• Title/Summary/Keyword: Reliability Design

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The Characteristics of Pain Coping Strategies in Patients with Chronic Pain by Using Korean Version-Coping Strategies Questionnaire(K-CSQ) (한국판 대처 전략 질문지 (K-CSQ)를 이용한 만성 통증 환자의 통증대처 특성)

  • Song, Ji-Young;Kim, Tae;Yoon, Hyun-Sang;Kim, Chung-Song;Yeom, Tae-Ho
    • Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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    • v.10 no.2
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    • pp.110-119
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    • 2002
  • Objectives : Numbers of patients who have chronic pain seem to be increasing in the psychiatric practice. Many investigators have used models of stress and coping to help explain the differences in adjustment found among persons who experience chronic pain. Coping strategies appear to be associated with adjustment in chronic pain patients. The objectives of this study were to develop a self-report questionnaire which is the most widely used measures of pain coping strategies, Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) into Korean version and to study the different coping strategies with which chronic pain patients frequently use when their pain reaches a moderate or greater level of intensity. Methods : One hundred twenty-eight individuals with chronic pain conditions and two hundred fifty-two normal controls were administered the Korean version-Coping Strategies Questionnaire(KCSQ) to assess the frequency of use and perceived effectiveness of a variety of cognitive and behavioral pain coping strategies. We also obtained their clinical features in chronic pain patients. Reliability of the questionnaire were analyzed and evaluated differences of coping strategies between two groups. Results : Data analysis revealed that the questionnaire was internally reliable. Chronic pain patients reported frequent use of a variety of pain coping strategies, such as coping self-statements, praying and hoping, catastrophizing, and increase behavior scales which were higher compared to the normal controls. Conclusion: K-CSQ revealed to be a reliable self-report questionnaire which is useful for the assessment of coping strategies in clinical setting on chronic pain. And analysis of pain coping strategies may be helpful in understanding pain for chronic pain patients. The individual K-CSQ may have greater utility in terms of examining coping, appraisals, and pain adjustment. A consideration of pain coping strategies may allow one to design pain coping skills training interventions so as to fit the individual chronic pain patient. Further research is needed to determine whether cognitive-behavioral intervention designed to decrease maladaptive coping strategies can reduce pain and improve the physical and psycho-social functioning of chronic patients.

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Recent Progress in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Research : A Review of Papers Published in the Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering in 2010 (설비공학 분야의 최근 연구 동향 : 2010년 학회지 논문에 대한 종합적 고찰)

  • Han, Hwa-Taik;Lee, Dae-Young;Kim, Seo-Young;Choi, Jong-Min;Kim, Su-Min;Kwon, Young-Chul;Baik, Yong-Kyu
    • Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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    • v.23 no.6
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    • pp.449-469
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    • 2011
  • This article reviews the papers published in the Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineering during 2010. It is intended to understand the status of current research in the areas of heating, cooling, ventilation, sanitation, and indoor environments of buildings and plant facilities. Conclusions are as follows. (1) Research trends of thermal and fluid engineering have been surveyed as groups of general thermal and fluid flow, fluid machinery, and new and renewable energy. Various topics were presented in the field of general thermal and fluid flow. Research issues mainly focused on the thermal reliability of axial fan and compressor in the field of fluid machinery. Studies on the design of ground source heat pump systems and solar chemical reactors were executed in the field of new and renewable energy. (2) Research works on heat transfer area have been reviewed in the categories of heat transfer characteristics and industrial heat exchangers. Researches on heat transfer characteristics included heat transfer in thermoelectric cooling/power generation systems, combined heat and power systems, carbon nano fluid with PVP, channel filled with metal foam and smoke ventilation in a rescue station of a railroad tunnel. Also the studies on flow boiling of R123/oil mixture in a plain tube bundle and R410A charge amount in an air cooled mini-channel condenser were reported. In the area of industrial heat exchangers, researches on plate heat exchanger, shell and tube heat exchanger, enthalpy exchanger, micro channel PCHE were performed. (2) Research works on heat transfer area have been reviewed in the categories of heat transfer characteristics and industrial heat exchangers. Researches on heat transfer characteristics included heat transfer in thermoelectric cooling/power generation systems, combined heat and power systems, carbon nano fluid with PVP, channel filled with metal foam and smoke ventilation in a rescue station of a railroad tunnel. Also the studies on flow boiling of R123/oil mixture in a plain tube bundle and R410A charge amount in an air cooled mini-channel condenser were reported. In the area of industrial heat exchangers, researches on plate heat exchanger, shell and tube heat exchanger, enthalpy exchanger, micro channel PCHE were performed. (3) Refrigeration systems with alternative refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, mixed refrigerants, and CO2 were studied. Performance improvement of refrigeration systems are tried applying various ideas of refrigerant subcooling, dual evaporator with hot gas bypass control and feedforward control. The hybrid solar systems combining the solar collection devices with absorption chillers or compression heat pumps are simulated and studied experimentally as well to improve the understanding and the feasibility for actual applications. (4) Research trend in the field of mechanical building facilities has been found to be mainly focused on field applications rather than performance improvements. Various studies on heating and cooling systems, HVAC facilities, indoor air environments and energy resources were carried to improve the maintenance and management of building service equipments. In the field of heating and cooling systems, papers on a transformer cooling system, a combined heat and power, a slab thermal storage and a heat pump were reported. In the field of HVAC facilities, papers on a cooling load, an ondol and a drying were presented. Also, studies on HVAC systems using unutilized indoor air environments and energy resources such as air curtains, bioviolence, cleanrooms, ventilation, district heating, landfill gas were studied. (5) In the field of architectural environment and energy, studies of various purposes were conducted such as indoor environment, building energy, renewable energy and green building. In particular, renewable energy and building energy-related researches have mainly been studied reflecting the global interest. In addition, many researches which related the domestic green building certification of school building were performed to improve the indoor environment of school.

