• Medical Lasers
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.172-178
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• 2020

Background and Objectives This study aimed at examining the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low- and high-density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL, respectively) levels in vitro. Materials and Methods A total of 38 serum samples collected in plain (n=10) and heparinized tubes (n=28) were subjected to PBMT at 60 Joules (J)/cm² for 2 min at 810 nm. The glucose and lipid profiles, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL of each sample was measured before and after PBMT. Results A statistically significant increase in glucose levels was observed in the PBMT-sera in 8 out of 10 samples in plain tubes. However, only two samples that were prepared in heparinized tubes showed an increase in glucose levels. The remaining heparinized samples that were exposed to PBMT presented lower glucose values. The treated sera exhibited a fluctuation in the lipid profiles after PBMT. However, high cholesterol levels were evident following PBMT. Similar trends with HDL and LDL in heparinized tubes were evident. Conclusion Together, the findings suggest that photobiomodulation exhibits an effect on glycemic and lipid profiles in vitro. Hence, the use of low-level laser therapy could have therapeutic potential. However, the differences between individual responses appear to indicate that the impact of PBMT may not always be beneficial.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.115-133
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop a teaching-learning plans for middle school Home Economics that practices clothing life in response to climate change. Four steps of analysis, design, development, and evaluation were used for the research. 'Phenomenon and cause, impact (environmental, economic and social) and response (relaxation and adaptation)' were selected as educational content elements for climate change through reviewing the literature related to climate change. Six types of middle school Technology and Home Economics textbooks under the 2015 revised curriculum were analyzed using the selected content elements for climate change as the basis for analysis according to the data type(reading data, picture data, activity data) and clothing use cycle (production, purchase, use, and disposal). Based on the content elements of climate change in the clothing life area extracted through textbook analysis, a total of 12 teaching-learning plans in response to climate change were developed by utilizing various teaching and learning methods, data and media. The teaching-learning plans were designed based on an integrated understanding of the phenomena, causes, effects, and responses of climate change for the students to realize the seriousness of climate change and to exercise positive influence on families and society.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.16-33
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• 2022

Purposes: Prompt evaluation of routes and contact tracing are very important for epidemiological investigations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To ensure better adoption of contact tracing apps, it is necessary to understand users' expectations, preferences, and concerns. This study aimed to identify main reasons why people use the apps, appropriate services, and basis for voluntary app services that can improve app participation rates and data sharing. Methodology/Approach: This study conducted an online survey from November 11 to December 6, 2020, and received a total of 1,048 survey responses. This study analyzed the questionnaire survey findings of 883 respondents in areas with many confirmed cases of COVID-19. This study used a multiple regression analysis. Findings: Respondents who had experience of using related apps showed a high intention to use contact-tracing apps. Participants wished for the contact tracking apps to be provided by the government or public health centers (74%) and preferred free apps (93.88%). The factors affecting the participants' intention to use these apps were their preventive value, performance expectancy, perceived risk, facilitative ability, and effort expectancy. The results highlighted the need to ensure voluntary participation to address participants' concerns regarding privacy protection and personal information exposure. Practical Implications: The results can be used to accurately identify user needs and appropriate services and thereby improve the development of contact tracking apps. The findings provide the basis for voluntary app that can enhance app participation rates and data sharing. The results will also serve as the basis for developing trusted apps that can facilitate epidemiological investigations.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.149-156
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• 2021

Purpose: Given the lack of definite evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice, there may be a wide variation in treatment protocols for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). Based on the Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) member survey, this study aimed to report the current trends in the management of OLT. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire containing 30 questions was sent to all KFAS members in September 2021. The questions were mainly related to clinical experience and preferences in diagnosis, conservative, and surgical treatments for patients with OLT. Answers with a prevalence of ≥50% of respondents were considered a tendency. Results: Sixty-two (11.3%) of the 550 surgeons queried responded to the survey. The responses to 9 (30.0%) of the total of 30 questions established a tendency. Answers exhibiting a tendency were as follows; additional diagnostic tools except for plain radiograph (magnetic resonance imaging), most common conservative treatment method (oral medication, rest), most important radiological factor in decision making for surgical treatment and method (size of the lesion, ankle instability, loose bodies), most important patient factors in decision making for surgical treatment and method (age, activity or occupation), infrequently requiring posterior arthroscopy (less than 3%), most common revision surgery for failed bone marrow stimulation procedure (osteochondral autograft transplantation [OAT]), not requiring additional procedure for donor site in OAT, the main reason for unsatisfactory result after OAT (persistent pain without radiological abnormality), no generalization of autologous chondrocyte implantation or chondrogenesis using stem cells. Conclusion: This study presents updated information on current trends in the management of OLT in Korea. Both consensus and variations in the approach to patients with OLT were revealed through this survey. Since recent biologic efforts to regenerate cartilage have been unsuccessful, further studies to identify clinical evidence would be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.28-34
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• 2022

