• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.343-348
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• 2000

Objectives : This study was conducted to integrate the results of studies assessing the association between chronic noise exposure and blood pressure. Methods : Using a MEDLINE search with noise exposure, blood pressure and hypertension as key words, we retrieved articles from the literature that were published from 1980 to December 1999. The criteria for quality evaluation were as follows: 1) the study subjects must have been workers employed at a high noise level area 2) The paper should use average and cumulative noise exposure as method for exposure evaluation. 3) Blood pressure in each article should be reported in a continuous scale Among the 77 retrieved articles, six studies were selected for quantitative meta-analysis. Before the integration of the regression coefficients for the association between blood pressure and noise level, homogeneity tests were conducted. Results : All studies were a cross-sectional design and the study subjects were industrial workers. Five papers used a time-weighted average for noise exposure and only one paper calculated the cumulative noise exposure level. The measurement of blood pressure in the majority of studios were accomplished in a resting stale, and used an average of two or more readings. The homogeneity of studies was rejected in a fixed effect model, so we used the results in a random effect model. The results of the quantitative meta-analysis, the weighted regression coefficient of noise associated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.03, 0.13) and 0.06 (95% CI: -0.01, 0.13), respectively. Conclusions : Our results suggested that chronic exposure to industrial noise does not cause elevated blood pressure.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.85-95
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• 2004

Objectives : The aim of this study was to identify the trend of school health research by analyzing articles related to school health for the last 10 years. this information can be used to guide research direction for the future. Methods : This study is a descriptive study that analyzed annual data. using an objective frame of evaluation about the methodology and research domain in each paper, all the papers included in the journals concerning school health from January 1993 to December 2000 were analyzed. The data was processed statistically by frequency and percentage. Results : 455 papers in 9 journals related to school health were published. The Journal of the Korean Society of School Health had 204 articles, the highest number of any journal. most of the articles were descriptive, but the number of experimental studies increased over time. the most common research subjects were students were the greatest ones, but the trend to study both parents and teachers increased near the end of the sampling period. the most common selection of subjects appeared to be based on convenience, but probability sampling gradually increasing annually. the most common research instrument was the questionnaire and the reliability and the validity of instruments were described in approximately half of the studies. The survey was the most commonly used method of data collection. The papers that met ethical issue in data collection were less than those that did not. In addition, the papers that provided the rationale for the calculation of sample size were less than those that did not. parametric statistics were the main methods of data analysis, but some advanced statistics were used more often than simple descriptive statistics in the latter part of the sampling period. In general, limit of the studies were not frequently mentioned but more recommendations were made. regarding the characteristics of the research area, the assesment domain was remarkable. The rate of school health problem assesment was the highest among research subjects. Sex- related subjects were the highest in detail research subjects. Conclusions : The research of school health has increased quantitatively, but it is difficult to ascertain its qualitative development. Therefore, on the basis of the research completed up until now, more school-based intervention studies and longitudinal studies need to be another target for the evaluation of the effects of the school health service. as well, policy suggestion through international and cross-sectional comparison studies are needed to assist in the establishment of the long term direction of school health.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.219-232
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• 2007

The polyethersulfone(PES)-titanium oxide($TiO_2$) hybrid membranes were prepared by immersion precipitation phase inversion method. The casting solution for the preparation of $PES-TiO_2$ hybrid membrane was provided by adding $TiO_2$ nano particles into the basis polymer solution of 14 wt% and 20 wt% PES/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone(NMP). The $TiO_2$ loading [wt% ($TiO_2/NMP$)] in eating solution was varied from 0 to 60 wt%. Membrane performance and morphological change of the resulting $PES-TiO_2$ hybrid membranes were discussed in aspect of $TiO_2$ loading, by viscosity, coagulation value and light transmittance of the casting solution, measurement of tensile strength, pore size and contact angle, surface and cross sectional SEM images of the hybrid membrane, and ultrafiltration experiments using the hybrid membrane. According as increase of $TiO_2$ loading in the casting solution, viscosity is increased and coagulation value becomes lower, therefore the thermodynamic instability of the casting solution is increased. It is found that when $TiO_2$ loading is increased, 1) precipitation rate becomes faster while instantaneous demixing is maintained, 2) pure water flux, membrane pore size and compaction stability of the resulting membranes are increased, 3) tensile strength and contact angle are decreased. Dead-end ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin(BSA) solution using the hybrid membrane shows that membrane performance(flux of BSA solution) enhanced up to 7 times compared with the results obtained using the pure PES membrane(not containing $TiO_2$ particle), due to the increase of hydrophilicity.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.497-504
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• 2008

