• Journal of Sport and Applied Science
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.7-11
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• 2024

Purpose: This study sought to explore concepts and features of nature sports. In specific, this study reviewed literature discussing historical background of nature sport and its relationship with related fields including conservation, tourism, and education. Research design, data, and methodology: This study employed an integrated literature review approach. For this, the study collected prior studies and reports via google scholar. Further the collected studies were analyzed and major issues regarding concepts and features of nature sport were presented. Results: For results, various definitions of nature sports and similar activities were presented. The study found that nature sports labelled action sports, adventure sports, alternative sports, Californian sports, extreme sports, gravity sports, lifestyle sports, nature challenge activities, new sports, outdoor sports, panic sports, risk sports or whiz sports, among others. Nature sport involve interacting with a natural or material feature, rather than with other human beings. Furthermore, this study discovered features of nature sport, including nature based activities, sustainable activities, adventure and risk activities, hedonistic and non-competitive activities, and autonomous and individualistic activities. Conclusions: Nature sport has its own distinctive features compared with traditional sport, yet it shows similarities with constructive sport in terms of perceived benefits and so forth. Further implications were discussed.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.256-262
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• 2024

Background: Research investigating the relationship between latitude and network specialization plant-pollinator networks present conflicting results. While some studies indicate a positive link between latitude and network specialization, particularly in tropical regions, others suggest contradictory trends, with specialization declining towards lower latitudes. These studies underscore the intricate nature of ecological specialization in plant-pollinator networks and the need for further studies in this field to gain a more nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these patterns. In this study, we explore the relationship between plant-pollinator network specialization and latitude using a global dataset comprising 93 plant-pollinator networks. Results: Our analysis revealed a significant relationship with latitude mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly concerning metrics such as connectance and nestedness. However, notably, we found no association with H2, a metric immune to the size, shape, or sampling effects of the network and considered highly suitable for measuring network specialization in both Hemispheres. Conclusions: The absence of latitudinal trends in network specialization (H2) in both Hemispheres in this study imply that the mutual attraction between plants and pollinators remains relatively stable across various latitudes. Our comparison with prior research highlights the diversity of conclusions regarding how latitude influences plant-pollinator networks. While our results are consistent with certain studies, indicating no direct impact of latitude on network specialization, discrepancies persist.

• The KIPS Transactions:PartB
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• v.18B no.3
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• pp.117-130
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to produce a better way to detect crossroad accidents, which involves an efficient method to produce background images in consideration of object movement and preserve/demonstrate the candidate accident region. One of the prior studies proposed an employment of traffic signal interval within crossroad to detect accidents on crossroad, but it may cause a failure to detect unwanted accidents if any object is covered on an accident site. This study adopted inverse perspective mapping to control the scale of object, and proposed different ways such as producing robust background images enough to resist surrounding noise, generating candidate accident regions through information on object movement, and by using edge information to preserve and delete the candidate accident region. In order to measure the performance of proposed algorithm, a variety of traffic images were saved and used for experiment (e.g. recorded images on rush hours via DVR installed on crossroad, different accident images recorded in day and night rainy days, and recorded images including surrounding noise of lighting and shades). As a result, it was found that there were all 20 experiment cases of accident detected and actual effective rate of accident detection amounted to 76.9% on average. In addition, the image processing rate ranged from 10~14 frame/sec depending on the area of detection region. Thus, it is concluded that there will be no problem in real-time image processing.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.2 s.271
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• pp.122-127
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• 2007

