• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.28 no.1 s.49
• /
• pp.207-223
• /
• 1995

A new medical delivery system which regulated outpatient department(OPD) use from tertiary care hospitals was adopted in 1989. Under the new system, patients using tertiary care hospital OPD without referral slip from clinics or hospitals could not get any insurance benefit for the services received from the tertiary care hospital. This study was conducted to evaluate the Patient Referral System(PRS) with respect to health care expenditures and utilization. Two data sets were used in this study. One was monthly data set(from January 1986 to December 1992) from the Annual Report of Korea Medical Insurance Corporation(KMIC). The other was monthly joint data set composed of personal data of which 10% were selected randomly with their utilization data of KMIC from January 1988 to December 1992. The data were analyzed by time-series intervention model of SAS-ETS. The results of this study were as follows: 1. There was no statistically significant changes in per capita expenditures following PRS. 2. Utilization episodes per capita was increased statistically significantly after implementation of PRS. The use of clinics and hospitals increased significantly, whereas in tertiary care hospitals the use decreased significantly immediately after implementation of PRS and increased afterwards. 3. Follow-up visits per episode were decreased statistically significantly after implementation of PRS. The decrease of follow-up visits per episode were remarkable in clinics and hospitals, whereas in tertiary care hospitals it was increased significantly after implementation of PRS. 4. There was no statistically significant changes in prescribing days per episode following PRS. Futhermore, clinics and hospitals showed a statistically significant decrease in prescribing days per episode, whereas in tertiary care hospital it showed statistically significant increase after implementation of PRS. 5. Except high income class, the use of tertiary care hospitals showed statistically significant decrease after implementation of PRS. The degree of decrease in the use of tertiary care hospitals was inversely proportional to income. These results suggest that the PRS policy was not efficient because per capita expenditures did not decrease, and was not effective because utilization episodes per capita, follow-up visits per episode. and prescribing days per episode were not predictable and failed to show proper utilization. It was somewhat positive that utilization episodes per capita were decreased temporarily in tertiary care hospitals. And PRS policy was not appropriate because utilization episodes per capita was different among income groups. In conclusion, the PRS should be revised for initial goal attainment of cost containment and proper health care utilization.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.137-141
• /
• 2011

Background: There is controversy about the benefit of surgical correction of an atrial septal defect (ASD) in patients over 60 years old. The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical treatment is beneficial in those 60 years of age or older. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the clinical course of 57 patients (mean age: $63.54{\pm}5.59$ years) diagnosed with an isolated secundum ASD after the age of 60. The 24 patients (group A) who underwent surgical repair were compared with the 33 patients (group B) who were treated non-surgically. The mean follow-up period was $6.8{\pm}4.5$ years. Results: One operative death, 5 late deaths (20.8%) in group A, and 9 deaths (27.3%) in group B occurred in the study period. Symptomatic improvement was noted in 18 patients (75%) of group A after surgery. However 13 patients (39.4%) of group B showed symptomatic improvement during the follow-up period (p=0.012). The incidence of new atrial arrhythmia of the two groups was significantly different (16.7% vs 36.7%, p=0.038). The actuarial 10 year survival rate was 79% in group A and 73% in group B. Conclusion: Although surgical correction of ASD did not increase survival in patients over 60 years old, the surgical outcomes of ASD showed low operative mortality and resulted in symptomatic improvement in the majority of these patients. This study has shown the benefits of surgical closure of ASD even in advanced age in comparison to medical treatment.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.15-30
• /
• 2019

The reduction of traffic accidents is a primary potential benefit of autonomous vehicles (AVs). However, the prevalence of AVs also arouses a key question: to what extent should a human wrest control back from AVs? Specifically, in an unavoidable situation of emergency, should an AV be able to decide between the safety of its own passengers and endangered pedestrians? Should AV programming include well-accepted decision rules about actionsto take in hypothetical situations? The current study (N = 103) examined individual/situational variables that could perform critical decision-making roles in AV related traffic accidents. The individual variable of attitudes toward AVs was assessed using the Self-driving Car Acceptance Scale. To investigate situational influences on decisional processes, the study's participants were assigned to one of two groups: the achievement value was activated in one group and the benevolence value was triggered in the other through the use of a sentence completion task. Thereafter, participants were required to indicate who should be protected from injury: the passengers of the concerned AV, or endangered pedestrians. Participants were also asked to record the extent to which they intended to buy an AV programmed to decide in favor of the greater good according to Utilitarian principles. The results suggested that participants in the "achievement value: driver perspective" groupexpressed the lowest willingness to sacrifice themselves to save several pedestrians in an unavoidable traffic accident. This group of participants was also the most reluctant to buy an AV programmed with utilitarian rules, even though there were significant positive relationships between members' acceptance of AVs and their expressed intention to purchase one. These findings highlight the role of the decisional processes involved in the "achievement value" pertaining to AVs. The paper finally records the limitations of the present study and suggests directions for future research.

• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.113-144
• /
• 2020

Throughout various data sources, it is widely observed that air quality in South Korea has become improved. Koreans, however, insist that their health status and economic burden due to worsened air quality get degenerated. This study aims to explain the mismatch between perception and measured data, air pollution-led medical expenses, and consumption behaviors in the economics perspectives. First, we demonstrated data-driven evidence of mismatch in the perceived severity of air pollution and its enhancement in measured data. Second, using the health demand model, we theoretically derived and empirically showed a co-rising relation between air pollution severity and medical expenses. Last, we analyzed that the perception led to increased defensive expenditures in consumption. This result implies the possibility of overestimation in air pollution impacts on socioeconomic losses and its possible reverse interpretation from increased social benefit after improved air quality. Our results recommend policy consideration to strengthen air quality standards, to support socially vulnerable groups regarding defensive expenditures, and to improve the accessibility and credibility of air pollution information.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.13 no.12
• /
• pp.95-103
• /
• 2015

Purpose - The Visegrád Group cooperation of the past 14 years and that of V4 for the past 20 years has very important significance in the 21st century that must be maintained. This cooperation is valuable because of the trade routes that connect northern Poland to the Balkans in southern Croatia, which forman important basis for the resuscitation of Central European development. Currently, because of the European manufacturing base and industrial development, an energy supply and stable energy distribution networks have been introduced to secure cooperation and not competition within the Visegrád Group. This paper's research emphasizes the supply chain hub in neighboring countries. Although Central and Eastern European countries are small, they can provide a competitive response to Western Europe if they collaborate with the V4 group and other countries. Research design, data, and methodology - The subjects of this study in the Visegrád Group area are related to the development of Marketing and Distribution Sciences in the integrated European Union. In relation to the existing energy infrastructure, construction companies and financial institutions benefit from large-scale construction projects. Existing or new infrastructure facilities among the V4 must comply with the preconditions of regional energy markets. The network of emerging markets is changing into a European-logistics hub of new markets. This hub is closely associated with the economic development of European self-sustainment given that energy for distribution and consumption is imported from Russia. Therefore, this paper indirectly provides data on the regional distribution of energy as alternative bases in Europe for market expansion to Asia. Results - As a result, it appeared unlikely that V4 failed to implement homogeneity following the standards of Western Europe, as proposed by the EU. Throughout European history, individuals have gathered in Central Europe as an innovation hub. Currently, the region is being established independently for energy industrial development and not for tourism development, and is expected to play a central role in innovation and distribution consumption. Therefore, similar to Western and Northern Europe, V4 only appears to engage in distribution consumption on the basis of the identity that it formed for itself. This area is expected to either create a regional platform or a voice over a single economic policy. Conclusions - To this end, regarding the distribution of consumer groups within and outside the region, the V4 group is expected to be established for various policy areas and as a Eurasian outpost of trade and distribution logistics. In addition, given its purpose of engaging in the distribution of energy cooperation and trade clusters, the Visegrád Group will be in charge of the center axis of the bridge for distribution logistics trading partners from the Western Balkans to Caucasus and Eastern Europe. Thus, the Visegrád Group is entering this region as a platform for market share by enabling all or any investor can gain greater industrial benefits.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.121-137
• /
• 1998

