• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.305-316
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• 2008

The mandibular advancement device(MAD) has been used to help manage snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The aims of this study were to specify the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients receiving long-term treatment with MAD and to quantify the compliance with and side effects of the use of the device. Of 103 patients who were treated with MAD for at least one full year after delivery date, 49 were able to be contacted with telephone and complete follow-up questionnaires were obtainable. They were telephoned to determine whether they were still using the device. If not, they were asked when and why they stopped using it. Patients were also asked how much effectiveness of the MAD in decreasing snoring and how much they and their bed-partners were satisfied with the MAD therapy. The initial respiratory disturbance indices and pre-treatment snoring frequency and intensity were obtained from the medical records of initial visit. All the data were compared between users and nonusers. The results were as follows: 1. Of 49 patients 25 are still using the device, but 24 stopped using it. Among nonusers nobody stopped wearing the device within first 1 month, but 37.5% of nonusers stopped wearing it in the following 6 months, and another 4.2% before the end of the first year. 2. The one-year compliance of the MAD therapy was 79.59%. 3. There were no significant differences in mean age, mean body mass index, and gender distribution between users group and nonusers group. 4. There was no significant difference in mean respiratory disturbance index at initial visit between users group and nonusers group. 5. There was no significant difference in pre-treatment snoring frequency and intensity between users group and nonusers group. 6. The degree of decrease in snoring with use of MAD was significantly higher in the users when compared to nonusers. 7. Patient's overall satisfaction with treatment outcome was significantly higher in the users when compared to nonusers. 8. Bed partner's satisfaction with treatment outcome tended to be higher in the users when compared to nonusers. 9. The most frequent reasons why patients discontinued wearing the MAD were: jaw pain(25%), dental pain(20.83%), broken appliance(20.83%), hassle using(16.67%), lost weight(8.3%), dental work(8.3%), no or little effect(4.17%), sleep disturbance(4.27).

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.558-572
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to classify the types of degraded areas of Mt. Jirisan section in Baekdudaegan and survey the actual condition of each damage type to use it as basic data for the direction of the restoration of damaged areas according to damage type based on the vegetation information of reference ecosystem. The analysis of the Mt. Jirisan section's actual degraded conditions showed that the total number of patches of degraded areas was 57, and the number of patches and size of degraded areas was higher at the low average altitude and gentle slope. Grasslands (deserted lands) and cultivated areas accounted for a high portion of the damage types, indicating that agricultural land use was a major damage factor. The survey on the conditions of 14 degraded areas showed that the types of damage were classified into the grassland, cultivated area, restoration area, logged-off land, and bare ground. The analysis of the degree of disturbance (the ratio of annual and biennial herb, urbanized index, and disturbance index) by each type showed that the simple single-layer vegetation structure mostly composed of the herbaceous and the degree of disturbance were high in the grassland and cultivated land. The double-layer vegetation structure appeared in the restoration area where the pine seedlings were planted, and the inflow of naturalized plants was especially high compared to other degraded areas due to disturbances caused by the restoration project and the nearby hiking trails. Although the inflow of naturalized plants was low because of high altitude in bare ground, the proportion of annual and biennial herb was high, indicating that all surveyed degraded areas were in early succession stages. The stand ordination by type of damage showed the restoration area on the I-axis, cultivated area, grassland, logged-off land, and bare ground in that order, indicating the arrangement by the damage type. Moreover, the stand ordination of the degraded areas and reference ecosystem based on floristic variation showed a clear difference in species composition. This study diagnosed the status of each damage type based on the reference ecosystem information according to the ecological restoration procedure and confirmed the difference in species composition between the diagnosis result and the reference ecosystem. These findings can be useful basic data for establishing the restoration goal and direction in the future.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.34 no.3 s.95
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• pp.153-165
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• 2001

