• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.38 no.9
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• pp.521-527
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• 2016

Nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) has been intensively studied for the treatment of a plethora of pollutants through reductive reaction, however, the nano size should be of concern when nZVI is considered for water treatment, due to difficulties in recovery. The loss of nZVI causes not only economical loss, but also potential risk to human health and environment. Thus, the immobilization onto coarse or structured support is essential. In this study, two representative processes for nZVI immobilization on granular activated carbon (GAC) were evaluated, and optimized conditions for synthesizing Fe/GAC composite were suggested. Both total iron content and $Fe_0$ content can be significantly affected by preparation processes, therefore, it was important to avoid oxidation during preparation to achieve higher reduction capacity. Synthesis conditions such as reduction time and existence of intermediate drying step were investigated to improve $Fe_0$ content of Fe/GAC composites. The optimal condition was two hours of $NaBH_4$ reduction without intermediate drying process. The prepared Fe/GAC composite showed synergistic effect of the adsorption capability of the GAC and the degradation capability of the nZVI, which make this composite a very effective material for environmental remediation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.14-23
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• 2007

Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer disease, although the mechanism is still unknown. Both folate and betaine, a choline metabolite, play essential roles in the remethylation of Hcy to methionine. Choline deficiency may be associated with low folate status and high plasma Hcy. Alterations in DNA methylation also have established critical roles for methylation in development of the nervous system. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of choline and folate deficiency on Hcy metabolism and genomic DNA methylation status of the liver and brain. Groups of adult male Sprague Dawley rats were fed on a control, choline-deficient (CD), folate-deficient (FD) or choline/folate-deficient (CFD) diets for 8 weeks. FD resulted in a significantly lower hepatic folate (23%) (p<0.001) and brain folate (69%) (p<0.05) compared to the control group. However, plasma and brain folate remained unaltered by CD and hepatic folate reduced to 85% of the control by CD (p<0.05). Plasma Hcy was significantly increased by FD $(18.34{\pm}1.62{\mu}M)$ and CFD $(19.35{\pm}3.62{\mu}M)$ compared to the control $(6.29{\pm}0.60{\mu}M)$ (p<0.001), but remained unaltered by CD. FD depressed S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) by 59% (p<0.001) and elevated S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM) by 47% in liver compared to the control group (p<0.001). In contrast, brain SAM levels remained unaltered in CD, FD and CFD rats. Genomic DNA methylation status was reduced by FD in liver (p<0.05) Genomic DNA hypomethylation was also observed in brain by CD, FD and CFD although it was not significantly different from the control group. Genomic DNA methylation status was correlated with folate stores in liver (r=-0.397, p<0.05) and brain (r = -0.390, p<0.05), respectively. In conclusion, our data demonsoated that genomic DNA methylation and SAM level were reduced by folate deficiency in liver, but not in brain, and correlated with folate concentration in the tissue. The fact that folate deficiency had differential effects on SAM, SAH and genomic DNA methylation in liver and brain suggests that the Hcy metabolism and DNA methylation are regulated in tissue-specific ways.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.290-297
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• 2016

This study analyzed the features of the nodules requiring a fine needle aspiration, which were found in thyroid ultrasonography of the employee health check-up examinees. Based on the fine needle aspiration results, over 1 cm nodules or those implying malignancy on the ultrasonography were categorized into the 1st group. Whereas, regardless of the size the fine needle aspiration results implying malignancy on the ultrasonography were categorized into the 2nd group. In the 1st group, 15.8% were malignant, and in the 2nd group, 28% were malignant. The findings implying malignancy were statistically significant. However, even though the nodules were larger than 1 cm, when the nodules were not accompanied by a high risk factor and showed a spongiform structure in the ultrasonographic results, most of them were benign, and a fine needle aspiration was not required. The ultrasonographic findings are important rationales in making a decision on whether or not a fine needle aspiration is required for thyroid nodules. Currently, the fine needle aspiration for thyroid nodules is commonly performed when the size of the nodule is larger than 1 cm, even though it has a spongiform structure, to relieve the patient's anxiety. However, if ultrasonographic findings of thyroid are correctly understood in differentiating malignant from benign nodules, unnecessary fine needle aspiration can be avoided.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.617-623
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• 2006

