• Title/Summary/Keyword: Social Sciences Research

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The Effect of the Combination of Ginseng, Tribulus Terrestris, and L-arginine on the Sexual Performance of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, and placebo-controlled clinical trial

  • Reza Tahvilian;Mohammad Amin Golesorkhi;Farajollah Parhoudeh;Fatemeh Heydarpour;Hossein Hosseini;Hojjat Baghshahi;Hossein Akbari;Mohammad Reza Memarzadeh;Mehdi Mehran;Hosna Bagheri
    • Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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    • v.27 no.2
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    • pp.82-90
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    • 2024
  • Objectives: Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods: Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results: The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in nondiabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.

The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Oxidative Status and Lipid Profile in Migraine Patients: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Clinical Trial

  • Monireh Dahri;Atefeh Sarafan Sadeghi;Naseh Pahlavani;Elyas Nattagh-Eshtivani;Mazyar Hashemilar;Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi;Hanieh Barghchi;Ali Tarighat-Esfanjani
    • Clinical Nutrition Research
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    • v.12 no.4
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    • pp.257-268
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    • 2023
  • Migraine is a common neurological disease correlated with oxidative stress and lipid profile disorders. The present study was designed to determine the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) supplementation on oxidative status and lipid profile in migraine individuals. This clinical trial was conducted on 84 females aged 18-50 years, diagnosed for episodic migraine according to the International Headache Society. Subjects were randomized to receive either Co-Q10 supplement (400 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured before and after intervention in both groups. Also, anthropometric indices, dietary intakes, and clinical features were collected. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. Seventy-seven of the participants, with mean age of 33.70 ± 7.75 years, completed the study. After 12-week intervention, Co-Q10 led to a significant decrease in MDA levels compared to placebo (p = 0.009), with no effect on TAC levels (p = 0.106). A significant increase in serum Co-Q10 concentration and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in Co-Q10 group was observed, but no significant differences were found in other lipid profile variables (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol). Among anthropometric variables, Co-Q10 only caused a significant reduction in body fat percentage (BFP), but we did not find any significant changes in others. A 12-week Co-Q10 supplementation led to significant improvement in clinical features, BFP, and HDL-C level among migraine individuals.

A Study on Factors Affecting the Reuse of Research Data by Academic Researchers in the Social Sciences (사회과학분야 학술 연구자의 연구데이터 재이용 영향요인 연구)

  • Bak, Ji Won;Chang, Woo Kwon
    • Journal of the Korean Society for information Management
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    • v.38 no.4
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    • pp.199-230
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    • 2021
  • This study is to present an analysis and activation plan for the effect of reuse of research data through investigation of researchers and reuse data on reuse of research data. To this end, 178 copies were analyzed based on the distribution and collection of surveys targeting academic researchers in the field of social science in Korea who have experience in calculating new research results by reusing research data. As a result, 1) Most researchers acquire reuse data through systems such as data repositories, data management systems, and research data DBs, and mainly reuse analysis data produced through experiments and observations. In addition, despite being a researcher who successfully reused research data, the awareness of research data sharing was low and did not share it in the face of various problems. 2) The reliability and validity of 10 factors derived through literature review and factor analysis (academic usefulness, research efficiency, researcher concerns, data vulnerability, direct effort, indirect effort, suitability for reuse, data completeness, data usefulness, and social conditions) were verified. 3) As a result of correlation analysis, research efficiency, social conditions showed a quantitative correlation with research data reuse intention, researcher concerns, data vulnerability, and direct effort showed a negative correlation with research data reuse intention. As a result of regression analysis, all of these factors had a significant effect on the intention to reuse research data, and in the order of research efficiency, social conditions, direct efforts, researchers' concerns, and data vulnerability. Based on this, a plan to revitalize the reuse of research data was proposed.