Background: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a common respiratory condition and has been postulated that it develops because of rupture of subpleural blebs. Although the morphology and ultrastructure of causative lesions are well known, the reason for rupture of sbupleural blebs is not absolutely clear. Broad consensus concerning the role of meteorological factors in spontaneous pneumothorax dose not exist. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of change of atmospheric pressure and temperature on the occurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax. Material and Method: One hundred twenty eight consecutive spontaneous pnemothorax events that occurred between January 2003 and December 2004 were selected. Changes of meteorological factors of particular days from the day before for 5 consecutive days were calculated and compared between the days with pneumothorax occurrence (SP days) and the days without pneumothorax occurrence (Non SP days). The correation between change of pressure and temperature and the occurrence of SP was evaluated. Result: SP occurred on 117 days (16.0%) in the 2-year period. Although there was no significant differences in change of pressure factors prior 4 days of SP occurrence compare to the 4 days prior Non SP day, change of mean pressure was higher (+0.934 vs. -0.191hPa, RR 1.042, Cl $1.003{\sim}1.082$, p=0.033), and change of maximum pressure fall was lower (3.280 vs. 4.791 hPa, RR 1.051, Cl $1.013{\sim}l.090$, p=0.009) on the 4 days prior SP day. There were significant differences in change of temperature factors prior 2 days and the day of SP, Changes of mean temperature (-0.576 vs.+$0.099^{\circ}C$, RR 0.886, 95% Cl $0.817{\sim}0.962$, p=0.004) and maximum temperature rise (7.231 vs. $8.079^{\circ}C$, RR 0.943 Cl $0.896{\sim}0.993$, p=0.027) were lower on the 2 days prior SP. But changes of mean temperature (0.533 vs. $-0.103^{\circ}C$, RR 1.141, Cl $1.038{\sim}l.255$, p=0.006) and maximum temperature rise (9.209 vs. $7.754^{\circ}C$, RR 1.123, Cl $1.061{\sim}1.190$, p=0.006) and maximum temperature rise (9.209 vs. $7.754^{\circ}C$ RR 1.123, Cl $1.061{\sim}l.190$, p=0.000) were higher on the SP days. Conclusion: Charge of atmospheric pressure and temperature seems to influence the chance of occurrence of SP. Meteorological phenomena that pressure rise 4 day prior to SP and following temperature fall and rise might explain the occurrence of SP. Further studies should be continued in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.44-48
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• 2000

Background: The continuous epidural analgesia is a popular method in the management of postoperative pain. However, the exact regimen for the optimal analgesia is still in dispute. In this study, we evaluated the effect of an initial loading dose prior to the continuous epidural infusion after a brief surgery, which may have some residual effects of local anesthetics that is used for the intraoperative epidural anesthesia. Methods: Seventy five patients required epidural anesthesia with 15 ml of 2% mepivacaine for the perianal surgery were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1, being the control group (n=25) did not received postoperative epidural pain control. But, group 2 (n=25) and 3 (n=25) received continuous epidural analgesia with local anesthetics and morphine immediately after surgery. In Group 2, the patients received continuous epidural infusion without initial loading dose. In Group 3, the patients received initial loading dose (1% mepivacaine 6 ml and morphine 1 mg) and followed by continuous epidural infusion. We evaluated the number of patients who needed adjuvant analgesics, the pain score, and incidence of side effects for the postoperative 48 hours. Results: At postoperative 12 hours, in group 3, the two variables, the number of patients who needed analgesics and the pain score showed a statistical significance with low scores compared with group 1 and 2. At postoperative 24 and 48 hours, the two variables indicated above did not show any differences in group 2 and 3. The incidence of side effects is not different among the three groups. Conclusions: The loading dose prior to continuous epidural infusion is necessary after a brief surgery which may have some residual effects of local anesthetics that is used for the intraoperative epidural anesthesia.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2005

