• Title/Summary/Keyword: Semi-health

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Analysis and design of demountable steel column-baseplate connections

  • Li, Dongxu;Uy, Brian;Aslani, Farhad;Patel, Vipul
    • Steel and Composite Structures
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    • v.22 no.4
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    • pp.753-775
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    • 2016
  • This paper aims to investigate the demountability of steel column-baseplate connections subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. This paper presents the finite element analysis of steel column-baseplate connections under monotonic and cyclic loading. The finite element model takes into account the effects of material and geometric nonlinearities. Bauschinger and pinching effects were also included in the developed model, through which degradation of steel yield strength in cyclic loading can be well simulated. The results obtained from the finite element model are compared with the existing experimental results. It is demonstrated that the finite element model accurately predicts the initial stiffness, ultimate bending moment strength of steel column-baseplate connections. The finite element model is utilised to examine the effects of axial load, baseplate thickness, anchor bolt diameter and position on the behaviour of steel column-baseplate connections. The effects of various parameters on the demountability of steel column-baseplate connections are investigated. To achieve a demountable and reusable structure, various design parameters need to be considered. Initial stiffness and moment capacity of steel columnbaseplate connections are compared with design strengths from Eurocode 3. The comparison between finite element analysis and Eurocode 3 indicates that predictions of initial stiffness for semi-rigid connections should be developed and improved design of the connections needs to be used in engineering practice.

Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini Infection in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Northeast Thailand

  • Kaewpitoon, Soraya J.;Rujirakul, Ratana;Kaewpitoon, Natthawut
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.10
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    • pp.5245-5249
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    • 2012
  • Background: Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a serious public-health problem in Southeast Asia especially in Lao PDR and Thailand. It is associated with a number of hepatobiliary diseases and the evidence strongly indicates that liver fluke infection is the major etiology of cholangiocarcinoma. Objectives: This study aimed to determine actual levels of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Northeast Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during a one year period from October 2010 to September 2011. O. viverrini infection was determined using a modified Kato's thick smear technique and socio-demographic data were collected using predesigned semi-structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 1,168 stool samples were obtained from 516 males and 652 females, aged 5-90 years. Stool examination showed that 2.48% were infected with O. viverrini. Males were slightly more likely to be infected than females, but the different was not statistically significant. O. viverrini infection was most frequent in the 51-60 year age group and was found to be positively associated with education and occupation. Positive results were evident in 16 of 32 districts, the highest prevalence being found in Non Daeng with 16.7%, followed by Pra Thai with 11.1%, Kaeng Sanam Nang with 8.33%, and Lam Ta Men Chai (8.33%) districts. Conclusion: This study indicates that O viverrini is still a problem in some areas of Nakhon Ratchasima, the patients in this study bing suitable for the purpose of monitoring projects.

Early dropout predictive factors in obesity treatment

  • Michelini, Ilaria;Falchi, Anna Giulia;Muggia, Chiara;Grecchi, Ilaria;Montagna, Elisabetta;De Silvestri, Annalisa;Tinelli, Carmine
    • Nutrition Research and Practice
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.94-102
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    • 2014
  • Diet attrition and failure of long term treatment are very frequent in obese patients. This study aimed to identify pre-treatment variables determining dropout and to customise the characteristics of those most likely to abandon the program before treatment, thus making it possible to modify the therapy to increase compliance. A total of 146 outpatients were consecutively enrolled; 73 patients followed a prescriptive diet while 73 followed a novel brief group Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT) in addition to prescriptive diet. The two interventions lasted for six months. Anthropometric, demographic, psychological parameters and feeding behaviour were assessed, the last two with the Italian instrument VCAO Ansisa; than, a semi-structured interview was performed on motivation to lose weight. To identify the baseline dropout risk factors among these parameters, univariate and multivariate logistic models were used. Comparison of the results in the two different treatments showed a higher attrition rate in CBT group, despite no statistically significant difference between the two treatment arms (P = 0.127). Dropout patients did not differ significantly from those who did not dropout with regards to sex, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), history of cycling, education, work and marriage. Regardless of weight loss, the most important factor that determines the dropout appears to be a high level of stress revealed by General Health Questionnaire-28 items (GHQ-28) score within VCAO test. The identification of hindering factors during the assessment is fundamental to reduce the dropout risk. For subjects at risk, it would be useful to dedicate a stress management program before beginning a dietary restriction.

