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The purpose of this paper is to a develop model for generation expansion planning that can support diverse environmental policies for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) of South Korea. South Korea is required to reduce its GHG emissions by 30% from the BAU level by 2020. The Wien Automatic System Planning Package currently used in South Korea has limitations in terms of the application of renewable energy policies and GHG targets; this paper proposes the use of an equipment planning model named generation and transmission expansion program, which has been developed to resolve such limitations. For verification of the model, a case study on the 6th Basic Plan of Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand has been conducted. The results show that for the year 2020 South Korea's annual GHG emissions will be 36.6% more than the GHG Target Management System (GHG TMS) target set for the same year (30%). To achieve the GHG TMS target, the costs involved amount to about 72 trillion KRW (70 billion USD). Consequently, the South Korean government needs to review the performability of this target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Korea is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive impact on older adults' health and reduces national health costs. Aims: Drawing on Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, this study examines ecological systems that influence physical activity in older men and women. Method: The data analysis included information on 537 older adults aged 65 years and older residing in South Korea. The regression analysis identified differences in the ecological systems that influence physical activity in older adults by sex. Results: By examining the ecological systems that affect physical activity in older men, this study found that the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p <.001) and microsystem (p <.001), the exosystem affected the mesosystem (p <.01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p <.001). In the case of older women, the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p <.001), microsystem (p <.001), and individuals (p <.01); the exosystem affected the microsystem (p <.01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p <.001). Conclusions: The microsystem commonly affects the physical activity of older men and women, whereas the macrosystem only affects the physical activity of older women, suggesting that older men may experience limited macrosystem support in fostering their participation in physical activity. To address this disparity, the study highlights the need for targeted policies to enhance macrosystem support for older men, such as developing tailored physical activity programs that promote positive attitudes and accessible opportunities for participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The rising incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has generated growing concern globally; yet there are no studies examining whether this incidence was followed by a rise in related mortality. We aimed to comprehensively quantify current trends and future projections of TC incidence and mortality, and to explore the association between the TC burden and socioeconomic inequality in different income strata. Methods We obtained incidence and mortality data on TC and population from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study and the United Nations' World Population Prospects 2022. We applied an age-period-cohort (APC) model to estimate the overall annual percentage change (net drift) and age, period, and cohort effects from 1990 to 2019, and also constructed a Bayesian APC model to predict the TC burden through 2030. Results Over a third of global TC cases belonged to the high-income group. From 1990 to 2019, net drifts of TC incidence were >0 in all income groups, while a modest reduction (net drift <0) in mortality was observed in most income groups, except for the lower-middle-income group. Unfavourable age, period, and cohort effects were most notable in Vietnam, China, and Korea. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) is predicted to increase whereas the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) is expected to decrease globally between 2020 and 2030, with geographic heterogeneity being detected across income groups. We observed a positive correlation between ASIR and universal health coverage index and health worker density, but a negative one between ASMR and the two indicators, primarily in upper-middle-income and high-income countries. Conclusions Opposite patterns in incidence and mortality of TC raise concerns about overdiagnosis, particularly in upper-middle-income and high-income countries. Discrepancies in the distribution of health service accessibility, including diagnostic techniques and therapeutic care, should be addressed by narrowing health inequalities in the TC burden across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Korea has a quite rapid MERS spread compared to other countries. Possible causes for such a sudden increase include the undiagnosed initial patient and lapses in infection control practices. To characterize MERS infection and transmission, this paper applies the period-based discrete SEIR model. Infected people of SEIR model shows a good fit to observed patients and MERS will become extinct around 113 days since the first outbreak. Through an effective quarantine plan, if we can reduce exposable people by 20%, it is estimated that the maximum number of infectious people may decrease by about 69% and MERS fade-out period will be shortened by about 30%. Simulations on assumed model support that Korean government's two policies to control MERS infection rate are effective in lessening its spread. Simulation on reproduction ratio scenarios in SEIR model indicates that success in early infection control practices is critical for