• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.496-504
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• 2021

Background: With the increasing demand for industrial robots and the "noncontact" trend, it is an appropriate point in time to examine whether risk assessments conducted for robot operations are performed effectively to identify and eliminate the risks of injury or harm to operators. This study discusses why robot accidents resulting in harm to operators occur repetitively despite implementing control measures and proposes corrective actions for risk assessments. Methods: This study collected 369 operator-injured robot accidents in Korea over the last decade and reconstructed them into the mechanism of injury, work being undertaken, and bodily location of the injury. Then, through the techniques of Systematic Cause Analysis Technique (SCAT) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), this study analyzed the root and direct causes of robot accidents that had occurred. Causes identified included physical hazards and complex combinations of hazards, such as psychological, organizational, and systematic errors. The requirements of risk assessments regarding robot operations were examined, and three case studies of robot-involved tasks were investigated. The three assessments presented were: camera module processing, electrical discharge machining, and a panel-flipping robot installation. Results: After conducting RCA and comparing the three assessments, it was found that two-thirds of injury-occurring from robot accidents, causative factors included psychological and personal traits of robot operators. However, there were no evaluations of the identifications of personal aspects in the three assessment cases. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that personal factors of operators, which had been overlooked in risk assessments so far, need to be included in future risk assessments on robot operations.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2013.01a
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• pp.397-402
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• 2013

In super-tall building construction projects, schedule risk factors which vertically change and are not found in the low and middle-rise building construction influence duration of a project by vertical attribute; and it makes hard to estimate activity or overall duration of a construction project. However, the existing duration estimating methods, that are based on quantity and productivity assuming activities of the same work item have the same risk and duration regardless of operation space, are not able to consider the schedule risk factors which change by the altitude of operation space. Therefore, in order to advance accuracy of duration estimation of super-tall building projects, the degree of changes of these risk factors according to altitude should be analyzed and incorporated into a duration estimating method. This research proposes a simulation model using Monte Carlo method for estimating activity duration incorporating schedule risk factors by weather conditions in a super-tall building. The research process is as follows. Firstly, the schedule risk factors in super-tall building are identified through literature and expert reviews, and occurrence of non-working days at high altitude by weather condition is identified as one of the critical schedule risk factors. Secondly, a calculating method of the vertical distributions of the weather factors such as temperature and wind speed is analyzed through literature reviews. Then, a probability distribution of the weather factors is developed using the weather database of the past decade. Thirdly, a simulation model and algorithms for estimating non-working days and duration of each activity is developed using Monte-Carlo method. Finally, sensitivity analysis and a case study are carried out for the validation of the proposed model.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.37-44
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• 2019

According to the statistical surveys and studies, insufficient maintenance in the use of existing buildings caused fire and collapse accidents. In this respect, I analyzed the data managed by the current building maintenance and inspection system to find out the actual state of safety management and proposed two significant results. First, regarding the state of the buildings, the safety management status of the small-sized ones, where 20 years or more passed after construction, is the worst and a priority improvement plan is required. Second, there are eight deeply concerning factors for the fire incidents and collapse accidents of buildings. In the order of high risk, these factors are structural strength (seismic design), exterior wall finishing material, basement floor, interior finishing materials, other evacuation facilities, corridors stairs entrances, rooftop, fire partition. We need to have more special designs and management plans regarding high-risk factors as a system to prevent accidents in the building.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.939-950
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• 2021

The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors affecting Thai commercial bank users' behavioral intention towards QR code payment system via mobile banking applications. The researchers conducted the study based on quantitative research approach. Non-probability sampling method such as the quota and convenience sampling was applied as sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed. The data was collected from 1,800 respondents living in Bangkok, who have had an experience with QR code payment system with the top-three mobile banking applications in Thailand. This study concentrates on confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling as a statistical tool to examine the data, model accuracy, and influence of critical variables. In addition, the researchers applied the first-order and second-order techniques to examine the relationship between constructs. Adoption readiness and perceived risk were second-order constructs. The results reveled that compatibility has an impact on attitude towards QR code payment. Moreover, adoption readiness, compatibility, attitude, and personal innovativeness are statistically significant that impact behavioral intention towards QR code payment. The strongest antecedents of behavioral intention were compatibility, attitude, adoption readiness, and personal innovativeness, respectively. Surprisingly, perceived risk and perceived trust do not statistically have a significant impact on behavioral intention towards QR code payment.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.42 no.8
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• pp.591-605
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• 2009