Social Capital in Mangrove Management: A Case Study in Lampung Province, Indonesia

  • Qurniati, Rommy;Hidayat, Wahyu;Kaskoyo, Hari;Firdasari, Firdasari;Inoue, Makoto
    • Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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    • v.33 no.1
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    • pp.8-21
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    • 2017
  • The objective of this study is to identify the individual characteristics and the elements of social capital hence a suitable design of social capital reinforcement can be proposed to promote a sustainable community-based mangrove management. The research conducted in three villages that were selected based on mangrove ecological differences in Lampung Province, Indonesia. Qualitative data was collected through field observation and in-depth interviews with key informants. The results showed that the population in the three villages dominated on productive ages, worked as farmers, and less educated (only a half of the population had fulfilled the basic education standard of Indonesia). The study results also indicated that the social capital in the communities showed minimum condition of interpersonal attachment and cooperation. This condition was derived from the attitude of the people who only took personal benefit without concerning to others' welfare. Many programs conducted by government to ensure the conservation of mangroves were project-oriented with minor participation of community. The minor participation might also contributed to the minimum of social capital in the community. To improve social capital, the communities should strengthen mutual trust based on mutual benefit to increase members' participation in mangrove activity.

Response Analysis Model of Social Networks Using Fuzzy Sets and Feedback-Based System Dynamics (퍼지집합과 피드백 기반의 시스템 다이나믹스를 이용한 소셜네트웍의 반응 분석 모델)

  • Cho, Min-Ho
    • The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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    • v.12 no.5
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    • pp.797-804
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    • 2017
  • A social network is a typical social science environment with both network and iteration characteristics. This research presents a reaction analysis model of how each node responds to social networks when given input such as promotions or incentives. In addition, the setting value of a specific node is changed while examining the response of each node. And we try to understand the reactions of the nodes involved. The reaction analysis model is constructed by applying various techniques such as unidirectional, fuzzy set, weighting, and cyclic feedback, so it can accommodate the complicated environment of practice. Finally, the implementation model is implemented using Vensim rather than NetLogo because it requires repetitive input, change of setting value in real time, and analysis of association between nodes.

Chaos Theory: An Alternative for a Paradigm Shift in the Social Science Studies (사회과학연구 패러다임 변화대안으로서의 카오스 이론)

  • Kim, Min Sun
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.15 no.11
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    • pp.6621-6629
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    • 2014
  • Social phenomena require the fundamentals of novel scientific epistemology and methodology due to the continual change by complex variables. A systematic understanding of paradigm shifts is also necessary for analyzing the problems currently faced in society. This study presents chaos theory, which was developed from the natural sciences, to discuss the abnormality of modern society that underscores the importance of the chaos paradigm. Chaos theory is applicable to diverse social phenomena that stretches across politics, economics, and sociology. If social science research can appropriately and effectively develop and apply chaos theory, the theory can be utilized as a useful paradigm to reinforce the fundamentals of epistemology and methodology in exploring social phenomena.

Correlates of Depression and Perceived Health Status in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (심방세동 대상자의 우울, 주관적 건강지각 관련요인)

  • Kang, Youn-Hee
    • Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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    • v.21 no.1
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    • pp.86-94
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    • 2009
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine correlates of depression and perceived health status in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive correlational survey design. A convenience sample of 115 subjects were recruited from 3 tertiary medical centers. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, hierarchical multiple regression. Results: 1) Study subjects perceived the low frequency of symptoms, relatively high social support, low depression, moderately low physical health, and mental health. 2) The 38% of variance in depression was significantly explained by symptom(${\beta}$ = .49), social support(${\beta}$ = -.21), and education(${\beta}$ = -.17). 3) The 40% of variance in physical health was significantly explained by symptom(${\beta}$ = -.55), social support(${\beta}$ = .16), and education(${\beta}$ = .20). 4) the 12% of variance in mental health was significantly explained by symptom(${\beta}$ = -.26), and social support(${\beta}$ = .24). Conclusion: Most health care providers assume atrial fibrillation patients have very few symptoms. However, symptom related to atrial fibrillation was found to be the most important factors in explaining depression and perceived health status. Additionally, higher social support had great influences on the lower depression and higher perceived health status. Based on the findings of this study, directions for nursing practice and further nursing research for patients with atrial fibrillation are suggested.

