• Title/Summary/Keyword: nutrition requirements

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Effect of a Herb Mixture (HIM-I) on the Protection of the Hematopoietic-Immune System and Self-renewal Tissues against Radiation Damage (면역조혈계 및 재생조직의 방사선 손상에 대한 생약복합물(HIM-I)의 방호 효과)

  • Park, Hae-Ran;Kim, Sung-Ho;Yee, Sung-Tae;Byun, Myung-Woo;Jo, Sung-Kee
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.34 no.5
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    • pp.605-612
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    • 2005
  • In previous studies, we evaluated the effect of the 6 energy-tonic or blood-building prescriptions of traditional oriental medicine, and observed that Si-Wu-Tang and Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang showed high activity in the protection of the gastrointestinal and hematopoietic organs in irradiated mice. But any of these prescriptions did not show a high activity in the activation of the immune cells. We performed this study to design an herb mixture which protects the self-renewal tissues and also promotes recovery of the immune system against radiation damage. In order to meet all the requirements, we designed a new mixture of 3 edible herbs listed in Korean Food Code. The mixture of Angelim gigas radix, Cnidium officinale rhizoma and Paeonia japonica radix was decocted with hot water, and the activities of the water extract (HIM-I) were evaluated. HIM-1 stimulated the immune cells in a much higher extent than the traditional prescriptions, and promoted dramatically the growth of bone marrow stem cells in vitro. Also, HIM-1 protected digestive and hematopoietic organs against radiation as effectively as the 2 prescriptions, Si-Wu-Tang and Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang. On the other hand, it showed high in vitro antioxidative activity that might be considered as a mechanism of the protective effects against radiation. Although the detailed mechanisms of those effects remain to be elucidated, these results indicated that HIM-I might be a useful agent for protection and recovery of body from various risk factor as well as radiation, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product.

Effects of Feed Protein Quality on the Protein Metabolism of Growing Pigs - Using a Simulation Model - (성장기 돼지의 단백질대사에 사료단백질의 질이 미치는 영향 -수치모델을 사용하여-)

  • 이옥희
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.26 no.4
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    • pp.704-713
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    • 1997
  • This study was conducted to describe qualitatively the protein metabolism of pigs during growth depending on the feed protein quality and to describe quantitatively amino acids requirements, using a simulation model. The used model has a non-linear structure. In the used model, the protein utilization system of a pig, which is in the non-steady-state, is described with 15 flux equations and 11 differential equations and is composed with two compartments. Protein deposition(g/day) of pigs on the 30th, 60th, 90th, and 120th day of feeding duration with three-quality protein, beginning with body weight 20kg, were calculated according to the empirical model, PAF(the product of amino acid functions) of Menke, and was used as object function for the simulation. The mean of relative difference between the simulated protein deposition and PAF calculated values, lied in a range of 8.8%. The simulated protein deposition showed different behavior according to feed protein quality. In the high-quality protein, it showed paraboloidal form with extending growth simulation up to 150eh day. So the maximum of protein deposition was acquired on the 105th day of simulate growth time and then it decreased fast. In the low-quality protein, this form of protein deposition in the course of simulated growth did not appear until 150th day. The simulated protein mass also showed a difference in accordance with feed protein quality. The difference was small on the 30th day of simulated growth, but with duration of the simulated growth it was larger. On the 150th day the simulated protein deposition of high quality protein was 1.5 times higher as compared to the low-quality protein. The simulated protein synthesis and break-down rates(g/day) in the whole body showed a parallel behavior in the course of growth, according to feed protein quality. It was found that the improvement of feed protein quality increased protein deposition in the whole body through a increase of both protein synthesis and breakdown during growth. Also protein deposition efficiency, which was calculated from simulated protein deposition and protein synthesis, showed a difference in dependence on the protein qualify of feed protein. The protein deposition efficiency was higher in pigs fed with high quality protein, especially at the simulation time 30th day. But this phenomena disappeared with growth, so on the 150th day of growth, the protein deposition of the high feed protein quality was lowest among the three different quality of feed protein. The simulated total requirement of the 10 essential amino acids for the growth of pigs was 28.1(g/100g protein), similar to NRC. The requirement of lysine was 4.2(g/100g protein).

