• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.248-256
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• 2018

Due to increased number of women workers in Indonesia in the last decade, numbers of women living as a worker and a housewife have increased. This also increases the potential risk of breastfeeding discontinuation. Three months of maternal leave policy and inadequate lactation promotion support in workplace have been identified as factors that hinder lactating practices. The World Health Organization recommendation of 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding and joined regulation of three Indonesia ministers (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Women Empower) have failed to improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate among female workers in Indonesia due to the lack of a standardized guideline on lactation promotion at workplace. In addition, very limited or no studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of workplace-based lactation intervention programs on exclusive breastfeeding rate among female workers. This is because the relationship of lactation with working performance and productivity could not motivate employer to invest in workplace-based lactation promotion facility or program.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.8
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• 2024

This article is a narrative review that discusses the recommended sample size requirements to design a pilot study to assess the reliability of a questionnaire. A list of various sample size tables that are based on the kappa agreement test, intra-class correlation test and Cronbach's alpha test has been compiled together. For all calculations, type I error (alpha) was set at a maximum value of 0.05, and power was set at a minimum value of 80.0%. For the kappa agreement test, intra-class correlation test, and Cronbach's alpha test, the recommended minimum sample size requirement based on the ideal effect sizes shall be at least 15, 22, and 24 subjects respectively. By making allowances for a non-response rate of 20.0%, a minimum sample size of 30 respondents will be sufficient to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. The clear guideline of minimum sample size requirement for the pilot study to assess the reliability of a questionnaire is discussed and this will ease researchers in preparation for the pilot study. This study provides justification for a minimum requirement of a sample size of 30 respondents specifically to test the reliability of a questionnaire.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.240-248
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• 2005

To implement a globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS) in Korea, an interminsterial GHS working group involving 6 ministries established an expert working group composed of 7 experts from relevant organizations and one private consultant to prepare an officialKorean GHS version by March, 2005. As such, the translation and review of the official Korean GHS version, including annexes, started in October, 2004 and was completed on March 15, 2005. The official Korean GHS version has now been posted on the websites of the relevant ministries and organizations to solicit public opinions. The official Korean GHS version will be finalized after a public hearing scheduled forMay, 2005. Collaborative efforts as regards implementing and disseminating the GHS in Korea will be continued to avoid any confusion or duplication and for effective use of resources. The globally harmonized system of classifying and labeling chemicals (GHS) was originally adopted in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), as subsequently reflected in Agenda 21 chapter 19. The work was coordinated and managed under the auspices of the Interorganization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals(IOMC) Coordinating Group for the Harmonization of Chemical Classification Systems (UNCEGHS). The technical focal points for completing the work were the International Labour Organization (ILO); Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); and United Nations Economic and Social Council's Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNSCETDG). The work was finalized in October 2002, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg on 4 September 2002 encouraged countries to implement the new GHS as soon as possible with a view to having the system fully operational by 2008 (UN, 2003). Implementation has already started with pilot countries introducing the system to their national practices in different regions of the world. The GHS text, called the purple book, becameavailable as a W publication in early 2003. The GHS text, called the purple book, becameavailable as a UN publication in early 2003. The GHS system will be kept dynamic, and regularly revised and made more efficient as experience is gained in its implementation. While national or regional governments are the primary audiences for this document, it also contains sufficient context and guidance for those in industry who will ultimately be implementing the national requirements that will be introduced (UN, 2003). The Japanese government published their official Japanese GHS version, the first in Asia, in April 2004 after starting work in January 2003 based on an interministerial chemical coordination committee involving 7 ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, and Ministry of Environment (MOE, 2004). Accordingly, similar to the Japanese GHS efforts, this paper presents the interministerial efforts involved in publishing the official Korean GHS version.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.703-710
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• 2012

Purpose : The aim of this study is to review the current status of healthcare provision and its human resources administrative management and propose a coordinated human resource management plan for the more efficient operations of healthcare organizations. Methods : We reviewed the literature and held discussions with officials from the United States Department of Health and Human Services to survey United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps operations. In addition, we surveyed the literature to analyze the current structure and responsibilities of governing bodies involved in public healthcare in Korea. Results : In Korea, there are several administrative offices involved in public health: the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Defense, the Environment Ministry and others. Since these diverse agencies don't integrate their operations, it is difficult to grasp their management of both public healthcare services and their personnel. A potential model is the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a sub-group of the Department of Health and Human Services and an elite team of highly qualified, public health professionals, which coordinates and manages the overall work and personnel of diverse healthcare organizations. Conclusion : We suggest the establishment of a federal level, public health administrative department of human resource management to centralize and coordinate the existing, disparate healthcare administrative agencies.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1125-1130
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• 2012

Objective: The objective of present study is to investigate the determinants of smoking behaviour among adults in Malaysia. Method: Findings of the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-3) by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, were used. The sample consisted of 34,539 observations. A logistic regression model was thus applied to estimate the probability to participate in smoking. Results: Age, income, gender, marital status, ethnicity, employment status, residential area, education, lifestyle and health status were statistically significant in affecting the likelihood of smoking. Specifically, youngsters, low income earners, males, unmarried individuals, Malays, employed individuals, rural residents and primary educated individuals were more likely to smoke. Conclusion: In conclusion, socio-demographic, lifestyle and health factors have significant impacts on smoking participation in Malaysia. Based on these empirical findings, several policy implications are suggested.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 2023

