• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.23-34
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• 2024

Objective : This study aims to compare the awareness of adolescent occupational therapy (AOT) among university students majoring in occupational therapy (OT) in Korea and the United States through an online survey. Methods : This online survey was conducted from January 9 to 13, 2023 to investigate the awareness about AOT among 55 students majoring in OT in Korea and the United States. An online survey was formulated in Korean and English. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and an independent t-test. Results : In response to the question "Have you ever heard of AOT?", 65.5% of Korean students answered yes and 58.2% of the United States students answered no. In both countries, the average score for the question "Can AOT help improve the quality of life of teenagers?" was the highest, while the score for "Is AOT sufficiently advanced in your country?" was the lowest. For "Potential for future development of AOT," the scores for the two countries showed a significant difference (p < .05). Conclusion : Students in both countries acknowledged the necessity and importance of AOT, but there were differences noted in terms of prospects of the therapy.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.97-105
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HMD-based virtual reality core nursing skills training on nursing students' knowledge, performance, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and problem-s olving ability. The study participants were 45 fourth-year nursing students from a university in A city. The participants were assigned to either the experimental group (n = 21) who received VR core nursing skills related to blood transfusion training or the control group (n = 24) who received traditional training using mannequins. After completing core nursing skill training, the experimental group and the control group performed simulations including blood transfusion. Data was collected from October 3 to October 28, 2022. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results showed that after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher knowledge scores than the control group (t=-2.13, p=.039). The control group had significantly higher self-confidence in performance than the experimental group (t=2.63, p=.012). There were no significant differences in performance, self-efficacy, or problem-solving ability between the two groups. Therefore, VR-based core nursing skills training can be usefully utilized for nursing students to learn the knowledge and procedures before performing them in real life, and traditional core nursing skills training using mannequins can lead to an increase in nursing students' confidence in performing the skills.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.103-114
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• 2023

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) differ fundamentally, with AR overlaying computer-generated information onto the real world in a nonimmersive way. Despite extensive research on cybersickness in VR, its occurrence in AR has received less attention (Vovk et al., 2018). This study examines cybersickness and discomfort associated with AR usage, focusing on the impact of content intensity and exposure time. Participants viewed 30-minute racing simulation game clips through AR equipment, varying in racing speed to alter content intensity. Cybersickness was assessed subjectively using the Simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ; Kennedy et al., 1993). Findings revealed a progressive increase in cybersickness with longer exposure, persisting even after removing the AR equipment. Contrarily, content intensity did not significantly influence cybersickness levels. Analysis of the SSQ subscales revealed higher oculomotor (O) scores compared to nausea (N) and disorientation (D), suggesting that discomfort primarily stemmed from oculomotor strain. The study highlights distinct differences in user experience between AR and VR, specifically in subjective responses.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.48-58
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• 2024

The oldest and most extensively cultivated form of millet, known as pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. Syn. Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke), is raised over 312.00 lakh hectares in Asian and African countries. India is regarded as the significant hotspot for pearl millet diversity. In the Indian state of Haryana, where pearl millet is grown, a new and catastrophic bacterial disease known as stem rot of pearl millet spurred by the bacterium Klebsiella aerogenes (formerly Enterobacter) was first observed during fall 2018. The disease appears in form of small to long streaks on leaves, lesions on stem, and slimy rot appearance of stem. The associated bacterium showed close resemblance to Klebsiella aerogenes that was confirmed by a molecular evaluation based on 16S rDNA and gyrA gene nucleotide sequences. The isolates were also identified to be Klebsiella aerogenes based on biochemical assays, where Klebsiella isolates differed in D-trehalose and succinate alkalisation tests. During fall 2021-2023, the disease has spread all the pearl millet-growing districts of the state, extending up to 70% disease incidence in the affected fields. The disease is causing considering grain as well as fodder losses. The proposed scale, consisting of six levels (0-5), is developed where scores 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been categorized as highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible, susceptible, and highly susceptible disease reaction, respectively. The disease cycle, survival of pathogen, and possible losses have also been studied to understand other features of the disease.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.49-68
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• 2024

This study aims to acoustically analyze Korean language characteristics and convert these findings into musical elements, providing foundational data for evidence-based music-language rehabilitation. We collected voice data from thirty men and thirty women aged 19-25, each providing six-syllable prosodic units composed of two accentual phrases, including both declarative and interrogative sentences. Analyzing this data with Praat, we extracted syllabic acoustic properties and conducted statistical analyses based on acoustic properties, sentence type, gender, and particle presence. Significant differences were found in syllable frequency and duration based on accentual phrases and prosodic units (p < .001), with interrogative showing higher frequencies and declaratives longer durations (p < .001). Female frequencies were significantly higher than males' (p < .001), with longer durations observed (p < .001). Particle syllables also showed significantly stronger intensities (p < .001). Finally, we presented melodies converted from these acoustic properties into musical scores based on pitch, duration, and accent. The insights from this analysis of six-syllable Korean sentences will guide further research on developing a system for melodizing large-scale Korean speech data, expected to be crucial in music-based language rehabilitation.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.116-121
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• 2024