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to report prevalence and to identify risk factors of subclinical mastitis of dairy cattle in Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Among 325 dairy farms of the district 12 farms(3.7%) were selected conveniently for this study. All the dairy cows of the 12 farms were selected for sample collection. Fresh milk samples from each of the selected dairy cows were collected aseptically in separate sterilized test tube as RF, RH, LF and LH quarter of the udder. Rapid modified White Side Test(WST) was used to detect subclinical mastitis(SCM). Results of WST and data derived from filled in questionnaire were entered in Microsoft Excel 2003 and transferred to $STATA^{(R)}$, version 8.0/Intercooled(Stata Corporation, Texas, USA, 2003). The overall prevalence of SCM and its distribution in different categories of variables in cow and their exact binomial 95% confidence intervals were calculated in $STATA^{(R)}$. Simple bivariable associations among independent variables were investigated by $x^2$ test in $STATA^{(R)}$. Multiple logistic regression analysis with backward elimination method was used to identify risk factors of SCM. To identify significant variation in quarter SCM, linear regression analysis was performed after arcsine transformation of the data. The overall prevalence of SCM found in this study is 54%. Dairy cows with teat lesions had significantly increased SCM(OR=12342, P value=0.000, 95% CI=762, 199798) than others without teat lesions. The Holstein Friesian X Jersey X Sahiwal breed has significantly decreased(OR=0.18, p=0.03, 95% CI 0.04, 0.85) SCM than other breeds. The prevalence of SCM found in this study is in agreement with others. The injury in the teat increases the probability of getting infected with microbes and thereby mastitis. If the prevalence of teat lesion can be decreased the probability of subclinical mastitis will also be decreased. The negatively associated Holstein Friesian X Jersey X Sahiwall breed may help in planning mastitis control program if this finding can be validated by a more powerful case-control or cohort study design.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.31 no.1 s.60
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• pp.59-71
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• 1998

To examine the association of hypertension with cluster of obesity, abnormal glucose and dyslipidemia in Korean urban population, we conducted this cross-sectional study among 3027 men and 2127 women age 20-85 years who visited a prevention center between May 1991 and June 1995 for a multiphasic health check at St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul. By the self-administered questionnaire, the informations of educational attainments, monthly income, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and physical excercise level were obtained. Height, weight, and blood pressure were measured by a trained nurse. The fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride were tested by enzyme method. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was calculated by 'total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol - triglyceride/5'. For testing the differences of cardiovascular risk factors between hypertension and normotension group, 1-test and $\chi^2$-test were performed. For the age adjusted odds ratios of hypertension in persons with obesity, abnormal glucose, and dyslipidemia compared with normal, logistic regression was performed by using SAS pakageprograme. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Age, weight, body mass index(BMI), blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride of hypertension group in men and women were significantly higher than normotension group, but height and HDL cholesterol of hypertension group only in women significantly lower than normotension group. The frequency of obesity $(BMI\geq25kg/m^2)$, abnormal glucose $(\geq\;120mg/dl)$, hypercholesterolemia $(\geq\;240mg/dl)$, lower HDL cholesterol (<45 mg/dl in women only), higher LDL cholesterol $(\geq\;160mg/dl)$, and hyper hypertriglyceridemia $(\geq\;250mg/dl)$ in hypertension group of men and women were significantly higher than normotension group. 2. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were negatively correlated with hight, but positively with age, weight, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride in men and women. BMI was positively correlated with fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride but negatively with HDL cholesterol. 3. The age adjusted odds ratios of hypertension were as follows in men and women : among persons who were obese compared with those nonobese, 2.53 (95% Confidence Intervals [C.I.] 2.08-3.07) and 2.22 (95%C.I. 1.71-2.87): among persons who were abnormal glucose compared with those normoglycemic, 1.43 (95%C.I 1.13-1.82) and 2.01 (95%C.I 1.36-2.94): and among persons who were dyslipidemia (hypercholesterolemia or lower HDL cholesterol or higher LDL cholesterol or hypertriglyceridemia) compared with those normal lipid, 1.59 (95%C.I 1.30-1.95) and 1.51 (95%C.I 1.16-1.96). After combined more than one risk factor, the odds ratios were increased. Among persons with cluster of obesity, abnormal glucose, and dyslipidemia, the odds ratio of hypertension was 2.25 (95%C.I 1.47-3.37) in men and 3.02 (95%C.I 1.71-5.30) in women. In conclusion, it was suggested that hypertension was associated with cluster of obesity, abnormal glucose, dyslipidemia in this Korean urban population.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.96-102
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• 2001