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The Effects of Increased Temperature on Seed Nutrition, Protein, and Oil Contents of Soybean [Glycine max (L.)] (온도 상승에 따른 콩 종실의 무기영양과 단백질 및 지방 함량 평가)

  • Lee, Yun-Ho;Cho, Hyeoun-Suk;Kim, Jun-Hwan;Sang, Wan-Gyu;Shin, Pyong;Baek, Jae-Kyeong;Seo, Myung-Chul
    • KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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    • v.63 no.4
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    • pp.331-337
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    • 2018
  • The content of nutrients, proteins, and oils of crop seeds is affected by global climate change due to the increase in temperature. Information regarding the effects of increased temperature on soybean seed nutrition is limited despite its vital role in seed quality and food security. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing temperature on seed nutrient, protein, and oil content in two soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] cultivars (Daewonkong and Pungsannamulkong during the reproductive period in a temperature-gradient chamber. Four temperature treatments, Ta (near ambient temperature), $Ta+1^{\circ}C$ (ambient temperature+$1^{\circ}C$), $Ta+2^{\circ}C$ (ambient temperature+$2^{\circ}C$), $Ta+3^{\circ}C$ (ambient temperature+$3^{\circ}C$), and $Ta+4^{\circ}C$ (ambient temperature+$4^{\circ}C$), were established by dividing the rows along the temperature gradient. At maturity, increased temperature did not significantly affect the concentration of P, K, Ca, and Mg. The protein and oil content was significantly correlated with temperature. At maturity, the protein content of DWK and PSNK was reduced at $Ta+4^{\circ}C$. The oil content was the highest at $Ta+4^{\circ}C$ in DWK, whereas it decreased in PSNK at $Ta+4^{\circ}C$. Consequently, the biochemical composition of soybean seeds changed with the increase in temperature. These results illustrate the effects of temperature on soybean seed nutrient, protein, and oil content, which can help improve soybean quality at different temperatures. Thus, the biochemical composition of crop seeds can be changed in accordance with nutritional requirements for the benefit of human health in the future.

A Study on the Dietary Behaviors, Physical Development and Nutrient Intakes in Preschool Children (학령 전 아동의 식습관, 신체 발달 및 영양 섭취상태에 관한 연구)

  • Yu, Kyeong-Hee
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.42 no.1
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    • pp.23-37
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    • 2009
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the health status of preschool children using the questionnaires about dietary behaviors and anthropometric indices. And also nutritional status was investigated using questionnaires for 24-hr recall method. The study was conducted in 145 children aged 3 to 6 years and questionnaires for dietary behaviors and dietary intakes were performed by mothers of children in Ulsan. Just nine percent of children were graded as good in terms of having healthy eating habits, this means that the nutrition education for the dietary behaviors should be more focused on preschool children. With regard to the frequency of food intake, children consumed green & yellow vegetables less frequently, meanwhile consumed high protein source food (meat, egg and bean) and milk and its product more frequently. Children almost never consumed fried foods as often as 1-2 times a weak. In assessment of the health status, children have the highest prevalence of colds and allergy, but lower prevalence of clinical symptoms due to the nutritional deficiency. The mean height was $103.6\;{\pm}\;6.4\;cm$ and significantly different among age (p < 0.05), but was not significantly different between sex. The mean weight was $17.8\;{\pm}\;3.0\;kg$ and significantly different in 5, 6years old among age. By the WLI criteria, 11.1% of children were underweight and 17.4% of children were overweight or obese. By the Rohrer index criteria, any children were not underweight and 86.8% of children were overweight or obese. By the Kaup index criteria, 2.8% of children were underweight and 29.2% of children were overweight or obese. And Obesity Index criteria, 2.1% of children were underweight and 20.8% of children were overweight or obese. The results of obesity rate by all criteria except Rohrer index indicated similar level, were significantly high in age 3 with all criteria, and decreased with age increased. The energy intake of children was lower than EER (Estimated Energy Requirements) of Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) by as much as 85.7%. Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR) was 62.6:21.5:15.7 as carbohydrate:protein:lipid, so children consumed protein more, but consumed lipid less compared with those of KDRIs. Vitamin A intake was 133% of recommended intakes (RI) and calcium intake which was identified as the nutrient most likely to be lacking in diets was 98.9% of RI. The intakes of all minerals and vitamins except folate were higher than KDRIs. 33.3% of children were distributed in insufficiency of energy intake, 42.7% of children were distributed in insufficiency of lipid intake. These results indicate that the need of developing of nutrition education program and further concern of a public health center, university and children care center about dietary life for preschool children.

