• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

Purpose : This study examined the relationship between oral health management behavior and subjective health perception by using a tool that measures health-related quality of life named EQ-5D. The findings are expected to provide fundamental data for developing diverse programs, including health- and oral-health-related educational media, to ultimately enhance people's health-related quality of life. Methods : Adults over the age of 20 were extracted from the raw materials of the 8th national health and nutrition examination survey conducted in 2019. Among them, 4034 were finally chosen as the study subjects after checking the response distribution of relevant questions and excluding inadequate samples. Variables included general characteristics, health management behavior, oral health management behavior, subjective health perception, and EQ-5D level. Cross-tabulation test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were conducted using SPSS 25.0. Results : EQ-5D, which measures the level of health-related quality of life, was high when the subjects had a medical check-up experience, no experience of unsatisfactory medical service, and did not get an influenza vaccination (p<.001). The quality of life was higher when the subjects received dental inspections, did not require treatment, and used oral care goods (p<.005). Health-related quality of life was also higher when the subjective health level and subjective oral health level were high. Conclusion : Results indicate that subjective health, oral health perception level, and quality of life together were high when people had a regular check-up, did not neglect treatment, and used oral care goods. Considering the findings of this study, check-up programs that are customized for each age group are necessary. Health-related quality of life could be enhanced through the provision of diverse medical services and active efforts to prevent any medical blind spot.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.209-215
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• 2023

Purpose: The delay in acceptance or refusal to get vaccinated despite the availability of services is called vaccine hesitancy. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Pakistan faced consistent barriers preventing the eradication of the disease in the country. Similarly with the advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic mass vaccination drives were initiated to a vaccine hesitant population. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Pakistani population. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted during July to September 2021 using a snowball sampling technique targeting the adult population of Pakistan. The modified version of the vaccine hesitancy questionnaire related to the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization Vaccine Hesitancy matrix was distributed online. Results: Out of 973 participants, 52.4% were immediately willing to take the vaccine and constituted the acceptance group whereas the remaining 47.6% who were still not sure formed the hesitant group. Support from leaders was found to be statistically significant for the difference between the hesitant and acceptance groups (p-value=0.027). Hesitant people were concerned about the effectiveness of the vaccine (60.9%) and potential side effects (57.9%) as it was not sufficiently tested prior to launch (44.7%). Age and education were significant factors affecting the acceptance of vaccination. The most trusted source of information regarding vaccination was health care workers (43.8%). Conclusion: A moderately high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was reported in Pakistan. To overcome it, policymakers need to address the reasons for it. Leaders, celebrities, and healthcare workers can play an instrumental role in dispelling conspiracy theories regarding vaccines and making the vaccination drive a success.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.65-82
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• 2008

