• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.139-152
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to describe and understand the meaning and nature of community health practitioners' coping with COVID-19. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 community health practitioners from August to October 2021, to describe and understand the nature of their coping with COVID-19. The collected data were examined and described based on Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: 16 theme clusters and five categories were derived from the community health practitioners' experience of coping with COVID-19. The categories derived were: a war that began without notice, a variety of correspondence tasks assigned, struggling to fulfill given roles, correspondence tasks becoming more systematic, and a fight that has not yet ended. Conclusion: Community health practitioners handled various response tasks related to COVID-19, and faithfully fulfilled their professional roles while performing the primary task of medical care. Hence, attention is required on issues related to the establishment of the national emergency healthcare system and improvement of professional competence of community health practitioners even after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Furthermore, it is necessary to make ceaseless efforts to address those issues and, in order to do so, social interest and institutional support are needed.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.363-370
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• 2023

Due to the spread of COVID-19, the use of public transportation such as urban railroads has changed significantly since the beginning of 2020. Therefore, in this study, daily time series data for each urban railway station were collected for three years before COVID-19 and after the spread of COVID-19, and the similarity of time series analysis was evaluated through DTW (Dynamic Time Warping) distance method to derive regression centers for each cluster, and the effect of various external events such as COVID-19 on changes in the number of users was diagnosed as a time series impact detection function. In addition, the characteristics of use by cluster of urban railway stations were analyzed, and the change in passenger volume due to external shocks was identified. The purpose was to review measures for the maintenance and recovery of usage in the event of re-proliferation of COVID-19.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.1109-1115
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• 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading globally, and the WHO has declared this outbreak a pandemic. Vaccines are an effective way to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection needs to be understood for the development of an efficient and safe vaccine. Here, we review the current understanding of vaccine targets and the status of vaccine development for COVID-19. We also describe host immune responses to highly pathogenic human coronaviruses in terms of innate and adaptive immunities.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.109-121
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• 2021

Purpose : The first case of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) disease outbreak in Korea occurred in January 2020, and the cumulative number of confirmed cases by the Central Defense Response Headquarters of the Quality Management Administration as of November 30 was 34,201. Looking at the incidence trend of domestic confirmed cases by age, the incidence rate of COVID-19 in the age group of 20-29 years, which corresponds to college students, was 27.4 %, the highest compared by age group. Considering the current status of the infection rate, universities will become the centers of new COVID-19 cases if face-to-face lectures are recommenced without preparatory measures and analysis of infection prevention (e.g., infection awareness and education for university students). Thus, this study intended to investigate the level of knowledge, educational needs, and preventive behavior performance of college students about COVID-19 and provide basic data for the development of an education program for the prevention of COVID-19 for college students. Methods : This study is a descriptive correlational study aimed to investigate the correlation between knowledge about COVID-19, educational needs, and degree of preventive behavior performance in 407 college students attending one University in Gyeonggi-do. Results : The subjects' knowledge score about COVID-19 was 12.46±1.39 points, average educational needs score was 29.16±3.14 points, and prevention behavior performance survey result was 35.50±3.61 points. Moreover, positive correlation was observed between the knowledge about COVID-19 and educational needs (r=.203, p<.001) and knowledge and preventive behavior performance (r=.140, p=.005). Further, educational needs and preventive behavior performance demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship (r=.311, p<.001). Conclusion : Therefore, organizing an educational program to acquire accurate knowledge is necessary to make it a habit for college students to practice preventive behavior against COVID-19.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.249-259
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• 2023

Purpose: Since patients on hemodialysis (HD) are known to be vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many studies were conducted regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in HD patients in Western countries. Here, we assessed antibody response of HD patients for 6 months post-vaccination to identify the duration and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Asian population. Materials and Methods: We compared antibody response of the COVID-19 vaccine in HD patients with healthy volunteers. Patient and control groups had two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and mRNA-1273, respectively. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured before vaccination, 2 weeks after the first dose, 2 and 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the second dose. Neutralizing antibody was measured before vaccination and at 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after second dose. Since the third dose was started in the middle of the study, we analyzed the effect of the third dose as well. Results: Although antibody production was weaker than the control group (n=22), the patient group (n=39) showed an increase in IgG and neutralizing antibody after two doses. And, 21/39 patients and 14/22 participants had a third dose (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in the patient group, mRNA-1273 in the control group), and it did not affect antibody response in both group. Trend analysis showed IgG and neutralizing antibody did not decrease over time. Age, sex, and HD vintage did not affect antibody production in HD patients. Patients with higher body mass index displayed better seroresponse, while those on immunosuppressants showed poor seroresponse. Conclusion: Two doses of vaccination led to significant antibody response in HD patients, and the antibody did not wane until 6 months.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.41-50
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study sought to investigate the change in the satisfaction levels of healthcare students regarding clinical practice before and after the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak. METHODS: This was a longitudinal survey using a structured questionnaire. The first survey was conducted before the COVID-19 outbreak in April 2018, and the second survey was conducted after the outbreak from May to June 2022. The questionnaire used before and after COVID-19 had the same content and was categorized into the following six factors to determine clinical practice satisfaction: practice guidance, practice environment, practice time, practice evaluation, interpersonal relationships, and effectiveness of practice. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 153 healthcare students (average age: 22.43 ± 1.47 years old), participated from 4 departments: nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and dental hygiene. After COVID-19, 84 students (average age: 22.75 ± 2.87 years old), from the physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and dental hygiene departments participated in the survey. RESULTS: Clinical practice satisfaction was evaluated considering the factors of practical guidance, practice environment, practice time, interpersonal relationships, and practical effects. It was observed that the satisfaction with clinical practice increased in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and dental hygiene students after COVID-19 compared to the situation before the outbreak. There was no difference seen in the practice time and practice evaluation factors in the occupational therapy department and in the practice time factor in the dental hygiene department before and after COVID. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice under the extremely constrained circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that the emotional internal response is greater, and the satisfaction with clinical practice appears to be relatively higher than before the outbreak.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.sup1
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• pp.1-21
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• 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put focus on the importance of a healthy immune system for recovery from infection and effective response to vaccination. Several nutrients have been under attention because their nutritional statuses showed associations with the incidence or severity of COVID-19 or because they affect several aspects of immune function. Nutritional status, immune function, and viral infection are closely interrelated. Undernutrition impairs immune function, which can lead to increased susceptibility to viral infection, while viral infection itself can result in changes in nutritional status. Here, we review the roles of vitamins A, C, D, and E, and zinc, iron, and selenium in immune function and viral infection and their relevance to COVID-19.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.330-338
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• 2021

