• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.309-319
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of watching a virtual reality (VR) forest video on stress reduction in adults. Experiments were performed in an artificial climate chamber where temperature, humidity and illumination were controlled. To cause stress in subjects, the subjects were asked to multiply two digit numbers by one digit numbers for two minutes. The subjects then watched a VR forest video for five minutes. During the experiment, the heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) of subjects were continuously measured for evaluating their physiological state. After measuring the baseline and watching a VR forest video, their psychological state was evaluated using the profile of mood state (POMS), semantic differential (SD) method, and positive affect and negative affect schedule (PANAS). The results of physiological evaluation after watching a VR forest video showed a decrease in the stress index and HR, an increase in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, and the standard deviation of normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN). The results of psychological assessment confirmed that watching a VR forest video induced "comfort", "natural", and "soothed" feelings in subjects. In addition, watching a VR forest video decreased "tension-anxiety (T-A)", "depression-dejection (D)", "anger-hostility (A-H)", "fatigue (F)", "total mood disturbance (TMD)", and increased "vigor (V)" compared to the base line, and decreased "negative affect" and increased "positive affect." These results indicate that watching a VR forest video decreases adults' stress index, stabilizes physiological state, and has a positive impact on psychological state. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for providing forest welfare services to people in the blind spots of forest welfare, and can lay a foundation for the adoption of VR, one of the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution in forestry.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.128-137
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to characterize the symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and associated factors following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 394 participants previously infected with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Participants self-reported health-related QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Results: Among the participants, 76.4% reported experiencing at least one symptom following COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue (42.1%), cognitive dysfunction (42.9%), and hair loss (27.9%). According to the DASS-21 results, the proportions of depression, anxiety, and stress were 28.7%, 26.4%, and 20.6%, respectively. The mean scores on the EQ-5D-5L and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were 0.94±0.11 and 84.20±13.11, respectively. Regarding QoL issues, the highest proportion of participants (32.7%) reported experiencing anxiety or depression, followed by pain or discomfort (25.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with the presence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection included female (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.91) and having QoL issues (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.19). Conclusions: The study investigated the prevalence rates of various symptoms following COVID-19 infection. These findings underscore the need to prioritize comprehensive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and to implement strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of the disease on mental health and QoL.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.89-97
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to develop the guideline of the physicochemical and mechanical properties evaluation for silicone gel filled breast implants. First of all, the use and development status for silicone gel filled breast implants were investigated, and then, standard and criteria about performance evaluation established by the international organizations such as ASTM, FDA guidance and ISO were examined. To evaluate the mechanical properties, data research and testing for breaking strength, elongation, tensile set, joint intensity, silicone gel cohesion, weight loss from heating, static rupture resistance, impact resistance test, fatigue test, and gel bleed were performed. On the other hand, to evaluate the physicochemical properties, volatile matter, extent of cross linking, heavy metals, and extractable were analyzed. In this study, results for general function, mechanical properties and physicochemical properties were examined and reviewed for the accordance with international standard, and objective and standardized guideline was provided.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.99-114
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to introduce the Chuna Manual Therapy (CMT) using Bong (a type of stick which is called 'bong') as a part of Oriental Medicine. Methods : We searched several traditional methods of CMT using Bong, either individual contact to specialist of CMT using Bong or referred to publications, and summarized briefly for introduction. Authors also made a comparative study between existing CMT and CMT using the bong. Results & Conclusions : The indications of Bong CMT are regarded as acute or chronic pain syndrome, whiplash associated disorders, facet syndrome, vertebral misalignment, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity and also lower extremity length difference caused by malalignment of vertebrae and pelvic bone. The Meridian Muscle Therapy by pressing down using the Bong can be carried out on the imbalances of the muscle by shortening and lengthening contraction. CMT with Bong is considered more effective than other existing CMT in terms of effectiveness. In the case of pelvic correction which needs a tremendous amount of force, it can reduce the force required effectively. This fact can be inferred by the theory of composition and decomposition of force during the transmission of power. We can perform Bong CMT feeling less fatigued subsequently than general CMT. Pressing down with flexed fingers to grip bong acts on the contraction of flexor digiti and extensor digiti muscle, this protects the $doctor^{\circ}{\emptyset}s$ wrist joints from injury. The bong which acts as a tool between the doctor and the patient, while being given treatment, absorbs and spreads out the direct impact from the patient to the doctor. CMT with Bong is able to apply to both existing massage therapies with the hand. The bong appliance can be used in all applications, particularly, but not limited to; Orthopedic and Manual Correction Therapy, Meridian Muscle Pressing, Exercise Therapy, and Meridian Point Manual Pressing Therapy. CMT with Bong belongs to the category of oriental rehabilitation and Chuna manual medicine.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.448-460
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• 1994

