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The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of wild birds fell victim to pesticides poisoning in South Korea. The main outbreak of pesticide poisoning intensively occurred in winter, when food is rapidly reduced, and hungry birds easily fell victim to food contaminated with pesticides, resulting in ecologically fatal mass mortality. From 2017 to 2018 in South Korea, 1379 wild birds fell victim to pesticide poisoning. In detail, 832 (60.33%) waterfowls such as Baikal teals, and 547 (39.67%) forest birds such as brown-eared bulbuls died. The major pesticides identified in wild birds died of acute pesticide poisoning were carbofuran, monocrotophos and phosphamidon. Taken together, it is pesticide poisoning caused by artificially spraying rice seeds contaminated with pesticides that gives rise to mass death of wild birds in winter in South Korea, and continuous public education and dedicated institutions are needed to prevent this accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Center for Underground Physics of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in Korea has been planning the construction of a deep underground laboratory since 2013 to search for extremely rare interactions such as dark matter and neutrinos. In September 2022, a new underground laboratory, Yemilab, was finally completed in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, with a depth of 1,000 m and an exclusive experimental area spanning 3,000m³. The tunnel is encased in limestone and accommodates 17 independent experimental spaces. Over 2 years, from 2023 to 2024, the Yangyang Underground Laboratory facilities will be relocated to Yemilab. Preparations are underway for the AMoRE-II, a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment, scheduled to begin in Q2 2024 at Yemilab. Additionally, Yemilab includes a cylindrical pit with a volume of approximately 6,300m³, designed as a multipurpose laboratory for next-generation experiments involving neutrinos, dark matter, and related research. This article provides a focused overview of the construction and structure of Yemilab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Asian marginal seas (EAMS) are one of the fastest‐warming ocean regions globally. This study presents the long‐term trends (1982–2020) of extreme ocean warming events called "marine heatwaves" over the EAMS and examines the relationships between marine heatwave trends and mean SST warming trends. We focus on five subregions with different influences from atmospheric perturbation and ocean currents: the northern East Sea (N‐ES), southern East Sea, Yellow Sea, Korea Strait (KS), and East China Sea (ECS). During the past four decades, marine heatwave duration and intensity in the EAMS have increased to approximately +4 days and +0.3°C per decade on average, respectively. In summer, the positive trend of marine heatwaves is the highest in the ECS, primarily due to the rapidly increasing mean sea surface temperature (SST). In winter, the N‐ES reveals remarkably rapid increases in marine heatwave properties in the last two decades, with increasing rates of approximately 6.2 (4.9) times longer total duration (stronger intensity) than the global average changes. Beyond the impact of the rapid increase in mean SST, the N‐ES marine heatwaves can be further extended due to the northward shift of the East Korea Warm Current. In general, mean SST changes are critical to the increasing trend in marine heatwave duration and intensity. This study further emphasizes that the changes in ocean circulation may expedite more rapid changes in extreme ocean events, which can produce more vulnerability in some places, such as the N‐ES, to marine heatwaves under continued global warming. Plain Language Summary: Extreme warming events of the ocean occurring from several days to weeks significantly impact marine ecosystems. This study investigates the increasing trends of extremely high ocean warming, namely "marine heatwave," over East Asian marginal seas. During the past four decades, marine heatwave duration and intensity have increased to approximately +4 days and +0.3°C per decade on average, respectively. Comparing the earlier period (1982–2000) and the recent period (2001–2020), the most dramatic changes in marine heatwave properties, including frequency, duration, and intensity, occur in the northern East Sea in winter, significantly increasing 763.33% in duration. During summer, the East China Sea reveals the most significant increasing ratio of marine heatwave properties, with change rates of 227.07% in duration. Marine heatwave characteristics have a statistically increasing trend in both seasons in most regions due to global warming. Beyond the impact of the change in mean SST, we find the change in SST variance via shifting ocean current leads to the excessive trend of marine heatwaves. Key Points: East Asian Marine heatwave duration and intensity have enhanced to approximately +4 days and +0.3°C per decadeDuring winter, the marine heatwave duration over northern East Sea regions experiences a dramatic increase of 763.33%, much higher than the global average increase of 122.63%Northward ocean current variance is a significant factor in the excessive increase of marine heatwave duration, in addition to the changing mean sea surface temperature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have a high risk of active tuberculosis and need systematic LTBI screening and treatment. However, acceptance and adherence rates of LTBI treatment are low. Aims To examine the specific reasons for the loss at each LTBI treatment-cascade stage: acceptance, continuation and completion of LTBI treatment in HCWs. Methods This retrospective descriptive study was conducted among 61 HCWs with an interferon-gamma release assay-confirmed LTBI diagnosis who were prescribed LTBI treatment at a tertiary hospital in the Republic of Korea. Data were analysed using Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact, independent t -test and Mann–Whitney U- test. A word cloud analysis was used to describe the perceived meaning of LTBI in HCWs. Results HCWs who refused or discontinued LTBI treatment perceived LTBI as 'not a big deal', whereas HCWs who completed LTBI treatment had a high-risk perception of the LTBI prognosis, such as 'frightened about adverse prognosis'. Determinants of non-adherence to the recommended LTBI treatment included a busy work schedule, side effects of anti-tuberculosis agents and the inconvenience of regularly taking anti-tuberculosis agents. Conclusions To ensure LTBI treatment adherence in HCWs, effective interventions that are customized to each stage of the LTBI treatment should be developed, with due consideration of the stage-specific perceived facilitators and barriers in the LTBI treatment cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulleungdo is a volcanic island with an oceanic climate seasonally affected by warm and cold currents. The freshwater ecosystems of Ulleungdo Island act as an ecological indicator that reveals changes caused by various environmental factors. This study applied Illumina MiSeq to analyze microalgal groups within the eukaryotic microbial community and determine regional differences in microalgal groups inhabiting Ulleungdo Island. Also, we compared the Illumina MiSeq analysis with the culture-based analysis results. The 18S rRNA regions were amplified using an 18S V4 primer set to analyze eukaryotic microbial and microalgal communities. As a result, Basidiomycota (fungi) was the predominant eukaryotic microbial group. The proportion of Chlorophyta (green algae) in the microalgal group was higher than that of Bacillariophyta (diatoms). The microalgal species detected included two diatoms (Achnanthidium minutissimum and Nitzschia palea) and three green algae (Dictyosphaerium spp., Tetradesmus obliquus, and Desmodesmus spp.). Additionally, the composition and species diversity of eukaryotic microbial communities changed according to the environmental factors of each stream or groundwater source. Illumina MiSeq analysis is a powerful tool for overcoming the limitations of culture-based analyses. Therefore, our research provided an enhanced ecological understanding of environmental factors associated with microalgal groups within the eukaryotic microbial community of Ulleungdo Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk of de novo psoriasis in hypertension patients initially treated with beta-blockers: Nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea In the BB-exposed group, 36 (0.2%) and 75 (0.4%) patients developed I de novo i psoriasis in the first year and first 2 years after BB initiation, respectively. The BB-exposed group included patients with hypertension initially treated with BB for at least 90 consecutive days. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the adductor minimus (AMi) and to observe its topographic relationships relative to the adjacent anatomical structures.Materials and Methods: This study investigated 54 thighs of 27 Korean cadavers.Results: The AMi was a small and flat muscle observed in 94.4% of the specimens. It originated from the inferior ramus of the pubis as the upper part of the adductor magnus (AMa), and inserted from the lesser trochanter to the upper part of the linea aspera. The AMi was completely separate from the AMa in 63.0% of the specimens. The medial circumflex femoral artery was always found at the superior border of the AMi, while the first and second perforating arteries were found inferior to the muscle in 55.6% and 37.0% of specimens, respectively. A supernumerary muscle was found with the AMi in 42.6% of the specimens, and it originated from the inferior ramus of the pubis and inserted into the posterior side of the lesser trochanter. The obturator externus and AMi were found superoposterior and inferior to the supernumerary muscle, respectively, while the posterior branch of the obturator nerve passed underneath it.Conclusions: The results of this study may provide physicians with the accurate anatomical knowledge that they require for managing groin pain and applying a regional nerve block with ultrasound guidance in this adductor region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There remain concerns about the safety and functional benefit of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) compared with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). This study evaluated short-term outcomes of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing LPPG with LDG for gastric cancer. Methods: The Korean Laparoendoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS)-04 trial was an investigator-initiated, open-label, parallel-assigned, superiority, multicentre RCT in Korea. Patients with cT1N0M0 cancer located in the middle third of the stomach at least 5 cm from the pylorus were randomized to undergo LPPG or LDG. Participants, care givers and those assessing the outcomes were not blinded to group assignment. Outcomes were 30-day postoperative morbidity rate and death at 90 days. Results: Some 256 patients from nine institutions were randomized (LPPG 129 patients, LDG 127 patients) between July 2015 and July 2017 and outcomes for 253 patients were analysed. Postoperative complications within 30 days were seen in 19.3 and 15.5 per cent in the LPPG and LDG groups respectively (P=0·419). Postoperative pyloric stenosis was observed in nine (7.2 per cent) and two (1·5 per cent) patients in the LPPG and LDG groups (P=0·026) respectively. In multivariable analysis higher BMI was a risk factor for postoperative complications (odds ratio 1·17, 95 per cent c.i. 1·04 to 1·32; P=0·011). Death at 90 days was zero in both groups. Conclusion: Postoperative complications and mortality was comparable in patients undergoing LPPG and LDG. Registration number: NCT02595086 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a major concern when starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with advanced HIV infection. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of IRIS in HIV‐infected Koreans initiating ART, and whether integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) treatment increases the risk of IRIS. Methods: This retrospective analysis included adults living with HIV, seen at four university‐affiliated hospitals in South Korea, who were naïve to ART and had a CD4 T‐cell count < 200 cells/μL between January 2004 and May 2019. IRIS was determined through a medical record review within 6 months of ART initiation. Propensity score‐matched case–control study between the non‐INSTI and INSTI groups was performed. Results: The study included 501 patients; 192 were assigned to the INSTI group, who started ART based on INSTIs as the initial treatment. There were opportunistic infections (OIs) in 253 (50.5%) cases before ART initiation. The three most common OIs were Pneumocystisjirovecii pneumonia, candidiasis and tuberculosis (TB). We identified 47 cases of IRIS; TB‐IRIS was the most common type. The incidence of IRIS within 6 months of ART initiation was 9.4%, and there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and incidence of IRIS between the matched groups. The risk factors for IRIS were pre‐ART CD4 T‐cell count (< 30 cells/μL), higher pre‐ART viral load (≥ 75 000 copies/mL), and TB‐OI. Conclusions: The incidence of IRIS was 9.4% in Korean HIV patients. The INSTI regimen was not related to IRIS occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogens involved in central nervous system (CNS) infections are various, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, so a syndromic approach can be required. In addition, since their rapid and accurate detection is very crucial, molecular diagnostics using cerebrospinal fluid is becoming the emerging standard method. Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively to identify the incidence and distribution patterns of the pathogens according to gender, age, season, and month and to analyze their co-detection from August 2017 to July 2020. It was also conducted to investigate turn-around times (TATs) according to the detection method. The detection methods were FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis (M/E) method (FilmArray), Cepheid® Xpert EV assay (Xpert), and Multiplex PCR method for five species of bacteria. Results: The overall incidence for at least one pathogen was 13.9% (346/2,496). The highest incidence was shown in age group 4 (3 - 6 years), with 27.4%. The detection rates by FilmArray, Xpert, and Multiplex PCR method were 39.8%, 41.7%, and 0.4%, respectively. Enterovirus (EV) showed the highest incidence rate, which accounted for 37.0%. The distribution of the pathogens according to the age groups were the highest in age group 4, with 47.5% (168/354), followed by 27.4% (97/354) in age group 5. Of the ten cases in which bacteria were detected, S. agalactiae accounted for 60.0% (6/10), most of which occurred in age group 1. E. coli K1, L. monocytogenes, and N. meningitidis were not detected. In the viral distribution, EV accounted for the highest proportion in all age groups. The overall proportion of EV accounted for 87.6% (310/354), followed by human parechovirus with 2.8% (10/354). The most commonly detected season was summer, comprising 75.1%. A total of eight cases of co-detection with two pathogens accounted for 1.6% (8/507) in FilmArray. In FilmArray, all TATs were found to be shorter than Xpert. Conclusions: The information on the incidence and distribution patterns of the pathogens causing CNS infections and their rapid detection are critically important to clinicians in the management of immunocompromised patients, elderly, and children. The expeditious molecular diagnostics for these pathogens would be valuable in medical decisions by clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark photons are well motivated hypothetical dark sector particles that could account for observations that cannot be explained by the standard model of particle physics. A search for dark photons that are produced by an electron beam striking a thick tungsten target and subsequently interact in a 3 kiloton-scale neutrino detector in Yemilab, a new underground lab in Korea, is proposed. Dark photons can be produced by "darkstrahlung" or by oscillations from ordinary photons produced in the target and detected by their visible decays, "absorption" or by their oscillation to ordinary photons. By detecting the absorption process or the oscillation-produced photons, a world's best sensitivity for measurements of the dark-photon kinetic mixing parameter of ϵ2> 1.5 × 10−13(6.1 × 10−13) at the 95% confidence level (C.L.) could be obtained for dark photon masses between 80 eV and 1 MeV in a year-long exposure to a 100 MeV–100 kW electron beam with zero (103) background events. In parallel, the detection of e+e− pairs from decays of dark photons with mass between 1 MeV and ∼86 MeV would have sensitivities of ϵ2> O 10 − 17 O 10 − 16 at the 95% C.L. with zero (103) background events. This is comparable to that of the Super-K experiment under the same zero background assumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether phase angle (PhA) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and frailty are associated with the outcomes of critical illnesses. Design: A single-center prospective cohort study. Setting: Medical intensive care unit (ICU) in Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Participants: 97 patients who were admitted to the medical ICU. Measurements: On admission, PhA was measured by BIA, and frailty was assessed by the Korean Modified Barthel Index (KMBI) scoring system. Patients were classified according to PhA and KMBI scores, and their impact on the outcomes of critical illnesses was evaluated. Results: The patients' mean age was 62.4 ± 16.4 years, and 56 of the patients (57.7%) were men. Having a high PhA above 3.5 at the time of ICU admission was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.42, p =.042), and a shorter duration of ICU stay (5.6 days vs. 9.8 days, p =.016) compared to those with a low PhA. Other indices measured by BIA were not significantly associated with outcomes of critical illnesses. Frailty (KMBI > 60) was associated with more mechanical ventilation days (2.3 days vs. 7.1 days; p =.018). Conclusion: Both PhA and frailty are important prognostic factors predicting the outcomes of critical illnesses. Low PhA scores were associated with increased mortality and a longer duration of ICU stay, and frailty was associated with more mechanical ventilation days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim was to examine the rate of delayed or no isolation of hospitalized patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and the causes for isolation failure. This retrospective study included patients with pulmonary TB at a university-affiliated hospital in South Korea between January 2015 and June 2018 after excluding those with a stay ≤2 days and those who only visited the emergency department. Patients who were not isolated for ≥3 days were classified as the delayed or no isolation group. We compared the clinical findings and diagnostic test results, between patients managed with delayed or no isolation (D-isolation) and timely isolation (T-isolation). Of 486 patients with pulmonary TB, 222 patients were included. In 106 cases (47.7%), isolation was delayed or not applied, while in 116 cases, isolation was applied in a timely manner. Typical findings of TB were seen on the chest X-rays of 87 (75.0%) patients in the T-isolation group versus 25 (23.6%) patients in the D-isolation group (p < 0.001). Other factors significantly associated with delayed or no isolation on univariate analyses were older age, admission route (emergency room vs. other), admitting department, negative acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stain, and negative MTB PCR. On multivariate analysis, admission through an outpatient clinic, admission to a department other than infectious diseases or pulmonology, an atypical chest X-ray finding and negative sputum AFB stains were risk factors for isolation failure. Delayed or no isolation of patients with pulmonary TB was attributed mainly to atypical radiological findings and negative findings of direct TB diagnostic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To track stepwise changes in genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance in rapidly evolving OXA-232-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST14, an emerging carbapenem-resistant high-risk clone, in clinical settings. Twenty-six K. pneumoniae ST14 isolates were collected by the Korean Nationwide Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance system over the course of 1 year. Isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and MIC determinations using 33 antibiotics from 14 classes. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing identified 72 unique SNP sites spanning the chromosomes of the isolates, dividing them into three clusters (I, II and III). The initial isolate possessed two plasmids with 18 antibiotic-resistance genes, including bla OXA-232 , and exhibited resistance to 11 antibiotic classes. Four other plasmids containing 12 different resistance genes, including bla CTX-M-15 and strA/B , were introduced over time, providing additional resistance to aztreonam and streptomycin. Moreover, chromosomal integration of insertion sequence Ecp1 - bla CTX-M-15 mediated the inactivation of mgrB responsible for colistin resistance in four isolates from cluster III. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of K. pneumoniae ST14 resistant to both carbapenem and colistin in South Korea. Furthermore, although some acquired genes were lost over time, the retention of 12 resistance genes and inactivation of mgrB provided resistance to 13 classes of antibiotics. We describe stepwise changes in OXA-232-producing K. pneumoniae ST14 in vivo over time in terms of antimicrobial resistance. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the evolution of emerging high-risk K. pneumoniae clones and provide reference data for future outbreaks. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine how gait speed and frontal lobe functionsin community-dwelling older adults in Korea. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: The study used data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Survey (KFACS), a multi-center longitudinal study addressing 10 centers across urban, rural, and suburban communities in Korea, between 2016 and 2017. Participants: A total of 1552 older adults who underwent both gait speed tests and cognitive functions tests during the investigation of the KFACS. Measurements: Gait speed was assessed by asking participants to walk from a starting point to a point 4 meters away at a normal gait. Cognitive functions were evaluated using various standardized cognitive functions tests. Results: Gait speed was slower when participants were older or less educated The percentage of women, higher BMI, people with lower incomes, singles, smokers, and drinkers was high in the slower gait group. Also, all cognitive function scores were low and depression score was high in the group with slower walking speed. The slower walking speed showed low physical activity score and high prevalence of hypertension, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Among the seven cognitive functions (MMSE, memory, TMT, Recall, Recognition, digit span, and Fab), only TMT showed no significant difference between different gait speed groups. The other six cognitive functions showed higher results in the fastest gait speed group (T3), Participants in middle gait speed group (T2) also showed higher results in five of the seven cognitive function scores as well (Memory, Recall, Recognition, digit span, and Fab). Conclusion: In this study, we found correlation between the slower gait speeds and the decrease in cognitive function, and especially the frontal lobe dysfunction was most prominent of all cognitive dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the association between calorie intake and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on the first-year baseline data of 1559 adults aged 70–84 years using population data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. We included 543 participants who participated in nutritional surveys and accurately responded regarding their daily calorie intake. Daily ingestion was measured using the 24-hour dietary recall method, and neuropsychological tests evaluated cognitive characteristics. Logistic regression models were utilized to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence rate of cognitive impairment was 8%. Subjects with cognitive impairment mainly showed memory loss. After adjusting the confounding factors, participants who had less than the recommended intake were susceptible to cognitive impairment compared to those who that had the proposed intake (adjusted OR: 7.70, 95% CI: 1.01–58.45). We showed that lesser calorie intake than the recommended intake increases the ORs of cognitive impairment. We suggest that an adequate calorie intake protects against cognitive decline, and further studies are essential to investigate the influence of calorie intake reduction on the elderly before widespread application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the drastic climate changes have increased the importance of wildfire monitoring and damage assessment as well as the possibility of wildfire occurrence. Estimation of wildfire damage provides the information on wildfire-induced ecological changes and supports the decision-making process for post-fire treatment activities. For accurate wildfire damage assessment, the discrimination between disaster-induced and natural changes is crucial because they usually coupled together. In this study, Sentinel-2 images were employed to assess the damage from a wildfire, which occurred in the coniferous forest of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea on April 2019. The images were captured from both Sentinel-2A and -2B, shortening the temporal interval of available pre- and post-fire images. Multi-temporal image analysis was performed in both object and pixel-based with two commonly used spectral indices, NDVI and NBR. Additional image pair from the same period of 2018 was used to distinguish the fire-affected regions from the naturally changed area and compared with the results from using only one pair of images from 2019. The experimental results showed that the change detection performance could be affected by the number of image pairs and spectral indices used to discriminate burned region from unburned region. Thus it verified the significance of adequately employing annual multi-pair satellite images for wildfire damage assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of transitions to and possibly back from dependence. The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, 2006–2014. The transitions between non-dependence and difficulties in activities of daily living —instrumental (IADL) or not (ADL)—are distinguished between stability, deterioration, death, or recovery in multilevel logistic regressions. Controlling for other covariates, women are more likely to remain without difficulty than men, dependants are more likely out of the labor force or unemployed, city dwellers are more likely dependent. Subjective health helps predict health two years later, as grip power, score of cognition, depression, cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases, and the number of difficulties in IADL (but not in ADL). Dependants with difficulties in IADL reporting no caregiver survive longer but are less likely to recover. Difficulties in ADL overwhelm any other available determinant. The Gompertz-like increase in the death rate with age no longer holds true for ADL dependants. Cardiac and cerebrovascular pathologies and smoking and drinking favor the transition to disability. Socio-economic and medical factors identify a multifactorial determination of the risk to dependence and changes in dependence status, controlling for each effect and selection bias. • Depression, cardiac and cerebro-vascular diseases more likely lead to dependency. • Mortality among dependents no longer depends on age. • Subjective health, grip power, score of cognition predict health two years later. • Instrumental dependants without caregiver survive longer but recover less likely. • Smoking and drinking favour disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water treatment plants (WTPs) that intake raw water from the Paldang Dam of the Han River have generally adopted ozone + granular activated carbon (GAC) processes for the effective removal of taste and odor substances. In recent years, the concentration and duration of the substances causing taste and odor in Paldang Lake have gradually increased. Therefore, it is necessary to review the appropriateness of the advanced water treatment processes introduced in the WTPs located in the Han River. This study attempted to compare and review two processes for geosmin removal, one using a pre-ozone GAC filter-adsorber (pre-ozone + F/A) at the B WTP and the other using a post-ozone GAC adsorber (post-ozone + GAC) at the G WTP. The results of the investigation for geosmin and 2-MIB concentrations upstream of the Paldang Dam over the past 5 years showed that 2-MIB exceeded the standard concentration for less than 5 d per year and geosmin was the main cause of taste and odor. At the B WTP in the winter of 2011, the total geosmin concentration in the treated water exceeded 20 ng/L twice. Additionally, the average total geosmin concentration of the treated water after the application of the F/A was 7.81 ng/L. On the other hand, in the case of the G WTP, the total geosmin concentration after post-ozone and GAC treatment was 0.45 ng/L. In the summer of 2012, the fraction of particulate geosmin (66.9%-82.3%) was higher than that of dissolved geosmin (17.7%-33.1%) in the raw water of the two WTPs. During this period, the average removal rates of total geosmin in the final treated water of the G WTP were 0.7% higher than that of the B WTP. Therefore, ozone injection into filtered water after removing particulate geosmin and organic substances through the standard treatment process (coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration) is thought to be effective for removal to lower the concentration of dissolved organic matter and dissolved geosmin. In conclusion, the treatment efficiency was confirmed to vary according to the stage at which the process was used, even when the same ozone + activated carbon adsorption process was used. In addition, the 'post-ozone + GAC' method is considered advantageous when introducing advanced WTPs in the Han River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annually, tractor accidents are estimated to account for more than 100 deaths in South