• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.36-48
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• 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study is to modernize Nutrient Qi(營氣) and Defense Qi(衛氣) from the point of view of Visceral Body and Somatic Body. Methods: Investigate the areas of body and function of Nutrient Qi(營氣) and Defense Qi(衛氣) recorded in the 『HuangdiNeijing(黃帝內經)』 and 『Dongeuibogam(東醫寶鑑)』. And investigate Visceral Body and Somatic Body that anatomical structure is divided according to function based on the book 『Life and Rhythm』. Results: Nutrient Qi(營氣) works to nourish the body such as viscera and bowels in the meridian. Defense Qi(衛氣) works to protect the body such as skin, limb joint, eye outside the meridian. The human body is divided into Visceral Body called a vegetable organ and Somatic Body called an animal organ. Visceral body is the organ that manages "nutrition-reproductive" and is divided into the intestine(腸管), blood vessels(血管), and the nephridium(腎管). Somatic Body is an organ that manages 'sensory-motion' and is divided into a three-layer structure: the outer layer covering the body surface, the nerve layer connecting the outer layer and the muscle layer, and the muscle layer controling contraction and movement. Conclusions: It is estimated that Nutrient Qi(營氣) is similar to Visceral Body, and Defense Qi(衛氣) is similar to Somatic Body.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.3D
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• pp.349-352
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• 2006

To cope with traffic congestion, traffic accidents and lack of parking facilities, caused by dramatic increase in total vehicle number, vigorous researches on managing vehicles efficiently are done, both domestically and internationally. The vehicle license plate recognition makes effective management of traffic possible, with its wide application in many fields, covering from speed enforcement, collecting toll, stolen vehicle detection to parking management. The vehicle license plate recognition system causes high cost for collecting training data. Many researches are done by using the virtual sample method, which can be effective for utilizing limited number of training data by generating virtual sample. This paper investigates techniques to improve the performance of vehicle license plate recognition by using the training data's annexation. Also, popular methods for virtual sample creation used for text recognition algorithm are analyzed and their effectiveness is verified.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.113-124
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• 2023

Purpose: The number of households vulnerable to isolation increases rapidly as social ties decrease, raising concerns about the associated increase in lonely deaths. This study aimed to identify issues related to lonely deaths by analyzing South Korean news articles; and to provide evidence for their use in preventing and managing lonely deaths via community nursing. Methods: This exploratory study analyzed the structure and trends of meaning of lonely deaths by identifying the association between keywords in news articles and lonely deaths. In this study, we searched for all news articles on lonely deaths, covering the period from January 1, 2010, to May 31, 2023. Data preprocessing and purification were conducted, followed by top-keyword extraction, keyword network analysis and topic modeling. The retrieved articles were analyzed using R and Python software. Results: Four main topics were identified: "discovering and responding to lonely death cases", "lonely deaths ending in lonely funerals", "supportive policies to prevent lonely deaths among of older adults", and "local government activities to prevent lonely deaths and support vulnerable populations." Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that lonely death is a complex social phenomenon that can be prevented if society shows concern and care. Education related to lonely deaths should be included in nursing curricula for concrete action plans and professional development.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.11-26
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• 2024

Purpose : This study investigated the empowerment, burnout, and job satisfaction levels among occupational therapists, and to ascertained the effects of empowerment and burnout on job satisfaction. The study aimed to provide foundational data to help increase job satisfaction among occupational therapists. Methods : We surveyed 180 occupational therapists working in the Jeollabuk-do. The survey included 49 questions covering general characteristics, empowerment, burnout, and job satisfaction. Differences in empowerment, burnout, and job satisfaction levels based on general characteristics were analyzed using independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA. We performed multiple regression analyses to ascertain the effects of empowerment and burnout on job satisfaction. Results : The average scores for job satisfaction, burnout, and empowerment were 40.32, 58.40, 41.82, respectively. Job satisfaction according to general characteristics showed statistically significant differences based on the annual income and the most difficult treatment. We found that empowerment factors such as perceived importance of the job confidence in one's abilities, and independence and autonomy in job performance, significantly affected job satisfaction. However, the most significant factor influencing job satisfaction was daily fatigue and stress. Conclusion : Job empowerment and burnout of significantly affected job satisfaction among occupational therapists. Occupational therapists have a effect on the daily lives of their clients through interventions, playing a crucial role for each individual client. Thus, increasing the empowerment and job satisfaction levels of occupational therapists and reducing their burnout levels can help improve the quality of life of the clients and enable occupational therapists to provide high-quality services.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.75-79
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• 2001

