• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2024

Background: Honey from different geographical origins can have distinct characteristics due to variations in the floral sources available to stingless bees in different regions. The most abundant stingless bee for meliponiculture in Thailand is Tetragonula pagdeni. However, only a few studies about the properties of honey from a different origin were carried out. The objective of this study was focused on a comparative study to evaluate the melissopalynological, physicochemical, antioxidant activities, and total phenolic contents (TPCs) of stingless bee honey produced by T. pagdeni from different parts of Thailand. Results: Fifty honey samples were collected from five locations, and the physicochemical properties of T. pagdeni honey samples are acidic (pH 3.02-4.15) and have a high water content (18.42-25.06 %w/w), which is related to the regions of meliponary. Melisopalynological analysis reveals the predominant pollen from Melaleuca quinquenervia, Cocus nuciferca, Nephelium lappaceum, Salacca wallichiana, and multiflora honey. All honey samples were analyzed for their TPC and 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. The results show that all samples had high TPC and antioxidant activities with a strong correlation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The data from this study indicates the importance of geographical origin, which links physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and functional characteristics to their floral. Besides, the floral sources and harvesting location affected the properties of stingless bee honey. Our results identify Melaleuca honey as a promising source of phenolic content and antioxidant activity that can be used as a functional food, as well as multiflora and Cocus honey. However, further studies are required to characterize the phenolic compound and its biological potential, which could be a stingless bee honey biomarker and quality control, simultaneously with the physicochemical analysis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.341-352
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• 2024

Purpose: Textbook outcome is a comprehensive measure used to assess surgical quality and is increasingly being recognized as a valuable evaluation tool. Delta-shaped anastomosis (DA), an intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy, is a viable option for minimally invasive distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. This study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes and calculate the textbook outcome of DA. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, the records of 4,902 patients who underwent minimally invasive distal gastrectomy for DA between 2009 and 2020 were reviewed. The data were categorized into three phases to analyze the trends over time. Surgical outcomes, including the operation time, length of post-operative hospital stay, and complication rates, were assessed, and the textbook outcome was calculated. Results: Among 4,505 patients, the textbook outcome is achieved in 3,736 (82.9%). Post-operative complications affect the textbook outcome the most significantly (91.9%). The highest textbook outcome is achieved in phase 2 (85.0%), which surpasses the rates of in phase 1 (81.7%) and phase 3 (82.3%). The post-operative complication rate within 30 d after surgery is 8.7%, and the rate of major complications exceeding the Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3 is 2.4%. Conclusions: Based on the outcomes of a large dataset, DA can be considered safe and feasible for gastric cancer.

• Journal of Advanced Technology Convergence
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.17-27
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• 2024

This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a chatbot system based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework to enhance community participation among elderly individuals with mild dementia in South Korea. The study involved 12 elderly participants who were living alone and had been diagnosed with mild dementia, along with 15 caregivers who were actively involved in their daily care. The development process included a comprehensive needs assessment, system design, content creation, natural language processing using Transformer Attention Algorithm, and usability testing. The chatbot is designed to offer personalized activity recommendations, reminders, and information that support physical, social, and cognitive engagement. Usability testing revealed high levels of user satisfaction and perceived usefulness, with significant improvements in community activities and social interactions. Quantitative analysis showed a 92% increase in weekly community activities and an 84% increase in social interactions. Qualitative feedback highlighted the chatbot's user-friendly interface, relevance of suggested activities, and its role in reducing caregiver burden. The study demonstrates that an ICF-based chatbot system can effectively promote community participation and improve the quality of life for elderly individuals with mild dementia. Future research should focus on refining the system and evaluating its long-term impact.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.3
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• pp.504-513
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• 2024