The Demand and Supply of Nutritionist Workforce in Korea and Policy Recommendations (국민영양관리를 위한 영양사 인력의 적정수급에 관한 연구)

  • Oh, Young-Ho
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.43 no.5
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    • pp.533-542
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    • 2010
  • The objective of this study is to provide basic information and policy implications needed to balance the supply and demand for dietitian by projecting supply and demand for dietitian. The data from the Ministry of Health Welfare and Family on the number of licensed nutritionist, resident registration data of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, and health insurance qualification data of the National Health Insurance Corporation were used to examine the current status of supply. To project the supply of nutritionist workforce, the in-out moves method and demographic method were used. The ratios of nutritionist to population and GDP, and that of other countries were applied as the demand projection method. According to the study results, the projection on the imbalance of supply and demand for dietitian by year 2021 differs depending on the method used. First, according to the results based on age-adjusted population ratio, there is an oversupply of 1,643 dietitians in year 2010, and 2,076 dietitians in year 2020. Second, although the projection on the imbalance of the supply and demand for dietitian differs depending on whether the GDD is calculated in won(₩) or dollar($). it is expected that there will be an oversupply in general. Third, as to the scenario using the nutritionist ratio in foreign countries, the oversupply of dietitian is likely in Korea, under any scenario, when comparing the nutritionist supply projection with the demand projection based on the nutritionist ratio in the United States. However, the projection of the supply and demand varies in each scenario when the European nutritionist ratio is applied. Under European 'scenario 1', an oversupply is expected, whereas under 'scenario 2', a shortage of supply is expected. A careful approach is required in interpreting the supply and demand projection using criteria of other countries, because dietitian assumes different roles and functions in each country. Although a slight oversupply of nutritionist workforce is projected, it does not cause a major problem as the demand for diet therapy is expected to rise due to aging and the increase of chronic diseases, and as the demand for clinical dietitians in hospitals increases. Accordingly, the demand for dietitians will rise and, in this context, the oversupply of nutritionist will not incur much problem. However, the nutritionist qualification is much too open in Korea, and this has a negative effect on the quality of the nutritionist workforce. Therefore, it is important that the nutritionist qualifications and requirements are reinforced in the future, enhance the quality level of the nutritionist supply, and maintain the balance between the supply and demand.

Coffee consumption behaviors, dietary habits, and dietary nutrient intakes according to coffee intake amount among university students (일부 대학생의 커피섭취량에 따른 커피섭취행동, 식습관 및 식사 영양소 섭취)