This study was conducted to examine the economic evaluation of the newly developed fish meal analog (BAIFA-M) in Korean rockfish feed. A raw fish feed (MP) and two commercially formulated diets (EP) were employed to compare weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survival rate (SR) from the sea cage culture system. By using the economic model in the practical sea cage culture system, feed cost, production cost and gross profit per kg production, rate of profit to gross revenue (RPGR), and internal rate of return (IRR) were calculated based upon the results of the experiment and the information of the private aquaculture farm (Young Chang) in Tong young, Korean. IRR criteria is one of the popular economic feasibility analysis methods applicable far aquaculture industry. This is an economic evaluation method to compare the given interest rate or the discount rate with IRR which can be calculated by the difference between the present value of the benefit stream and of the cost stream. The benefits of using EP on WG, FCR, SR, and production cost will be emphasized in this study. Fish averaging 20$\pm$3.6g (Mean$\pm$SD) were randomly distributed in each small cage (6m$\times$6m) as groups of 2,000 fish. By using 3 large size cages (12m$\times$12m), 12 small cages were constructed, and only 9 small cages were employed for three replicates of each diet treatment. To compare with MP diet, two sinking EP diets were designed by our laboratory and produced by the local feed company who wanted to promote these EP diets for the mass cage culture of Korean rockfish in the future. Two EP diets contain white fish meal and/or BAIFA-M as the main animal protein sources : WFM diet, maximum 43% of white fish meal : BAIEA- M diet, 30% of white fish meal nab replaced by BAIFA- M from WFM diet. Results are summarized in Table 1. Fish fed MP diet showed significantly lower SR than does fish fed two EP diets(P<0.05). However, there Were no significant difference on FCR among fish fed three practical diets. Table 1. Average feed conversion ratio (FCR), accumulative average survival rate (SR) and economic evaluation data far three practical diets. As we expected, BAIFA-M diet is more economical than WFM diet as well as MP diet. Feed cost and production cost per kg production from BAIEA - M diet were lower than those from WFM and MP diets. Moreover, gross profit per Kg production, RPGR and IRR from BAIFA- M diet were higher than those from WFM and MP diets. This economic evaluation study clearly indicated that MP diet should be replaced by the commerical formulated EP diets as soon as possible in the near future because MP diet is not economical in the practical sea cage culture system.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.97-126
• /
• 2014

October 4, 1957 the Soviet Sputnik 1 was launched into space the first time in the history of mankind. After launching, the realm of humankind was expanded to space. Today all countries of the world wage a fierce competition in order to utilize space for various purposes. World powers of space such as United States, Russia, China, and Japan, put reconnaissance satellites and ocean surveillance satellites into orbit, being able to easily see equipment and troops movement on earth. Each country makes efforts to occupy space assets through the militarization of space and expand national interests. Recently private companies or individuals involved in commercial space activities are becoming more prevalent. Thus, in addition to space activities for military purposes, commercial space activities become widespread. Individuals and private companies as well as nations are also involved in space activities. Outer space is not the monopoly of space powers such as the United States and Russia. The whole human race can benefit from free access to space, being the common heritage of mankind. In particular, outer space becomes an indispensable element of military activities and human life. Many countries are now entering space development, putting a lot of budget into new development programs. Republic of Korea also built the Narodo Space Center, starting its space development with budget and manpower. We have to find out ways to use space not only for military purposes but also for commercial space activities that can contribute to the national economy. In addition, through the joint efforts of the international community, we have to make efforts for preservation and peaceful use of space. Various issues relating to space activities and research should be studies in order to contribute to the progress of humanity. Those issues include the definition of outer space, space debris reduction and environmental conservation issues, non-bind measure cooperation - European International Code of Conduct, space law and national legislation related empowerment issues, arms control measures in space, and restrictions on the use of nuclear fuel. We also need to be involved in the discussion of those issues as one of responsible space countries. In addition, we try to find out regional cooperation schemes such as the ESA in the Europe actively. Currently in the Northeast Asia, cooperation bodies led by Japan and China respectively, are operated in the confrontational way. To avoid such confrontation, a new cooperative body needs to be established for cooperation on space exploration and information. The system to allow the exchange of satellite information for early warning of natural disasters needs to be built as well. In addition, efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the relevant international treaties on space, and fill in the blanks in international space laws should be made at the same time. To this end, we have to do a leading role in the establishment of standards such as non-binding measures (resolution) - Code of Conduct, being discussed in the UN and other organizations, and compliance with those standards. Courses in aerospace should be requires in law schools and educational institutes, and professional manpower need to be nurtured. In addition, the space-related technology and policy needs to be jointly studied among the private, public, and military groups, and the cross exchange among them should be encouraged.

