• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.437-446
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• 2006

A fabrication method fur high-aspect-ratio microchannels in stainless steel using laser-assisted thermochemical wet etching is reported in this paper. The fabrication of deep microchannels with an aspect ratio over ten is realized by applying a multiple etching process with an optimization of process conditions. The cross-sectional profile of the microchannels can be adjusted between rectangular and triangular shapes by properly controlling laser power and etchant concentration. Excellent dimensional uniformity is achieved among the channels with little heat-affected area. Microchannels with a width ranging from 15 to $50{\mu}m$ can be fabricated with an aspect ratio of ten and a pitch of 150 m or smaller. The effects of process variables such as laser power, scan speed, and etchant concentration on the fabrication results, including etch width, depth, and cross-sectional profile are closely examined.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.337-346
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• 2018

Purpose: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a form of arteriosclerosis that occurs in the extremities and involves ischemia. Previous studies have reported that patients with periodontitis are at high risk for PAD. However, the relationship between these 2 diseases has not yet been fully elucidated. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated this relationship by comparing patients with PAD to those with arrhythmia (ARR) as a control group. Methods: A large-scale survey was conducted of patients with cardiovascular disease who visited Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. We investigated their oral condition and dental clinical measurements, including probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and number of missing teeth; we also collected salivary and subgingival plaque samples and peripheral blood samples. All patients with PAD were extracted from the whole population (n=25), and a matching number of patients with ARR were extracted (n=25). Simultaneously, ARR patients were matched to PAD patients in terms of age, gender, prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and the smoking rate (n=25 in both groups). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the bacterial counts, while the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to measure anti-bacterial antibody titers and proinflammatory cytokine levels in serum. Results: PAD patients had more missing teeth ($18.4{\pm}2.0$) and higher serum levels of C-reactive protein ($1.57{\pm}0.85mg/dL$) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($70.3{\pm}5.7pg/mL$) than ARR patients ($12.0{\pm}1.7$, $0.38{\pm}0.21mg/dL$, and $39.3{\pm}4.5pg/mL$, respectively). Meanwhile, no statistically significant differences were found in other dental clinical measurements, bacterial antibody titers, or bacterial counts between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that PAD patients had poorer oral and periodontal state with enhanced systemic inflammation.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2021

Background: Neck pain is a major public health problem among sewing machine operators working in textile factories. Even though the textile industries are growing in number in Ethiopia, but there is a dearth of published studies on the prevalence of neck pain. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of neck pain among sewing machine operators of garment factories in Mekelle city. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was implemented among 297 sewing machine operators' working in garment factories in Mekelle city. A systematic random sampling technique was used. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23. Finally, variables with 95% confidence interval (CI): p < 0.05 in the multivariate analysis were significantly declared. Results: Two hundred ninety-seven sewing machine operators were enrolled, with 98.7% response rates. In this study, the 12-month prevalence rate of neck pain was found to be 42.3% (95% CI: 36.6%-47.9%), and variables like such as break time [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.888, 95% CI: (2.775-12.493)], working hours per day [AOR: 6.495, 95% CI: (2.216-19.038)], static posture [AOR: 4.487, 95% CI (1.640-12.275)], and repetitive activity [AOR: 4.519, 95% CI:(2.057-9.924)] were associated with neck pain. Conclusion: In this study, neck pain is a major public health problem. Continuous work without break time, working greater than 8 hours per day, sitting in the same position for greater than 2 hours, and high repetitive activities were found significantly associated with neck pain. Owners and governmental bodies need to focus on developing preventive strategies and safety guidelines.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.131-138
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• 2021