shortening the period of disease fade-out. Even there are some restrictions and assumptions on SEIR model simulation, our simulation results are to be helpful in developing strategies to prevent the infectious diseases like MERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors to the practice of cardiovascular disease (CVD) preventive behaviors among rural residents based on socio-ecological model (SEM). Methods. We used a mixed-methods research using the sequential explanatory design. From a total of 109 participants, quantitative data including CVD preventive behavior, self-efficacy, social support, and sense of community were collected using previously developed measurement tools. For quantitative research, descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted. For quantitative research, descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted. Questions for qualitative research were constructed based on SEM for the three subareas identified in quantitative research. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on qualitative data collected through focus group interviews from 14 participants. Results. According to quantitative research results, participants had a low level of practice in physical exercise, stress management, and self-checking among seven subdomains. At the individual level, self-efficacy was positively correlated with sleep management, and at the interpersonal level, family support was positively correlated with smoking cessation and support from significant others was positively correlated with stress management. On the other hand, at the community level, sense of community did not show significant correlation with the practice of cardiovascular disease prevention. Next, according to qualitative research results, 8 themes were identified in three levels as obstacles. At the personal level, overwork, loneliness, and lack of knowledge about CVD; at the interpersonal and community level, decreased activities with residents due to increased individualistic tendencies and decreased sense of community; and at the community environmental level, inconvenience of sidewalks, lack of community space, and insufficient functioning of village health clinics. Conclusion. In order to reduce obstacles to health behavior practice to prevent cardiovascular disease, multidimensional efforts are needed in terms of socio-ecological aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a highly polyphagous and destructive insect pest, damaging a wide range of vegetables and field crops in Korea. Timely management is very important, as delays can lead to considerable economic losses. For timely management, the development of precise forecasting models is important in pest management. In this study, we estimated the temperature-based thermal requirements of S. litura with linear and nonlinear models on host plants to develop models to foresee the spring emergence and population dynamics of S. litura. We found a significant impact of temperature and host plant on the development of S. litura. Development was found to be inversely proportionate to temperature, despite no development at extreme temperatures. Based on the estimated thermal requirements, we developed a forecasting model, and this predicated the spring emergence of S. litura in May–June. Thus, the continuous observation of S. litura in crop fields is required in order to prepare more advanced administration measures against S. litura. The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most serious pests in field crops, vegetables, and ornamentals. Temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35, and 40 °C), host plants (soybean (Glycine max (L.)), maize (Zea mays L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi,), and the artificial diet-dependent developmental parameters and survival of S. litura were examined in this study. Stage-specific parameters such as threshold development temperature (LDT) and thermal constant (K) (Degree day (DD)) were determined by linear and nonlinear models (Sharpe–Schoolfield–Ikemoto), respectively. The total developmental time (egg–adult) decreased with increasing temperature on host plants and with an artificial diet. The total immature developmental time varied from 106.29, 107.57, 130.40, 111.82, and 103.66 days at 15 °C to 22.47, 21.25, 25.31, 18.30, and 22.50 days at 35 °C on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. The LDT for the total immature completion was 7.50, 9.48, 11.44, 12.32, and 7.95 °C on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. The K for the total immature completion was 587.88, 536.84, 517.45, 419.44, and 586.95 DD on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. Temperature and host plant interaction also influenced the longevity and survival of adults. The findings of this study can be used to predict the number of generations, spring emergence, and population dynamics of S. litura. The nutrient content analysis of the host plants is discussed in terms of the developmental patterns of S. litura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the COVID-19 situation changes because of emerging variants and updated vaccines, an elaborate mathematical model is essential in crafting proactive and effective control strategies. We propose a COVID-19 mathematical model considering variants, booster shots, waning, and antiviral drugs. We quantify the effects of social distancing in the Republic of Korea by estimating the reduction in transmission induced by government policies from February 26, 2021 to February 3, 2022. Simulations show that the next epidemic peak can be estimated by investigating the effects of waning immunity. This research emphasizes that booster vaccination should be administered right before the next epidemic wave, which follows the increasing waned population. Policymakers are recommended to monitor the waning population immunity using mathematical models or other predictive methods. Moreover, our