• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.494-502
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• 2007

Ubiquitous location based services (u-LBS) will be interested to an important services. They can easily recognize object position at anytime, anywhere. At present, many researchers are making a study of the position recognition and tracking. This paper consists of postion recognition and user identification system. The position recognition is based on location under services (LBS) using a signal strength map, a database is previously made use of empirical measured received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The user identification system automatically controls instruments which is located in home. Moreover users are able to measures body signal freely. We implemented the multi-hop routing method using the Star-Mesh networks. Also, we use the sensor devices which are satisfied with the IEEE 802.15.4 specification. The used devices are the Nano-24 modules in Octacomm Co. Ltd. A RSSI is very important factor in position recognition analysis. It makes use of the way that decides position recognition and user identification in narrow indoor space. In experiments, we can analyze properties of the RSSI, draw the parameter about position recognition. The experimental result is that RSSI value is attenuated according to increasing distances. It also derives property of the radio frequency (RF) signal. Moreover, we express the monitoring program using the Microsoft C#. Finally, the proposed methods are expected to protect a sudden death and an accident in home.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2013

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to investigate the destructive effects of biofilm formation and/or biocorrosive activity of 6 different oral microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three different heat polymerized acrylic resins (Ivocap Plus, Lucitone 550, QC 20) were used to prepare three different types of samples. Type "A" samples with "V" type notch was used to measure the fracture strength, "B" type to evaluate the surfaces with scanning electron microscopy and "C" type for quantitative biofilm assay. Development and calculation of biofilm covered surfaces on denture base materials were accomplished by SEM and quantitative biofilm assay. According to normality assumptions ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis was selected for statistical analysis (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS. Significant differences were obtained among the adhesion potential of 6 different microorganisms and there were significant differences among their adhesion onto 3 different denture base materials. Compared to the control groups after contamination with the microorganisms, the three point bending test values of denture base materials decreased significantly (P<.05); microorganisms diffused at least 52% of the denture base surface. The highest median quantitative biofilm value within all the denture base materials was obtained with P. aeruginosa on Lucitone 550. The type of denture base material did not alter the diffusion potential of the microorganisms significantly (P>.05). CONCLUSION. All the tested microorganisms had destructive effect over the structure and composition of the denture base materials.

• Korean Medical Education Review
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.159-173
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a competency tool for new nurses and to pilot-test it with new nurses. A Delphi survey was conducted to develop a competency tool, and a self-evaluation was conducted among new nurses who pilot-tested the finally derived competencies. The Delphi survey panel consisted of 18 people, including adjunct professors at the College of Nursing, nursing managers, and nurses with master's degrees. The Delphi survey asked about the validity of the competencies constructed in two rounds. After analyzing the Delphi results with mean, standard deviation, content validity ratio, degrees of convergence, and degrees of consensus, 12 core competencies and 36 enabling competencies were finally derived. The competencies consisted of clinical judgment and management (nine items), task competence (four items), patient orientation (five items), moral value orientation (three items), cooperation (two items), supply management (two items), professional development (three items), confidence (one item), self-control (two items), flexibility (two items), influence (one item), and nurturing others (two items). The finally derived competencies were pilot-tested with 229 new nurses who had worked for 2-12 months. The self-evaluation scores of new nurses were distributed differently according to their working period. In this study, the competencies required for new nurses were identified and the corresponding enabling competencies were identified. In the future, it is expected that a competency-based education program will be prepared based on these findings, and furthermore, it will be possible to provide high-quality medical and nursing services that meet patients' needs by improving the competency of new nurses and lowering the turnover rate.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2017

