are still many shortcomings regarding the pertinence, comprehensiveness and prospects of related research, and many problems urgently need to be solved. The most fundamental concern involves understanding the list of potential risks of blockages and their spatially distributed effects in surrounding waters. Furthermore, knowledge of the biological cycles and ecological habits of key organisms is essential for implementing risk prevention and control and for building a scientific and effective monitoring system.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8361-8366
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• 2014

This meta-analysis was performed to assess the implementation effects of clinical pathways in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (from inception to May 2014). Selection of studies, assessing risk of bias and extracting data were performed by two reviewers independently. Outcomes were analyzed by fixed-effects and random-effects model meta-analysis and reported as mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Jadad methodological approach was used to assess the quality of included studies and the meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.1 software. Nine citations (eight trials) involving 642 patients were included. The aggregate results showed that a shorter average length of stay [MD = -4.0; 95% CI (-5.1, -2.8); P < 0.00001] was observed with the clinical pathways as compared with the usual care. A reduction in inpatient expenditure [SMD = -1.5; 95% CI (-2.3, -0.7); P = 0.0001] was also associated with clinical pathways, along with higher patient satisfaction [OR = 4.9; 95% CI (2.2, 10.6); P < 0.0001]. Clinical pathways could improve the quality of care in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, as evidenced by a significant reduction in average length of stay, a decrease in inpatient expenditure and an improvement in patient satisfaction. Therefore, indicators and mechanisms within clinical pathways should be a focus in the future.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.117-125
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• 1997

The pharmacological effects of benzopyran potassium channel openers (lemakalim, KR-30450 and KR-30818) on the occlusion/reperfusion-induced myocardial infarction were investigat ed. In anesthetized rats, subjected to 45-min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) followed by 90-min reperfusion, the infarct size was measured by calculating the ratio of infarct zone to area at risk (IZ/AAR) with the Evans blue/TTC technique. Rats were intravenously given vehicle (1% DMSO), lemakalim, KR-30450, and KR-30818 alone or in combination with a selective K$_{ATP}$ blacker glibenclamide, 30 min prior to coronary occlusion. Compared to vehicle, lemakalim (30 ${\mu}$g/kg i.v.), the active enantiomer of cromakalim, had a tendancy to decrease infarct size. KR-30450(30 ${\mu}$g/kg, i.v.). the newly synthetized potassium channel openers (PCOs), caused a reduction of infarct size (from 70${\pm}$4%to 57${\pm}$5%). but KR-30818 (30 ${\mu}$g/kg, i.v.), a metabolite of KR-30450. did not modify infarct size. It seem ed likely that glibenclamide (0.3mg/kg, i.v.), given in combination, reduced the effects of these PCOs, especially KR-30450 (30 ${\mu}$g/kg, i.v.) on the infarct size. These results indicate that. in the coronary occluded rat model of ischemia, lemakalim and KR-30450 may exert cardioprotective activity through a reduction of infarct size, the effect being considered related to the opening of K$_{ATP}$ channel.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.284-296
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• 2018

Obesity is considered as a primary health problem over the past century in line with life environmental changes. It is mainly associated with increased risk of numerous chronic diseases which may significantly reduce health-related quality of life. Therefore, efforts to reduce weight should be performed. This study suggested a novel approach to reduce body fat by applying external stimulation which is micro-current stimulation (MCS). In this clinical study, we evaluated the potential effects of MCS for reduction of abdominal fat and weight loss. Prior to the clinical test, computational simulation was conducted to find the proper MCS conditions that allow externally applied stimulation to reach the internal fat section from the external skin. Particularly, the clinical study evaluated the unilateral effects of MCS for body fat loss and lipolysis without any additional limitations such as physical exercise and dietary therapy. The results showed that whole body fat, waist circumferences, and abdominal fat are gradually decreased after intervention in proportion to the time. From the results, we can estimate that MCS can be effective on the body fat loss by activation of lipolysis in human adipose.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.256-261
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• 1996

Carotenoids are abundant int he Korean food supply. The intake of foods rich in carotenoids appears to be associated with optimal health, and a reduction in the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration and cataract formation. Specific dietary carotenoids may be responsible for these specific protective effects. Hydrocarbon carotenoids such as $\alpha$-,$\beta$-carotenes and lycopene may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, whereas oxygenated carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may be important in protection of the eye. Dietary carotenoids, such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, $\alpha$-carotene, $\beta$-carotene and lycopene can be readily obtained from the diet, Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, contain both oxygenated and hydrocarbon carotenoids ; yellow or orange vegetables, such as carrots, have high levels of $\alpha$-carotene and $\beta$-carotene ; and tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene. Besides being important vitamin A sources, provitamin A carotenoids such as $\alpha$-carotene, $\beta$-carotene and cryptoxanthin, participate in the cell defense systems that are associated with radical quenching. Non-provitamin A carotenoids, such as lutein and lycopene, major carotenoids in human plasma, have also been reported to possess strong antioxidant capability. The alteration of dietary sources of carotenoids can modify their levels in the circulation and target tissues, and thus prevent or delay the onset of these chronic diseases.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.79-97
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the clinical effects of neurofeedback training on reducing anxiety. Methods: Eight databases were used to extract clinical reports on neurofeedback intervention for anxiety reduction published until 2016. We analyzed the characteristics of selected studies and evaluated biases using the Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment. Results: A total of 22 clinical trials were extracted for the analysis. The risk of bias in most studies was high or unclear. The Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders-3 (CCMD-3) was the most frequently used diagnostic criteria, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) was the most frequently used assessment tool, and the alpha wave activity increase, sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), and theta wave training were the most frequently used intervention methods. All papers showed a statistically significant decrease of anxiety symptoms; however, significant adverse events were not reported. Conclusions: Neurofeedback intervention might be beneficial for reducing anxiety. However, the quality of the studies used in the analysis was low, and the heterogeneity of the population and interventions was revealed. Therefore, more scientifically designed clinical studies regarding neurofeedback training are required.

• Korean Journal of Hazardous Materials
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.7-12
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• 2018

Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive toxic substance and requires proper safety to minimize damage in case of leakage. Among the various risk-reduction facilities, the dike is a typical safety facility installed to protect the surrounding buildings and facilities by preventing the external spread of hazardous materials from the storage tank. In this study, the KORA program was used to assume leakage accident of hydrochloric acid storage tank. At this time, the extent of the damage effects of ERPG-2 were assessed for each of the three separation distance between the storage tank and the dike. The study found that the smaller the separation distance between the dike and the storage tank, the smaller the extent of damage caused by hydrochloric acid leakage, and the greater the impact of indoor conditions under the same conditions. Through this process, we are going to assist in selecting locations and installing facilities for new and existing businesses.