Background: Nerve ligation injury may produce mechanical allodynia, but this can be reversed after an intrathecal administration of adenosine analogues. In many animal and human studies, ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockers have been known to reverse the antinociceptive effect of various drugs. This study was performed to evaluate the mechanical antiallodynic effects of spinal R-PIA (Adenosine A1 receptor agonist) and the reversal of these effects due to pretreatment with glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker). Thus, the relationship between the antiallodynic effects of R-PIA and ATP-sensitive potassium channel were investigated in a neuropathic model. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were prepared by tightly ligating the left lumbar 5th and 6th spinal nerves and implantation of a chronic lumbar intrathecal catheter for drug administration. The mechanical allodynia was measured by applying von Frey filaments ipsilateral to the lesioned hind paw. And the thresholds for paw withdrawal assessed. In study 1, either R-PIA (0.5, 1 and $2{\mu}g$) or saline were administered intrathecally for the examination of the antiallodynic effect of R-PIA. In study 2, glibenclamide (2, 5, 10 and 20 nM) was administered intrathecally 5 min prior to an R-PIA injection for investigation of the reversal of the antiallodynic effects of R-PIA. Results: The antiallodynic effect of R-PIA was produced in a dose dependent manner. In study 1, the paw withdrawal threshold was significantly increased with $2{\mu}g$ R-PIA (P < 0.05). In study 2, the paw withdrawal threshold with $2{\mu}g$ R-PIA was significantly decreased almost dose dependently by intrathecal pretreatment of 5, 10 and 20 nM glibenclamide (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrated that an intrathecal injection of ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockers prior to an intrathecal injection of adenosine A1 receptors agonist had an antagonistic effect on R-PIA induced antiallodynia. The results suggest that the mechanism of mechanical antiallodynia, as induced by an intrathecal injection of R-PIA, may involve the ATP-sensitive potassium channel at both the spinal and supraspinal level in a rat nerve ligation injury model.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4053-4056
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• 2013

Background: Colposcopy is the gold standard procedure for evaluating cervical cytological abnormalities. Although it is essentially a minimally invasive intervention, referral for colposcopy may cause significant distress on patients. In this study, we aimed to determine if pre-procedural anxiety levels have a significant association with procedure related pain and discomfort in women undergoing colposcopy for evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology. We also assessed the impact of various clinical factors on anxiety, pain and discomfort in these patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed at the gynecologic oncology department of Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey between January and June 2013. After taking informed consent, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) form and a 14-item questionnaire were filled for women who were admitted to our outpatient colposcopy unit for evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology. STAI scores were calculated for each participant. Immediately after the procedure, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for procedure-related pain and discomfort were obtained. Associations between STAI and VAS scores were investigated using correlation analyses. The effect of various contributing factors on anxiety, pain and discomfort were evaluated with linear regression analysis. The p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 222 women met the inclusion criteria within the study period. Mean patient age was $38.5{\pm}9.6$. Median state and trait anxiety scores were 47 and 46, respectively. Median VAS scores for pain and discomfort were 4 for both variables. State anxiety had a significant correlation with procedure related discomfort (p=0.02). Colposcopy related pain VAS scores were significantly affected by state anxiety level, marital status and prior gynecological examination (p<0.05). Colposcopy related discomfort VAS scores were significantly affected by state anxiety level, marital status, prior gynecological examination and educational status. Conclusions: Additional measures should be implemented in women that carry higher risk for experiencing pain and discomfort. Social, cultural and lifestyle issues may also affect women's experiences during colposcopy, therefore further studies are needed to define specific determining factors in various populations.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2003

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluated results of arthroscopic treatment of the traumatic recurrent unidirectional posterior subluxation. Materials and Methods: We treated twenty-seven patients who had traumatic recurrent unidirectional posterior subluxation of the shoulder by arthroscopic labral repair and posterior capsular shift and prospectively evaluated for a mean of thirty-nine months (range,24 to 85 months). Patients who had posteroinferior instability, multidirectional instability, atraumatic onset, or revision cases were excluded. There were twenty-five male and two female patients with the mean age of twenty-one years (range, 14 to 33 years). All patients were involved in sports activity. All had a significant traumatic event prior to the onset of the instability. Stability, motion, three objective measurement (UCLA, ASES, and Rowe scores) and two subjective measurements (pain and function visual analogue scale) were evaluated. Results: The most common finding in magnetic resonance image-arthrogram was separation of the posteroinferior labrum without displacement in 9 patients, In arthroscopic examination, all patients had one or more lesions in the posterior inferior labrum and capsule. The most common finding was incomplete stripping of the posterior inferior labrum (18 patients). The posteroinferior capsule subjectively appeared to be stretched in twenty-two patients. At follow-up, all patients had improved shoulder function and scores(p < 0.01). All patients had stable shoulder by subjectivel and objectivel measurements, except one patient who had recurrent subluxation. All but one patient with postoperative recurrence were able to return to their prior sports activity with little or no limitation. Twenty-four patients were graded as having more than 90％ of shoulder function. Their were twenty-one excellent, five good, and one fair UCLA. scores. Pain sore improved from 4.5 to 0.2 point(p : 0.0001). Mean loss internal rotation was one vertebral level. None had operative complications. Conclusion: In conclusion, treatment outcomes of the traumatic unidirectional recurrent posterior subluxation are consistently reliable with respect to the stability, pain relief, and functional restoration by the arthroscopic posterior capsular shift procedure.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.2255-2258
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• 2016

