• Title/Summary/Keyword: protective efficacy

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In Search of a Performing Seal: Rethinking the Design of Tight-Fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment Facepieces for Users With Facial Hair

  • Meadwell, James;Paxman-Clarke, Lee;Terris, David;Ford, Peter
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.10 no.3
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    • pp.275-304
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    • 2019
  • Background: Air-purifying, tight-fitting facepieces are examples of respiratory protective equipment and are worn to protect workers from potentially harmful particulate and vapors. Research shows that the presence of facial hair on users' face significantly reduces the efficacy of these devices. This article sets out to establish if an acceptable seal could be achieved between facial hair and the facepiece. The team also created and investigated a low-cost "pressure testing" method for assessing the efficacy of a seal to be used during the early design process for a facepiece designed to overcome the facial hair issue. Methods: Nine new designs for face mask seals were prototyped as flat samples. A researcher developed a test rig, and a test protocol was used to evaluate the efficacy of the new seal designs against facial hair. Six of the seal designs were also tested using a version of the conventional fit test. The results were compared with those of the researcher-developed test to look for a correlation between the two test methods. Results: None of the seals performed any better against facial hair than a typical, commercially available facepiece. The pressure testing method devised by the researchers performed well but was not as robust as the fit factor testing. Conclusion: The results show that sealing against facial hair is extremely problematic unless an excessive force is applied to the facepiece's seal area pushing it against the face. The means of pressure testing devised by the researchers could be seen as a low-cost technique to be used at the early stages of a the design process, before fit testing is viable.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Activity and Mental Health of University Students (COVID-19 팬데믹이 대학생의 신체적 활동과 정신적 건강에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Bo-Hye;Lee, Bo-Young;Lee, Ye-Young;Hwang, Su-Jin
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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    • v.9 no.3
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    • pp.59-68
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    • 2021
  • Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the lecture method and physical activity level of Korean university students during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine their effect on the students' mental health, self-efficacy, and learning motivation. Methods : A total of 203 participants (53 male, 150 female) completed the study. An online survey was distributed through a social media platform between March 24 and April 7, 2021. Participants completed the international physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), COVID-19 stress scale for Korean people (CSSK), the Korean version of the general health questionnaire (KGHQ-30), and self-efficacy and learning motivation scales. Results : Among the general characteristics of the study subjects, there were statistically significant differences in the IPAQ-SF, CSSK, KGHQ, self-efficacy, and learning motivation measures by sex. There were no significant differences in the degree of IPAQ-SF, CSSK, KGHQ, self-efficacy, and learning motivation among any of the lecture method and university area groups. The level of physical activity corresponded with significant differences in KGHQ, self-efficacy, and learning motivation, excluding CSSK. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between IPAQ and self-efficacy (r=.273, p<.001), IPAQ-SF and learning motivation (r=.201, p<.01), CSSK and KGHQ (r=.271, p<.001), self-efficacy and learning motivation measures (r=.506, p<.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between IPAQ-SF and KGHQ (r=-.203, p<.01) and between KGHQ and self-efficacy (r=-.558, p<.001). Conclusion : CSSK and KGHQ measures were significantly higher in female students than in male students. Therefore, it is important to consider sex as a protective factor in the mental health management of university students in the context of an infectious disease pandemic. The results of this study suggest that university students should continue to engage in physical activities, even during a pandemic, and that it is necessary to prepare health management to improve mental health in such situations.

Analyses on the Factors Associated with Dietary Behavior Regarding Colon Cancer Risk (대장암 위험도와 관련된 식생활 행동 분석)

