• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.151-155
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• 2017

Background: At the entrance of a tunnel, reflection of sunlight from the surrounding environment and a lack of adequate lighting usually cause some vision problems. The purpose of this study was to perform a safety evaluation of lighting on a very long road in Ilam, Iran. Methods: The average luminance was measured using a luminance meter (model S3; Hagner, Solna, Sweden). A camera (model 108, 35-mm single-lens reflex; Yashica, Nagano, Japan) was used to take photographs of the safe stopping distance from the tunnel entrance. Equivalent luminance was determined according to the Holliday polar diagram. Results: Considering the average luminance at the tunnel entrance ($116.7cd/m^2$) and using Adrian's equation, the safe level of lighting at the entrance of the tunnel was determined to be 0.7. Conclusion: A comparison between the results of the safe levels of lighting at the entrance of the tunnel and the De Boer scale showed that the phenomenon of black holes is created at the tunnel entrance. This may lead to a misadaptation of the drivers' eyes to the change in luminance level at the entrance of the tunnel, thereby increasing the risk of road accidents in this zone.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.203-209
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• 2018

Background: Night shift work is associated with many problems such as sleep deprivation, sleepiness, decreased cognitive performance, increased human errors, and fatigue. This study set out to measure cognitive performance, melatonin rhythms, and sleep after different consecutive night shifts (7 vs. 4) among control room operators (CORs). Methods: The participants included 60 CORs with a mean age of 30.2 years (standard deviation, 2.0) from a petrochemical complex located in Southern Iran. Cognitive performance was assessed using the n-back task and continuous performance test. To evaluate melatonin, saliva was collected and tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To assess sleep and sleepiness, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale were used, respectively. Results: Individuals who worked 7 consecutive night shifts had a significantly better cognitive performance and sleep quality than those who worked 4 consecutive night shifts. However, salivary melatonin profile and sleepiness trend were not affected by shift type. Conclusion: The main duty of CORs working night shifts at the studied industry included managing safety-critical processes through complex displays; a responsibility that demands good cognitive performance and alertness. It is suggested that an appropriate number of consecutive night shifts in a rotating shift system should be planned with the ultimate aim of improving CROs performance/alertness and enhancing safety.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.250-259
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• 2019

Ophthalmic Laser System is widely used in Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty of Open Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension. Versatile ophthalmic laser system is a medical device with technology that checks the condition of the treatment area by irradiating a continuous laser pulse on the treatment area, and monitoring the microbubble reaction caused by the temperature increase of the melanosome through the ultrasonic signal and the optical signal sensor. It performs selective laser treatment without damaging the photoreceptor by controlling the wavelength of the laser when microbubbles are detected. This study aims to suggest a guideline for evaluating safety, performance and clinical effectiveness of Versatile Ophthalmic Laser System in accordance with the growing technology. International Standards, Regulations, and Clinical Trial Protocols were investigated and analyzed for this study. As a result of this study, the safety, performance and clinical effectiveness test guideline for Versatile Ophthalmic Laser System were proposed. This guideline will ensure the safety and efficacy of Medical device, and furthermore it is expected to be able to promote the development of technology development by supporting a clinical trial plan.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2016

Background: Work Ability Index (WAI) is a well-known and valid self-report tool that has been widely used in various studies to identify and avoid early retirement and work-related disability. Nevertheless, very few studies have been carried out to evaluate work ability in Iran. We aimed to investigate the WAI and the effect of work-related stress on it among Iranian workers. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study was carried out among 449 workers from five working sectors in three big cities of Iran. Work ability and work-related stress were measured using the Persian version of WAI and the Persian version of Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool. Results: More than a third of the workers surveyed (34.70%) did not have an appropriate level of work ability (WAI < 37). There was a significant correlation between subscales of work-related stress and the mean score of WAI. Furthermore, the variables of body mass index, sleep quality, exercise activity, job tenure, and three subscales of work-related stress including demands, supervisor support, and role were significant predictors of WAI. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the interventional programs must be focused on improving supervisors support, eliminating ambiguity and conflicts in the role of workers in their job and organization, reducing job demands, improving sleep quality, and increasing exercise activity.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.46-64
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• 1997