  • Kim, Sun-Hyo
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.50 no.3
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    • pp.270-283
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: This study was conducted to examine coffee consumption behaviors, dietary habits, and nutrient intakes by coffee intake amount among university students. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 300 university students randomly selected in Gongju. Dietary survey was administered during two weekdays by the food record method. Results: Subjects were divided into three groups: NCG (non-coffee group), LCG (low coffee group, 1~2 cups/d), and HCG (high coffee group, 3 cups/d) by coffee intake amount and subjects' distribution. Coffee intake frequency was significantly greater in the HCG compared to the LCG (p < 0.001). The HCG was more likely to intake dripped coffee with or without milk and/or sugar than the LCG (p < 0.05). More than 80% of coffee drinkers chose their favorite coffee or accompanying snacks regardless of energy content. More than 75% of coffee takers did not eat accompanying snacks instead of meals, and the HCG ate them more frequently than LCG (p < 0.05). Breakfast skipping rate was high while vegetable and fruit intakes were very low in most subjects. Subjects who drank carbonated drinks, sweet beverages, or alcohol were significantly greater in number in the LCG and HCG than in the NCG (p < 0.01). Energy intakes from coffee were $0.88{\pm}5.62kcal/d$ and $7.07{\pm}16.93kcal/d$ for the LCG and HCG. For total subjects, daily mean dietary energy intake was low at less than 72% of estimated energy requirement. Levels of vitamin C and calcium were lower than the estimated average requirements while that of vitamin D was low (24~34% of adequate intake). There was no difference in nutrient intakes by coffee intake amount, except protein, vitamin A, and niacin. Conclusion: Coffee intake amount did not affect dietary nutrient intakes. Dietary habits were poor,and most nutrient intakes were lower than recommend levels. High intakes of coffee seemed to be related with high consumption of sweet beverages and alcohol. Therefore, it is necessary to improve nutritional intakes and encourage proper water intake habits, including coffee intake, for improved nutritional status of subjects.

Development of validated Nursing Interventions for Home Health Care to Women who have had a Caesarian Delivery (조기퇴원 제왕절개 산욕부를 위한 가정간호 표준서 개발)

  • HwangBo, Su-Ja
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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    • v.6 no.1
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    • pp.135-146
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    • 2000
  • The purpose of this study was to develope, based on the Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) system. a set of standardized nursing interventions which had been validated. and their associated activities. for use with nursing diagnoses related to home health care for women who have had a caesarian delivery and for their newborn babies. This descriptive study for instrument development had three phases: first. selection of nursing diagnoses. second, validation of the preliminary home health care interventions. and third, application of the home care interventions. In the first phases, diagnoses from 30 nursing records of clients of the home health care agency at P. medical center who were seen between April 21 and July 30. 1998. and from 5 textbooks were examined. Ten nursing diagnoses were selected through a comparison with the NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association) classification In the second phase. using the selected diagnoses. the nursing interventions were defined from the diagnoses-intervention linkage lists along with associated activities for each intervention list in NIC. To develope the preliminary interventions five-rounds of expertise tests were done. During the first four rounds. 5 experts in clinical nursing participated. and for the final content validity test of the preliminary interventions. 13 experts participated using the Fehring's Delphi technique. The expert group evaluated and defined the set of preliminary nursing interventions. In the third phases, clinical tests were held at in a home health care setting with two home health care nurses using the preliminary intervention list as a questionnaire. Thirty clients referred to the home health care agency at P. medical center between October 1998 and March 1999 were the subjects for this phase. Each of the activities were tested using dichotomous question method. The results of the study are as follows: 1. For the ten nursing diagnoses. 63 appropriate interventions were selected from 369 diagnoses interventions links in NlC., and from 1.465 associated nursing activities. From the 63 interventions. the nurses expert group developed 18 interventions and 258 activities as the preliminary intervention list through a five-round validity test 2. For the fifth content validity test using Fehring's model for determining lCV (Intervention Content Validity), a five point Likert scale was used with values converted to weights as follows: 1=0.0. 2=0.25. 3=0.50. 4=0.75. 5=1.0. Activities of less than O.50 were to be deleted. The range of ICV scores for the nursing diagnoses was 0.95-0.66. for the nursing interventions. 0.98-0.77 and for the nursing activities, 0.95-0.85. By Fehring's method. all of these were included in the preliminary intervention list. 3. Using a questionnaire format for the preliminary intervention list. clinical application tests were done. To define nursing diagnoses. home health care nurses applied each nursing diagnoses to every client. and it was found that 13 were most frequently used of 400 times diagnoses were used. Therefore. 13 nursing diagnoses were defined as validated nursing diagnoses. Ten were the same as from the nursing records and textbooks and three were new from the clinical application. The final list included 'Anxiety', 'Aspiration. risk for'. 'Infant behavior, potential for enhanced, organized'. 'Infant feeding pattern. ineffective'. 'Infection'. 'Knowledge deficit'. 'Nutrition, less than body requirements. altered', 'Pain'. 'Parenting'. 'Skin integrity. risk for. impared' and 'Risk for activity intolerance'. 'Self-esteem disturbance', 'Sleep pattern disturbance' 4. In all. there were 19 interventions. 18 preliminary nursing interventions and one more intervention added from the clinical setting. 'Body image enhancement'. For 265 associated nursing activities. clinical application tests were also done. The intervention rate of 19 interventions was from 81.6% to 100%, so all 19 interventions were in c1uded in the validated intervention set. From the 265 nursing activities. 261(98.5%) were accepted and four activities were deleted. those with an implimentation rate of less than 50%. 5. In conclusion. 13 diagnoses. 19 interventions and 261 activities were validated for the final validated nursing intervention set.