simulations considering a new variant's transmissibility, severity, and vaccine evasion suggest intervention measures that can reduce the severity of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three different rheological models including a newly developed formulation based on the current Christensen Anderson and Marateanu (CAM) model, named sigmoidal CAM model (SCM), are used to estimate the evolution of roughness, rutting, and reflective cracking in a typical composite pavement structure currently widely adopted in South Korea. Three different asphalt mixtures were prepared and dynamic modulus tests were performed. Then, the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) was used for predicting the progression of the pavement distress and to estimate the effect of the three different models on such phenomena. It is found that the three different mathematical models provide lower and upper limits for roughness, rutting, and reflective cracking. While the CAM model may not be entirely reliable due to its inability in fitting the data in the high-temperature domain, SCM might result in moderately more conservative pavement design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a test scale to measure the character qualities of medical students as a follow-up study on the 8 core character qualities revealed in a previous report. Methods: In total, 160 preliminary items were developed to measure 8 core character qualities. Twenty questions were assigned to each quality, and a questionnaire survey was conducted among 856 students in 5 medical schools in Korea. Using the partial credit model, polytomous item response theory analysis was carried out to analyze the goodness-of-fit, followed by exploratory factor analysis. Finally, confirmatory factor and reliability analyses were conducted with the final selected items. Results: The preliminary items for the 8 core character qualities were administered to the participants. Data from 767 students were included in the final analysis. Of the 160 preliminary items, 25 were removed by classical test theory analysis and 17 more by polytomous item response theory assessment. A total of 118 items and sub-factors were selected for exploratory factor analysis. Finally, 79 items were selected, and the validity and reliability were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis and intra-item relevance analysis. Conclusion: The character qualities test scale developed through this study can be used to measure the character qualities corresponding to the educational goals and visions of individual medical schools in Korea. Furthermore, this measurement tool can serve as primary data for developing character qualities tools tailored to each medical school's vision and educational goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the mental health status of children from multicultural families in South Korea. Methods: This study was based on Dahlgren and Whitehead's (1991) rainbow model as a conceptual framework and used data from the second phase of the multicultural adolescents panel study conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with p<.05 considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: In the final model, stress (odds ratio [OR]=0.53, p<.001), life satisfaction (OR=2.09, p=.004), self-esteem (OR=1.73, p=.032), and peer support (OR=1.46, p=.019) affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. The living and working conditions and general socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions did not significantly influence the mental health status of children from multicultural families in the final model. Conclusion: As components of Dahlgren and Whitehead's model, individual hereditary and lifestyle factors, as well as social and community networks, affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. Therefore, in order to improve the mental health of children from multicultural families, efforts are needed to alleviate their stress, increase life satisfaction and self-esteem, and strengthen their social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to discuss the need for translation studies in dementia care and current translational endeavors, and to provide recommendations for evolving evidence-based dementia care. Methods: A literature review yielded current evidence and translational efforts. Results: Dementia care interventions need to be implemented at various service levels. Barriers to translation include evidence gaps, lack of the use of a conceptual framework to explain the implementation process, and unsupportive funding mechanisms for applying innovations. Conclusion: There is clear evidence of the need for and benefits of evidence-based dementia care for patients with dementia, family caregivers, and care professionals. The urgent need now is finding ways to advance translational activities and facilitate future research into translation science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been major changes in flow pattern in the Youngsan River due to construction in-stream structures including newly built Seungchon Weir and Juksan Weir in the middle of the river in addition to existing estuarine dam. Increased nutrient load from basin area has been a major cause of repetitive algal blooms in the river. And increased residence time due to the construction may affect growth dynamics of phytoplankton in the river. This paper reports the construction of a mathematical model to predict phytoplankton dynamics in the area for evaluation of various future management scenarios. The Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code model was chosen as a three-dimensional hydrodynamics and water quality model. Hydrodynamics model and water quality model were successfully calibrated using observed water level data and water quality data, respectively, in selected locations in the river. It is expected that the developed model can be successfully applied to select appropriate water quality management alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Yoon, J. J., 2014. Non-hydrostatic modeling of wave transformation and rip current circulation: a case study for Haeundae Beach, Korea. Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea, is one of the most popular destinations in South Korea, but poses the danger of irregular, fast moving rip currents. To investigate the dominant mechanism of rip currents in this region, a numerical simulation was carried out using the non-hydrostatic model Surface WAves till SHore (SWASH), with observed wave and topographical data. In this paper, the applicability of SWASH for modeling the wave transformation and rip current circulation near the shallow foreshore is investigated. Assuming that rip current dynamics are controlled by combination of variations in wave dissipation and morphological flow constriction, we tested the effects of wave parameters, such as wave heights, wave periods, wave directions, and changes in tidal conditions, on rip current generation. The model results showed good agreement with previous studies, as well as observations in this region. A numerical study showed that wave refraction by spatial topographical characteristics (several submerged reefs near the coasts) of Haeundae Beach cause wave energy propagation in different directions towards the beach. Rip currents were simulated when longshore currents flowed out through a channel with very small wave energy in the seaward direction. The occurrence of rip currents was increased under conditions of higher waves and longer wave periods. In the case of wave direction, we tested cases from SSW to SSE, and present the spatial characteristics of the simulation results. The locations of rip channels that generate rip current are significantly affected by incident wave conditions, such as wave direction, height, and period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cost-benefit analysis is one of the most commonly used economic evaluation methods, which helps to inform the economic value of a program to decision makers. However, the selection of a correct benefit estimation method remains critical for accurate cost-benefit analysis. This paper compared benefit estimations among three different benefit estimation models. Methods: Data from community-based chronic hypertension management programs in a city in South Korea were used. Three different benefit estimation methods were compared. The first was a standard deterministic estimation model; second, a repeated-measures deterministic estimation model; and third, a transitional probability estimation model. Results: The estimated net benefit of the three different methods were $1,273.01, $-3,749.42, and $-5,122.55 respectively. Conclusion: The transitional probability estimation model showed the most correct and realistic benefit estimation, as it traced possible paths of changing status between time points and it accounted for both positive and negative benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present and test a model of innovativeness improvement based on the impact of organizational learning culture. The concept of organizational learning culture (OLC) is presented and defined as a set of norms and values about the functioning of an organization. They should support systematic, in-depth approaches aimed at achieving higher-level organizational learning. The elements of an organizational learning process that we use are information acquisition, information interpretation, and behavioral and cognitive changes. Within the competing values framework OLC covers some aspects of all four different types of cultures: group, developmental, hierarchical, and rational. Constructs comprising innovativeness are innovative culture and innovations, which are made of technical (product and service) and administrative (process) innovations. We use data from 201 Korean companies employing more than 50 people. The impact of OLC on innovations empirically tested via structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that OLC has a very strong positive direct effect on innovations as well as moderate positive indirect impact via innovative culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The reproduction number is one of the most crucial parameters in determining disease dynamics, providing a summary measure of the transmission potential. However, estimating this value is particularly challenging owing to the characteristics of epidemic data, including non-reproducibility and incompleteness.Methods: In this study, we propose mathematical models with different population structures; each of these models can produce data on the number of cases of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 epidemic in South Korea. These structured models incorporating the heterogeneity of age and region are used to estimate the reproduction numbers at various terminal times. Subsequently, the age- and region-specific reproduction numbers are also computed to analyze the differences illustrated in the incidence data.Results: Incorporation of the age-structure or region-structure allows for robust estimation of parameters, while the basic SIR model provides estimated values beyond the reasonable range with severe fluctuation. The estimated duration of infectious period using age-structured model is around 3.8 and the reproduction number was estimated to be 1.6. The estimated duration of infectious period using region-structured model is around 2.1 and the reproduction number was estimated to be 1.4. The estimated age- and region-specific reproduction numbers are consistent with cumulative incidence for corresponding groups.Conclusions: Numerical results reveal that the introduction of heterogeneity into the population to represent the general characteristics of dynamics is essential for the robust estimation of parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel coronavirus (named SARS-CoV-2) can