Effect Assessment of Safety Education in Laboratories of Department of Dental Technology Applied of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) (TPB 이론을 적용한 치기공학 전공 대학생들의 실습실 안전교육 효과 평가)

  • Park, Jong-Hee;Lee, Myung-Sun
    • The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.15-31
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    • 2008
  • Objective: This study is a quasi-experimental study by nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design, performed in order to identify whether the program developed on the basis of Ajzen(1988, 1991)'s theory of planned behavior (TPB) for predicting the safety behavior of students of department of dental technology affects intention toward safety behavior and general behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify whether the safety education in laboratories in which knowledge is reinforced on the basis of the TPB theory affects safety behavior. Methodology: The theoretical framework of this study was established on the basis of the TPB by Ajzen(1988, 1991). This study was performed between May 20 and December 5, 2006, and the subjects included 101 in the experimental group and 98 in the control group, a total of 199. The experimental group was educated through six 50-minute sessions (twice a week) for three weeks. The experimental group was pretested, educated, and then asked to answer the pro-questionnaire after finishing the sixth session, but the control group was free from intervention. The research tool in this study was developed by the authors with reference to the process of tool development used in Schifter and Ajzen (1985) based on Ajzen and Fishbein(1980)'s tool development guide. Results: The data were analyzed through SPSS 14.0 version. The reliability test of attitude, subjective norm, perceived norm, intention, and behavior toward safety behavior as TPB variables was calculated of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and general characteristics and the homogeneity test of the experimental and the control groups were analyzed through t test and $X^2$ test. According to the results of the analysis, the experiment group may be higher than the control group after the safety education in the scores of attitude, the subjective norm, the perceived norm, and the intention toward safety behavior as TPB independent variables showed no significant difference, but there was significant difference in the behavior and the knowledge. Meanwhile, according to the results of the pretest and posttest, eleven items in the experimental group and two items in the control group showed significant difference in the behaviors, and twelve in the former and four in the latter were significantly different in the knowledge. Conclusion: The safety education program developed on the basis of TPB was identified to enhance safety behavior and knowledge. Therefore, the safety education program used in this study for students of department of dental technology may be utilized as database for safety education in the department of dental technology.