Background & Objectives : Korea is face with the social need for health care technology assessment so that it is urgently needed to found principles and methodology in technology assessment in health care. As a groundwork for health care technology assessment, we tried to prioritize medical technology for assessment. Among medical technologies, procedure is somewhat difficult to assess, compared to drug or equipment. In this study, we aimed at the prioritisation of medical procedure to be assessed, in terms of efficay, safety, and adequacy. Method : For the standardized classification of medical procedure, ICD-9-CM(International Classification of Diseases 9th edition - Clinical Modification) was used. Among the list the procedures coming under otorhinolaringjology and thoracic surgery were selected by three family physicians. The list of procedure was mailed to the board certified surgeons of both disciplines, with the question asking about the necessity for assessment in terms of efficay, safety, and adequacy. Replied questionnaires were analyzed in each procedure. Results : Of 560 otorhinolaryngologist and 480 thoracic surgeon, 114 surgeons replied. Of otorhinolaryngological procedure, incision, excision, and destruction of inner ear : fenestration of inner ear : stapedectomy and its revision were the most urgent technology to assess in the aspect of safety. For adequacy, operations on Eustachian tube: fenestration of inner ear: incision, excision, and destruction of inner ear were highly ranked in necessity, and for efficary, operations on Eustachian tube; external maxillary antrotomy; fenestration of inner ear. Thoracic surgeons replied thoracic procedures, lung transplantation; heart transplantation; implantation of heart assist system [pump] are most important for evaluation in terms of safety; and heart transplantation; Lung transplantation; Implantation of heart assist system [pump] in terms of adequacy, and surgical collapse of lung [Artificia니 pnemothorax or pnuexoperitoeum]; lung transplantation; periarterial sympathectomy in terms of efficacy. As a whole, surgeons regard safety evaluation is more urgent than adequacy or efficary. In addition, otorhinolaryngological surgeons regard evaluation of their procedures more urgent than thoracic surgeons regard theirs. Conclusion : By the questionnaire to board certified physicians, we get some preliminary data for prioritisation of technologies to assess. Through the questionnaire like this, much information would be gathered for technology assessment, especially for medical procedure, if not enough. In the near future, well structured expert opinion gathering research, such as modified Delphi or nominal group technique, should be done succeedingly.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.3-14
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• 2024

Purpose: We conducted this study with the aim of characterizing safety attitudes (SA) among medical staff in a disadvantaged area of Vietnam and examining associated factors with SA. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 442 health staff members at four hospitals in Son La Province from June until August 2021. We used the Vietnamese shortened edition of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire to measure the SA of study participations. We chose latent class analysis (LCA) to identifying the number of latent classes of SA among the study subjects. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with the identified SA classes. Results: The results of our LCA showed that there were three latent classes, namely high SA group (n=150, 33.9%), moderate SA group (n=236, 53.4%), and low SA group (n=56, 12.7%). The multinomial logistic regression analysis found that medical staff who had university education and above, who were nurses, and who served in non-clinical areas were more likely to be in the moderate SA group and in the high SA group than in the low SA group. Conclusion: Based on these results, several recommendations could be made to improve the SA of healthcare workers in disadvantaged areas. Further research with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings and to develop effective interventions to improve the SA of healthcare workers in disadvantaged areas.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.131-137
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• 2019

This study was aimed to identify a study on risk perception and safety knowledge and awareness of scuba diver. In order to achieve this purpose, a total of 310 customers over the age of 20 were selected as study participants form diving pools and dive resort in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Gyeongsang area using the convenience sampling method. However, only data from 295 customers were used after screening the data for reliability. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire, and descriptive statistics, inter-item consistency reliability, t-test, ANOVA, post hoc test, correlation analysis, pearson chi-square test were conducted on the data using the SPSS 21.0 version statistical package program. The followings are the results: First, risk perception differs significantly according to age, education level, occupation and participation period. Second, participation period and safety knowledge have positive correlation.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.81-92
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• 2007