This study was conducted to investigate risk factors for senile dementia as well as care givers' stresses and thier needs for nursing care. It was done using a retrospective survey. A convenience sample or In senile dementia patients and l20 nor-mal elders in a rural area was used. The tools used in the study were the MMSE-K(Mini-Mental State Examination-Korea) for dementia screening test and a questionaire developed by the research team. Data were collected through home visits by Com-munity Health Practitioners. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-test, and Chi-square test. The findings are as follows : 1. There were significant differences in age, marital status, and religions between the two groups. 2. There was a significant difference in smoling behavior between the two groups. 3. There was a significant difference in past his-tory of cancer between groups. 4. There was a significant difference in past and present elderftmily relationship between the two groups. 5. There were significant differences in intellectual activities, assuming major role in family and seeking other's help in daily life troubles between the two groups. 6. There were significant differences in stress factors such as child problem, family conflict, health problem and illegal behavior between the two groups. 7. The major problems out by families in caring for dementia patient were catastrophic reactions, dirtiness, mood change, devouring and tremor. The most serious problems faced by families was dirtiness. with catastrophic reactions, sleep distrubance, changeableness, and a suspcio-usness following. The care givers expressed chronic fatigue, anxiety, tension, depression, disorder in daily life, shamefulness, blame from neighbours and guiltiness. 8. There is need for geriatric hospitals, nursing homes, burden sharing, and counselling or education for family care givers. A replicate study in the urban area is recommended to validate the findings of this study. To explore the impact of stress in life and ‘han’ on senile dementia, a qualitative study is recommended.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2016

The fifth wheel coupler is a heavy automotive coupling structure which connects a tractor and a trailer used for heavy-duty trucks widely. It is subjected to various loads simultaneously such as rolling, pitching and yawing loads as well as coupling frictional and impact loadings. Most of existing couplers have been overdesigned and, therefore, it is necessary to reduce the dead weight to increase the fuel efficiency. The topology optimization was applied in order to find conceptual layout designs which could show major load paths and ribs locations, and then the size structural optimization was performed in order to determine the heights and thicknesses of coupler ribs with the predetermined various loading conditions for the development of a new slim coupler with a minimum weight and high enough strength and stiffness. As the results of the topology optimum design, an efficient new coupling structure for truck trailers was designed. The weight of the new fifth wheel coupler was reduced by 4.9 %, compared with the existing one, even though all strength requirements were satisfied. The fatigue test of the new coupler was performed with cyclic vertical loads (+78.4 to +235.2 kN) and horizontal loads (-91.2 to +91.2 kN) simultaneously at 1 Hz and the life of 2,000,000 cycles were achieved without failure.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.155-161
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• 2024