  • 오세영;이지현;김효종
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.37 no.3
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    • pp.202-209
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    • 2004
  • A case-control study was conducted in order to examine dietary behavioral factors associated with colorectal cancer risks. Data were collected from 128 cases with either colorectal cancer or large bowl adenomatous polyps and 129 controls regarding stages of dietary behavioral change, perceived barrier, self efficacy, nutrition knowledge, social support and food availability as well as body mass index and overall dietary quality. Cases showed less desirable behaviors with respect to fat reduction and vegetable intake compared with controls based on the analyses of the stages of dietary change. After adjustment of relevant covariates (age, gender and smoking), significant trends of increasing risk with higher level emerged for perceived barriers resulted from environmental conditions (OR = 1.6 - 2.0) and self-efficacy (OR = 2.2-2.3). No such relationships were found for nutrition knowledge and social support. The risk of colorectal cancer was associated with the kinds of foods available at home showing a borderline protective relation with milk (OR = 0.6) and respective significant and borderline direct associations for fresh meat (OR = 2.1) and soft drinks (OR = 0.6 when reversely scored). Within-group analyses presented best predictors of overall dietary quality as food availability for the case and self-efficacy and social support for the control. The findings of this study suggested a need for focusing on motivational and reinforcing factors in the development of nutrition education programs for colorectal cancer prevention.

Effects of Root of Curcumin longa on LPS-induced Lung Injury (강황이 LPS로 유도된 폐손상에 미치는 영향)

  • Oh, Ji-Seok;Yang, Su-Young;Kim, Min-Hee;Namgung, Uk;Park, Yang-Chun
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.89-102
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    • 2013
  • Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of root of Curcumin longa (RCL) on LPS-induced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) model. Materials and Methods: Extract of RCL was treated to RAW 264.7 cells and LPS-induced COPD mouse model. Then, various parameters such as cell-based protective activity, airflow limitation, accumulation of immune cells and histopathological finding were analyzed. Results: RCL showed a protective effect on LPS-induced cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. RCL treatment also revealed a protective effect on LPS-induced lung injury in a COPD mouse model. This effect was demonstrated via the reduction of accumulation of immune cells and pathophysiological regulation of caspase 3, elastin and collagen in lung tissue. Conclusions: These data suggest that RCL has a pharmaceutical property on lung injury. This study provides scientific evidence for the efficacy of RCL for clinical application to COPD patients.

Protective Effect of R. palmatum on 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Neurotoxicity in Mice (생쥐의 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-유도 신경독성에 대한 대황의 보호효과)

  • 이형철;김대근;조원준;황석연;이영구;김명동;전병훈
    • YAKHAK HOEJI
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    • v.46 no.6
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    • pp.433-440
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    • 2002
  • The protective efficacy of Rheum palmatum water extract on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonism was studied in C57BL/6 mice. In order to demonstrate neuroprotective effect of R. palmatum extract, animals were administered intraperitoneally with the water extract (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, and MPTP (10 mg/kg/day) was injected subcutaneously into the mice for the first 6 consecutive days from the beginning 1 hr before R. palmatum extract treatment. All animals were measured the several neurobiochemical markers such as dopamine level and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) activity in various regions of brain. The treatment of mice with R. palmatum extract was confirmed recovery effect on MAO-B activity in the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. R. palmatum extract was attenuated the MPTP-induced depletion of substantia nigra dopamine. The contents of MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation, in brain tissues (cerebellum and cerebral cortex mitochondria) were decreased significantly by R. palmatum extract. These results suggest that R. palmatum water extract plays an effective role in attenuating MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mice. This protective effect of R. palmatum might be estimated the result from the inhibitory activity on monoamine oxidase B and the enhancement of antioxidant activity.

Effects of Galhwahyejung-tang (GHT) on Protection for Alcohol-induced Liver Injury

  • Ahn Tae-Kyu;Shin Jang-Woo;Cho Chong-Kwan;Cho Jung-Hyo;Yoo Hwa-Seung;Lee Yeon-Weol;Lee Nam-heon;Yun Dam-hee;Son Chang-Gue
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.26 no.1 s.61
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    • pp.76-84
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    • 2005
  • Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the protective efficacy of GHT on alcoholic liver injury. Methods: We measured the rate of alcohol oxidation, serum level of liver enzyme, lipid peroxidation level in liver tissue, and inflammatory related cytokine expressions in the liver. Results : GHT showed liver protective effects, lowered the levels of AST and LDH in serum and inhibited lipid peroxidation in liver tissue, and enhanced alcohol oxidation. GHT treatment up-regulated IL-10 in the liver, whereas it down­regulated $TNF-\alpha,\;TGF-\beta$, and Fas ligand. Conclusion : From these results, GHT is presumed to work in the liver in protective roles not through the pathway of alcohol metabolism but mainly by anti-inflammation activity in our model.