Food Security and Children′s Nutritional Status of the Households Supported by the National Basic Livelihood Security System (국민기초생활보장사업 수급 가정에서의 식품공급안정성과 아동의 영양상태)

  • 오세영;김미연;홍민지;정해랑
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.35 no.6
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    • pp.650-657
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    • 2002
  • In order to provide basic data for the means to improve food situation and nutritional status of those supported by the National Basic Livelihood Security System (NBLSS), we examined household food insecurity and nutritional status of children under the support of NBLSS. This study included 209 children aged 3-12 years (99 boys and 110 girls) and their caretakers. We measured house food insecurity using Radimer/cornell Scale, children's body sizes and nutrient intake by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and caretakers' nutritional management skills. Only 9.6% of the households were in food secured (FS) while 8.1% were in household food insecured, but without hunger (HFI), 42.1% were in adult food insecured with hunger (AFI), and 40.2% were in child hungry (CH). Important predictors of food security were nutritional management skills of the caretakers as well as their education, but neither income nor food expenditure of the households. Mean energy intake of the children was 86.0% of the Korean Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Intakes of protein, phosphorous, vitamin A and B$_1$ were relatively high ranging from 112.3% to 124.4% of the RDAs while those of calcium, iron, niacin, vitamin C were low showing 74.8-83.3% of the RDAs. Height, weight and weight/height ratio were close to the reference levels. Lower nutrient intakes of children were observed as the households were more food insecured. However, nutrient intakes and body sizes of children did not differ as a function of household socioeconomic status representing by income, food expenditure and caretakers' education. Results of this study suggest the importance of food security and nutritional management skills for the children's nutrient intakes. Concerning this matter, a need for nutrition education in the program for NBLSS was discussed.

An Ecological Analysis of Iron Status of Middle School Students in Seoul (중학생의 철분 영양 상태에 영향을 미치는 생태학적 변인 분석)

  • 최주현
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.30 no.8
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    • pp.960-975
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    • 1997
  • This study was carried out to evaluate the iron nutrition status of 212 middle school students(106 males and 106 females) residing in Seoul(13-14 years old ) using eating patterns and a measurement of anthropometrical determination and hematological indices. Fasting blood samples were taken from all subjects, serum iron (SI) and total iron binding capacity(TIBC) concentrations were measured, and transferrin saturation(TS) levels were calculated. Iron and other nutrient intakes were estimated by a semi-quantitative frequency questionnaire. The level of TS(%) which was calculated with TIBC and SI in females(20.4$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl) was significantly lower(p<0.050 than that of males (27.4$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗). The prevalence of iron deficiency was found to be 36.7% when defined by TS(%) (<05%). Mean daily intake of total iron in the study subjects was 14mg and heme iron intake was 5.4mg(38.1%) . There was a significant negative correlation between the level of SI and the income level and a positive correlation with the level of TIBC and the income level. TIBC had a positive correlation with the anthropometric variables(Ht, Wt, BMI, RI and PIBW). SI and TS had a negative correlation with body fat percentage. There was a positive correlation between energy intake and TIBC only among females. The logistic regression analysis revealed that income level, body fat percentage , weight and energy intake were major determinants of low SI levels. Among the determinants of abnormal TIBC levels were weight , height, income level and energy intake. Finally , among those of low TS% were iron and energy intake and income level. These observations suggest that physical status, body fat percentage energy and iron intakes and income level are risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia among the middle school students in Seoul.

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Microbial Contamination of Seasoned and Dried Squid Dosidicus gigas during Processing (조미오징어(Dosidicus gigas)의 가공 공정 중 미생물 오염도 및 오염원에 관한 연구)

  • Choi, Kyoo-Duck;Park, Uk-Yeon;Shin, Il-Shik
    • Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.45 no.5
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    • pp.445-453
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    • 2012
  • This study examined microbial contamination during seasoned and dried squid Dosidicus gigas processing, including the apparatus, machines, and employee's gloves at each step in processing at two companies. The numbers of bacteria floating in air in each processing area were also examined. The numbers of Staphylococcus aureus (3.6-6.0 log CFU/g) and Escherichia coli (1.3-1.4 log MPN/100 g) in domestic and imported daruma (a semi-processed product of seasoned and dried squid) at companies A and B exceeded the regulatory limits of the Food Sanitary Law of Korea (S. aureus, ${\leq}2.0$ log CFU/g; E. coli, negative). S. aureus in both daruma was reduced to below the detection limit or 3.6 log CFU/g after the roasting step, but increased again to 3.3 and 5.5 log CFU/g after the mechanical tearing step at companies A and B, respectively. E. coli showed similar tendencies at both companies. The surfaces of the apparatus, machines, and employee's gloves that contacted daruma were also contaminated with S. aureus (1.0-5.5 log CFU/$m^2$) and E. coli (negative-to 3.5 log MPN/$m^2$). The numbers of bacteria floating in air were high (1.7-5.1 log CFU/$m^3$) at both companies. These results suggest that sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP) must be developed to control of microbial cintamination in seasoned and dried squid.

