• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.397-405
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• 2023

Although glutathione (GSH) has been shown to play an important role in the prevention of oxidative damage as an antioxidant, studies on immune regulation by it have not been properly conducted. In this study, we investigated whether luthione^®, a reduced GSH, has an immune enhancing effect in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The results of flow cytometry and immunofluorescence experiments indicated that luthione increased phagocytic activity, a representative function of macrophages, compared to the control cells. According to the results of the cytokine array, the expression of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-1β, and IL-27 was significantly increased in the luthione-treated cells. Luthione also enhanced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β through increased expression of their proteins, and increased release of the immune mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ was associated with increased expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, the expression of cluster of differentiation 86, an M1 macrophage marker, was dramatically enhanced in RAW 264.7 cells treated with luthione. Furthermore, as a result of heat map analysis, we found that cytokine signaling 1/3-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription/Janus tyrosine kinase signaling pathway was involved in the immunomodulatory effect by luthione. In conclusion, our data suggested that luthione could act as a molecular regulator in M1 macrophage polarization and enhance immune capacity by promoting macrophage phagocytic function.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.79-88
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• 2023

Objective : This study was to apply a cognitive rehabilitation group program based on sensory activity in patients with dementia living in a facility and to check its effectiveness on cognitive function, depression, and quality of life (QOL). Methods : Sensory-based cognitive rehabilitation group programs (20 sessions) were conducted for eight elderly with dementia over the age of 65 living in a nursing facility located in H-gun, Gangwon-do. The participants' cognitive function, depression level, and QOL were evaluated before and after the program. Results : The mean of Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening increased; however, there was no statistically significant difference. In contrast, the mean post-test score of the Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire decreased, and there was a statistically significant difference (p < .05). The mean post-evaluation score of Short Geriatric Depression Scale measured to confirm the decrease in depression compared to the pre-evaluation score, but there was no statistically significant difference. Finally, the mean post-evaluation score of the World Health Organization QOL assessment instrument-Brief confirmed the change in the QOL, and there was a statistically significant difference (p < .001). Conclusion : This study will provide the basis for suggesting the usefulness of developing a sensory activity-based cognitive rehabilitation group program for dementia patients living in facilities.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.272-281
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• 2023

Chigger mites are the vector of scrub typhus. This study estimates the infestation status and ecological characteristics of chiggers on the chestnut white-bellied rat Niviventer fulvescens in Southwest China between 2001 and 2019. Chiggers were identified under the microscope, and infestation indices were calculated. The Preston's log-normal model was used to fit the curve of species abundance distribution. A total of 6,557 chiggers were collected in 136 of 342 N. fulvescens rats, showing high overall infestation indices (prevalence=39.8%, mean abundance=19.2, mean intensity=48.2) and high species diversity (S=100, H'=3.0). Leptotrombidium cangjiangense, Neotrombicula japonica, and Ascoschoengastia sifanga were the three dominant chigger species (constituent ratio=42.9%; 2,736/6,384) and exhibited an aggregated distribution among different rat individuals. We identified 100 chigger species, with 3 of them (Leptotrombidium scutellare, Leptotrombidium wenense, and Leptotrombidium deliense) as the main vectors of scrub typhus in China and nine species as potential vectors of this disease. Disease vector occurrence on N. fulvescens may increase the risk of spreading scrub typhus from rats to humans. Chigger infestation on N. fulvescens varied significantly in different environments. The species abundance distribution showed a log-normal distribution pattern. The estimated number of chigger species on N. fulvescens was 126 species.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.177-188
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a scale for measuring digital literacy by identifying the factors consisting of digital literacy and extracting items for each factor. Preliminary items for the Delphi study were developed through the analysis of previous literature and the deliberation of the research team. As a result of two rounds of the expert Delphi study, 65 items were selected for the main survey. The validation of the items was carried out in the process of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability test, and criterion validity test using the data collected in the main survey. As a result, a 4-factor structure composed of 31 questions(factor 1: digital technology & data literacy- 9 questions, factor 2: digital content & media literacy- 8 questions, factor 3: digital communication & community literacy- 9 questions, factor 4: digital wellness literacy - 5 questions) was confirmed. Also, the goodness of fit indices of the model were found to be good and the result of reliability test revealed the scale had a very appropriate level of Cronbach's alpha(α=.956). In addition, a statistically significantly positive correlations(p<.001) were found between digital literacy and internet self-efficacy and between digital literacy and self-directed learning ability, which were predicted in the existing evidence, therefore the criterion validity of the developed scale was secured. Finally, practical and academic implications of the study are provided and future study and limitations of the study are discussed.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 2023

Background: There is a need for index research on music therapy activities for the elderly in Korea. Purposes: This study aims to suggest application standards in music therapy by surveying the elderly's preference for music therapy activities. Methods: A survey of music-related actions and musical instrument preferences was conducted with 91 older people in 4 nursing homes. The questionnaire consisted of information about music activities, genres of songs, types of instruments, methods of movement, and purpose of participation in activities. Results: The preference for musical activities was for playing musical instruments, followed by singing, music appreciation, flowing movements, and concert-oriented activities. Music genres appeared in the order of popular songs, folk songs, and children's songs. The instrument type preferred drums, followed by shakers and woodblocks. As a movement application method, movement using themes is preferred. Participating in music activities was leisure, followed by stress relief and emotional cultivation. Conclusion: When applying music therapy to the elderly, it predicted that the treatment effect would be high when the elderly focus on playing musical instruments and singing activities preferred by the elderly. Music genres selected from popular music and folk songs, and musical instruments are drums and shakers. Therefore, if you use it, you can expect a more significant effect.