This study analyzes the impact that accidents and near misses have on clients' and contractors' awareness of safety culture. Due to the unique characteristic of employment structure in Korea, the occurrence of accidents differs by company size, which has relevant implications for the establishment of safety culture. Attention has been drawn to the importance of the management of accidents and near misses, with safety awareness acting as a core factor. A positive effect on the prevention of accidents could be achieved by noting the difference in safety awareness between clients and contractors and suggesting an associated suitable safety management system. In support of this study, a survey was distributed to workers in the automobile manufacturing industry (May-August 2020), and data from a total of 574 workers was collected and analyzed, including 399 clients' worksers and 175 contractors' workers. The questionnaire addressed participants' experiences of accidents and near misses as well as 50 items from the Nordic Occupational Safety Climate Questionnaire. Analysis of the responses was conducted using the methods of frequency analysis, Fisher's exact test, t-test, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The results demonstrated that clients had more experiences with accidents and near misses compared to contractors. Additional differences between clients and contractors were noted in terms of the safety culture factors of learning, communication, and trust. A correlation was observed between the experience of accidents and safety justice management: for clients and contractors who experienced accidents, safety justice management was 9.4 times higher. Furthermore, clients' and contractors' awareness of employees' commitment to safety was determined to be 28.5 times higher in those who had experienced near misses This study concludes that, in order to improve accident prevention through the management of accidents and near misses, clients must focus on overseeing safety justice management and aspects of safety culture factors, while contractors must focus efforts on managing employees' commitment to safety. In further applications, this study could provide baseline data for health and safety activities in terms of the safety culture of clients and contractors. Further study on the establishment of safety culture as related to employment structure is proposed for future research.

• The Korean Journal of Franchise Management
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2022

Purpose: In the restaurant sector, it has been known that consumers' positive perception of brands influences their positive WOM intention, and information sources play an important role in increasing credibility by enhancing consumer awareness and developing differentiated brands. This study examines the effects of information sources (e.g., advertisement, WOM, SNS) on trust (cognitive and affective) and, WOM and eWOM intention in the restaurant context. In the model, cognitive and affective trust play mediating roles in the relationships between information sources (e.g., advertisement, WOM, SNS) WOM and eWOM intention. Research design, data, and methodology: Research models and hypotheses were developed according to the research direction. The survey questionnaire items were developed and used appropriately according to the contents of this paper based on prior studies. All constructs were measured with multiple items developed and validated in prior studies. A total of 502 responses were collected from an online survey. The research model was evaluated using SmartPLS 4.0. Frequency analysis was performed to understand the demographic characteristics of the survey respondents. The reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were assessed using measurement model analysis. The proposed model was verified using the structural equation model. Results: Advertisement, WOM, and SNS information sources all had a positive effect on affective trust, whereas only WOM had a significant effect on cognitive trust. In addition, affective trust had a positive effect on cognitive trust and eWOM intention but did not affect WOM intention. Finally, cognitive trust was found to have a positive effect on both WOM intention and eWOM intention. Conclusions: This study redefines the concept of where restaurant service companies should focus when providing consumers with information about their products and services. As a result, the conceptual framework of positive word of mouth intention to increase new customer visits to the restaurant brand has been expanded. In addition, this study not only presents an information source management strategy for restaurant brands, but also presents practical implications for resource allocation guidelines for customer management in the restaurant sector.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2022

