• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.96-103
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• 2015

This study investigates the socio-economic and clinical characteristics associated with emergency medical transport use by the elderly based on 2008~2011 Korea Health Panel data. A model of emergency medical transport use was analyzed, and the results indicate that use of 119 ambulances and private ambulances by the elderly accounted for 46.8% of all users, and 35.1% of their emergency room visits. Statistically significant factors associated with emergency medical transport use were gender (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.51-3.17), relationship to household (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.45-3.32), insurance type (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.10-1.82), handicap (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.14-1.83), reason for emergency department visits (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.20-1.97), and treatment after emergency medical service completed (OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.80-4.25). The increased elderly population in an aging society will lead to a surge in demand for emergency patient transport services, and emergency medical services that are tailored to the elderly need to be developed accordingly.

• Design Convergence Study
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.171-186
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• 2016

With the continuous rise of elderly population and rapid progression of aging in our society, greater emphasis is placed on the importance of local seniors welfare centers as representative service space that meets the diverse needs of local residents. In addition, there is a growing tendency among current users to seek high-quality service as their educational level, economic ability and lifestyle have changed for the better compared to past generations. Accordingly, this study analyzed the satisfaction of senior welfare centers according to life-style type of the elderly, using a lifestyle measurement tool which incorporates indicators of gerontographics. A survey was conducted with users of seven senior welfare centers located in Seoul. Analysis results are as follows: First, four types of lifestyle were derived through cluster analysis; independent activity type, protective activity type, active challenge type, and passive challenge type. Second, it was found that the overall satisfaction of seniors welfare centers by the life-style of the elderly is highest for the protective activity type followed by the passive challenge type, the active challenge type, and the independent activity type. Third, upon examining the effect of spatial characteristics of welfare centers on the satisfaction of elderly users by type of lifestyle, it was found that the independent activity type and the passive challenge type users are most influenced by intimacy, the protective activity type users by comfort, and the active challenge type users by convenience.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.315-322
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• 2012

Recently multifaceted advantages of urban agriculture are emerging in civil society and related policy arena such as food safety, environment, and social welfare. This study tried an estimation of residents' willingness-to-pay for urban farming to examine feasibility of using part of urban green infrastructure as urban farm (e.g. allotment garden). A survey targeting Bundang and Dontan new-town residents was carried out and willingness-to-pay for urban farm rental was estimated by contingent valuation method (CVM). The estimated rent was cross-checked with the rental cost and travel cost paid by hobby farm users in the outskirt of metropolitan area. The result of this study showed that the potential demand for urban farming is ample if urban farms or allotment gardens are planned within new development areas. That is, 72.6 percent of new-town residents questioned had intention of using allotment garden within urban parks and green spaces. Estimated willingness-to-pay for renting a plot, $16.5m^2$ of urban farm, was about 236,000 won(KRW), which is higher than rent for a plot of allotment garden which is located out of city. Variables which were statistically significant to estimated willingness-to-pay for urban farming were sex, age, and occupation of respondents, among other explanatory socio-demographic variables, while expected frequency and duration of visit to urban farm were insignificant.