• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.284-292
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• 2023

Stable posterior occlusal support is crucial for adequate masticatory function and facial aesthetics. In elderly patients over the age of 65, masticatory ability has a significant impact on nutritional intake and overall health. This case report presents a prosthetic treatment of an elderly patient with edentulous maxilla and bilateral posterior edentulous mandible. The upper jaw was restored with a complete denture to establish an ideal occlusal plane, and the three-dimensional positions of the mandibular implants were determined accordingly. The implants were placed through computer-guided implant surgery and were immediately loaded with fixed provisional restorations. The implant-fixed zirconia final restorations were inserted in the lower posterior region, and the occlusal surface of posterior artificial teeth in the upper denture was substituted with cobalt-chrome alloy to resist occlusal wear. The patient's posterior occlusal support and masticatory function were promptly restored through this treatment process, and long-term stability against wear was also obtained.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.409-419
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• 2023

Okadaic acid (OA) group toxins, including OA and its analogs, such as dinophysis toxins (DTXs), have been reported to cause diarrheal shellfish poisoning (DSP). These toxins are primarily produced by dinoflagellates and are accumulated in bivalves. Recently, the presence of Dinophysis sp., a causative alga of DSP, has been reported along the coasts of Korea, posing a potential risk of contamination to domestic seafood and exerting an impact on both the production and consumption of marine products. Accordingly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established standards for the permissible levels of OA group toxins in marine products for safety management. Additionally, in line with international initiatives, the domestic inclusion and regulation of DTX2 among the substances falling under the purview of management outlined by the 2022 diarrheal shellfish toxin standard have been implemented. In this study, we reviewed the physicochemical properties of OA group toxins, their various exposure routes (such as acute toxicity, genotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity), and the relative toxicity factors associated with these toxins. We also performed a comparative assessment of the methods employed for toxin analysis across different countries. Furthermore, we aimed to conduct a broad review of human exposure cases and assess the international guideline for risk management of OA group toxins.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.85-96
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• 2023

In a reality where negative perceptions and social prejudices towards individuals with mental illnesses persist, the absence and lack of social support systems acquired through personal intimate social networks can be considered a significant hindrance to the quality of life for those with mental disorders. Therefore, this study examined the impact of the characteristics of social networks and social support on the life satisfaction of individuals with mental illnesses. A survey was conducted with 180 patients from seven mental health treatment facilities in the Daegu area. The data were analyzed using MANOVA, hierarchical multiple regression analysis, and Sobel test for mediation analysis with SPSS 25 software. The key findings of the study revealed that the intimacy aspect of social networks had a positive and significant effect on social support and life satisfaction. On the other hand, the size of the social network showed a negative influence on social support. Furthermore, social support partially mediated the relationship between the intimacy of social networks and life satisfaction, and it fully mediated the relationship between the size of social networks and life satisfaction. Based on these research outcomes, practical and policy-related recommendations are provided to enhance life satisfaction through increased social support for this population.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.385-391
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• 2023

As the use of electric vehicles has increased to minimize carbon emissions, the analyzing the state and performance of lithium-ion batteries that is instrumental in electric vehicles have been important. Comprehensive analysis using not only the voltage, current and temperature of the battery pack, which can affect the condition and performance of the battery, but also the driving data and charging pattern data of the electric vehicle is required. Therefore, a thorough analysis is imperative, utilizing electric vehicle operation data, charging pattern data, as well as battery pack voltage, current, and temperature data, which collectively influence the condition and performance of the battery. Therefore, collection and preprocessing of battery data collected from electric vehicles, collection and preprocessing of data on driver driving habits in addition to simple battery data, detailed design and modification of artificial intelligence algorithm based on the analyzed influencing factors, and A battery analysis and evaluation model was designed. In this paper, we gathered operational data and battery data from real-time electric buses. These data sets were then utilized to train a Random Forest algorithm. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of battery status, operation, and charging patterns was conducted using the explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) algorithm. The study identified crucial influencing factors on battery status, including rapid acceleration, rapid deceleration, sudden stops in driving patterns, the number of drives per day in the charging and discharging pattern, daily accumulated Depth of Discharge (DOD), cell voltage differences during discharge, maximum cell temperature, and minimum cell temperature. These factors were confirmed to significantly impact the battery condition. Based on the identified influencing factors, a battery analysis and evaluation model was designed and assessed using the Random Forest algorithm. The results contribute to the understanding of battery health and lay the foundation for effective battery management in electric vehicles.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.105-117
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• 2024

This is a longitudinal study of drinking older adults aged 65 and older to determine how their social activities and alcohol consumption change over time, and how social activities affect alcohol consumption among drinking older adults. The main findings are as follows First, we found a decrease in social activity and alcohol consumption among the elderly over time, but this was not statistically significant. However, individual differences in the rate of change in social activity and alcohol consumption were found, and the specific factors of these individual differences were examined in the conditional model. The results of the conditional model showed that, for social activity, the higher the initial level of social activity, the older the age, and the lower the initial amount of alcohol consumed by men than women. Next, for the amount of alcohol consumed, the better the health status, the more the amount of alcohol consumed decreased significantly for male elderly than female elderly, smokers than non-smokers, and elderly with and without disabilities. Based on the results of the above analysis, suggestions were made to promote social activities and reduce drinking among the drinking elderly in Korea.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.115-132
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of music therapy on enhancing self-awareness and intrinsic motivation among patients with schizophrenia, particularly those experiencing motivational deficits. This study, primarily based on quantitative analyses supplemented by qualitative insights, included six adults (three males and three females) across 8 weekly sessions proactive music activities based on the exploration of musical emotion, each lasting 60 minutes, from October 5 to November 16, 2023. Data collection and analysis focused on the last five sessions, from the fourth to the eighth. Although no statistically significant changes were detected, likely due to the study's short duration, qualitative data from in-depth interviews indicate that music therapy contributed to enhanced motivation and improved self-perception in participants. They demonstrated better emotional articulation, self-awareness, and communication skills, which not only increased their intrinsic motivation but also led to an improved perception of their life quality. Individual variability was noted, however, indicating that these outcomes could differ among participants. These results highlight music therapy's potential as a valuable intervention for enhancing self-awareness and reigniting motivation in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting a further research to corroborate these findings over longer periods.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 2024

