• Health Policy and Management
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.196-210
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• 2024

Background: In January 2018, revised elderly fixed outpatient copayment for the elderly were implemented. When people ages 65 years and older receive outpatient treatment at clinic-level medical institutions (clinic, dental clinic, Korean medicine clinic), with medical expenses exceeding 15,000 won but not exceeding 25,000 won, their copayment rates have decreased differentially from 30%. This study aimed to examine the changes of health utilization of elderly after revised elderly fixed outpatient copayment. Methods: We used Korea health panel data from 2016 to 2018. The time period is divided into before and after the revised elderly fixed outpatient copayment. We conducted Poisson segmented regression to estimate the changes in outpatient utilization and inpatient utilization and conducted segmented regression to estimate the changes in medical expenses. Results: Immediately after the revised policy, the number of clinic and Korean medicine outpatient visits of medical expenses under 15,000 won decreased. But the number of clinic outpatient visits in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 won and Korean medicine clinic in the range of 20,000 to 25,000 won increased. Copayment in outpatient temporarily decreased. The inpatient admission rates and total medical expenses temporarily decreased but increased again. Conclusion: We confirmed the temporary increase in outpatient utilization in the medical expense segment with reduced copayment rates. And a temporary decrease in medical expenses followed by an increase again. To reduce the burden of medical expense among elderly in the long run, efforts to establish chronic disease management policies aimed at preventing disease occurrence and deterioration in advance need to continue.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.35
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• pp.23-31
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of Non-Treat Functionality Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy(NTF-VMAT) and Treat Functionality VMAT(TF-VMAT) treatment plans in reducing the low-dose area during radiation therapy for patients with multiple metastatic cancers. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on an Arccheck phantom, treatment planning target locations were set in pairs at intervals of 2 cm, 4 cm, and 6 cm on the X, Y, and Z axes. Based on these location settings, the volume of the low-dose area in NTF-VMAT and TF-VMAT was measured and compared. Results: The results of the study showed that, within a prescription dose range of 10% ~ 70%, the difference in low-dose area volumes across each axis was as follows: On the X-axis, there was a maximum difference of -47.6% and a minimum difference of -2.2%. On the Y-axis, there was a maximum difference of -17.5% and a minimum difference of -7.3%. The Z-axis showed a maximum difference of -39.7%, with the smallest difference being -6.8%. Conclusion: In radiation therapy for patients with multiple metastatic cancers, the TF-VMAT treatment plan was able to reduce the low-dose area by 10-40% compared to NTF-VMAT. This suggests that utilizing Treat Functionality, which includes the Island block technique, improves dose distribution and minimizes side effects, making it beneficial for the treatment of patients with multiple metastatic cancers.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.423-446
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• 2023

Shield TBM tunnel linings are segmented into segments and rings. This study investigates the response characteristics of the stress and displacement of the segment lining under seismic waves through modeling that considers the interface behavior between segments by applying a shell interface element to the contact surface between segments and rings. And there is no management criteria for ovaling deformation of segment linings in Korea. So, this study the ovality criteria and meaning of segment lining. The results of study showed that the distribution patterns of stress and displacement under seismic waves were similar between continuous linings and segment linings. However, the maximum values of stress and displacement showed differences from segment linings. The stress distribution of the continuous lining modeled as a shell type has a stress distribution that has continuity in the 3D cylindrical shape, but the segment lining is concentrated outside the segment, and the largest stress occurs at the location where the contact surface between the segment and the ring is concentrated. This intermittent and localized stress distribution shows an increasing as the ovality of the lining increases at seismic waves. The ovality at which the increase in stress distribution begins to show irregularity and localization is about 150‰. Ovality of 150‰ is an unrealistic value that cannot represent actual lining deformation. Therefore, the ovality of the segment lining increase with depth, but it does not have a significant impact on the stability caused by seismic load.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the radioprotection effect of mixtures of selenium and arginine for development of radioprotection agents that can minimize radiation damage to police special operation unit in the event of radioactive terrorism. In this study 72 male rats were classified into 4 groups: normal group(NC Group), selenium and arginine mixtures administration group(SeAr Group), radiation exposure group(IR Group), and selenium and arginine mixture administration group followed by radiation exposure(SeAr+IR Group). The 7Gy of X-ray was irradiated to whole body of SD rats. And selenium and arginine were dministered orally at 3mg/kg and 150mg/kg once a day for 14 days. And then hematological and histological analyzes were performed on days 1, 7, and 21 after radiation exposure. In hemotological analysis, significant radioprotection wes observed in lymphocytes(p<0.05) on day 1, platelet(p<0.01) on day 7, red blood cell(p<0.01) on day 21 of radiation exposure in SeAr+IR group compared to IR group. In histological analysis, it was observed that the border of small crypt cells in the small intestine was less collapsed and the length of small crypts was relatively recovered on day 7 and showed that the number of cells and cell wall thickness were better in the prostate on day 21 in SeAr+IR group compared to IR group. Therefore, it is judged that selenium and arginine mixtures have radioprotection effect on blood and tissues due to radiation exposure. it will be helpful for research on radioprotection agents to reduce radiation damage to police special operation unit.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2024