Purpose : Wearing high-heeled shoes leads to foot and ankle instability, which requires leg muscles to remain in constant contraction. In order to adapt to the instability of the feet and ankles caused by wearing high heels, the muscles of the legs continuously repeat contraction and relaxation. Previous studies of the impact of stair climbing in high-heeled shoes have involved placing the entire stepping area of the shoe on the stair. However, high-heeled shoe wearers sometimes unconsciously contact the stair using only half of the stepping area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine differences in leg and ankle muscle activation according to stepping area during stair climbing in high-heeled shoes. Methods : Twenty young women in their early 20s voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. We used surface electromyography to measure gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior activation in the right leg during stair climbing under three conditions: barefoot, using half of high-heeled shoe stepping area, and using the total of high-heeled shoe stepping area. Barefoot, half of high heeled shoe, and total of high-heeled shoe were used to evaluate the effects of different areas of the foot or high heels touching the stairs. Results : Both muscles showed significant activity differences among the three stair climbing conditions. Gastrocnemius activity was significantly different between the high-heeled shoe conditions (p= .032), and tibialis anterior activity was significantly different between barefoot stair climbing and climbing with half of the high-heeled shoe stepping area (p= .021). Conclusion : The stepping area increased as heel size increased, thus increasing excessive gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior activity to control excessive ankle joint movement. We infer that using half of the high-heeled shoe stepping area prevents muscle fatigue by reducing excessive leg and ankle muscle activation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.171-176
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• 2016

Background: Much has been done to examine the psychological impact of cancer treatment, but it remains unclear to what extent anxiety and depression is related to symptom prevalence. The present study concerned the characteristics and frequency of distress as related to symptom prevalence in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Participants were 303 consecutive adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in an academic medical center. The short form Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS-SF), which covers three domains of symptoms (global distress, physical- and psychological symptoms) was used to cross-sectionally measure symptom frequency and associated distress via self-reporting. One-way ANOVA and t-tests were used to test mean differences among MSAS-SF subscale scores. Results: Complete data were available for 303 patients. The mean number of symptoms was 14.5. The five most prevalent were fatigue, dry mouth, hair loss, drowsiness and lack of appetite. Overall, symptom burden and frequency were higher than in other published MSAS-SF studies. Higher symptom frequency was also found to be significantly related to greater distress in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Conclusions: Patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from multiple physical and psychological symptoms. Better symptom control or palliative care is needed. Greater frequency of reported symptoms may also indicate a subconscious bid by patients for care and reassurance - thus tailored intervention to manage distress should be offered.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.148-156
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• 2013

Since the demand for new military vehicle to fulfill the necessary conditions such as multi-purpose, high-mobility, and survivability has raised continuously from the army, the prototype of a Korean light tactical vehicle was developed to meet these requirements using our own technology. In particular, the new tactical vehicle was equipped with a double wishbone independent suspension to improve ride and handling and maximize off-road driving performance. In this paper, a comprehensive virtual durability process to evaluate the service life of the prototype is presented. A reliability of the trimmed body model based on CATIA data was verified by comparison result between mode analysis and modal test. The dynamic model was constructed using ADAMS/Car, and then the weight distribution and lateral slope driving performance of it were compared with the results of static weight and lateral slope tests. The validity of the VTL(Virtual Test Lab) was checked with test results from the 3-inch spaced impact road. The durability performances of trimmed body and suspension components were evaluated through MSM(Modal Superposition Method) fatigue analysis. It is shown that the virtual durability process could be a helpful tool to find out the weak areas and improve their structures in developing new military vehicle.

• Transactions of Materials Processing
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2016

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are well known for improved fatigue strength, better impact resistance, superior damage tolerance and slow crack growth rate compared to traditional metallic materials. However, defects and loss of strength of a composite material can occur due to the vertical load from the punch during the joining with a dissimilar material using a conventional clinching method. In the current study, tapered-hole clinching was an alternative process used to join Al 5052 and FMLs. The tapered hole was formed in the FML before the joining. For the better understanding of static and dynamic characteristics, a clinched joining followed by a tensile-shear test was numerically simulated using the finite element analysis. The design parameters were also evaluated for the geometry of the tapered hole by the Taguchi method in order to improve and compare the lateral joining strength of the clinched joint. The influence of the neck thickness and the undercut were evaluated and the contribution of each design parameter was determined. Then, actual experiments for the joining and tensile-shear test were conducted to verify the results of the numerical simulations. In conclusion, the appropriate combination of the design parameters can improve the joining strength and the cross-sections of the tapered-hole clinched joint formed in the actual experiments were in good agreement with the results of the numerical simulations.