• Design & Manufacturing
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.15-21
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• 2024

This study investigates the causes of wrinkle defects in PA12-insulated busbars used in electric vehicles and proposes an improvement method to address these issues. Busbars, essential components for efficient current transmission in electric vehicle battery modules, require complex three-dimensional bending to optimize internal layouts. For this study, oxygen-free copper busbars with a 0.8 mm PA12 insulation coating were subjected to three types of bending tests: flat bending, edge bending, and torsional bending. Experimental results showed that wrinkle defects only occurred during edge bending, while flat and torsional bending modes exhibited no significant issues. Cross-sectional analysis revealed that the PA12 insulation layer's thickness was uneven, with thinner sections on flat areas and thicker accumulation at the comers. This uneven distribution led to poor adhesion between the insulation and copper layers, resulting in the formation of wrinkles, particularly in areas with air gaps ranging from 75 to 250 ㎛. To further analyze the issue, finite element analysis (FEA) of the bending process was performed under adhesive and non-adhesive conditions. The results confirmed that wrinkles formed when the adhesion between the copper and PA12 coating was insufficient. Improved adhesion conditions, achieved through a heat treatment process at 120℃ for 2 hours, significantly reduced the occurrence of wrinkles during edge bending. This study demonstrates that optimizing the adhesion between the insulation coating and the copper busbar, through controlled heat treatment, can prevent wrinkle defects. The findings provide a pathway for enhancing the durability and performance of insulated busbars in electric vehicle applications.

• The World Journal of Men's Health
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.366-375
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• 2021

Purpose This study aimed to understand the characteristics of sexual behaviors among Korean adults to facilitate the development of strategies and policies focused on sexual health in groups categorized by sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods A nationally representative probability sample of 2,500 individuals (1,273 men and 1,227 women) aged 18-69 years obtained using a stratified multiple-stage sampling method based on Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) participated in a cross-sectional online survey. The survey consisted of structured questionnaires comprising questions on demographic information, lifetime sexual behavior, and sexual behavior in the previous 12 months. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was lower in men than in women (21.9±4.4 vs. 24.1±4.4 years, p=0.001). The overall prevalence rate of sexual events with casual partners within previous 12 months was 13.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.6%-14.5%). It was found to more commonly exist among lower age groups and men. The overall regular condom use rates with relationship partner and casual partner were 14.8% (95% CI, 13.2%-16.4%) and 39.6% (95% CI, 33.9%-45.3%), respectively. Condom use rate with casual partners among 20s and 30s men was 51.2%. Overall, only 10.4% of the respondents had received sexual education about sexually transmitted infections. This study provided contemporary sexual behaviors in Korean adults, and identified socio-demographic factors that seem to influence sexual behaviors. Low condom use rates and low rate of receiving sexual education were concerns. The result of this study would be useful to health professionals to formulate policies and strategies related to sexual health.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.66-77
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• 2024

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of insoles on the plantar pressure distribution during squat exercise in subjects with calf muscle shortness. Design: Cross-sectional Study Methods: Thirty subjects were participated in each fifteen subjects of a control group and an experimental group with calf muscle shortness. The participants were allocated in control group or experimental group according to knee-to-wall test. They were asked to perform squat exercise at hip flexion angle of 20° and knee flexion angle of 45° across three conditions with insole(2.0cm and 3.5cm) and without insole. The plantar pressure distribution was measured using Pedoscan equipment. In order to find out whether there is a significant difference in the plantar pressure distribution between the groups and the height, the two-way mixed ANOVA test was used and the statistical significance level was .05. Results: As a result of the study, the plantar pressure distribution between the group and the height showed a significant interaction effect(p<.001). There was no significant difference according to the insole height of 2.0cm and 3.5cm in all the control groups and the experimental group. Conclusion: We found that the plantar pressure distribution shifted backward during squat exercise by wearing the insole to subjects with shortening of the calf muscle. We suggest that wearing an appropriate height of insole may change the plantar pressure distribution during squat exercise in subjects with calf muscle shortness.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.435-442
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• 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of associations between knowledge, professional ethics, institutional support, perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS-related stigma among health workers in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving health workers at public hospitals and health centers in West Sumatra in June 2022. The Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale was employed to assess the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. To estimate and evaluate the model's ability to explain the proposed constructs, we utilized the standardized partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). Results: In total, 283 individuals participated in this study (average age, 39 years). The majority were female (91.2%), nearly half were nurses (49.5%), and 59.4% had been working for more than 10 years. The study revealed that HIV/AIDS-related stigma persisted among health workers. The PLS-SEM results indicated that all latent variables had variance inflation factors below 5, confirming that they could be retained in the model. Knowledge and professional ethics significantly contributed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma, with an effect size (f²) of 0.15 or greater. In contrast, perceived and institutional support had a smaller impact on HIV-related stigma, with an effect size (f²) of at least 0.02. The R² value for health worker stigma was 0.408, suggesting that knowledge, professional ethics, institutional support, and perceived support collectively explain 40.8% of the variance in stigma. Conclusions: Improving health workers' understanding of HIV, fostering professional ethics, and strengthening institutional support are essential for reducing HIV-related stigma in this population.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.674-686
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mukbang, a trend originating in South Korea and gaining global popularity, could influence children's food choices and eating habits. This study analyzed the correlation between Mukbang viewing time in children and adolescents, their meal consumption frequency, nutrition quotient (NQ), and frequency of food intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: From July to August 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated upper elementary students (ages 9-11 yrs) and adolescents (aged 12-18 yrs) using an online survey. The survey items included key demographic factors, Mukbang viewing frequency and duration, frequency of main meal consumption, commonly consumed foods, and the validated NQ, which was used to assess food intake quality. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the link between Mukbang viewing and nutritional habits. RESULTS: Weekly Mukbang viewing time was significantly correlated with eating habits after adjusting for gender, age, physical activity frequency past week, household income, and primary caregiver's level of education. Increased Mukbang viewing time correlated with reduced frequency of breakfast (P for trend < 0.001) and dinner (P for trend = 0.012), while the frequency of eating out (P for trend < 0.001) and late-night snacking (P for trend = 0.008) increased. Higher Mukbang viewing time notably decreased scores in the moderation domain (P for trend < 0.001), in the practice domain (P for trend = 0.031), and overall NQ (P for trend < 0.001). It also significantly elevated intake of sweets (P for trend = 0.001), Korean-style street food, Western-style fast food, instant noodles, sweetened beverages, caffeinated beverages, and fruit and vegetable juices (P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study identifies a negative correlation between Mukbang viewing and eating habits among Korean children and adolescents. The results indicate the importance of incorporating children and adolescents' media usage and environmental factors on dietary education and the development of policy programs.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2022

