• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.103-111
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• 2014

This study aims to determine the effect of a trained dedicated dietitian on clinical outcomes among Lebanese hemodialysis (HD) patients: and thus demonstrate a viable developing country model. This paper describes the study protocol and baseline data. The study was a multicenter randomized controlled trial with parallel-group design involving 12 HD units: assigned to cluster A (n = 6) or B (n = 6). A total of 570 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients in cluster A were randomly assigned as per dialysis shift to the following: Dedicated Dietitian (DD) (n = 133) and Existing Practice (EP) (n = 138) protocols. Cluster B patients (n = 299) received Trained Hospital Dietitian (THD) protocol. Dietitians of the DD and THD groups were trained by the research team on Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative nutrition guidelines. DD protocol included: individualized nutrition education for 2 hours/month/HD patient for 6 months focusing on renal osteodystrophy and using the Trans-theoretical theory for behavioral change. EP protocol included nutrition education given to patients by hospital dietitians who were blinded to the study. The THD protocol included nutrition education to patients given by hospital dietitian as per the training received but within hospital responsibilities, with no set educational protocol or tools. Baseline data revealed that 40% of patients were hyperphosphatemics (> 5.5 mg/dl) with low dietary adherence and knowledge of dietary P restriction in addition to inadequate daily protein intake ($58.86%{\pm}33.87%$ of needs) yet adequate dietary P intake ($795.52{\pm}366.94$ mg/day). Quality of life (QOL) ranged from 48-75% of full health. Baseline differences between the 3 groups revealed significant differences in serum P, malnutrition status, adherence to diet and P chelators and in 2 factors of the QOL: physical and social functioning. The data show room for improvement in the nutritional status of the patients. The NEMO trial may be able to demonstrate a better nutritional management of HD patients.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.174-177
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• 2009

Parathyroid cyst are rare lesion of the neck and superior mediastinum. They are classified as either functional or nonfunctional based on the presence or absence of hyperparathyroidism. They typically present as a palpable neck mass, or as an incidental finding during neck surgery. So, it must be included within the differential diagnosis of a neck lump. A 48-year old woman was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of left anterior neck mass. Physical finding showed soft, movable, non-tender mass on the lower left third of the neck. Laboratory findings revealed normal thyroid function and normal serum calcium level. On previous history, patient underwent two times sono-guided fine needle aspiration at local clinic, and about 10cc clear watery aspirate was noted. Computerized tomography findings showed non-enhancing hypodense cystic lesion on left thyroid area with tracheal deviation to right side. Preoperative diagnosis was thyroid cyst, and thyroidectomy was planed. Intra-operative finding showed huge cystic mass occupying the left thyroid area and smooth, shiny, semitransparent thin cyst wall was noted, which was loosely attached to the thyroid. The cyst was easily dissected free from the thyroid and surrounding tissues. After cyst removal, pathological study confirmed as a parathyroid cyst.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.123-130
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the biological effects of cyanoacrylate-combined calcium phosphate (CCP), in particular its potential to act as a physical barrier - functioning like a membrane - in rabbit calvarial defects. Methods: In each animal, four circular calvarial defects with a diameter of 8 mm were prepared and then filled with either nothing (control group) or one of three different experimental materials. In the experimental conditions, they were filled with CCP alone (CCP group), filled with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and then covered with an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS; BCP/ACS group), or filled with BCP and then covered by CCP (BCP/CCP group). Results: After 4 and 8 weeks of healing, new bone formation appeared to be lower in the CCP group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In both the CCP and BCP/CCP groups, inflammatory cells could be seen after 4 and 8 weeks of healing. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, CCP exhibited limited osteoconductivity in rabbit calvarial defects and was histologically associated with the presence of inflammatory cells. However, CCP demonstrated its ability to stabilize graft particles and its potential as an effective defect filler in bone augmentation, if the biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of CCP were improved.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.139-154
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• 2016

