• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.80-88
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• 2003

Objective : This study was performed in order to evaluate the effect of bee venom therapy on rheumatoid arthritis by randomized controlled double blind method. Methods : RA patients were recruited and divided into an experiment group and a control group by random selection. As a double blind test, the experiment group was treated with bee venom injection on acupoints, and the control group was treated with normal saline injection on acupoints twice a week for 8 weeks. Tender joint count, swollen joint count, morning stiffness, pain, health assessment questionnaire, ESR, and CRP were estimated and analyzed at baseline, and at 1 month and 2 months after bee venom therapy. Results : Compared to the control group, the experiment group showed significant decrease in tender joint count, swollen joint count, morning stiffness, and health assessment questionnaire after 2 months. Pain, ESR and CRP showed significant decrease in the experiment group after 1 & 2 months. Conclusions : These results suggests that bee venom therapy could be an effective method in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2019

Background: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine versus ketorolac in pain control in patients with acute renal colic presenting to the emergency department (ED). Methods: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The initial pain severity was assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS). Then, ketamine or ketorolac was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg and 30 mg respectively. The pain severity and adverse drug reactions were recorded 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min thereafter. Results: The data of 62 subjects in the ketamine group and 64 patients in the ketorolac group were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was $34.2{\pm}9.9$ and $37.9{\pm}10.6\;years$ in the ketamine and ketorolac group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean NRS scores at each time point, except for the 5 min, between the two groups. Despite a marked decrease in pain severity in the ketamine group from drug administration at the 5 min, a slight increase in pain was observed from the 5 min to the 15 min. The rate of adverse drug reactions, including dizziness (P = 0.001), agitation (P = 0.002), increased systolic blood pressure (> 140 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (> 90 mmHg) was higher in the ketamine group. Conclusions: Low dose ketamine is as effective as ketorolac in pain management in patients with renal colic presenting to the ED. However, it is associated with a higher rate of adverse drug reactions.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.402-407
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• 2019

Background: To investigate the neurobiological evidence supporting the adaptogenic effects of Korean Red Ginseng in reducing the harmful consequences of stress using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Method: Sixty-three subjects with high stress levels were randomized to receive an orally administered, double-blind, 6-week treatment with Korean Red Ginseng (n = 32) or placebo (n = 31). All participants underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation using Beck Depression Inventory and Stress Response Inventory, cognitive evaluation using the continuous performance test, biological evaluation by measuring blood levels of lipids, catecholamines, inflammation markers, and heart rate variability at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: At baseline, both groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, years of education, Beck Depression Inventory, and Stress Response Inventory. After 6 weeks, triglyceride levels were significantly increased within the normal limit in the Korean Red Ginseng group (F = 4.11, p = 0.048), and the epinephrine level was decreased in this group (F = 4,35, p = 0.043). The triglyceride increase was significantly associated with epinephrine decrease (B = 0.087, p = 0.041), suggesting that Korean Red Ginseng may stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, we detected a significant group by time effect in the visually controlled continuous performance test, suggesting positive effects of Korean Red Ginseng on cognition. Conclusion: Korean Red Ginseng might help to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system and improve cognition in individuals with high stress.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.311-318
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• 2022

Background: Ketamine is widely used in infants and young children for procedural sedation and anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low dose oral ketamine to control pain and distress in children during intravenous (IV) cannulation. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, including children aged between 3 and 6 years requiring a non-emergent IV-line placement. Children were randomly assigned to two groups, treated either with oral ketamine or a placebo. All patients were monitored for vital signs. Pain was assessed using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFS) scales and sedation using a 5-point sedation score. The facility of IV-line placement was measured by a 3-point scale. Adverse effects were recorded after 1 and 24 hours. Results: A total of 79 and 81 children were entered in the ketamine and placebo groups, respectively. The heart and respiratory rates increased significantly in the placebo group. The median CHEOPS 4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3, 4, P < 0.001) and WBFS 6 (95% CI: 4, 6, P < 0.001) scores decreased statistically in the ketamine group. IV-line placement was 50% easier in the ketamine group (95% CI: 37%, 63%, P < 0.001). No serious adverse effects were observed in all cases. Conclusions: Low dose oral ketamine effectively decreased the pain and distress during IV cannulation in children without any significant adverse reactions.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.927-934
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• 2014

Today Hanbok, the symbol of our nation's culture, has been preserved as cultural heritage despite natural and social environmental changes over years. This study is analyzing Hanbok which were taken in the National Skills Competition from 2000 to 2013; it presents our traditional stitching methods and clarifies the pride the Hanbok artisans have as inheriting the traditional heritage. Therefore this paper contributes to continuous and proper development of the culture of Hanbok and being loved by many people. The assignments about Hanbok featured in the National Skills Competition were categorized by national and local competition, time required to produce assignments, required amount of fabric, type of stitching, unlined and lined clothes depending on the type of assignment; according to the classification, methods for sewing were analyzed in detail. First, the national tournament presented 12 kinds of sewing techniques; especially hand-sewn stitching method appeared in common. Second, the unlined and lined clothes depending on the type of assignments had applied different sewing methods; double-stitching, flat fell seam, french seam, roll over sewing, blind stitch, right angle blind stitch, decorative saddle stitching, darning, etc. were used. Sewing methods in the 21st century has not changed over the years; the shape of clothes was changed upon trends. Sewing became easier than before by the invention of sewing machine, we should carry on our traditional sewing techniques. Through this analysis on sewing methods of the National Skills Competition, I hope to support competition participants for studying Hanbok and indicate proper sewing techniques.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.803-818
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• 2020

