• The Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.111-125
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• 2018

Statistical analysis was performed on national forensic autopsy data collected in the Republic of Korea, with the exception of Ulsan, during 2017. A total of 8,777 cases were categorized based on the region; information was provided by the Police Agency and the Coast Guard regarding sex, age, manner of death, and cause of death. Analysis of the manner of death revealed that 3,971 cases (45.2%) were unnatural deaths, 3,679 cases (41.9%) were natural deaths, and 1,127 cases (12.8%) were unknown deaths. Among the unnatural deaths, the majority of the cases (1,740 cases, 43.8%) were accidents, 1,316 cases (33.1%) were suicide, 385 cases (9.7%) were homicide, and 530 cases (13.3%) were undetermined deaths. Among the unnatural deaths, the majority of the cases (1,575 cases, 39.7%) were trauma, followed by 793 cases (20.0%) of poisoning and 689 cases (17.4%) of asphyxia. Falling down was the major cause of death by trauma (737 cases, 46.8%). As a result of the classification of asphyxia based on previous study, strangulation was the major cause, with 538 cases (78.1%). Among the natural deaths, heart disease was the major cause (1,790 cases, 48.7%), followed by vascular disease (697 cases, 18.9%).

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.632-639
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• 2021

In this paper, we proposed a reversible data hiding technique that greatly enhances the security of confidential data by encrypting confidential data and then spatially encrypting the encrypted confidential data and hiding it in the cover image. When a result image is generated by hiding the encrypted confidential data in the cover image using a spatial encryption technique, the quality of the result image is very good, and the original cover image and the result image cannot be visually distinguished. Since the encrypted confidential data is spatially encrypted and concealed, it is not possible to know where the encrypted confidential data is concealed in the result image, and the encrypted confidential data cannot be extracted from the result image. Even if the encrypted confidential data is extracted, the original confidential data is not known because the confidential data is encrypted. Therefore, if confidential data is concealed in images using the proposed technique, the security of confidential data is greatly improved. The proposed technique can be effectively used in medical and military applications.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1298-1304
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• 2019

Since the 9·11 terror attack in 2001, the Maritime Logistics Security System has been strengthened and required X-ray image for every imported cargos from manufacturing countries to United States. For scanning cargos, the container inspection systems use high energy X-rays for examination of contents of a container to check the nuclear, explosive, dangerous and illegal materials. Nowadays, the X-ray cargo scanners are established and used by global technologies for inspection of suspected cargos in the customs agency but these technologies have not been localized and developed sufficiently. In this paper, we propose the X-ray array detector system which is a core component of the container scanning system. For implementation of X-ray array detector, the analog and digital signal processing units are fabricated with integrated hardware, FPGA logics and GUI software for real-time X-ray images. The implemented system is superior in terms of resolution and power consumption compared to the existing products currently used in ports.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2022

Background: We evaluated the long-term effects of domiciliary noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) used to treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials of COPD with NIPPV for longer than 1 year. Mortality rates were the primary outcome in this meta-analysis. The eight trials included in this study comprised data from 913 patients. Results: The mortality rates for the NIPPV and control groups were 29% (118/414) and 36% (151/419), suggesting a statistically significant difference (risk ratio [RR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.95). Mortality rates were reduced with NIPPV in four trials that included stable COPD patients. There was no difference in admission, acute exacerbation and quality of life between the NIPPV and control groups. There was no significant difference in withdrawal rates between the two groups (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.72-1.36; p=0.94). Conclusion: Maintaining long-term nocturnal NIPPV for more than 1 year, especially in patients with stable COPD, decreased the mortality rate, without increasing the withdrawal rate compared with long-term oxygen treatment.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.327-338
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• 2022

This study determined the recent status and trend of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) in the non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (non-HIV-PcP) and HIV (HIV-PcP) infected populations using data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). SaTScan and Join-point were used for statistical analyses. Non-HIV-PcP cases showed an upward trend during the study period from 2010 to 2021, with the largest number in 2021 (551 cases). The upward trend was similar until 2020 after adjusting for the population. Seoul had the highest number of cases (1,597) in the non-HIV-PcP group, which was the same after adjusting for the population (162 cases/1,000,000). It was followed by Jeju-do (89 cases/1,000,000). The most likely cluster (MLC) for the non-HIV-PCP group was Seoul (Relative Risk (RR)=4.59, Log Likelihood Ratio (LLR)=825.531), followed by Jeju-do (RR=1.59, LLR=5.431). An upward trend was observed among the non-HIV-PcP group in the Jeju-do/Jeollanam-do/Jeollabuk-do/Gyeongsangnam-do/Busan/Daejeon/Daegu/Ulsan joint cluster (29.02%, LLR=11.638, P<0.001) located in the southern part of Korea. Both women and men in the non-HIV groups showed an overall upward trend of PcP during the study period. Men in the 60-69 age group had the highest annual percentage change (APC 41.8) during 2014-2019. In contrast, the HIV groups showed a falling trend of PcP recently. Men in the 60-69 age group had the most decrease (APC -17.6) during 2018-2021. This study provides an analytic basis for health measures and a nationwide epidemiological surveillance system for the management of PcP.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.279-285
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• 2022