spread widely in confined settings including hospitals, cruise ships, prisons, and places of worship. In particular, a healthcare-associated outbreak could become the epicenter of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different intervention strategies on the hospital outbreak within a tertiary hospital. A mathematical model was developed for the COVID-19 transmission within a 2500-bed tertiary hospital of South Korea. The SEIR (susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered) model with a compartment of doctor, nurse, patient, and caregiver was constructed. The effects of different intervention strategies such as front door screening, quarantine unit for newly admitted patients, early testing of suspected infected people, and personal protective equipment for both medical staff and visitors were evaluated. The model suggested that the early testing (within eight hours) of infected cases and monitoring the quarantine ward for newly hospitalized patients are effective measures for decreasing the incidence of COVID-19 within a hospital (81.3% and 70% decrease of number of incident cases, respectively, during 60 days). Front door screening for detecting suspected cases had only 42% effectiveness. Screening for prohibiting the admission of COVID-19 patients was more effective than the measures for patients before emergency room or outpatient clinic. This model suggests that under the assumed conditions, some effective measures have a great influence on the incidence of COVID-19 within a hospital. The implementation of the preventive measures could reduce the size of a hospital outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research has suggested the positive impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing in older age, yet few studies have investigated the associations between physical activity and heterogeneous trajectories of healthy ageing. We aimed to identify how physical activity can influence healthy ageing trajectories using a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts across the world. Methods: Based on a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts in Australia, USA, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and Europe, comprising 130,521 older adults (Mage = 62.81, SDage = 10.06) followed-up up to 10 years (Mfollow-up = 5.47, SDfollow-up = 3.22), we employed growth mixture modelling to identify latent classes of people with different trajectories of healthy ageing scores, which incorporated 41 items of health and functioning. Multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to investigate the associations between physical activity and different types of trajectories adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other lifestyle behaviours. Results: Three latent classes of healthy ageing trajectories were identified: two with stable trajectories with high (71.4%) or low (25.2%) starting points and one with a high starting point but a fast decline over time (3.4%). Engagement in any level of physical activity was associated with decreased odds of being in the low stable (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.19) and fast decline trajectories groups (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.50) compared to the high stable trajectory group. These results were replicated with alternative physical activity operationalisations, as well as in sensitivity analyses using reduced samples. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a positive impact of physical activity on healthy ageing, attenuating declines in health and functioning. Physical activity promotion should be a key focus of healthy ageing policies to prevent disability and fast deterioration in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria has persisted as an endemic near the Demilitarized Zone in the Republic of Korea since the re-emergence of Plasmodium vivax malaria in 1993. The number of patients affected by malaria has increased recently despite many controls tools, one of the reasons behind which is the relapse of malaria via liver hypnozoites. Tafenoquine, a new drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2018, is expected to reduce the rate of relapse of malaria hypnozoites and thereby decrease the prevalence of malaria among the population. In this work, we have developed a new transmission model for Plasmodium vivax that takes into account a more realistic intrinsic distribution from existing literature to quantify the current values of relapse parameters and to evaluate the effectiveness of the anti-relapse therapy. The model is especially suitable for estimating parameters near the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, in which the disease follows a distinguishable seasonality. Results were shown that radical cure could significantly reduce the prevalence level of malaria. However, eradication would still take a long time (over 10 years) even if the high-level treatment were to persist. In addition, considering that the vector's behavior is manipulated by the malaria parasite, relapse repression through vector control at the current level may result in a negative effect in containing the disease. We conclude that the use of effective drugs should be considered together with the increased level of the vector control to reduce malaria prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the Austrian health care system using the ecology of care model. Our secondary aim was to compare data from Austria with those available from other countries. Design: 3508 interviews employing a 30-item questionnaire related to the utilization of the health care system including demographic factors were conducted. Participants were chosen by a Random Digital Dialing procedure. Further, a literature review of studies of other countries use of the ecology of care model was conducted. Main outcome measures: Austria has one of the highest utilization of health care services in any of the assessed