• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2020

Background: As the impact of climate change intensifies, exposure to heat stress will grow, leading to a loss of work capacity for vulnerable occupations and affecting individual labor decisions. This study estimates the future work capacity under the Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 scenario and discusses its regional impacts on the occupational structure in the Republic of Korea. Methods: The data utilized for this study constitute the local wet bulb globe temperature from the Korea Meteorological Administration and information from the Korean Working Condition Survey from the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute of Korea. Using these data, we classify the occupations vulnerable to heat stress and estimate future changes in work capacity at the local scale, considering the occupational structure. We then identify the spatial cluster of diminishing work capacity using exploratory spatial data analysis. Results: Our findings indicate that 52 occupations are at risk of heat stress, including machine operators and elementary laborers working in the construction, welding, metal, and mining industries. Moreover, spatial clusters with diminished work capacity appear in southwest Korea. Conclusion: Although previous studies investigated the work capacity associated with heat stress in terms of climatic impact, this study quantifies the local impacts due to the global risk of climate change. The results suggest the need for mainstreaming an adaptation policy related to work capacity in regional development strategies.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.273-294
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• 2023

Background: Most developed countries are working to improve their universal health coverage systems. This study investigates regional disparities in unmet healthcare needs and their causes in South Korea. Additionally, it compares the unmet healthcare needs rate in South Korea with that of 33 European countries. Methods: The analysis incorporates information from 13,359 adults aged 19 or older, using data from the Korea Health Panel. The dependent variables encompass the experience of unmet healthcare needs and the three causes of occurrence: "burden of medical expenses," "time constraints," and "lack of care." The primary variable of interest is the region of residence, while control variables encompass 14 socio-demographic, health, and functional characteristics. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, accounting for the sampling design, is conducted. Results: The rate of unmet healthcare needs in Korea is 11.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.0%-13.3%), which is approximately 30 times higher than that of Austria (0.4%). The causes of unmet healthcare needs, ranked in descending order, are "lack of care," "time constraints," and "burden of medical expenses." Predictive probabilities for experiencing unmet healthcare needs and each cause differ significantly between regions. For instance, the probability of experiencing unmet healthcare needs due to "lack of care" is approximately 10 times higher in Gangwon-do (13.5%; 95% CI, 13.0%-14.1%) than in Busan (1.3%; 95% CI, 1.3%-1.4%). The probability due to "burden of medical expenses" is approximately 14 times higher in Seoul (4.1%; 95% CI, 3.6%-4.6%) compared to Jeollanam-do (0.3%; 95% CI, 0.2%-0.4%). Conclusion: Amid rapid sociodemographic transitions, South Korea must make significant efforts to alleviate unmet healthcare needs and the associated regional disparities. To effectively achieve this, it is recommended that South Korea involves the National Assembly in healthcare policy-making, while maintaining a centralized financing model and delegating healthcare planning and implementation to regional authorities for their local residents-similar to the approaches of the United Kingdom and France.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.113-122
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• 2018

The purpose of healthcare facility should be user healing and health promotion. However, healthcare facilities have a bigger impact on the natural environment than the general buildings, eventually effecting the health of people globally. 'Environmentally friendliness' is a more important concept in hospitals, not just in technical or mechanical performance but in therapeutic effects on users. Therapeutic environment is closely related to the natural environment. Depending on how the natural environment is drawn into the space, the healing effect of the patients is also increased. Most of the previous studies are statistical and comparative researches that cannot provide theoretical basis of architectural planning. Therefore, architectural research on the composition of architectural space and nature is needed. In this study, we categorize 16 types of relation between architectural space and nature, and based on this, analyze the present situation of 7 regional public hospitals' 33 spaces, and provide theoretical background and guideline for therapeutic space.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.9-20
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• 2021

In order to develop practical indicator that can diagnose the regional conditions and characteristics of fishing villages, this study reviewed domestic and foreign researches and selected the diagnostic indicator of fishing villages by spatial unit. The major categories are divided into population and society, economic conditions, and living conditions. The middle categories consists of population, household, industry, tourism, settlement, environment, safety, health and welfare, education, and culture and leisure. The indicator were selected with reference to the existence of statistical data officially provided according to the spatial range(Si/Gun, eup/myeon, village). Based on the selected indicator, the test evaluation was conducted in Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do by applying data that can be obtained from KOSIS and web GIS. It is judged that the diagnostic indicator developed through this research can be used in various ways from the planning stage to the implementation stage of the regional development project, such as grasping the current conditions, setting improvement targets, promotion and evaluation/monitoring of the project. In addition, it is expected that it will be possible to carry out regional diagnosis for each spatial unit and to plan and implement regional development projects by giving priority to areas where the level of each department is insufficient.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Rural Architecture
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.29-36
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• 2009

This study aims at the contribution to introduction of facilities and planning for the promotion of the exchange between city and rural community and the promotion of the rural areas. In order to understand the object of the Setagaya Ward Health Village and the management and the effects of facilities, I investigated the documentation, field work and interviews with the persons related. The Setagaya Ward Health Village has been steadily managing the exchange base facilities and the special enterprises, and operating the manager and promotion committees for the projects. Consequently, many tourism facilities and new enterprises such as the Setagaya-Kawaba Corporation were established in the rural areas and they developed into an active region which has abundant jobs available and attracts about 700,000 visitors a year. In conclusion, it is important to make a main body to manage professionally the future plan of facilities which involve image of the regional future and conform to the law. And the facilities should contribute to the economic development of rural areas in consideration of the environment and culture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.526-534
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• 2010

