• Title/Summary/Keyword: Physical Environmental Factors

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ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL FACTORS AFFECTING DENGUE EPIDEMICS USING GIS IN THAILAND

  • Nakhapakorn Kanchana;Tripatht Nitin;Nualchawee Kaew;Kusanagt Michiro;Pakpien Preeda
    • Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
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    • 2005.10a
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    • pp.774-777
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    • 2005
  • Dengue Fever(DF) and Dengue haemorrhagic fever(DHF) has become a major international public health concern. Dengue Fever(DF) and Dengue haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is also still the major health problem of Thailand, although many campaigns against it have been conducted throughout the country. GIS and Remotely Sensed data are used to evaluate the relationships between socio-spatial, environmental factors/indicators and the incidences of viral diseases. The aim of the study is to identify the spatial risk factors in Dengue and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever in Sukhothai province, Thailand using statistical, spatial and GIS Modelling. Preliminary results demonstrated that physical factors derived from remotely sensed data could indicate variation in physical risk factors affecting DF and DHF. The present study emphasizes the potential of remotely sensed data and GIS in spatial factors affecting Dengue Risk Zone analysis. The relationship between land cover and the cases of incidence of DF and DHF by information value method revaluated that highest information value is obtained for Built-up area. A negative relationship was observed for the forest area. The relations between climate data and cases of incidence have shown high correlation with rainfall factors in rainy season but poor correlation with temperature and relative humidity. The present study explores the potential of remotely sensed data and GIS in spatial analysis of factors affecting Dengue epidemic, strong spatial analysis tools of GIS. The capabilities of GIS for analyst spatial factors influencing risk zone has made it possible to apply spatial statistical analysis in Disease risk zone.

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The Effect of Physical Pedestrian Environment on Walking Satisfaction - Focusing on the Case of Jinhae City - (물리적 보행환경이 보행만족도에 미치는 영향 - 진해시를 사례지역으로 -)

  • Byeon, Ji-Hye;Park, Kyung-Hun;Choi, Sang-Rok
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.37 no.6
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    • pp.57-65
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    • 2010
  • Physical activity of the people has decreased due to a sedentary lifestyle according to developing the economy throughout the world. It is thought to increase the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, etc. People are interested in walking, which is an easy activity to engage in as an antidote to chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to increase the diminishing physical activity of modem society by inducing walking as part of everyday life through building a walking-based activity-friendly city where people can live merrily, safely and pleasantly. For this purpose, this study conducted a satisfaction survey to dwellers of Jinhae on the physical pedestrian environments which affect determining walking participation and intentions of people, and also provided a valid model to evaluate the effects of the physical environmental factors on walking satisfaction using factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The results are summarized as follows. The 18 variables of the physical pedestrian environments were selected based on pre-literature reviews. The results of the satisfaction surveys showed that the satisfaction of crossing aids in segments was highest, while the building feature was the lowest. Factor analysis was run through a two-step process. The first analysis was conducted to examine the adequacy of this factor analysis on the selected 18 variables. As a result, two variables were removed and the remaining 16 variables were extracted to the four factors by second analysis. Each factor was named function of path, effect of traffic, amenity and safety based on the each factor's commonality. Each factor score of the extracted four factors was set as the independent variable, while the overall walking satisfaction was set as the dependent variable. Then, the multiple linear regression analysis was conducted and showed that all four factors had a positive influence on the overall satisfaction of walking, especially the 'function of path' and 'amenity' factors, followed by 'effect of traffic' and 'safety'. The results of this research will be used as foundational data for creating a walking-based activity-friendly city.

Early-life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals associates with childhood obesity

  • Yang, Chunxue;Lee, Hin Kiu;Kong, Alice Pik Shan;Lim, Lee Ling;Cai, Zongwei;Chung, Arthur C.K.
    • Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
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    • v.23 no.4
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    • pp.182-195
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    • 2018
  • Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity poses threats to the global health burden. Because this rising prevalence cannot be fully explained by traditional risk factors such as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, early-life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is recognized as emerging novel risk factors for childhood obesity. EDCs can disrupt the hormone-mediated metabolic pathways, affect children's growth and mediate the development of childhood obesity. Many organic pollutants are recently classified to be EDCs. In this review, we summarized the epidemiological and laboratory evidence related to EDCs and childhood obesity, and discussed the possible mechanisms underpinning childhood obesity and early-life exposure to non-persistent organic pollutants (phthalates, bisphenol A, triclosan) and persistent organic pollutants (dichlorodip henyltrichloroethane, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Understanding the relationship between EDCs and childhood obesity helps to raise public awareness and formulate public health policy to protect the youth from exposure to the harmful effects of EDCs.