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Design and Efficacy of Calf EMS Protective Gear for Pain Relief in PARA Taekwondo Athletes (PARA 태권도 선수의 통증 완화를 위한 종아리 EMS 보호대 설계 및 효과)

  • Kookhyun Han;Jinhee Park;Jooyong Kim
    • Journal of Fashion Business
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.109-124
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    • 2024
  • The aim of this paper is to design and evaluate calf braces that are equipped with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) modules. These braces are intended to alleviate calf pain in PARA Taekwondo athletes. The paper also seeks to assess the effects of different textile electrode designs. PARA Taekwondo participants are at a heightened risk of injuries and pain due to the nature of this exercise, which is designed for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, there is a significant risk of strain on the lower limb muscles in PARA Taekwondo compared to regular Taekwondo. To address this issue, calf taping methods are commonly used. In this study, we develop calf EMS protective gear and aim to examine the effects of different textile electrode designs inspired by taping methods. We evaluate the differences in the effects of three different textile electrode designs through visual analog scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) measurements. The results show that EMS protective gear has the potential to reduce calf pain among PARA Taekwondo athletes, with electrode designs inspired by kinesiology taping providing the most effective pain relief. This research suggests that these findings may be applicable to other sports disciplines, body areas, and everyday pain relief scenarios.

Studies on the Effectiveness of Ginseng Preparation (인삼(人蔘) 제제(製劑)의 효능(效能)에 관한 연구(硏究))

  • Han, Byung-Hoon;Park, Myung-Hwan;Shin, Sang-Chul
    • Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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    • v.15 no.2
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    • pp.98-103
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    • 1984
  • A ginseng preparation consisting of ginseng ext., lycii fructus ext., four vitamins and caffeine was chosen and its efficacy was evaluated with respect to nutritional supplement, antifatigue activity and liver protective action. Animals administered orally in both one-third and three fold doses of the preparation showed no significant increments of their body weights when compared with those of the normal animals, suggesting no supplemental activity. However, the preparation in the above two doses significantly prolonged swimming time to 53 and 63%, respectively. Ginseng and lycii fructus ext. were found to be responsible for the antifatigue activity. And also the preparation significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation of mouse liver after ethanol-induced acute intoxication.

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Studies on the Efficacy of Combined Preparation of Crude Drugs(XXXVIII) -Effect of Gamiinjinoryung-San on Hepatic Damage- (생약복합제제의 약효연구(제38보). -가미인진오령산이 실험적 간장해에 미치는 영향-)

  • Hong, Nam-Doo;Kim, Byung-Woon;Kim, Nam-Jae;Sim, Jae-Ok
    • Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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    • v.19 no.4
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    • pp.270-277
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    • 1988
  • Gamiinjinoryung-San is composed of eight crude drugs including Artemisiae capillaris Herba which is widely used for the treatment of acute jaundice, acute and chronic hepatitis at the Oriental hospital of Kyung-Hee Medical Center. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of water extract of Gamiinjinoryung-San on the liver function. The results obtained were as follows; the extract markedly reduced LDH and ALP activities, but slightly decreased GOT and GPT activities elevated with D-galactosamine in rat serum. The liver protective activities were shown in $CCl_4-intoxicated\;rats$. The extract prevented the prolongation of sleeping time in $CCl_4-intoxicated\;rats$. The bile flow and the biliary bile acid secretion were significantly increased in normal rats.

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Address discharge delay reduction in AC PDP by applying MgO nanoparticle under protective layer

  • Seo, Ki-Ho;Shin, Seung-Ha;Choi, Man-Soo;Whang, Ki-Woong
    • 한국정보디스플레이학회:학술대회논문집
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    • 2008.10a
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    • pp.355-358
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    • 2008
  • We report a method for improving characteristics of AC PDP in this study. This improvement is obtained by spreading MgO nanoparticles on transparent dielectric layer. These nanoparticles are covered with MgO protective layer by electron beam evaporation. MgO nanoparticle has difference in cathodoluminescence stronger than MgO layer by electron beam evaporation. This method worked for reducing statistical delay especially. Efficacy, discharge voltage and luminance were also improved But these improvements has limited lifetime because continuous ion bombardments changed characteristic of MgO surface.

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