Korea. Periodic accident surveys have served as an essential means for the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (NAS) to develop strategies to prevent tractor accidents. In this study, hazards leading to accidents were identified, and their risks were assessed based on survey results to establish a more effective accident prevention strategy. Risk assessment for hazards proceeded as follows: hazard identification, frequency estimation, number of equivalent fatalities (NEF) estimation, and finally risk evaluation. Hazards were identified by analyzing 588 accident cases from NAS surveys and performing an expert review of the analysis results by implementing a Delphi survey. The frequency and NEF of each hazard were estimated by multiplying its probabilities and the statistical results of the NAS surveys. Each hazard was plotted in a frequency-NEF (FN) diagram and evaluated according to its position. Fifty-four hazards were identified, and their frequencies and NEF values were estimated. The risk evaluation results, based on the FN diagram, revealed that no hazard was located in the "unacceptable" area, and two hazards (carelessness and not looking ahead carefully) were in the "as low as reasonably practicable" area. Thus, it is critical to mitigate the effects of these two hazards. With the risk assessment method used in this study, personnel who are engaged in the prevention of tractor accidents, such as policymakers, extension specialists, and researchers, can quantitatively predict how many cases or fatalities can be reduced by eliminating a certain hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the motives, topics and antecedents for sharing health information online among Korean Internet users. Eight hundred adults completed a web-based survey exploring the motives; topics; physical, cognitive, affective and environmental factors; and experiences relating to sharing health information online. The motives for not sharing information included information absence and inappropriateness. The most preferred topic was disease. Good subjective health was significantly associated with frequent information sharing while individuals with a history of disease involving themselves or family members were more likely to share health information than were those without such a history. Further, a higher level of depressed mood was related to a higher level of sharing. Internet-related self-efficacy and trust in information delivery channels were positively related to sharing. Future research could extend the factors related to information sharing to include the evaluation of shared information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The care robots including transfer assistive robots have been developed to solve the shortage of health care workers has arisen by reducing their workload. The task of transferring and lifting older adults in facilities and hospitals is known to demanding physical work and it might be caused a musculoskeletal injury (Davis & Kotowski, 2015; Santaguida et al., 2005). Various transfer assistive equipment and devices have been developed including mechanical lifts and powered or robotic systems. However, not many equipment and devices were used in the Korean market due to inconvenience and dissatisfaction (Kim et al, 2022). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the transfer assistive robot based on the objective and subjective health care workers' health and perceptions in long-term care facilities and hospitals to provide a solution for labor shortage issues. Method Fifteen health care workers (long-term care workers) from long-term care facilities (n=15) and fifteen health care workers (nurses, nurse assistants, paid caregivers, and transferring assistants) from integrated nursing care service hospitals. (n=15) participated in the evaluation of the smart transfer assistive robot. We recruited those who physically transferred older adults or patients as their jobs over the 1 year. Our measurements are RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion), NASA-TLX (NASA Task Load Index), and usability items including satisfaction, manipulability, and stability. Results and Discussion We found out the smart transfer assistive robot with dual arms had a better score with RPE, NASA-TLX, satisfaction, manipulability, and stability than the manual which means health care workers conducted transferring work with dummy without robots. The findings provide that the transfer assistive robots could be the solution to decrease the care work burden and increase the health of health care workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: We analyzed the incidence and causes of oral anticoagulant (OAC) cessation and subsequent stroke after OAC withdrawal in a cohort of Korean stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: The Korean Atrial Fibrillation Evaluation Registry in Ischemic Stroke patients (K‐ATTENTION) is a multicenter cohort study, merging stroke registries from 11 tertiary centers in Korea. The number of OAC interruption episodes and the reasons were reviewed from hospital records. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was defined when a patient experienced ischaemic stroke within 31 days after OAC withdrawal. Clinical variables were compared between patients who experienced stroke recurrence during OAC interruption and those who did not experience recurrence. Results: Among 3213 stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, a total of 329 episodes of OAC interruption were detected in 229 patients after index stroke (mean age 72.9 ± 8.3 years, 113 female patients). The most frequent reason for OAC withdrawal was poor compliance [103 episodes (31.3%)] followed by extracranial bleeding [96 episodes (29.2%)]. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was noted in 13 patients. Mean age, vascular risk factor profile and mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score were not significantly different between patients with and without recurrent stroke. Conclusions: A considerable number of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation experienced temporary interruption of OAC after index stroke, which was associated with stroke recurrence of 4.0 cases per 100 interruption episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We assessed the association between periodontal disease status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components in Korean adults over 50 years old. Material and Methods: In the Dong‐gu study, 5078 men and women aged over 50 years were included. They underwent a questionnaire survey, physical assessment, biochemical assessment and periodontal assessment. The percentages of sites with periodontal probing depth ≥4 mm, and clinical attachment loss ≥4 mm were recorded for each participant. Periodontal disease was also classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology definition of periodontitis and the American Academy of Periodontology definition (1999). MetS was defined by the 2009 guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation. This study used multivariate negative binominal regression analysis to assess the association between the severity of periodontitis and MetS, after age, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and physical activity related factors were adjusted for. Results: Prevalence of MetS was 32.3%, 36.2% and 45.9% among men with no or mild, moderate and severe periodontitis, respectively. The severity of periodontitis was positively associated with the prevalent MetS in men but not in women. In men, severe periodontitis showed a higher risk of MetS than those with no or mild periodontitis (relative risk 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.17‐1.73) after adjusting for confounders. Periodontal probing depth was positively associated with the prevalence of MetS in both genders. In the analysis separated by individual MetS components, periodontitis severity was positively associated with hypertriglyceridemia and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in men, while positively associated with low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and abdominal obesity in women. Conclusion: Increasing the severity of periodontitis was associated with the risk of prevalent MetS in Korean adults. This result confirmed that periodontal inflammation might be a contributive factor of MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to analyze compliance and persistence with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in real practice and identify risk factors for poor adherence in South Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This retrospective longitudinal study evaluated 235 SLE patients in whom oral HCQ was newly started from 2002 to 2016 at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Compliance was assessed using one-year medication possession ratio (MPR) and non-compliance was defined as a one-year MPR < 0.8. Persistence was determined as the time from HCQ treatment initiation to discontinuation without interruption for ≥56 days. The mean one-year MPR of HCQ was 0.88 and the frequency of non-compliance was 19.9%. During the study period, 115 (48.9%) patients discontinued HCQ and forgetfulness and/or carelessness (73%) were the most common reason for HCQ non-persistence, followed by adverse events (10.4%), unknown factors (10.4%), and pregnancy (6.1%). Median duration until HCQ discontinuation was 55.1 months and the one-year persistence rate to HCQ was 0.8. SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) < 6 was a significant risk factor for non-compliance (OR = 2.98, p = 0.001) and non-persistence (HR = 1.55, p = 0.046) with HCQ after adjusting confounding factors. However, HCQ adherence was not associated with the dose of HCQ or concomitant immunosuppressive medications. Our data showed that overall adherence to HCQ in SLE patients was suboptimal in real practice and SLEDAI-2K score < 6 was a risk factor for poor adherence, suggesting the need to improve adherence with HCQ treatment in SLE patients, especially in those with low disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is the most common comorbidity among cancer survivors, although there is no model for predicting hypertension in this population. Therefore, we developed a model for predicting