The prevalence rate for chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension etc. caused by the increment of national income and the change of food life according to the globalization in Korea have been increased. Especially excess sodium intake may contribute to the development of hypertension, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. The objective of this study was to investigate sodium intake of nursery school meals in Gyeonggi-Do, and to construct database for lesser sodium intake policy. Survey consisted of 601 sample intakes of sodium in summer and in winter. A food weighed record method was used for measuring food intakes. Average intakes of ten children per nursery school were measured. The sodium contents of meals were analyzed by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer) after acid digestion by microwave. The sodium contents on food groups showed that sources (693 mg/100 g), grilled foods (689 mg/100 g) and kimchies (643 mg/100 g) had respectively higher sodium contents and the average sodium intake per meal was $582\pm204$ mg. The sodium contents of soups & hot soups and kimchies had 37.5% and 15.8% of total sodium intakes per meal, respectively. Sodium intakes per meal in summer and winter showed 572.3 mg and 592.3 mg, respectively. Regional ranking of sodium intakes showed the ascending order of apartment (514.3 mg/meal), rural region (540.5 mg/meal), multiplex house (635.9 mg/meal) and industrial complex (696.4 mg/ meal). A habit of excessive sodium intakes in childhood will threaten their health when they grow up to be adults; thus lesser intake of sodium per meal is needed for children in nursery school.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.7-17
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• 2024

Purpose: This study is to present basic data and standards for calculating the space composition and area required when planning a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: Review domestic and foreign facility standards and regulations related to the current neonatal intensive care unit, select a regional neonatal intensive care center designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a case hospital, and organize a space program for the construction plan of the neonatal intensive care unit through analysis of characteristics such as facility size and function composition. Results and Implications: The size, facility area, and detailed room composition characteristics of the neonatal intensive care unit in Korea were confirmed, and essential rooms and appropriate areas were derived when planning the construction of the neonatal intensive care unit. Korea's legal facility standards related to neonatal intensive care units are lower than the actual hospital status and overseas standards, and the facility standards of the medical law need to be improved.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a two-year global health project to improve maternal and child health (MCH) in Ethiopia. Methods: This is a descriptive case study. The target area is Kilte Awlaelo Woreda in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. A baseline survey was conducted to identify the needs of community residents and health care professionals. A MCH program was developed according to a project design matrix that included: infrastructure renovation of health centers; continuing education for midwives, nurses, and health extension workers (HEWs); and improvement of residents' MCH awareness. Project evaluation will examine the structure, process, and outcomes of the program. Results: The baseline survey showed low rates of family planning (31%) and antenatal and postnatal care use (36.1% and 69%, respectively). The institutional birth rate was 13.5%. Midwives and nurses received 2~4 educational programs about family planning and perinatal care. HEWs were also given practical education. Water and electrical infrastructure of all five health centers in the Kilte Awlaelo Woreda were renovated. Additionally, medical supplies and equipment were provided. Community health education on perinatal care, family planning, and personal hygiene was presented. Conclusion: This study highlights the role of nursing in global health and provides basic information on the development and outcomes of the global health project.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.329-345
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• 1996

The purposes of this study are to review research trends of applied geography field, to retrospect geographical works done by Korean geographers in applied geography, and to prospect the future of applied geography. We are in the period where societal problems such as energy, transportation, pollution, environment, health care, and many others, require careful consideration and need throughout strategies for solution. Most societal problems have some geographical dimensions. Because these problems are geographic in nature, there is an obvious implication that geography as a discipline has something to offer in their solutions. In fact, most geographic problems are best presented and analyzed through the applications of geographic theories, concepts and tools. Applied geography is a branch of general geography. It relies on the scientific methods and uses the principles and methods of pure geography. However applied geography is different in that it analyzes and evaluates real world action and planning and seeks to implement and manipulate environmental and spatial realities. Thus, geographic theories and other social theories that have geographic dimensions are fundamental to applied geography. Applied geography has a short history as theme in Korean geography. During the last two decades. Korea achieved remarkable economic growth. We have also encountered widening regional disparity, housing shortage of larger cities, transportation congestion, environmental pollution and many other problems. Applied geographers have tried to analyze and solve such spatial problems during the last 30 years. The research trend of Korean applied geography can be subdivided into 5 categories: (1) land use analysis and efficient utilization, (2) national physical development and planning. (3) regional development and regional planning, (4) tourism and location-allocation, transportation planning. Still the overconcentration of Seoul metropolitan region and unbalanced regional development are perceived to be the serious spatial problems which may induce more works to solve these problems. In Korea new emphasis has to be given to some professional training and experimental learning, including methodology, field techniques data management, statistical analysis, cartography, GIS, and other tools, as applicable and beneficial to problem solving in real world. The growth of applied geography depends on new insights and purposed solutions of future applied geographers in Korea. Applied geographers will contribute to the creation of future Korean geographies.

• Asian Journal of Innovation and Policy
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.411-437
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• 2018

This paper articulates the STI strategy development principles and methodologies that have been elaborated through iterative processes of STI strategy development cases for the past ten years. The consultation cases include poverty traps in Nepal and Laos, African health challenges in Nigeria and Tanzania, and ASEAN global challenges in Indonesian Water, Vietnamese Green Energy, and Filipino Food, in partnership with some multilateral agencies.The iterative elaboration process has continued with consultation activities on Thailand and on Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar in planning partnership with Thailand. The principles were originally conceptualized from the benchmarking process of the Korean STI development experience. They were further incorporated as methodologies with which relevant planning bodies are guided to address individual and regional challenges through science, technology and innovation strategies. The methodologies are strong in providing plausible holistic perspective scenarios by which various stakeholders can be engaged in the planning and implementation process. But it is heuristic in nature and can be learned only through on-the-job training process. This is the structural limitation for scaling up.