• Title/Summary/Keyword: Health Gap

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Consumer Perceptions of Food-Related Hazards and Correlates of Degree of Concerns about Food (주부의 식품안전에 대한 인식과 안전성우려의 관련 요인)

  • Choe, Jeong-Sook;Chun, Hye-Kyung;Hwang, Dae-Yong;Nam, Hee-Jung
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.66-74
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    • 2005
  • This survey was conducted to assess the consumer perceptions of food-related hazard in 500 housewives from all over Korea. The subjects were selected by stratified random sampling method. The survey was performed using structured questionnaire through telephone interview by skilled interviewers. The results showed that 34.6% of the respondents felt secure and were not concerned about food safety, and 65.4% were concerned about food safety. Logistic regression analysis showed that the increasing concern on food brands, food additives (such as food preservatives and artificial color), and imported foodstuffs indicated the current increasing concern on food safety. Other related factors indicating the increasing concern on food safety were education level and care for children's health. The respondents who cared about food safety expressed a high degree of concern on processed foodstuffs such as commercial boxed lunch (93.3%), imported foods (92.7%), fastfoods (89.9%), processed meat products (88.7%), dining out (85.6%), cannery and frozen foods (83.5%), and instant foods (82.0%). The lowest degree of concern was on rice. All the respondents perceived that residues of chemical substances such as pesticides and food additives, and endocrine disrupters were the most potential food risk factors, followed by food-borne pathogens, and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). However, these results were not consistent with scientific judgment. Therefore, more education and information were needed for consumers' awareness of facts and myths about food safety. In addition, the results showed that consumers put lower trust in food products information such as food labels, cultivation methods (organic or not), quality labels, and the place of origin. Nevertheless, the respondents expressed their desire to overcome alienation, and recognized the importance of knowing of the origin or the producers of food. They identified that people who need to take extreme precautions on food contamination were the producers, government officials, food companies, consumers, the consumer's association, and marketers, arranged in the order of highest to lowest. They also believed that the production stage of agriculture was the most important step for improving the level of food safety Therefore, the results indicated that there is a need to introduce safety systems in the production of agricultural products, as follows: Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Traceability System (75).

A study on work environments for dental hygienists: - focusing on kind of workplace. career and service area (치과위생사의 근무환경 연구 -근무기관·경력·지역을 중심으로-)

  • Yoo, Jung-Sook;Kim, Young-Nam;Han, Gyeong-Soon
    • Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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    • v.7 no.2
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    • pp.135-151
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    • 2007
  • The purpose of this study was to examine the work environments of dental hygienists, to find out about what problems there were with their work environments and ultimately to help improve their work environments. It's basically intended to pave the way for furthering the welfare and interests of dental hygienists. The subjects in this study were dental hygienists who were selected by random sampling from among the members of Korean Dental Hygienists Association. Approximately 20 percent of the members each were selected from every region across the nation, and their work environments were investigated in consideration of the kind of their workplaces, service area, career and field of duties. As for the demographic characteristics of the dental hygienists investigated, there were differences between those who worked in the field of health care and the clinical workers. More of the former were older and married, and the former was ahead of the latter in career and education as well. Regarding working hours and leave of absence by kind of workplace, the number of regular average holidays was different according to their place of employment. Dental hospitals(6.66 days) and dental clinics(6.81 days) gave their employees less days off on the whole, whereas public dental clinics(19.29 days) granted the dental hygienists the longest leave of absence. Also, there was a broad gap in the number of regular average holidays among different regions in the nation. The dental hygienists who worked in Gangweon province enjoyed the longest holidays(10.88 days), while those on Jeju Island took the shortest vacation(4.46 days). Concerning monthly mean pay by place of employment, those who worked in public dental clinics were paid the best, and the dental hospital employees received the smallest pay. Their monthly mean pay significantly varied with the kind of their workplaces. As to connections between service area and pay level in the event of the dental hygienists with a four-year career, those who served in Seoul were paid the best(1,820,800 won), followed by Gyeonggi province(1,795,800 won), Gyeongsang province(1,604,200 won), metropolitan cities(1,424,800), Gangweon province(1,300,000 won) and Jeolla province(1,016,700 won). In regard to the starting pay in the different areas, the starting pay was largest in Seoul(1,501,800 won) and smallest in Jeolla province(904,000 won). Concerning work environments by place of employment, the dental hygienists in public dental clinics, general hospitals and university hospitals were far older than the others, and the career of the former was much larger than that of the latter. As to the number of regular leave of absence, public dental clinics, general hospitals and university hospitals were different from dental hospitals and clinics in that regard as well. Concerning monthly pay, public dental clinics paid their employees the best, and dental hospitals and clinics were ahead in terms of pay raise. But the reason seemed that public dental clinics and general hospitals increased the pay of their employees based on a fixed wage system and according to a fixed rate at the same time. As for relations between career and work environments, the pay of the dental hygienists differed with their career. The amount and rate of pay raise were largest for those whose career was between four years and less than six years, and smallest for those whose career was between seven years and less than nine years. The above-mentioned findings of the study suggested that in order to give dental hygienists better treatment, pay and welfare benefits should urgently be improved, and that it's required to take actions to boost their job satisfaction. Besides, they should be given more chances to receive education or to take training courses in pursuit of self-development, and how to narrow gaps in work environments among different regions or fields should carefully be considered.

