• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.155-164
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• 2002

Hypertension is the most frequent disease of chronic circulatory diseases and major intermediate cause or risk of the cerebrovascular disease which is a leading cause of death in Korea. Therefore, management of hypertension is an important issue in Korean healthcare. Especially, therapeutic compliance of hypertensives is very important because the hypertensive patients should receive anti-hypertensive treatment as long as the condition exists. However, many patients drop out of treatment, which is a major problem that needs to be solved through a hypertension control program. This study was carried out to provide basic data and counter measule for the hypertension control program in the community which aimed to keep the patients receiving treatment continuously. In order to investigate compliance of hypertensive patients during three months follow-up and the rate of control of hypertension, the data were collected during February, 2001, by reviewing medical records of 295 hypertensive patients who had been registered to Gunnam-myeon health subcenter before November, 2000. The author also study the dropout reasons by interviewing 58 patients among 68 dropout patients. The results were as follows: 1. Among the 295 subjects, 108(36.6%) were male and 187(63.4%) were female. Statistically, female hypertensives had a higher mean age than male(64.6 vs 66.3, p<0.05). 2. The 54.9% of the patients took anti-hypertensive medicine continuously for the past three months. And 19.3% had drug intermittently, and 25.8% dropped out of treatment. 3. Among several variables, such as sex, age, health insurance, the time taken from a patient's village to the health subcenter, only the last one was found to be significantly related to therapeutic compliance in the contingency table analysis. 4. The dropout reasons by multiple response were as follows, 'no symptom or no problem' (23.9%), 'change to other hospitals'(19.4%), 'geographical barrier'(17.9%), 'change to a neighborhood drugstore' (14.9%), 'immobility'(7.5%), 'economic barrier'(6.0%), 'unsatisfactory services of the health subcenter'(4.4%). 5. The mean blood pressure of 295 subjects was $144.9{\pm}12.9/86.88{\pm}8.6mmHg$. 6. The 32.5% of the subjects were controlled below 140/90mmHg. Conclusions: In order to improve the low rates of treatment and control of hypertension in rural hypertensives, a more active and systematic hypertension control program, including out-reaching follow-up management, is required in rural area. Especially, for health education of hypertensive patients, emphasis should placed on correcting wrong attitude toward hypertension.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.131-139
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate smoking patterns, oral health behavior and perception of dental healthcare of military personnel in the South Korea Army. All 367 subjects were surveyed by the structured questionnaires with convenience sampling method. The questionnaires were consisting of 22 items. Depending on the conditions of military training, the distribution and differences of smoking patterns and oral behaviors were evaluated by frequency test, Weighted Kappa, Paired t-test and ANOVA. The differences of oral health perception on smoking were demonstrated by Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square test. In addition, Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) was used to estimate the effects of oral behavior for the conditions of military training and smoking. The number of cigarette during military training period was similar to that during non-military training (p=0.109). The perception of smokers such as smoking effect on oral health, oral health and systemic health, and need of education for smoking cessation was significantly lower than non-smokers (p=0.0095, p=0.0007, and p<0.0001). The probability that toothbrush frequency per day was only one was associated with higher during military training period than non-military training (OR=9.29, 95% CI 5.05-17.07). Moreover, the probability that hours of toothbrush were less than one minute was associated with higher during military training than non-military training (OR=2.19, 95% CI 1.78-2.71). To improve knowledge, attitude, and behavior of oral health for the members, the army needs to develop oral health education and tobacco cessation programs. In particular, motivation and practice for oral health care are required to improve poor oral health behavior during the military training.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.128-135
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• 2015

Purpose: As the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) began to cover home oxygen therapy (HOT) services from 2006, it is expected that the new services have contributed to overall positive outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We examined whether the usage of HOT has helped slow down the progression of COPD. Methods: We examined hospital claim data (N=10,798) of COPD inpatients who were treated in 2007~2012. We performed ${\chi}^2$ tests to analyze the differences in the changes to respiratory impairment grades. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that are associated with the use of HOT. Finally, a generalized linear mixed model was used to examine association between the HOT treatment and changes to respiratory impairment grades. Results: A total of 2,490 patients had grade 1 respiratory impairment, and patients with grades 2 or 3 totaled 8,308. The OR for use of HOT was lower in grade 3 patients than others (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30~0.37). The maintenance/mitigation in all grades, those who used HOT had a higher OR than non-users (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.23~1.61). Conclusion: HOT was effective in maintaining or mitigating the respiratory impairment in COPD patients.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.187-196
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• 2010