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Mammary Performance of First Lactation Bali Cows (Bibos banteng) Fed Grass-Legume Based Diets in Relation to the Role of Glucose

  • Sukarini, I.A.M.;Sastradipradja, Djokowoerjo;Nusada, N.;Mahardika, I.G.;Kiranadi, B.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.14 no.5
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    • pp.615-623
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    • 2001
  • A study of mammary function in relation to glucose metabolism of first lactation Bali cows on grass-legume diets was carried out using 12 primiparous cows (initial BW $263.79{\pm}21.66kg$) for 16 weeks starting immediately post calving. The animals were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatment groups R1, R2, R3 and R4, receiving from the last 2 months of pregnancy onwards, rations based on a mixture of locally available grass and legume feed ad libitum. On a DM basis R1 contained 70% elephant grass (PP, Penicetum purpureum) plus 30% Gliricidia sepia leaves (GS), R2 was 30% PP plus 25% GS supplemented with 55% Hibiscus tilliacius leaves (HT, defaunating effect), R3 and R4 were 22.5% PP+41.25% GS+11.25% HT+25% concentrate, with R4 supplemented with zinc-diacetate. TDN, CP and zinc contents of the diets were 58.2%, 12.05% and 18.3 mg/kg respectively for R1, 65.05%, 16.9% and 25.6 mg/kg respectively for R2, 66.03%, 16.71% and 29.02 mg/kg respectively for R3 and 66.03%, 16.71% and 60.47 mg/kg respectively for R4. Milk production and body weights were monitored, an energy and protein balance trial conducted, overall glucose kinetics parameters assessed, mammary blood flow (MBF) and metabolite arteriovenous differences (${\Delta}AVs$) measured to get uptake data and mammary performance relationships. Parameters of glucose kinetics at peak lactation or during dry condition were not affected by ration quality. Glucose pool size, space of distribution and flux increased by 61.77, 62.26 and 82.08%, respectively, during lactation compared to the dry period. Mean glucose flux of lactating Bali cows was $5.52mg/min.kgBW^{0.807}$ which resembles the range of values of temperate dairy cows. Calculation showed that glucose requirements for maintenance, milk lactose and fat-glycerol synthesis, and the formation of NADPH reached 461.69 g for a yield of 1 kg/d or equal to 320.62 mg/min, which was less than the average glucose flux of lactating Bali cows of 481.35 mg/min. Mammary blood flow (MBF) values ranged from 56 to 83 l/h for the different treatments and the ratio MBF per kg milk produced improved from av. 1540 l/kg for R1 to av. 967 l/kg for R4 treated cows. Mammary glucose uptake ranged from 6.27 to 12.03 g/h or 120 to 140 g/kg milk. Glucose uptake was mass-wise 2 to 4 times the amount secreted as lactose, which indicated values less than the calculated mammary glucose needs and that little lactose was synthesized. The excess glucose taken-up was used for other metabolic processes. Linear relationships between metabolite ${\Delta}AVs$ and arterial blood plasma concentration [A] showed that in Bali cows triglycerides (TG), phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) have high coefficients of determination, i.e. 0.77, 0.81 and 0.69, respectively. For glucose, the relationship is quadratic with an $R^2$ value of 0.49. It was concluded that lactose synthesis was inadequate, which led to a speculation that milk yield could be improved by increased lactose synthesis.