A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the nutritional status of Korean male lead workers and to assess the relationship between calcium nutritional status and blood lead levels. A flood consumption survey was conducted by the 24-hr recall method with 118 lead workers and 63 non-lead exposed controls. Blood lead levels were analyzed from whole blood and serum calcium concentrations were also assessed. Results of dietary analysis showed Korean lead workers consumed relatively sufficient nutrients (more than 75% of RDA) except, calcium. Mean dietary calcium intake of lead workers was 502.2mg(72% of RDA) while that of the non-lead workers was estimated as 600.8mg(86% of RDA). Intakes of protein, iron, niacin and vitamin C of lead workers were significantly lower than those of non-lead workers. There was a wide range of blood lead levels(5.5 to 73.5$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗) observed while mean blood lead level of lead workers was 30.9$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗. However, 98% of lead workers showed normal serum ca1cium concentrations (range ; 8.9 to 10.7mg/㎗, mean ; 9.77mg/㎗) while 66% of lead workers were estimated to intake a dietary calcium lower than 75% of RDA. Mean blood lead levels of non-1ead workers were significantly lower(mean ; 5.1$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗, p ＜ 0.001) and the serum calcium concentration was significantly higher(mean ; 10.20mg/㎗, p ＜ 0.001) than lead workers. Results of unadjusted correlation showed that serum calcium level and dietary calcium intake were negatively correlated with blood lead concentration. In a multiple regression of blood lead levels with variables known as affecting blood lead 1eve1 such as age, body mass index and occupational lead exposure, serum calcium was insignificant while dietary calcium intake showed statistically significant(p ＜ 0.05) relation. Since calcium is a very important nutrient to reduce hazardous effects of lead, it should be strongly recommended that lead workers need to increase dietary calcium intake.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.24-30
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• 2018

As the demand for underground space increases, many researchers have been studying the load reduction method using high compressible materials to solve for the stability problem of the overhead load and for the increase of the earth pressure which decreases the function of the underground structure. This paper determines the optimum soft zone and the effect of the using EPS Geofoam as a load reduction material to arch structures. A finite element analysis program, ABAQUS, is used to analyze the soil-structure interaction and the behavior of buried arch structures considering different four EPS Geofoam forms to confirm the most conservative shape. The optimum cross-sectional shape was determined by comparing the results of earth pressure reduction rate in accordance with the change of span-rise ratio and span length of the arch structure. It was confirmed that the earth pressure generated in the arch structure using the optimal soft zone selected by the numerical analysis was reduced by an average of 78%. In this study, the effect of EPS Geofoam on soil pressure reduction and its applicability to underground arch structures will provide an economical and conservative way to design underground structures and will help to increase the usability of deep underground space.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.249-260
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• 2014

