• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.721-725
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• 2010

Purpose: The survival of composite graft is dependent on three steps, (1) plasmatic imbibitions, (2) inosculation, and (3) neovascularization. Among the many trials to increase the survival rate of composite graft, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has beneficial effects on the microcirculatory level with vasodilating, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and neoangiogenic properties. Lipo-PGE1 which is lipid microspheres containing PGE1 had developed to compensate the systemic and local side effects of PGE1. This study was proposed to determine whether Lipo-PGE1 administration enhanced the survival of composite graft through neovascularization quantitatively in a rabbit ear model. Methods: Fourteen New Zealand White Rabbits each weighing 3~4 kg were divided in two groups: (1) intravenous Lipo-PGE1 injection group and (2) control group. A $2{\times}1\;cm$ sized, full-thickness rectangular composite graft was harvested in each auricle. Then, the graft was reaaproximated in situ using a 5-0 nylon suture. For the experimental group, $3{\mu}g$/kg/day of Lipo-PGE1 ($5{\mu}g$/mL) was administered intravenously through the marginal vein of the ear for 14 days. The control group was received no pharmacologic treatment. On the 14th postoperative day, composite graft of the ear was harvested and immunochemistry staining used Monoclonal mouse anti-CD 31 antibody was performed. Neoangiogenesis was quantified by counting the vessels that showed luminal structures surrounded by the brown color-stained epithelium and counted from 10 random high-power fields (400x) by independent blinded observer. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test for nonparametric data) was performed using SPSS v12.0, with values of p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean number of the microvessels was $15.48{\pm}8.65$ in the experimental group and $9.82{\pm}7.25$ in the control group (p=0.028). Conclusion: The use of Lipo-PGE1 facilitated the neoangiogenesis, resulted in the improvement of the survival rate of graft. On the basis of this results, we could support wider application of Lipo-PGE1 for more effective therapeutic angiogenesis and successful survival in various cases of composite graft in the human.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.149-176
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• 2009

In the recent e-learning environment, avatars are often used to help learners get familiar with the contents, which is ultimately to motivate them to study more. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether avatars have actually the desirable effect on users of e-learning materials. Surprisingly, however, no extensive study has been conducted on this crucial issue Accordingly, main objectives this study are summarized as follows. First, we need to gain better understanding of how much learners' trust towards avatars (termed as "avatar trust") is transferred to learners' trust towards e-learning contents (termed as "contents trust"). Second, we need to investigate how much learners' personal relationships with avatars as well as learning behaviors change depending on avatar types (attractive vs. professional) and contents complexity (easy vs. difficult). As described in the study objectives, in order for us to analyze empirical data more systematically, we classified avatar types into two: "attractive" and "professional;" the contents are categorized as either "easy" or "difficult." Therefore, it is essential for this study to build a prototype e-learning website on which our research purpose can be realized and tested effectively with proper avatar types and e-learning contents. For this purpose, we built a prototype e-learning website, in which avatars are invited from currently working avatar instructors used in real-world e-learning websites, and e-learning contents are adapted from real-world contents about Java programming topic, which have been proved to have shown high quality and reliability. Our research method includes questionnaire survey by inviting a number of valid respondents comprised of office workers who are believed to have high demands for the e-learning contents as well as those who have previous experience with avatar instructors. Respondents were given one of the four e-learning experiment conditions (2 avatar types x 2 contents types) on a random basis. Each experimental e-learning condition is framed to have the same quality but different avatar type and content complexity. Then the respondents are asked to fill out the survey form which has questions about avatar trust, contents trust, personal relationships with avatar, and learning behavior, among others. Regarding the constructs used in research model, we based them rigorously on previous studies. For example, we used six constructs such as behavior to give information (BGI), behavior to obtain information (BOI), need for inclusion wanted, need for control wanted, contents trust, and avatar trust. To measure them, 7-Likert scales were used in the questionnaire. E-learning performance was measured indirectly through two constructs such as BGI and BOI. Six constructs used in the research model were adopted and revised from the FIRO-B model suggested by Schutz. Empirical results are as follows: First, professional avatars are more effective for difficult contents, while attractive avatars were not as effective for easy contents. Second, our study results ascertained that avatar trust transfers to contents trust regardless of avatar types and contents complexity.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.67-85
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• 2021

This study reviewed the research in China on music interventions for adult brain injury patients. Eighty-three studies that met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Our review revealed that the number of intervention studies using music with adult brain injury patients has been on the rise since 2012, and random control research design methods have been dominant. Studies focused on the physical domain and emotional domain together were most common. Researchers in fields outside of music therapy conducted 43 of the studies, and music therapists carried out 14 of the studies as intervention providers. Most of the studies carried out by experts in fields other than music therapy used listening activities involving preexisting recorded music. However, most of the studies conducted by music therapists adopted reconstructed music and played it live during their intervention. The specificity of the described content of the interventions and level and relevance of stated rationale to the target goal of the intervention suggests that high quality of intervention was conducted with a therapist/investigator who has completed adequate professional education/training, which would emphasize the importance of music therapy professionalism. This study provides the baseline data for how music intervention research has been implemented in China and presents implications for future clinical practice and research.