• Knowledge Management Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.113-132
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• 2022

The development of information and communication technologies (ICT) and changes in medical services centering on daily life have ushered in an era of self-management through the smartphone health management app (mHealth). This study identified the factors affecting mHealth use among older adults with diabetes. A structured survey was conducted using online and offline channels for 252 older adults who were over 65 and had diabetes. The collected data were subjected to hierarchical multiple regression analyses, and subjective health status, e-health literacy, and interaction terms of social support were inputted to verify moderating effect. The main results of this study are as follows. First, mHealth use among older adults with diabetes was higher in the male, type 2 diabetes, and younger age groups. Second, the higher was the e-health literacy, the higher was the mHealth use. Third, a negative moderating effect of social support was found in the relationship between subjective health status and mHealth use. We expect this study to provide researchers and managers interested in mHealth and older adults with diabetes, with valuable theoretical and practical implications. Furthermore, this study contributes to improving mHealth use among older adults with diabetes and building a digitally inclusive society.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.499-505
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• 2022

This study aims to provide basic data for the development of educational programs for effective gender equality education in elementary schools by confirming the consciousness of gender equality in the 5th and 6th graders of elementary school. In this study, 5th and 6th graders attending three elementary schools located in G and A cities explained the research and collected data using questionnaires from 190 people who wished to participate in the research. Frequency analysis and percentage were used for general characteristics of subjects, and t-test and ANOVA were used for differences in gender equality awareness according to subjects' sex, grade, and number of siblings. Consciousness of gender equality showed an average of 3.47 points out of 4, with an average of 3.51 points in the social and cultural life area, 3.49 points in the home life area, 3.47 points in the school life area, and 3.38 points in the vocation life area. Various activities should be conducted to raise students' consciousness of gender equality, and families, schools, and society should jointly strive to create a gender-equal cultural climate. Future study is needed to identify the factors affecting the gender equality awareness of elementary school students.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.204-213
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• 2022

Background: The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant increased the level of anxiety related to the radioactive contamination of various foods sourced in Japan. Particularly, after the accident, the detection of artificial radionuclides in locally produced foods raised food safety concerns. In this study, the radioactivity concentrations and annual ingestions of ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs in food products commonly and frequently consumed by the general public were investigated, and the annual effective dose of each was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The 2016-2018 data from the Radiation Safety Management Report released by the Korea Nuclear Safety Technology Center was referenced for the evaluation of the amounts of ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs contained in food. Using the food-ingestion survey mentioned above as a reference, we selected 62 foods to include in our radioactivity concentration and dose assessment. We also developed a questionnaire and evaluated the responses from the subjects who answered the questionnaire. Results and Discussion: The radioactivity concentration of ¹³⁷Cs was found to be close to or below the level of minimum detectable activity. Additionally, the annual ingestion of 62 foods was 294.77 kg/yr, the effective doses from ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs were 136.4 and 0.163 μSv/yr, respectively. Conclusion: Thus, the findings confirmed that the effective dose from ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs in food tends to be lower than the effective dose limit of 1 mSv/yr suggested by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 60. The questionnaire developed in this study is expected to be useful for estimating the annual effective dose status of Korean adults who consume foods containing ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.127-138
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• 2019

This study was a secondary data analysis using statistics from the 13th (2017) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) to investigate the relationship between health behaviors and physical activity among Korean adolescents. A total of 62,276 adolescents in middle and high schools enrolled in this study. Physical activity utilized moderate and vigorous physical activity variables. Health behaviors used smoking, drinking, eating, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration variables. Statistical analyses were performed applying complex sample analysis method. Chi-square tests were used to compare physical activity according to health behaviors. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between health behaviors and physical activity, adjusted for general characteristics. Current smoking and current drinking were associated with high levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity. Consuming fruits≥1 times/day, vegetables≥3 times/day, and sweet drinks≥3 times/week were associated with high levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity. Eating breakfast≥5 times/week was associated with high levels of moderate physical activity, but not with vigorous physical activity. Sedentary behavior≥2 hour/day was associated with low levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity. Sleep duration<7 hour/day was associated with high levels of moderate physical activity and low levels of vigorous physical activity. These findings suggest that since there is an interrelationship between health behaviors and physical activity among adolescents, intervention programs aiming at promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles should consider a multiple behavior approach rather than an individual behavior approach.

• 한국노년학
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.37-50
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• 2009

The purpose of the present study was to develop a community-based intensive health care program for the community dwelling elderly to strength their functional status and to verify the effect on their geriatric syndrome. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used for the study. A total of 69 frail elderly, who lived in the area within 20 minutes by car, were committed themselves to the day care center(Sangikjae), and had the ability of verbal communication were selected from G city in Kyunggi province. The participants completed a set of questionnaires to measure the sub-score of frailty, fall, urinary incontinence, malnutrition, and mild cognitive disorder domain, using the Otasha-Kensin through the physical examinations and interviews. After 4 weeks of intervention, the outcome was measured to evaluate the effects of the program, and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test and McNemar test. The results showed that the sub-score of frailty, fall, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition domain were statistically significantly decreased after intervention except those of urinary incontinence and mild cognitive disorder domain, implying that the risk of frailty, fall, and malnutrition was decreased. These findings indicated that community-based the intensive health care program is effective for relieving geriatric syndrome of the community dwelling elderly.