A Study on the Cause of Job Stress of Urban Railroad Drivers: Focused on Railroad Companies of Daejeon, Daegu, Incheon and Seoul Metro 9 (도시철도 기관사의 직무스트레스 원인 특성에 관한 연구: 대전, 대구, 인천, 서울9호선 운영회사를 대상으로)

  • Park, Taesoo;Lee, Jinsun;Kim, Hongki
    • Journal of the Korean Society for Railway
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    • v.16 no.4
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    • pp.340-347
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    • 2013
  • This paper studied the causes of job stress of driving crews working in Metropolitan Transit Authorities in Daejeon, Daegu, Seoul Metro Line 9, and Incheon, analyzing psychological, physical, and environmental factors, along withdriving crews' assignments. Regarding driving crews' assignments, it was found that driving crews had strong senses of obligation for their job, and hence their aptitude for their job was in accordance, and also it was found that most driving crews worked devotedly with a desirable occupational view and pride. However, psychological and physical factors that contributed to stress were identified: lack of sleep, high task burden, physical fatigue, and boring daily life. Furthermore, the driving crews' irregular working conditions and irregular meal time and burden related to on-time transit service with prolonged immobilization raised their stress levels. In terms of external environmental factors, it was found that driving crews' anxiety due to possible accidents caused a roughly four-fold increase in stress levels compared to other factors. Furthermore, personnel system and salary issue were also found to be closely related to the driving crews' job stress.

Effects of gene-lifestyle environment interactions on type 2 diabetes mellitus development: an analysis using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study data (유전 요인과 생활환경 요인의 상호작용이 제2형 당뇨병 발생에 미치는 영향: 한국인유전체역학 조사사업(KoGES) 자료를 이용하여)

  • Sujin, Hyun;Sangeun, Jun
    • Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.73-85
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: This study focused on identifying the interaction effects of genetic and lifestyle-environmental factors on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Methods: Study subjects were selected from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) from 2001 to 2014. Data on genetic variations, anthropometric measurements, biochemical data, and seven lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, alcohol drinking, smoking, sleep, depression, and stress) were obtained from 4,836 Koreans aged between 40 and 59 years, including those with T2D at baseline (n = 1,209), newly developed T2D (n= 1,298) and verified controls (n = 3,538). The genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated by using 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to T2D development and the second quartile was used as the reference category. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the associations of GRS and lifestyle factors with T2D risk, controlling for covariates. Results: Multivariate regression analysis revealed that GRS was the strongest risk factor for T2D, and body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking, and spicy food preference also increased the risk. Lifestyle/environmental factors that showed significant interactions with GRS were BMI, current smoking, current drinking, fatty food preference, and spicy food preference. Conclusions: Interactions between genetic factors and lifestyle/environmental factors were associated with an increased risk of T2D. The results will be useful to provide a new perspective on genetic profiling for the earlier detection of T2D risk and clues for personalized interventions, which might be more effective prevention strategies or therapies in individuals with a genetic predisposition to T2D.

Factors Related with Job Satisfaction in Workers - Through the Application of NIOSH Job Stress Model - (직장인의 직무만족도 관련요인 분석 - NIOSH의 직무스트레스 모형을 적용하여 -)