An Analysis of Referrals, Nursing Diagnosis, and Nursing Interventions in Home Care - Wonju Christian Hospital Community Health Nursing Service - (가정간호 기록지 분석 - 원주기독병원 가정간호 보건활동을 중심으로 -)

  • Suh, Mi-Hae;Huh, Hae-Kyung
    • Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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    • v.3
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    • pp.53-66
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    • 1996
  • Home Health Care is one part of the total health care system. It includes health care services that link the hospital to the community. While it is important for early discharge patients, home care is also important for people with chronic illnesses or handicapping conditions. In 1989 the Korean government passed a law that opened the way for formal development of home health care services beginning with education programs to certify nurses for home care, and then demonstration home care services. Part of the mandate of the demonstration projects was evaluation of home care services. This study was done in order to provide basic data that would contribute to the development of records that could be used for evaluation through a retrospective audit and to examine the care that had been given in Home Care at Wonju Christian Hospital over a twenty year period from 1974 to 1994. The purposes of the study were : to identify to characteristics of the clients who had received home care, to identify the reasons for client referrals, to identify the nursing problems of these clients, to identify the nursing care provided to these clients, and to identify differences in these areas over the twenty year period. The study was a descriptive study involving a retrospective audit of the client records. Demographic data on all clients were included : 4,171 clients from 2,564 families. Data on referrals, nursing diagnosis and nursing interventions were from even numbered records which had a patient problem list included in the record, 2,801 clients, Frequencies and ANOVA were used in the analysis. The results of the study showed that the majority of the clients were from Wonju city /county. There were more women than men related to the high number of postpartum clients(1,300). The high number of postparttum clients and newborns was also evident in the age distribution. An the number of maternal-child clients decreased over the 20 years, the mean age of the clients increased significantly. Other factors also contributed to this change ; as increasing number of clients with brain injuries or with cancer, and fewer children with burns, osteomyelitis and tuberculosis. There was a decrease in the mean number of visits and mean length of coverage, reflecting a movement towards a short term acute care model. The number of new clents dropped sharply after 1985. The reasons for this are : the development of other treatment alternatives for clients, the establishment of an active wellbaby clinic, many more options plus a decreasing number of new cases of Hansen's Disase, and insurance that allows people with burns to be kept in hospital until skin grafts are healed. Socioeconomic changes have resulted in an increase in the number of cases of cancer, stroke, head injuries following car accidents, and of diabetes. Of the 2,801 client records, 2,541(60.9%) contained a written referral but for 1,802 it contained only the medical diagnosis. The number of records with a referral requesting specific nursing care was 739(29.1%). Many family members who were identified as in need of nursing care had no written referral. Analysis of the patient problem list showed that 41.9% of the enteries were nursing diagnoses. Others incuded medical diagnosis, symptoms, and plans. The most frequently used diagnoses were alteration in nutrition, less than body requirements(115 entries), alteration in skin integrity(114), knowledge deficit(111), pain(78), self-care deficit(66), and alteration in pattern of urinary elimination(50). These are reflected in the NANDA categories for which the highest number of diagnosis was in the Exchanging pattern(446), followed by Moving(178), Feeling(136) and Knowing (115). Analysis of the frequency of interventions showed that exercise and teaching about exercise was the most frequent intervention, followed by teaching concering the need for follow-up care, checking vital signs, managing nutritional problems, managing catheters, giving emotional support, changing dressings, teaching about medication, teaching (subject not specified), teaching about diet, IM and IV medications or fluid, and skin care, in that order. Recommendations included: development of a record that would allow for efficient recording of frequently used nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions: expansion of the catchment area for Home Care at Wonju Christian Hospital ; expansion of the service to provide complication prevention, rehabilitation services, and support to increase the health maintenance /health promotion of the people being served as well as providing client dentered care ; and development of a clinical record that will allow efficient data collection from records, even though the recording is done by a variety of health care providers.

