Showing papers by "Republic of Korea Army published in 2019"

Short-term effects of multiple outdoor environmental factors on risk of asthma exacerbations: Age-stratified time-series analysis.

Abstract: Background Although the different age groups had differences in sensitivity of asthma exacerbations (AEs) to environmental factors, no comprehensive study has examined the age-stratified effects of environmental factors on AEs. Objective We sought to examine the short-term effects in age-stratified groups (infants, preschool children, school-aged children, adults, and the elderly) of outdoor environmental factors (air pollutants, weather conditions, aeroallergens, and respiratory viral epidemics) on AEs. Methods We performed an age-stratified analysis of the short-term effects of 4 groups of outdoor environmental factors on AEs in Seoul Metropolitan City (Korea) from 2008 and 2012. The statistical analysis used a Poisson generalized linear regression model, with a distributed lag nonlinear model for identification of lagged and nonlinear effects and convergent cross-mapping for identification of causal associations. Results Analysis of the total population (n = 10,233,519) indicated there were 28,824 AE events requiring admission to an emergency department during the study period. Diurnal temperature range had significant effects in pediatric (infants, preschool children, and school-aged children) and elderly (relative risk [RR], 1.056-1.078 and 1.016, respectively) subjects. Tree and weed pollen, human rhinovirus, and influenza virus had significant effects in school-aged children (RR, 1.014, 1.040, 1.042, and 1.038, respectively). Tree pollen and influenza virus had significant effects in adults (RR, 1.026 and 1.044, respectively). Outdoor air pollutants (particulate matter of ≤10 μm in diameter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide) had significant short-term effects in all age groups (except for carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide in infants). Conclusion These findings provide a need for the development of tailored strategies to prevent AE events in different age groups.

Development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms in Partial-Thickness Burn Wounds Using a Sprague-Dawley Rat Model.

Abstract: We used a modified Walker-Mason scald burn rat model to demonstrate that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen in the burn ward and notable biofilm former, establishes biofilms within deep partial-thickness burn wounds in rats.Deep partial-thickness burn wounds, ~10% of the TBSA, were created in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-450 g; n = 84). Immediately post-burn, 100 µl of P. aeruginosa in phosphate-buffered saline at 1 × 103, 1 × 104, or 1 × 105 cells/wound was spread over the burn surface . At 1, 3, 7, and 11 days post-burn, animals were euthanized and blood and tissue were collected for complete blood counts, colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, biofilm gene expression, histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and myeloperoxidase activity in the burn eschar.P. aeruginosa developed robust biofilm wound infections, plateauing at ~1 × 109 CFU/g burn tissue within 7 days regardless of inoculum size. Expression of Pseudomonas alginate genes and other virulence factors in the infected wound indicated formation of mature P. aeruginosa biofilm within the burn eschar. Compared to un-inoculated wounds, P. aeruginosa infection caused both local and systemic immune responses demonstrated by changes in systemic neutrophil counts, histology, and myeloperoxidase activity within the burn wound. Additionally, SEM showed P. aeruginosa enmeshed within an extracellular matrix on the burn surface as well as penetrating 500-600 µm deep into the eschar.P. aeruginosa establishes biofilms within deep partial-thickness burn wounds and invades deep into the burned tissue. This new in vivo biofilm infection model is valuable for testing novel anti-biofilm agents to advance burn care.

Development and validation of a crisis self‐efficacy index

Abstract: This study develops a crisis self‐efficacy index to provide a tool for crisis communication researchers and practitioners to understand behavioural aspects of crisis response better. Evaluations of public's crisis self‐efficacy using this index inform strategic message development to protect the public and minimize crisis damages by identifying the public/s most in need of self‐efficacy enhancing interventions. The index also provides practitioners a useful longitudinal index to evaluate progress in crisis preparedness programs and track changes in efficacy. A four‐stage survey index development process using structural equation modelling identifies four underlying constructs of crisis self‐efficacy: action, preventive, achievement and uncertainty management.

Association of Sensitization to Different Aeroallergens With Airway Function and Nasal Patency in Urban Children

Abstract: PURPOSE Children with sensitization to aeroallergens have decreased lung function and nasal patency. Our purpose was to determine the association of sensitization to different aeroallergens with airway function and nasal patency. METHODS Four hundred and eighty-six randomly selected 11 year-old children who lived in Seongnam City were examined. Serum specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels against 6 common allergens (Dermatophagoidesfarinae, birch, cat, dog, Japanese hop and Alternaria), impulse oscillometry (IOS) results for the evaluation of airway dysfunction, and acoustic rhinometry for the determination of nasal airway patency were obtained. RESULTS IOS indicated that children sensitized to Alternaria (n = 38, 7.8%) and dog dander (n = 69, 14.2%) had decreased lung function, based on resistance at 10 Hz (Rrs10; aβ = 0.0072; 95% CI, 0.017, 0.127; P = 0.010) and 1 Hz (Rrs1; aβ = 0.038; 95% CI, 0.001, 0.074; P = 0.042). Children sensitized to D. farinae (n = 281, 57.8%) had decreased post-decongestant nasal volume at 0 to 5 cm (aβ = -0.605; 95% CI, -1.005, -0.205; P = 0.003), but normal IOS results at all measured frequencies (P > 0.05). Increased serum eosinophil level was associated with Rrs1 (P = 0.007) and Rrs2 (P = 0.018) and post-decongestant nasal volume at 0 to 5 cm (aβ = -0.885; 95% CI, -1.331, -0.439; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Sensitivity to specific aeroallergens, serum eosinophil count and total IgE level had different associations with upper and lower airway dysfunction in urban children.

Collision-Free Multi-UAV Flight Scheduling for Power Network Damage Assessment

Abstract: This paper discusses the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flight scheduling problem in the context of power networks damage assessment. We propose a mixed-integer programming model to determine the optimal collision-free schedule for multiple UAVs. It is essential to perform the damage assessment procedure in the least amount of time in order to quickly repair the network. Hence, our goal is to minimize the makespan which equals the total operation time of the UAVs until the last task (i.e., the lengthiest) is complete. As the power networks are complex structures, there is a high probability of collision among the inspecting UAVs. To address this issue, we separate the arrival times of two UAVs so that no more than one UAV can be around each node at a given time interval. Using the proposed model, the optimal flight scheduling is provided for a randomly generated graph instance. The results of the numerical instance indicate that our approach reduces the possibility of collision between UAVs by creating a gap between their arrival time to each node.

Compartment Syndrome After Ankle Arthroscopy in an Atraumatic Patient.

Abstract: Compartment syndromes associated with arthroscopy have been rarely reported. Compartment syndrome after knee arthroscopy has been reported in some case reports, whereas we could find only one case ...

Improving counterfire operations with enhanced command and control structure

Abstract: The success of military operations depends on soldiers’ execution of the operation as well as resources used for the operation. However, this does not mean that more men and firepower will ensure victory. Military units, just like any other organization, are collections of distributed elements, and improving the organization or command and control (C2) structure of such elements will ultimately show the true power of more men and resources. This paper presents a case study comparing two C2 structures in a counterfire operation, which is a very realistic scenario in some parts of the world. We modeled each structure with meta-networks and agent-based simulations, and then determined why one structure has a better outcome in the simulation. In particular, we jointly analyze the virtual experiment and network metrics, i.e., centralities, to identify the important resources and human factors. This research provides critical insight and suggestions to reform the C2 structure based on quantitative findings. In terms of the C2 structure, assigning detection units to the decentralized echelon brings about the reduction of the time for the targeting process, while the strengthened gun power for multiple targets is proved to have strong influence from the operational perspective.