Helminth infections are prevalent in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal helminthiasis in remote mountainous villages of northern Lao PDR. During the dry season in January 2017, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3 remote mountainous villages in Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. Villagers older than 18 years of age who agreed to submit stool samples or undergo an interview, were recruited. Stool samples from 198 individuals were examined by the Kato-Katz method, and a questionnaire surveyed 161 individuals among them. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with the intestinal helminthiasis. An overall prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 75.8%. Hookworm infection was the most common (63.1%), followed by Opisthorchis viverrini/minute intestinal flukes (17.7%), Taenia spp. (15.2%), Trichuris trichiura (2.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.5%), and Enterobius vermicularis (1.0%). Questionnaire analysis revealed sex (male) and absence of latrine to be significant risk factors for hookworm infection and consumption of raw meat for taeniasis. These results suggest that the mountainous area in northern Lao PDR has a different composition of helminth infections from other studies conducted in Lao PDR; a high prevalence of hookworm infection and taeniasis and low prevalence of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides infections were observed. Also, liver flukes or intestinal flukes were similarly prevalent in the mountainous area.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2023

Purpose : Excessive alcohol causes damage to skeletal muscles, leading to the development of a specific disease entity called alcoholic myopathy. Chronic inflammation is related as an underlying mechanism for the loss of muscle mass induced by alcohol. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL-6 (interleukin-6) play a role in this process. The acupuncture point Feng Shi (GB 31) is located on the midline of the lateral aspect of the thigh, above the transverse popliteal crease. This acupoint is used for the treatment of weakness, atrophy, numbness, and post-stroke symptoms of lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Feng Shi stimulation on muscle atrophy caused by chronic alcohol administration. Method : Young male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight each: Normal, Control, and GB31. The rats in the Control and GB31 groups were orally given 25 % ethanol (5 ㎖/kg, body weight) daily for 4 weeks. The Normal group was similarly administered saline. The acupressure at Feng Shi was treated to rats in the GB31 group. After 4 weeks, the body weight, muscle weight and cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius were assessed and the histological changes in gastrocnemius muscle fiber were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Moreover, TNF-α and IL-6 expressions were immunohistochemistrically evaluated. Results : Acupressure stimulation at Feng Shi had a protective effect on the weight reduction of the gastrocnemius muscle caused by alcohol intake, and had an effect of suppressing anatomical change in muscle fiber and decreasing the average cross-sectional area. Also, the immunoreactivities of TNF-α and IL-6 in the GB31 group were decreased. Conclusion : These results suggest that acupressure at Feng Shi has protective effects on chronic alcohol-induced muscle atrophy by inhibiting pre-inflammatory proteins such as TNF-α and IL-6.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.264-271
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• 2023

Objectives: Hanging is a common method of attempted suicide. This study investigated the epidemiological profile of attempted and completed suicides by hanging in southern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 1167 suicide attempts by hanging between 2011 and 2019. All data related to suicide attempts by hanging were collected from the Fars Suicide Surveillance System. The trends in suicide cases and the mean age of attempted and completed suicides were plotted. The chi-square test was used to identify suicide-related factors. Crude rates of incidence, mortality, and standardized fatality during the study period were calculated. Finally, logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of death in individuals who attempted suicide. Results: The mean age of those who attempted suicide was 33.21±16.82 years; the majority were male (80.5%). The rate of attempted and completed suicide by hanging were 3.50 and 2.79 per 100 000 people, respectively. The case-fatality rate was calculated as 79.34%. The results of our study indicated an increasing trend in suicide attempts by hanging. The likelihood of death was 2.28 times higher in individuals with a previous history of suicide attempts and 1.85 times higher in those with a psychological disorder. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest an increasing trend in attempted and completed suicide by hanging, especially among individuals with a history of suicide attempts and psychological disorders. It is necessary to take action to reduce the rate of suicide attempts and identify the underlying causes of suicide attempts by hanging.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.287-294
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• 2023

Background: Fruit and vegetable market is an abundant source of bioaerosols. Exposure to organic and inorganic waste and long-term inhalation of bioaerosols during working hours leads to chronic respiratory symptoms. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and related factors among fruit and vegetable workers compared with the control group in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2021. Data were entered in EpiData 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Logistic regressions were computed to depict the data and related factors. The culture method was done to count and compare bacterial and fungal concentrations between fruit and vegetable workers and office workers. Results: In this study, the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (PR = 2.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.772-4.66) was significantly higher among fruit and vegetable workers (46.7%) than controls (23.4%). Sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.12-3.98), educational status (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.78-2.32), working hours per day (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.586-9.65), and working department (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI = 0.90-11.40) were associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. Bacterial and fungal concentrations were significantly higher in the air of the vegetable market (276 colony-forming unit) than the air in the workplace of controls (7 colony-forming unit). Conclusion: The fruit and vegetable market workers (greengrocers) had a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms relative to office workers. Respiratory protective devices should be given to deliver preventive measures.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.851-858
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• 2023