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A Study on Effective Smoking Cessation Policy of Smoker Patients (흡연환자의 효과적인 금연정책에 대한 연구)

  • Hwang, Ji-Min;Kim, Eung-Gwon;Park, Yong-Duk;Han, Ji-Hyoung
    • Journal of dental hygiene science
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.77-82
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    • 2013
  • The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective awareness of smoker patients about the preparation of smoking cessation plans in an effort to lay the foundation for smoking cessation policy setting. The subjects were the selected patients at a dental clinic. A self-administered survey was conducted to grasp their personal characteristics, and the selected answer sheets from 236 respondents were analyzed. The findings of the study were as follows: 1. As for the extension of existing smoking cessation plans, the largest group (32.6%) preferred smoking cessation education, followed by smoking cessation counseling (28.8%), prescription of an smoking cessation aid (18.6%). 2. Concerning the necessity of a smoking cessation law, the men and the women respectively gave 2.37 and 3.00 to that, and the gender gap was significant. The patients had a significantly different opinion on the necessity of a rise in tobacco price according to their occupation and monthly mean household income, and their took a significantly different view of the necessity of smoking cessation counseling according to their residential area. 3. As a result of analyzing the correlation between their on effective smoking cessation policies and the related variables, all the variables had a statistically significant correlation to each other. 4. As a result of analyzing their opinions on what institution should be in charge of smoking cessation plans, the biggest group answered that dental clinics should be responsible for smoking cessation-aid prescription (50.0%), and the largest group replied that smoking cessation education and smoking cessation counseling should respectively be provided by public dental clinics (37.3%) and dental clinics (44.1%).The above-mentioned findings suggest that the preparation of new smoking cessation measures and the extension of existing smoking cessation plans are urgently required, and that dentists and dental hygienists should make a concerted effort to offer counseling and education to stimulate dental patients to abstain from smoking.

The Gap between Social Stratification in the Aftermath of the 1997 Financial Crisis: The Change of Living Conditions and Daily Life as a Consumer. (외환위기 이후 계층의 양극화: 변화된 일상과 소비생활)