  • Kim, Soon-Lae;Lee, Bok-Im;Lee, Jong-Eun;Rhee, Kyung-Yong;Jung, Hye-Sun
    • Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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    • v.14 no.2
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    • pp.190-199
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    • 2003
  • This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting job satisfaction in workers by using the Job Stress Model proposed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Data were collected from December 1 to December 30, 1999. The subjects were 2,133 workers employed at 155 work sites, who were examined using NIOSH Job Stress questionnaire translated by the Korea Occupational Safety ${\pounds}|$ Health Academy and Occupational Safety ${\pounds}|$ Health Research Institute. SAS/PC program was used for statistical analysis using descriptive analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and Stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results of this study were as follows. 1. According to general characteristics of the subjects, job satisfaction was high in those with less number of children. 2. By work condition, job satisfaction was higher in those who were working in a permanent job position, were working with regular time basis than with shift basis, were working in regular shift hours than in changing shift hours, were working for a short period, and were working less hours and overtime works per week. 3. In terms of physical work environment, job satisfaction was significantly related to 10 physical environmental factors. In other words, job satisfaction was high in workers who were working in an environment with no noise, bright light, temperature adjusted to an appropriate level during summer and winter, humidity adjusted to an appropriate level. well ventilation, clean air, no exposure to hazardous substance during work hour, overall pleasant work environment and not crowded work space. 4. By work-related factors, job satisfaction was high in those with less ambiguity about future job and role, high job control/autonomy, and less workload. On the other hand, job satisfaction was low in those with little utilization of competencies, and much role conflict at work and workload. 5. As for the relationships between job satisfaction and the non-work related factors, job satisfaction was high in workers who were volunteering at different organizations or active in religious activities for 5-10 hours per week. 6. In the relationships between job satisfaction and buffering factors, significantly positive correlations were found between job satisfaction and factors such as support by direct superior, support by peers, and support by spouse, friend and family. 7. There were nine factors that affected job satisfaction in the workers: age, number of children, work hours per week, noise, temperature at the work site during summer, uncomfortable physical environment, role ambiguity, role conflict, ambiguity in job future, work load, no utilization of competencies and social support from direct supervisor. These nine factors accounted for 26% of the total variance in the multiple regression analysis. In conclusion. the following are proposed based on the results of this study. 1. The most important physical environmental factors affecting job satisfaction in workers were noise, role ambiguity, and work load, suggesting a need to develop strategies or programs to manage these factors at work sites. 2. A support system that could promote job satisfaction is needed by emphasizing the roles of occupational health nurses who may be stationed at work sites and manage the factors that could generate job stress. 3. Job satisfaction is one of the three acute responses to stress proposed in NIOSH job stress model (job satisfaction. physical discomfort and industrial accidents). Therefore, further studies need to be conducted on the other two issues.

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Facilitators and barriers to achieving dietary and physical activity goals: focus group interviews with city bus drivers and counseling dietitians (식습관 및 운동 목표 달성의 촉진요인과 방해요인: 시내버스 운전자와 상담 영양사의 포커스그룹 인터뷰)

  • Yongmin Jo;Suhyeun Cho;Young-Hee Han;Taisun Hyun
    • Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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    • v.28 no.5
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    • pp.376-391
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    • 2023
  • Objectives: Our previously published study showed that a workplace nutrition intervention program with personalized goal setting and smartphone-based nutrition counseling improved dietary habits and physical activity in city bus drivers who were overweight/obese. This study explored the facilitators and barriers that participants faced in achieving their dietary and physical activity goals six months after the intervention. Methods: The study included bus drivers and dietitians who participated in the intervention program. Three focus group interviews were conducted with 10 bus drivers (divided by two groups based on their achievement of set goals) and five dietitians who had provided nutrition counseling. Results: Willpower was the most important intrapersonal facilitator for drivers to achieve their goals. Other factors that promoted behavioral changes were nutrition counseling by dietitians, trackable physical activity using smartwatches, and setting of practical and achievable goals. Meanwhile, the most important barriers identified were occupational factors such as long driving hours, short breaks, and shift work. Other barriers were environmental factors such as availability of snackable food, accessibility to convenience stores, and cold weather. Family and colleagues were perceived as both facilitators and barriers. In addition, dietitians identified a lack of knowledge about healthy diet as one of the barriers. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the workplace environment should be improved and that nutrition intervention programs at the workplace could encourage bus drivers to practice healthy eating habits. The facilitators and barriers identified in this study should be considered when planning a nutrition intervention program for bus drivers.

The Evaluation of Physical Environmental Factors in Urban Parks for Healthy City - Focus on Seoul - (건강증진을 위한 도시공원의 물리적 환경요소 평가 - 서울시를 대상으로 -)

