Visual information priming in Internet of things: focusing on the interface of smart refrigerator

Internet of Things (IoT) supports an environment where users are able to interact and get information by sharing visual informational cues. The purpose of this study was to investigate what effect was made on the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intention to use and self efficacy about use of smart refrigerator when visual information related to the food and function is provided in advance in the interface. A data was collected from a between-subjects experiment (N = 26) with an independent variable (priming visual information vs. non-priming). According to the experiment results, users who were primed about the visual cues perceived higher usefulness (PU), ease of use (PEoU), intention to use (IU), and self-efficacy (SE) toward the fridge compared to the users in a non-primed group.The study proposes theoretical and practical implications for designing food-related smart home appliances’ interface and visual affordances

No difference in stroke knowledge between Korean adherents to traditional and western medicine – the AGE study: an epidemiological study

BACKGROUND: Effective stroke intervention and risk reduction depend on the general public's awareness and knowledge of stroke. In Korea, where both traditional Oriental medicine and Western medicine are practiced, estimates of the general public's awareness and knowledge of stroke are poor. The present study sought to describe the inception cohort of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study) and to determine baseline stroke awareness and preferred medical treatment for stroke in this Korean sample. METHODS: A total of 2,767 subjects selected randomly from the Ansan Geriatric Study in South Korea were questioned about stroke. Their answers were compared with their sociodemographic data and other variables. RESULTS: Only 44.8% of participants correctly identified stroke as a vascular disease in the human brain. Sudden numbness or weakness was the most frequently identified stroke warning sign (60.2%). Hypertension (66.7%) and mental stress (62.2%) were most frequently identified as stroke risk factors. The contributions of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease to stroke were underestimated; they were identified as risk factors by 28.3% and 18.6% of participants, respectively. The predictors for poor knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors were similar irrespective of preference for Western or Oriental medical treatment, and included those with lower levels of education and inaccurate definition of stroke. Television and radio (40.3%) were the most frequent sources of stroke information for both groups. CONCLUSION: This study shows that knowledge of stroke is similar among Koreans with preferences for either Western or Oriental medical treatment and that misunderstandings about stroke are common among the Korean elderly. In order to prevent and manage stroke effectively, public health education regarding basic concepts of stroke is necessary. This should target those with a lower level of education and a misunderstanding of the definition of stroke

Study design and methods of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The overall objective of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study) was to describe the prevalence, incidence, and related risk factors for geriatric diseases in elderly Koreans.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The AGE study was designed as a population-based prospective cohort study on health, aging, and common geriatric diseases of elderly Koreans aged 60 to 84 years. The inception cohort was recruited in May 2002. The first-wave and second-wave studies were performed using uniform and structured procedures. At the screening study, 2,767 participants were enrolled. Participants (1391 in the first wave study and 841 in the second wave study) were recruited and completed the evaluation. The prevalence of geriatric disease and related factors in elderly Koreans were estimated.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Here, we report the design and sampling participants, measurement tools, and characteristics of the AGE study. This cohort study will allow a detailed study of the longitudinal comprehensive data on health information of elderly Koreans, thereby contributing to policy formulation and planning of health, welfare management, and other social services in Korea.</p

Morbidity and related factors among elderly people in South Korea: results from the Ansan Geriatric (AGE) cohort study

BACKGROUND: A thorough examination of the morbidity and comorbidity profiles among the elderly and an evaluation of the related factors are required to improve the delivery of health care to the elderly and to estimate the cost of that care. In South Korea where the aged population is rapidly increasing, however, to date only one study using a limited sample (84 subjects) has provided information on morbidity and related factors among the elderly. Using a large, stratified, random sample (2,767 subjects) from the population-based Ansan Geriatric study, the present study sought to assess the morbidity and comorbidity, and to determine the relationships of these variables with sociodemographic and health characteristics in elderly people in South Korea. METHODS: A total of 2,767 subjects (1,215 men and 1,552 women) aged 60–84 years were randomly selected from September 2002 to August 2003 in Ansan, South Korea. Data on sociodemographic and health characteristics, and clinical diagnosis were collected using questionnaires. When available, the medical records and medications taken by the subjects were also cross-checked. RESULTS: Of the total subjects, 78.0% reported diagnosed disease, 11.0% had been cured, and 46.8% had been diagnosed with more than two diseases. The mean number of morbidities per person among elderly Koreans was 1.62 ± 1.35 (mean ± standard deviation), and women had a greater number of diseases per person than did men. The most common morbidities were chronic diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes mellitus. In women, osteoporosis and arthritis were the second and third most prevalent diseases, respectively. Morbidity was significantly associated with gender, employment, household income, alcohol intake, self-assessed health status, and worries about health. CONCLUSION: These data will enhance understanding of the patterns of health problems among elderly Koreans and will contribute to the application of appropriate intervention strategies

Identification of peripheral inflammatory markers between normal control and Alzheimer's disease

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Multiple pathogenic factors may contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Peripheral blood markers have been used to assess biochemical changes associated with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and involved in their pathophysiology.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Plasma samples and clinical data were obtained from participants in the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study). Plasma concentrations of four candidate biomarkers were measured in the normal control (NC), MCI, and AD group: interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).</p> <p>Body mass index (BMI), MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination), CDR(Clinical Dementia Rating) score and homocystein level were recorded with social and demographic information.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Total of 59 subjects were randomly selected for this analysis [NC (n = 21), MCI(n = 20) and AD(n = 18)]. In demographic data, educational year was correlated with the diagnosis states (<b><it>p </it></b>< 0.0001). No significant differences in cardiovascular disease, BMI and use of NSAIDs were found in MCI or AD group compared with NC group, respectively. The involvement of inflammatory illness or conditions in subjects, WBC count, fibrinogen and homocystein of the three groups, but no significant differences were found in each groups. The plasma IL-8 level was lower in MCI and AD patients compared with the normal control group (respectively, <it>p </it>< 0.0001). The MCI and AD patients had similar MCP-1, IL-10, and TNF-α level.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study suggests the existence of an independent and negative relationship between plasma IL-8 levels and functional status in MCI and AD patients.</p