  • Nam, Eun-Young
    • Survey Research
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.1-32
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    • 2009
  • This study examines the changes of income, everyday life and living condition of consumer in the aftermath of financial crisis. In this period financial crisis was the crucial factor behind various social problems such as the dissolution of families and individuals. This research explores the range and degree of impact on individuals and social groups after the financial crisis. We explore the social mobility in terns of maintaining middle class and falling into the lower class measured by middle class identification. The 60% of the middle class before the financial crisis maintained the middle class position and the rest of people left out of middle class and fell into lower class. The 60% of those who has been maintained and has just became the members of middle class were college - educated people. The great part of people whose income and assets has increased after financial crisis belongs to college - educated group. Many of those whose income have decreased belong to the high school educated group and blow, the older than 50 years old, self - employed without employee and unpaid family employee. Those whose income and assets decreased and those who experienced downward mobility have undergone changes in everyday life and living conditions as a consumer. Many of them experienced the unemployment, nonpayment or credit - delinquency, dissolution of family, worsening health condition, depression, feeling the impulse to commit suicide simultaneously. The poor consumer disposition, reduction of living expenses, sound consumer culture have expanded to people since economic crisis. The middle class reported that the cost of private education often goes beyond the family ability to pay. The lower class has suffered from the cost of living. In a meanwhile luxury goods preference, consumer consciousness for status symbol have continuously increased among all the classes since 1997. Thus fluctuations of one's income and social mobility during past 10 years were some of the major determinants which brought about the various damaging life events, changes of living conditions and everyday lives as a consumer.

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The effect of cavity wall property on the shear bond strength test using iris method (Iris 법을 이용한 전단접착강도 측정에서 와동벽의 영향)

  • Kim, Dong-Hwan;Bae, Ji-Hyun;Cho, Byeong-Hoon;Lee, In-Bog;Baek, Seung-Ho;Ryu, Hyun-Mi;Son, Ho-Hyun;Um, Chung-Moon;Kwon, Hyuck-Choon
    • Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.170-176
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    • 2004
  • Objectives : In the unique metal iris method. the developing interfacial gap at the cavity floor resulting from the cavity wall property during polymerizing composite resin might affect the nominal shear bond strength values. The aim of this study is to evaluate that the iris method reduces the cohesive failure in the substrates and the cavity wall property effects on the shear bond strength tests using iris method. Materials and Methods : The occlusal dentin of 64 extracted human molars were randomly divided into 4 groups to simulate two different levels of cavity wall property (metal and dentin iris) and two different materials ($ONE-STEP^{\circledR}$ and $ALL-BOND^{\circledR}$ 2) for each wall property. After positioning the iris on the dentin surface. composite resin was packed and light-cured. After 24 hours the shear bond strength was measured at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Fracture analysis was performed using a microscope and SEM. The data was analyzed statistically by a two-way ANOV A and t-test. Results : The shear bond strength with metal iris was significant higher than those with dentin iris (p=0.034). Using $ONE-STEP^{\circledR}$, the shear bond strength with metal iris was significant higher than those with dentin iris (p=0.005), but not in $ALL-BOND^{\circledR}$ 2 (p=0.774). The incidence of cohesive failure was very lower than other shear bond strength tests that did not use iris method. Conclusions:The iris method may significantly reduce the cohesive failures in the substrates. According to the bonding agent systems. the shear bond strength was affected by the cavity wall property.

Estimation of the Characteristics for the Dose Distribution in the Polymer Gel by Means of Monte Carlo Simulation (몬테카를로 시뮬레이션을 이용한 양성자 조사에 따른 Polymer Gel 내부의 선량 분포 특성 평가)