The main purpose of this study was to survey baby-sitters who have experienced safety accidents of children ; the causes of safety accidents, wounded parts of the body caused by safety accidents and how to handle emergency situation. The research participants consisted of 31 baby-sitters who have experienced safety accidents of children and have been participating in Baby-Sitter Programs at S university, in Suwon Kyunggi Province. The data were collected from June 13th to July 4th, 2007 using open questionnaires on semi-structure. The data were analyzed using a SPSS PC+ statistical program. The results of this study were as follows ; First, according to the general demographics, it has indicated that 32.2% of baby-sitters who participated in this research are mostly the age group of between 41 and 50years old. And 48.3% of baby-sitters are graduated from high school. In addition, 83.9% of baby-sitters go married and 41.9% of them have only one child. Second, in terms of experiences about baby-sitting, 51.6% of baby-sitters mostly do their jobs in the afternoon. They usually cared 1 or 2years old babies in the afternoon time. 48.3% of baby-sitters experienced baby-sitting for less than 6months. And the financial support was the main reason why they decided to do baby-sitting jobs. Third, the causes of safety accidents while caring children, included 'falling down(22.6%)', 'baby-walker(19.4%)'. Also, it was found that 61.3% of children who had accidents were male. When safety accidents occurred, the baby-sitters had been doing 'feeding milk(29.1%)', 'going out(16.1%)' and 'self-care(16.1%)'. Also, it has shown that the accidents mostly occurred in the afternoon(64.5%). Fourth, the parts of the injuries in safety accidents, predominantly involved the parts of arms(38.7%), legs(25.8%) and head and neck(12.8%). In conclusion, this research was intended to provide the basic data in safety accidents of children who were cared by baby-sitters. In the further research, it is suggested that studying for safety accidents of children and safety education programs for baby-sitters should be necessary.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.150-163
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• 2022

Objectives: This research aimed to develop a guideline for evaluating safety and performance of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus. With the development of medical devices like electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus with improved performance, convenience and safety measures compared to traditional warm-acupuncture needling, safety and performance guideline is a necessity. Methods: By referring to existing standards and guidelines of other electronic devices for Korean medicine with heating function, guideline for safety and performance assessment of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus was drafted Results: The guideline, presents explanation for adequate temperature and settings of the apparatus, and safety measurements providing against thermal runaway situations along with guidelines for the manual. Guideline for detailed test method for the performance of the apparatus such as accuracy of temperature increase and the timer, and safety unit was also provided. The test items and suggested test methods for the requirements of biological, electrical and electromagnetic safety were referred to Korean approval documents of ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Conclusion: We proposed the relevant items to verify performance and safety of warm-acupuncture apparatus to assure patient safety and improve the quality of currently developing devices for application in clinical field.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 2002.09a
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• pp.97-99
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• 2002

A radiation incident took place during treatment on MEDNIF Tele cobalt-60 therapy machine in B.P.KOIRALA MEMORIAL CANCER HOSPITAL in Bharatpur, Nepal. This Chinese made machine has activity of 6240 Curies of cobalt -60. This machine has fulfilled safety requirements. ICRP recommendations, safety rules are followed and practiced. The source was struck up during treatment and a technician was exposed to equivalent dose of 13.75 mSv. recorded by Personal film badge. Risks of workers are comparable to other safe industries. All exposures shall be kept as low as reasonably possible. The higher level of safety is achieved only when every one is dedicated to common goal. A lesson is learnt for future. Good practice is essential but not sufficient. A high demand for tele Cobalt therapy convinced management to replace Mednif machine with a new efficient Elite Tele Cobalt theratron Machine.