• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.174-183
• /
• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the active exercise program using sling on the pain and balance of total knee replacement patients. Subjects were 20 patients who received total knee replacement and are hospitalized, 10 patients in each group were randomly assigned to a group (CPM group) that applied only CPM (Continuous passive motion) and a group (CSG) that combined CPM with a active exercise program using sling. CG was performed CPM 5 days a week, CSG performed CPM 2 days a week and a active exercise program using sling 3 days a week, and each intervention was performed for 40 minutes a day for a total of 4 weeks. Pain was evaluated using VAS (Visual analog scale), and balance was measured using BT4 (Balance training 4) to measure C90 area, trace length, and Sway average velocity with eyes open and closed. As a result, there was a significant decrease in pain in both groups, and there was also a significant difference in the amount of change between groups. In balance, all variables except C90 of CG showed significant changes after intervention, and there was a significant difference between C90 and Vel with eyes closed in the amount of change between groups. Therefore, we believe that CPM and active exercise program using sling are effective interventions to reduce pain and improve balance in total knee replacement patients.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.141-156
• /
• 2023

Background: As the population rapidly ages, older adults are increasingly likely to experience mobility problems. This study aims to explore the characteristics related to an elderly person's willingness to live in a nursing home if they have mobility problems Methods: This study analyzed data from 9,917 older adults (5,976 young-old and 3,941 old-old) obtained from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans. The dependent variable was the intended place of residence for older adults with mobility problems. Independent variables included various characteristics: (1) sociodemographic and social support, (2) health and functional status, and (3) residential environment. Rao-Scott chi-square tests and survey logistic regression analyses were performed for the young-old and old-old, respectively. Results: The intention to live in a nursing home was significantly different between the young-old (30.4%) and the old-old (34.7%) (p=0.009). According to fully adjusted multivariable analyses, for the young-old, the odds ratio of intending to live in a nursing home was significantly higher in social security benefit recipients (1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.97) compared to other individuals. The odds ratio was higher in unmarried (divorced, separated, widowed, or never-married) individuals for both young-old (1.41; 95% CI, 1.22-1.63) and old-old (1.34; 95% CI, 1.09-1.65) age groups, compared to their respective married counterparts. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that in an aging society, health and social policies should be designed considering the different characteristics of the elderly to improve their health, function, and quality of life.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.31-40
• /
• 2023

Tube phonation in water has been widely used for voice training among semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises in which the patient bubbles with phonation keeping the tube submerged in water. This study aims to investigate the effect of tube diameter and water depth on bubble height and maximum phonation time (MPT) for patients with hyperfunctional voice disorders. Seventeen patients with hyperfunctional voice disorders were asked to bubble with sustained /u/ at the different inner diameters of tube (5, 7, and 10 mm), water depth (4, 7, and 10 cm). A water resistance phonation biofeedback system using a water height sensor was used for recording bubble height and MPT. The bubble height was significantly changed by the tube diameter while MPT was significantly changed with the tube diameter and water depth. Although the wider tube presented significantly lower bubble height for a given depth, relatively consistent bubble height was maintained. Depending on the water depth, the bubble height did not significantly differ for a given tube diameter. In addtion, MPT significantly decreased with water depth and a wider tube led significantly shorter MPT. A water level-driven water resistance biofeedback system provided useful information on bubble characteristics and vocal fold vibration depending on tube diameter and water depth. It can be useful to monitor the breath support during water resistance phonation for patients with hyperfunctional voice disorders.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.235-244
• /
• 2023

