• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.147-156
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• 2023

Efforts to employ smart home sensors to monitor the indoor activities of elderly single residents have been made to assess the feasibility of a safe and healthy lifestyle. However, the bathroom remains an area of blind spot. In this study, we have developed and evaluated a new edge computer device that can automatically detect water usage activities in the bathroom and record the activity log on a cloud server. Three kinds of sound as flushing, showering, and washing using wash basin generated during water usage were recorded and cut into 1-second scenes. These sound clips were then converted into a 2-dimensional image using MEL-spectrogram. Sound data augmentation techniques were adopted to obtain better learning effect from smaller number of data sets. These techniques, some of which are applied in time domain and others in frequency domain, increased the number of training data set by 30 times. A deep learning model, called CRNN, combining Convolutional Neural Network and Recurrent Neural Network was employed. The edge device was implemented using Raspberry Pi 4 and was equipped with a condenser microphone and amplifier to run the pre-trained model in real-time. The detected activities were recorded as text-based activity logs on a Firebase server. Performance was evaluated in two bathrooms for the three water usage activities, resulting in an accuracy of 96.1% and 88.2%, and F1 Score of 96.1% and 87.8%, respectively. Most of the classification errors were observed in the water sound from washing. In conclusion, this system demonstrates the potential for use in recording the activities as a lifelog of elderly single residents to a cloud server over the long-term.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.34-44
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• 2019

[Purpose] The composition of protein supplements, the consumption timing immediately before and after resistance exercise training (RET), and the quantity of protein supplementation may be important factors for the im-provement of muscle mass and function. Although these factors should be considered comprehensively for effective improvement of muscular function in protein supplementation, relatively few studies have focused on this area. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether a protein blend supplement before and after resistance exercise for 12 weeks would be effective in increasing muscular function. [Methods] In total, 18 participants were randomly assigned to a placebo (PLA) or protein blend supplement (PRO) group. All subjects followed the same training routine 3 times per week for 12 weeks, taking placebo or protein supplements immediately before and after each exercise session. The protein supplement consisted of 40 g of blend protein, including hydrolyzed whey protein. The RET consisted of lower body (barbell squat, dead lift, seated leg extension, and lying leg curl) and upper body (bench press, barbell rowing, preacher bench biceps curl, and dumbbell shoulder press) exercises. A repetition was defined as three sets of 10-12 times with 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM). [Results] Although the PRO group had a lower protein intake in terms of total food intake than the PLA group, the mean changes in muscle circumference, strength, and exercise volume increased, especially at week 12, compared to the PLA group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the composition and timing of protein intake are more important than the total amount.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2024

Background: The present study aimed to analyze several aspects of the working conditions and health status of platform workers in the Republic of Korea, such as ergonomic and emotional hazards. We also compared the health status of the platform workers with that of the general population. Methods: A total of 1,000 platform workers participated in this survey from August 7 to August 17, 2022. The participants included 400 designated drivers, 400 food-delivery drivers, and 200 housekeeping managers. A face-to-face survey with a structured questionnaire was conducted by researchers who had received specific instructions. The focus of the survey extended to the work environment, encompassing factors such as workplace violence, as well as physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. Health-related data for the previous year were also collected, covering a range of issues such as hearing problems, skin problems, musculoskeletal symptoms, headaches, injuries, mental health issues, and digestive problems. Subsequently, we compared the health symptom data of the responders with those of the general population in the Republic of Korea. Results: Platform workers, including designated drivers, food-delivery drivers, and housekeeping managers, existed in the blind spot of social insurance, facing frequent exposure to physical and chemical hazards, ergonomic risk factors, and direct or indirect violence. The prevalence of health problems, including musculoskeletal symptoms, general fatigue, and depressive symptoms, in each occupational group was statistically higher than that in the general population after standardization for age and gender. Conclusion: The results revealed unfavorable working environment and inferior occupational health of platform workers compared with those of the general population.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.350-357
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• 2014