Purpose: A study was conducted to ensure the structural safety of a raised girder bridge with improved cross-sectional efficiency compared to the conventional PSC girder. For this purpose, the cross-sectional specifications such as girder length, height, and width were determined, the arrangement of the tendons was designed, and the practical performance of the raised girder under static and dynamic loads was verified. Method: The static performance experiment examined the serviceability limit state by measuring behavioral responses such as deflection and cracking to primary and secondary static loads. In addition, the dynamic load loading experiment measured the acceleration and displacement behavior response over time to calculate the natural frequency and damping ratio to examine the usability limit state. Result: As a result of the static performance test, the deflection value based on the maximum applied load showed stable behavior, and the crack width measured at the maximum applied load level was very small, satisfying the serviceability limit state. In addition, a natural frequency exceeding the natural frequency calculated during the design of the dynamic loading experiment was found, and a damping ratio that satisfies the current regulations was found to be secured.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.368-374
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• 2023

Background: Recognizing that access to safe and healthy working conditions is a human right, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for specific occupational safety and health (OSH) programs for health workers (HWs). The WHO health systems' building blocks, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlight the importance of information as part of effective systems. This study examined how OSH stakeholders access, use, and value an occupational health information system (OHIS). Methods: A cross-sectional survey of OSH stakeholders was conducted as part of a larger quasi experimental study in four teaching hospitals. The study hospitals and participants were purposefully selected and data collected using a modified questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. Quantitative analysis was conducted and themes identified for qualitative analysis. Ethics approval was provided by the University of Pretoria and University of British Columbia. Results: There were 71 participants comprised of hospital managers, health and safety representatives, trade unions representatives and OSH professionals. At least 42% reported poor accessibility and poor timeliness of OHIS for decision-making. Only 50% had access to computers and 27% reported poor computer skills. When existing, OHIS was poorly organized and needed upgrades, with 85% reporting the need for significant reforms. Only 45% reported use of OHIS for decision-making in their OSH role. Conclusion: Given the gap in access and utilization of information needed to protect worker's rights to a safe and healthy workplace, more attention is warranted to OHIS development and use as well as education and training in South Africa and beyond.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.325-341
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• 2024

Objective: To correlate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology and position with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), and Jaw Tracker (JT) to develop a radiation-free, dynamic method for screening and monitoring the TMJ in orthodontic patients. Methods: A total of 236 orthodontic patients without symptoms of TMJ disorders who had undergone CBCT were selected for the JVA and JT tests in this cross-sectional study. TMJ position and morphology were measured using a three-dimensional analysis software. JT measurements involved six opening-closing cycles, and JVA measurements were performed using a metronome to guide the mouth opening-closing movements of the patients. The correlations among the three measuring devices were evaluated. Results: Abnormalities in condylar surface morphology affected the mandibular range of motion. The cut-off value results show that when various measurement groups are within a certain range, abnormalities may be observed in morphology (area under the curve, 0.81; P < 0.001). A 300/< 300 Hz ratio ≥ 0.09 suggested abnormal morphology (P < 0.05). Correlations were observed among the maximum opening velocity, maximum vertical opening position, and joint spaces in the JT measurements. Correlations were also observed between the > 300/< 300 Hz ratio, median frequency, total integral, integral < 300 Hz, and peak frequency with joint spaces in the JVA measurements. Conclusions: JT and JVA may serve as rapid, non-invasive, and radiation-free dynamic diagnostic tools for monitoring and screening TMJ abnormalities before and during orthodontic treatment.