categories. The comparison with the literature review shows that Austria has the highest utilization of specialists working in the outpatient sector as well as the highest hospitalization rates. Taiwan and Korea have comparable utilization patterns. Canada, Sweden, and Norway are countries with lower utilization patterns, and the U.S. and Japan are intermediate. Conclusion: In Austria and similarly organized countries, high utilization of all health care services can be observed, in particular, the utilization of specialists and hospitalizations. The over-utilization of all levels of health care in Austria may be due to the lack of a clear demarcation line between the primary and secondary levels of care, and the presence of universal health coverage, which also allows for unrestricted and undirected access to all levels of care. Previous studies have shown that comparable countries lack the health benefits of a strong primary care system with its coordination function. In Austria and similarly organized countries, there appears to be high utilization of health care in general, as well as with particular utilization of specialists and hospitalizations. The high utilization of all levels of care in Austria may be the result of competition, lack of a clear demarcation line between the primary and secondary level of care, and the presence of universal health coverage. Pathways between primary and secondary care should be strengthened as previous studies have shown that comparable countries lack the health benefits of strong primary care and its function for health care coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a highly competitive fitness industry in South Korea, leaders' role has become more important in retaining competent sport instructors for the survival of the organization. In particular, the leadership style the manager exhibits is crucial in building the sport instructors' trust in their leaders. This quality relationship between the leader and the followers, in turn, help the competent sport instructors to stay in the organization and perform at their best. Based on Barbuto and Wheeler's (2006) servant leadership model, the purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between different servant leadership attributes and trust in leaders among sport instructors in South Korea. The servant leadership attributes included were altruistic calling, emotional healing, wisdom, persuasive mapping, and organizational stewardship. The data were collected from 219 certified sport instructors in South Korea during the national sport instructor certification training using a paper pencil self-administered survey method. The results of multiple regression analysis demonstrated that all the servant leadership attributes together explained 75.3% of the variance in trust in leaders. Of the five attributes studied, three attributes, altruistic calling, persuasive mapping, and organizational stewardship, had a significant association with trust in leaders. The findings of the study guide sport managers on what attributes they need to focus on to gain trust from their followers. In addition, the results of the study could serve as a vital tool to hire an effective sport manager and to develop a leadership training program for sport managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Childhood leukemia is a serious trauma affecting both adolescents and their parents, who experience painful process. However, adolescents with leukemia and their parents also experience positive changes, which is referred to as posttraumatic growth. We examined posttraumatic growth, core beliefs, impact of event, and event-related rumination in adolescents within 5 years of a diagnosis of childhood leukemia and their parents. Methods: The participants were 68 adolescents with childhood leukemia (aged 13~18 years) and their parents, who were recruited from C university hospital in Korea from May to September 2016. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Core Belief Inventory, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and Event-related Rumination Inventory were completed by the adolescents and their parents. The mean scores and correlations between variables were investigated for both set of participants. Results: Parents showed significantly higher levels of posttraumatic growth, disruption of core beliefs, impact of event, and invasive rumination than adolescents. Disruption of core beliefs and deliberate rumination were positively correlated with posttraumatic growth in both groups. Conclusion: Nursing intervention programs that involve modifying core beliefs and inducing a positive thought can help adolescents with leukemia and their parents grow after traumatic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses high-resolution radar and surface observations to investigate the finescale structural evolution of airflow and precipitation over complex terrain in the Pyeongchang area, South Korea. The Taebaek Mountain range (TMR) runs parallel to the northeastern coast of South Korea, with a perpendicular ridge known as the Pyeongchang branch (PCB). The objective of this study was to identify the mechanisms of wintertime precipitation over these topographic features during the passage of a low pressure system (LPS) through the southern Korean Peninsula. The analysis indicates that intense precipitation occurred over the southwestern and northeastern sides of the TMR during stage I but only over the northeastern side during stage II. The prevailing southwesterly winds were dominated by warm advection associated with the LPS over the PCB during stage I. These prevailing southwesterly winds locally enhanced precipitation on the southwestern end of the PCB; multiple influences of mountain waves, airflow convergence, and drifted particles are possible factors for causing precipitation on the northeastern side of the TMR. During stage II, the prevailing winds changed from easterlies to northeasterlies offshore from Gangneung. The easterly winds decelerated and were deflected locally along the mountainous coast, and this blocked zone interacted with the oncoming flow to trigger a precipitation band. Consequently, the northeasterly winds helped push the precipitation band toward the coast, causing heavy precipitation in Gangneung. The observational evidence presented shows that the interaction of temporally changing winds accompanying the movement of an LPS over topography is a critical factor for determining the distribution and intensity of precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Lee, H.