  • Chae, Jin-Hae;Kim, Won-Ju
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.48 no.4
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    • pp.29-40
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    • 2020
  • This study quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes the physical environment for health promotion in urban parks by indicators that were selected in consideration of overseas cases and previous studies. To evenly distribute the areas to be evaluated by region, Seodaemun Independence Park, Hongneung Park, Gocheok Park, Sillim Park, Cheongdam Park, Gaepo Park, and Sungin Park were selected among the old neighborhood parks already established in Seoul. The evaluation indicators consist of quantitative indicators (12 factors classified into the three categories of the surrounding environment, the park characteristics, and the park facilities) and qualitative indicators (14 factors classified according to the five categories of accessibility, safety, convenience, activities, and amenities). These indicators were selected after conducting advisory meetings with experts in the field. The physical environment perception factors were evaluated by experts and investigators by field inspections and were rated on a three-point scale (high, medium, low). According to the results of the analysis, first, not only were exercise facilities and trails, but also various factors which support health activities, such as rest areas, leisure spots, and cultural facilities, as well as accessibility, cleanliness, and drinking water facilities are important indicators for health promotion. Second, even if the requirements are met for quantitative factors, several inconveniences hinder the actual implementation or use in the qualitative evaluation. Thus, both quantitative and qualitative evaluations must be simultaneously performed for the proper judging of the physical environment of a park. Third, upon conducting a qualitative evaluation of the physical environmental factors, score differences depended on the evaluated categories in each park. These differences show that indirect indicators, such as accessibility, safety, and facility convenience are insufficiently equipped compared to direct indicators, such as activity, which includes exercise facilities and fitness centers for health promotion. As the utilization rate of parks is increasing due to COVID-19, more efforts should be made to improve park services in the post-corona era. To promote such services, it is necessary to regularly evaluate parks based on both quantitative and qualitative indicators and to contemplate services not only through direct factors but also indirect factors and security measures.

Environmental Factors Affecting the Abundance and Presence of Tree Species in a Tropical Lowland Limestone and Non-limestone Forest in Ben En National Park, Vietnam

  • Nguyen, Thinh Van;Mitlohner, Ralph;Bich, Nguyen Van;Do, Tran Van
    • Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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    • v.31 no.3
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    • pp.177-191
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    • 2015
  • The effect of environmental variables on the presence and abundance of tree species in a tropical lowland undisturbed limestone and non-limestone forest in Ben En National Park, Vietnam was investigated. The relationships between 13 environmental variables and 29 tree species with a DBH ${\geq}10cm$, as well as between six 6 physical variables with 26 species of seedling and sapling communities were assessed by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Data concerning all tree species ${\geq}10cm$ DBH were collected from eighteen $400m^2$ sample plots, while the abundance of regeneration (all individuals ${\leq}5cm$ DBH) was counted in fifty $2{\times}20m$ strip-plots. The significance of species-environments correlations were tested by distribution-free Monte Carlo tests. The CCA of the 29 examined tree species and 13 environmental variables indicated that the presence and abundance of the tree species were closely related to topographic factors. We may confirm that soil properties including pH, soil moisture content, and soil textures, were the most crucial factor in tree species composition and their distribution. Several species including Pometia pinnata, Amesiodendron chinense, Gironniera cuspidate, Cinnamomum mairei, and Caryodaphnopsis tonkinensis were not controlled by soil properties and topographic variables. The CCA also indicated that the abundance of regeneration tree species at all sites had positive and significant correlations with soil depth, while the occurrence of several other tree species (such as Koilodepas longifolium and Aglaia dasyclada) was positively correlated with a higher slope and rocky outcrop.

A Structural Relational Analysis of the Determinants of Functional Status in Korean Rural Elderly People (한국 일부 농촌지역 노인의 생활기능상태 결정요인의 구조적 관계 연구)

  • 공은숙
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.380-391
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    • 1998
  • This study was conducted to develop a theoretical model for the determinants of activities of daily living in Korean rural elderly people. The theoretical model was derived from Lawton's Ecological Model to explain human behavior. The model includes determinant variables for functional status such as age, sex, physical status, cognitive status, physical environment, social environment, and depression. Data for this study was collected from 189 elderly people in a rural district near Chonju City. The data was analyzed with SPSS PC/sup +/4.1 and LISREL 8. The analysis of the data showed that the first proposed theoretical model did not fit the collected data well. In order to increase the fit of the model to the data, the model was modified by deleting the exogenous variables of sex, physical environment, and social environment. The fit of the modified model to the data was increased and was move suitable. The results of this study show that the determinants of the activities of Korean rural elderly people were age, perceived physical condition, cognitive status, and depressional status. Age has a significant direct and indirect effect on the activities of daily living of rural elderly people. Perceived physical condition has a significant indirect effect through depression on activities of daily living. Cognitive status also has a significant indirect effect through depression on functional status. Depression has a significant direct effect on the functional status. Physical environment and social environment showed reversal relationships to functional status. In conclusion, the results of this study show that personal characteristic factors are more important than environmental characteristic factors for functional status of elderly people. However, the importance of depression to functional status in Korean rural elderly people and the reverse relationship between social environment and functional status, reflect Korean specificity. Korean nursing needs to focus more on this Korean specificity in order to develop nursing knowledge and practice appropriate to Korean people.

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