• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.791-796
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• 2023

It is well known that any kind of physical activity can be a useful nonpharmacological tool in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including antihypertension. There is also strong evidence that suggests that people with cardiovascular disease are less active than healthy people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week walking exercise intervention program on body composition, insulin resistance, and blood pressure in obese elderly women with stage 1 hypertension. The walking exercise program was performed for 50 min, three times per week. The intensity progressively increased: RPE 11 to 12, 40-50% HRR, for weeks 1-4; RPE 12 to 13, 50-60% HRR, for weeks 5-8; and RPE 13 to 14, 60-65% HRR, for weeks 9-12. The subjects were 20 obese elderly women with stage 1 hypertension (SBP: 140-159 mmHg or DBP: 90-99 mmHg). Half were placed in the walking exercise group (EX, n=10), and half were placed in the control group (CON, n=10). At the end of the program, the EX group members had significantly lower body fat, insulin resistance, and SBP compared to the CON group members. These results suggest that undertaking a 12-week walking exercise program improves body fat, insulin resistance, and SBP, which may improve the incidence of metabolic disease in elderly obese women with stage 1 hypertension.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1046-1051
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• 2023

Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of preventable diseases, disability, and death in Korea and worldwide. It has been clearly linked to the most common causes of death among the elderly and contributes to morbidity and disability associated with many chronic illnesses that are common in this age group. The health benefits of smoking cessation for the elderly have been clearly demonstrated. However, few studies have analyzed the relationship between health and smoking by considering the following many factors, especially among disabled people. In this study, we discuss the impacts of many factors on smoking among disabled people. Adults with disabilities are more likely to smoke than their peers. Public health agencies and practitioners should consider what reasonable adjustments may need to be made to policies and interventions to ensure that they are effective for adults with disabilities.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.47
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• pp.39-63
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• 2023

Modern medical science tends to categorize addiction as a kind of disease, but a Taoist world-view would not consider addiction to be a disease. Taoists do not have a concept of addiction as an eternal substance. Within the Taoist world-view, human beings are meant to live in harmony with the transformative cycles of nature. Human beings achieve self-realization through balancing themselves with nature. This is what is meant by Self-Realization in Harmony with Nature. There is no disease known as addiction when one's life is in harmony with nature. There are two main principles in the Taoist medical worldview. First, is the theory of correspondences. This theory of correspondences is the foundational to Taoism's value-neutral world-view wherein humans are seen as working together with Heaven and Earth in correlative relationships to create harmonious societies. Second, is the principle of harmony and balance in the Universe. One creature can be in harmony with other creatures and learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings. Survival of the forest is vital to the survival of natural harmony, balance, morality, and environment. The vitality of the human body depends on the movement of Qi energy. According to the principles of Korean traditional medicine, all human problems stem from the mind. There is no madness, no illness, no tempting fate, and even no death outside of what stems from the mind. Within the human body, there are two principles behind energy systems: harmony and balance. When human beings achieve the state of homeostasis, they obtain Qi flows which are associated with the various organs. In doing so, they can always maintain a healthy state of life in accordance with the cosmic rhythm. Taoist philosophy contains advice that prevents addiction. Empty your mind of all thought. Let your heart be peaceful. Finally, all worries are washed away by the cosmic wave.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.320-332
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• 2024

The aims of this study were to compare the differences in hemodynamics between cigarette smoking and using heated tobacco products (HTPs) and to determine the acute effects of using HTPs on cardiac autonomic regulation. Another goal was to examine the acute cardiac autonomic responses when using different tobacco sticks in HTPs. Sixteen healthy male smokers completed an open-label, randomized, crossover trial consisting of non-smoking (NS), cigarette smoking, and the use of two different HTPs (IQOS with HEETS; lil SOLID with Fiit). Sub-trials, which included NS, lil SOLID with Fiit, and lil SOLID with HEET, were performed on eight smokers among the total subjects. Hemodynamic variables, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate variability were measured before, during, and 30 minutes after using each tobacco product. Using HTPs resulted in a significant increase in both SBP and DBP, comparable to smoking cigarettes. Cardiac sympathetic activity significantly increased, and cardiac vagal tone (CVT) significantly decreased after acute exposure to HTP aerosol, similar to the effects of cigarette smoke exposure. Furthermore, differences in the withdrawal of CVT were observed when using different tobacco sticks in the same HTPs. The findings of this study indicate that acute exposure to HTP aerosol increases the hemodynamic burden and disrupts cardiac autonomic balance, similar to exposure to cigarette smoke. Moreover, depending on the type of tobacco stick inserted into the HTP device, acute withdrawal of CVT may have been enhanced.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.291-297
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• 2023