In this study the risk integrated erosion and seepage failure factor and combined risk of the levee embankment were assessed. For the research of the reliability, the risk assessment of erosion, seepage and both of them combined for the levee embankment were conducted using discharge curve and stage hydrograph generated by stochastic rainfall variation method during typhoon and monsoon season. The risk of erosion was evaluated using tractive force and the seepage analysis was performed by selecting representative cross sections for SEEP/W model analysis. And the probability of seepage failure was assessed with MFOSM analysis using critical hydraulic gradient method. Unlike deterministic analysis method, quantitative risk could be obtained and the characteristics of realistic rainfall variation patterns as well as a variety of factors contributing to levee failure could be reflected in this research. The results of this study show significantly enhanced applicability for the combined risk. As this model can be employed to determine dangerous spots for levee failure and to establish flood insurance linked with flood risk map, it will dramatically contribute to the establishment of both efficient and systematic measures for integrated flood management on a watershed.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.351-361
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• 1995

The main purpose of the study is to identify critical risk factors for development of a family assessment tool to screen high risk family. This study used a conceptual framework of family diagnosis developed by Eui-sook Kim's (1993) and analyzed risk factors to identify the high risk family. As employing a explorative and methodological study design, this study has four stages. 1. In the first stage, 34 family risk factors were identified by doing intensive literature review on conceptual framework of family diagnoses. 2. In the second stage, above risk factors were tested for content validity by consultation with 29 persons in community health nursing, nursing education, family theory, and social work. 3. In the third stage, existing survey data was used for actual application of the identified risk factors. The survey data used for this purpose was previously collected for the community diagnosis in a region of Seoul. At the final stage, through the comparison between high risk and low risk families, initially identified 34 risk factors decreased to 25 risk factors. Among 34 risk factors, six factors did not agree with content of questionnaries sand two factors were not significant in differentiating the high risk family Also, two risk factors showed high correlation between themselves, so only one of those two factors was chosen. As a result, twenty-five risk factors chosen to identify the high risk family are following ; 1. A single parent family due to divorce or death of a partner, or unweded single mother 2. A family with an unrelated household members 3. A family with a working mother with a young child 4. A family with no regular income 5. A family with no rule in family or too strict rules 6. A family with little or no support from other lam-ily members 7. A family with little or no support from friends or relatives 8. A family with little or no time to share with each other 9. A family with family history of hypertension, diabetus, cancer 10. A family with a sick person 11. A family with a mentally ill person 12. A family with a disabled person 13. A family with an alcoholic person 14. A family with a excessive smoker who smokes more than 1 pack / day 15. A family with too much salt intake in their diet. 16. A family with inappropriate management skills for family health 17. A family with high utilization of drug store than hospital to solve the health problems of the family 18. A family with disharmony between husband and wife 19. A family with conflicts among the family members 20. A family with unequal division of labor among family members 21. An authoritative family structure 22. A socially isolated family 23. The location of house is not residential area 24. A family with high risk of accidents 25. The drinking water and sewage systems are not hygienic. The main implication of the results of this study is clinical use. The high risk factors can be used to identify the high risk family effectively and efficiently. The use of high risk factors woule contribute to develop a conceptual framework of family diagnosis in Korea and the list of risk factors need to be revised continuously. Further researches are needed to develop an index of weight of each risk factor and to validate the risk factors.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.340-353
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• 2009

It is very important to screen the elderly for nutritional risk, because nutritional status is a critical factor to maintain their health. Some nutrition checklists used in Korea for the elderly are from other countries. Reliability of those checklist in Korea is not studied enough. This survey was done for the elderly over 65-years-old who live in Hong-cheon, An-dong, Dam-yang and Yeon-gi in Korea (subject; summer: 146, winter: 145) to study the reliability of DETERMINE checklist which is adopted widely in Korea. Using the score of DETERMINE checklist, the elderly were divided as high, middle and low risk groups. For nutritional assessment for those elderly, dietary assessment using 24 recall, anthropometry, biochemical assessment and health condition were used. Results for the checklist showed that percentage below EAR for energy intake and protein intake in winter were higher in the high risk group than other groups. The intakes of phosphorus and iron and most vitamins were below the DRI. The percentage of subjects with intake below DRI was highest in the high risk group. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values using the DETERMINE were calculated using 6 point as a cut-off point. Subjects were divided into two groups by MAR (MAR < 0.75:undernutrition, MAR < 0.75 : normal). Sensitivity recorded 49.4% and 34.3%, specificity did 61.9% and 65.4 and Positive predictive value did 62.1% and 46.0% each for summer and winter. Results of screening using DETERMINE Checklist were not matched with dietary assessment but not with anthropometric and biochemical measurement. In conclusion DETERMINE 'Checklist' is shown be a good screening tool for finding out risk groups for dietary intake in the elderly, It needs to verify reliability and validity through large-scale survey.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4383-4386
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• 2015

