• Title/Summary/Keyword: US health system

Search Result 244, Processing Time 0.025 seconds

A Study on Practical Education System for Coastal Pollution Control Volunteers (해안오염방제 자원봉사자에 대한 실용적인 교육제도 연구)

  • Chang, Ji-Woong
    • Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
    • /
    • v.18 no.2
    • /
    • pp.343-350
    • /
    • 2022
  • Purpose: The Taean oil spill in 2007 taught us a great lesson and is a representative example of a social disaster. It was overcome through the dazzling dedication and service of volunteers. However, behind the volunteers, they were directly or indirectly exposed to the spilled oil, resulting in health problems such as headaches and safety accidents. Safety accidents were caused by unsafe behavior, and unsafe behavior was caused by lack of safety awareness or ignorance. We want to find an education and training program to systematically raise safety awareness for volunteers in connection with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Method: The occupational safety and health law, the laws related to coastal clean-up, and the unsafe behavior factors in the statistics of occupational accidents in the past year were mainly identified. Result: The contents of education and training hours to be provided for volunteers involved in coastal clean-up were presented in comparison with workers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Conclusion: Safety and health education for volunteers and volunteer managers is directly related to safety awareness and can prevent unsafe behavior.

Aerosol Particle Analysis Using Microwave Plasma Torch (마이크로파 플라즈마 토치를 이용한 에어로졸 입자 분석)

  • Kim, Hahk-Joon;Park, Ji-Ho
    • Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
    • /
    • v.55 no.2
    • /
    • pp.204-207
    • /
    • 2011
  • A particle counting system that can also provide sensitive, specific chemical information, while consuming very less power, occupying less space, and being inexpensive has been developed. This system uses a microwave plasma torch (MPT) as the excitation source for atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Emission from a single particle can be detected, and the wavelength at which the emission is observed indicates the elements present in the particle. It is believed that correlating the particle size and emission intensity will allow us to estimate the particle size in addition to abovementioned capabilities of the system. In the long term, this system can be made field-portable, so that it can be used in atmospheric aerosol monitoring applications, which require real-time detection and characterization of particles at low concentrations.

Establishing Diagnosis Systems for Impaired Stream Ecosystem using Stream/River Ecosystem Survey and Health Assessment (수생태계 현황 조사 및 건강성 평가결과를 활용한 수생태계 훼손원인 진단체계 구축)

  • Lee, Jong-Won;Lee, Sang-Woo;Hwang, Soon-Jin;Jang, Min-Ho;Won, Doo-Hee;An, Kyung-Jin;Park, Hye-Jin;Lee, Junga
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
    • /
    • v.53 no.1
    • /
    • pp.1-10
    • /
    • 2020
  • The Stream/River Ecosystem Survey and Health Assessment has been carried out regarding the ecological health of the streams by the Ministry of Environment (MOE), South Korea. However, the sources of impairment of the stream ecosystem and the interactions between the sources, stressors, and the responses of impaired streams have not been taken into consideration. The purpose of this study is to propose the establishment of diagnosis systems for the impaired stream ecosystem because of the need to incorporate the same in the making of the policy to enable the recovery and improvement of the health of the impaired streams or river ecosystem. First, we define the concept of a diagnosis of the impaired stream or river ecosystem through a literature review. Second, through case studies [e.g., US CADDIS (Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System), AUS. Eco Evidence, EU WFD (Water Framework Directive)], we try to develop the diagnosis system for the making of policy. In this study, the diagnosis system that is proposed consists of eight steps including the basic data collection, detecting or suspecting impairment, defining the impaired stream reach, identifying the biological impaired cases and listing the candidate causes, illustrating the interactive conceptual diagrams between stressors and responses, investigating the stressors-responses in the field, verifying causes and identifying the probable causes of the impaired cases, and summarizing and proposing the restoration of the streams. The results of this study will support and enable efficient decision-making for sustainable stream restoration and management based on the diagnosis of the probable causes for the impaired complex and the diverse stream ecosystem.

Changes in Balance Ability and Muscle Thickness of the Transverse Abdominis and Multifidus of Elderly Females after Eight Weeks of the Lumbar Stabilization Exercise (8주간의 요부안정화운동 시 여성노인의 균형능력 및 복횡.다열근 두께의 변화)

  • Ko, Dae-Sik;Kim, Gwon-Yeong;Lee, Chul-Gab;Lee, Kyoung-Il;Kim, Chan-Kyu;Jeong, Dae-In
    • Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
    • /
    • v.19 no.4
    • /
    • pp.689-696
    • /
    • 2009
  • This study was conducted to examine the effects of the lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) on fall prevention in elderly females (n = 21) by measuring changes in the isometric strength, multifidus, transverse abdominis muscle thickness, and posture stability index. The strength of isometric contraction was measured by the 3-D Pegasus system ; the thickness of the multifidus and transverse abdominis were measured by using Sonoace 6000C, and the posture stability index was measured using a computerized Biodex Balance System SD apparatus analysis. These results lead us to the conclusion that flexion and extension, left rotation on strength of isometric contraction, and thickness of the transverse abdominis (when released) statically increased. Overall, the anterior/posterior and medial/lateral elements in the posture stability index statically decreased, Consequently, the LSE should the prevent falls in elderly females.