Objective : Collateral circulation is associated with the differential treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to verify the ability of the collateral map to predict futile EVT in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Methods : This secondary analysis of a prospective observational study included data from participants underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery and/or the middle cerebral artery within 8 hours of symptom onset. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of futile recanalization (modified Rankin scale score at 90 days of 4-6 despite of successful reperfusion). Results : In a total of 214 participants, older age (odds ratio [OR], 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56 to 3.67; p<0.001), higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.21; p=0.004), very poor collateral perfusion grade (OR, 35.09; 95% CI, 3.50 to 351.33; p=0.002), longer door-to-puncture time (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.14; p=0.009), and failed reperfusion (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.30 to 10.76; p=0.015) were associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. In 184 participants who achieved successful reperfusion, older age (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.44 to 3.67; p<0.001), higher baseline NIHSS scores (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.22; p=0.006), very poor collateral perfusion grade (OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.42 to 17.37; p=0.012), and longer door-to-reperfusion time (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.15; p=0.003) were associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. Conclusion : The assessment of collateral perfusion status using the collateral map can predict futile EVT, which may help select ineligible patients for EVT, thereby potentially reducing the rate of futile EVT.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2024

Purpose: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Koreans, with breast cancer being the most common among women. Breast cancer readily metastasizes, and the existing treatment processes impose a significant burden on patients. This study examined whether pomegranate-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PNVs) have anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell infiltration and metastasis while increasing apoptosis on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: Initially, exosome-like nanovesicles were isolated from pomegranate using ultracentrifugation. Subsequently, the size range of these nanovesicles was confirmed using nanoparticle tracking analysis. The ability of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to internalize these natural nanovesicles was assessed with flourescence microscope. The anti-cancer effects of the PNVs were confirmed by applying various concentrations of PNVs (10, 50, 100 ㎍/mL) to MDA-MB-231 cells and systematically assessing their impact on cell viability and migration. Results: The round shape of the lipid bilayer in the PNVs was confirmed, providing crucial insights into their structural properties. We demonstrate that PNVs-associated DiD dye can be efficiently internalized by the MDA-MB-231 cells. The data showed that the PNVs inhibited cell viability, invasion rates, and migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, PNVs were absorbed into the MDA-MB-231 cells, leading to an increased expression of apoptosis proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3 and phosphorus-JNK, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a reduction in cell infiltration and decreased expression of the transition markers MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins were observed. Conclusion: For the first time, this study suggests that PNVs may be useful in the prevention or treatment of breast cancer by inhibiting the infiltration and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells and inducing apoptosis.

• Clean Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2024

Nanoplastics (NP) exhibit distinct material properties compared to microplastics (MP), necessitating their separate recognition. Review of research outcomes and policy documents on NP reveals that most policy frameworks predominantly define MPs as solid synthetic polymer materials measuring 5 mm or less, but do not distinguish them from NP. However, recent revisions in regulations by the EU classify NPs as particles that range in size from 1 to 1,000 nm, as confirmed by some academic studies. Research on NPs often relies on experimental investigations centered around water systems, with a focus on high-concentration experimental conditions using spherical polystyrene-based NPs in behavior and impact studies. Notably, the environmental behavior characteristics of NP show differences in influence depending on the NP type, emphasizing the need for field simulation research. These challenges are mirrored in Korean society, so it is necessary to redefine NP to be distinct from MP in both research and policy. This study aimed to assess the current state of NP management globally and domestically and highlight policy considerations and issues in the existing response to NP. Upon comprehensive review, it becomes apparent that reaching an international agreement on MP faces methodological limitations, which could potentially burden efforts to precisely define NP size. Therefore, referencing the EU's recent regulatory revisions is crucial in domestic policy. Specific adjustments should commence from the MP concept through insights from the domestic industry, guidance from the academic community, and thorough discussions to ensure social acceptance.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.129-144
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• 2023

The PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 samples were collected synchronously using a single channel particulate sampler equipped with PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 cyclones, respectively, and seasonal mass concentration and chemical composition of PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 were quantified in Seoul and Gwangju in 2021-2022. The mass concentrations of PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 were 17±11 and 22±14 ㎍/m³ in Seoul, and 16±9 and 19±12 ㎍/m³ in Gwangju, respectively. The average ratios of PM_1.0/PM_2.5 were 83±16% in Seoul and 83±7% in Gwangju. The chemical compositions of PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 were similar at both sites with OC component being the most dominant, and NO₃^- increasing from summer to winter, while, the difference of chemical distribution at the two sites was most distinct in the autumn. Gwangju showed a higher proportion of OC and a lower proportion of NO₃^- compared to Seoul during the autumn. Both sites appear to reflect their urban characteristics, with Gwangju also reflecting the impact of biomass combustion as a part of rural activities.