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A Study Related to Adolescent Students' School Uniform Behavior and Attitude toward Appearance (청소년의 교복행동과 외모에 대한 태도와의 관련 연구)

  • Han, Mi-Hwa;Lee, Eun-Hee
    • Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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    • v.21 no.2
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    • pp.23-43
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    • 2009
  • This study examined the relativity between school uniform behavior(especially attitude toward school uniform, school uniform satisfaction, school uniform alteration) and attitude toward appearance in the adolescence. From November to December in 2007, 898 middle school and high school students from four schools in Jeollabuk-do Province were analyzed and the influence of relevant variables was understood to gather basic information about the fashion life in the adolescence. This study used SPSS 11.5 for Windows Program to conduct frequency analysis, factor analysis, reliability analysis, ${\chi}^2$-test, t-test, One-way ANOVA, Duncan's multiple comparison test, and Pearson's correlation. The following summarizes the findings of this study: The results of analysing the factors to the response attitude toward uniforms and attitude toward appearance and clothing attitude emerged four dimensions(fashion, symbolism, cleanliness, alternation), three dimensions(needs value conformity toward appearance). In attitude toward uniform, female students were more actively altering their uniforms than male students and middle school students were more sensitive to trends than high school students. However, high school students were more aware of the cleanliness and alteration of uniforms. Overall, most students were not very satisfied with their uniforms (design, color, texture). When students' attitude toward appearance and demographical characteristics were examined, it was found that female students were more aware of desire, value, and conformity in appearances than male students. By age, it was found that high school students were more aware than middle school students. Also, students receiving KRW 30,000 or more for monthly allowance were more aware than others who receive a lower amount between KRW 10,000 and KRW 20,000. Therefore, most students(62.1%) have experiences in altering uniforms. Especially, more female students and more high school students had such experiences. Uniform alteration is more related to attitude to appearance. In other words, students who choose to alter their uniforms are highly aware of desire, value, and conformity toward appearance. Students who are satisfied with all factors regarding attitude toward uniform, except for alteration, did not alter their uniforms that much. In addition, when the relativity between students' attitude toward appearance with uniform was considered, students that are not very satisfied with their uniforms were more aware of desire, value, and conformity toward appearance. In conclusion, it was found that students' attitude toward appearance and school uniform behavior are closely related and their interests in appearance lead to alteration of uniforms, the clothing in which they spend most time of the day. From now on, students' opinions shall be considered when selecting or designing school uniforms.

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Time Series Analysis of Park Use Behavior Utilizing Big Data - Targeting Olympic Park - (빅데이터를 활용한 공원 이용행태의 시계열분석 - 올림픽공원을 대상으로 -)

  • Woo, Kyung-Sook;Suh, Joo-Hwan
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.46 no.2
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    • pp.27-36
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    • 2018
  • This study suggests the necessity of behavior analysis as changes to a park environment to reflect user desires can be implemented only by grasping the needs of park users. Online data (blog) were defined as the basic data of the study. After collecting data by 5 - year units, data mining was used to derive the characteristics of the time series behavior while the significance of the online data was verified through social network analysis. The results of the text mining analysis are as follows. First, primary results included 'walking', 'photography', 'riding bicycles'(inline, kickboard, etc.), and 'eating'. Second, in the early days of the collected data, active physical activity such as exercise was the main factor, but recent passive behavior such as eating, using a mobile phone, games, food and drinking coffee also appeared as a new behavior characteristic in parks. Third, the factors affecting the behavior of park users are the changes of various conditions of society such as internet development and a culture of expressing unique personalities and styles. Fourth, the special behaviors appearing at Olympic Park were derived from educational activities such as cultural activities including watching performances and history lessons. In conclusion, it has been shown that people's lifestyle changes and the behavior of a park are influenced by the changes of the various times rather than the original purpose that was intended during park planning and design. Therefore, it is necessary to create an environment tailored to users by considering the main behaviors and influencing factors of Olympic Park. Text mining used as an analytical method has the merit that past data can be collected. Therefore, it is possible to form analysis from a long-term viewpoint of behavior analysis as well as to measure new behavior and value with derived keywords. In addition, the validity of online data was verified through social network analysis to increase the legitimacy of research results. Research on more comprehensive behavior analysis should be carried out by diversifying the types of data collected later, and various methods for verifying the accuracy and reliability of large-volume data will be needed.