We studied on pesticide residue and pest control effect when using various types of sprayers on paprika cultivation. Additionally, a test was conducted to optimize chemical content per unit area in condition of optimum pest control. Two types of sprayer were tested (three times) on paprika cultivation which was divided into seven sections. Blind spots were also examined using a water sensitive paper when spraying chemical pesticide, remote controlled sprayer were confirmed to be not effective in terms of its spraying capacity. However, a U-shaped sprayer was confirmed that it sprayed enough on all the parts of a plant in green house including the blind spots. Additionally, it does not exceed the minimum residue limits on the all parts of pesticides residue conditions. When using remote controlled sprayer, water sensitive paper were changed to blue color (82.5% and 81.2%) in terms of controlling Bemisia tabaci and Aphis gossypii based on the two spraying manners. 53.0% and 42.6% of control effect were shown on the fair parts of the plants. However, on the poor parts on which pesticides were not well-sprayed, thus, not-remained, more number of pests increased. Meanwhile, on farming that only one type of pesticide has been used, resistance pests present with very low control effect, even though sufficient amount of pesticide was well-sprayed. On the test of the optimum amount of spraying per a unit area, which shows no differences in the two cases of using 5L and 2.5L of chemical pesticides on 9 plants of paprika that has 81.8% and 84.5% control effect, respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.68-82
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• 2017

Strengthening surveillance, one of the most important factors in the crime prevention environment of cultural heritages, has difficulty in evaluating and diagnosing the site. For this reasons, surveillance enhancement has been assessed by modelling the shape of cultural heritage, topography, and trees digitally. The purpose of this study is to develop the evaluation method of crime prevention environment for cultural heritage by using the 3D visual exposure index (3DVE) which can quantitatively evaluate the surveillance enhancement in three dimensions. For the study, the evaluation factors were divided into natural, organizational, mechanical, and integrated surveillance. To conduct the analysis, the buildings, terrain, walls, and trees of the study site were modeled in three dimensions and the analysis program was developed by using the Unity 3D. Considering the working area of the person, it is possible to analyze the surveillance point by dividing it into the head and the waist position. In order to verify the feasibility of the 3DVE as the analysis program, we assessed the crime prevention environment by digitally modeling the Donam Seowon(Historic Site No. 383) located in Nonsan. As a result of the study, it was possible to figure out the problems of patrol circulation, the blind spot, and the weak point in natural, mechanical, and organizational surveillance of Donam Seowon. The results of the 3DVE were displayed in 3D drawings, so that the position and object could be identified clearly. Surveillance during the daytime is higher in the order of natural, mechanical, and organizational surveillance, while surveillance during the night is higher in the order of organizational, mechanical, and natural surveillance. The more the position of the work area becomes low, the more it is easy to be shielded, so it is necessary to evaluate the waist position. It is possible to find out and display the blind spot by calculating the surveillance range according to the specification, installation location and height of CCTV. Organizational surveillance, which has been found to be complementary to mechanical surveillance, needs to be analyzed at the vulnerable time when crime might happen. Furthermore, it is note that the analysis of integrated surveillance can be effective in examining security light, CCTV, patrol circulation, and other factors. This study was able to diagnose the crime prevention environment by simulating the actual situation. Based on this study, consecutive researches should be conducted to evaluate and compare alternatives to design the crime prevention environment.

• 한국사회정책
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.367-402
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• 2018

This study analyzed the relationship between the act on the guarantee of rights of and support for persons with developmental disabilities(Act for PWDD) and the similar ordinance of the local governments based on this law and focused on the correspondence(the rate of reflection) and the autonomy(differentiation). As of October 2017, 63 local government regulations and Act for PWDD were analyzed in this study. The results of the analysis are as follows: First, the rate of reflection in the ordinance of Act for PWDD was different according to the clause. In the aspect of emphasizing welfare support, the agreement between local ordinance and rate was high. While the Act for PWDD emphasized the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, there was little information about their right in the ordinance of local governments. This is evidence that current ordinance is based on the protective point of view for people with developmental disabilities. In the future, policy measures will be needed to ensure that respect for decision-making by persons with developmental disabilities and rights guarantees are included in the bylaws. Second, there is a provision that the rate of ordinance reflection is 0%, which may be guaranteed by other laws in the area, so it does not mean the absence of related system in the region, but there is possibility of institutional blind spot. In the future, consideration should be given to the complementarity of other legal systems in the area with developmental disabilities, so that persons with developmental disabilities should not be placed in institutional blind spots. Third, the autonomy(differentiation) of local ordinance was examined from the contents aspect and the administrative aspect to help practical implementation. The differentiation between the ordinances vary. Emphasizing the responsibilities of the head of the organization, emphasizing the fact-finding survey, setting up the welfare committee, or adding local needs were included to the ordinance. Local governments considering the enactment of ordinances in the future should refer to these cases and establish enactable local ordinances that take advantage of the characteristics of local autonomy.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.383-388
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare radiation dose among workers in the radiation zone and to compare the doses of students in clinical practice in the same area to provide basic data on optimization of radiation protection. The subjects were 121 radiation related workers, 36 radiation workers, and 121 students who completed 8 weeks of clinical practice from Jan. 2016 to Dec. The depth and surface dose between the radiation related workers and the radiation workers were the highest with $.7440{\pm}1.676mSv$ and $.7753{\pm}1.730mSv$, respectively, and statistically significant (p<.01). Among the three groups, the depth dose was the highest at $.143{\pm}.136mSv$ for clinical practice students and the highest at surface dose of $.1513{\pm}.139mSv$. The lowest in both cases, The mean difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<.01). In conclusion, it is necessary to manage thoroughly according to the ALARA(As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle. Especially, it is necessary to systematically manage the dose of radiation for clinical students who are in the blind spot of radiation safety management.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.6
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• pp.533-539
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• 2011

