• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.283-292
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• 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate whether dairy intake was associated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease and the probability of hospitalization of patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 141 patients with COVID-19 with an average age of 46.23 ± 15.88 years. The number of men (52.5%) participating in this study was higher than that of women. The association between dairy intake and COVID-19 was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The risk of hospitalization in the highest tertile of dairy intake was 31% lower than in the lowest tertile (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-1.25, p trend = 0.023). Higher milk and yogurt intake was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Patients in the third tertiles were about 65% (p for trend = 0.014) and 12% (p for trend = 0.050) less likely to be hospitalized than those in the first tertile, respectively. Dairy consumption, especially low-fat ones, was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 and lower severity of COVID-19.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.228-240
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• 2023

Growing complexity in ecosystem structure and functions, under impacts of climate and land-use changes, requires interdisciplinary understandings of processes and the whole-system, and accurate estimates of the changing functions. In the last three decades, observation networks for biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem functions under climate change, have been developed by interested scientists, research institutions and universities. In this paper we will review (1) the development and on-going activities of those observation networks, (2) some outcomes from forest carbon cycle studies at our super-site "Takayama site" in Japan, and (3) a few ideas how we connect in-situ and satellite observations as well as fill observation gaps in the Asia-Oceania region. There have been many intensive research and networking efforts to promote investigations for ecosystem change and functions (e.g., Long-Term Ecological Research Network), measurements of greenhouse gas, heat, and water fluxes (flux network), and biodiversity from genetic to ecosystem level (Biodiversity Observation Network). Combining those in-situ field research data with modeling analysis and satellite remote sensing allows the research communities to up-scale spatially from local to global, and temporally from the past to future. These observation networks oftern use different methodologies and target different scientific disciplines. However growing needs for comprehensive observations to understand the response of biodiversity and ecosystem functions to climate and societal changes at local, national, regional, and global scales are providing opportunities and expectations to network these networks. Among the challenges to produce and share integrated knowledge on climate, ecosystem functions and biodiversity, filling scale-gaps in space and time among the phenomena is crucial. To showcase such efforts, interdisciplinary research at 'Takayama super-site' was reviewed by focusing on studies on forest carbon cycle and phenology. A key approach to respond to multidisciplinary questions is to integrate in-situ field research, ecosystem modeling, and satellite remote sensing by developing cross-scale methodologies at long-term observation field sites called "super-sites". The research approach at 'Takayama site' in Japan showcases this response to the needs of multidisciplinary questions and further development of terrestrial ecosystem research to address environmental change issues from local to national, regional and global scales.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.85-95
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: The prognostic utility of follow-up transthoracic echocardiography (FU-TTE) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is unclear, specifically in terms of whether changes in echocardiographic parameters in routine FU-TTE parameters are associated with cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: From 2010 to 2017, 162 patients with HCM were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Using echocardiography, HCM was diagnosed based on morphological criteria. Patients with other diseases that cause cardiac hypertrophy were excluded. TTE parameters at baseline and FU were analyzed. FU-TTE was designated as the last recorded value in patients who did not develop any cardiovascular event or the latest exam before event development. Clinical outcomes were acute heart failure, cardiac death, arrhythmia, ischemic stroke, and cardiogenic syncope. RESULTS: Median interval between the baseline TTE and FU-TTE was 3.3 years. Median clinical FU duration was 4.7 years. Septal trans-mitral velocity/mitral annular tissue Doppler velocity (E/e'), tricuspid regurgitation velocity, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left atrial volume index (LAVI) at baseline were recorded. LVEF, LAVI, and E/e' values were associated with poor outcomes. However, no delta values predicted HCM-related cardiovascular outcomes. Logistic regression models incorporating changes in TTE parameters had no significant findings. Baseline LAVI was the best predictor of a poor prognosis. In survival analysis, an already enlarged or increased size LAVI was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in echocardiographic parameters extracted from TTE did not assist in predicting clinical outcomes. Cross-sectionally evaluated TTE parameters were superior to changes in TTE parameters between baseline and FU at predicting cardiovascular events.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.71-81