This study confirmed the radioprotective effects of a mixed extracts of Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis as natural radioprotectors on the prostate, small intestine, and liver of SD rats. It is known that Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis have antioxidant effects on the prostate, small intestine, and liver, respectively.In this study, SD rats were irradiated with 8 Gy of gamma rays to confirm the radioprotective effects of a mixed extracts of Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis. After radiation irradiation, histological analysis of the prostate, small intestine, and liver was performed. After radiation irradiation, histological analysis of the prostate, small intestine, and liver was performed. In the case of the prostate, the HPC+IR Group had less prostate damage and better recovery due to radiation compared to the IR Group. It was confirmed that the prostate size of the HPC+IR Group was 11.48%p and 24.54%p higher than the IR Group on 1st and 7th days. In the case of the small intestine, the HPC+IR Group had less radiation-induced small intestinal damage and recovery was better than the IR Group. The length of small intestine villus in the HPC+IR Group was confirmed to be 23.73%p and 24.27%p higher than the IR Group on the 1st and 7th days. In the case of the liver, the HPC+IR Group had less liver damage due to radiation and had better recovery than the IR Group. This was confirmed through the hepatic portal vein and surrounding cells. The results of this study are considered to be used as basic data for research on natural radiation protection using mixed extracts.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.347-357
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• 2023

The succulent plant Aeonium sedifolium leaves contain several compounds that are of interest for their cosmetic uses on the skin. This study measured the inhibitory effects of enzyme production and antioxidant, astringent effects and skin wrinkles using Aeonium sedifolium leaves (ASL). The total phenolics compounds (TPC) content of ASL under optimal extraction conditions was 34.49 mg/g for hot water extract (ASLW) and 61.64 mg/g for 50% ethanol extract (ASLE). The ASLW and ASLE extracts were freeze-dried, powdered, and used as solids. TPC content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylben-zothiazoline 6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical inhibition of the ASL phenolics were tested. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of ASLW and ASLE were tested at a TPC of 100 ㎍/mL. ABTS radical inhibition showed antioxidant activity of 100.00% in ASLW and ASLE, and the antioxidant protection factor of ASLW and ASLE was 1.07 and 1.22, respectively. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) inhibitory activity of ASLW and ASLE was 77.00%. The elastase inhibitory activity of ASLE was 69.03%, and collagenase inhibition activity for ASLW and ASLE was 29.82% and 54.76%, respectively. The astringent effect of ASLE was 89.82% at a TPC of 200 ㎍/mL. Thus, we concluded that ASL has the potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient with anti-aging effects on the skin.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.3
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• pp.665-675
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• 2020

Purpose This study aimed to identify independent predictors of favorable outcomes associated with emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke. Materials and Methods This study included 93 patients with acute stroke who underwent emergent CAS to treat stenoocclusive lesions in the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) within 6 hours of the onset of the associated symptoms. Data were compared between patients with and without favorable outcomes. The independent predictors of a favorable outcome were determined via logistic regression analysis (modified Rankin Scale 0-2 at 90 days). Results Intracranial tandem occlusion was noted in 81.7% of patients (76/93) among which (76/93), 55 of whom underwent intracranial recanalization therapy. Intracranial reperfusion was successful in 74.2% (69/93) and favorable outcomes were noted in 51.6% of patients (48/93). The mortality rate was 6.5% (6/93). In logistic regression analysis, diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [odds ratio (OR), 1.487; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.018-2.173, p = 0.04], successful reperfusion (OR, 5.199; 95% CI, 1.566-17.265, p = 0.007), and parenchymal hemorrhage (OR, 0.042; 95% CI, 0.003-0.522, p = 0.014) were independently associated with a favorable outcome. Conclusion Baseline infarct size, reperfusion status, and parenchymal hemorrhage were independent predictors of favorable outcomes after emergent CAS to treat stenoocclusive lesions in the cervical ICA in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.115-127
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• 2023