Recently, people have been suffering from stress-related fatigue and psychological disorders. Most people depend on medicine for pain relief; many treat pain also through alternative medicine or replacement therapy. However, drug therapy has many side effects, including increased stress after the therapy. In comparison, alternative therapies such as massage and foot reflexology are less damaging to the body, and such therapies can be provided without physical or psychological discomfort. In this regard, the author had previously co-developed color foot reflexology, which combines the merits of color therapy and foot reflexology; color foot reflexology has been shown to have beneficial effects without undue pain. This study investigates the effects of color foot reflexology on the physiological response of the body by comparing the body’s response to the signal with that to the placebo. Healthy adult subjects were selected for the experiment, which was conducted under optimal experimental conditions and design. The results indicated that when stimulated, parasympathetic nerves increased in HRV and that blood pressure, pulse, body heat, peripheral blood flow were dramatically activated. However, the results for the placebo indicated minimal changes or irregular outcomes. The results provide strong evidence for the beneficial effects of the color foot reflexology instrument on the autonomic nervous system and on the physiological response of the body. Future research is warranted to verify the results of the current study by examining patients suffering from diseases and disorders arising from irregular physiological functions in the context of the foot.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.44-48
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• 2012

Purpose : Arm motion can give rise to striking cold artifact on PET/CT. We investigated that evaluation of scatter-limit correction and correct the patient arm motion artifact in Discovery 600 PET/CT. Materials and Methods : To evaluate a radioactivity uptake (Bq/ml) and a standard uptake value (SUV), the scatter limit correction and scatter correction were compared using 1994 NEMA Phantom$^{TM}$ in Discovery 600 PET/CT (GE Healthcare, Mi, We). Arm motion phantom study was involved a central 20 cm diameter cylinder simulating the neck and 2 peripheral 10 cm diameter cylinders simulating arms. The positions of the arms were altered so as to introduce different amounts of misalignment. The evaluation of arm motion phantom study used the radioactivity uptake and SUV in scatter correction and scatter limit correction. Results : The statistical significance of radioactivity uptake and SUV did not show the differences in comparisons of the scatter limit correction and the scatter correction that not show (p<0.05). Radioactivity uptake of the scatter correction was up to 3.1 kBq/ml in the 0.04 kBq/ml. It was approximately 98.7% undervalued in the arm motion phantom study. However, Radioactivity uptake of the scatter limit correction was up to 3.0 kBq/ml in the 2.11 kBq/ml. It was approximately 30% undervalued in arm motion phantom study. SUV of the scatter correction was 1.05 to 0.006 and underestimated about 98%. However, an applying SUV of the scatter limit correction changed the value as 0.67 which is underestimated about 25%. Radioactivity uptake and SUV of the scatter limit correction was increased approximately 60%, or more than the scatter correction. Conclusion : It is considered that if the patient arm motion artifact was occurred the scatter limit correction will be applicable to give an accurate diagnosis.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.297-341
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• 2017

We searched out court rulings on medical affairs through court library search sites and specialized articles on medically relevant judgments sentenced in 2016. And we selected and analyzed the judgements of the court we considered important as follows. In relation to the medical civil judgements, (1) In the case of applying surgery for female infertility during cesarean section operation but it has not been done, we expressed the regret for the lack of judgment in the process of entering the medical contract, introducing the rights infringed and the scope of compensation, (2) We pointed out that the ruling on the medical malpractice estimation goes out of limit of negligence estimation doctrine, and that the court asked very high degree duty of the traditional Korean medicine doctors to cooperate with Western medicine doctors. (3) In the case of admitting hospital's 100% responsibility, we pointed out the court overlooked the uncertainty and good intention of the medical practice. (4) Additionally, We introduced the cases admitted the hospital's responsibility in the accident related to the psychiatric patients in closed ward. Relating to a medical criminal ruling, we analyzed the supreme court decision about whether the dentist's Botox injection on the patient's face is a medical practice within the scope of the license from the viewpoint whether it is within the possible range of the word. And, concerning decisions on healthcare administration, (1) we analyzed the case about when medical personnel operate multiple medical institutions, whether it is possible to get back medical care costs under the National Health Insurance Law, (2) We commented on the ruling regarding explanation obligation in terms of object, degree, subject of explanation as a prerequisite for permissible arbitrary uninsured benefits. Finally, we reviewed the decision of the Constitutional Court about the Article 24 of the Mental Health Law, which it had allowed for a mental patient to be hospitalized forcibly by the consent of two guardians and a diagnosis of a psychiatrist. Also we indicated the problems of the revised Mental Health Law.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.245-257
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• 1998

