• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.219-226
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• 2021

Background: Proper detection and management of dental plaque are essential for individual oral health. We aimed to evaluate the maturation level of dental plaque using a two-tone disclosing agent and to compare it with the fluorescence of dental plaque on the quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) image to obtain primary data for the development of a new dental plaque scoring system. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects who consented to participate after understanding the purpose of the study were screened. The images of the anterior teeth were obtained using the QLF device. Subsequently, dental plaque was stained with a two-tone disclosing solution and a photograph was obtained with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. The staining scores were assigned as follows: 0 for no staining, 1 for pink staining, and 2 for blue staining. The marked points on the DSLR images were selected for RGB color analysis. The relationship between dental plaque maturation and the red/green (R/G) ratio was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation. Additionally, different red fluorescence values according to dental plaque accumulation were assessed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Scheffe's post-hoc test to identify statistically significant differences between the groups. Results: A comparison of the intensity of red fluorescence according to the maturation of the two-tone stained dental plaque confirmed that R/G ratio was higher in the QLF images with dental plaque maturation (p<0.001). Correlation analysis between the stained dental plaque and the red fluorescence intensity in the QLF image confirmed an excellent positive correlation (p<0.001). Conclusion: A new plaque scoring system can be developed based on the results of the present study. In addition, these study results may also help in dental plaque management in the clinical setting.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.81-94
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• 2022

Real estate and artworks were considered challenging investment targets for individual investors because of their relatively high average transaction price despite their long investment history. Recently, the so-called fractional investment, generally known as investing in a share of the ownership right for real-life assets, etc., and most investors perceive that they actually own a piece (fraction) of the ownership right through their investments, is gaining popularity. Founded in 2016, Musicow started the first service that allows users to invest in copyright fees related to music distribution. Using the LSTM algorithm, one of the deep learning algorithms, this research predict the price of right to participate in copyright fees traded in Musicow. In addition to variables related to claims such as transfer price, transaction volume of claims, and copyright fees, comprehensive indicators indicating the market conditions for music copyright fees participation, exchange rates reflecting economic conditions, KTB interest rates, and Korea Composite Stock Index were also used as variables. As a result, it was confirmed that the LSTM algorithm accurately predicts the transaction price even in the case of fractional investment which has a relatively low transaction volume.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.175-180
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• 2023

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a decrease in face-to-face classes worldwide, affecting the mental health of children and their parents. The global pandemic has increased children's overall use of electronic media. This study analyzed the effect of children's screen time on problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 186 parents from Suwon, South Korea, were recruited to participate in an online survey. The mean age of the children was 10.14 years old, and 44.1% were females. The questionnaire included questions on children's screen time, problematic behaviors, and parental stress. Children's behavioral problems were evaluated using the Behavior Problem Index, whereas the Parental Stress Scale was used to estimate parental stress. Results: The mean smartphone usage frequency of the children was 5.35 days per week, and the mean smartphone screen time was 3.52 hours per day. Smartphone screen time (Z=4.49, p<0.001) and usage frequency (Z=2.75, p=0.006) were significantly correlated with children's behavioral problem scores. The indirect effect of parental stress on this relationship was also statistically significant (p=0.049, p=0.045, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that children's smartphone screen time has affected problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, parental stress is related to the relationship between children's screen time and problematic behaviors.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.39-51
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of neck and shoulder self-stretching exercise using audiovisual media on neck pain, postural alignment, and joint position error in women with chronic neck pain. Methods: The subjects included 20 women that gave consent to participate in the study voluntarily. They performed the self-stretching exercises using audiovisual media was carried out 20 minutes 5 times a week during 3 weeks. Neck disability index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to measure the functional disability and pain, A pressure pain threshold was measured using an algometer, and a cervical range of motion (CROM) measurement tool was used to measure the range of motion and error of proprioceptive position sense of the cervical spine. To assess posture alignment, forward head angle (FHA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) were measured using image J software. Results: The neck pain intensity was statistically significantly within group (p<.05). Neck and shoulder functional disability were a statistically significant difference within group (p<.05). Splenius capitis and upper trapezius pressure pain threshold were statistically significant difference in within group (p<.05). The postural alignment was statistically significantly within group (p<.05). The cervical range of motion in neck extension, right and left lateral flexion were statistically significantly within group (p<.05). The joint position error in neck flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion decreased statistically significantly within group (p<.05). Conclusion: Self-stretching exercise using audiovisual media increased the mobility of the neck, decreased neck pain and joint position error, and improved posture alignment. As a result, there was a positive effect by applying the self-stretching exercise using audiovisual media to people with neck pain. Based on this, it is thought that it can be used as the basis for research related to home training programs for healthy self-management.