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.41-50
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• 2020

The consequences of wearing high heels can be different according to the heel height, gait speed, shoe design, heel base area, and shoe size. This study aimed to focus on the knee extension and flexion range of motion (ROM) during gait, which were challenged by wearing five different shoe heel types and two different self-selected gait speeds (comfortable and fast) as experimental conditions. Measurement standards of knee extension and flexion ROM were individually calibrated at the time of heel strike, mid-stance, toe-off, and stance phase based on the 2-minute video recordings of each gait condition. Seven healthy young women (20.7 ± 0.8 years) participated and they were asked to walk on a treadmill wearing the five given shoes at a self-selected comfortable speed (average of 2.4 ± 0.3 km/h) and a fast speed (average of 5.1 ± 0.2 km/h) in a random order. All of the shoes were in size 23.5 cm. Three of the given shoes were 9.0 cm in height, the other two were flat shoes and sneakers. A motion capture software (Kinovea 0.8.27) was used to measure the kinematic data; changes in the knee angles during each gait. During fast speed gait, the knee extension angles at heel strike and mid-stance were significantly decreased in all of the 3 high heels (p<0.05). The results revealed that fast gait speed causes knee flexion angle to significantly increase at toe-off in all five types of shoes. However, there was a significant difference in both the knee flexion and extension angles when the gait in stiletto heels and flat shoes were compared in fast gait condition (p<0.05). This showed that walking fast in high heels leads to abnormal knee ROM and thus can cause damages to the knee joints. The findings in this preliminary study can be a basis for future studies on the kinematic changes in the lower extremity during gait and for the analysis of causes and preventive methods for musculoskeletal injuries related to wearing high heels.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.39-55
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• 2022

In this study, we investigate the interrelationship between housing tenure and childbirth by exploiting the correlation probability effect method that accounts for household heterogeneity. Using the newlywed household panel from 2011 to 2022, we find that home ownership has a positive impact on childbirth in newlyweds. Specifically, newlywed households with housing tenure show a 6.2%p higher birth rate and a 5.7%p higher second childbirth than newlywed households living in rented houses. For the case of first childbirth, we employ the probability effect probit model since the endogeneity was not detected between housing tenure and birth rate. We document the differential effects of housing tenure on childbirth in that the first childbirth rate is higher for households without housing tenures. The negative effects on first childbirth could be attributed to the economic burden due to initial housing ownership, while housing tenure could eventually provide housing stability, leading to positive effects on more than one childbirth. Finally, we identify that households with childbirth over the last year show a 4.2%p and 3.9%p lower probabilities of housing tenure in the total sample and second childbirth sample, respectively. This suggests that the increased living cost due to childbirth could delay home ownership.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.729-745
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• 2022

Purpose: This study collects basic data on the awareness of evacuation methods and evacuation facilities in the event of a radiological disaster of residents living in the emergency planning zone. Method: The residents of emergency planning zone were sampled using a random sampling method. A 1:1 interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using the minitab program. Result: First, the survey subjects showed a relatively low and negative awareness of the local government's work on radioactive disasters. Second, in terms of resident safety education, they had little experience in education, but they felt it was necessary and wanted education on evacuation methods, action tips, and the location of relief centers. Third, the location of the relief centers related to radioactive disasters was not well known, and there were many responses that they did not receive any guidance, and that they would be with their families when using the relief centers. Satisfaction levels were generally low with regard to the relief facilities. Fourth, the necessary priorities in preparation for radioactive disasters were education and training for radioactive disasters, facility supplementation, and supply of protective chemicals. Conclusion: The residents of emergency planning zone perceived the policies and tasks of the government or local governments relatively negatively in preparation for the occurrence of radioactive disasters, and their satisfaction was low. Regarding the matters pointed out as a priority, the government and local governments should publicize and educate the residents of accurate information and policies on radioactive disasters.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.2B
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• pp.163-171
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• 2009

Classical linear models have been generally used to analyze and forecast hydrologic time series. However, there is growing evidence of nonlinear structure in natural phenomena and hydrologic time series associated with their patterns and fluctuations. Therefore, the classical linear techniques for time series analysis and forecasting may not be appropriate for nonlinear processes. In recent, the BDS (Brock-Dechert-Scheinkman) statistic instead of conventional techniques has been used for detecting nonlinearity of time series. The BDS statistic was derived from the statistical properties of the correlation integral which is used to analyze chaotic system and has been effectively used for distinguishing nonlinear structure in dynamic system from random structures. DVS (Deterministic Versus Stochastic) algorithm has been used for detecting chaos and stochastic systems and for forecasting of chaotic system. This study showed the DVS algorithm can be also used for detecting nonlinearity of the time series. In this study, the stochastic and hydrologic time series are analyzed to detect their nonlinearity. The linear and nonlinear stochastic time series generated from ARMA and TAR (Threshold Auto Regressive) models, a daily streamflow at St. Johns river near Cocoa, Florida, USA and Great Salt Lake Volume (GSL) data, Utah, USA are analyzed, daily inflow series of Soyang dam and the results are compared. The results showed the BDS statistic is a powerful tool for distinguishing between linearity and nonlinearity of the time series and DVS plot can be also effectively used for distinguishing the nonlinearity of the time series.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.6B
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• pp.665-673
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• 2008