The mortality and morbidity rate of hemodialysis patients (HD) remain high. Among many factors, protein and calorie malnutrition has been shown to be a major risk factor for increased mortality in the HD patients population. Malnutrition can be caused by insufficient amino acid intake, nutrient losses in dialysate, oxidant stress and muscle catabolism. In this study, we evaluated the association of markers of nutritional status and essential amino acids intake in HD patients. We investigated nutritional status of 41 HD patients (mean age: $64.2\;{\pm}\;11.5\;y$, men: 24, women: 27) by measuring anthropometric, biochemical parameters and food intakes by using 24 hr recall methods. Subject's total energy intake and total protein intake were $1,648.0\;{\pm}\;397.31\;kcal/day,\;79.2\;{\pm}\;27.2\;g/day$:, respectively. The animal protein intake was $42.7\;{\pm}\;22.1\;g/day$, essential amino acids intake was $23.4\;{\pm}\;9.92\;g/day$, and the ratio of essential amino acids to total protein intake was $29.6\;{\pm}\;5.42%$. There were significantly positive correlation between muscle mass and lean body mass with serum creatinine level (r=0.435, p<0.01; r=0.435, p<0,01). There were also significant positive correlation in muscle mass and lean body mass with pre hemodialysis blood urea nitrogen (preHD BUN) (r=0.329, p<0.05; r=0.329, p<0.05). There were no significant correlation in total energy intake and total protein intake per kg ideal body weight (IBW) to muscle mass and lean body mass. However, there were significantly positive correlation between the ratio of essential amino acids and muscle mass and lean body mass (r=0.368, p<0.05; r=0.405, p<0.01). And serum hematocrit concentration was positively correlated with the ratio of essential amino acids (r=0.032, p<0.05). The results of this study indicate that strong associations exist in essential amino acid intakes with malnutrition than total protein intakes in HD patient. In conclusion, specialized nutrition education should be necessary to efficiently improve the quality of protein intakes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.615-623
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing eating problems among young female adults. Methods: Participants were 193 young female adults aged 19 ~ 29 years who were recruited in August 2017. Four variables related to eating problems in young female adults, including body image dissatisfaction, self-esteem, trait anger, and depression, were measured using reliable instruments. Data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program and Amos 24.0 for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and path analysis. Results: The mean for eating problems in young female adults was 8.99, and 9.8% of subjects were classified as high risk with eating problems. Modified model demonstrated good model fit (${\chi}^2$/df 0.47, GFI 0.99, AGFI 0.99, NFI 0.99, SRMR 0.022, RMSEA 0.001). Path analysis showed that body image dissatisfaction had the greatest direct effect on eating problems. Depression did not have a direct effect on eating problems, whereas it had indirect effects on eating problems through body image dissatisfaction as the mediating factor. Self-esteem had direct effects on depression and indirect effects on eating problems through depression and body image dissatisfaction as mediating factors. Trait anger had direct effects on depression and body image dissatisfaction and indirect effects on eating problems through depression and body image dissatisfaction as mediating factors. These factors accounted for 46% of the total variance, and the fit indices of the model satisfied the criteria of fitness. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal the important role of body dissatisfaction and psychological factors such as self-esteem, trait anger, and depression on eating problems. These factors influencing eating problems should be considered when developing programs to improve eating problems in young female adults.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.65-69
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• 2004