Infection Control in Parenteral Nutrition Preparation and Compounding (정맥영양의 조제와 감염관리)

  • Choe, Ji Hyeong;Baek, Jin Hee;Jo, Yun Hee;Cho, Yoon Sook
    • Journal of Clinical Nutrition
    • /
    • v.10 no.2
    • /
    • pp.31-37
    • /
    • 2018
  • Recently, in Korea, the importance of preparation and use of injectable drugs has been emphasized due to successive fatal accidents caused by injection infections. Parenteral nutrition (PN) has also been identified as a cause of infection. Cases of infection due to PN have been reported not only in Korea, but also abroad, and contamination occurs mainly during the preparation of PN. Because sterile preparation and compounding of injections are very important for infection control and patient safety, this article reviews the major guidelines outlined thus far. The Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2006 published guidelines and the KSHP (Korean Society of Health-System Pharmacists) recently issued guidelines for the aseptic preparation of injections. In addition, as US guidelines, the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) guidelines and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <797> are also reviewed. The recent guidelines published by the KSHP have significance in that they were adopted in accordance with the domestic reality, even though they conform to foreign guidelines, and are expected to be guidelines for hospital pharmacists performing aseptic preparation work. In addition, the Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare is considering appropriate guidelines for the safe management of medications, training staff for infection prevention and strengthening staff capacity. Furthermore, the gradual expansion of aseptic compounding facilities and human resources, as well as the provision of adequate medical costs are also considered. Based on the establishment and standardization of injectable drugs compounding guidelines for Korean hospitals, it is believed that if human resources and facilities are supported and medical charges are improved, it will be possible to expect the safer preparation and use of injections.

Discrepancies Between Implementation and Perceived Effectiveness of Leading Safety Indicators in the US Dairy Product Manufacturing Industry

  • Derlyke, Peter Van;Marin, Luz S.;Zreiqat, Majed
    • Safety and Health at Work
    • /
    • v.13 no.3
    • /
    • pp.343-349
    • /
    • 2022
  • Background: In the United States, the dairy product manufacturing industry has consistently had higher rates of work-related nonfatal injuries and illnesses compared to the national average for industries in all sectors. The selection and implementation of appropriate safety performance indicators are important aspect of reducing risk within safety management systems. This study examined the leading safety indicators implemented in the dairy product-manufacturing sector (NAICS 3115) and their perceived effectiveness in reducing work-related injuries. Methods: Perceptions were collected from individuals with safety responsibilities in the dairy product manufacturing facilities. OSHA Incident Rate (OIR) and Days away, restricted and transferred (DART) rates from 2013 to 2018 were analyzed. Results: The perceived most effective leading were safety observations, stop work authority, near miss reporting, safety audits, preventative maintenance, safety inspections, safety training attendance, and job hazard analysis/safety analysis, respectively. The 6-year trend analysis showed that those implementing all eight top indicators had a slightly lower rates than those that did not implement all eight. Production focused mentality, poor training, and lack of management commitment were perceived as the leading causes of injuries in this industry. Conclusion: Collecting leading indicators with the unique interest to meet the regulatory requirements and to document the management system without the actual goal of using them as input to improve the system most probably will not lead to an effective reduction of negative safety outcomes. For leading indicators to be effective, they should be properly selected, executed, periodically evaluated and actions are taken when necessary.

A Comparative Study of the Nurse Licensure Exam Systems between the United States and South Korea (미국과 한국의 간호사 국가면허시험 문항개발과정 비교)

  • Kwak, Chanyeong;Yun, Soon-Nyoung;Kim, Shin-Jeong
    • Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
    • /
    • v.25 no.6
    • /
    • pp.622-632
    • /
    • 2013
  • Purpose: This study was conducted to compare the nurse licensure examination system in Korea with that of the United States (US). Methods: Focus interviews with the administrative staff of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) were held. two areas were explored in the interviews: the item development process and the general administrative operating procedures. Results: NCLEX-RN items are designed for entry-level practice. The items are subjected to a series of 12 steps including a item writing panel, a content and editorial review, a sensitivity panel, a pre-test, a Differential item functioning panel and a committee review. NCSBN is responsible for the test for registered nurses and one for practical nurses. In contrast the Korean National Health Personnel Licensing Board (KNHPLB) is responsible for nursing is and 21 other health related licensure. Another difference is that in Korea there is no consistent and specialized staff to develop question items. Items are developed by educators who are not active nurses (this last statemtne is not a finding but a point of view usually not given in findings.). Conclusion: Korean nurses form the largest group of health related job categories and the most direct to health care consumers. Therefore, the nursing licensure exam should be acknowledged as the most influential licensure exam in health care services. We recommend a nursing specialized licensing institution to be established with active nurse' participation in item development process to reflect clinical practice into licensure exam.