Metabolic alterations including postprandial hyperglycemia have been implicated in the development of obesity-related diseases. Xylose is a sucrase inhibitor suggested to suppress the postprandial glucose surge. The objectives of this study were to assess the inhibitory effects of two different concentrations of xylose on postprandial glucose and insulin responses and to evaluate its efficacy in the presence of other macronutrients. Randomized double-blind cross-over studies were conducted to examine the effect of D-xylose on postprandial glucose and insulin response following the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In study 1, the overnight-fasted study subjects (n = 49) consumed a test sucrose solution (50 g sucrose in 130 ml water) containing 0, 5, or 7.5 g D-xylose powder. In study 2, the overnight-fasted study subjects (n = 50) consumed a test meal (50 g sucrose in a 60 g muffin and 200 ml sucrose-containing solution). The control meal provided 64.5 g of carbohydrates, 4.5 g of fat, and 10 g of protein. The xylose meal was identical to the control meal except 5 g of xylose was added to the muffin mix. In study 1, the 5 g xylose-containing solutions exhibited significantly lower area under the glucose curve (AUCg) and area under the insulin curve (AUCi) values for 0-15 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-30 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-45 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-60 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-90 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) and 0-120 min (P = 0.0071, P = 0.0016). In study 2, the test meal exhibited significantly lower AUCg and AUCi values for 0-15 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-30 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-45 min (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0005), 0-60 min (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0025), and 0-90 min (P = 0.0396, P = 0.0246). In conclusion, xylose showed an acute suppressive effect on the postprandial glucose and insulin surges.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.229-235
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• 2014

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of xyloologosaccharide (XOS)-sugar mixture on glycemic index (GI) and blood glucose in human subjects. Methods: Randomized double-blind cross-over studies were conducted to examine the effect of sucrose with 14% xyloologosaccharide powder (Xylo 14) and sucrose with 20% xylooligosaccharide powder (Xylo 20) on GI and postprandial glucose response at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Results: GIs of Xylo 14 and Xylo 20 were $60.0{\pm}23.5$ classified within medium GI range, and $54.3{\pm}17.7$ within low GI range, respectively. Xylo 14 and Xylo 20 showed significantly lower area under the glucose curve (AUC) for 0-15 min (p = 0.0113), 0-30 min (p = 0.0004), 0-45 min (p < 0.0001), 0-60 min (p < 0.0001), 0-90 min (p < 0.0001), and 0-120 min (p = 0.0001). In particular, compared with glucose, the blood glucose levels of Xylo 14 and Xylo 20 were significantly lower at every time point between 15 and 120 min. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that Xylo 14 and Xylo 20 had an acute suppressive effect on GI and the postprandial glucose surge.

• 재활복지
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.31-54
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore the improvement method of the emergency safety system as a social protection scheme for the elderly living alone with severe disabilities. The study was conducted by randomly choosing three regions in the metropolitan area (Jongno-gu, Seoul), the small-medium city (Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do) and the rural area (Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do) among 17 cities and counties nationwide. The study method is based on the interview form of the structured questionnaires with city officials, county officials, and center operators. According to the results of the interview analysis, it was recognized that there was a need for an emergency safety system for the elderly living alone with severe disabilities. In spite of this necessity, there were problems about publicity for the discovery of victims of the blind spot in welfare, about inconvenience due to frequent malfunctions of the emergency equipment, about insufficient awareness of the security of the emergency officials and about supply and demand of manpower for 24-hour monitoring service. In order to improve the effective operation of the emergency safety system, it was the most urgent issue to formulate the legislation for responding to the crisis management of the vulnerable. A suggestion of this study is to build a safety system in which one-stop service is provided for the realization of compact welfare through the establishment of a MOU for linkage with community organizations, the full inspection of emergency equipment to solve safety equipment malfunction problems and the manpower supplement for 24-hour monitoring.