• Journal of Convergence Korean Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.5-20
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic feasibility using pulse parameters as a way to establish safe dose guidelines for Chunwangbosim-dan, and to provide a foundation for developing evidence-based guidelines for clinical use. Methods: Forty-one volunteers were recruited to participate in a study examining the changes in pulse wave characteristics following the ingestion of Chunwangbosim-dan, over a period of 2 weeks, and pulse wave measurements were taken before and after the administration. Pulse wave parameters were measured in this study using a 3-dimensional radial pulse tonometry device(DMP-Lifeplus). In addition, questionnaire, blood pressure, temperature, and body composition were also measured as secondary measures. Results: Fifteen minutes after administration of Chunwangbosim-dan, the non-adverse event group(non-AE) exhibited a statistically significant increase in several power and pressure-related parameters, including h1, h3, h4, h5, SA, PA and PW, while the adverse event group(AE) showed a trend of decreasing stroke volume and increasing Systemic Vascular Resistance Index(SVRI) and applied pressure. After 2 weeks of administration, non-adverse event group(non-AE) exhibited significant changes in standard deviation of pulse rate and HRV_LH ratio. Notably, there are significant differences between AE group and non-AE group in h4/h1, w/t, applied pressure, SV and pulse rate. Conclusion: These findings suggest that pulse parameters may be a useful way to establish safe dosing guidelines for Chunwangbosim-dan. Further research is needed to confirm these results and to develop evidence-based guidelines for clinical use.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.464-472
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• 2023

Middle-aged women experience a lot of physical and mental stress during their developmental cycle. This stress reduces the quality of life because it leads to chronic pain and disease. Forest therapy is attracting attention as an alternative to this. Forest therapy refers to improving human health through the therapeutic elements of forests. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether a sensory insight-based forest therapy program was effective in reducing stress in middle-aged women. For this purpose, middle-aged women who wanted to participate in the forest therapy program were recruited, 20 each were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group, and pre- and post-tests were conducted. The forest therapy program consisted of 8 sessions of 6 hours based on sense and insight. The forest therapy program was held at Saryeoni Forest in Jeju, and the measurement tools were compared by measuring perceived stress, leisure satisfaction, and stress index through pulse wave testing. The results of the study showed that the forest therapy program lowered stress and improved leisure satisfaction.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.8-17
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• 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between isokinetic strength training and the enhancement of physical function in older adults. It also evaluates the effectiveness of isokinetic strength training equipment. Method: This study randomly divided twenty healthy adults into two groups.The experimental group engaged in isokinetic strength training for 30 minutes, three times a week, over a four-week period. In contrast, the control group did not participate in any exercise regimen. We assessed several outcome measures including physical functions (sit-to-stand test, flexibility, Timed Up and Go test), grip strength, balance, thigh circumference, the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Additionally, the experimental group's self-perceived improvement in lower limb condition was evaluated using the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in various aspects: reduced sit-to-stand test duration (7.00±2.05 seconds), increased flexibility (4.69±3.90 cm), improved grip strength (1.54±1.74 kg), increased thigh circumference (left: 1.29±1.19 cm, right: 1.19±1.27 cm), enhanced Timed Up and Go test performance (-1.47±0.86 seconds), better balance (eyes open stance: -8.08±4.03 cm, eyes closed stance: -0.27±0.13 cm/s), and a decrease in depression severity (-0.15±1.51 points). Furthermore, significant increases were observed in the experimental group's maximal isokinetic strength at 90°/s for both flexion (19.62±7.03 Nm) and extension (19.60±14.65 Nm) over the study period. Conclusion: The findings suggest that isokinetic strength training equipment can significantly enhance physical functions in seniors when incorporated into an exercise regimen.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.96-107
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• 2024