Fatty Acid Composition, Total Amino Acid and Mineral Contents of Commercial Kwamegi (시판 과메기의 지방산 조성, 아미노산 및 무기질 함량)

  • Yoon, Min-Seok;Heu, Min-Soo;Kim, Jin-Soo
    • Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.43 no.2
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    • pp.100-108
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    • 2010
  • This study was conducted to characterize the nutrion of commercial Kwamegi, a Korean traditional food made from semi-dried Pacific saury, Cololabis saira. The ratios of saturated and monoenoic fatty acids to polyenoic fatty acids in commercial Kwamegi ranged from 0.52-0.75 and 1.01-1.53, respectively. The major fatty acids in commercial Kwamegi were 16:0 (9.1-14.2%), 20:1n-9 (8.6-16.1%), 22:1n-9 (15.7-22.1%), and 22:6n-3 (11.0-18.0%). The total amino acid content of commercial Kwamegi ranged from 27.10-33.19 g/100 g. The major amino acids in commercial Kwamegi were aspartic acid (11.8-13.0%), glutamic acid (14.3-16.0%), leucine (7.8-8.5%), and lysine (7.5-9.0%), which accounted for more than 41% of the total amino acid content. The mineral content of commercial Kwamegi ranged from 0.7-4.3 mg/100 g for zinc, 279.6-466.3 mg/100 g for potassium, 41.7-128.3 mg/100 g for calcium, 38.8-77.8 mg/100 g for magnesium, and 224.3-348.4 mg/100 g for phosphorus. These results suggest that commercial Kwamegi is a superior food in terms of nutrition and health.

Effects of Mixing Ratio and Organic Loading Rate of Acid Fermented Food Wastes and Sewage Sludge on the Anaerobic Digestion Process (음식물찌꺼기 산발효산물과 하수슬러지의 혼합비 및 유기물부하가 병합처리에 미치는 영향)

  • Ahn, Chul-Woo;Park, Jin-Sik;Jang, Seong-Ho
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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    • v.25 no.3
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    • pp.247-256
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    • 2006
  • This study has been conducted for the process of food wastes disposal using surplus capacity of established sewage treatment plant by co-digestion of fermented food wastes and sewage sludge after thermophilic acid fermentation of food wastes. The co-digestion of thermophilic acid fermented food wastes and sewage sludge was performed by semi-continous method in mesophilic anaerobic digestion reactor. It showed great digestion efficiency as the average SCOD and VS removal efficiency in organic loading rate 3.30g VS/L.d. were 74.2% and 73.6%, and the gas production rate and average methane content were 0.440 L/g $VS_{add}.d$ and 66.5%, respectively. Based on the results of this study, the co-digestion of thermophilic acid fermented food wastes and sewage sludge in sewage treatment plant is able to improve treatment efficiency of anaerobic digestion reactor and to dispose food wastes simultaneously, and was proved excellent economical efficiency comparing with any other treatment methods.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs in Zhanjiang, Southern China

  • Jiang, Hai-Hai;Li, Ming-Wei;Xu, Min-Jun;Cong, Wei;Zhu, Xing-Quan
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.53 no.4
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    • pp.493-496
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    • 2015
  • Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution. The present study investigated the prevalence of T. gondii in dogs in Zhanjiang city, southern China, using both serological and molecular detection. A total of 364 serum samples and 432 liver tissue samples were collected from the slaughter house between December 2012 and January 2013 and were examined for T. gondii IgG antibody by ELISA and T. gondii DNA by semi-nested PCR based on B1 gene, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG antibody was 51.9%, and T. gondii DNA was detected in 37 of 432 (8.6%) liver tissue samples. These positive DNA samples were analyzed by PCR-RFLP at 3'- and 5'-SAG2. Only 8 samples gave the PCR-RFLP data, and they were all classified as type I, which may suggest that the T. gondii isolates from dogs in Zhanjiang city may represent type I or type I variant. This study revealed the high prevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Zhanjiang city, southern China. Integrated measures should be taken to prevent and control toxoplasmosis in dogs in this area for public health concern.

Effect of Exercise with Vertical Vibration on the Balance, Walking Speed, Muscle Strength and Falls Efficacy in the Elderly (수직 진동 운동이 노인의 균형, 보행속도, 근력 및 낙상효능감에 미치는 효과)

  • Park, Jin-Hwan;Kim, Young-Min
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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    • v.15 no.4
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    • pp.131-143
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    • 2020
  • PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if an exercise program with vertical vibration can improve balance, walking speed, muscle strength and falls efficacy in the healthy elderly. METHODS: A total of 28 elderly were randomly divided into two groups: vertical vibration exercise group (exercise with vertical vibration) (N = 14) and control group (exercise without vibration) (N = 14). The exercise program, comprising calf raise, deep-squat, semi-squat, front lunge, and leg abduction was conducted with or without vibration, respectively. Subjects in each group participated in the 30 minutes training program, 2 times per week for 6 weeks. In both groups, the balance evaluation system (BT4) was used to evaluate standing balance, and walking speed was measured using the 10MWT. The manual muscle test system was applied to evaluate the knee extensor and ankle planter flexor muscle strength of the subjects, whereas the Korean falls efficacy scale (K-FES) evaluated the falls efficacy. RESULTS: After intervention, the vertical vibration group showed significantly higher changes compared to the control group, in the parameters of standing balance (P < .05), 10MWT (P < .05), left knee extensor (P < .05), right knee extensor (P < .01), both ankle plantar flexors (P < .05), and K-FES (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The exercise program with vertical vibration has the potential to improve balance, walking speed, muscle power and falls efficacy in the elderly.