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa and gastric ulcers are a break in the mucosa of the stomach lining. Past research on gastritis and gastric ulcers has been mainly conducted from the perspective that environmental factors are the primary cause of these gastric diseases. However, recently the importance of genetic factors has been emphasized due to current developments in genetic research. The SLC25A26 gene is believed to be associated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress promotes an inflammatory response, which increases the production of free radicals and causes cellular damage, and these lead to the development of gastric diseases. In this study, the correlation between SLC25A26 and gastric diseases was analyzed. Polymorphisms in SLC25A26 were analyzed in 1,369 domestic gastric disease patients and 7,471 healthy controls. As a result, 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (in the genotype) and 13 SNPs (in the imputation) showed statistical significance (P<0.05), and high relative risk of gastric diseases. Among them, the rs13874 allele of SLC25A26 showed a highly significant association with gastric diseases. In the genotype-based mRNA expression analysis, the minor allele (C) group showed increased mRNA expression and this could increase oxidative stress. In conclusion, SLC25A26 polymorphisms are associated with gastric diseases. These results may provide a basis for new guidelines for gastric disease management in the Korean population.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.3
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• pp.333-344
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• 2024

Objective : Markers of neuroinflammation during ischemic stroke are well characterized, but additional markers of neural damage are lacking. The study identified associations of behavioral disorders after stroke with histologic neural damage and molecular biological change. Methods : Eight-week-old, 25 g male mice of the C57BL/6J strain were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to induce ischemic stroke. The control group was a healthy wild type (WT), and the experimental group were designed as a low severity MCAO1 and a high severity MCAO2 based on post-stroke neurological scoring. All groups underwent behavioral tests, realtime polymerase chain reaction, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze statistical significance between groups. Results : In TTC staining, MCAO1 showed 29.02% and MCAO2 showed 38.94% infarct volume (p<0.0001). The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (WT 0.44 vs. MCAO1 2.69 vs. MCAO2 5.02, p<0.0001). From the distance to target in the Barnes maze test, WT had a distance of 178 cm, MCAO1 had a distance of 276 cm, and MCAO2 had a distance of 1051 (p=0.0015). The latency to target was 13.3 seconds for WT, 27.9 seconds for MCAO1, and 87.9 seconds for MCAO2 (p=0.0007). Prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (p=0.0004). Doublecortin (Dcx) was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (p<0.0001). Conclusion : The study demonstrated that histological damage to neural cells and changes in brain mRNA expression were associated with behavioral impairment after ischemic stroke. Prox1 and Dcx may be biomarkers of neural damage associated with long-term cognitive decline, and increased expression at the mRNA level was consistent with neural damage and long-term cognitive dysfunction.

• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.231-237
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• 2024

The rapid aging of the global population poses significant challenges to public health systems, as it often correlates with various physical, cognitive, and social declines among the elderly. Traditional approaches to promoting healthy aging emphasize the importance of physical activity, mental engagement, and social connectivity. However, factors such as mobility issues and resource constraints can limit the accessibility and effectiveness of these approaches. Digital fitness technologies, including wearable devices, mobile applications, virtual reality platforms, and AI-based feedback systems, present innovative solutions with the potential to enhance the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of older adults. This study analyzes the latest trends in digital fitness technologies and proposes strategies for effective utilization in promoting well-aging. Specifically, it addresses the need for improved technology accessibility through affordable devices and user-friendly interfaces, the development of personalized fitness programs, strategies to enhance ongoing participation such as social interaction and gamification, and solutions for data protection and ethical issues. Effective implementation of these strategies is expected to significantly improve the health and well-being of older adults. Future research and policy development should incorporate these elements to maximize the impact of digital fitness technologies and enhance the overall quality of life for the elderly.