A study was carried out to determine the effect of a very low-carbohydrate diet on weight gain, body composition, and serum levels of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, glucose, ketone bodies and insulin. Twenty rats (mean initial weight, 212 g) were divided into two groups and each group was assigned a conventional high-carbohydrate diet (control) or a very low-carbohydrate diet containing 59.8% ground pork rind snack and fed the diet for four weeks. Average daily body weight gain was not different between the two groups during the first two weeks, but was significantly lower in rats fed the very low-carbohydrate diet than in those in the control group during third (p<0.05) and fourth weeks (p<0.01). Feedintake as well as energy intake was lower in rats fed the very low-carbohydrate diet than in those in the control group. The very low-carbohydrate diet reduced (p<0.01) serum triacylglycerol (34$\pm$83 vs 82$\pm$8 mg/l00 mL) and insulin (3.90$\pm$0.53 vs 7.60$\pm$0.61 $\mu$IU/mL) levels, while increasing (p<0.01) ketone body level (368$\pm$25 vs 236$\pm$24 $\mu$mol/L), compared with the control. Serum glucose and total cholesterol levels were not different (p>0.05) between the two dietary treatments. Proximate analysis of carcasses showed that the very low-carbohydrate diet decreased (p<0.01) body fat (26.1$\pm$1.04 vs 30.5$\pm$0.86%), while increasing (p<0.01) body protein (63.1$\pm$0.94 vs 59.4$\pm$0.70%) contents. Results indicate that short-term feeding of a very low-carbohydrate diet is beneficial for alleviating risk factors known to involve cardiovascular diseases or artherosclerosis. However, more studies with model animals as well as humans are recommended to examine the long-term health benefits of low-carbohydrate diets.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.30-43
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• 2012

Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis are at risk for protein-energy malnutrition because of nutrient losses during dialysis. This study determined the nutritional status of patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Forty-four patients receiving CAPD were divided into two groups according to dialysis period. We investigated the nutritional status of the patients by measuring anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as food intake, self-appetite, dietary habits, a subjective global assessment, and a total nutritional status assessment. Group I subjects (7 males, 13 females) had received dialysis for < 2 years, whereas the group II subjects (18 males, 6 females) received dialysis for ${\geq}$ 2 years. Energy intake with added dextrose in the dialysate per kg of body weight was $30.3{\pm}5.8$ kcal in group I and $29.0{\pm}8.1$ kcal in group II. The average protein intake per kg of weight was $1.0{\pm}0.3$ g in group I and $1.0{\pm}0.4$ g in group II, which were less than the recommended protein intake for patients undergoing CAPD (1.2-1.5 g/kg). Mean serum albumin level was significantly lower in group II than that in group I (p < 0.05). A recent self-appetite score was significantly higher in group II than that in group I (p < 0.01). The dietary habits score was significantly lower in group II than that in group I (p < 0.05). The subjective global assessment was significantly higher in group I (85.0%) than that in group II (54.2%) under normal nutrition status (p < 0.05). The dialysis period was significantly and negatively correlated with the subjective global assessment (r = -0.502, p < 0.01) and the total nutritional status assessment (r = -0.575, p < 0.01). These results demonstrated that patients undergoing CAPD for ${\geq}$ 2 years had worse nutritional status than those who had been undergoing dialysis for < 2 years. Good nutritional status can predict the long-term survival of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Additionally, the exact evaluation of nutritional status before 2 years will be important to maintain long-term dialysis therapy in patients undergoing CAPD.

• The Journal of the Korean life insurance medical association
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• v.24
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• pp.97-117
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• 2005

