• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.237-245
• /
• 2022

Objective: Viscoelasticity is an essential feature of nerves, although little is known about their viscous properties. The discovery of shear wave dispersion (SWD) imaging has presented a new approach for the non-invasive evaluation of tissue viscosity. The present study investigated the feasibility of using SWD imaging to evaluate diabetic neuropathy using the sciatic nerve in a diabetic rat model. Materials and Methods: This study included 11 diabetic rats in the diabetic group and 12 healthy rats in the control group. Bilateral sciatic nerves were evaluated 3 months after treatment with streptozotocin. We measured the nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), nerve stiffness using shear wave elastography (SWE), and nerve viscosity using SWD imaging. The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was also measured. These four indicators and the histology of the sciatic nerves were then compared between the two groups. The performance of CSA, SWE, and SWD imaging in distinguishing the two groups was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Nerve CSA, stiffness, and viscosity in the diabetic group was significantly higher than those in the control group (all p < 0.05). The results also revealed a significantly lower MNCV in the diabetic group (p = 0.005). Additionally, the density of myelinated fibers was significantly lower in the diabetic group (p = 0.004). The average thickness of the myelin sheath was also lower in the diabetic group (p = 0.012). The area under the ROC curve for distinguishing the diabetic neuropathy group from the control group was 0.876 for SWD imaging, which was significantly greater than 0.677 for CSA (p = 0.030) and 0.705 for SWE (p = 0.035). Conclusion: Sciatic nerve viscosity measured using SWD imaging was significantly higher in diabetic rats. The viscosity measured using SWD imaging performed well in distinguishing the diabetic neuropathy group from the control group. Therefore, SWD imaging may be a promising method for the evaluation of diabetic neuropathy.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.7-20
• /
• 2023

Creating a complex balance between dietary composition, circadian rhythm, and the hemostasis control of energy is important for managing diseases. Therefore, we aimed to determine the interaction between cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism and energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in women with central obesity. This cross-sectional study recruited 220 Iranian women aged 18-45 with central obesity. The 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes, and the E-DII score was calculated. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were determined. By polymerase chain response-restricted length polymorphism method, cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism was assigned. Participants were categorized into three groups based on the E-DII score, then categorized according to cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 genotypes. The mean and standard deviation of age, BMI, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were 35.61 ± 9.57 years, 30.97 ± 4.16 kg/m², and 4.82 ± 5.16 mg/dL, respectively. The interaction of the CG genotype and E-DII score had a significant association with higher hs-CRP level compared to GG genotype as the reference group (β, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.11-2.27; p value, 0.03). There was a marginally significant association between the interaction of the CC genotype and the E-DII score with higher hs-CRP level compared to the GG genotype as the reference group (β, 0.85; 95% CI, -0.15 to 1.86; p value, 0.05). There is probably positive interaction between CG, CC genotypes of cryptochrome circadian clocks 1, and E-DII score on the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in women with central obesity.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.57 no.1
• /
• pp.73-82
• /
• 2024

Objectives: The unsafe use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to human health. This study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticide exposure and health symptoms among chili farmers in northeast Thailand. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study included 141 chili farmers in Sakon Nakhon Province, in northeast Thailand. Data regarding health symptoms were gathered using a self-report questionnaire. A medical technician tested blood cholinesterase activity using an erythrocyte method, and an occupational medicine specialist at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand reviewed the results. Associations between personal characteristics, pesticide exposure factors, and health symptoms were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: Of the 141 chili farmers studied, 66.7% experienced pesticide poisoning, as indicated by below-normal cholinesterase levels. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom associated with pesticide exposure, affecting 37.6% of participants. This was followed by nausea and vomiting (31.9%), dizziness (14.9%), and dry throat (14.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with adverse symptoms: amount of work experience, volume of pesticides used, use of chemical pesticides, use of leaking containers during spraying, direct pesticide exposure while working, contact with pesticide-soaked clothing, consumption of food and drinks in the fields, and blood cholinesterase level indicating risk. Conclusions: This study suggests potential health risks for chili farmers stemming from exposure to and contamination by pesticides used in agricultural practices. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to supply personal protective equipment and to implement educational programs aimed at improving protective behaviors among farmers.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.358-367
• /
• 2023