Statement of problem : Today's market economy has been changed more and more to consumer concerned. It is owing to not only consumers ' rising standard of living and education, but also purchasers' easy accessibilities to products through various mass media. The consumer centered market system, where customer can choose items with diverse alternatives to satisfy their self esteem, is also applied to the field of medical business, and accelerated by an increasing income level of shoppers and introducing the whole nations' medical insurance system. Today, the medical industry has become competitive due to increasing number of medical institutions and medical personnel, and this offers wide choices to consumers in the medical market place. At this point of time, it is essential to survey on the primary factor of gratification for the patient in the Dental clinic, as well as on the problems and suggestions in medical service. Purpose : The analysis in this study shows essential factors and expected influential elements in satisfaction of the patient in the Dental Hopsital, and strategic suggestions for the provider of dental service, which can be of benefit to the prospective customer as well as can make improvement in the quality of dental treatment service. Material and method : This study had been researched by collecting and analyzing the organized questionnaires, which were filled in directly from 784 patients, who visit Dental Hospital, Yonsei University in Seoul, from January 23rd to April 15th. Result : It can be summarized like the followings. 1. The social and demographical peculiarities of respondents are as follows. Samples of gender and marital status are adequately extracted, but data on occupation and treatment are are under a bias toward students, undergraduates and graduate students, and orthodontics. 2. 74% of patients who answer the questionnaire were highly satisfied with the service of dental clinic in the section of overall satisfaction. 3. The survey result about specific service of dental treatment, within sections of independent variables, is like the followings; Patients are highly gratified with service system, kindness, explanation, explanation on expected waiting hours, reservation system, emergency measures, expert treatment, existence of knowledge of dentistry, size of hospital, disinfection, equipment and parking, but lowly satisfied with expense of treatment, preparatory hours for treatment, waiting hours, treatment hours and the period of subscription. 4. The correlation analysis showed that there is no significant linear relationship between the independent variables. 5. The probit regression analysis showed that 8 out of 34 independent variables explained the dependent variables at the level of 0.01. 6. It shows that 8 independent variables, which can affect customers 'satisfaction, are clearing up of inconvenience, service system, kindness, explanation, treatment hours per attendance, reservation system, existence of knowledge of dentistry, and contentment of equipment in the hospital. Conclusion : The consumer's satisfaction totally relies on subjective evaluations of customers. Providing appropriate service, which can meet the criteria for the customer who demands various wares, pursues luxury goods, and expects high quality of medical service, is essential to fulfill patients' satisfaction. Many medical institutions do their best to satisfy their customer, touch their consumer, and offer patience centered services, and it is also applied to the field of dentistry. Establishing brand new strategic managements and elevating the quality of dental service based on this survey are required to improve the satisfaction of patience in the Dental Hospital.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.63-67
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• 2006

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) is known to playa key role as a negative feedback regulator in JAK/STAT signaling cascade in innate immunity. Our laboratory has recently been interested in elucidating the interactions between Spodoptera exigua (Se) and SeNPV. This context leads us to clone and characterize SeSOCS that may have important functions in response to SeNPV infection. Using the RT-PCR and TA cloning approach, we found a partial fragment (416 bp) of SeSOCS. Blast search and multiple alignment data showed that it has a homology to various insects such as Anopheles gambiae (78%), Aedes aegypti (75%), Drosophila melanogastar (77%), Mus musculus (69%), and Homo sapiens (69%). Temporal induction patterns of SeSOCS were analysed after being immune-challenged with either NPV or laminarin. It showed that the level of SeSOCS mRNA was strongly induced in a biphasic manner in response to SeNPV and laminarin, respectively. It seems that SOCS, a negative regulator of JAK/STAT signaling system is also present in S. exigua and may playa role in innate immunity albeit its precise role should be further elucidated at the molecular and cellular level in the early phase of SeNPV infection in larvae.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.124-130
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• 2020

PURPOSE. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of sintering procedures on marginal discrepancies of fixed partial metal frameworks fabricated using different sintering-based computer-aided design and computer/aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Forty resin die models of prepared premolar and molar abutment teeth were fabricated using a three-dimensional (3D) printer and divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the fabrication method of metal frameworks used: HM (via hard milling), SM (via soft metal milling), L25 (via direct metal laser melting [DMLM] with a 25 ㎛ layer thickness), and L50 (via direct DMLM with a 50 ㎛ layer thickness). After the metal frameworks were fabricated and cemented, five vertical marginal discrepancy measurements were recorded in each site (i.e., buccal, facing the pontic, lingual, and facing away from the pontic) of both abutment teeth under a stereomicroscope (×40). Data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS. No statistically significant differences (P>.05) were found among the four axial sites of metal frameworks fabricated by sintering-based CAD/CAM techniques. The HM and L25 groups showed significantly (P<.001) lower marginal discrepancy values than the SM and L50 groups. CONCLUSION. Marginal discrepancy in the sites facing the pontic was not influenced by the type of sintering procedure. All fabrication methods exhibited clinically acceptable results in terms of marginal discrepancies.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.103-115
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• 2020