Palmar creases are unique, permanent, and genetically controlled morphological variables. Recognizing palmar crease types are important for personal identification, criminal investigations, and diagnosis of congenital diseases. This study aimed to reveal the anthropological characteristics as well as contribute to the diagnosing of congenital disease of Ethiopian people. In this study, a cross-sectional study design with a multistage sampling technique were used. Chi-square test, bivariable, and multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were employed. At bivariable analysis variables with a P-value of ≤0.2 were selected for multivariable analysis and at multivariable analysis variables with a P-value of ≤0.05 were considered as statistically significant factors. Most of study participants had normal palmar crease patterns (90.8%), followed by simian crease patterns (5.0%), whereas sydney crease patterns was the least (1.92%). Being male was more likely to have simian crease and sydney crease than normal crease. Right-handed subjects were less likely to have simian crease and suwon crease than normal crease. The simian crease was more common among students whose fathers were from Gurage ethnicity than normal creases. Students who have one point of origin of the primary palmar creases were more likely to have simian crease, sydney crease, and suwon crease than normal crease. In this study, the normal type of palmar crease patterns was the most prevalent. Whereas the simian crease pattern was the commonest type among the variant palmar creases. Palmar crease patterns are affected by sex, ethnicity, handedness, and points of origin of the primary palmar crease.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2022

Intracranial calcification is referred to calcification of parenchyma and vascular structures in brain which can be physiologic or pathologic. This study was conducted with the purpose of investigating the frequency, location, pattern, dimensions and estimated volume of intracranial physiologic calcification (IPC) by computer tomography in different age groups. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, brain computed tomography scans of 216 patients were analyzed in 9 age groups each containing 24 patients from 2 to 89 years old. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA, post hoc Tukey), chi square, and linear regression tests (P≤0.05 was considered significant). Rate of calcification in different areas were as follows: pineal gland (75.0%), habenula (36.4%), pineohabenula (15.0%), right lateral ventricle choroid plexus (RCP) (67.7%), left lateral ventricle choroid plexus (LCP) (62.7%), falx cerebri (26.8%), petroclinoid ligament (13.2%), tentorium cerebelli (6.8%), third ventricle choroid plexus (0.9%), fourth ventricle choroid plexus (2.7%), basal ganglia (0.9%). A significant correlation exists between the presence of calcification in pineal, habenula, RCP, and LCP (P≤0.001). Nodular shape of calcification was dominant (47.9%). Estimated volume of pineal calcification showed increased levels in group 8 (70-79 years old) compared to group 2 (10-19 years old) (P≤0.05). Since the accurate description of radiologic appearance of IPCs (location, shape, and size) accompanied with age and clinical manifestation is of great importance in diagnosis and distinguishing from pathologic calcification-for example in patients with melatonin dysregulation or schizophrenic patients-this study was required.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.148-154
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• 2022