Purpose : Many studies showed that having a usual source of care improved the efficient access of healthcare service. However in Korea there have been few studies on the usual source of care. So this study aims to find whether having a usual source of care affect the medical utilization and expense. Methodology/Approach : We used the Korean Health Panel data in 2012, 2013 to examine the change of utilization and expenses in ambulatory care affected by having a usual source of care. We selected 1,215 hypertension patients without usual source of care in 2012 and performed linear regression analysis to identify the difference between treatment group(with usual source of care in 2013) and control group(without usual source of care in 2013). Then we performed analysis again separated by the age group. Findings : Among study population, 711(58.5%) reported that they have a usual source of care in 2013. Treatment group reported 1.85 less increase in outpatient visits and 69,234 won less increase in expense than control group with weak significance(visit ${\beta}$ -1.85 p-value 0.0807, expense ${\beta}$ -69,234 p-value 0.0541). People under the age of 65 showed significant change in outpatient visits for tertiary hospital (visit ${\beta}$ -0.78 p-value 0.0154, expense ${\beta}$ -91,462 p-value 0.0168). The analysis which focused outpatient for mild disease showed similar trend. Practical Implications : This study supports the positive effect of having usual source of care which decrease inefficient outpatient utilization. Promoting physician-patient relationships is important for efficiency of healthcare service.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.71-86
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• 2009

The healthcare environment today is changing rapidly with factors of healthcare consumers in selecting medical institutions also altering at a fast pace under the circumstances. In this study, the theory of consumption values established by Sheth in 1991 is adopted in order to examine particular value affecting consumer selection of healthcare institutions. For the purpose of this study, healthcare consumers were surveyed using questionnaires developed based on the five values of Sheth supplemented by value of effort to acquire hospital information and value in health. Consequently, 24 consumption values affecting selection process were confirmed through discriminant analysis. As a result of regression analysis on factors affecting consumer selection of healthcare institution, effort to acquire hospital information and age among demographic characteristics of respondents are determined important predictors for consumer selection of general hospitals over clinics or small-sized hospitals. Further, service, reputation scale of healthcare institution among functional values and importance of health and effort to acquire hospital information among value in health are identified as significant predictors for consumer selection of large-sized general hospitals over clinic or small-sized hospitals. This study suggests not only vital implications for marketing strategy of healthcare institutions, but also methods to promote positive image for healthcare providers. In addition, this study closely examines the cause of the leaning phenomenon of healthcare comsumers toward large-sized general hospitals.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.211-219
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• 2016

The current study was conducted to make pre-post comparisons of education done for 119 emergency medical technicians (EMT) on the patient assessment performance. The data are expected to offer applicable training methods and educational resources for emergency medical services. Twenty six EMT from four cities and provinces participated in the study, which was carried out from 14 to 17 December, 2015. The technicians performed a patient assessment and marked reports on simulated patients. In the course of the assessment, a pre-post evaluation of education was done using a checklist regarding the respective symptoms, such as headache, chest pain, and dyspnea. The median value (quartile value) was used as the descriptive analysis. While patient assessment scores marked 66 points (54.00-80.25) out of 100 (p<0.01) before education, there was a significant increase in the after-education scores, which reached 88.5 points (80.00-93.00). The patient assessment performances revealed a significant increase (p<.0.01) in 5 chest pain, 7 headache, and 9 dyspnea items after education. Similarly, there was an increase in wanting to meet the EMT again scale in regards to categories involved in developing positive relations with patients. Moreover, the adequacy in the patient condition reports all marked a significant increase (p<0.01) in assessment categories. The present study shows that education based on simulation practices are necessary for improvements in patient assessment performance of 119 EMT. Therefore, practical and systematic patient assessment educations may serve as a prerequisite. Further opportunities should be provided for the EMT consistently.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.43-53
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was designed to examine physiological changes in the body of rescuers conduct CPR according to the 2005 new guideline from American Heart Association. The ratio of artificial respiration has changed from 15 : 2 into 30 : 2 in 2005. The researcher tried to know the correlation between the physiological changes and the accuracy of CPR. Method : The examinees of this study were 26 students (Dept. of Emergency Medical Service). After the training, participants conducted 10 minute CPR and soon after the CPR, their vital signs were checked, and lactic acid and concentration of ammonia were analysed from their blood samples. Questionnaires to ask their subjective fatigue level were filled out after blood samples and 10 minute - CPR was performed. Results : 1) After the CPR, concentrations of ammonia were $149.71{\mu}{\ell}/d{\ell}$ and $162.17{\mu}{\ell}/d{\ell}$ in 15 : 2 and 30 : 2, respectively. The number was higher in 30 : 2 but it wan not statistically meaningful (p = .493). Log value of lactic acid was a little higher in 30 : 2 with 42 log($mmol/{\ell}$) and 54 log($mmol/{\ell}$) in 15 : 2 and 30 : 2, respectively but it was not statistically meaningful (p = .113). 2) Blood pressure in 15 : 2 and 30 : 2 were 118.50 mmHg and 125.08 mmHg while pulse in two different cases were 96.14 and 97.25, showing no statistically significant differences (blood pressure : p = .155, pulse : p = .841). 3) Subjective fatigue was a bit high in 30 : 2 with 5.93 and 6.92 points in 15 : 2 and 30 : 2 respectively but it was not statistically meaningful (p = .142). 4) In the 10 minute CPR, respiration accuracy was 96.21% in 15 : 2 and 94.79% in 30 : 2. There was no statistical significances between the two(p = .225). In the meanwhile, chest compression accuracy was 92.57% in 15 : 2 and 91.83% in 30 : 2. From the beginning to the end of chest compression, there showed no difference(p = .425). the type of CPR did not influence upon the accuracy of chest compression(p = .756). Conclusion : In the CPR conducted by skilled rescuers for 10 minutes, there were no statistically meaningful differences between 15 : 2 and 30 : 2 in the concentration of fatigue element in a blood, subjective fatigue, vital signs and accuracy of CPR. Therefore, 30 : 2 CPR recommended by American Heart Association need to be recommended and performed in scene size up.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.617-637
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• 2011