Duck meat is recognized as a healthier poultry product that contains higher amounts of unsaturated and essential fatty acids, iron, and excellent amounts of protein. It has been found to possess the ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and subsequently, blood pressure in the human body; and improve the immunity system. The current study investigated the appropriate bedding depths of rice hulls as a preferred bedding material by evaluating the growth performance and carcass traits of White Pekin ducks raised for 42 days. A total of 288 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings were randomly allotted to floor cages with one of four bedding depths at 4 cm, 8 cm, 12 cm, and 16 cm. Ducklings were fed standard duck starter (days 1-21) and finisher (days 22-42) diets. The birds were stocked at a rate of 6 birds/m² with 6 replicates per treatment. Growth performance evaluation for the body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake were measured to calculate the weekly feed conversion ratio. Breast, leg, and carcass yield were assessed as carcass traits. The muscle color and proximate composition were also analyzed for meat quality. Footpad dermatitis was also evaluated on day 42. Ducks reared on 16 cm bedding depth over the 42 days recorded higher (p < 0.05) body weight, average daily, average daily feed intake, and improved feed conversion ratios compared to other groups. The crude fat in breast meat also lowered (p < 0.05) in ducks reared at 16 cm (1.02%) when compared to ducks raised at 4 cm bedding depth (2.11%). Our results showed improved redness (p < 0.05) when the depth of bedding materials was elevated. Except for the breast meat fat, the dissimilar bedding depths did not affect (p < 0.05) the breast and leg meat composition, footpad dermatitis, and mortality for the current study. In conclusion, this study indicated that the bedding depths would directly or indirectly affect the growth performance and meat color of White Pekin ducks; and the bedding depth of rice hulls at 16 cm improved the growth performance of White Pekin ducks for 42 days.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episode (MELAS) is a rare maternally inherited disorder primarily caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA, notably the m.3243A>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene. This mutation impairs mitochondrial function crucial for cellular energy production, particularly in high-energy-demanding organs such as the brain and muscles. MELAS manifests as recurrent stroke-like episodes, seizures, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, and other multisystemic symptoms that are often present in childhood. The diagnosis combines genetic testing, clinical evaluation, and neuroimaging, with elevated lactate levels and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings as key indicators. Treatment focuses on symptomatic management and enhancement of mitochondrial function through L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, high-dose vitamins, and taurine supplementation. Studies have identified additional genetic variants linked to MELAS, including mutations in POLG and other mitochondrial genes, further complicating the genetic landscape. Emerging therapies, particularly gene therapy and mitochondria-targeting drugs, offer promising avenues for addressing the underlying genetic defects and improving mitochondrial functioning. Furthermore, ongoing studies continue to enhance our understanding and management of MELAS, with the aim of reducing its burden and improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genetics, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of MELAS, highlighting the latest advancements and future directions for therapeutic interventions.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.801-809
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Current society guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for 3 to 5 days after endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). The overall quality of the evidence supporting this recommendation is low. In this study, we aimed to assess cyst infection and adverse event rates after EUS-FNA of PCLs among patients treated with or without postprocedural prophylactic antibiotics. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent EUS-FNA of PCLs between 2015 and 2019 at two large-volume academic medical centers with different practice patterns of postprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis. Data on patient demographics, cyst characteristics, fine-needle aspiration technique, periprocedural and postprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis, and adverse events were retrospectively extracted. Results: A total of 470 EUS-FNA procedures were performed by experienced endosonographers for the evaluation of PCLs in 448 patients, 58.7% of whom were women. The mean age was 66.3±12.8 years. The mean cyst size was 25.7±16.9 mm. Postprocedural antibiotics were administered in 274 cases (POSTAB+ group, 58.3%) but not in 196 cases (POSTAB- group, 41.7%). None of the patients in either group developed systemic or localized infection within the 30-day follow-up period. Procedure-related adverse events included mild abdominal pain (8 patients), intra-abdominal hematoma (1 patient), mild pancreatitis (1 patient), and perforation (1 patient). One additional case of pancreatitis was recorded; however, the patient also underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Conclusions: The incidence of infection after EUS-FNA of PCLs is negligible. Routine use of postprocedural antibiotics does not add a significant benefit.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.121-132
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• 2024