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aims to identify research trends in papers related to the elderly and the disabled published in the journal of Korean society for school & community health education from 2000 to 2023 and seek the direction of the academic development of this journal in the future. Method: A total of 26 articles related to the elderly and the disabled, who are vulnerable groups, were analyzed by year by analyzing the specific subjects, research themes, research design, data collection methods, and keywords of papers published from 2000 to 2023. Results: Looking at the research subjects, studies on the elderly (18 studies) accounted for a larger proportion than studies on the disabled (8 studies). Research themes in the field of healthy living practices for the elderly (44.4%) and research in the field of mental health management (37.5%) for the disabled accounted for a high proportion. The design of research were mostly quantitative and cross-sectional studies. Data collection is mostly based on secondary data. In studies targeting the elderly, keywords appeared in the following order: 'Health' and 'Elderly'. And research targeting the disabled appeared in the following order: 'Disabilities', 'Health', and 'COVID-19'. Additionally, research on the elderly and the disabled has recently shown an increasing trend. Conclusion: Research on the elderly and the disabled has been conducted in line with the purpose of the Korean society for school & community health education, However, In terms of quantitative expansion and qualitative research, research themes, research designs, and data collection methods must be diversified. Methods, public perception. Additionally, research on vulnerable groups that fit the public health promotion and health education paradigm is needed.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.511-522
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The study examined the association between homocysteine and diabetes mellitus in patients with H-type hypertension and assessed the possible effect modifiers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,255 eligible participants in the 'H-type Hypertension Management and Stroke Prevention Strategic International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Project' among rural Chinese people with H-type hypertension. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between homocysteine and diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: The mean level of total homocysteine (tHcy) in the diabetes mellitus population was 19.37 μmol/L, which was significantly higher than the non-diabetic patients (18.18 μmol/L). When tHcy was analyzed as a continuous variable, the odds ratio (OR) of diabetes was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.35; per interquartile range). When tHcy was stratified according to the quintile, the ORs for diabetes were 2.86 (95% CI, 1.22-6.69) in the highest quintile (tHcy ≥ 20.60 μmol/L) compared to the reference group (tHcy < 12.04 μmol/L). When tHcy was grouped by 15 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L, patients with tHcy ≥ 20 μmol/L had a significantly (P = 0.037) higher risk of diabetes (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.04-3.96) than in those with tHcy < 15 μmol/L. Subgroup analysis showed that the tHcy-diabetes association was unaffected by other variables. CONCLUSION: In this study of rural Chinese people with H-type hypertension, the tHcy levels showed a positive association with diabetes mellitus. This independent association is unaffected by other potential risk factors.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.447-458
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• 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of Building Information Modeling(BIM) software, specifically SketchUp and Revit, in reducing errors during quantity take-off(QTO) for complex building elements. While 3D modeling offers advantages, existing software may not fully account for manufacturing discrepancies, such as variations in concrete cover thickness and reinforcing bar radius. To address this limitation, this research proposes a BIM-based QTO method for high-insulation wall panels with intricate details. The method utilizes a BIM family library, focusing on key parameters like concrete cover thickness and inner radius of shear reinforcement. A case study compared the cross-sectional details of a wall panel modeled in Revit with the actual manufactured specimen. The analysis revealed a 12% reduction in modeled concrete cover thickness and a 1.27 times larger modeled inner radius of the shear bar compared to the real-world values. The proposed method incorporates these manufacturing variations into the Revit model of the high-insulation wall panel. Software like Navisworks facilitates the identification and correction of any material interferences arising from these adjustments. Furthermore, the method employs a unit wall concept(1m²) to account for the volume of various materials, including insulation and splice sleeves at joints. This allows for the identification of a similar existing family within the BIM library(e.g., "Double RC wall with embedded insulation") that reflects the actual material quantities used in the wall panel. By incorporating these manufacturing-induced variations, the proposed method offers a more accurate QTO process for complex high-insulation wall panels. The "Double RC wall with embedded insulation" family within the Revit program serves as a valuable tool for material quantity estimation in such scenarios.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.69-83
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• 2024

