• Spatial Information Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.71-77
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• 2014

There are numbers of unpredictable risk factors in the disaster scenes such as fire, explosion and fail to early life-saving or holding the flames which can lead to massive damage. In particular, fire-fighters who arrive on the scene within 5 minutes after dispatching, have a limitation to get aware to the situation of scene fully, because of immediate deploy to disaster scene with limited information. This situation may lead to disturbance that fire-fighters perform effective fire-fighting activities, to put fire-fighter's life at risk by misjudge the situation. Previous domestic and International studies focused vulnerability for spatial area or features which can damage to life and property in the event of anticipated. In this study, we have been developed fire-fighting vulnerable zone model that can analyze comprehensively hindrance factors for fire-fighting activities targeting whole life cycle of fire-fighting activities from dispatch to fire suppression or life-saving. In addition, we have been given shape to finality and applicability for our model by defining the new concept of fire-fighting vulnerable zone which can be distinguished from the concept of fire vulnerable area in previous studies. The results of this study can be used to analysis fire-fighting vulnerable zone type analysis, establish fire-fighting policies and improve the performance of decision-making process.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2023

Objectives: The budget gap in the health sector of local governments affects the supply of health services, which can cause the health gap. This study classified local governments according to their financial characteristics, such as local financial independence and health budget level. It analyzed the health behaviors and disease prevalence of local residents to examine the effect of local government financial investment on the health of local residents. Methods: To classify types according to the financial characteristics of local governments, financial independence and the health budget data for 17 local governments were collected from the local fiscal yearbook of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security. The prevalence of chronic diseases and healthy behavior was compared using the 16,333 data of adults between the ages of 30 and 65 years among the original data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2020). Results: Cluster analysis was used to classify local governments into five clusters according to the health financial capacity type. A comparison of the prevalence of local residents by cluster revealed a similar prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. On the other hand, the obesity rate (P < 0.01), high-risk drinking rate (P < 0.01), aerobic physical activity rate (P < 0.001), and healthy eating practice rate (P < 0.001) were significantly different. In addition, an analysis of the odds ratio based on the Seoul area revealed a higher risk of health behavior of non-Seoul residents. Conclusions: It is necessary to review the universal health promotion project budget considering the degree of regional financial vulnerability from the viewpoint of health equity to narrow the health gap among regions.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.43 no.8 s.210
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• pp.55-68
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of negative life events on mental health and to explore possible main and moderating effects of spousal support on mental health with a focus on gender differences. The data for this study were taken from a nationwide random sample of 1,504 married men and women ranging in age from 30 to 59 through structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN program which was used to calculate frequency, mean, 1-test, multiple regressions. The main results were as follows: First, by examining mental health of Korean men and women, women were more likely than men to experience higher levels of depression. Second, there was no gender difference in the sum of experience of negative life events, therefore the date of this study did not support the differential exposure hypothesis. In addition, men perceived more support from their spouses than women. Third, results show that especially the event concerning with job/financial problems has negative impacts on mental health of both men and women, and vulnerability to undesirable life events was not found. Fourth, spousal support is associated with better mental health regardless of gender, and it reduces the harmful effects of life events concerning with job/financial area for both men and women. Also, spousal support reduces the magnitude of the harmful effects of life events concerning with health of men. This study focused on the impact of negative life events and the couple process. It was possible to explore the strength of social support provided from spouse of most importance to the individuals. These results affirm the importance of supportive relationships between couples as a buffer, mitigating harmful effects of negative life events on mental health.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.73-81
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• 2009