This study employs qualitative approaches to examining geographical characteristics and patients' determinants of online referrals in terms of regionalization. In this light, I conducted interviews with 20 patients receiving online referrals in Choongbook, Korea, and investigated their behaviors regarding these referrals between July and August 2009. I found that many patients who suffered from various levels of illness preferred tertiary care centers outside of Choongbook and did not enjoy their experience with the local medical institutions as the online referral service sites. This result might be because patients choose online referrals for psychological considerations such as quality and level of health care services, personal stakes in online referral service sites, acceptability and credibility of good tertiary care centers, and easy access to and use of medical institutions. Meanwhile, immediate benefits with regard to the technological value of online referrals, such as convenience, utility, and original purpose associated with regionalization, did not influence patients' decision-making. Therefore, the social and public networks affiliated with online referrals plus the effect of Korean medical laws play hostage to private decisions made by citizens, who prefer high-level medical institutions. Accordingly, the technological contribution of online referrals does not halt the outflow of patients from local, tertiary care centers. Especially, the existing health care system and patients' behaviors are deeply related to referrals in the online system. To protect regionalization, the improvement of health care services from the present state of affairs is required.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.255-267
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• 2012

High Internet usage and the public's keen interest on health have influenced the health care system, and a potential value of the online health information and medical consultation market is immense. This study reveals results from data collected from Seoul residents in the age group of 20s in 2011. Out of 499 respondents, 75.2% answered that they used online health information; however, only 7.2% answered that they have used online medical consultation services. Findings on the purposes of using online medical consultation included treatments of symptoms(33.6%) and self-disciplines of one's health(19.5%). Mostly used Websites for health information search included search engines and blogs, but respondents preferred to use government sites and hospital sites in the future. When choosing a medical consultation, respondents preferred a certain website for different reasons including creditability of the consultant(23.7%), creditability of the organization(23.7%), rapid responses(21.2%), and more. Overall, although health information search via web is being highly utilized among people in their 20s, utilization of online medical consulting is not. Thus, promotion efforts to increase awareness and utilization of online medical consulting based on the site selection criteria, type of personal information disclosure, and other preferences are essential. Also, creating websites meeting these criteria is important.