Objectives: Based on the results from the Korean Total Diet Study (KTDS), the sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake of Koreans were estimated and compared with intake estimates from the Food & Nutrient Database (FNDB), as in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) to verify the validity of these estimates. Methods: One hundred and thirty-four representative foods (RFs) covering 92.5% of the total food intake of Koreans were selected, and 228 pairs of corresponding 'RF x representative cooking method' were derived by reflecting the methods used mainly in terms of frequency and quantity in their cooking. RF samples were collected from three cities with a larger population size in three regions (nine cities) nationwide, and six composite samples were made for each RF, considering its regional and/or seasonal characteristics. One thousand three hundred and sixty-eight 'RF x representative cooking method' pair samples were prepared, and the Na and K contents were assessed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Na and K intake of the Korean population was estimated by linking the content with the food intake data from the 7th KNHANES. Results: The mean Na and K intake of Koreans were 2,807.4 mg and 2,335.0 mg per person per day, respectively. A comparison with the Na and K intake from KNHANES, including only RFs of KTDS, showed comparable results with less than 5% variation. While the contribution and ranking of food items to Na intake were similar between KNHANES and KTDS, there were differences in K intake. This was attributed to the large discrepancies in the K content of rice and coffee between KTDS results and the values in the 9th Revision of the National Food Composition Table used in KNHANES. Conclusions: The Na and K intake of Koreans estimated based on the KTDS, which performed nutrient analysis on samples prepared to a 'table-ready' state using foods of the representative collection, was similar and comparable with that of KNHANES. This supports the validity and usefulness of FNDB-based nutrient intake estimation at the population level. The list of nutrients studied in KTDS is expected to be expanded, allowing for intake estimation of nutrients with currently insufficient or absent information in the FNDBs in use.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.33 no.7
• /
• pp.574-585
• /
• 2023

Sarcopenia is a leading cause of increased medical and nursing care costs among the elderly. In Korea, preventive measures for sarcopenia are mostly targeted toward the general elderly population without specific diseases. However, it is also necessary to implement measures for elderly individuals living in nursing homes and hospitals, where the prevalence of sarcopenia is high. Currently, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are considered standard diagnostic tools. However, their complexity and time-consuming nature make them unsuitable for clinical use. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia are unclear, as they involve various molecular biological pathways, including decreased exercise, protein and nutrient intake, changes in testosterone and growth hormone, and inflammation. Sarcopenia symptoms can lead to several diseases, such as osteoporosis, fractures, dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B deficiency is a significant factor in sarcopenia induction, with B vitamins being directly involved in energy and protein metabolism and nerve function. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to neuromuscular and neurogenic disorders, which often overlap with sarcopenia. Suboptimal intake of B vitamins, malabsorption, and anorexia are common among the elderly. This study aims to provide information on the role of water-soluble B vitamins in preventing and controlling muscle mass loss and deterioration among the elderly with sarcopenia. In addition, we discuss the potential of myokines from the B vitamin family in modulating sarcopenia.

• Resources Recycling
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.3-8
• /
• 2023

This study discussed production, demand, and future prospects of rubidium, which is an alkali group metal that is highly reactive to various media and requires carefulness in handling, but no significant environmental hazard of rubidium has been reported yet. Rubidium is used in various fields such as optoelectronic equipment, biomedical, and chemical industries. Because of difficulty in production as well as limited demand, the transaction price of rubidium is relatively high, but its detail information such as market status and potential growth is uncertain. However, if the mass production of versatile ultra-high-performance equipment such as quantum computers and the necessity of rubidium use in the equipment are confirmed, there is a possibility that the rubidium market will expand in the future. Rubidium is often found together with lithium, beryllium, and cesium, and may be present in granite containing minerals such as lepidolite and pollucite, as well as in seawater and industrial waste. Several technologies such as acid leaching, roasting, solvent extraction, and adsorption are used to recover rubidium. The maximum recovery efficiency of the rubidium from the sources and the processing above is generally high, but, in many practices, rubidium is not the main recovery target, and therefore the actual recovery effects should depend on presence of other valuable components or impurities, together with recovery costs, energy consumption, environmental issues, etc. In conclusion, although the current production and consumption of rubidium are limited, with consideration of the possible market fluctuations according to the emergence of large-scale demand sources, etc., further investigations by related institutions should be necessary.