Cubital fossa is the site where the venous accesses are frequently made. Superficial veins at this site display variations in their pattern among different populations. Knowledge of different venous pattern in the cubital fossa is important for diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic procedures. The purpose of this study was to report variations of the cubital superficial vein patterns in the southern Ethiopian subjects. An institution based cross-sectional study design was employed among 401 randomly selected patients presented at the triage room of Arba Minch General Hospital from January 15 to February 15, 2021. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and images of the common and variant superficial venous patterns were recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. P<0.05 was considered as statistical significance. In the present study, a total of 802 cubital fossae from 401 study participants were examined. Five patterns of superficial veins were identified. Type 2 was the most common pattern and observed in 55.0% of cubital fossae (42.1% right and 67.8% left cubital fossae). The least common, type 5 variant was detected in 2.6% cubital fossae (2.7% right and 2.5% left). Statistically significant association based on sex and laterality was noted. The current study concluded that type 2 and type 3 patterns were more frequent superficial venous patterns in the cubital fossa and more common in males than female. Awareness of these uncommon cubital venous patterns and their incidence is very useful for those performing venipuncture or venisection especially under emergency conditions.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2022

Purpose: Sexually transmitted infections are a major worldwide concern, and human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the significant risk factors. Many populations suffer from various diseases caused by HPV, and the overall death toll due to cervical carcinoma is remarkable. Despite vaccine availability, perception about vaccine safety and efficacy, its' preventive outcome is still inferior among the health professionals and vaccine providers. So, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice level of HPV and its' vaccination among doctors, dentists, and medical students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out between April to August 2021, where 626 participants from all types of medical institutions of Bangladesh were interviewed using a validated and structured questionnaire that consists of four extensive areas; socio-demographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding vaccination. Results: The knowledge and practice standards showed very poor outcomes where 43.29% of the participants showed good knowledge and only 11.82% conveyed good practices. Nevertheless, the attitude towards HPV vaccination was revealed high (75.88%). Female participants showed more positive attitudes than males. Conclusion: Physicians and dentists play vital roles in raising public knowledge about HPV and awareness regarding HPV vaccination programs. The provision of medical education on HPV must be prioritized, and current training techniques must be re-evaluated. Thus, by implementing this strategy, improvement in national vaccination policy can be expected.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.27-47
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of spiral tomography through the comparison and analysis of SCANORA cross-sectional tomographs and DentaScan computed tomographic images of dry mandibles taken by a SCANORA spiral tomographic machine and a computed tomographic machine. Thirty-one dry mandibles with full or partial edentulous areas were used. To evaluate the possible effect of location in the edentulous area, it was divided into 4 regions of Me (region of mental foramen), MI (the midportion between Me and M2), M2 (the midportion between mental foramen and mandibular foramen) and S (the midportion of the mandibular symphysis). A ZPC column (sized 4 mm x 5 mm) was seated on the edentulous regions of Me, MI, M2 and S using the acrylic stent. Then SCANORA spiral tomography and computed tomography were taken on the edentulous regions which contained the ZPC column. The ZPC columns and cross-sectional images of the mandible were measured in the radiographs by three observers and the differences between the two imaging modalities were analysed. The results were as follows: 1. In comparing the actual measurements of the ZPC column and measurements in the radiographs, the mean error of the DentaScan computed tomography was 0.07 mm in vertical direction and -0.06 mm in horiwntal direction, while the mean error of the SCANORA spiral tomography was 0.06 mm in vertical direction and -0.12 mm in horizontal direction. There was a significant difference between the two radiographic techniques in the horizontal measurement of the ZPC column of the symphysis region (p<0.05). But there was no significant difference in the measurements of other regions (p>0.05). 2. In measurements of the distance from the alveolar crest to the inferior border of the mandible (H), and of the distance from the alveolar crest to the superior border of the mandibular canal (Y), there was no significant difference between the two radiographic techniques (p>0.05). 3. In measurements of the distance from the lingual border of the mandible to the buccal border of the mandible (W), and of the distance from the lingual border of the mandible to the lingual border of the mandibular canal (X), there was a significant difference between the two radiographic techniques in measurements of the midportion between the mental foramen and the mandibular foramen (M2) (p<0.05). But there were no significant differences in measurements of the other regions of symphysis (S), mental foramen (Me), the first one-fourth portion between the mental foramen and the mandibular foramen (M1) (p>0.05). 4. Considering the mean range of measurements between observers, the measurements of SCANORA spiral tomography showed higher value than those of DentaScan computed tomography, except in measurements of symphysis (S). 5. On the detectability of the mandibular canal, there was no significant difference between the two radiographic techniques (p>0.05). In conclusion, SCANORA spiral tomography demonstrated a higher interobserver variance than that of DentaScan computed tomography for implant site measurements in the posterior edentulous area of the mandible. These differences were mainly the result of difficulty in the detection of the border of the mandible in SCANORA spiral tomography. But considering the cost and the radiation exposure, SCANORA spiral tomography can be said to be a relatively good radiographic technique for implant site measurement.