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Review of Production, Husbandry and Sustainability of Free-range Pig Production Systems

  • Miao, Z.H.;Glatz, P.C.;Ru, Y.J.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.17 no.11
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    • pp.1615-1634
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    • 2004
  • A review was undertaken to obtain information on the sustainability of pig free-range production systems including the management, performance and health of pigs in the system. Modern outdoor rearing systems requires simple portable and flexible housing with low cost fencing. Local pig breeds and outdoor-adapted breeds for certain environment are generally more suitable for free-range systems. Free-range farms should be located in a low rainfall area and paddocks should be relatively flat, with light topsoil overlying free-draining subsoil with the absence of sharp stones that can cause foot damage. Huts or shelters are crucial for protecting pigs from direct sun burn and heat stress, especially when shade from trees and other facilities is not available. Pigs commonly graze on strip pastures and are rotated between paddocks. The zones of thermal comfort for the sow and piglet differ markedly; between 12-22$^{\circ}C$ for the sow and 30-37$^{\circ}C$ for piglets. Offering wallows for free-range pigs meets their behavioural requirements, and also overcomes the effects of high ambient temperatures on feed intake. Pigs can increase their evaporative heat loss via an increase in the proportion of wet skin by using a wallow, or through water drips and spray. Mud from wallows can also coat the skin of pigs, preventing sunburn. Under grazing conditions, it is difficult to control the fibre intake of pigs although a high energy, low fibre diet can be used. In some countries outdoor sows are fitted with nose rings to prevent them from uprooting the grass. This reduces nutrient leaching of the land due to less rooting. In general, free-range pigs have a higher mortality compared to intensively housed pigs. Many factors can contribute to the death of the piglet including crushing, disease, heat stress and poor nutrition. With successful management, free-range pigs can have similar production to door pigs, although the growth rate of the litters is affected by season. Piglets grow quicker indoors during the cold season compared to outdoor systems. Pigs reared outdoors show calmer behaviour. Aggressive interactions during feeding are lower compared to indoor pigs while outdoor sows are more active than indoor sows. Outdoor pigs have a higher parasite burden, which increases the nutrient requirement for maintenance and reduces their feed utilization efficiency. Parasite infections in free-range pigs also risks the image of free-range pork as a clean and safe product. Diseases can be controlled to a certain degree by grazing management. Frequent rotation is required although most farmers are keeping their pigs for a longer period before rotating. The concept of using pasture species to minimise nematode infections in grazing pigs looks promising. Plants that can be grown locally and used as part of the normal feeding regime are most likely to be acceptable to farmers, particularly organic farmers. However, one of the key concerns from the public for free-range pig production system is the impact on the environment. In the past, the pigs were held in the same paddock at a high stocking rate, which resulted in damage to the vegetation, nutrient loading in the soil, nitrate leaching and gas emission. To avoid this, outdoor pigs should be integrated in the cropping pasture system, the stock should be mobile and stocking rate related to the amount of feed given to the animals.