Background: This study was conducted to determine the level of job satisfaction and patient safety cultural activities for dental hygienists and to determine the relationship between job satisfaction and patient safety cultural activities. Methods: A survey was conducted on 214 dental hygienists, and data from the final 180 were analyzed. Job satisfaction consisted of a total of 20 questions, and patient safety cultural activities included a total of 25 questions. The survey was conducted on a 5-point scale. Results: The average job satisfaction score of the study subjects was 3.44 points. Among patient safety cultural activities, infection control had the highest average score (4.12 points) and radiation safety management had the lowest average score (3.10 points). Patients with less than 3 years of clinical experience (4.01 points) had higher patient safety culture activity scores than those with 3 to 10 years of clinical experience (3.72 points) and those with more than 10 years of clinical experience (3.69 points). The level of patient safety cultural activities was statistically significantly higher as age, less clinical experience, and job satisfaction increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the case of dental hygienists, patient safety cultural activities must be carried out throughout the entire work, so an active will to practice patient safety cultural activities is necessary. In order to improve the performance of patient safety cultural activities, it is necessary to adjust the workload of dental hygienists to improve job satisfaction and create a work environment in which they can focus on patient safety cultural activities.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.16-25
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• 2024

This study investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. In poultry meat and its association with foodborne illnesses in Gwangju, South Korea. It was found that out of the 307 samples of poultry meat examined, 111 (36.2%) were infected with Campylobacter spp. Among the isolated strains, 102 were identified as Campylobacter jejuni and 14 as Campylobacter coli. The detection rate of Campylobacter spp. was higher in duck meat (63.1%) than in chicken meat (26.0%). In 5 samples (1 chicken, 4 duck), both Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were found together. The antimicrobial resistance test showed that 99 strains were resistant to more than one antimicrobial. The most common antimicrobial resistance was seen against ciprofloxacin (84.5%), followed by nalidixic acid (82.8%), tetracycline (44.0%), and gentamicin (2.6%). The isolated Campylobacter spp. were serotyped and the results showed the presence of HS2 (20 strains), HS15 (11 strains), HS19 (9 strains), and HS8 (8 strains). Considering the findings, it is recommended to maintain hygienic practices during the cooking process and to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.385-392
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• 2012

This study was conducted to find out the optimum cropping system for the stable production of forage crops in the newly reclaimed land located at Gwanghwal and Gyehwa region of Saemangum reclaimed tide land from October, 2009 to October, 2011. Whole crop barley (WCB), Rye, Italyan-ryegrass (IRG) as winter crops and Corn, Sorghum${\times}$sudangrass hybrid (SSH) as summer crops were cultivated. Soil chemical properties, nutrient uptake, feed value, growth and yield were examinated. The testing soil was showed saline alkali soil where the contents of organic matter, available phosphate and exchangeable calcium were very low, while exchangeable sodium and magnesium were higher. Changes of soil salinity during the growing season of forage crops were less than 0.2%, and the growth of forage crops was not affected by salt injury. Standing rates of winter crops were higher in the order of Rye, WCB, and IRG, while the dry matter yield of winter crops was higher in the order of IRG, Rye and WCB. The highest crude protein (CP) content was recorded in IRG, and total digestive nutrients (TDN) contents were increased in the order of WCB, IRG, and Rye. The TDN content was higher in corn, whereas other feed value was higher in SSH. The content of mineral nutrients on stem, leaf and grain in IRG, Corn were high. After experiment pH was lowed, contents of exchangeable magnesium, sodium and organic matter were decreased while contents of total nitrogen, available phosphate and exchangeable potassium, calcium were increased. Winer crops and summer crops after continually cultivating in cropping system, fresh matter yield increased, compared to WCB-Corn (74,740 kg $ha^{-1}$), IRG-SSH 10%, IRG-Corn 7%, Rye-SSH 6%, Rye-Corn and WCB-SSH 3%. Dry matter yield increased, compared to WCB-Corn (20,280 kg $ha^{-1}$), IRG-SSH 7%, Rye-SSH 6%, IRG-Corn/Rye-Corn/WCB-SSH 3%. The TDN yield increased, compared to WCB-Corn (13,830 kg $ha^{-1}$), IRG-SSH 2%, WCB-SSH and IRG-Corn 1%. Therefore, we suggest that the crop combination of IRG-SSH and WCB-SSH would be preferred for silage stable production.