Objectives: While several food assistance programs in the United States tackle food insecurity, a relatively new program, "Food is Medicine," (FIM) initiated in some cities not only addresses food insecurity but also targets chronic diseases by customizing the food delivered to its recipients. This review describes federal programs providing food assistance and evaluates the various sub-programs categorized under the FIM initiative. Methods: A literature search was conducted from July 7, 2023 to November 9, 2023 using the search term, "Food is Medicine", to identify articles indexed within three major electronic databases, PubMed, Medline, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Eligibility criteria for inclusion were: focus on any aspect of the FIM initiative within the United States, and publication as a peer-reviewed journal article in the English language. A total of 180 articles were retrieved; publications outside the eligibility criteria and duplicates were excluded for a final list of 72 publications. Supporting publications related to food insecurity, governmental and organizational websites related to FIM and other programs discussed in this review were also included. Results: The FIM program includes medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions. Data suggest that it has lowered food insecurity, promoted better management of health, improved health outcomes, and has, therefore, lowered healthcare costs. Conclusions: Overall, this umbrella program is having a positive impact on communities that have been offered and participate in this program. Limitations and challenges that need to be overcome to ensure its success are discussed.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.233-242
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: For adult men with congenital heart disease (ACHD), data on erectile dysfunction (ED) is limited. We aimed to assess the frequency of ED, its role in patient-physician communication and to identify parameters predicting ED. Methods: Male ACHD ≥18 years registered at the German National Register for Congenital Heart Defects were invited to participate in an online questionnaire about sexual health. Participants with presumed ED according to International Index of Erectile Function Score were compared to patients without ED. Results: The 371 patients responded to the questionnaire (83% with moderate to highly complex ACHD). The 43% presented with more than mild ED. When ED was present, patients complained about general anxiety to be sexually active more often (p<0.05) and underwent sexual activity less frequently compared to those without ED (p<0.05). Age ≥40 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.04; p=0.002), being single (OR, 6.82; p<0.0001), anxiety to be sexually active (OR, 2.64; p=0.0002) and psychiatric disease (OR, 4.33; p<0.0007) emerged as independent predictors for ED. Overall, patients sought medical advice in 6.7% of cases, whilst 29.6% would appreciate an active approach by the physician to address this sensitive topic. Conclusions: ED is affecting one third to one half of male ACHD according to a questionnaire-based analysis. Older age, being single, fear of sexual activity due to ACHD and psychiatric disorder emerged as independent predictors for ED. These parameters can easily be assessed to identify patients at risk. ED should be addressed proactively by health professionals.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.23-35
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• 2015

Objective : As part of the Korean Medicine Official Development Assistance(ODA) and Public Health Project, we implemented a obesity management program(OMP) using Korean medicine in Uzbekistan and its follow-up study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Method : We recruited the participants of whose Body Mass Index(BMI) were over $25kg/m^2$ and who agreed to participate in the program at the South Korea-Uzbekistan Friendship Korean Medical Hospital in Uzbekistan. The program consisted of auricular acupuncture, functional food, and education program on diet and exercise. It was provided once a week during 7-week period. Anthropometric measurements and blood test measuring total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose were performed at the baseline, the end of the program, and 10-month follow-up. At the end of the program and the follow-up, survey on satisfaction and self-evaluation of the effectiveness of the program was additionally conducted. Results : 43 out of 78 participants completed the program and were included in the analysis. The analysis of the main outcomes showed that there were significant decreases in anthropometric measurements such as body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and body fat content as well as blood test including triglycerides, total cholesterol and blood glucose levels. In the follow-up study, 24 subjects participated and 19 subjects (79.1%) reported that they succeeded in weight control. Furthermore, many participants reported that they maintained healthy lifestyles like healthy diet and regular exercise. The satisfaction with the program was also relatively high, and the education program was selected as the most motivating intervention for weight control. The outcomes such as body weight, BMI, body fat content, and blood glucose level were maintained to be at the decreased level; however, waist circumference, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels either returned back to the baseline level or were elevated to the level higher than the baseline. Conclusion : This study suggests that the OMP using Korean medicine may contribute to weight control of obese population in Uzbekistan. It is meaningful in that the study shows the possibility of implementing health promotion programs using Korean medicine in other countries with different cultures. In the future, more efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs using rigorous methodologies and utilize the effective programs in ODA project will be needed.