This study attempted to determine the effects of job stress, nursing problem-solving ability, nursing work performance, and job stress and nursing problem-solving ability on nursing work performance according to the MBTI type of nurses. The study subjects were 141 nurses working at a medical institution in G Province, and data collection was conducted from March 01 to March 31, 2024. The collected data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analysis. Among the psychological function types of MBTI, the SF type (sympathetic and friendly type) was the most common, and among the psychological temperament types, the SP type (sensuous and open type) was the most common. Nursing work performance had a negative correlation with job resource stress, a positive correlation with nursing problem-solving ability, and a positive correlation with problem recognition, information collection, planning ability, and evaluation. The variable that had a significant impact on nursing work performance was job resources, and problem recognition, a subfactor of nursing problem-solving ability, was found to be the best predictor of nursing work performance, followed by planning ability. The explanatory power was 17.8%. The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data to develop efficient nursing management guidelines by not only improving understanding of the personality of nurses but also investigating factors related to nurses' work performance. Through the development of programs and measures to improve nursing performance, it is necessary to revitalize programs, provide educational opportunities, and provide institutional support from hospital organizations to enable high-quality nursing care through skilled nursing work.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.36-47
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• 2009

Microbial and related biochemical mass of composts are important for optimization of its process and end-products. This study was carried out to assess the specific microbial and related biochemical mass which could be used as an indicator for compost maturity during composting stages. The samples from five compost plants were collected at three stages (Initial, Thermophilic and Mature) and analyzed for total aerobic bacteria (TAB), Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Actinomycetes and fungi. Significantly, the coliforms and E.coli counts decreased during the thermophilic stage and were completely eliminated during mature stage. However, the other microbial mass were completely eliminated during mature stage. Which disclosed that Coliforms and E.coli communities can be used as compost maturity indicator. Interestingly, the microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen ratio (MBC/MBN) were decreased a little during the thermophilic stage due to the decreasing number of coliforms, Ecoli and fungi, while the ratio increased during the mature stage due to increasing fungal and aerobic bacterial counts. In addition the heavy metals were shown strong negative correlation with Actenomycetes. This study provides insight to the evaluation of compost maturity as well as the quality by the metal-microbial interactions.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.181-193
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• 2024

Summative assessment provides information on how well students have achieved learning objectives, making the development of high-quality assessment items essential for accurate evaluation. This is one of the competencies that teachers must possess. This study aims to analyze summative assessment items created by pre-service elementary teachers, examining their intentions and the difficulties encountered in the item development process. The study involved 45 second-year students enrolled in an elementary teacher training university. They were grouped into teams of three and tasked with developing ten items, documenting the purpose of each item, the answer key, and the challenges faced during item creation. The collected summative assessment items were analyzed using a two-dimensional purpose classification table that includes Klopfer's taxonomy of educational objectives. The intentions behind the summative assessments and the difficulties faced during item development were inductively organized and analyzed through qualitative data analysis. The results revealed that pre-service elementary teachers adequately reflected scientific content elements but did not evenly cover assessment domains. The most challenging aspect for them was adjusting the difficulty level. Although they considered most factors that should be taken into account during item development, these considerations were not reflected in the actual items. These findings suggest that knowledge and experience are crucial in developing summative assessment items, and systematic lectures are necessary for pre-service elementary teachers.

• Journal of Practical Engineering Education
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.587-598
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• 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an action learning-based educational program for domestic nursing students. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Limited to the period from January 2013 to December 2023, a search conducted across the electronic databases DBpia, RISS, KCI, KISS, and SCIENCE ON identified a total of 779 documents. From these, 13 documents that met the established selection criteria were ultimately included. Thirteen documents meeting the selection criteria were identified, and quality evaluation was independently performed by two researchers using ROBINS-I. The effect size of the action learning-based education program was analyzed using the 'Meta package' in the R program. The effect size for problem-solving was ESr=.68 (95% CI=.30 to 1.06). For communication skills, the effect size was ESr=.39 (95% CI=-.08 to .85), and for critical thinking, the effect size was ESr=.26 (95% CI=.02 to .50). Action learning-based educational programs have been shown to be an effective method for enhancing problem-solving skills and critical thinking among nursing students. Therefore, there is a need for the active implementation of action learning techniques to further develop nursing students' clinical practice capabilities within nursing education.