We evaluated the health condition of Pyong-Chang river, the tributary of Han- River, using the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) during September 1999${\sim}$August 2000. The annual mean of IBI,　which was estimated using eleven metrics, was 49 (range: $45{\sim}51$) and the mean of QHEI, which was estimated using seven parameters, was 88 (range: $76{\sim}94$) during　the study. The river health, based on the IBI criteria of Karr (1981), ranged from "excellent" to "good" conditions, while based on the habitat criteria of Plafkin et al. (1989), it ranged from "pristine" (comparable to reference) to "supporting" conditions. Values of IBI showed slight differences between upstream and downstream sites and QHEI values varied weakly depending on characteristics of variables. Regression analyses showed that annual values of QHEI had no functional relations with stream order (p = 1.82; n = 8) but showed some decreases near slight point-sources. This result indicates that conditions of physical habitat did not change highly with increases of the stream order. According to analyses of feed guilds, relative abundance of insectivores, omnivores and carnivores was 85.1%, 3.5% 0.3%, respectively. Also, relative abundance of sensitive and tolerant species was 75% and 4.6%, respectively, while exotic and morphological anomalies were not found in the river. These outcomes indicate that health condition of fish, based on the trophic conditions of U.S. EPA (1993), was excellent in the river. Regression analyses of IBI values against the QHEI showed that the variation of habitat conditions accounted 57% for the variation of the Index of Biological Integrity (p<0.05; $R^2\;=\;0.57$; n = 7).Overall data of IBI and QHEI suggest that the river health in the present is in optimal conditions but may be degradated by acceleration of chemical inputs and physical-habitat disturbance.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.4
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• pp.493-512
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to provide the basic data necessary for establishing a vegetation management plan for the Yeongcheon River area by presenting a better understanding of the distribution and characteristics of naturalized plants through an investigation of the flora present in the Yeongcheon riverside, in Jinju, South Korea. Vascular plants were investigated for a total of 470 taxa, including 90 families, 282 genera, 425 species, one sub-species, 38 varieties, and six forms. Together, these accounted for 9.62% of the vascular plants (4,881 species) in Korea. Gramineae was the most abundant at 77 taxa (16.38%), followed by Cyperaceae at 56 taxa (11.91%), Leguminosae at 33 taxa (7.02%), Cyperaceae at 25 taxa (5.32%), and Rosaceae at 22 taxa (4.86%). Thirty species of indicator plants were surveyed and, among them, annual plants and hemicryptophytes accounted for a significantpercentage. Among ground plants, trees, shrubs, and sub-shrubs were surveyed to include 23 (4.89%), 17 (3.61%), and 14 taxa (2.97%), respectively. Furthermore, 36 aquatic plant taxa were found. Six rare plant taxa were surveyed including Penthorum chinense, Melothria japonica, Aristolochia contorta, Acorus calamus, Millettia japonica, and Magnolia kobus. Floristic special plants comprised 35 taxa,including 26 families, 34 genera, 34 species, and one variety. Plants endemic to Korea included six species. Naturalized plant species comprised 71 taxa, including 18 families, 53 genera, 68 species, and three varieties. The naturalization rate and urbanization index were 15.1% and 22.1%, respectively. Ecological disturbance species in Korea comprised nine taxa, including four families, eight genera, eight species, and one variety. These groups accounted for 64% of the ecological disturbance species in Korea. Ecological disturbance species in Korea tended to increase toward the downstream of Yeongcheon River. In particular, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Sicyos angulatus, which cause human allergies and disrupt the habitats of plants and animals, must be removed artificially.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.82-86
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• 2008

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) not only causes respiratory disturbances during sleep but also decreases the quality of nocturnal sleep through sleep fragmentation and sleep structure change. We aimed at comparing the changes in sleep fragmentation and structure between baseline (diagnostic) nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) and nCPAP (nasal continuous positive airway pressure) titration trial. Methods: One hundred and three patients with a baseline night of respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of 5 or greater and reduced RDI score during nCPAP titration night were retrospectively selected for the study. Sleep fragementation and sleep structure between baseline NPSG and the NPSG during nCPAP titration were compared. Sleep fragmentation index (SFI) was defined as the total number of awakenings and shifts to stage 1 sleep divided by the total sleep time in hour. SFI and other polysomnographic parameters were statistically compared between the two nights. Results: SFI during baseline NPSG and nCPAP titration nights were $29.0{\pm}13.8$ and $15.2{\pm}8.8$, respectively, indicating a significant SFI decrease during nCPAP titration (t=9.7, p<0.01). SFI showed significant negative correlations with sleep efficiency (r=-0.60, p<0.01) and total sleep time (r=-0.45, p<0.01) and a positive correlation with RDI (r=0.28, p<0.01). Conclusion: Use of nCPAP, even during the titration, significantly decreases sleep fragmentation and improves sleep structure in OSAS patients. We suggest that SFI may be utilized as a measure of assessing OSAS severity and nCPAP efficacy.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.71-76
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• 2008