Developing Systems Thinking-based STEAM Programs and Analyzing its Effects on Middle School Students (중학생을 위한 시스템 사고 기반 STEAM 교육 프로그램의 개발 및 효과 분석)

  • Kim, Yuran;Jeon, Jaedon;Eom, Jooyoung;Lee, Hyonyong
    • Journal of the Korean earth science society
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    • v.41 no.1
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    • pp.75-91
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    • 2020
  • The purposes of this study are 1) to develop a pre-education program for teaching the basic concepts of systems thinking and STEAM program based on systems thinking and 2) to investigate the effects of the program on middle school students' systems thinking. The subjects were 4 seventh-graders and 4 ninth-graders in a middle school located in the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do. Data related to students' systems thinking was analyzed using the rubrics developed by Hung(2008). The results were reviewed by experts to verify the validity of the rubrics and the reliability of students' system thinking. In addition, the data analyzed with the rubrics, students' awareness of systems thinking, word associations, causal maps and interviews were systematically analyzed to investigate the effects of the program on students' systems thinking. The findings of this study were as follows: First, a pre-education program and teachers' guidebook for teaching and learning the concept of systems thinking and causal maps were developed. The pre-education program consisted of familiar TV entertainment program-Infinite Challenge (Muhandojeon)-with a theme of Global Warming. Second, a STEAM education program based on systems thinking which was composed of 5 steps: Analysis-Design-Build-Assessment-Systems thinking. The major theme of the program was an air extinguisher. The developed STEAM education program had positive effects on improving middle school students' systems thinking abilities such as understanding systems, relations within a system and system generalization. Therefore, it was concluded that the STEAM program could be instrumental for cultivating students' STEAM literacy with improved systems thinking.

Quality Dimensions Affecting the Effectiveness of a Semantic-Web Search Engine (검색 효과성에 영향을 미치는 시맨틱웹 검색시스템 품질요인에 관한 연구)

  • Han, Dong-Il;Hong, Il-Yoo
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.19 no.1
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    • pp.1-31
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    • 2009
  • This paper empirically examines factors that potentially influence the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. A research model has been proposed that shows the impact of quality-related factors upon the effectiveness of a semantic search engine, based on DeLone and McLean's(2003) information systems success model. An empirical study has been conducted to test hypotheses formulated around the research model, and statistical methods were applied to analyze gathered data and draw conclusions. Implications for academics and practitioners are offered based on the findings of the study. The proposed model includes three quality dimensions of a Web-based semantic search engine-namely, information quality, system quality and service quality. These three dimensions each have measures designed to collectively assess the respective dimension. The model is intended to examine the relationship between measures of these quality dimensions and measures of two dependent constructs, including individuals' net benefit and user satisfaction. Individuals' net benefit was measured by the extent to which the user's information needs were adequately met, whereas user satisfaction was measured by a combination of the perceived satisfaction with search results and the perceived satisfaction with the overall system. A total of 23 hypotheses have been formulated around the model, and a questionnaire survey has been conducted using a functional semantic search website created by KT and Hakia, so as to collect data to validate the model. Copies of a questionnaire form were handed out in person to 160 research associates and employees working in the area of designing and developing semantic search engines. Those who received the form, 148 respondents returned valid responses. The survey form asked respondents to use the given website to answer questions concerning the system. The results of the empirical study have indicated that, of the three quality dimensions, information quality was found to have the strongest association with the effectiveness of a Web-based semantic search engine. This finding is consistent with the observation in the literature that the aspects of the information quality should serve as a basis for evaluating the search outcomes from a semantic search engine. Measures under the information quality dimension that have a positive effect on informational gratification and user satisfaction were found to be recall and currency. Under the system quality dimension, response time and interactivity, were positively related to informational gratification. On the other hand, only one measure under the service quality dimension, reliability was found to have a positive relationship with user satisfaction. The results were based on the seven hypotheses that have been accepted. One may wonder why 15 out of the 23 hypotheses have been rejected and question the theoretical soundness of the model. However, the correlations between independent variables and dependent variables came out to be fairly high. This suggests that the structural equation model yielded results inconsistent with those of coefficient analysis, because the structural equation model intends to examine the relationship among independent variables as well as the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. The findings offer some useful implications for owners of a semantic search engine, as far as the design and maintenance of the website is concerned. First, the system should be designed to respond to the user's query as fast as possible. Also it should be designed to support the search process by recommending, revising, and choosing a search query, so as to maximize users' interactions with the system. Second, the system should present search results with maximum recall and currency to effectively meet the users' expectations. Third, it should be capable of providing online services in a reliable and trustworthy manner. Finally, effective increase in user satisfaction requires the improvement of quality factors associated with a semantic search engine, which would in turn help increase the informational gratification for users. The proposed model can serve as a useful framework for measuring the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. Applying the search engine success framework to the measurement of search engine effectiveness has the potential to provide an outline of what areas of a semantic search engine needs improvement, in order to better meet information needs of users. Further research will be needed to make this idea a reality.

