• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2323-2326
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• 2015

It is urgently necessary to be aware of the distribution and risk areas of liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, for proper allocation of prevention and control measures. This study aimed to investigate the human behavior, and environmental factors influencing the distribution in Surin Province of Thailand, and to build a model using stepwise multiple regression analysis with a geographic information system (GIS) on environment and climate data. The relationship between the human behavior, attitudes (<50%; $X_{111}$), environmental factors like population density ($148-169pop/km^2$; $X_{73}$), and land use as wetland ($X_{64}$), were correlated with the liver fluke disease distribution at 0.000, 0.034, and 0.006 levels, respectively. Multiple regression analysis, by equations OV= -0.599 + 0.005(population density ($148-169pop/km^2$); $X_{73}$) + 0.040 (human attitude (<50%); $X_{111}$) +0.022 (land used (wetland; X64), was used to predict the distribution of liver fluke. OV is the patients of liver fluke infection, R Square= 0.878, and, Adjust R Square= 0.849. By GIS analysis, we found Si Narong, Sangkha, Phanom Dong Rak, Mueang Surin, Non Narai, Samrong Thap, Chumphon Buri, and Rattanaburi to have the highest distributions in Surin province. In conclusion, the combination of GIS and statistical analysis can help simulate the spatial distribution and risk areas of liver fluke, and thus may be an important tool for future planning of prevention and control measures.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.42-45
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• 1963

In a plant breeding program, an efficient selection of desired characters in a population is important. Generally, many agronomic characters in a given population are determined by polygenes and quantitatively inherited. In practice, the genetic relationship between two observed characters which are undoubtedly subjected to the environmental influence is difficult to identify. In recent years, many workers have attempted to understant the genetic relationship between characters in terms of genotypic correlation, and the knowledge thus gained should furnish many important and useful information for the planning of breeding, selection, and interpretation of the result. The genotypic correlation is the result of pleiotropy, linkage of genes(2, 3, 5, 6, 8) and natural or artificial selection(4). The purposes of this study were to estimate genotyric and phenotypic correlations between all possible pairs of nine characters. and to seek certain characters which may be useful as indicators of certain important agronomic characters. Weber and Moorthy(10), Johnson et al. (5) and Sheth(7) found that in general, the genotypic correlations were higher than the phenotypic correlations. Weiss et al. (11) obtained significant positive correlations between maturity and oil content, maturity and low protein content, and high protein content and low oil content. Weber and Moorthy(10) reported the positive genotypic correlations between flowering and maturity, yield and maturity, yield and plant height, yield and seed weight, and negative genotypic correlations between maturity and oil content, and oil content and seed weight. Johnson et al. (5) studied the genotypic and phenotypic correlations among 24 characters and concluded that selection based entirely on a long fruiting period, lateness, heavy seed, low protein, high oil and resistance to lodging would be effective in increasing yield. Sheth(7) found the following positive associations among characters; height and maturity, yield and lodging, low protein content and high oil content, and yield and low protein content. Hanson et al.(1) also reported high negative correlation between seed yield and protein content.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.805-810
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• 2013

Increasing the rate of smoking cessation will reduce the burden of diseases related to smoking, including cancer. Understanding the process of smoking cessation is a pre-requisite to planning and developing effective programs to enhance the rate of smoking cessation.The aims of the study were to determine the demographic distribution of smokers across the initial stages of smoking cessation (the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages) and to identify the predictors of smoking cessation among Malaysian adult smokers. Data were extracted from a population-based, cross-sectional survey carried out from April 2006 to July 2006. The distribution of 2,716,743 current smokers across the pre-contemplation stage (no intention to quit smoking in the next six months) or contemplation stage (intended to quit smoking in the next six months) was described. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and the stages of smoking cessation. Of the 2,716,743 current smokers, approximately 30% and 70% were in the pre-contemplative and contemplative stages of smoking cessation respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that male gender, low education level, older age group, married and those from higher income group and number of cigarettes smoked were associated with higher likelihood of pre-contemplation to cease smoking in the next six months. The majority of current smokers in Malaysia were in the contemplative stage of smoking cessation. Specific interventions should be implemented to ensure the pre-contemplative smokers proceed to the contemplative stage and eventually to the preparation stage.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.353-363
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• 2011