Introduction: In this study, we compared sleep structure, EEG characteristic of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and normal controls which were matched in sex and age. Methods: Fifteen children (male：female=4：11) who complained snoring and were suspected to have sleep apnea and their age and sex matched normal controls (male：female=5：10) have been done nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG). Sleep parameters, sleep apnea variables and relative spectral components of EEG from NPSG have been compared between both groups. Results: Pediatric OSA group were distinguished from normal controls in terms of apnea index, respiratory disturbance index and nadir of oxyhemoglobulin desaturation. Pediatric OSA group showed increased percent of sleep stage 1, decreased rapid eye movement sleep percent and increased delta power in O1 EEG channel. However other sleep parameters and spectral powers were not different between two groups. Conclusion: In pediatric OSA group, sleep structure parameter disruption may be not prominent as the previous studies for adult OSA group because of including mild OSA data in diagnostic criteria. In addition, EEG changes might not be distinct due to low arousal index compared to adult OSA patients. We can observe general characteristics and particularity of pediatric OSA through this study.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.93-103
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of study was to examine the prevalence of night eating syndrome(NES) and its correlates in schizophrenic outpatients. Methods : The 14 items of self-reported night eating questionnaire(NEQ) was administered to 201 schizophrenic patients in psychiatric outpatient clinic. We examined demographic and clinical characteristics, body mass index(BMI), subjective measures of mood, sleep, binge eating, and weight-related quality of life using Beck's Depression Inventory(BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), Binge Eating Scale(BES) and Korean version of Obesity-Related Quality of Life Scale(KOQoL), respectively. Results : The prevalence of night eaters in schizophrenic outpatients was 10.4%(21 of 201). Comparisons between NES group and non-NES group revealed no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics, clinical status and BMI. Compared to non-NES, patients with NES reported significantly greater depressed mood and sleep disturbance, more binge eating pattern, and decreased weight-related quality of life. While 'morning anorexia' and 'delayed morning meal'(2 of 5 NES core components in NEQ) were not differed between groups, 'nocturnal ingestions', 'evening hyperphagia', and 'mood/sleep' were more impaired in NES group. Conclusions : These findings are the first to describe the prevalence and its correlates of night eaters in schizophrenic outpatients. These results suggest that NES has negative mental health implications, although it was not associated with obesity. Further study to generalize these results is required.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.87-98
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• 2000

We examine the relative contributions of the electric field and ionospheric conductance to the auroral electrojets. For this purpose we used magnetometer data obtained from the International Magnetospheric Study (IMS) meridian chains of observatories for March 17, 18, and 19, 1978. Based on the study by Allen & Kroehl (1975), we redefine the AU and AL indices by utilizing the magnetic disturbance data obtained from the AE stations located within limited magnetic local time (MLT) sectors; i.e., $1500\leq MLT\leq1800$ and$0000\leq MLT\leq0300$, respectively. The current densities of the eastward and westward electrojets are calculated based on the AU and AL indices thus defined. Under the assumption that the Hall conductance at the dusk sector is mainly caused by the solar EUV radiation, we estimate the electric field contributin to the AU index. Assuming further that electric field distributins at dawn and dusk sectors are comparable, it is also possible to estimate the contribution of the Hall conductance associated at the dusk sector is mainly caused by the solar EUV radiation, we estimate the electric field contribution to the AU index. Assuming further that electric field distributions at dawn and dusk sectors are comparable, it is also possible to estimate the contribution of the Hall conductance associated with auroral particle precipitation to the AL index. From this study it is noted that the electric fields and Hall conductances thus estimated show significant correlations with the AU and AL indices, respectively, suggesting that the AU and AL indices are closely associated with the directly driven and loading-unloading processes of substorms.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.63-80
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• 2002