Background; In the event of an industrial accident, the appropriate choice of hospital is important for worker health and prognosis. This study investigates whether the choice of hospital by the employer in the case of industrial accidents affects the prognosis of injured employees. Methods; Data from the 2018 Panel Study of Workers' Compensation Insurance in Korea were used in an unmatched case-controlled study. The exposure variable is "hospital selection by an employer," and the outcome variable is 'worker's disability." Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by modified Poisson regression and adjusted for age, gender, underlying disease, injury severity, and workplace size and stratified by industrial classification. The group at increased risk was analyzed and stratified by age, gender, and area. Results; In the construction industry, hospital selection by the employer was significantly associated with increased risk of disability (adjusted OR 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.20-1.32) and severe disability (adjusted OR 1.38; 95% CI; 1.08-1.76) among the injured. Female and younger workers not living in the Seoul capital area were more at risk of disability and severe disability than those living in the Seoul capital area. Conclusions; Hospital selection by employers affects the prognosis of workers injured in an industrial accident. For protecting workers' health and safety, workplace emergency medical systems should be improved, and the selection of appropriate hospitals to supply treatment should be reviewed.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.479-484
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the combined effects of organizational climate (OC) with emotional labor (EL) on turnover intention in Korean firefighters. Methods: The data were obtained from the study Firefighters Research: Enhancement of Safety and Health. A total of 4,860 firefighters whose main duty was providing "emergency medical aid" were included. To examine the effects of OC on the relationships between five subscales of EL and turnover intention, four groups were created using various combinations of OC ("good" vs. "bad") and EL ("normal" vs. "risk"): (1) "good" and "normal" (Group I), (2) "bad" and "normal" (Group II), (3) "good" and "risk" (Group III), and (4) "bad" and "risk" (Group IV). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the risk of turnover intention for the combinations of OC and EL. Results: The results showed turnover intention was significantly higher in the group with "bad" OC (17.7%) than in that with "good" OC (7.6%). Combined effects of OC and EL on turnover intention were found in all five subscales with the exception of Group I for emotional demands and regulation. Groups II, III, and IV were more likely to experience risks of turnover intention than Group I (p for trend <0.001). Conclusions: A positive and cooperative OC plays a role in decreasing the risk of turnover intention and in attenuating the negative effects of EL on turnover intention in firefighters.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.509-516
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• 2020

Background: Meta-analyses have shown firefighters to be at an increased risk of several cancer types. Occupational carcinogen exposure may explain these increased risks. This study aims to describe Norwegian fire departments' work conditions from 1950 until today, focusing on factors relevant for potential occupational carcinogen exposure. Methods: With the help of a reference group, we developed a questionnaire on topics related to occupational exposure to carcinogens for the period 1950-2018. Selected Norwegian fire departments provided department-specific responses. Results: Sixteen departments, providing fire services for 48% of the Norwegian population as of 2019 and mainly consisting of professional firefighters, responded to our questionnaire. The introduction of synthetic firefighting foams, more regular live fire training, the introduction of chemical diving, and a higher number of diesel-driven fire service vehicles were identified as changes thought to increase exposure to occupational carcinogens. Changes thought to decrease exposure included the switch from negative to positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatuses, the use of self-contained breathing apparatuses during all phases of firefighting, the use of ventilating fans during firefighting, increased attention to flammable materials used during live fire training, increased attention to handling and cleaning of turnout gear and other equipment, and installment of exhaust removal systems in apparatus bays. Conclusion: Norwegian fire departments' work conditions have seen several changes since 1950, and this could influence firefighters' occupational carcinogen exposure. A peak of carcinogen exposure may have occurred in the 1970s and 1980s before recent changes have reduced exposure.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.229-238
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• 2022

Through the converging concept of 'an actor doctor,' this paper deals with an actor and its double, the emotional care giver. In the first place, actor doctors have appeared in the medical scene as hospice volunteers. But, as a developing project, the concept of 'an actor doctor' leads to a professional emotional specialist who works at hospitals during the day and performing at the stage at night. In our contemporary culture, our emotional life is threatened by various social and environmental stimuli. The role of 'an emotional specialist' in our everyday life and hospitals is very essential to our healthy life. Against the backgrounds of the high emotional intelligence and the systemic training, actors are qualified to embody this social vision. From the perspectives of performance studies and cognitive studies, this paper tries scientific explanations of the role, the function, and the techniques of an actor doctor. By doing so, this paper seeks to build a scientific foundation for an actor doctor as an emotional specialist.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.137-147
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• 2022

In this study, for students who gave up their studies midway through college, we investigate the reasons for dropping out of college, analyze the factors that caused students to drop out, and suggest improvement measures to effectively increase the recruitment rate of enrolled students. This study explores measures to increase student enrollment in community colleges. For this purpose, it conducted a survey of students who dropped out of G College between 2018 and 2020 from June 28 to July 9, 2021. Its analysis is based on the results of 53 students who participated in the survey. First, our results suggest that programs to develop interpersonal relationships between students, faculty, and staff are necessary. Such programs will cultivate a culture of solidarity and collective identity among students, which in turn will reinforce positive experiences in college. Moreover, by developing systems to form relationships between faculty and students, colleges can have a feedback mechanism, such as an open-study program, through which they learn what the students want and need. Through this effort, colleges can help their students adjust to campuses and enhance student satisfaction in college. Second, it is necessary to develop various extracurricular programs not only for freshmen but existing students and to run hobby and leisure activity programs. To have continuous, standing extracurricular programs instead of one-time events, colleges should set up specific goals, delivery methods and strategies. Third, colleges should renovate old and outdated buildings and facilities on campus to enhance the quality of campus life. Moreover, more comprehensive improvement of facilities and a campus environment by having various convenient and leisure facilities that meet the needs and demands of students. Fourth, it is suggested to develop programs or systems that help students to more fully engage in campus lives and activities, which in turn increases confidence and self-efficacy among students. Through such programs, students can better adjust to their majors and, therefore, will be less likely to drop out of college.