This paper is concerned with the dynamics of hyperelastic solids and structures. We seek for a smart control actuation that produces a desired (prescribed) displacement field in the presence of transient imposed forces. In the literature, this problem is denoted as displacement tracking, or also as shape morphing problem. One talks about shape control, when the displacements to be tracked do vanish. In the present paper, it is assumed that the control actuation is provided by imposed eigenstrains, e.g., by the electric field in piezoelectric actuators, or by thermal actuators, or via analogous physical effects, such as magneto-striction or pre-stress. Structures with a controlled eigenstrain-type actuation belong to the class of smart structures. The action of the eigenstrains can be conveniently characterized by actuation stresses. Our theoretical derivations are performed in the framework of the theory of small incremental dynamic deformations superimposed upon a statically pre-deformed configuration of a hyperelastic solid or structure. We particularly ask for a distribution of incremental actuation stresses, such that the incremental displacements follow exactly a prescribed trajectory field, despite the imposed incremental forces are present. An exact solution of this problem is presented under the assumption that the actuation stresses can be tailored freely and applied everywhere within the body. Extending a Neumann-type solution strategy, it is shown that the actuation stresses due to the distributed control eigenstrains must satisfy certain quasi-static equilibrium conditions, where auxiliary body-forces and auxiliary surface tractions are to be taken into account. The latter auxiliary loading can be directly computed from the imposed forces and from the desired displacement field to be tracked. Hence, despite the problem is a dynamic one, a straightforward computation of proper actuator distributions can be obtained in the framework of quasi-static equilibrium conditions. Necessary conditions for the functioning of this concept are presented. Particularly, it must be required that the intermediate configuration is infinitesimally superstable. Previous results of our group for the case of shape control and displacement tracking in linear elastic structures are included as special cases. The high potential of the solution is demonstrated via Finite Element computations for an irregularly shaped four-corner plate in a state of plain strain.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.13-25
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of Tai Chi self-help program on glucose control, cardiovascular risks, and quality of life in patients with type II diabetes. Method: The study subjects were 95 adults with type II diabetes recruited from five primary health centers and one outpatient clinic. The Tai chi self-help program was provided twice a week for 6 months. Outcome measures included blood glucose(HbA1c), cardiovascular risk checklist, and quality of life(SF36). Result: At the completion of 6-month program, HbA1c for Tai Chi group dropped from 6.79 to 6.59 without significant group differences. However, cardiovascular risk scores for Tai Chi group has been significantly reduced compared to the control group. In 6 months, quality of life (SF36) was significantly better for Tai Chi group especially in the areas of physical and social functioning. Conclusion: Tai Chi self-help program applied for type 2 diabetes patients has been partially effective to control cardiovascular risk factors, and some dimensions of quality of life. Tai Chi self-help program can be safely and easily applicable to primary care centers for diabetic patients and other people with chronic disease for their symptom management, and health promotion.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.38-51
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• 1996

There is a increasingly growing emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention and optimum functioning for peaple including the chronically ill and disabled. According as the purpose of the nursing is the promotion of health, the value and belief of heal th within the nursing paradigm need to be defined in every culture. The paradigm components must be explored for meaning given by the aged in their traditional thought and philosophy, The problem addressed by this qualitative study was how the aged recognize value and belief of health, which contribute to the development of Korean nursing theory. Theoretical support for the study was from Leininger's cultural care theory and Korean philosophy and traditional oriented thought. Literature review refers to literature on the aged, health of the aged, and definition and meaning of general health concept. Grounded theory methodology guied the research methodology and analysis to build a substantive theory. The informants were 119 from a variety of social levels and family patterns; traditionally the aged are responsible for the health. The concentrated interviewing period was from may to june, 1995 ; the interviews were done by the researcher with two supporter and most were recorded on audio tape. Result from analysis of base datas follows; The value and belief of health that emerged from the categories and properties were the physical stability, the stability of mind, the stability of mind and body, the smoothness (harmony) of body function, the family concord, and the perfection of self. These values and beliefs of health are affected by the cosmic dual forces thought is based on the Great Absolute, family principle of confucian scholar, and Buddism. Among the values and beliefs of health, family concord is found out Korean culture peculiarities. These values and beliefs are all integrated into the idea of health. The study provided implications for nursing theory research, education, and practice change and development.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2009

Purpose: This randomized study was done to compare the effects of a 6 month Tai Chi exercise and a self-help program on balance, flexibility and muscle strength in women with osteoarthritis (OA). Method: In this experimental study, 82 women with OA recruited from outpatient clinics or community health centers were randomly assigned either to a Tai Chi group or a self-help group. Thirty women (mean age = 62 years) in the Tai Chi group and 39 (mean age = 59 years) in the self-help group completed posttest measures (balance, flexibility, oxygen consumption, abdominal muscle strength, back muscle strength, and grip strength) at 6 months. Results: After the 6 month, Tai Chi participants had significantly greater balance (mean difference = 2.9 vs. 0.9 for the self-help), grip strength (mean difference = 4.6 vs. 0.9 for the self-help), and back muscle strength (mean difference = 4.1 vs. -0.3 for the self-help). However, flexibility, oxygen consumption, and abdominal muscle strength were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: Tai Chi increased balance, grip strength and back muscle strength in older women with osteoarthritis compared to the self-help program. Whether these changes improve physical functioning and fall prevention requires further study.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.85-96
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• 2020