Semi-rigid connections with blind bolts could solve the difficulty that traditional high strength bolts were unavailable to splice a steel/composite beam to a closed section column. However, insufficient investigations have focused on the performance of semi-rigid connection to square concrete filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) columns. In this paper, a component model was developed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of semi-rigid composite connections to CFDST columns considering the stiffness and strength of column face in compression and column web in shear which were determined by the load transfer mechanism and superstition method. Then, experimental investigations on blind bolted composite joints to square CFDST columns were conducted to validate the accuracy of the component model. Dominant failure modes of the connections were analyzed and this type of joint behaved semi-rigid manner. More importantly, strain responses of CFDST column web and tubes verified that stiffness and strength of column face in compression and column web in shear significantly affected the connection mechanical behavior owing to the hollow part of the cross-section for CFDST column. The experimental and analytical results showed that the CFDST column to steel-concrete composite beam semi-rigid joints could be employed for the assembled structures in high intensity seismic regions.

• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.82-95
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• 1992

It has been known that the application of an airflow window system reduces the energy consumption compared with conventional double pane window in a building. But how to analyze thermal load in a building with an airflow window system has not been well known. so two kinds of method (Mode 1 and Mode 2) to analyze time dependent thermal load of the building with an airflow window system are presented in this study. The results of load analysis about the model building(total area : $4521m^2$, 3 floors) by Mode 2 show that the maximum cooling and heating load in a building with an airflow window system are decreased about 12-17% and about 19.5% than with double pane glass window, and yearly energy consumption with an airflow window system is saved about about 20% than with double pane glass window.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.147-155
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• 2022

Background: Although various conventional approaches have been employed to reduce spasticity in neurological rehabilitation, only a few studies have shown scientific evidence for its effectiveness. Thus, we introduced a different concept (Ueda method) of rehabilitation therapy that can complement the limitations of conventional therapy. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of the application of the Ueda method on patients with spasticity after stroke via an electrophysiological study. Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind pilot study in two rehabilitation hospitals involving 30 stroke patients who were randomly allocated to the Ueda (n = 15) and convention (n = 15) groups. Electromyographic data of six examined muscles in both upper extremities of all patients were recorded. The A-ApA index and activation ratios of upper extremity muscles were evaluated and compared between the groups to confirm post-intervention changes in upper-extremity flexor spasticity and flexion synergies. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to confirm the therapeutic effect (2 × 2) as a function of group (Ueda vs. convention) and time (pre-/post-intervention) on all outcome measures (p < 0.05). Results: In the Ueda group, the mean A-ApA index values differed significantly before and after the intervention (p = 0.041), indicating a weak evidence level; however, the effect size was medium (d = -0.503). The interaction effects of the A-ApA index between the Ueda and convention groups and between pre-intervention and post-intervention stages were significant (p = 0.012). The effect size was large (n_p² = 0.220). In the Ueda group, the activation ratios of the anterior deltoid fiber significantly decreased after the intervention in all reaching tasks. Conclusion: The Ueda method reduces upper-extremity flexor spasticity and changes its synergy in stroke patients and should be considered a rehabilitation therapy for spastic stroke patients.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.101-109
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• 2015

Purpose: Glazing and shading devices influence a lot on the thermal and visual environment in office buildings. Solar heat and daylight are contrary concept, therefore proper arrangement of thermal and optical performance is needed when designing a glazing and shading devices. The purpose of this study is to examine the conditions of the glazing and shading devices available for promoting the reduction of cooling loads + lighting loads and the improvement in thermal comfort and visual comfort for the summer season in an office building installed with venetian blind. Method: This study established 12 simulation cases which have different glazings and the positions of venetian blind for evaluating different thermal and optical performance. And by using EnergyPlus v8.1 and Window v7.2 program, we quantitatively analyzed cooling loads + lighting loads, thermal comfort and visual comfort in an office building installed with the glazing and shading devices. Result: Consequently, Case 9(Double Low-E+Exterior Blind) is the best arrangement of solar heat gain and daylight influx, thereby becomes the most excellent case of reducing cooling+lighting loads(46.8%) and simultaneously becomes the enhancement case in thermal comfort. Also, DGI(Daylight glare index) under clear sky conditions in summer was evaluated to be 19.6, and thereby satisfied the recommendation level of allowing visual comfort.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.125-132
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of extract from Citri Pericarpium (CP) on lipid-lowering effect in semi-healthy subjects with increased serum levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride. Methods : A experimental group (n=45) and placebo group (n=46) were randomly established based on the plasma lipid profiles (triglyceride, total cholesterol etc.) in the semi-healthy subjects, then all subjects randomly took experimental or placebo capsules, which contain 1,200 mg of CP or the same dose of soluble starch per day with regular meals for 8 weeks by double-blind method. Results : One-hundred forty (140) subjects were screened, then 91 subjects enrolled in the study. No serious adverse events were reported for trial period. The CP treatment showed statistically significant decrease in serum levels of triglyceride both at 4-weeks (p<0.01) and at 8-weeks (p=0.0001). Futhermore, there was significant difference in the triglyceride levels between CP-treated and placebo group. The CP-treated but not placebo group, experienced decrease in serum levels of total cholesterol at 8-weeks. Then there was no significant difference in the total cholesterol levels between the two groups. In addition, statistically significant difference of AST, ALT, ${\gamma}$-GT serum levels wasn't shown before and after trial in two groups. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that CP can significantly suppress the elevated triglyceride but not total cholesterol level. Therefore, CP may play a role in the improvement of blood lipid levels, as an effective functional food.