Background: This study aimed to develop and assess the psychometric features of the Physical Activity at Workplace Questionnaire (PAWPQ) based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to evaluate employees' physical activity (PA) behaviors at the workplace. Methods: This psychometric cross-sectional study was conducted on 455 employees working in one of the gas refineries in Iran. The participants were selected using the proportional stratified sampling method in 2019. The data collection tools were a demographic information questionnaire, the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a questionnaire developed based on the SCT, whose psychometric features were confirmed in terms of validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS₂₂ and AMOS₂₀ software. Results: The first version of PAWPQ-SCT had 74 items. After evaluating content and face validity, nine items were removed. The results of the content validity index (0.98), content validity ratio (0.86), and impact score (3.62) were acceptable for the whole instrument. In exploratory factor analysis, after removing seven items-58-item final version of the scale-six factors could explain 73.54% of the total variance. The results of structural equation modeling showed the acceptable fit of the model into the data (RMSEA = 0.052, CFI = 0.917, NFI = 0.878, TLI = 0.905, IFI = 0.917, CMIN/DF = 2.818). Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Intraclass Correlation were 0.90 and 0.86, respectively. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the psychometric features of the 58-item final version of PAWPQSCT constructs were acceptable in a sample of Iranian employees. This questionnaire can be used as a valid and reliable tool to evaluate Iranian employees' PA behaviors and develop effective educational interventions for workers and managers.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.52-62
• /
• 2024

Background: This study was to investigate effects of narrow squat exercise according to ankle angle of Toe in 10° and Toe out 10° on women with genu varum. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial or Cross-sectional Study. Methods: 30 adult women with genu varum participated in this study. All subjects were randomly assigned to 15 people of narrow squat exercise in ankle angle of Toe in 10° group (TI) and 15 people of narrow squat exercise in ankle angle of Toe out 10° group (TO). The narrow squat exercise program was conducted three times a week for six weeks. The distance between the knees was measured by using Digital Vernier Caliper. The quadriceps angle (Q-angle) was measured by using Goniometer. The stride length and propulsion were measured through G-Walk Results: Both TI and TO groups showed effective significant differences in distance between the knees, Q-angle, and propulsion (p<.05). There was no significant difference in stride length (p>.05). Left leg propulsion was found to be significantly more effective in TI group than in TO group (p<.05). Conclusion: These results suggested that narrow squat exercise according to ankle angle of toe in 10° and toe out 10° was effective for genu varum. However, compared to TO group, TI group was more effective in gait propulsion. It is considered that narrow squat exercise in ankle angle of Toe in 10° can be suggested as an effective intervention method for women with genu varum.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.62-75
• /
• 2022

BACKGROUND: Due to its location very close to the bundle of His, mitral annulus calcification (MAC) might be associated with the development of atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances. This study assessed the association between MAC and AV conduction disturbances identified by cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) use and electrocardiographic parameters. The association between MAC and traditional cardiovascular risk factors was also assessed. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed 14,771 participants, predominantly men aged 60-75 years, from the population-based Danish Cardiovascular Screening trial. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were obtained. Using cardiac non-contrast computed tomography imaging, MAC scores were measured using the Agatston method and divided into absent versus present and score categories. CIED implantation data were obtained from the Danish Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Register. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was available for 2,107 participants. Associations between MAC scores and AV conduction disturbances were assessed using multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: MAC was present in 22.4% of the study subjects. Participants with pacemakers for an AV conduction disturbance had significantly higher MAC scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.23) than participants without a CIED, whereas participants with a CIED for other reasons did not. Prolonged QRS-interval was significantly associated with the presence of MAC (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04-2.04), whereas prolonged PQ-interval was not. Female sex and most traditional cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with high MAC scores. CONCLUSIONS: MAC was associated with AV conduction disturbances, which could improve our understanding of the development of AV conduction disturbances.