Background: Breaking the chain of disease transmission from overseas is necessary to control new infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 effectively. In this study, we developed a mobile app called Self-Symptom Checker (SSC) to monitor the health of inbound travelers. Methods: SSC was developed for general users and administrators. The functions of SSC include non-repudiation using QR (quick response) codes, monitoring fever and respiratory symptoms, and requiring persons showing symptoms to undergo polymerase chain reaction tests at nearby screening stations following a review of reported symptoms by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as well as making phone calls, via artificial intelligence or public health personnel, to individuals who have not entered symptoms to provide the necessary information. Results: From February 12 to March 27, 2020, 165,000 people who were subjected to the special entry procedure installed SSC. The expected number of public health officers and related resources needed per day would be 800 if only the phone was used to perform symptom monitoring during the above period. Conclusion: By applying SSC, more effective symptom monitoring was possible. The daily average number of health officers decreased to 100, or 13% of the initial estimate. SSC reduces the work burden on public healthcare personnel. SSC is an electronic solution conceived in response to health questionnaires completed by inbound travelers specified in the World Health Organization International Health Regulations as a requirement in the event of a pandemic.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 2015

Nanotechnology has advanced at an extremely rapid pace over the past several years in numerous fields of research. However, the uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) into the body after administration through various routes may pose a risk to human health. In this study, we investigated the potential ocular toxicity of 20-nm, negatively- charged zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs in rats using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histopathological assessment. Animals were divided into four groups as control group, ZnO NPs treatment group (500 mg/kg/day), control recovery group, and ZnO NPs treatment and recovery group. Ocular samples were prepared from animals treated for 90 days (10 males and 10 females, respectively) and from recovery animals (5 males and 5 females, respectively) sacrificed at 14 days after final treatment and were compared to age-matched control animals. Micro-CT analyses represented the deposition and distribution of foreign materials in the eyes of rats treated with ZnO NPs, whereas control animals showed no such findings. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and energy dispersive spectrometry showed the intraocular foreign materials as zinc in treated rats, whereas control animals showed no zinc signal. Histopathological examination revealed the retinopathy in the eyes of rats treated with ZnO NPs. Neuronal nuclei expression was decreased in neurons of the ganglion cell layer of animals treated with ZnO NPs compared to the control group. Taken together, treatment with 20-nm, negatively-charged ZnO NPs increased retinopathy, associated with local distribution of them in ocular lesions.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.134-141
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• 2019

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the characteristics of health masks and to suggest the proper selection and use of protecting the respiratory system from particulate matters. Methods: The National Standard of masks promulgated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) were reviewed. The raw data of certified health masks were obtained from the MFDS database. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Overall, 543 masks were certified by MFDS as of March 2019. Numbers of certified masks as KF80 (Korea Filter), KF94 and KF99 were 257 (47.3%), 281 (51.8%), and 5 (0.9%), respectively. Names of health masks, which were yellow sand, communicable diseases, health or its combination, were diverse that made customers be confused in selection. Health masks were also classified by particulate size, however, detailed information was not available. Conclusions: We investigated the status of health mask certification in Korea. Appropriate information on KF grade of health masks is required for customers to use them properly. MFDS should update the certification system of health masks periodically.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1500-1508
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• 2013

Ebosin, a novel exopolysaccharide produced by Streptomyces sp. 139, has obvious antirheumatic arthritis activity in vivo, and its biosynthesis gene cluster (ste), consisting of 27 open reading frames, has been identified. This paper reports our study of the gene functionality of ste8, the predicted protein product of which is homologous to some bacterial chain length determinant Wzz proteins. For characterization of Ste8, ste8 was cloned and expressed in the mutant strain E. coli 086:H2 (${\Delta}wzz$). The functional complementation of wzz by ste8 was demonstrated by the restoration of wild-type lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and increased levels of serum resistance of E. coli 086:H2 (${\Delta}wzz$) (pET30a-ste8). To examine the function of ste8 in ebosin biosynthesis, the gene was knocked out with a double crossover via homologous recombination. The molecular weight of the ebosin derivative EPS-8m produced by the mutant Streptomyces sp. 139 ($ste8^-$) was much lower than that of ebosin, and the binding activity of EPS-8m for IL-1R decreased significantly compared with ebosin. These results demonstrate that ste8 encodes a chain length determinant (Wzz) that functions in ebosin biosynthesis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6327-6332
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• 2012

Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor occurring in human esophageal epithelial tissue. The primary purpose of this paper was to define the effects of ${\beta}$-carotene and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$, alone and in combination, on cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of human esophageal cancer EC9706 cells. Treatment with different concentrations of ${\beta}$-carotene and/or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$. MTT assay showed that ${\beta}$-carotene and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ significantly inhibited proliferation of EC9706 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Further studies also demonstrated that ${\beta}$-carotene alone or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ alone caused a marked increase on the induction of apoptosis in EC9706 cells. The percentage of G0/G1-phase cells significantly increased on addition of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ alone, but there were no significant changes with ${\beta}$-carotene alone. These two agents in combination synergistically inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis. Therefore, our results indicate that ${\beta}$-carotene and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ in combination may provide a novel strategy for preventing and treating esophageal cancer.