Background: The C1561T variant of the glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) gene is critical for natural methylfolylpolyglutamte (methylfolate) absorption, and has been associated with perturbations in folate metabolism and disease susceptibility. However, little is known on C1561T-GCPII as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Therefore, this study examined whether C1561T-GCPII influences folate metabolism and adenomatous polyp occurrence. Materials and Methods: 164 controls and 38 adenomatous polyp cases were analysed to determine blood folate and plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level, dietary intake of natural methylfolate, synthetic pteroylglutamic acid (PteGlu), vitamin C and C1561T-GCPII genotype. Results: In controls and cases, 7.3 and 18.4 percent of subjects respectively, were found to have the CT genotype, increasing the risk for adenomatous polyp occurrence 2.86 times (95% CI:1.37-8.0, p=0.035). Total dietary folate, methylfolate and PteGlu intake and the level of erythrocyte folate and plasma Hcy did not predict the occurrence of an adenomatous polyp. However, dietary natural vitamin C intake was associated with adenomatous polyp risk within C1561T-GCPII CT genotype subjects (p=0.037). Conclusions: The findings suggest that C1561T-GCPII variation may be associated with risk for adenomatous polyp, and vitamin C may modify risk by interacting with the variant gene, its expression product and/or folate substrates.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.205-210
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to recognize the state of vitamin D among healthy infants aged 1 to 6 months in South Korea, and also to identify the risk factors affecting the level of vitamin D. Methods: A total of 117 infants were enrolled in this study for 12 months, from March 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were measured and data including birth weight, body weight, sex, feeding pattern, delivery mode, siblings and maternal age and occupation were collected. Data was mainly analyzed with independent t-test model. Results: We determined that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25[OH]D<20 ng/mL [50 mmol/L]) was 48.7% in the population investigated. Particularly in breastfed infants, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was strikingly high (90.4%). The mean serum level of 25(OH)D in breastfed infants was lower than that of formula fed infants (9.35 ng/mL vs. 28.79 ng/mL). Also female infants showed lower mean serum level of 25(OH)D than male. Mean serum values of calcium and phosphorus had positive correlation with vitamin D state (P<0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was found to be very common in infants aged 1 to 6 months in South Korea, and breast feeding was the most critical risk factor of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore we suggest to start vitamin D supplementation in South Korea, as soon as possible, to all infants, including breastfed and female infants.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.240-253
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• 1997

The main problems contributing to food poisoning outbreaks in institutional settings and a home were reviewed and analyzed through the epidemiological investigations of food poisoning. The major documented factors included improper holding temperatures, inadequate cooking, poor personal hygiene, cross-contamination and contaminated equipment, food from unsafe sources, failure to follow food hygiene policies, and lack of education, training, monitoring and superivision. Usually more than one factor contributed to the development of an outbreak. (1) Use of improper holding temperatures was the single most important factor contributing to food poisoning. They included improper cooling, allowing a laps of time (12 hours or more) between preparing food and eating it, improper hot holding, and inadequate or improper thawing. Food thermometers were not used in most of the instances. (2) In inadequate cooking, the core temperature of food during and after cooking had not been measured, and routine monitoring was limited to recording the temperature of plated meals. Compared with conventional methods of cooking, microwave ovens did not protect against food poisoning as effectively. Centralized food preparation potentially increased the risk of food poisoning outbreaks. (3) Poor personal hygiene both at the individual level (improper handwashing and lack of proper hygienic practices) and at the institutional level (poor general sanitization) increased the risk of transmission. Person to person transmission of enteric pathogens through direct contact and via fomites has been noted in several instances. (4) Obtaining food from unsafe sources was a risk factor in outbreaks of food poisoning. Food risks were high when food was grown or harvested from contaminated areas. Possibilities included contamination in the field, in transport, at the retail site, or at the time it was prepared for serving. (5) Cross-contamination and inadequate cleaning/handling of equipment became potential vehicles of food poisoning. Failure to separate cooked food from raw food was also a risk factor. (6) Failure to follow food hygiene policies also provided opportunities for outbreaks of food poisoning. It included improper hygienic practices during food preparation, neglect of personnel policies (involvement of symptomatic workers in food preparation), poor results on routine inspections, and disregarding the results and recommendations of an inspection. (7) Lack of formal and in-service education, training, monitoring, and supervision of food handlers or supervisors were critical and perhaps neglected elements in occurrences of food poisoning.