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Relationships among Self Efficacy, Social Support, and Health Promoting Behaviors in Correctional Officers (교정공무원의 자기효능감, 사회적 지지, 건강증진행위의 관계)

  • Ha, Yeongmi;Choi, Hyunkyung
    • Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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    • v.23 no.3
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    • pp.163-170
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to examine relationships among self efficacy, social support, and health promoting behaviors in correctional officers. Factors that influence health promoting behaviors of correctional officers were also assessed. Methods: Two hundred correctional officers completed a pack of self-report questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression. Results: There were statistically significant differences in health promoting behaviors depending on marital status and subjective health status. Significant positive correlations among self-efficacy, social support, and health promoting behaviors were found. Factors influencing health promoting behaviors of correctional officers were social support, subjective health status, marital status, and self-efficacy. Conclusion: Considering the findings from this study, health care providers need to develop effective nursing interventions which increase the level of self-efficacy and social support for correctional officers and to help correctional officers practice health promoting behaviors.

Perception of Library Personel Towards Socal Media Utilization for Information Service Delivery in University Libraries in Kwara State

  • Saliu Abdulfatai;Aishat Temitope Akinbowale
    • International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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    • v.14 no.4
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    • pp.85-99
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    • 2024
  • The study examined perception of library personnel towards social media utilization for information service delivery in kwara state university library. It adopted the descriptive survey design with population consisting of 27 professional librarians in three selected university libraries in kwara State. Total enumerative sampling techniques were used because the population of the study is manageable by the researcher. Percentage and mean were used in analyzing the data. Primary data solicited would be cleaned, coded and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software for quantitative analysis. The findings of the study revealed the services rendered by library professional in university libraries in Kwara State, are Current Awareness Services (CAS), Photocopying services, Technical Services, Circulation/borrowing services, Internet services, and Bibliographic verification services. Majority of the respondent indicated Myspace, Google plus, Flickr, Telegram, Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook are the social media platforms used for service delivery by librarians. Also, majority of the respondents in university libraries indicated Google plus, LinkedIn, Myspace, Skype, WhatsApp, Flickr, WeChat, Twitter and Facebook as social media space use for information service delivery effectively and Bandwidth problem, Limited fund, Lack of maintenance culture, Lack of Awareness, Copyright Issue, Technophobia are the major challenges inhibiting the use of social media for service delivery by the library staff. Lastly, the study concluded with recommendations.

Survival Rate of Breast Cancer in Iran: A Meta-Analysis

  • Abedi, Ghasem;Janbabai, Ghasem;Moosazadeh, Mahmood;Farshidi, Fereshte;Amiri, Mohammad;Khosravi, Ahmad
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.17 no.10
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    • pp.4615-4621
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    • 2016
  • Background: There has not been a general estimation about survival rates of breast cancer cases in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess survival using a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: International credible databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science direct and Google Scholar and Iranian databases such as Magiran, Irandoc and SID, from 1997 to 2015 were searched. All articles covering survival rate of breast cancer were entered into the study without any limits. Quality assessment of the articles and data extraction were performed by two researchers using the modified STROBE checklist, which includes 12 questions. Articles with scores greater than 8 were included in the analysis. A limitation of this meta-analysis was different methods for presenting of results in the papers surveyed. Results: A total of 21 articles with a sample of 12,195 people were analyzed. The one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year survival rates of breast cancer in Iran were estimated to be 95.8% (94.6-97.0), 82.4% (79.0-85.8), 69.5% (64.5-74.5), 58.1% (39.6-76.6), respectively. The most important factors affecting survival of breast cancer were age, number of lymph nodes involved, size of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Conclusion: The five- and ten- year survival rates in Iran are lower than in developed countries. Conducting breast cancer screening plan support (including regular clinical examination, mammography), public training and raising awareness should be helpful in facilitating early diagnosis and increasing survival rates for Iranian women.