Background: Awareness about prostate cancer has increased in the community, and prostate cancer screening examinations, including prostate specific antigen (PSA) assays, are now widely available. Prior to the PSA era, up to 27% of prostate cancers were detected incidentally at the time of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). After PSA testing became widely available, the incidence of incidentally detected carcinoma prostate in TURP specimens without prior diagnosis reduced to 5-13%. However, the incidence of incidentally detected carcinoma prostate has been reported to vary across the globe since various factors can influence the identification of this malignancy in TURP specimens. In this paper, we focus on rates of incidentally detected prostate cancer in TURP specimens in our hospital and correlate it with various parameters. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study of histopathological findings of biopsy specimens was conducted for patients undergoing TURP during a period of 5 years from April 2010. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (digital rectal examination (DRE) not showing any abnormally hard areas and normal age adjusted PSA values). Patients with elevated PSA, abnormal DRE, documented urinary tract infection and proved adenocarcinoma prostate (CaP) were excluded from the study. The total weight of prostatectomy specimen, occurrence of carcinoma prostate in the chips, percentage of total tissue resected showing malignancy and Gleason's scores were recorded. Results: A total of 597 patients belonging to the inclusion criteria were studied. The incidence of occult CaP in the study group was 5.2 % (31/597). Out of these, 8 belonged to T1a and 23 belonged to T1b stages. The age group 70 - 79 years had the maximum incidence of occult CaP. It was observed that the clinical grading of prostate did not have a bearing on the incidence of occult CaP whereas the weight of resected specimen correlated with the incidence of CaP. The incidence of occult CaP was greater with low volume prostates (<20 g). (P=0.15). Conclusions: The rate of incidentally detected adenocarcinoma prostate in patients undergoing TURP for clinically diagnosed BPH was found to be only 5.2 % in our study which is low when compared with similar studies done elsewhere. The age of the patient and weight of the resected specimen correlated with incidence of occult prostate cancer. The clinical grading of prostate by DRE however, demonstrated no correlation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2010

Background: Patients with vascular diseases commonly have coronary artery disease and associated cardiac problems. Therefore, their underlying heart diseases may be induced or exacerbated after vascular surgery. The effectiveness of SPECT imaging, which is a relatively simple and non-invasive imaging modality, for assessing these underlying heart diseases is still controversial. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical effect of tests and treatment based on SPECT imaging prior to vascular surgery on the development of post-operation cardiac complications. Material and Method: Sixty three patients who were treated at Inje University Pusan Paik Hospital between April 2004 and September 2007 and who underwent adenosine infusion technetium-99m (Tc-99m) tetrofosmin SPECT imaging prior to vascular surgery were selected for this study and we retrospectively reviewed their records. Result: The sensitivity and specificity of detecting a perfusion defect on SPECT to predict the development of cardiac complications was relatively low at 41.2% and 52.2%, respectively. However when coronary angiographies were done on the patients with abnormal SPECT and this was followed by aggressive treatment such as coronary artery intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting based on the angiography results, there was a tendency for lower cardiac complication rates. Conclusion: SPECT imaging shows low effectiveness as a screening test for predicting cardiac complications after vascular surgery.