Visual Information Priming in Internet of Things: Focusing on the interface of smart refrigerator

Internet of Things (IoT) supports an environment where users are able to interact and get information by sharing visual informational cues. The purpose of this study was to investigate what effect was made on the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intention to use and selfefficacy about use of smart refrigerator when visual information related to the food and function is provided in advance in the interface. A data was collected from a between-subjects experiment (N = 26) with an independent variable (priming visual information vs. non-priming). According to the experiment results, users who were primed about the visual cues perceived higher usefulness (PU), ease of use (PEoU), intention to use (IU), and self-efficacy (SE) toward the fridge compared to the users in a non-primed group. The study proposes theoretical and practical implications for designing food-related smart home appliances’ interface and visual affordances

A Study on the Reliability and Validity of Seoul-Activities of Daily Living(S-ADL)

OBJECTIVES: Seoul-Activities of Daily Living(S-ADL) was developed to assess elderly person\u27s basic activities of daily living. This study aims to develop standardized ADL assessment scale and confirm the reliability and validity of the S-ADL. METHODS: It was participated in 336 controls and 145 patients diagnosed Alzheimer\u27s disease. RESULTS: In controls, it was statistically significant to age, but not sex, education, region and presence of spouse. Also, reliability and validity were statistically significant. Principal axis factoring analysis revealed three factors that accounted for 66.67% of the total variance(1.self-care/hygiene, 2.ambulation, 3.toileting). According to each CDR stage, there were significant difference, except for CDR 0.5 and CDR 1 suggesting early dementia. Particularly, it was remarkable for functional impairment in CDR 2 and CDR 3 suggesting moderate to severe dementia. The order of the loss of function was (1) self-care/hygiene, (2) toileting, and (3) ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the S-ADL could be a very reliable and valid tool for the assessment of functional disabilities of Korean dementia patients. Particularly, S-ADL would be useful in assessing daily function of moderate to severe AD

2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol Reduces Beta-Amyloid Production and Secretion by Regulating ADAM10 and Intracellular Trafficking in Cellular and Animal Models of Alzheimer&rsquo;s Disease

There is currently no effective treatment against Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease (AD), although many strategies have been applied to reduce beta-amyloid (A&beta;) levels. Here, we investigated 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) effects on A&beta; levels and mechanisms of action. DAPG was the most effective phloroglucinol derivative for reducing A&beta; levels, without being toxic, in various models including HEK293 cells overexpressing Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) (293sw), primary astrocytes isolated from APPsw/PS1dE9 transgenic mice, and after intrahippocampal injection of DAPG in APPsw/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. DAPG-mediated A&beta; reduction was associated with increased soluble APP&alpha; (sAPP&alpha;) levels mediated by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) but not ADAM17. ADAM10 inhibition in DAPG-treated cells prevented the effects on sAPP&alpha; but only partly on intracellular and secreted A&beta;. To identify regulators of sAPP&alpha; and A&beta; secretion, various inhibitors of intracellular trafficking were administered with DAPG. Brefeldin A (BFA) reversed DAPG-mediated changes in A&beta; secretion in 293sw cells, whereas golgicide A (GCA) and BFA were effective in primary astrocytes, indicating a cell type-specific regulation of the trafficking. Moreover, GCA or BFA effects on sAPP&alpha;, but not A&beta;, levels in primary astrocytes resembled those of ADAM10 inhibition, indicating at least partly independent trafficking pathways for sAPP&alpha; and A&beta;. In conclusion, DAPG might be a promising drug candidate against AD regulating ADAM10 and intracellular trafficking, but optimizing DAPG ability to cross the BBB will be needed

A Study on the Reliability and Validity of Seoul-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living(S-IADL)

OBJECTIVES: Seoul-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (S-IADL) was developed to assess elderly person\u27s instrumental everyday activities. This study aims to develop standardized IADL assessment scale and to confirm the reliability and validity of the S-IADL. METHODS: The 336 controls were included in standardization study. Reliability and validity of S-IADL were tested by 72 Alzheimer\u27s disease patients and 72 controls matched to age, sex, and education. We also conducted Receiver Operating Characteristics curve for sensitivity and specificity of S-IADL. RESULTS: Because of positively skewed distribution of S-IADL, standardization data were presented using 1SD and 2SD value. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and interrater reliability were statistically significant. Principal axis factoring analysis revealed two factors that accounted for 59.95% of the total variance, and second factor was items sensitive to sex (3.preparing food/cooking, 4.household chores). S-IADL was correlated significantly with other standardized cognitive measures, demonstrating good convergent validity. With a cut-off point of 8, the S-IADL had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 93.1% in the diagnosis of dementia. Also, with a 2SD standardized data, sensitivity was 81.9% and specificity was 93.1%. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the S-IADL could be a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of functional disabilities of Korean dementia patients. Particularly, S-IADL had higher sensitivity and specificity than other IADL instruments, suggesting that it is useful to early detection of dementia