A Study on the Impact of Visual Merchandising Cognitive Dimension of Food & Beverage Stores on Consumer Behavior Intention: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Emotional Response (외식음료매장의 비주얼머천다이징 인지차원이 소비자 행동의도에 미치는 영향: 감정반응 매개효과를 중심으로)

  • Park, Hyoung Kuk;Yang, Dong Woo
    • Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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    • v.13 no.5
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    • pp.103-118
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    • 2018
  • This study would provide the basic data informative for establishing a VMD strategy, covering design and marketing for business owners and prospective entrepreneurs, including the persons concerned with the food and beverage industries by investigating the relationships of the impacts of several factors in the cognitive dimension factors of VMD in food and beverage stores on consumers' emotional response and behavior intention and the mediating effect of emotional responses, applying the concept of VMD to the food and beverage industries. To check this research purpose, data were collected through a survey, conducted with various consumers in their 20s through 60s who have experienced the use of food and beverage stores. The period of the survey was from September 20 through October 10, 2017, 202 copies of questionnaires were collected without missing values and used as data for the final analysis. As for the analysis of the data, using SPSS statistical software, frequency analysis and descriptive statistics, analysis of reliability and validity, correlation analysis, single and multiple regression analysis were conducted. According to the results of this study, first, the relationship of the impact between the VMD cognitive dimension of food and beverage stores and customers' emotional responses was statistically significant. In concrete, all factors of VMD cognitive dimension, including the factors of suitability and daily escape had positive (+) impacts on positive emotions. Second, as a result of an analysis of the impact of emotional responses felt in the process of visiting the food and beverage stores on customers' behavior intention, it turned out that positive emotions had a positive (+) impacts on visit intention and recommendation intention while negative emotions did not have any impacts on visit intention and recommendation intention. Third, as a result of an analysis of the impact of VMD cognitive dimension on behavior intention, the suitability and balance of the VMD cognitive dimension had positive (+) impacts on visit intention while daily escape and functionality had positive (+) impacts on recommendation intention. Fourth, as a result of checking if emotional responses had a mediating effect in the relationship between the VMD cognitive dimension and behavior intention, positive emotions had a full mediating effect while there was no mediating effect of negative emotions between the VMD cognitive dimension and behavior intention. In conclusion, this study found that the VMD cognitive dimension of food and beverage stores affected consumers' emotional responses and that emotional responses were a factor affecting behavior intention and proved that consumers' emotional responses differed depending on the factors in the cognitive dimension. Thus, in food and beverage stores, it would be necessary to make effective designs of the stores and differentiate the presentation of them through utilizing detailed factors of the cognitive dimension of VMD. Also, the results of this study could be utilized as the appropriate marketing tools for customers in food and beverage stores and as the basic data for establishing the strategy.

The Effect of using Computer & Smart-phone on Decreased Work Efficiency due to Musculoskeletal Disorders ; Mediating Effect of Perceived Musculoskeletal Disorders (컴퓨터 및 스마트폰 사용이 근골격계질환으로 인한 업무능력 저하에 미치는 영향 : 근골격계 질환의 매개효과)