• Design & Manufacturing
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.15-21
• /
• 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
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.366-375
• /
• 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 architectural history
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.7-22
• /
• 2011

With the accumulations of outcomes from archaeological excavations of mountain fortress of three kingdoms period, there have been studies about time-periodic territory range of mountain fortress, difference in the way(method) of construction, defence system and so on from various points of view. This is an empirical study on the construction method of the valley part of stone fortress. First of all, it is required to secure large quantity of fresh water for those who lived at mountain fortress. Especially when builders of fortress construct a fortification at the valley part of stone fortress, in advance they must sufficiently consider several options including the establishment of sustainable water resources. First, when it comes to build a fortification on a ridge[or a slope] of a mountain, you have only to consider a vertical stress. However, when it comes to build a fortification at the valley part of a mountain, You must have more sufficient preparations for the constructing process. Because there are not only a vertical stress but also a horizontal pressure simultaneously. Second, a fortification of mountain fortress built by using unit building stone is a structure of masonry construction like brick construction, and the valley part of it is where the construction of the fortification begins. Third, when it comes to build a fortification at the valley part of a mountain, it seems that they use a temporary method such as coffer dam in oder to prevent the collapse of the fortification due to heavy rain. Furthermore, in response to a horizontal pressure a fortification is built by the way of its plane make an arch, or by piling up the soil with the plate method(類似版築) and earthen wall harder method(敷葉) they increase cross-sectional area of the fortification and its cutoff capacity. In front direction they put the reservoir facility for the fear that the hydraulic pressure and earth pressure are directly transmitted to the fortification. The process of constructing the fortification at the valley part of a mountain is done in the same oder as follows; leveling of ground(整地) ${\Rightarrow}$ construction of coffer dam ${\Rightarrow}$ construction of the fortification between the both banks of the valley ${\Rightarrow}$ construction of the fortification at bottom part of spill way(餘水路) between the both banks of the valley ${\Rightarrow}$ construction of spill way(餘水路) & reservoir facility ${\Rightarrow}$ construction of the fortification at upper part of spill way between the both banks of the valley. Coffer dam facility seems to be not only the protection device on occasion of flood but also an important criterion to measure the proper height of spill way or tailrace(放水路). This study has a meaningful significance in that it empirically examines the method of reduction of the horizontal pressure which the fortification at the valley part of a mountain takes, the date the construction was done, and wether the changes in climate such as heavy rainfall influence the process of construction.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.476-482
• /
• 2019

Regulatory protocols such as the Convention on Climate Change and the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions act as catalysts for the development of high-efficiency energy equipment and the efficient use of energy. Among the fields where energy consumption is high, the electric heating equipment is not efficient. The electric boiler mainly uses a method of circulating water by contacting the heater. When the existing electric boiler is used, the water minerals are contacted with the high-temperature heater to be carbonized and adsorbed, thereby promoting the corrosion of the heater and lowering the efficiency of the heater. For this reason, an electric induction boiler, which has high energy efficiency and is applied to an induction heating system that can uniformly heat the object to be heated rather than conduction or convection heating, is in the limelight. This method induces a boiler pipe And it is recognized as an alternative that can solve the problem that occurs when heating is performed by direct heating. Despite the fact that research on induction heating has been conducted for a relatively long period of time, there have been few studies on the electrothermal technology using induction heating. Therefore, in this paper, to improve the heat efficiency of electric induction boiler, the influence of the cross sectional area, number of windings and winding layers is analyzed by finite element method through parametric study method. The method of finding the design point which maximizes the total loss is proposed by the alternating winding design method which can maximize the heat generation by analyzing copper and iron losses.