The objective of the current study was to examine associations of whole grain consumption with socio-demographic (i.e.: sex, age, household income, education, marriage status) and certain eating behavior factors (i.e.: dish source, eating place, meal type) among a generally healthy Korean population. Using twenty-four hour recall data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, whole grain intake (g/day) was calculated for a total of 8,836 generally healthy Koreans aged 6 years and higher. The study subjects had very low whole grain intake. Specifically approximately 60% of the subjects reported no whole grain consumption on the survey day, and mean daily intake ranged from 8.0 g to 15.1 g in different gender and age groups. Living with a spouse was found to be a positive environment factor for whole grain consumption, especially among men. As household income levels increased, whole grain consumption status also improved. The proportion of non-consumer was lowest in a 6-19 year group, and mean intake amount was highest in middle-aged adults. Major dish sources for whole grain consumption included boiled rice with mixed grains, corn, boiled rice with brown rice, cereal products, and other types of boiled rice. It was found that whole grain consumption was highly affected by eating places rather than meal types. The best contributing eating place was home in each age and gender group. The study findings may be useful in planning nutrition education strategy and formulating dietary behavior guidelines for whole grain consumption improvement.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.95-107
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• 2016

Objectives: Physical activity is well known as one of the most effective health behaviors for maintaining and promoting health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regional variation, compositional and contextual factors on physical activities in Korea. Methods: This study analyzed data of 6,353 adults in 4th-1, 2 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Independent variables were compositional factors that included general characteristics, health behaviors, health status, and contextual factors that included physical environment, political environment, and social safety net. Dependent variables were vigorous physical activity, moderate physical activity, and walking activity. Multilevel analysis were used to determine a variation of physical activity between levels of compositional factors and contextual factors. Results: Physical activities of the Korean people were affected by the regional variables. Financial independence and population density were related with moderate physical activity significantly. Population density, school sport or rally spaces, cultural facilities, and social safety concerns were related with walking activity significantly. These variables impacted on physical activities along with variables at the individual level. Variance Partition Coefficient were 9.94% at moderate physical activity and 2.91% at walking activities, respectively. Conclusions: The results suggest that the regional variables should be considered when planning public intervention to promoting physical activities in Korean adults.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2018

Background: Selecting priority occupational carcinogens is important for cancer prevention efforts; however, standardized selection methods are not available. The objective of this paper was to describe the methods used by CAREX Canada in 2015 to establish priorities for preventing occupational cancer, with a focus on exposure estimation and descriptive profiles. Methods: Four criteria were used in an expert assessment process to guide carcinogen prioritization: (1) the likelihood of presence and/or use in Canadian workplaces; (2) toxicity of the substance (strength of evidence for carcinogenicity and other health effects); (3) feasibility of producing a carcinogen profile and/or an occupational estimate; and (4) special interest from the public/scientific community. Carcinogens were ranked as high, medium or low priority based on specific conditions regarding these criteria, and stakeholder input was incorporated. Priorities were set separately for the creation of new carcinogen profiles and for new occupational exposure estimates. Results: Overall, 246 agents were reviewed for inclusion in the occupational priorities list. For carcinogen profile generation, 103 were prioritized (11 high, 33 medium, and 59 low priority), and 36 carcinogens were deemed priorities for occupational exposure estimation (13 high, 17 medium, and 6 low priority). Conclusion: Prioritizing and ranking occupational carcinogens is required for a variety of purposes, including research, resource allocation at different jurisdictional levels, calculations of occupational cancer burden, and planning of CAREX-type projects in different countries. This paper outlines how this process was achieved in Canada; this may provide a model for other countries and jurisdictions as a part of occupational cancer prevention efforts.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.1160-1168
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• 2018