  • Park, Jong-Ho
    • Journal of Distribution Science
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    • v.14 no.3
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    • pp.55-62
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    • 2016
  • Purpose - Average using time of smart-phone for Korean people is 3 hours 39 minutes and most people who are using a computer at home and their workplace can be affected over force to neck and shoulder due to unstable body posture. musculoskeletal disorders which caused by unstable body posture can affect strongly to decrease work efficiency. So this research is designed to measure the effect of using computer & smart-phone on decreased work efficiency due to musculoskeletal disorders and mediating effect between decreased work efficiency and musculoskeletal disorders. Research Design, Data, and Methodology - The author has developed a questionnaire with 6 hypothesis on the basis of previous research result with 5 constructs. The questionnaires were also made by interview and E-mail. 300 copies of questionnaires were distributed and 282 questionnaire were used for the analysis as valid data responses. SPSS ver.21.0 were used and made Cronbach's α and reliability test, correlation, Baron & Kenny 3 step mediated regression analysis. Result - Cronbach's α shows 0.770~0.954 and C.R. is 0.963~0.997 which is higher than 0.7. and AVE was 0.867~0.933. So the data are all acceptable condition. Using for a long time of a computer & smart-phone has a positive effect on musculoskeletal disorders. This means, it can cause musculoskeletal disorders if people use a computer & smart-phone for a long time due to unstable body posture. And musculoskeletal disorders can effect strongly decrease work efficiency. This study also found out that a long time of using computer can cause musculoskeletal disorders rather than using smart-phone a long time. To check mediate effect of musculoskeletal disorders between using a computer & smart-phone and Decreased Work Efficiency, author used 3-step mediated regression analysis of Baron & Kenny (1986). Using a computer for a long time mediate partially and using a smart-phone for a long time mediate completely. This means that using a smart-phone a long time is not the actual reason to decrease work efficiency. But using level of smart-phone is increasing rapidly day by day. So we need to make additional research about this matter seriously. Conclusion - Nowadays, people can not live on without a computer & smart-phone even a moment. But, using a computer for a long time will affect to cause musculoskeletal disorders and it will effect strongly to decrease work efficiency. Before, we thought over that musculoskeletal disorders were diseases of elder people. But, we found out from this study that musculoskeletal disorders can be happen to any people, even children, or workers in heavy industry or engaged in brain work. So we need to be careful when we use a computer for a long time. People also need to be careful to keep correct body posture when using both a computer and smart-phone since a smart-phone became more popular and using time level became longer. Due to increased income and living standard of people, physical growth of young people is so rapid. But the physical environment of society is not suitable for them since it can not follow up the speed of growth. Suitable work table is very important to prevent musculoskeletal disorder which can affect decrease work efficiency. For a person, a society or country, increased productivity is very important since it can directly connected to the job satisfaction. Education and reeducation for the people is also important, but to teach them how to keep good condition of health will be more important since it can increase the quality of work efficiency and quality of life. Computer and Smart-phone is one the best invention of modern society, but it can cause mental and physical disease which can affect decrease work efficiency and productivity. So it is necessary to observe attentively for the situation continually.

Radiation Oncology Digital Image Chart 8nd Digital Radiotherapv Record System at Samsung Medical Center (디지털 화상 병력 시스템과 디지털 방사선치료 기록 시스템의 개발과 사용 경험)

  • Huh Seung Jae;Ahn Yong Chan;Lim Do Hoon;Cho Chung Keun;Kim Dae Yong;Yeo Inhwan;Kim Moon Kyung;Chang Seung Hee;Park Suk Won
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.67-72
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    • 2000
  • Background :The authors have developed a Digital image chart(DIC) and digital Radiotherapy Record System (DRRS). We have evaluated the DIC and DRRS for reliability, usefulness, ease of use, and efficiency. Materials and Methods :The basic design of the DIC and DRRS was to build an digital image database of radiation therapy Patient records for a more efficient and timely flow of critical image information throughout the department. This system is a submit of comprehensive radiation oncology management system (C-ROMS) and composed of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a radiotherapy information database, and a radiotherapy imaging database. The DIC and DRRS were programmed using Delphi under a Windows 95 environment and is capable of displaying the digital images of patients identification photos, simulation films, radiotherapy setup, diagnostic radiology images, gross lesion Photos, and radiotherapy Planning isodose charts with beam arrangements. Twenty-three clients in the department are connected by Ethernet (10 Mbps) to the central image server (Sun Ultra-sparc 1 workstation). Results :From the introduction of this system in February 1998 through December 1999, we have accumulated a total of 15,732 individual images for 2,556 patients. We can organize radiation therapy in a 'paperless' environment in 120 patients with breast cancer. Using this system, we have succeeded in the prompt, accurate, and simultaneous access to patient care information from multiple locations throughout the department. This coordination has resulted in improved operational efficiency within the department. Conclusion :The authors believe that the DIC and DRRS has contributed to the improvement of radiation oncology department efficacy as well as to time and resource savings by providing necessary visual information throughout the department conveniently and simultaneously. As a result, we can also achieve the 'paperless' and 'filmless' practice of radiation oncology with this system.

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