Development of Ocean Economy Satellite Account in Korea

The ocean has emerged as a new solution to new growth engines. However, some issues remain to be resolved, such as unified concepts and evaluation methods for the ocean economy, comparability between the national economy and the ocean economy, and the connection between global and national assessments. Since the ocean economy comprises various complex industries, it is necessary to establish policies based on an objective analysis of economic indicators. However, there have been difficulties in analyzing industrial activities related to the ocean economy within the national account system. To more accurately calculate the share of the ocean economy sector in the national economy, it is necessary to create a satellite account that reflects the characteristics of the ocean economic activities while maintaining consistency with the national account. This study aims to develop a satellite account for the ocean economy, a measurement of GDP in the ocean sector, which can correspond with the national accounts system and intends to propose Korean practices as a framework in the process of discussing international guidelines. This study introduces a potential structure for Korea\u27s ocean economy satellite account, the principles, methods, and data used for value coefficient estimation, and finally presents pilot results for several components of the ocean economy. This account can be utilized to diagnose the economic position as well as the policy effects of Korea’s ocean economy sector while contributing to the establishment of mid-to-long term industrial policies. This case study of Korean practices can be an important example that offers a framework and principles for international discussions

A crystal plasticity model for describing the anisotropic hardening behavior of steel sheets during strain-path changes

In the present study, a viscoplastic self-consistent crystal plasticity model (VPSC-RGBV), whichaccounts for various microstructural features, including the accumulation and annihilation ofdislocations due to slip activity and latent hardening originated from interactions betweengliding dislocations on different slip planes, is described. The simulation results of the VPSC-RGBV model are compared with those of a macro-mechanical distortional plasticity model, theso-called homogeneous anisotropic hardening (HAH), and experimental data pertaining to metalsundergoing complex loading histories. The differences between the simulated and experimentalresults under non-proportional loading, including 1) the stress-strain curve, 2) instantaneous r-value after strain-path change, and 3) yield surface evolution, are discussed. Finally, potentialimprovements are suggested for VPSC-RGBV model

Altered Eye-Movement Patterns During Text Reading in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and internet gaming disorder (IGD), which are similar in that both involve repetitive behaviors and related with cognitive dysfunctions, frequently begin in early adolescence, which is a critical period for learning. Although the deterioration in cognitive functioning caused by these conditions may have adverse effects on information processing, such as text reading, there has been no comprehensive research on the objective indicators of altered reading patterns in these patients. Therefore, we evaluated eye-movement patterns during text reading in patients with OCD or IGD. In total, 20 patients with OCD, 28 patients with IGD and 24 healthy controls (HCs) participated in the reading task using an eye tracker. We compared the fixation durations (FDs), saccade amplitudes and eye-movement regressions of the three groups during reading. We explored relationships between the parameters reflecting altered reading patterns and those reflecting the severity of clinical symptoms. The average FDs and forward saccade amplitudes did not differ significantly among the groups. There were more eye-movement regressions in patients with OCD than in patients with IGD and HCs. No correlation was found between altered eye-movement patterns during reading and the severity of clinical symptoms in any of the patient groups. The significantly increased number of regressions (NRs) in the OCD group during reading may reflect these patients’ difficulties with inferential information processing, whereas the reading pattern in the IGD group is relatively intact. These findings suggest that patients with OCD and patients with IGD have different eye-movement patterns during reading reflecting distinct cognitive impairments in the two patient groups

Physicochemical, Pre-Clinical, and Biological Evaluation of Viscosity Optimized Sodium Iodide-Incorporated Paste

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different viscosities of silicone oil on the physicochemical, pre-clinical usability, and biological properties of a sodium iodide paste. Six different paste groups were created by mixing therapeutic molecules, sodium iodide (D30) and iodoform (I30), with calcium hydroxide and one of the three different viscosities of silicone oil (high (H), medium (M), and low (L)). The study evaluated the performance of these groups, including I30H, I30M, I30L, D30H, D30M, and D30L, using multiple parameters such as flow, film thickness, pH, viscosity, and injectability, with statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Remarkably, the D30L group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the conventional iodoform counterpart, including a significant reduction in osteoclast formation, as examined through TRAP, c-FOS, NFATc1, and Cathepsin K (p < 0.05). Additionally, mRNA sequencing showed that the I30L group exhibited increased expression of inflammatory genes with upregulated cytokines compared to the D30L group. These findings suggest that the optimized viscosity of the sodium iodide paste (D30L) may lead to clinically favorable outcomes, such as slower root resorption, when used in primary teeth. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the D30L group shows the most satisfactory outcomes, which may be a promising root-filling material that could replace conventional iodoform-based pastes