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the job characteristics of container terminal workers by applying the Job Strain model, and to assess the relationship among the general characteristics, job characteristics and psychosocial distress. Methods: A self-administrated questionnaire survey was performed to the container terminal workers in Pusan. Among the 200 male workers who answered the questionnaires, white-collar workers and blue-collar workers were 100, respectively. Karaseks Job Content Questionnaire was utilized to evaluate the job characteristics and Psychosocial well-being index (PWI) was applied to measure the extent of their psychosocial stress. Results: In white-collar workers, the skill discretion, created skill, decision-making authority, decision-making latitude, psychological job demand, and supervisor support of the job characteristics were significantly high, while in blue-collar workers physical exertion was significantly high. The result of Psychosocial well-being index (PWI) reveals that blue-collar workers were more stressed than white-collar workers, especially, the indices of depression (factor 2), sleeping disturbance and anxiety (factor 3), General well-being and vitality (factor 4) were significantly increased; whereas, in white-collar workers, only the index of social performance and self-confidence (factor 1) was significantly increased. And PWI scores were significantly increased in the lower social support and psychological job demand. By the multiple logistic regression analysis for PWI, blue-collar workers had increased odds ratio of 2.66(95% CI;1.11-6.41) compared with white-collar workers. The unmarried workers increased odds ratio of 3.54(95% CI;1.18-10.62) compared with married workers. And workers who have not own house increased odds ratio of 2.35(95% CI;1.15-4.79) compared with workers who have own house. Particularly, odds ratio of work-shift in blue-collar workers was 11.10(2.14-57.64). Conclusion: Skill discretion, created skill, decision-making authority, decision-making latitude, psychological job demand, and supervisor support were increased in white-collar workers. Decreased skill discretion and increased physical exertion were found in blue-collar workers, which is supported the Job Strain model. Job stress of blue-collar workers was comparatively higher than that of white-collar workers, especially, skill discretion, decision-making authority, decision-making latitude, job insecurity, physical exertion were noticeable factors. Especially, sleeping, smoking, and work shifting turned out to be a main cause that increases stress. Therefore, in order to decrease the job stress, a health promotion program to change the health behaviors should be activated and an organized job stress management program should be introduced. Especially, working condition for blue-collar such as physical exertion and work-shift should be improved.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.925-935
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• 2013

In this study, a comprehensive field monitoring was conducted to understand habitat conditions of fish species in up and downstream of Hoengseong Dam. Based on the monitoring data, riverine health conditions such as composition ratio of fish species, bio-diversity (dominance index, diversity, evenness and richness), index of biological integrity (IBI) and qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI) were assessed, and optimal ecological flowrates (OEF) were estimated using the habitat suitability indexes (HSI) established for three fish species Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Pungtungia herzi and Microphysogobio longidorsalis selected as icon species using the physical habitat simulation system (PHABSIM). The total number of species sampled was 20 species, and two species of Zacco platypus (30.4%) and C. splendidus (20.9%) dominated the fish community. As a result, it was revealed that IBI and QHEI values decreased from upstream to downstream along the river. The estimated IBI value ranged from 24 to 36 with average being 30.9 out of 50, rendering the site ecologically fair to good health conditions. HSI for C. splendidus were determined according to three different month in terms of season: Spring (April), Summer (August) and Autumn (October). HSI for flow velocity were estimated at 0.7 to 0.8 m/s for the Spring, 0.5 to 1.0 m/s for the Summer and 0.8 to 0.9 m/s for the Autumn. HSI for water depth were estimated at 0.3 to 0.5 m for the Spring; 0.3 to 0.5 m for the Summer; and 0.3 to 0.4 m for the Autumn. OEF was estimated at 4.2 and $6.5m^3/s$ for the Spring and Autumn, and $12.0m^3/s$ for the Summer. Overall, it was concluded that the Hoengseong Dam has been relatively well protected from the anthropogenic disturbance for the legally protected species including the endemic species studied in this study.