Background: It is estimated that about 13 million artisanal and small-scale miners carry out their activities under harsh, precarious, unfriendly, and risky conditions. Yet, our understanding of the extent to which these workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) and navigate through the various risks and hazards they face is still limited. This article has two main objectives. First, it explores the extent of usage of PPE among artisanal and small-scale miners for the prevention of hazards and risks. Second, it examines the coping strategies used by these miners as a response to experiences of occupational injuries and risks Methods: A cross-sectional survey of small-scale miners was conducted in six communities across three districts in Ghana, West Africa. The mixed methods approach was adopted. A total of 148 small-scale miners participated in the study. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were held across the six communities. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square tests were used to analyse the relationship between some socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, and educational background) and the usage of PPE. Open-ended questions and responses from FGDs were analysed based on the content and verbatim quotations from miners. Results: Findings suggest that 78% of the miners interviewed do not use the appropriate PPE citing reasons such as cost, and their personal discomfort associated with use of PPE. There was no significant relationship between socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, age, education and major mining activity) and the usage of PPE. The study further revealed four main coping strategies used by miners to handle the risks. These are rest, taking unprescribed medication and hard drugs, registration with health insurance scheme and savings and investments. Conclusion: This study shows that very few artisanal miners use PPE despite the significant hazards and risks to which they are exposed. The study recommends to the government to put in place measures to ensure that miners adhere to health and safety regulations before undertaking mining activities. This means that health and safety plans and use of PPE should be linked to the license acquisition process for miners.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.367-376
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• 2022

Objective: The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is a threat to the poultry industry as well as the economy and remains a potential source of pandemic infection in humans. Antiviral genes are considered a potential factor for HPAIV resistance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated gene expression related to cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions by comparing resistant and susceptible Ri chicken lines for avian influenza virus infection. Methods: Ri chickens of resistant (Mx/A; BF2/B21) and susceptible (Mx/G; BF2/B13) lines were selected by genotyping the Mx dynamin like GTPase (Mx) and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen BF2 genes. These chickens were then infected with influenza A virus subtype H5N1, and their lung tissues were collected for RNA sequencing. Results: In total, 972 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed between resistant and susceptible Ri chickens, according to the gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways. In particular, DEGs associated with cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions were most abundant. The expression levels of cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18), chemokines (C-C Motif chemokine ligand 4 [CCL4] and CCL17), interferons (IFN-γ), and IFN-stimulated genes (Mx1, CCL19, 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthase-like, and protein kinase R) were higher in H5N1-resistant chickens than in H5N1-susceptible chickens. Conclusion: Resistant chickens show stronger immune responses and antiviral activity (cytokines, chemokines, and IFN-stimulated genes) than those of susceptible chickens against HPAIV infection.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.189-195
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• 1993

This study was conducted to obtain the .basic informations for developing soybean varieties and mechanizing cultivation at the Crop Experiment Station, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, Korea in 1990. Two determinate soybean varieties, Hwangkeurnkong and Jangyeobkong, and two indeterminate soybean varieties, Clark and Williams were planted at three planting densities (33,22,16 plants / $m^2$). Number of branches and number of nodes on branches per unit area ($m^2$) were greater in determinate varieties than in indeterminate ones, and number of nodes on mainstem were greater in indeterminate varieties than in determinate ones. The higher planting density increased those characters. Seed weight per unit area ($m^2$) was higher in determinate varieties than in indeterminate ones, and it was great at the higher planting density. Indeterminate varieties showed greater mainstem dependence rate for yield components than determinate ones did. Harvest index was higher in indeterminate varieties than in determinate ones. The lower planting density increased harvest index. Stem dry weight per unit area($m^2$) was greater in determinate varieties than in indeterminate ones, and it was greater at the higher planting density. Variations among plants were great in the order of branch-related yield characters > total plant-re-lated yield characters > mainstem-related yield characters > morphological characters of mainstem and 100 seed weight. Difference between determinate and indeterminate varieties was significant in branch-related characters. Indeterminate varieties showed greater variations than determinate ones did in branch-related yield characters at different planting densities.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 2023

This study aims to investigate the structural performance of hollow-core slab (HCS) memebers with 400 mm thickness. To this end, a total of four HCS specimens were fabricated based on the individual mold method to provide shear reinforcement, unlike the extrusion method. The key variables were chosen as the presence of topping concrete, core-filling concrete, and shear reinforcements. The crack patterns and load-displacement responses of the test specimens were analyzed in detail. Test results showed that inclined shear cracking occurred all the specimens, and that the specimen with shear reinforcement on the web of HCS unit had higher strength and ductility than the specimen without shear reinforcement. In particular, shear reinforcements placed on the web of HCS unit effectively resisted not only to vertical shear force but also to horizontal shear force between the interface of HCS unit and topping concrete. In addition, it was discovered that the method in which shear reinforcements are placed on the web of HCS unit is more effective in improving structural performance than core-filling method.