The meats of tuna Thunnus albacares and swordfish Xiphias gladius are ideal for fish patty production, offering high nutrition and other health benefits. Although red fish meat, including tuna, is added for cost-effectiveness, swordfish white meat is also used, as its aroma resembles that of market-sold beef patties. Here, we assessed the different blending ratios of tuna red meat and swordfish white meat (60:40, 40:60, 20:80, and 0:100) to find the optimal combination for fish patty production. Regarding color, the heated fish patties exhibited increased redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) compared with those of non-heated ones, with similar brightness (L*). The heated patties also scored higher concerning hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness. A higher proportion of swordfish white meat resulted in a softer texture, particularly in patties with a ratio of 40% red meat to 60% white meat. Considering the results of the texture comparison analysis, it is recommended that the texture be improved by increasing the physical property "softness." Sensory evaluations revealed that the addition of white meat led to increased scores in terms of smell, beef taste, texture, and elasticity. These results suggest that swordfish white meat, with improved overall quality, is a suitable raw material for fish patties. Accordingly, the recommended ratio of 20% tuna red meat to 80% swordfish white meat is optimal for fish patty production.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.7
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• pp.425-451
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• 2023

Most patients with heart failure (HF) have multiple comorbidities, which impact their quality of life, aggravate HF, and increase mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, ischemic and valvular heart diseases, and atrial fibrillation. Non-cardiovascular comorbidities include diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney and pulmonary diseases, iron deficiency and anemia, and sleep apnea. In patients with HF with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors combined with calcium channel blockers and/or diuretics is an effective treatment regimen. Measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance via right heart catheterization is recommended for patients with HF considered suitable for implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices or as heart transplantation candidates. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and reperfusion in patients with HF and angina pectoris refractory to antianginal medications. In patients with HF and atrial fibrillation, longterm anticoagulants are recommended according to the CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores. Valvular heart diseases should be treated medically and/or surgically. In patients with HF and DM, metformin is relatively safer; thiazolidinediones cause fluid retention and should be avoided in patients with HF and dyspnea. In renal insufficiency, both volume status and cardiac performance are important for therapy guidance. In patients with HF and pulmonary disease, beta-blockers are underused, which may be related to increased mortality. In patients with HF and anemia, iron supplementation can help improve symptoms. In obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps avoid severe nocturnal hypoxia. Appropriate management of comorbidities is important for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HF.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.120-131
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing a clinical pathways (CPs) on the clinical outcomes and costs of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who were newly diagnosed with primary breast cancer at the Samsung Medical Center between 2014 and 2019 (N=8482; 2931 patients in the pre-path and 5551 patients in the post-path). Clinical outcomes included reoperation during hospitalization, readmission, and emergency room visits within 30 days of discharge. The cost data for each unit were obtained from an activity-based management accounting system. We performed an interrupted time series analysis. Results: The post-path period showed a significantly shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) than the pre-path period (6.3 days in pre-path vs. 5.0 days in post-path; -1.3 days' difference; p=.001), and fewer reoperations during hospitalization and within 30 days after discharge than the pre-path period. After adjusting for inflation rates and relative value scores, the model demonstrated savings of $146 per patient in the post-path for total costs, and $537 per patient for patient out-of-pocket costs (p=.001). Conclusion: CPs can help reduce costs without compromising the quality of care by reducing the number of reoperations, readmissions, and complications.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 2024

Purpose:The acute hospital accreditation program launched in South Korea has shown positive effects on safety culture and quality of care. However, relative weights have not yet been investigated for accreditation criteria with a hierarchical structure. This study aimed to derive the relative weights of acute-care hospital accreditation criteria. Methods: We conducted an online survey using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique to assess the validity, importance, and urgency of acute hospital accreditation criteria. The AHP online survey link was distributed in November 2022 after obtaining informed consent from 10 experts in hospital accreditation. Results: 'Basic value system' ranked highest, while 'patient care system' ranked second in terms of validity, importance, and urgency. 'Performance management system' had the lowest validity and urgency, while 'organizational management system' carried the lowest importance. Within the 'patient care system' domain, 'surgery and anesthesia sedation management' scored highest in validity and importance, and 'patient care' scored highest in urgency. 'Care delivery system and evaluation' received the lowest scores for all three aspects. In the 'organizational management system' domain, infection control ranked highest in terms of validity, importance, and urgency. The lowest validity was observed for 'management and organizational operation' and the lowest importance and urgency were noted for 'human resource management'. Conclusion: The weights for validity, importance, and urgency, as shown in each domain and chapter, and the number of measurable elements included, are largely inconsistent. This study will contribute to the development of the structure and scientific improvement of accreditation standards.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.287-299
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• 2023

In vitro luwak coffee was produced using enzyme­microbial complexes. The coffee quality of non-fermented coffee beans (NFC) and fermented coffee beans (FC) was compared. The total free amino acid content was higher in FC than in NFC. The levels of glutamic acid and γ-amino-n-butyric acid in NFC were higher than those in FC; however, the contents of essential amino acids, such as lysine, leucine, and valine, in FC were higher than in NFC. During fermentation, the sucrose content decreased, whereas the fructose and glucose contents increased (p<0.001). The chromaticity of the coffee extract showed higher lightness (L), redness (a), and yellowness (b) values in FC than those in NFC. The caffeine content was significantly lower in FC (696.94±0.04 ㎍/mL) compared to that in NFC (1,130.22±1.55 ㎍/mL) (p<0.001). Conversely, the polyphenol and chlorogenic acid contents were significantly higher in NFC than in FC (p<0.001). Electronic nose analysis indicated considerable differences between the volatile aromatic components in NFC and FC. Sensory scores were significantly higher for FC than those for NFC. Therefore, the fermentation of coffee beans using enzyme­microbial complexes altered the chemical components, which promoted the Maillard reaction during the coffee bean roasting process. These results suggest the possibility of producing in vitro luwak coffee with better flavor and lower caffeine content.