Characteristics and clinical course of patients referred to the NST

Background and aimsThe nutrition support team (NST) comprises doctors, nutritionists, pharmacists, and nurses who provide intensive nutritional treatment designed for each patient by evaluating their nutritional status of hospitalized patients. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of patients referred to the NST among those admitted to a tertiary hospital and to understand the factors affecting their clinical course and changes in pressure sore grades.MethodsThis study included 1,171 adult patients aged 18 years or older referred to the NST at a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan city between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. Patients were divided into five age groups, neuro department and non-neuro department, those treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), and those not treated in the ICU. Patients were also compared based on the presence of pressure sores at the time of NST referral and changes in pressure sore grades at the first time of NST referral and discharge (improved pressure sores, no change in pressure sores, and aggravated pressure sores). In addition, this study examined the factors affecting changes in pressure sore grades.ResultsAs age increased, the proportion of both low albumin levels and pressure sores significantly increased (p < 0.001), and the neuro department showed a significantly lower proportion of low albumin levels and pressure sores (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with pressure sores was higher (64.9%), and this patient group showed significantly higher rates of low albumin levels (p < 0.001) and treatment in the ICU (p < 0.001). The group with aggravated pressure sore grades had a significantly higher proportion of patients in the surgery department (p = 0.009) and those treated in the ICU (p < 0.001). Admission to the surgery department was a factor that aggravated the grade of pressure sores [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.985, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.168–3.371]. When patients were not treated in the ICU, the grade of the pressure sores was less likely to worsen (aOR = 0.364, 95% CI = 0.217–0.609).ConclusionPressure sores and low albumin levels are closely related, and the risk of developing and aggravating pressure sores is particularly high in patients in the surgery department and those receiving ICU treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to actively implement NST referral to ensure that overall nutrition, including albumin, is well supplied, especially for patients in the surgery department and treated in the ICU, as they are at high risk of pressure sore development and aggravation. Moreover, since low albumin levels frequently occur in elderly patients, it is necessary to consider including the elderly in the indications for referral to the NST

Evaluation of changes in random blood glucose and body mass index during and after completion of chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

PurposeImproved survival of patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has drawn attention to the potential for late consequences of previous treatments among survivors, including metabolic syndrome. In this study, we evaluated changes in 3 parameters, namely, random blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), and Z score for BMI (Z-BMI), in children with ALL during chemotherapy and after completion of treatment.MethodsPatients newly diagnosed with ALL from January, 2005 to December, 2008 at Saint Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, who completed treatment with chemotherapy only were included (n=107). Random glucose, BMI, and Z-BMI were recorded at 5 intervals: at diagnosis, before maintenance treatment, at completion of maintenance treatment, and 6 and 12 months after completion of maintenance treatment. Similar analyses were conducted on 2 subcohorts based on ALL risk groups.ResultsFor random glucose, a paired comparison showed significantly lower levels at 12 months post-treatment compared to those at initial diagnosis (P<0.001) and before maintenance (P<0.001). The Z-BMI score was significantly higher before maintenance than at diagnosis (P<0.001), but decreased significantly at the end of treatment (P<0.001) and remained low at 6 months (P<0.001) and 12 months (P<0.001) post-treatment. Similar results were obtained upon analysis of risk group-based subcohorts.ConclusionFor a cohort of ALL patients treated without allogeneic transplantation or cranial irradiation, decrease in random glucose and Z-BMI after completion of chemotherapy does not indicate future glucose intolerance or obesity

Physicochemical, Biological, and Antibacterial Properties of Four Bioactive Calcium Silicate-Based Cements

Calcium silicate-based cement (CSC) is a pharmaceutical agent that is widely used in dentistry. This bioactive material is used for vital pulp treatment due to its excellent biocompatibility, sealing ability, and antibacterial activity. Its drawbacks include a long setting time and poor maneuverability. Hence, the clinical properties of CSC have recently been improved to decrease its setting time. Despite the widespread clinical usage of CSC, there is no research comparing recently developed CSCs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the physicochemical, biological, and antibacterial properties of four commercial CSCs: two powder–liquid mix types (RetroMTA® [RETM]; Endocem® MTA Zr [ECZR]) and two premixed types (Well-Root™ PT [WRPT]; Endocem® MTA premixed [ECPR]). Each sample was prepared using circular Teflon molds, and tests were conducted after 24 h of setting. The premixed CSCs exhibited a more uniform and less rough surface, higher flowability, and lower film thickness than the powder–liquid mix CSCs. In the pH test, all CSCs showed values between 11.5 and 12.5. In the biological test, cells exposed to ECZR at a concentration of 25% showed greater cell viability, but none of the samples showed a significant difference at low concentration (p &gt; 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase staining revealed that cells exposed to ECZR underwent more odontoblast differentiation than the cells exposed to the other materials; however, no significant difference was observed at a concentration of 12.5% (p &gt; 0.05). In the antibacterial test, the premixed CSCs showed better results than the powder–liquid mix CSCs, and ECPR yielded the best results, followed by WRPT. In conclusion, the premixed CSCs showed improved physical properties, and of the premixed types, ECPR exhibited the highest antibacterial properties. For biological properties, none of these materials showed significant differences at 12.5% dilution. Therefore, ECPR may be a promising material with high antibacterial activity among the four CSCs, but further investigation is needed for clinical situations