Objectives : This study presents a scientific basis for the establishment of an environmental health contingency plan for dealing with accidental coastal oil spills and suggests some strategies for use in an environmental health emergency. Methods : We reviewed the existing literature, and analyzed the various fundamental factors involved in response strategies for oil spill. Our analysis included data derived from Hebei Spirit oil spill and used air dispersion modeling. Results : Spill amounts of more than 1,000 kl can affect the health of residents along the coast, especially those who belong to vulnerable groups. Almost 30% of South Korean population lives in the vicinity of the coast. The area that is at the highest risk for a spill and that has the greatest number of people at risk is the stretch of coastline from Busan to Tongyeong. The most prevalent types of oil spilt in Korean waters have been crude oil and bunker-C oil, both of which have relatively high specific gravity and contain volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals. In the case of a spill of more than 1,000 kl, it may be necessary to evacuate vulnerable and sensitive groups. Conclusions : The government should establish environmental health planning that considers the spill amount, the types of oil, and the distance between the spot of the accident and the coast, and should assemble a response team that includes environmental health specialists to prepare for the future oil spill.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.353-359
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• 2000

Objective : The fracture on the frontal bone in head-injured patients may be commonly encountered in the clinical situations. Biomechanical studies demonstrate that the anterior wall of the frontal sinus is intermediate in its ability to resist fracture on direct impact. If the frontal sinus is large and the anterior table is able to disperse the force of the impact over a greater area, the posterior table and intracranial contents usually can be spared. We analyzed the clinical features of the patients who presented with frontal skull fracture due to frontal blows. Patients and Methods : From January, 1992 to December, 1997, 172 patients with frontal skull fracture were selected among 1911 patients with head injury who were admitted to department of neurosurgery. Clinical records and radiological studies of all patients were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively. Results : The neurobehavioral changes was seen in 34 cases(19.8%) and showed statistical significances in case of facial bone fractures, acute subdural hematoma(SDH), and positive frontal lobe releasing sign(p<0.05). The good glasgow outcome score group(GOS, good recovery & moderate disability) at discharge was revealed in 77.3% of total patient population. The poor GOS group(severe disability & vegetative state & death) at discharge was revealed in 22.7%. The poor GOS group at discharge have statistical significances with acute epidural hematoma(EDH), traumatic intraventricular hemorrhage(t-IVH), traumatic intracranial lesion, poor initial glasgow coma scale(GCS) scores & Revised Trauma Score(RTS)(p<0.05). Conclusion : Because of their anatomical relationships and neurobehavioral patterns due to vulnerability of the frontal lobe, the frontal injury should be considered as complicated facial injuries. Therefore, these patients are more likely to have a cosmetic or neuropsychiatric problems.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.7-15
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• 2023

Purpose: This study was conducted with the aim of presenting spatial planning directions for evacuation spaces based on an analysis of the performance of horizontal evacuation during the early stages of fire incidents in a geriatric hospital. Methods: Based on a review of previous studies, the research model was designed by establishing occupancy conditions, evacuation, and fire scenarios. The analysis model was developed by considering vulnerable areas in terms of evacuation movement and analyzing the results of evacuation performance. Furthermore, the study analyzed the improvement in evacuation performance by arranging refuge areas. Results: The results of the study are as follows. Firstly, vulnerability spots were identified in terms of evacuation performance by schematizing Required Safe Egress Time, Available Safe Egress Time, and their differences. Secondly, the Required Safe Egress Time in the adjacent public spaces along the escape routes of occupants was found to be higher compared to the Available Safe Egress Time. Thirdly, the results of the correlation analysis between the difference in Available Safe Egress Time and Required Safe Egress Time during the early stages of a fire, as well as their constituent factors, demonstrated that user congestion is a more significant factor in compromising evacuation safety than the physical changes in the fire condition. Fourthly, the analysis of evacuation time was conducted by designating refuge areas where occupants can evacuate within a sufficient timeframe. This led to a decrease in the Required Safe Egress Time. Implications: This study is expected to be used as data on the direction of evacuation space planning to improve the evacuation performance of Geriatric Hospital.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.117-133
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• 2023