hypertension using data from 6,480 Korean cancer survivors who were ≥20 years old. The odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension were calculated using stepwise logistic regression analyses, and a nomogram was generated to predict hypertension. Hypertension was independently associated with an age of ≥65 years (OR: 3.058), male gender (OR: 1.195), obesity (OR: 1.998), prehypertension (OR: 2.06), dyslipidaemia (OR: 2.011) and diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.297). Each variable in the nomogram was assigned a specific number of points, and the total score (range: 0–400) was used to obtain a value for predicting hypertension. The estimated prevalence of hypertension increased when the total nomogram score exceeded the sixth decile (total points: 128; p for trend <.001). Therefore, among Korean cancer survivors, hypertension was significantly associated with an age of >65 years, male gender, obesity, and having various comorbidities (e.g., prehypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus). Furthermore, our nomogram could predict the incidence of hypertension, and the sixth decile of the total nomogram score predicted an increased risk of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Some studies have reported that temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is related to tinnitus. However, there is no study of the relationship and prevalence of dental pain and tinnitus. We evaluated the associations between the prevalence of tinnitus and TMD and dental pain by analysing the Korean national health survey. We analysed totally 11 745 participants. The presence of tinnitus, TMD symptoms and dental pain was surveyed by self‐assessment questionnaires from all the participants. Multivariable regression analysis was applied to acquire odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of tinnitus was higher in the subjects with dental pain (21.1%), TMD (22.5%) and both symptoms (31.2%) than subjects without those symptoms (19.6%). After adjusting for all covariates, subjects with TMD had tinnitus 1.6 times more than subjects without TMD. In the subanalysis, age group more than 65 years, women, and obese subjects had tinnitus more than men, age group <65, and non‐obese subjects, respectively. TMD alone and both dental pain and TMD were associated with tinnitus (OR = 1.389 and 95% CI 1.054‐1.832 and 2.206 and 1.637‐2.974, respectively). Subjects with TMD had more tinnitus than subjects without TMD. Moreover, subjects with dental pain in addition to TMD had increased prevalence of tinnitus than TMD alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmland damage caused by wild boars was modeled by the Maxent model using the field- inspecting data surveyed in Gyeongnam Province of South Korea during 2012 and 2013. A total of 3,854 cases (2,286 in 2012 and 1,568 in 2013) were chosen for the model after the field inspection. The Maxent model obtained quite high AUCs exceeding 0.8, indicating that the probability derived from the model had high accuracy. The variable 'distance from forest boundary (d_forest) ' revealed a higher probability for damaged areas located closer to forest boundaries. The areas damaged by wild boars were also located much closer to agricultural areas, including paddies and fields. Overall, areas located within 500 m of other agricultural areas showed a higher likelihood of damage by wild boars. Based on the predictions in Maxent, damage to farmland caused by wild boars was more closely related to distance from its habitat (i.e., forest) and use of land as food resources (i.e., rice paddies and fields) than topographical factors such as elevation and slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent years have seen an increase in the intensity of extreme rainfalls and the frequency of floods caused by climate change. As a result, South Korea is facing an ever‐increasing risk of flooding due to typhoons in the summer season. In South Korea, since the implementation of the ‘Four Major Rivers Restoration Project’, a variety of eco‐friendly riverfront facilities, such as ecological parks as well as sports and recreation areas, have been constructed on floodplains. These riverfront facilities have a high risk of damage due to inundations during the rainy season. To perform hydraulic analysis and stability assessment of these facilities, accurate numerical modelling is necessary. First and foremost, it is crucial to address the dry/wet (DW) phenomena caused by rising and falling water levels. In this study, a two‐dimensional (2D) finite element model was developed and its applicability was checked against the results of various DW analyses. The developed 2D model was then applied to a natural river undergoing DW phenomena. In the validation test, the applied 2D model demonstrated a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.954). Subsequently, using the results of the model, we calculated four types of flood risk indexes and analysed their correlations to evaluate the stability of the riverside facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and oral health status in Korean adults. Methods We used the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the association between BMI and oral health status. Subjects who were measured for weight and height and had an oral examination in 2010 and 2012 were included ( n = 11 466). Using multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for gender, age, educational level, household income, smoking, frequency of tooth brushing and history of diabetes mellitus, the risk of dental caries and periodontitis was estimated in association with BMI. Results In the study population, 90.4% had more than one decayed, missing and filled tooth (DMFT) for permanent tooth, and 23.4% had a community periodontal index score (CPI) of 3 or 4. Distribution of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese was 4.8, 40.5, 22.4 and 32.2%, respectively. Decayed, missing and filled tooth was highest in the normal weight group, and CPI was significantly highest in the obese group. In the overweight and obese groups, the odds ratios for periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) were 1.18 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.37] before and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.10-1.48) after adjustment for confounding factors. However, the risk for dental caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was not significantly associated with BMI. Conclusions Body mass index was related to periodontitis, but not to dental caries, suggesting that obesity is a risk factor for periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted at Samrak Park Delta of Nakdong River Basin in Busan Metropolitan City, Korea. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the interrelationship of geochemical elements in sediments and groundwater through multivariate statistical analyses and a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network model. The mean concentrations of chemical elements were Si (46%), Fe (16.9%), Al (15.7%), K (7.5%) and Ca (4.5%) in sediments, and Na (8650 mg/L), Mg (999 mg/L), Ca (432 mg/L), K (293 mg/L) and Cl (17,640 mg/L) in groundwater, respectively. The principal component analysis produced 3 kinds of factors with the variances of 63.37, 27.02 and 9.62%, respectively. It is suggested that the chemical components of sediments and groundwater were mainly originated from source rocks and seawater intrusion, with the minor impacts of irrigation and industry. Cluster analysis also showed that chemical elements were mainly controlled by the natural geogenic sources and seawater intrusion. Multilayer perceptron of artificial neural network (ANN) presented the good interrelationship between sediment and groundwater. The determination coefficients ( R ) between ANN predicted values and observed values in groundwater showed the high values of 0.61-0.97 except Mg, Mn and Sr. It is revealed that the chemical components of sediment and groundwater were derived from local geological origin and from the minor impact of anthropogenic sources. Multivariate analyses and ANN contributed to the identification of the mutual relationship between the geochemical elements of sediment and those of groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the prevalence of C hepatica and C fasciolaris in wild rats (Rottus norvegicus) living in pig farms in South Korea. The authors reveal that 31.5% of rats were found to be infected with either C hepatica or C fasciolaris or with both parasites. Additionally, they mention that severe medial hypertrophy or small arterioles was observed in the lungs of 11 of the 28 parasite-infected rats.

Researchers in finance and accounting find that male CEOs' high facial masculinity (fWHR : facial width-to-height ratio), which is known to be related to aggressiveness to achieve higher social status in the neuroendocrinology literature, shows dual impacts on corporate outcomes. For example, firms led by more masculine-faced CEOs have better financial performance (ROA) but are more likely to have a higher likelihood of financial misreporting. The harnessing of the strong achievement drive of masculine-faced CEOs to minimize potentially adverse corporate outcomes is of primary concern. We hypothesize that a well-designed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practice could serve this purpose. Using a sample of South Korean public companies from 1998 to 2015, we find supporting evidence that a one-standard-deviation increase in fWHR is associated with a three-fold higher likelihood of corporate fraud and that the association is attenuated for firms with stronger ESG performance that includes voluntarily disclosing sustainability reports, holding less cash, and incentivizing with stock options. • We find that masculine faced CEOs are associated with a higher likelihood of fraud. • The association is attenuated for the firms with stronger ESG performance. • The results are consistent under a battery of robustness tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Gait analysis is an important method to evaluate the function of the human body, such as mobility, flexibility, stability, and functional strength. Most previous studies used the 3D motion capture system to calculate gait parameters in the gait laboratory. The 3D motion capture system is very accurate to determine the gait parameters and useful to apply to the various experimental protocols synchronizing with the other devices. However, it had spatial-disadvantages and is expensive to be used for the elderly and the patient[1], [2]. In this study, gait parameters were calculated using the multi-sensor, and were compared with those of the 3D motion capture system. Method Ten healthy adults were asked to perform level walking. Inertial measurement units (IMUs; Xsens DOT; 60Hz) and force plates (KISTLER & AMTI; 1000Hz) were used to determine gait parameters: knee joint angle and ankle joint moment. Four IMUs were attached on the lateral side of both thighs and shanks (left& right). 