Internally Korean insurance market is that whole life products' growth are becoming slowdown that's why new insurance products have appeared on the market in consideration of consumer's needs recently. Externally domestic insurance market competitions has drifted from insurance industry to whole financial industry since bankasurance started. Life insurance companies should open up a new market to survive from severe competitions. Worksite marketing can be an alternative. An insurer make arrangements with an employer about an insurance terms which an insurer offers in Worksite marketing. Then eligible individuals enroll in the plans at their own discretion and pay 100 percent of the premium for coverage through payroll deductions. An employer doesn't need to pay extra money for additional benefit but can raise employee's loyalty and satisfaction of company through worksite marketing. An employee can be covered at discounted premium rate and less strict underwriting guidelines to an insurer compared to individual insurance. In developed countries specially U.S insurance market, Worksite marketing is getting very popular and growing rapidly due to the advantages. Worksite marketing has both individual insurance characters and group insurance characters. Individual insurance characters are that employees enroll in the plans at their own discretion and pay 100 percent of the premium for coverage. Group insurance characters are that actively at work and participation etc. An insurer have to reflect these two characters on Worksite marketing when an insurance company work out a plan for developing products and underwriting guidelines. When an insurer devise worksite products, one should consider participation level which means percentage of eligible employees participating. Participation is related to anti-selection. As we know underwriting is essential for every kind of insurance, especially underwriting plays major role in worksite marketing. We can see that in the below. Firstly, it has a function in calculation of premium rate. When calculate premium rate for worksite products underwriters have to estimate expected participation level and risk factors. So underwriters and acturies keep in close contact with each other. Secondly, underwriting methods are important. When an insurer underwrite worksite products, there are three kinds of underwriting methods. These are Simplified issue underwriting, Full underwriting and Guaranteed issue underwriting. Simplified issue underwriting typically requires no medical examination, but usually requires supplying satisfactory answers to one or several health and/or lifestyle questions. Full underwriting requires a complete medical history questionnaire that may further require an exam. Guaranteed issue underwriting means that coverage is issued without the employee having to provide evidence of insurability. When insurer set the GI limit are usually based on the type of industry, number of eligible employees, the average amount of coverage and participation level. In addition to insurer should have a clear definition of eligible employee on the insurance provision and application form. It will minimize possibility of trouble claims and anti-selection. An insurer also establish preexisting condition exclusion and special guidelines for late entrants. When an insurer introduce Worksite marketing to Korean insurance market, an insurer has to examine market research to analyze potential market and strategy of sales most of all. Also an insurer should review real situation of the U.S, England and Japanese market etc. There are a lot of new technologies about worksite marketing process that an insurer should learn. When an insurer consider many things which we explained it can be a real alternative.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.69-78
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• 2009

The cardiovascular disease has been known as a common cause of death for a long time in the west. The eating habits of Asia, including Korea, have changed recently, so that this disease is also a problem in Asia now. Annual Report on the Cause of Death Statistics from 1996 to 2006 reported that the cardiovascular disease would become the number one cause of death in the next $5{\sim}10$ years. Therefore we realize that more accurate examination is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of Calcium-scoring CT and the relationship between risk factor and quantitative scores of Calcium-scoring CT. Through this study we expect that the national public health will be improved. Seventy patients with chest pain were chosen at random. The patients were undergone both coronary CT antigraphy and Calcium - scoring CT at G hospital in Incheon from February 1 to June 30, 2008. The result of the Calcium-scoring CT showed its usefulness for Ischemic cardiovascular disease, with an accuracy similar to that of exercise/pharmacologic stress or ECG when it is difficult for a patient to exercise due to joint problems, aging or for other reasons.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.234-249
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• 1993

Herbicide is an essential agricultural chemical in the modern agriculture. Due to its bioactivity, however, risk of herbicide use against non-target organisms should be seriously considered. Among the unfavorable aspects given by herbicide, the residue is the most important because herbicide residue in soil and agricultural product is closely related to human safety. The residue in soil and crop is dependent on conditions of soil, weather, herbicide use and crop cultivation, etc. In general, the residue in soil or agricultural product in Korea is known to be not serious at this moment, except for some problems like carry-over effect on succeeding crops. To secure safety of herbicide use for the health, soil ecology and other environment, researches on herbicide residue including monitoring survey should be done more frequently and extensively. Safety guide for herbicide usage should be kept by farmers and development of long toxic herbicide should be accelerated.