This study is to assess the future potential climate and land use change impact on streamflow and stream water quality of the study watershed using the established model parameters (I). The CCCma (Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis) CGCM2 (Canadian Global Coupled Model) based on IPCC SRES (Special Report Emission Scenarios) A2 and B2 scenarios were adopted for future climate condition, and the data were downscaled by Stochastic Spatio-Temporal Random Cascade Model technique. The future land use condition was predicted by using modified CA-Markov (Cellular Automata-Markov chain) technique with the past time series of Landsat satellite images. The model was applied for the future extreme precipitation cases of around 2030, 2060 and 2090. The predicted results showed that the runoff ratio increased 8% based on the 2005 precipitation (1160.1 mm) and runoff ratio (65%). Accordingly the Sediment, T-N and T-P also increased 120%, 16% and 10% respectively for the case of 50% precipitation increase. This research has the meaning in providing the methodological procedures for the evaluation of future potential climate and land use changes on watershed hydrology and stream water quality. This model result are expected to plan in advance for healthy and sustainable watershed management and countermeasures of climate change.

• 한국노년학
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.1077-1093
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• 2010

This study aims to examine the effects of health status on life satisfaction and depression and to examine the effect of spirituality and religious involvement on this relationship among Korean older persons. On the basis of the previous literature, we hypothesize that health status will have a direct effect on life satisfaction and depression, but that spirituality and religious involvement will moderate this effect in addition to having direct effects on life satisfaction and depression. In light of the different gender effects on all five variables (health status, spirituality, religious involvement, life satisfaction, and depression), we also examine the effects of gender on these variables. The data for this study came from the Hallym Aging Study conducted by the Hallym University Institute of Aging from February to March in 2005. Through stratified multi-stage random sampling, 1409 individuals aged 65 and over, who lived in Seoul and Chuncheon in Korea. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate whether health status, gender, spirituality and religious involvement could predict life satisfaction and depression, and whether the direct relationships were moderated by interactions among these variables. We took three ordered regression steps to examine the hypothesis; the first step contained the covariates of age, education, living with spouse, monthly expense, living with adult children, and household income. We also entered gender into this step, so it would be adjusted for in relation to the other covariates. The second step then looked for any direct effects that gender, health status, spirituality, and religious involvement might have on life satisfaction and depression above and beyond the effects of the covariates. The third step contained interaction terms to look for further variance accounted for by indirect, moderating effects on life satisfaction and depression. The results showed that health status had a significant effect on both life satisfaction and depression, and religious involvement had a significant effect on depression. Spirituality and religious involvement were found overall to be a moderator, reducing the negative effect of health status on life satisfaction and depression. The direct effect of religious involvement and the moderating effects of spirituality and religious involvement on life satisfaction and depression are consistent with the view that spirituality and religion are resources and benefit the well-being of older adults.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.213-220
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• 2023

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of each lower trapezius muscle exercise performed according to the abduction position (Y type - shoulder joint abduction 145 °, T type - shoulder joint abduction 90 °, and MPC type - shoulder joint 45 ° abduction) of the shoulder joint on the muscle activity of the round shoulder and lower trapezius muscle. Methods : This study was conducted on 31 adult men and women. Through random assignment, they were assigned to the Y group, T group, and MPC group. A 4-week intervention was performed for each group of 31 subjects who participated in the experiment, and shoulder height and lower trapezius muscle activity were measured before and after the intervention. Shoulder height measurement is a test to measure rounded shoulder posture. When the value is low, it means that rounded shoulder posture is improved. The muscle activity of the lower trapezius muscle was measured using the %MVIC method, and when the value is high, it means that the lower trapezius muscle is active. All measured data were verified using dependent t-tests for before and after comparisons and one-way analysis of variance for comparisons between groups. Results : The results of this study showed a significant decrease after intervention only in shoulder height. Muscle activity of the lower trapezius muscle decreased after intervention, but did not show a significant difference. Both variables showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion : The results of this study show that three lower trapezius muscle exercises were performed on subjects in rounded shoulder posture. All three groups showed a significant decrease in the shoulder height value, a method of measuring rounded shoulder posture, and no significant differences between groups could be confirmed. Therefore, all three exercises can be considered effective in reducing shoulder posture.