This study assessed the ecological health of border areas using the ecological health index and suggested Indicators for maintaining and promoting ecological values. We analyzed the change trends, pressures, and resilience of ecosystems and services in border areas, and identified their current status and sustainability. The main findings were: (1) ecological assets and ecosystem services in border areas could be compared through ecosystem health assessment; (2) it can be used to set priorities for management and conservation by identifying the relative importance and vulnerability of ecosystems and ecosystem services in each border area; and (3) the index presented in this study can be judged to have explanatory power for the characteristics of border areas and ecosystem health when compared to previous studies. Limitations of this study include the lack of literature and statistical data at the local government level and the resulting limited application of evaluation methods, which limited direct regional comparisons. To overcome the research limitations, further studies are needed, such as establishing ecological information in border areas, mapping and assessment of ecosystem services, and developing and applying assessments that reflect the opinions and participation of various stakeholders. This study was the first attempt to assess the health of ecosystems and ecosystem services in border areas and provided an important baseline for future changes in border areas. In the future, it will be helpful in national and local government policies and ecological assetecosystem management by supplementing insufficient information and presenting clear goals.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.158-163
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• 2024

Objectives: The present paper aimed to examine whether an aging workforce is associated with an increase in work-related fatal injuries and to explore the underlying reasons for this potential increase. Material and methods: Aged workers were defined as those who were at least 55 years old. Work-related fatalities were assessed in aged and young workers who were registered with the workers' compensation system in 2021 in the Republic of Korea. Total waged workers, based on raw data from the Local Area Labor Force Survey in 2021, were used as the denominator to estimate the work-related fatality rates. Results: Most work-related fatalities in the aged workers occurred among individuals working in the "construction sector" (58.9%), those with "elementary occupations (unskilled workers)" (46.1%), and those with the employment status of "daily worker" (60.8%). The estimated incidence (0.973/10,000) of work-related fatalities among aged workers was about four times higher than that (0.239/10,000) among younger workers. "Falling," "collision," "struck by an object," and "trip and slip" were more frequent types of work-related fatalities among aged workers relative to young workers. The category of "buildings, structures, and surfaces" was a more frequent cause of work-related fatalities among aged workers than among young workers. Conclusions: Aged workers had a higher incidence of work-related fatalities than young workers. Frequent engagement in precarious employment and jobs, coupled with the greater physical vulnerability of aged workers, were likely causes of their higher level of work-related fatal injuries.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.103-114
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• 2024

This study proposes a new hybrid approach that utilizes post-earthquake survey data and numerical analysis results from an evolving finite element routing model to capture vulnerability processes. In order to achieve cost-effective evaluation and optimization, this study introduced an online data evolution data platform. The proposed method consists of four stages: 1) development of diagnostic sensitivity curve; 2) determination of probability distribution parameters of throughput threshold through optimization; 3) update of distribution parameters using smart evolution method; 4) derivation of updated diffusion parameters. Produce a blending curve. The analytical curves were initially obtained based on a finite element model used to represent a similar RC building with an estimated (previous) capacity height in the damaged area. The previous data are updated based on the estimated empirical failure probabilities from the post-earthquake survey data, and the mixed sensitivity curve is constructed using the update (subsequent) that best describes the empirical failure probabilities. The results show that the earthquake rupture estimate is close to the empirical rupture probability and corresponds very accurately to the real engineering online practical analysis. The objectives of this paper are to obtain adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services, promote inclusive and sustainable urbanization and participation, implement sustainable and disaster-resilient buildings, sustainable human settlement planning and management. Therefore, with the continuous development of artificial intelligence and management strategy, this goal is expected to be achieved in the near future.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.273-280
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• 2001

We investigated the flora and vegetation structure of exotic plants along stream geomorphology and disturbance factors in the riparian zone of Seunggi stream, Incheon. Total 53 exotic plant species were found in the riparian corridors of Seunggi stream. The percentage of exotics ranged from 25% to 33% of total species richness, and its mean value was 24% in the whole riparian area. The percentage of exotics reflected the vulnerability of riparian zones to plant invasions by disturbances, and it could be used as an indicator of riparian system dysfunction. The distinct distribution patterns of exotic plants did not found in the lateral topographic features of the stream. Invasion and proliferation of the exotic plants were somewhat remarkable at terraces and bank slopes of the stream. Among various disturbance factors, plowing and trampling were important on the invasion of exotic plant species of Seunggi stream.