Objective: To evaluate the biodurability of the covering material in retrievable metallic stents covered with polycarbonate polyurethane. Materials and Methods: Using a peristaltic pump at a constant rate of 1ml/min, bile was recirculated from a reservoir through a long tube containing four stents. Each of these was removed from the system every two weeks and a radial tensile strength test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. Each stent, removed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, was compared with a control stent not exposed to bile juice. Results: Gross examination showed that stents were intact at 2 weeks, but at 4, 6 and 8 weeks cracks were observed. The size of these increased gradually in accordance with the duration of exposure, and at 8 weeks several large holes in the polyurethane membrane were evident. With regard to radial tensile strength, extension and peak load at break were 84.47% and 10.030 N/mm, 54.90% and 6.769 N/mm, 16.55% and 2.452 N/mm, 11.21% and 1.373 N/mm at 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy at 2 weeks revealed intermittent pitting and cracking, and examination at 4, 6 and 8 weeks showed that the size of these defects was gradually increasing. Conclusion: When the polyurethane membrane was exposed to bile, biodegradation was first observed at week two and increased gradually according to the duration of exposure.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.467-477
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the regenerative capacity of stem cells combined with bone graft material and a collagen matrix in rabbit calvarial defect models according to the type and form of the scaffolds, which included type I collagen matrix and synthetic bone. Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were obtained from the periosteum of participants. Four symmetrical 6-mm-diameter circular defects were made in New Zealand white rabbits using a trephine drill. The defects were grafted with (1) group 1: synthetic bone (β-tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite [β-TCP/HA]) and 1×10⁵ MSCs; (2) group 2: collagen matrix and 1×10⁵ MSCs; (3) group 3: β-TCP/HA, collagen matrix covering β-TCP/HA, and 1×10⁵ MSCs; or (4) group 4: β-TCP/HA, chipped collagen matrix mixed with β-TCP/HA, and 1×10⁵ MSCs. Cellular viability and cell migration rates were analyzed. Results: Uneventful healing was achieved in all areas where the defects were made at 4 weeks, and no signs of infection were identified during the healing period or at the time of retrieval. New bone formation was more evident in groups 3 and 4 than in the other groups. A densitometric analysis of the calvarium at 8 weeks post-surgery showed the highest values in group 3. Conclusions: This study showed that the highest regeneration was found when the stem cells were applied to synthetic bone along with a collagen matrix.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2024

Background: The biological information of fish, which include reproduction, is the prerequisite and the basis for the assessment of fisheries. Methods: The aim of this work was to know the reproductive biology with the first sexual maturity (TL₅₀) and the spawning period for 58 mainly fish species in the waters around La Réunion Island (Western Indian Ocean). Twenty families belonging to the Actinopterygii were represented (acanthuridae, berycidae, bramidae, carangidae, cirrhitidae, gempylidae, holocentridae, kyphosidae, labridae, lethrinidae, lutjanidae, malacanthidae, monacanthidae, mullidae, polymixiidae, pomacentridae, scaridae, scorpaenidae, serranidae, sparidae; 56 species; n = 9,751) and two families belonging to the Elasmobranchii (squalidae, centrophoridae; 2 species; n = 781) were sampled. Between 2014 and 2022, 10,532 individuals were sampled covering the maximum months number to follow the reproduction periods of these species. Results: TL₅₀ for the males and the females, respectively, ranged from 103.9 cm (Acanthurus triostegus) to 1,119.3 cm (Thyrsitoides marleyi) and from 111.7 cm (A. triostegus) to 613.1 cm (Centrophorus moluccensis). The reproduction period could be very different between the species from the very tight peak to a large peak covered all months. Conclusions: Most species breed between October and March but it was not the trend for all species around La Réunion Island.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.126-137
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: The impact of off-hours admission (such as weekends, nighttime, and non-working hours) vs. regular hours (weekdays and daytime working hours) on the mortality risk of patients undergoing surgery for type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair is still uncertain. To address this uncertainty, we undertook a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. We aimed to assess the potential link between off-hours admission and the risk of mortality in patients undergoing TAAD repair surgery. Methods: We conducted a thorough search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, covering the period from their inception to May 20, 2023. Our inclusion criteria encompassed all studies that examined the potential relationship between off-hour admission and mortality in individuals who had undergone surgery for TAAD repair. The odds ratios (ORs) were extracted and combined utilizing a random effects model for our synthesis. Results: Nine studies with 16,501 patients undergoing TAAD repair surgery were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, patients who underwent surgery during the weekend had higher in-hospital mortality (pooled OR, 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.75; p=0.002) than those treated on weekdays. However, the mortality risks among patients who underwent TAAD surgery during nighttime and non-working hours were not significantly elevated compared to daytime and working hours admission. Conclusions: Weekend surgery for TAAD was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality risk than weekday surgery. However, further studies are warranted to identify and develop strategies to improve the quality of round-the-clock care for patients with TAAD.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.62-73
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• 2000

Purpose: Esophageal cancer patients have a difficulty in the intake of meals through the blocked esophageal lumen, which is caused by an ingrowth of cancer cells and largely influences on the prognosis. It is reported that esophageal cancer has a very low survival rate due to the lack of nourishment and immunity as the result of this. In this study a new radioactive stent, which prevents tumor ingrowth and restenosis by additional radiation treatment, has been developed. Materials and Methods: Using ${\ulcorner}HANARO{\lrcorner}$ research reactor, the radioactive stent assembly ($^{166}Ho$-SA) was prepared by covering the metallic stent with a radioactive sleeve by means of a post-irradiation and pre-irradiation methods. Results: Scanning electron microscopy and autoradiography exhibited that the distribution of $^{165/166}Ho\;(NO_3)$ compounds in polyurethane matrix was homogeneous. A geometrical model of the esophagus considering its structural properties, was developed for the computer simulation of energy deposition to the esophageal wall. The dose distributions of $^{166}Ho$-stent were calculated by means of the EGS4 code system. The sources are considered to be distributed uniformly on the surface in the form of a cylinder with a diameter of 20 mm and length of 40 mm. As an animal experiment, when radioactive stent developed in this study was inserted into the esophagus of a Mongrel dog, tissue destruction and widening of the esophageal lumen were observed. Conclusion: We have developed a new radioactive stent comprising of a radioactive tubular sleeve covering the metallic stent, which emits homogeneous radiation. If it is inserted into the blocked or narrowed lumen, it can lead to local destruction of the tumor due to irradiation effect with dilatation resulting from self-expansion of the metallic property. Accordingly, it is expected that restenosis esophageal lumen by the continuous ingrowth and infiltration of cancer after insertion of our radioactive stent will be decreased remarkably.