The honeybee serves for most entomophilous flowers. They are a core species for maintaining the ecological system. Though the urban ecological system needs bees' mediation of pollination as well, we have little understanding on how the honeybee reacts to the physical environments of an urban city. This study is a basic research to enhance the potential environment for pollination in an urban area and aims to review the urban environmental variables which are highly linked to the pollination mediations by the honeybee. The study composed a Maxent model by adopting nine urban environmental variables and the locations of the Apis mellifera's appearances around 52 spots in Seoul. The variables reflect the ecology of the Apis mellifera. Of the urban environmental variables used for the model composition, six variables were found as not having meaningful correlations with the Apis mellifera's appearances and finally, building coverage, actual vegetation and land cover were selected as the appearance variables of the Apis mellifera. The AUC, the reliability indicator of the final model was 0.791 (sd=0.077). And the importance data of the variables used for the model were 55.6%, 27.9%, and 16.5% for building coverage, actual vegetation and land cover, respectively. The result of the study showed that the building coverage has the highest correlation with the appearance of the honeybee. And, as per the actual vegetation, the artificially tree planted area as well as the cultivated field and meadow in an urban area were functioning as the most important environmental conditions for the honeybee to be inhabitable. The study is expected to be utilized as the base material for the urban planning and park green area planning to enhance the potential environment for pollination in an urban area.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.1309-1321
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• 2011

Clothes for a 3 to 6 year-old toddler should be made in consideration of their behavioral characteristics since it is when the physical ability of toddlers has rapidly developed and their social, emotional, and cognitive development are increasingly active. Indoor clothes are the item that consumers prefer because they provide the function of outside underwear when functioning as outerwear when indoors that is used frequently for toddlers. We analyzed the wearing condition and the uncomfortable aspects of toddler's clothes worn indoors through consumer surveys of toddler wear. This study gathers data for the development of indoor clothing that is useful for 3-6 year old toddlers. Consumer surveys indicate that the clothes most worn indoors were underwear (69.4%). The most important aspect in the selection of indoor clothes was the suitability for activities (29%). The preferred colors for indoor clothes were found to be pastel-tone colors (66%). Regarding the uncomfortable aspects of indoor clothes, knees of the clothes (36.8%) have the most naps and the breast of the clothes (37.8%) dirty quickly. Knee parts (35.4%) become worn easily; in addition, the material for the knee area is likely to have naps and require special functions. In conclusion, designing toddler clothing requires elaborated design techniques that consider the characteristics of the subject group and reduce inconveniences. This study will serve as preliminary data to develop ultimate products that have the functionality to meet gender behavior characteristics and the aesthetics for toddlers 3 to 6 years of age.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.126-138
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of assistive products usage on activity of daily living for the beneficiary older adults people in Korean long-term care insurance system. The study subjects were divided to assistive products users and non-users among the beneficiary older adults based on Korean long-term care insurance system to compare function improvement of the activity of daily living. Methods : In national wide 12 community elderly care center enrolled the National Health Insurance Corporation, The numbers of 281 beneficiary older adults(long-term care Grade I: 66, Grade II: 58, Grade III: 157) participated in this study. This survey assessment tool for activity of daily living was used the long-term care assessment instrument of the physical functions in the law of Korean long-term care insurance. The function items of Activity of daily living were included in clothing, washing, tooth brushing, bathing, eating, posture converting, stand sitting, move sitting, out of room, using toilet, controlling of stool, controlling of urine, washing hair. According to independence to complete dependence functioning level, remarks pointed 1 to 3 points. The data were analyzed by chi-square, two-way anova using SPSS V. 12.0. Results : The results appeared that the mean score of the functions in activity of daily living of assistive products users was a 27.60, and that of non-users was a 30.66. Assistive products were not effected in Grade I and II recipients, but that effected in Grade III recipients. Conclusion : Preparing for activation of assistive products based Korean long-term care insurance system, the result application as follows is possible. The usage of assistive products could improve the function of daily living activity in older adults. Related to Grade III beneficiary elderly people were improved function in activity of daily living by using assistive products, it is necessary to extend coverage the non-eligible elderly people in Korean long-term care insurance system.