  • Park, Min-Seok;Kim, Gi-Sub;Jung, Hai-Jo;Park, Se-Young;Choi, In-Seok;Kim, Hyun-Ji;Yoon, Yong-Su;Kim, Jung-Min
    • Journal of radiological science and technology
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    • v.36 no.2
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    • pp.165-173
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    • 2013
  • This study was the estimation of the dose distribution for proton, prompt gamma rays and proton induced neutron particles, in case of exposing the proton beam to polymer gel dosimeter and water phantom. The polymer gel dosimeter was compositeness material of Gelatin, Methacrylic acid, Hydroquinone, Tetrakis and Distilled water. The density of gel dosimeter was $1.04g/cm^3$ which was similar to water. The 72, 116 and 140 MeV proton beams were used in the simulation. Proton beam interacted with the nuclei of the phantom and the nuclei in excited states emitted prompt gamma rays and proton induced neutron particles during the process of de-excitation. The proton particles, prompt gamma rays, proton induced neutron particles were detected by polymer gel dosimeter and water phantom, respectively. The gap of the axis for gel was 2 mm. The Bragg-peak for proton particles in gel dosimeter was similar to water phantom. The dose distribution for proton and prompt gamma rays in gel dosimeter and water phantom was approximately identical in case of 72, 116 and 140 MeV for proton beam. However, in case of proton induced neutron particles for 72, 116 and 140 MeV proton beam, particles were not detected in gel dosimeter, while the Water phantom absorbed neutron particles. Considering the resulting data, gel dosimeter which was developed in the normoxic state attentively detected the dose distribution for proton beam exposure except proton induced neutron particles.

Effects of Salt and Soysauce Condiment on Lipid Oxidation in Broiled Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) (소금과 간장 양념이 고등어 구이의 지질산화 안정성에 미치는 영향)

  • Ryu, Seung-Hee;Lee, Young-Soon;Moon, Gap-Soon
    • Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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    • v.34 no.6
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    • pp.1030-1035
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    • 2002
  • Despite health benefits derived from fish oil, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contained in fish oil are susceptible to lipid oxidation. To determine the optimum condition for maintaining good quality cooked fish during storage, mackerels were broiled with salt or soysauce condiments, and the lipid oxidation during 12 days of storage at refrigerated condition was measured. Peroxide value of broiled mackerel group with salt significantly increased after immediate cooking and maintained higher value throughout the storage period compare to the soysauce-added group, but showed similar value to the control group. Conjugated diene content in the soysauce-group was lower than the control and salt-added groups. Malondialdehyde content of broiled mackerel increased twofold and showed similar values in soysauce-added and the control groups during storage, whereas increased in the salt-added group significantly. Fatty acid compositions of the three mackerel groups changed after cooking, whereas that of the control group was almost stable during storage. In comparison with raw mackerel, the ratio of PUFA and saturated fatty acids decreased significantly, and the content of n-3 family fatty acid decreased from 25.53 to 20.63% in salted broiled mackerel. Soysauce group showed no reduction of PUFA with increasing storage time and showed the highest ratio of n-3/n-6 among the three groups at 10 days storage. Results reveal soysauce condiment protects against lipid peroxidation of broiled mackerel. Maillard reaction products (MRPs) found in soysauce might be responsible for the inhibitory effect and is a good condiment for extending storage life of cooked fish containing high amount of PUFA.

A Study on Perception Change in Bicycle users' Outdoor Activity by Particulate Matter: Based on the Social Network Analysis (미세먼지로 인한 자전거 이용객의 야외활동 인식변화에 관한 연구: 사회네트워크분석을 중심으로)

  • Kim, Bomi;Lee, Dong Kun
    • Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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    • v.28 no.5
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    • pp.440-456
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    • 2019
  • The controversy of the risk perception related to particulate matters becomes significant. Therefore, in order to understand the nature of the particulate matters, we gathered articles and comments in on-line community related to bicycling which is affected by exposure of the particulate matters. As a result, firstly, the government - led particulate matter policy was strengthened and segmented every period, butthe risk perception related to particulate matters in the bicycle community has become active and serious. Second, as a result of analyzing the perception change of outdoor activities related to particulate matters, bicycle users in community showed a tendency of outdoor activity depending on the degree of particulate matters ratherthan the weather. In addition, the level of the risk perception related to particulate matters has been moved from fears of serious threat in daily life and health, combined with the disregard of domestic particulate matter levels or mask performance. Ultimately, these risk perception related to particulate matters have led some of the bicycling that were mainly enjoyed outdoors to the indoor space. However, in comparison with outdoor bicycling enjoyed by various factors such as scenery, people, and weather, the monotonous indoor bicycling was converted into another type of indoor exercise such as fitness and yoga. In summary, it was derived from mistrust of excessive information or policy provided by the government or local governments. It is considered that environmental policy should be implemented after discussion of risk communication that can reduce the gap between public anxiety and concern so as to cope with the risk perception related to particulate matters. Therefore,this study should be provided as an academic basis for the effective communication direction when decision makers establish the policy related to particulate matters.