• 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.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.29
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• pp.129-149
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clustering and Big Five Personality domains in discriminating groups by level of school-related adjustment, as experienced by Social Sims game users. Social Games are based on web that has simple rules to play in fictional time and space background. This paper is to analyze the relationships between social networks and user behaviors through the social games . In general, characteristics of social games are simple, fun and easy to play, popular to the public, and based on personal connections in reality. These features of social games make themselves different from video games with one player or MMORPG with many unspecific players. Especially Social Game show a noticeable characteristic related to social learning. The object of this research is to provide a possibility that game that its social perspective can be strengthened in social game environment and analyze whether it actually influences on problem solving of real life problems, therefore suggesting its direction of alternative play means and positive simulation game. Data was collected by administering 4 questionnaires (the short version of BFI, Satisfaction with life, Career Decision-.Making Self-.Efficacy, Depression) to the participants who were 20 people in Seoul and Daejeon. For the purposes of the data analysis, both Stepwise Discriminant analysis and Cluster analysis was employed. Neuroticism, Openness, Conscientiousness within the Big Five Personality domains were seen to be significant variables when it came to discriminating the groups. These findings indicated that the short version of the BFI may be useful in understanding for game user behaviors When it comes to cultural research, digital game takes up a significant role. We can see that from the fact that game, which has only been considered as a leisure activity or commercial means, is being actively research for its methodological, social role and function. Among digital game's several meanings, one of the most noticeable ones is the research on its critical, social participating function. According to Jame Paul gee, the most important merit of game is 'projected identity'. This means that experiences from various perspectives is possible.[1] In his recent autobiography , he described gamer as an active problem solver. In addition, Gonzalo Francesca also suggested an alternative game developing method through 'game that conveys critical messages by strengthening critical reasons'. [2] They all provided evidences showing game can be a strong academic tool. Not only does a genre called social game exist in the field of media and Social Network Game, but there are also some efforts to positively evaluate its value Through these kinds of researches, we can study how game can give positive influence along with the change in its general perception, which would eventually lead to spreading healthy game culture and enabling fresh life experience. This would better bring out the educative side of the game and become a social communicative tool. The object of this game is to provide a possibility that the social aspect can be strengthened within the game environment and analyze whether it actually influences the problem solving of real life problems. Therefore suggesting it's direction of alternative play means positive game simulation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.131-139
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to obtain information related to life style characteristics, school achievement and snacking behaviors among underweight and overweight adolescents in Ulsan area. The survey was carried out by self-questionnaires with 464 adolescents (333 underweight and 131 overweight). The results were as follows: Average BMI of the subjects was $19.81{\pm}3.10\;kg/m^2$ which was normal range, but average BMI of underweight and overweight were $16.90{\pm}1.19\;kg/m^2$ and $25.38{\pm}2.16\;kg/m^2$ respectively. The 49.5% of underweight and 94.7% of overweight students have correct perception about their body image. In the sleeping time, 58.9% of underweight and 66.4% of overweight students go to bed after PM 12 o'clock. In the regularity of eating breakfast, 68.5% of underweight and 67.9% of overweight students skipping breakfast at least 5 times per week. 32.6% of the subjects had snack once or more a day. Underweight students had more frequently ate snack than overweight students. The criteria of choosing snack were taste (77.4%), nutrition (9.3%), and price (6.3%). Food as snack they frequently had fruits, milk & milk products, cookies in order. Underweight students had more dodkboki & sundae, candy & chocolate and cake & bread than overweight students, although overweight students had more milk & yogurt than underweight students. The group who had a higher school record, they significantly had more fruits, milk & milk products (p < 0.01) and had not less nutritious foods (p < 0.001). This study may provide basic information on weight status, sleeping and snacking behaviors of adolescents. Therefore they should have nutrition education program to improve their life style and snacking patterns for underweight and overweight adolescents toward healthy weight.