• Trans-
• /
• v.4
• /
• pp.37-63
• /
• 2018

Dance films, which started together as a combination of dance and video technology, have evolved into a new genre. Overseas, from early 1950s, experimental dance films have been produced and the dance film association is organized along with many dance film festivals are being held. However, it has not been long since the perception and creativity of the genre of dance films in Korea. Under these circumstances, holding of the 'Seoul Dance Film Festival' and experimental approaches by 'Dance Film Project' are important for the development of domestic dance films. Therefore, this paper explores the concept and development of dance films, the status and features of various overseas dance film festivals and the 'Seoul Dance Film Festival'. This paper also explores the roll and function of 'Seoul Dance Film Festival' and 'Dance Film Project', and their expected benefit along with possibilities of prosperity of domestic dance film. 'Dance Film Project' is the educational and experimental venue for producing of dance films, and the 'Seoul Dance Film Festival' is a platform for producing dance film makers, show of works, dialogue with audiences, international exchanges, and distributions. The dance film festival embodies the value of the past and current flow of the dance film and is intrinsic to the existence of a live content that can be predicted the future aspect of its roll. The two groups mutual growth and development are expected to play a positive role in the development of domestic dance films.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.95-109
• /
• 2003

Tobacco use is the most readily preventable cause of premature death； it is a worldwide problem, with a significant impact on heath and well-being. In order to design an effective tobacco education program, it is important to understand smoking patterns and the underlying factors associated with smoking in different generations such as adults or young people. Despite a general decline in the prevalence of regular smoking among adults, recent surveys commissioned by the Ministry Heath ＆ Welfare for the Republic of Korea have shown no evidence of any decline in smoking rates among young women and adolescents. The Republic of Korea has the highest adult male smoking percentage (65.1%) in the world and smoking in adolescents is still an increasing trend. Smoking in adolescents and young women is especially more dangerous, thus health education of anti-smoking directed at these groups is an important area that will benefit from using internet content that they can easily access. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of visual perception and effectiveness analysis in smoking cessation websites in promoting smoking cessation in adolescents and young women through Internet content. As a result of this project, at first we evaluated the Internet content of cyber smoking cessation programs by the evaluation criteria of web design interface. The Internet site of http：//nosmokeguide.or.kr received the most superior evaluation in the domestic Internet content for smoking cessation and the Internet site of the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids received the most superior evaluation in the foreign Internet content for smoking cessation. This evaluation was surveyed by an expert in Internet content and user. Secondly, we developed the Internet content for cyber smoking cessation program, namely, "Dr. Smoking" that contained several menus and a database regarding anti-smoking designed in accordance with the results of this evaluation. The domain address of Dr. Smoking is http：//www.dmosmoking.com and our webpage has assorted kinds of news, information, self-diagnosis, prescription, consulting, a no-smoking mall etc. In conclusion, this project is designed to develop Internet content for the most effective smoking cessation program and to contribute to eliminating smoking from our society. We also will try to develop and upgrade this web-site in order to help a smoker who want to quit smoking and diminish the physical and socioeconomic harm from smoking.m smoking.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.79-85
• /
• 2015

Objectives: A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is characterized by back pain and fracture of a vertebral body on spinal radiography. VCFs of the thoraco lumbar spine are common in the elderly. In general, appropriate analgesics should be prescribed to reduce pain and, thus, promote early mobilization. The ideal treatment approach for VCFs has not been determined. In Korea, acupuncture and herbal medication have been used to treat VCFs for many years. There is empirical evidence that acupuncture might benefit patients with a VCF. However, no randomized, controlled, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and the safety of acupuncture for treating a VCF have been published. Therefore, we designed a randomized, controlled, pilot, clinical trial to obtain information for the design of a further full scale trial. Methods: A five week protocol for a randomized, controlled, pilot, clinical trial is presented. Fourteen patients will be recruited and randomly allocated to two groups: a control group receiving interlaminar epidural steroid injections once a week for three weeks, and an experimental group receiving interlaminar epidural steroid injections plus acupuncture treatment (three acupuncture sessions per week for three weeks, nine sessions in total). The primary outcomes will be the pain intensity (visual analogue scale and PainVision$^{TM}$ system). The secondary outcome measurements will be the answers on the short form McGill pain questionnaire and the oswestry disability index. Assessments will be made at baseline and at one, three, and five weeks. The last assessment (week five) will take place two weeks after treatment cessation. This study will provide both an indication of feasibility and a clinical foundation for a future large scale trial. The outcomes will provide additional resources for incorporating acupuncture into existing treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, narcotics and vertebral augmentation. This article describes the protocol.