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors affecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination intention. Methods: For an anonymous online survey, recruitment notices were posted on an anonymous community by each university, and an online survey was conducted through online form from June to July 2021. COVID-19 knowledge and health-protective behavior were measured using a questionnaire based on previous literature and reflecting the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 Response Guidelines. The psychological antecedents of vaccination were measured by 5C scale. Results: Two-hundred and ninety-four college students (women 67.3%) answered the survey; 179 (60.9%) reported that they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine. The mean scores for COVID-19 knowledge and health-protective behavior were 22.97±5.33 (out of 35) and 9.92±2.22 (out of 12), respectively. For the psychological antecedents of vaccination, the mean scores for confidence, collective responsibility, calculation, complacency, and constraints were 4.45 (± 1.24), 5.61 (± 1.09), 5.09 (± 1.18), 2.42 (± 1.11), and 2.37 (± 1.19) out of 5 points, respectively. The confidence, calculation, and collective responsibility were associated with vaccination intention. Additionally, the top reason for those who were less prone to accept vaccination against COVID-19 was concern about vaccine safety. Conclusion: The higher the confidence in the vaccine and the higher the collective responsibility, the higher the vaccination intention. As it is a factor related to an individual's perception of COVID-19 information, it is necessary to increase confidence in the vaccines through obtaining accurate information on the safety, effectiveness, and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.288-302
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• 2022

Objective: Community pharmacists are frontline health care providers, but have been considered as underutilized professionals on a daily basis. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify information about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community pharmacy services and to evaluate new services that could be applicable. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies published up to January 10, 2020. Search terms consisted of keywords relevant to this review, including "COVID-19", "community pharmacy", and "community pharmacist". This review targeted studies of pharmacist services provided by community pharmacies in OECD member countries during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in this review. Changes in community pharmacist services due to the COVID-19 pandemic were broadly classified into four categories. First, as the face-to-face services became challenging, various non-face-to-face services were being tried. Second, community pharmacists directly participated in the services to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Third, community pharmacists made efforts to support continuity of care for patients who experienced difficulties due to the reduced professional care as health and medical resources are concentrated in response to COVID-19. Fourth, community pharmacist services were emerging, targeting patients suffering from greater health inequality during the pandemic. Patients expressed high demand and satisfaction for the service of the community pharmacist, and pharmacists reported self-efficacy and professional pride. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, various community pharmacist services have been tried and received positive evaluations from patients in several OECD countries.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 2021

The form of agri-food transaction has taken a rapid change from the existing method since Covid-19. In response to changes in the market environment such as Covid-19, the integrated marketing organization in Jeollabuk-do was diagnosed from the point of view of innovation, and the future direction was examined. In order to improve the distribution structure of the production area, an integrated marketing organization was fostered, and both quantitative and qualitative growth were brought about. However, some regions still lack willingness to participate and lack of expertise. In particular, there is no infrastructure and strategy to prepare for the increase in non-face-to-face transactions post Covid-19. Online transactions also require economies of scale, so non-face-to-face transaction capabilities must be reinforced by adding a separate organization and experts in charge of online transaction functions within the integrated marketing organization. In the future, online sales are highly likely to expand not only to transactions between producers and individual consumers (C to C), but also to mass consumer (B to B) transactions. It will be an opportunity. In addition, it is necessary to efficiently use production area distribution facilities such as sorting and packaging. Since the non-contact transaction method will increase after Corona 19, it is necessary to strengthen marketing capabilities such as expansion of utilization rate, order placement, settlement, and customer management, and reorganization of specialized organizations.