• Issues in Feminism
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.123-158
• /
• 2010

For the last several months, abortion debates have sparkled in Korea. The government has escalated the need of active punishment of illegal abortions to solve low fertility problems, while some obstetricians and gynecologist have proclaimed stoppage of illegal abortions suing colleague doctors who has conducted illegal abortions. Women's rights groups and researchers have also responded to the abortion debate claiming that women's decisions over their pregnancy are important in making of abortion policies. To contribute to Korean abortion debates, his paper aims to analyze European experiences of abortion polices in relation to the consequences on women's health. For the analysis of European abortion experiences, three countries - Ireland, U.K, and Netherland -are chosen. These three countries are selected since their legal and social acceptance of abortion and the level of safe abortion system are different. Each country is reviewed by national abortion policy, legal regulation, medical system and the role of civil society. The analysis shows several implications for abortion debates occurring in Korea. Various systematic policy mechanisms - abortion on women' request, abortions without complicated doctor's referrals, transparent and anonymous counseling and information provision regarding abortion, training and education for medical professionals to guarantee high quality abortion, abortions funded publicly for women to improve their access to abortions, steady monitoring and auditing abortion procedures and outcomes for safe abortion and so on - are required in Korean society. Two track procedures - safe abortion on women's request and prevention of unwanted pregnancy - are needed for reproduction of healthy women and society.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.50-62
• /
• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to identify unmet needs and influencing factors for patients who have breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and thyroid cancer. Methods : We reviewed the SCIE publications on unmet need of four prevalent cancer patients published after 2010 through a web search. Results : The measurement tools primarily used were Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs and Supportive Care Needs Survey questionnaire. Lung cancer patients reported a relatively higher rate of unmet needs. Breast cancer patients frequently reported unmet needs in the healthcare system and information, while thyroid cancer patients in post-treatment management and psychological issues. Colorectal cancer patients reported unmet needs in psychological and comprehensive care domain, and lung cancer patients reported unmet needs in physical and daily life management. Younger age, a shorter time since diagnosis or treatment, and higher levels of anxiety, depression, distress, and reduced quality of life were associated with more significant unmet needs. Conclusions : Unmet needs and influencing factors vary by cancer type. Considering the characteristics of each patient group and unmet needs can help in development of more effective treatment and support programs.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.35-44
• /
• 2023

Objective : This study sought to explore occupational therapy students' awareness of Developmental Rehabilitation Services (DRSs) and the certification of Sensory Developmental Rehabilitation Service Providers (SDRSPs). Moreover, it also aimed to examine the differences in students' awareness based on general characteristics. The findings were intended to provide a foundation for research on sensory developmental rehabilitation. Methods : An online survey was conducted among 199 occupational therapy students nationwide from October 4 to November 5, 2022. Frequency analysis was used to assess the general characteristics and additional items. Both descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were employed to assess the students' awareness of DRSs and SDRSP certification. Any differences in the students' awareness based on their general characteristics were examined using t-tests and an analysis of variance. Results : The students' awareness of DRSs was moderate (4.50 ± 2.40), while their awareness of SDRSP certification was also moderate (4.22 ± 2.55). The awareness of DRSs varied significantly based on the students' academic year and child-related practice experience. Similarly, the awareness of SDRSP certification differed significantly based on the students' academic program, academic year, recognition by the related department, and child-related practice experience. Conclusion : The occupational therapy students expressed a strong intention to provide DRSs and become certified as SDRSPs. However, their awareness levels were moderate. These findings emphasize the importance of educational efforts and the provision of relevant information about DRSs and SDRSP certification in universities to foster the development of competent SDRSPs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.83 no.2
• /
• pp.284-292
• /
• 2022

To provide high-quality training to residents in a rapidly changing medical environment, it is very important to improve the annual training curriculum centered on competency and ensure that training hospitals maintain an environment suitable for training. The Korean Society of Radiology (KSR) has been steadily improving the training system and has suggested the improvement of the training system by strengthening the competency-based evaluation and faculty development. Currently, KSR was selected for the second annual training curriculum systematization construction project in July 2021, and developed entrustable professional activities, core competencies, and assessment guidelines required by the construction project. Therefore, the development process and assessment guidelines will be introduced to residents and the faculty.