Purpose: This descriptive study investigated the relationship between death awareness and life ethics awareness, according to life stress, among students in the department of paramedics. Methods: General characteristics were identified using means and frequency, and the differences between the two military models were analyzed using the χ²-test and t-test by dividing them into lower and higher groups based on the mean life stress score (99.76 points). Results: Those with high life stress had higher death awareness than those with low life stress at 114.11 points. In contrast, those with low life ethics experienced more severe life stress with a score of 145.61 points (t=-2.609, p=.010)(t=-2.953, p=.003). The death recognition attitude and bioethics according to the degree of living stress-showed a significant correlation between the low and high groups (r=.188, p=.043) (r=.201, p=.042). Conclusion: Paramedic students require education on how to cope with life stress. However, access to education is limited to people living in modern times. As a potential solution to this problem, observing videos on the Internet is recommended. Moreover, we suggest accessing Internet and smart phone applications for advertising/educational purposes.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.89-97
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between stress and maxillofacial injuries in male students. Methods : The subjects were 386 male students who were 18 years or more. Mean age was $20.99{\pm}2.80$ years. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire from March 7 to March 28, 2013. We surveyed maxillofacial injuries, mouth guards use and stress in male students majoring physical education. The data were analyzed by Cochran's Mantel-Haenszel, McNemar test and logistic multiple regression. Results : Those who had clenching habit and maxillofacial pain accounted for 48.7%. The pain was 3.23 folds higher in clenching habit than those who had not (OR=3.23, p <.001). The more stress they had, the more clenching habit (OR=2.13) and pain(OR=1.68) did they have. Within 2 years, those having maxillofacial injury accounted for 53.2% and 78.6% of them put on maxillofacial protection guard. In rule for mouth guard use, 39.9% had no maxillofacial injury. Maxillofacial injury was 2.41 folds higher in those who had no mouth guard usee (OR=2.41). Conclusion : Maxillofacial injury had a close correlation with mouth guard use and stress. Therefore, it is very important to establish the rule for mouth guard use in sports activities.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.95-111
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the information searching behavior of consumer by type of medical institution. A questionnaire survey was conducted of 1,507 persons who were selected through a multi-stage stratified area cluster sampling in nationwide level, excluding Jeju-Do. Personal survey was conducted through door-to door survey from 27 July to 10 August 1999. The main results of this research was as following; 1. The proportion of information searching of respondents ranged from 91.5-95.2%. Even though the proportion of user in university hospital was slightly high, there was not significant statistically by type of medical institution. In terms of information source, personal informer was most common information source in all type of medical institution. Public informers were more frequently used in university hospital visitors and professional informer in general and university hospital visitors. 2. Comparing to searching intensity, user informer and professional informer's influences were more powerful, but not statistically significant. In analysis of unit influence for information source, written informer or public informer was more powerful in clinic visitor, professional informer and written informer in university hospital visitor. 3. Information which consumer want to know mostly were about on special potential and career of physician. The clinic visitor wanted to know about institutional location and kindness of medical personnel. The university hospital visitor also wanted to know about facilities and convenience of process. Comparing to institution selection criteria of consumers at 1991, quality related criteria were recognized more importantly in outpatient and dental services. But in case of inpatient services, convenience factor was recognized more importantly. In conclusion, the effort for specific marketing plan by type of medical institution should be needed. And more concern on information searching behavior of consumer will be needed.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.35-45
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare laryngoscopic views and ease of use and success of intubation, via the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scale when using the Miller blade and Macintosh blade in paraglossal approach. Methods: Forty intern doctors were randomized for laryngoscopy to be performed in a crossover manner. They performed endotracheal intubation with Miller blade and Macintosh blade in two airway scenarios: normal airway and difficult airway with edema. We observed the rate of successful intubation, time required for visualizing the glottis, time to complete endotracheal intubation, ease of intubation, and the POGO scale. Results: In the normal airway, there was no difference in intubation between the two endoscopes. In the difficult airway, the time for visualizing the glottis (7.80 versus 10.24 sec; p=.006), the time to tube passage (19.38 versus 23.03 sec; p=.038) and the time to complete endotracheal intubation (21.84 versus 28.54 sec; p=.022) with Miller blade was shorter than with Macintosh blade. The POGO scale(%) of the Miller blade was higher than that of the Macintosh blade's (62.25 versus 56.32; p=.030). Conclusion: Compared to the Macintosh blade, Miller blade provided better visualization of the glottis and POGO scale, and faster time to completion of endotracheal intubation.