Comparative Assessment of Linear Regression and Machine Learning for Analyzing the Spatial Distribution of Ground-level NO2 Concentrations: A Case Study for Seoul, Korea (서울 지역 지상 NO2 농도 공간 분포 분석을 위한 회귀 모델 및 기계학습 기법 비교)

  • Kang, Eunjin;Yoo, Cheolhee;Shin, Yeji;Cho, Dongjin;Im, Jungho
    • Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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    • v.37 no.6_1
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    • pp.1739-1756
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    • 2021
  • Atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is mainly caused by anthropogenic emissions. It contributes to the formation of secondary pollutants and ozone through chemical reactions, and adversely affects human health. Although ground stations to monitor NO2 concentrations in real time are operated in Korea, they have a limitation that it is difficult to analyze the spatial distribution of NO2 concentrations, especially over the areas with no stations. Therefore, this study conducted a comparative experiment of spatial interpolation of NO2 concentrations based on two linear-regression methods(i.e., multi linear regression (MLR), and regression kriging (RK)), and two machine learning approaches (i.e., random forest (RF), and support vector regression (SVR)) for the year of 2020. Four approaches were compared using leave-one-out-cross validation (LOOCV). The daily LOOCV results showed that MLR, RK, and SVR produced the average daily index of agreement (IOA) of 0.57, which was higher than that of RF (0.50). The average daily normalized root mean square error of RK was 0.9483%, which was slightly lower than those of the other models. MLR, RK and SVR showed similar seasonal distribution patterns, and the dynamic range of the resultant NO2 concentrations from these three models was similar while that from RF was relatively small. The multivariate linear regression approaches are expected to be a promising method for spatial interpolation of ground-level NO2 concentrations and other parameters in urban areas.

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and its Legal Regulation - Devices using Techniques of TMS and tDCS - (비침습적 뇌자극기술과 법적 규제 - TMS와 tDCS기술을 이용한 기기를 중심으로 -)

  • Choi, Min-Young
    • The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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    • v.21 no.2
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    • pp.209-244
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    • 2020
  • TMS and tDCS are non-invasive devices that treat the diseases of patients or individual users, and manage or improve their health by applying stimulation to a brain through magnetism and electricity. The effect and safety of these devices have proved to be valid in several diseases, but research in this area is still much going on. Despite increasing cases of their application, legislations directly regulating TMS and tDCS are hard to find. Legal regulation regarding TMS and tDCS in the United States, Germany and Japan reveals that while TMS has been approved as a medical device with a moderate risk, tDCS has not yet earned approval as a medical device. However, the recent FDA guidance, European MDR changes, recalls in the US, and relevant legal provisions of Germany and Japan, as well as recommendations from expert groups all show signs of tDCS growing closer to getting approved as a medical device. Of course, safety and efficacy of tDCS can still be regulated as a general product instead of as a medical device. Considering multiple potential impacts on a human brain, however, the need for independent regulation is urgent. South Korea also lacks legal provisions explicitly regulating TMS and tDCS, but they fall into the category of the grade 3 medical devices according to the notifications of the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. And safety and efficacy of TMS are to be evaluated in compliance with the US FDA guidance. But no specific guidelines exist for tDCS yet. Given that tDCS devices are used in some hospitals in reality, and also at home by individual buyers, such a regulatory gap must quickly be addressed. In a longer term, legal system needs to be in place capable of independently regulating non-invasive brain stimulating devices.