Background/Aims: The Republic of Korea is a country where the hemodialysis population is growing rapidly. It is believed that the numbers of treatments related to vascular access-related complications are also increasing. This study investigated the current status of treatment and medical expenses for vascular access in Korean patients on hemodialysis. Methods: This was a descriptive observational study. We inspected the insurance claims of patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent hemodialysis between January 2008 and December 2016. We calculated descriptive statistics of the frequencies and medical expenses of procedures for vascular access. Results: The national medical expenses for access-related treatment were 7.12 billion KRW (equivalent to 6.36 million USD) in 2008, and these expenses increased to 42.12 billion KRW (equivalent to 37.67 million USD) in 2016. The population of hemodialysis patients, the annual frequency of access-related procedures, and the total medical cost for access-related procedures increased by 1.6-, 2.6-, and 5.9-fold, respectively, over the past 9 years. The frequency and costs of access care increased as the number of patients on hemodialysis increased. The increase in vascular access-related costs has largely been driven by increased numbers of percutaneous angioplasty. Conclusions: The increasing proportion of medical costs for percutaneous angioplasty represents a challenge in the management of end-stage renal disease in Korea. It is essential to identify the clinical and physiological aspects as well as anatomical abnormalities before planning angioplasty. A timely surgical correction could be a viable option to control the rapid growth of access-related medical expenses.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.83-90
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• 2019

The purpose of the present study is to confirm, through quantitative indices, changes arising with the implementation of urban regeneration projects, with a specific focus on the case of Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, one of the 13 priority rgions in urban regeneration. By utilizing quantitative data including resident population, floating population, revenue, number of small business persons, number of startup companies, and number of licensed buildings, the study confirmed changes in Dongnam-gu and other urban regeneration areas. The study compared monitoring results and implemented project policies to confirm changes within the area as a result of project implementation. Additionally, resident perception toward business districts was surveyed to confirm changes in perception and opinion, and monitoring indices were used to confirm changes as a result of project implementation. Accordingly, the study presented a plan to carry out the assessment of urban regeneration projects, which can be employed as data for conducting future urban regeneration projects. Urban regeneration projects are carried out for the long-term. Therefore, based on monitoring and investigative data, they require constant policy suggestions and periodic monitoring in accordance with changes resulting from project implementation. With regards to the effective range of urban regeneration projects, the study confirmed the possibility of an effect not only in the area of project implementation but also in surrounding areas. However, because the study merely confirms changes in Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, additional research is necessary to ascertain assessment plans suitable to the different types and regional characteristics of urban regeneration projects.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2024

Objectives: The demand for dental care is expected to increase as the population ages. This study aimed to predict the utilization of dental implant care following the expansion of national health insurance benefits for dental implants. Methods: Multiple linear regression analysis was performed on HIRA big data open portal data and DNN-based artificial intelligence models to forecast the utilization of dental care in relation to the national health insurance coverage for dental implants. Results: National health insurance coverage of dental implants was found to be associated with the number of patients using dental implant services and demonstrated a statistical significance. The dental implant services utilization increased with the increased dental implant health insurance benefits for the elderly population, increased mean by region, increased number of dental institutions by region, and increased health insurance coverage rate for dental implants. However, the dental implant services utilization decreased with the increased number of older people living alone and increased size of dental institutions. Conclusions: With the expansion of the national health insurance coverage for dental implants, it is predicted that the utilization of dental implant medical services will increase in the future.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.180-187
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly used for assessing patients undergoing transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure. 3D TEE, albeit providing high resolution en-face images of ASD, is used in only a fraction of cases. We aimed to perform a comparative analysis between 3D and 2D TEE assessment for ASD device planning. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study conducted over a period of one year. Patients deemed suitable for device closure underwent 2D and 3D TEE at baseline. Defect characteristics, assessed separately in both modalities, were compared. Using regression analysis, we aimed to derive an equation for predicting device size using 3D TEE parameters. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the study, majority being females (83%). The mean age of the study population was 40.5 ± 12.05 years. Chest pain, dyspnea and palpitations were the common presenting complaints. All patients had suitable rims on 2D TEE. A good agreement was noted between 2D and 3D TEE for measured ASD diameters. 3D TEE showed that majority of defects were circular in shape (60%). The final device size used had high degree of correlation with 3D defect area and circumference. An equation was devised to predict device size using 3D defect area and circumference. The mean device size obtained from the equation was similar to the actual device size used in the study population (p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: Device sizing based on 3D TEE parameters alone is equally effective for transcatheter ASD closure as compared to 2D TEE.