3D motion capture system (Vicon Motion System Ltd, Oxford, UK; 200Hz) was used as the reference data with the plug-in-lower-body marker set. Knee joint angle was calculated by the difference between the Euler angles of two IMUs (thigh and shank) using the quaternion algorithm. The ground reaction force and the center of pressure with the coordinate data of the ankle joint were used to calculate the ankle joint moment. Knee joint angles of the multi-sensor and 3D motion capture system were normalized to be 0° at the initial contact. The normalization of the ankle joint moment was carried out using each subject's weight. Gait parameters of the multi-sensor were compared with those of 3D motion capture system in each gait event (Initial contact (IC), Foot flat (FF), Heel off (HO), Toe off (TO)). The correlation coefficient was calculated to analyze the similarity between the multi-sensor and 3D motion capture system. Results and Discussion In knee joint angle, the differences between the multi-sensor and 3D motion capture system were 2.71°±1.80 (FF), 2.72°±1.06 (HO), and 6.04°±2.93 (TO) respectively (Figure 1). The correlation coefficient of the knee joint angle was 0.9644. The difference of ankle joint moment between the multi-sensor and the 3D motion capture system were 0.010±0.003Nm/kg (IC), 0.043±0.024Nm/kg (FF), 0.051±0.030Nm/kg (HO), and 0.039±0.012m/kg (TO) respectively (Figure 2). Ankle joint moments determined by the two systems showed a strong correlation of 0.9963, which supported that the multi-sensor system could be used to replace the 3D motion capture system to determine gait parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Fall is one of the major health risks for older people. Hip fractures are considered the most dangerous among various injuries, as they can reduce mobility and lead to many complications, and even death (Hagen, G et al., 2020). Some researchers tried to protect the user using a wearable airbag based on the threshold-based algorithm (Jung, H et al., 2021). The more accurate algorithm was developed using the deep learning methods, but it was heavy and needed GPU or PC (Yu, X et al., 2021). This study was focused on developing the lightweight deep learning algorithm to detect pre-impact falls for targeting edge devices. Method The KFall public dataset was used in this study. The experimental protocol consisted of 15 fall movements and 21 activities of daily living (ADLs). The 9-axis IMU sensor data with 100 Hz sampling frequency were acquired from the waists of 32 young male subjects. Data of 26 subjects were used to train the deep learning models and those of remained 6 subjects were used to test the models. We developed the fall detection algorithm based on ResNet method. It consisted of 2 convolution layers, 4 convolution blocks, 3 identity blocks, 1 average pooling layer, and 1 SoftMax layer. We removed one by one except for the factors that affect the output size. ResNet14 model was transformed to a flat buffer type and two quantization techniques were applied using TensorFlow Lite. Results and Discussion Table 1 showed the performance of ResNet algorithms. When continuously reducing the layers, demanded memory decreased, but there was no dramatic change in accuracy. It suggested that our model was sufficiently deep and additional identity blocks were not needed. Table 2 showed the performance of ResNet14 models according to quantization. The integer quantization showed the smallest size of memory but the worst accuracy. The float16 quantization showed the bigger size of memory than the integer quantization, but the accuracy was maintained. As a result, the float16 quantization showed 98% of accuracy with 539 ±278 ms of sufficient lead time and 0.104 MB of memory size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose sEMG-based recognition system provides the intuitive and accurate classification of various gestures and useful for human-computer interaction. Especially, recognition of hand postures is often suggested as the interaction protocol of rehabilitation systems or robotic orthosis for the elderly and disabled [1]. However, the variability of the sEMG signal was caused by the individual differences and the change of the force or proficiency. In this study, the hand posture recognition algorithm was developed using sEMG sensors, and the visual-feedback training was performed to improve the classification performance. Method Four healthy adults and a forearm amputee participated in this study to perform twelve hand postures (Rest, Hook, Spread, Scissor-sign, Finger pointing, V-sign, O.K.-sign, Cylindrical grasp, Spherical grasp, Lateral pinch, Palmar pinch, and Tip pinch) [2]. Commercial sEMG sensors (Delsys Trigno; 1926 Hz) were placed on the nine forearm muscles of the healthy adults (FDS, ED, EDM, EP, FCR, FCU, ECR, ECU, BRD) and the eight forearm muscles of an amputee (based on 3D reconstruction data from MRI; BRD, FCR, ECR, ED, ECU, FDP, FDS, FCU) (Figure 1). A LabVIEW-based radar plot was used for hand posture training (1 day for the healthy adults and 5 days for the amputee) to minimize the variability of the sEMG signal. In the session for recording the sEMG signal, all participants repeated the hand postures 10 times with 20% MVC [3]. The 10-fold cross validation was performed on the ANN classifiers with the feature vector of MAV or the Hudgins' set (MAV, WL, ZC, and SSC) [4] on MATLAB. Results and Discussion The classification accuracy was improved by increasing the number of training data in both trained and untrained sessions (Table 1). ANN classifiers of the healthy adults with MAV showed the classification accuracies of 84.3% and 85.8% in untrained session and trained session respectively. The classification performance was improved as 88.4%(untrained) and 91.6%(trained) by the Hudgins' set. In untrained session of the forearm amputee, poor classification accuracies appeared in both MAV(31.7%) and the Hudgins' set(33.0%). After the 5 days training, MAV and the Hudgins' set showed the classification accuracy of 76.3% and 84.7% respectively. In this study, the Hudgins' set and the posture training were useful to improve the classification accuracy. Furthermore, the great improvement of the classification performance appeared in the forearm amputee with an appropriate posture training (day 5). These results supported that the posture training with visual feedback had an effect to minimize the variability of sEMG signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of job performance on the Geriatric Social Work Competency(GSWC) among social workers in the Individualized Support Service for Older Adults, which is a new community care for older adults in South Korea, and the moderating effects of supervision. In order to provide quality services in the face of increasing needs for elderly care, it is necessary to understand the level of job performance as well as the GSWC of social workers who are dedicated to provide customized care services in the community. The GSWC is widely used in related fields as a tool to measure the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that social workers in the geriatric social work field should have (Damron-Rodriguez, Lawrance, P., Barnett, & Simmons, 2006). In order for social workers to perform their jobs effectively, it is important not only to strengthen their capabilities but also to provide organizational support such as an appropriate supervision (Park, 2019). An empirical study is needed on how the level of supervision adjusts the effect of job competency on the GSWC among social workers. Method An online survey was conducted on 1,927 social workers affiliated with the Individualized Support Service for Older Adults. The data of the final 1,637 people were analyzed with hierarchical multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 18.0 program. Job performance were divided into four areas; business management and administration, network and resource linkage, professional development, and service provision. The GSWC was measured with the GSWC-II scale. The level of supervision consisted of the presence or absence of an institution's supervision system, the presence or absence of regular provision of supervision, and the satisfaction of supervision. Results and Discussion The level of job performance of social workers was above the normal level (average 3.60 points out of 5 Likert scale), and the level of GSWC was higher than the results of previous studies (Son, 2016). The level of job performance had a significant effect on each sub-factor of the GSWC. The results of verifying the moderating effect of the supervision in the relationship between the influence of job performance on the GSWC of social workers are as follows. There was no moderating effect in the presence or absence of a supervision system and regular provision of supervision, but satisfaction with supervision was found to have a moderating effect in all sub-areas of job performance and the GSWC. In other words, job performance and supervision satisfaction had a positive effect on the GSWC, and the higher the supervision satisfaction, the higher the effect of job performance on the GSWC. Considering that integrated service provision is essential as the needs of the elderly vary, such as mental, physical, and economic needs, it is necessary to build a more systematic supervision system so that multi-disciplinary supervision can be provided to social workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in older adults who participated in the specialized service aimed at preventing lonely deaths and suicide in South