Distribution Characteristics of Ambient Heavy Metals based on the Emission Sources and their Carcinogenic Risk Assessment in Ulsan, Korea (발생원에 근거한 울산지역의 대기중금속 분포특성 및 발암위해성 평가)

  • Choi, Bong-Wook;Jung, Jong-Hyeon;Choi, Won-Joon;Jeon, Chang-Jae;Shon, Byung-Hyun
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
    • /
    • v.32 no.5 s.92
    • /
    • pp.522-531
    • /
    • 2006
  • This study has been conducted to evaluate the influence of ambient heavy metals to the air quality and to find their sources in Ulsan. Korea. The distribution characteristics of ambient heavy metals with wind direction were investigated by using pollution-rose diagram. Carcinogenic risk for five trace heavy metals (Pb. Cd, Cr, Mn, and Ni), which are classified to carcinogenic material by US EPA, are assessed according to the classification system of USEPA and WHO. According to pollution-rose calculation on pollutants sources, Pb and Cu in Deoksin, which is an adjacent to Onsan industrial complexes, were $0.1058\;and\;0.3242{\mu}g/m^3$. These concentration levels are the highest at all sampling sites. From this result we could confirm that it was affected by Onsan industrial complex that is located northeast of Deoksin.,And the maximum concentration of Cd, Cr, and Ni were $0.0306,\;0.0102,\;and\;0.0146\;{\mu}g/m^{3} in Yeocheon respectively. Because Yeocheon is in the Mipo industrial complexes, which have many combustors, incinerators, and manufacturing facilities compared to other regions. In carcinogenic risk assessment, Pb, Ni, and Mn concentration level at six sampling sites were lower than the risk level guideline values ($10^{-5}$) of WHO. However, $Cr^{6+}$ and Cd concentration in Yeocheon were 60% and 205% higher than the guideline values of WHO. Therefore it is very important that the emission from industrial complexes were carefully managed and controlled to improve air quality in residential area.

The Concept and Historical Background of Custody Evaluation

  • Lee, Myung Hoon;Chung, Dong Sun;Moon, Duk Soo;Kwack, Young Sook
    • Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
    • /
    • v.31 no.2
    • /
    • pp.53-57
    • /
    • 2020
  • This article reviews a wide range of literature on the standards and process of child custody evaluation in the US, and proposes custody evaluation standards appropriate to Korea. Custody evaluation refers to the process of making psychiatric and psychological evaluations of each parent and the child during a custody dispute and presenting to the family court a report of custody evaluation with the aim of safeguarding the best interests of the child. In the past, it was thought that children arethe fathers' possessions or that younger children should be raised by the mother; however, currently, custody rights are evaluated in accordance with the principle of the best interests of the child. The principle is all-encompassing and vague and hence, the court makes increasingly more requests to mental health professionals for custody evaluation. Since the Seoul Family Court introduced the expert consultation system in 2017, the involvement of mental health professionals in child custody decisions has increased in Korea. Custody evaluators should try to be neutral and find the objective facts, keeping in mind that their role is to aid the court in making a custody decision.

Genetic Variation of Rice Populations Estimated Using nrDNA ITS Region Sequence

  • Wang, Dong;Hong, Soon-Kwan
    • Korean Journal of Plant Resources
    • /
    • v.27 no.3
    • /
    • pp.249-255
    • /
    • 2014
  • The rice belonging to Oryza sativa is not only has significant economic importance, for it is the major source of nutrition for about 3 billion all around the world. But also plays a vital role as a model organism, because it has a number of advantages to be a model plant, such as efficient transformation system and small genome size. Many methods and techniques have been conducted to attempt to distinguish different Oryza sativa species, such as amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), simple sequence repeat (SSR) and so on. However, studies using sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), a region of ribosomal RNA has not been reported until now. This study was undertaken with an aim to understand the phylogenetic relationships among sixteen isolates of Oryza sativa collected from abroad and fifteen isolates collected from Korea, using ribosomal RNA (rRNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences to compare the phylogeny relationships among different Oryza sativa species. The size variation obtained among sequenced nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) ITS region ranged from 515bp to 1000bp. The highest interspecific genetic distance (GD) was found between Sfejare 45 (FR12) and Anapuruna (FR15). Taebong isolate showed the least dissimilarity of the ITS region sequence with other thirty isolates. This consequence will help us further understanding molecular diversification in intra-species population and their phylogenetic analysis.