When a train enters the tunnel at high speed, the pressure wave occurs. When this pressure wave reaches at the exit of tunnel, some are either emitted to the outside or reflected in tunnel by the form of expansion wave. The wave emitted to the outside forms the impulsive pressure wave. This wave is called 'Micro Pressure Wave'. The micro pressure wave generates noise and vibration around a exit portal of tunnel. When it becomes worse, it causes anxiety for residents and damage to windows. Thus, it requires a counterplan and prediction about the micro pressure wave for high speed railway construction. In this paper, the effects of train head nose and tunnel portal shape were investigated by model test, measurement for the micro pressure wave at the operating tunnel as well as numerical analysis for the gradient of pressure wave in the tunnel. As results, a method for predicting the intensity of the micro pressure wave is suggested and then the intensity of the micro pressure wave is analyzed by the tunnel length and the cross-sectional area.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2597-2606
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• 2014

Background: There is a scarcity of information about the proportion of the adult Saudi population that meet the recommended guidelines of physical activity (PA) to reduce cancer risk. Moreover, their awareness about the role of PA in cancer prevention is unclear. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed at estimating the proportion of adult Saudis meeting the PA guidelines, specifically those recommended by American Cancer Society (ACS) for cancer prevention, and to assess the public awareness about the role of PA in cancer prevention. Materials and Methods: Using a multistage sampling method, 2,127 adult Saudis of both genders were recruited from 6 urban and 4 rural primary health care centers in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Participants were personally interviewed to gather information about their sociodemographic characteristics, searching activity about PA and cancer, and the time spent in leisure time PA (moderate and vigorous)/week using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire with show cards. Finally, items about the role of PA in cancer risk reduction were inquired. Results: Of the included participants, 11.6% met the recommendations for cancer prevention (${\geq}45$ minutes of moderate-vigorous PA activity/${\geq}5$ days/week or 225 minutes/week). Multivariate regression showed that being male (AOR=1.49, CI=1.09-2.06), <20 years of age (AOR=3.11, CI=2.03-4.76), and unemployed (AOR=2.22, CI=1.57-3.18) were significant predictors for meeting PA recommendations for cancer prevention. Only 11.4% of the sample indicated correctly the frequency and duration of PA required for an average adult to be physically active and while >70% of them indicated the role of PA in prevention of hypertension, coronary heart disease and lowering elevated blood cholesterol, only 18.6% and 21.7% correctly mentioned the role of PA in reducing colon and breast cancer risk, respectively. Poor knowledge was found among those with less than college education and aged ${\geq}50$ years. The level of knowledge was significantly positively correlated with total leisure time PA of the participants. Conclusions: A minority of adult Saudis in Al Hassa was aware about the role of PA in cancer prevention and engaged in sufficient LTPA for cancer risk reduction benefits, highlighting the need for public health actions to include policies and programs that address factors deterring their participation in LTPA and increasing their awareness with remedies to manage the prevalent misconceptions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7635-7638
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• 2013

Background: Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) has been recently proposed as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of several human tumors, including ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. Its clinical value remains to be clarified for endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, we investigated the utility of serum SPAG9 levels in diagnosis of EC and its association with important clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary women's referral center in Ankara, Turkey. Preoperative serum samples were collected from patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer between June 2012-April 2013. Similar aged women with a biopsy proven benign endometrium were used as controls. Serum SPAG9 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and assessed for links with clinicopathological factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess power of SPAG9 levels for EC prediction. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 63 women with EC and 27 with benign endometrium were included in the study. Mean age in the EC group was $58.7{\pm}1.1$. Median SPAG9 levels in the EC and control groups were 18.3 (range, 12.7-53.8) and 14.1 (range, 4.3-65.3), respectively (p<0.001). A cut-off value of 17 ng/ml for SPAG9 predicted presence of malignant endometrium with 74% sensitivity and 83% specificity [Area under curve (AUC)=0.82, p<0.001]. SPAG9 levels did not demonstrate any significant association with histological type, FIGO stage, tumor grade, size, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, cervical involvement, adnexal involvement, peritoneal cytology or lymph node status (all p>0.05). Conclusions: Testing for SPAG9 may be useful for early detection of EC in asymptomatic high-risk women. Its role in post-treatment follow-up and early detection of recurrence should be assessed in future trials.