Korea. While other suicide prevention projects have emphasized preventing suicide or solitude deaths, this specialized service focuses not simply on preventing suicide or lonely death itself, but on helping the elderly at high risk to live with strength. To this end, the project details were designed to be evidence-based intervention, and a system for evaluating the effectiveness of the project was established. Method Based on the data of 1,631 older adults who completed the pre-post survey, the main outcomes of the specialized service project were measured in the reduction of loneliness, depression, suicidal ideation and the increase in the number of close friends. In addition, life satisfaction, meaning of life, and self- esteem were investigated to evaluate whether the specialized service project actually contributed to the improvement of the quality of life among older participants. Results and Discussion In loneliness, depression, and suicidal ideation of all participants, there were a statistically significant decrease from pretest to posttest, and a significant increase in the number of close friends from pretest to posttest. Compared to before the start of the service, the participants' life satisfaction, meaning of life, self-esteem, self-efficacy, social support, and positive emotions increased significantly after service completion, and negative emotions decreased significantly. Thus, the results show that participants' quality of life was significantly improved. These results imply that the specialized service centered on individual case management and therapeutic group activities are effective in reducing depression, suicidal ideation, and loneliness in the elderly, and help to establish a support system. However, it is necessary to investigate specifically which service elements affected the change of the elderly through more rigorous research, and various evidence-based practice (i.e., technology-based psychological interventions) need to be implemented so that the change of the elderly would maintain even after the end of their participation to the specialized service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose A variety of transfer devices are developed to provide convenience to caregivers (Lee et al., 2020). Although there are many types of transfer devices, caregivers experience a physical burden when handling them. This study aims to analyze the physical burden through EMG measurement and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) when using three types of transfer devices, including a transfer device with robot technology. Method Five caregivers (four social workers and one occupational therapist) performed a bed-to-wheelchair and wheelchair-to-bed transfer using three transfer devices: a dual-arm assistive robotic transfer device, a mobile hoist, and a ceiling hoist. During the transfer operation, Caregivers' EMG signals were collected. Six EMG sensors were attached to the bilateral upper trapezius muscles (RTRP, LTRP) and upper/lower erector spinae muscles (RUES, LUES, RLES, LLES), respectively. For data analysis, video and EMG signals were synchronized using an inertial measurement device. The muscle activity from EMG signals was analyzed using reference voluntary contraction. By using REBA, caregivers' posture was evaluated for each subtask. Results and Discussion The physical burden was different for each subtask through EMG and REBA analysis while using the transfer devices (Table 1). The subtasks of setting and removing the sling from the bed had the highest biomechanical loads in all transfer devices. Compared to other devices, the dual-arm assistive robotic transfer device had higher REBA scores in the subtask of fastening (9.6±1.5) and unfastening (9.4±1.5) the sling and the transfer device in the wheelchair. Improvements and training are needed on how to set up and remove the sling and how to attach the sling to a transfer device. This study can be utilized for the development of a useful robotic transfer device. In future research, it is necessary to improve usability when using multiple devices simultaneously under various conditions and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The focus of digital divide research has been turning from the gap between access to information (1st level digital divide) and the usage of information (2nd level digital divide) to the outcomes of the information use (3rd level digital divide) (Wei et al., 2011). In line with this paradigm shift, this study aims to examine the factors affecting outcomes of information use among elderlies. Especially, the article aims to focus on whether there is a difference in information use depending on the usage patterns of digital support (Ko and Park, 2021). Method The data of 1,088 Internet users over 60 years of age in the <2019 Digital Divide Survey> by NIA was used. Influencing factors include demographic factors, digital skills, psychological factor such as motivation of using digital equipment, and social factor such as digital support meaning the social support that can be used to solve problems while using digital devices. As a result of K-means cluster analysis of usage pattern of digital support, it was divided into four clusters: family-dependent low-usage pattern, professional manpower-centered low-usage pattern, medium-usage pattern, and high-usage pattern. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed with these variables. Results and Discussion It was found that age, digital skills, motivation, and digital support had a significant effect. Among the patterns of digital support, the limit of family dependence, the most natural and common pattern, was confirmed. These results suggest that we need i) to devise measures for older people, ii) to implement differentiated ICT education for each group of the elderly in consideration of demographic factors and digital skills, and iii) to provide a variety of digital support other than families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In Korea, social care services are becoming important according to changes in the demographic structure due to aging. Case management using big data is used to effectively respond to this. The use of big data provides new insights into social service planning, goal setting, and delivery (Gillingham et al. 2017), and serves as an alternative methodology when qualitative methods for accessing dangerous or vulnerable classes are not sufficient or reasonable (Zetino et al. 2019). Recently, machine learning-based prediction models were employed to understand the complex needs in case management and to accurately support the resources that matched them. The purpose of our research is also to develop a machine learning-based prediction model for three big data surveyed by the Social Security Information Service and local governments. Method From the three big data collected from 2019-2020, a categorical variable consisting of four needs (maintaining daily life, economy, health, and living environment) and a categorical variable consisting of five resources (physical health, health management, mental health, psychological sentiment, and housing) were defined as two outcome variables. For independent variables, depending on how we combine the big data, three datasets including multiple variables related to physical and mental health and house structure related variables were constructed. After preprocessing by combining the three sets of independent variables with the two outcome variables, six datasets were created with different sample size(n) and number of variables(p): (1) the three datasets related to the needs - dataset 1(n=15,434, p=176), dataset 2(n=4,075, p=334) and dataset 3(n=600, p=412), (2) the three datasets related to the resources - dataset 4(n=15,434, p=208), dataset 5(n=4,075, p=365) and dataset 6(n=600, p=419). In building the prediction model for the resources as outcome variable, needs-related variables were added to the independent variables. We considered two methods for multi-label classification (Zhang et al. 2013). One method called "Binary relevance" was considered to build machine learning models for each binary category from the four needs and the five resources. The other method called "Chain ensemble classifier" was considered to build machine learning models using the four needs and the five resources as outcome variables. The prediction models included logistic regression, lasso, svm, randomforest, xgboost (Hastie et al. 2009), and they were tuned by 10-folds cross-validation in the train set, and best prediction models were evaluated using F1-score in the test set. The ratio of train set and test set was divided into 3:1. Results and Discussion First, we identified the predictive performance results of each best model for the four needs: Daily life (F1=0.866), economy (F1=0.720), health (F1=0.870), and living environment (F1=0.768). For the resources, the results were physical health (F1=0.893), health management (F1=0.949), mental health (F1=0.553), psychological sentiment (F1=0.772), and housing (F1=0.916), respectively. The high predictive performance of the models was confirmed, and in particular, noticeably high in two types, health management and housing(>0.9). This result shows an opportunity to confirm the possibility of machine learning-based models, which is still rarely applied to national policies and practices, as a decision support tool for case managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. An evaluation system of mobility can help check abnormal mobility and functional trajectories in aging processes. Moreover, an exercise exoskeleton robot has the potential to measure mobility function if it contains an appropriate evaluation system. It is because it provides ergonomic structural support allowing for sufficient limb movement with manipulating strength by power, and it already has its own sensor systems related to mobility (Wang et al., 2022). However, previous evaluation systems for mobility usually focus on a single feature of mobility, and some of them estimate mobility function based on no actual data but simulation data. Thus, this study aims to develop a multi-dimensional mobility evaluation system using an exercise exoskeleton robot based on actual data related to mobility among people in later life. Method. Participants were 20 people (10 men