Objective : This study investigated the prevalence of dysphagia in older adults in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and its impact on Quality of Life (QoL) and educational needs. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 1 to 15, 2023, with 207 cognitively normal older adults from three senior welfare centers. Data included general characteristics, Korean-version of the Eating Assessment Tool (K-EAT-10), Swallowing-QoL, and educational needs related to swallowing disorders. Dysphagia was defined by a K-EAT-10 score of 3 or higher. Participants were divided into normal and risk groups for analysis using chi-square and Independent t-test. Results : The prevalence of dysphagia risk (K-EAT-10 score of 3 or higher) was 41.5% (86 individuals). Among the 92 individuals reporting dysphagia symptoms, 64 (69.6%) were at risk. QoL was significantly lower in the risk group, especially among those living alone or with denture discomfort. The most preferred educational need was training in eating solid foods (Mean = 4.27), with higher needs in the dysphagia risk group. Conclusion : This study underscores the prevalence of dysphagia, its impact on QoL, and the need for educational programs. Emphasizing prevention, public awareness, and early detection, along with the role of dysphagia rehabilitation experts and community collaboration, is essential for supporting healthy aging.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.263-271
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• 2024

The present study examines the dual mediating role of social support and self-esteem in the relationship between grit and life satisfaction among college students. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, we surveyed a sample of 326 undergraduates from one university in China by means of purposive sampling. The analyses were conducted using SPSS PC+ Win. ver. 25.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro ver. 4.2. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to show the correlations among the variables, and Model 6 of the PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to verify dual mediation effects. First, correlation results indicated positive and significant correlations between grit, social support, self-esteem and life satisfaction. Second, the dual mediating role of social support and self-esteem in the relationship between grit and life satisfaction was proved. This study contributes to the literature by elucidating the psychological mechanisms through which grit operates to enhance life satisfaction. The results have implications for the development of interventions aimed at fostering grit and the enhancement of social support and self-esteem to improve life satisfaction. Suggestions for future studies were discussed in detail.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.721-732
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• 2024

This study is a descriptive research to determine the mediating effect of Positive Psychological Capital on the relationship between Job Stress and Retention Intention among nurses working at blood centers in the metropolitan area. Data were collected from 167 nurses using a structured questionnaire between May 2021 and April 2022, and analyzed by SPSS ver.25. General characteristics were analyzed through frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The relationship between Job Stress and Retention Intention was analyzed using independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and PROCESS macro model 4. The results substantiated the hypotheses: Hypothesis 1 proposed that higher Retention Intention and Positive Psychological Capital were associated with lower Job Stress. Hypothesis 2 suggested that Positive Psychological Capital significantly partially mediates the relationship between Retention Intention and Job Stress. To promote Retention Intention among blood center nurses, it is crucial to implement human resource management systems aimed at alleviating Job Stress and enhancing Positive Psychological Capital. Specifically, enhancing Positive Psychological Capital within blood centers is particularly significant. This study contributes empirical evidence necessary for efficient personnel management and competency enhancement programs to reduce Job Stress, thereby enhancing the quality of nursing care among blood center nurses. Furthermore, it is recommended to develop intervention programs for Positive Psychological Capital to enhance Retention Intention and reduce Job Stress among blood center nurses.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.99-107
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• 2024

This study analyzed how computer-based digital technology affects convergence performing arts according to the trend of the times of domestic performing arts. Based on the analyzed contents, the purpose of the study was to propose an appropriate use plan for performing arts and technology and a plan for future development of convergence performing arts. Looking at the analysis results according to the purpose of the study, as a first step, the use of video technology developed in the performing arts stage using video technology evolved into holograms, media art, and 3D techniques. In the second step, technology and art were fused using artificial intelligence and robots. Artificial intelligence composed music, choreographed dance, and wrote a play script. In addition, robots performed and played with humans on stage. Third, virtual space was also used in performing arts. It was possible to direct spaces in various places using virtual spaces rather than performance halls and stage spaces. In this way, performing arts using digital technology will become more diverse and professional, and things that are possible in imagination that cross boundaries will be developed into reality. This study proposes a convergence that appropriately utilizes various technologies of digital and computer while maintaining the area of creation that humans can do and the expressiveness and artistry they express. In preparation for these changes in the times, future convergence performing artists should be able to acquire a combination of artistry and technology of stage technology experts who can use digital technology, professional actors who can express artistry along with AI, and professionals who can create art by manipulating AI.