Purpose : Although hepatitis B vaccine has been available to general population in Korea since 1983, it was difficult to compare various types of hepatitis B virus(HBV) vaccines primarily due to the differences in vaccination schedule, dosage, test methods and seropositive antibody level. In this study we reviewed the results of previous studies published in Korea, which include antibody positive rates and antibody titers of various vaccines, and examined the immunogenicity of these HBV vaccines. Methods : Studies published in medical journals, university journals concerning antibody positive rates following hepatitis B vaccination were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were those studies in which seroprotective antibody rate of 10mIU/mL or the sample ratio unit of 10 RU were used as the cut-off value and in which the test methods were RIA or ELISA. Exclusion criteria were; 1) unclear or inconsistent vaccine dosage, 2) no record of antibody titers or seroconversion rate, 3) no defined antibody rate or ratio for positive rating and 4) the vaccination schedule other than 0-1-2 months or 0-1-6 months. Results : 23 out of 52 studies were subjected for the review for seroconversion rates. 1) As for the immunogenicity in each age group, the seroconversion rates of Hepaccine(Cheil Jedang) were 85.1% in infants, 83.3% in children and 62.7% in adults, indicating higher rates in infants and children compared to adults(P<0.01). The seroconversion rates of Hepavax(Korea Green Cross) were 84.7%, 81.1% and 90.8%, indicating higher rates in infants and adults compared to children(P<0.01). 2) The seroconversion rate of Hepavax was 85.6% with 0-1-6 mo. schedule, 78.5% with 0-1-2 mo. schedule with a statistically significant difference(P<0.01). 4) There was no difference of seroconversion rates between the two doses of Hepavax, $5{\mu}g$ and $10{\mu}g$ in infants and children. 5) In adults the seroconversion rates were 62.7% with Hepaccine, 90.8% with Hepavax, and 94.8% with Engerix-B(SmithKline Beecham). Conclusion : In Korea, the incidence of chronic hepatitis B is high and changing the schedule in vaccination cannot contribute to the increase of the serocoversion rate. And in order to maximize immunogenicity, more effective vaccines as well as more proper vaccination methods should be used.

• Journal of Science and Technology Studies
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.135-179
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• 2018

How do robots interact with the elderly? In this paper, we analyze the contexts of interaction between robots and the elderly and the role of mediators in initiating, facilitating, and maintaining the interaction. We do not attempt to evaluate the robot's performance or measure the impact of robots on the elderly. Instead, we focus on the circumstances and contexts within which a robot is situated as it interacts with the elderly. Our premise is that the success of human-robot interaction does not depend solely on the robot's technical capability, but also on the pre-arranged settings and local contingencies at the site of interaction. We select three television shows that feature robots for the elderly and one "dementia-prevention" robot in a regional healthcare center as our sites for observing robot-elderly interaction: "Grandma's Robot"(tvN), "Co-existence Experiment''(JTBC), "Future Diary"(MBC), and the Silbot class in Suwon. By analyzing verbal and non-verbal interactions between the elderly and the robots in these programs, we point out that in most cases the robots and the elderly do not meet one-to-one; the interaction is usually mediated by an actor who is not an old person. These mediators are not temporary or secondary components in the robot-elderly interaction; they play a key role in the relationship by arranging the first meeting, triggering initial interactions, and carefully observing unfolding interactions. At critical moments, the mediators prevent the interaction from falling apart by intervening verbally or physically. Based on our observation of the robot-elderly interaction, we argue that we can better understand and evaluate the human-robot interaction in general by paying attention to the existence and role of the mediators. We suggest that researchers in human-robot interaction should expand their analytical focus from one-to-one interactions between humans and robots to human-robot-human interactions in diverse real-world situations.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.58-72
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived burden of the terminally III patients's caregiver and to analyze relationship between the perceived burden and the various demographics, illness characteristics, family relationships, and economic factor of the family & patients. The sample of 132 caregivers who care for the terminally III patients Kyung-Gi province, Seoul, Korea. The period of this study was from August to September, 2002. The perceived burden of the family caregiver was measured by the burden scale(20 items, 4 point scale) developed by Montgomery et al. (1985). The Data was analyzed using SAS-program by t-test and ANOVA. The results were as follows; 1. The mean of the family caregiver's burden score was 3.02. The score showed that caregivers perceive severe the level of burden. The hight items of the family caregiver's burden were' I feel it is painful to watch patient's diseases'(3.77). 'I feel afraid for what the future holds for my patients'(3.66), 'I feel it reduced to amount of privacy time'(3.64). 2. The caregiver's burden was significantly related to patient's gender(F=3.17, p= 0.0020), patient's job(F=2.49, p=0.0476), caregiver's age(F=4.29, p=0.0030), and caregiver's job(F=2.49, p=0.0476). 3. The caregiver's burden according to illness characteristics showed no significant difference. 4. The caregiver's burden was significantly associated with patient's family relationship (F=4.05, p=0.0041), patient's care mean period in a day(F=47.18,

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2017

Profitability of farmers has decreased mainly owing to low price while the gross amount of mushroom production has increased continuously in South Korea. In this regard, analyzing patterns of mushroom consumption is believed to be meaningful. We used a panel data set consisting of 667 families, from 2010 to 2015. Based on the panel data, mushroom consumption patterns of people living in city areas were examined. Multiple descriptive analysis methods and frequency analysis approaches were adopted in this study in terms of time and space dimensions, demographic properties, and purchase behaviors. The findings of this studyshow that mushroom purchase is highly dependent on seasonal events, which implies that the product consumption timing is predictable. In addition, yearly purchase amount patterns reflect that superstores have become the major mushroomtrading venues. This directly supports the need to establish supply chain capabilities for mushroom farmers so that they gain more bargaining power against enterprise-type groceries. Finally, functional features of mushroom can be linked with marketing promotion because purchase patterns demonstrate potential needs for healthcare food in mushroom categories. Based on the analyzed patterns, this paper provides insightful implications for policy makers who want to promote mushroom consumption.