and 10 women) aged 56 to 74 without musculoskeletal disorders. They performed a walking test at a self-selected speed with wearing the GEMS-H exercise exoskeleton robot (Seo et al., 2016) without resistance. During the walking test, changes in motor joint angle, 9-axis Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU), and personal information (e.g., exercise performance score, weight, and gender) were recorded. There were four critical features of the multi-dimensional mobility function: balance, stability, flexibility, and power. The balance score was the symmetry between all the left and right of features. The flexibility meant the range of motion of the motor. The power was calculated as a relative value by integrating the acceleration of the motor and the subject's weight. Finally, the stability indicated the changes in the low frequency. After rectifying and regularizing raw values, we converted four features into each interpretable score based on physical modeling. Results and Discussion. We propose a mobility evaluation system based on anomaly detection with four indicators (balance, stability, flexibility, and power). The multi-dimensional gait data from the exercise exoskeleton robot and isokinetic exercise by walking are useful for creating the mobility evaluation system. All indicators (balance, stability, flexibility, and power) are relative values, but they are very suitable for measuring anomalies based on the data distribution collected by the same protocol. The present study is significant because it suggests a multi-dimensional mobility evaluation system for people in later life by using an exercise exoskeleton robot. However, additional studies are also needed to validate this emerging system with more generalized standard data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive sequence type (ST)8-MRSA-SCC mec IVa (USA300) is the epidemic strain of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in North America. USA300 is extremely rare in South Korea, and PVL-negative ST72 SCC mec type IVc is the predominant CA-MRSA clone. In a multicentre, prospective cohort study of S. aureus bacteraemia, we identified PVL-positive ST8-MRSA isolates by performing multilocus sequence typing and PCR for PVL. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with PVL-positive ST8-MRSA bacteraemia, and performed SCC mec, spa, and agr typing, PCR for arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME), virulence gene profiling, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Among a total of 818 MRSA isolates, we identified ten isolates of PVL-positive ST8-MRSA (USA300) (3 from Hospital D, 4 from Hospital G, and 3 from Hospital A), all of which involved exclusively healthcare-associated (5 isolates) and hospital-acquired bacteraemia (5 isolates). This strain accounted for 8~10 % of the hospital-acquired MRSA bacteraemia in Hospitals D and G. Bacteraemia of unknown origin was the most common type of infection followed by pneumonia. All the isolates were SCC mec type IVa, spa type t008, and agr group I. Eight of the isolates harboured ACME. In a PFGE analysis, four isolates were identical to the USA300 control strain, five differed by a single band, and the remaining one differed by two bands. All the isolates were pulsed-field type USA300. This is the first report of healthcare-associated and hospital-acquired bacteraemia caused by USA300 in South Korea. USA300 seems to be an emerging hospital clone in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric (TE) waste heat recovery from automotive exhaust streams is a potential technology that can significantly increase the overall efficiency of vehicles and subsequently reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. By reducing the consumption of fossil fuels, vehicular application of TE generators may also potentially reduce the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other air pollutants from the transportation sector. In this study, we analyse the economic benefit and feasibility of TE waste heat recovery systems in conventional vehicles operated in Korea by analytically modeling related vehicle systems and by analyzing driving patterns in urban environments. The economic effects of the associated efficiency improvement and the reduction of GHGs and air pollutants are simultaneously considered. Vehicular application of a TE generator may reduce 0.15 kL/year for a mid-size sedan and 1.04 kL/year for a medium-duty truck through fuel savings at a typical driving speed of 80 km/h. Based on the benefit-cost ratio analysis, it is shown that the economically acceptable costs of TE waste heat recovery systems are 744 $/kW for the mid-size sedan and 2905 $/kW for the medium-duty truck, respectively, when an operation period of 10 years is assumed. In terms of GHGs and air pollutants, the reduction annually amounts to 0.334 tCOe of GHGs, 0.142 kg of CO, 0.00290 kg of VOC, 0.0150 kg of NO, 0.198 kg of NH, and 0.00006 kg of SO for the mid-size sedan, while 2.65 tCOe of GHGs, 1.974 kg of CO, 0.401 kg of VOC, 6.98 kg of NO, 0.00034 kg of NH, and 0.00229 kg of SO can be annually reduced by applying a TE generator in the medium-duty truck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that differences in driving styles have a significant impact on fuel efficiency and driving styles are affected by various factors such as driver characteristics, street environment, traffic situation, vehicle performance, and weather conditions. However, existing knowledge about the relationship between driving style and fuel consumption is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship beteen driving style and fuel consumption. The analysis presented in this paper used data from three on-road experiments were conducted independently in two different countries, i.e. South Korea and the United Kingdom. In this study, 91 participants, consisting 44 UK drivers and 47 Korean drivers, were asked to drive approximately 28 km of UK road and 21 km of Korean road, respectively. Driving data, including real-time fuel consumption, vehicle speed, and acceleration pedal usage were collected. The results suggested that driving styles including average vehicle speed and average throttle position were highly correlated with the real-world fuel consumption, and the cultural factors, e.g. road environment, traffic design, and driver's characteristics affected the driving styles and, consequently, fuel efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in chewing discomfort among elderly Koreans. Methods This study used data from 56 616 (weighted sample: 5 638 394) subjects aged over 65 years who participated in the 2011 Community Health Survey in Korea. Of them, 23 059 (weighted sample: 2 368 200, 42.0%) were men and 33 357 (weighted sample: 3 270 194, 58.0%) were women. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and hierarchical logistic regression analyses, with SPSS 20.0. Chewing discomfort was set as the dependent variable, and independent variables were divided into socio-economic factors (place of residence, age, education, monthly household income, basic living security stipend, private insurance, economic activity, living arrangements), general health factors (hypertension, diabetes) and oral health factors (tooth defects, denture use, subjective periodontal health status). Results A greater proportion of women (50.2%) than men (42.6%) exhibited chewing discomfort ( P < 0.001). In men, place of residence, monthly household income, private health insurance, tooth defects and periodontal health were associated with chewing discomfort ( P < 0.05). In women, age, education level, basic living security stipend and denture use were associated with chewing discomfort ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Elderly Korean women experience more severe chewing discomfort than their male counterparts. The factors associated with chewing also differ by gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sarcopenia is the age-related reduction of skeletal muscle mass in older individuals. Respiratory muscle strength may be related to skeletal muscle mass and, thus, the present study attempted to estimate the risk of sarcopenia relative to decreased pulmonary function. The present findings demonstrated that low pulmonary function was associated with low muscle mass in community-dwelling older adults. Introduction: Lean body mass is related to pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the relationship between muscle mass and pulmonary function in healthy older adults has yet to be clarified. Thus, the present study investigated the association of pulmonary function with muscle mass in an older community-dwelling Korean population. Methods: This study included 463 disease-free subjects over 65 years of age who underwent anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, spirometry, and the estimation of appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) mass in the 2008-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Low muscle mass was defined as the value of ASM divided by height squared (ASM/height) that was less than two standard deviations (SD) below the sex-specific mean of the young reference group. Results: Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1[L]) and forced vital capacity (FVC[L]) were positively correlated with ASM/height in males ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) but not in females ( p = 0.360 and p = 0.779, respectively). A univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that males with low FEV1 or FVC were more likely to have low muscle mass (odds ratio [OR] = 3.11, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.62-5.99 for FEV1; OR = 1.99, 95 % CI 1.13-3.53 for FVC); similar results were found for females, but the significance was lower (OR = 11.37, 95 % CI 0.97-132.91 for FEV1; OR = 7.31, 95 % CI 1.25-42.74 for FVC). After adjusting for age, smoking, and moderate physical activity, a low FEV1 value was associated with low muscle mass in both males (OR = 2.90, 95 % CI 1.50-5.63) and females (OR = 9.15, 95 % CI 1.53-54.77). Conclusions: Using nationally representative data from the 2008-2011 KNHANES, low pulmonary function was found to be associated with low muscle mass in community-dwelling older Korean adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]