-Y.; Kim, D.-S.; Jeong, Y.-H., and Hong, S.-J., 2018. Development of a real-time storm-surge response system for decision-making support on the Korean coast. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 911–915. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A real-time storm surge prediction system based on typhoon advisories issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration was constructed to support decision-making regarding the mitigation of storm surge disasters. This approach was tested in real time by providing storm surge prediction data during the approach of Typhoon Chaba in 2016, to support National Disaster and Safety Status Control Center decision-making in response to that system's storm surge. A 140 core-based parallel cluster was used for storm surge prediction and the entire process (from storm surge height prediction to provision of information for decision-making) lasted three hours. The root mean square errors of the maximum water surface elevation and the maximum surge height provided were 0.09–0.11 m and 0.14–0.26 m, respectively, and the relative errors were 6–9% and 34–69%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Heo, K.-Y.; Choi, J.-Y.; Park, K.-S.; Kwon, J.-I.; Min, I.-K., and Ha, T., 2018. Explosively developing extratropical cyclone associated with the high wind-waves along the east coast of Korea. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 716–720. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. An extreme extratropical cyclone struck the northern part of Korea on May 3, 2016 causing significant damage to property on the land due to extreme winds and abnormal high waves in coastal area. The meteorological composite fields for the cyclone show a strong surface wind velocity (up to 45 m s−1) during its mature stage. This study investigated the development mechanisms of an explosive cyclone through numerical simulation and sensitivity experiments using the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model. The trigger mechanism for the explosive cyclogenesis is the strong baroclinic instability and temperature advection associated with upper-level cut-off low and the interaction of potential vorticity (PV) anomalies between the lower- and upper-level. The efficient placement of the high- and low-level jets forms a favorable environment for its development and transportation of water vapor and the instability energy into the cyclone. The sea-state wave simulation around the Korean Peninsula is obtained using the wave model WAVEWATCHIII (WW3) forced by the 10-m above ground level wind field from the WRF-ARW simulations. The significant wave height and peak wave direction were simulated and wave distribution was analyzed by comparing the removal of the upper-level PV with the doubled. The numerical results using the doubled upper-level PV reproduced well generation of high waves around the Korean Peninsula while not the removal of the upper-level PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Korean National Forest Inventory (NFI) data, our study developed a model to estimate stand mean diameter at breast height (DBH) reflecting the influence of site and climate factors on forest growth for the major tree species in South Korea. A DBH estimation model was developed using stand-level variables (stand age, site index and number of trees per hectare) as independent factors. The spatial autocorrelation of residuals of the model was identified using semi-variogram analysis for each tree species. Further, a residual model, in which residuals were estimated by climatic factors (mean temperature, sum temperature in the growing season and precipitation), was developed assuming that the spatial autocorrelation of residuals reflects the differences in regional climatic conditions. Linear regression analysis showed that residuals of all tree species were significantly correlated with temperature and precipitation. The DBH and residual models were integrated to estimate the current DBH under different climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) and stand-level variables. This model had high reliability (R² = 0.74-0.79), and no obvious dependencies or patterns in residuals were noted. Our results indicated that temperature increases caused by climate change would negatively affect the DBH estimate of coniferous trees, but not of oak species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impacts of the upstream Soyanggang and Chungju multi-purpose dams on the frequency of downstream floods in the Han River basin, South Korea. A continuous hydrological model, SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool), was used to individually simulate regulated and unregulated daily streamflows entering the Paldang Dam, which is located at the outlet of the basin of interest. The simulation of the regulated flows by the Soyanggang and Chungju dams was calibrated with observed inflow data to the Paldang Dam. The estimated daily flood peaks were used for a frequency analysis, using the extreme Type-I distribution, for which the parameters were estimated via the L-moment method. This novel approach was applied to the study area to assess the effects of the dams on downstream floods. From the results, the two upstream dams were found to be able to reduce downstream floods by approximately 31% compared to naturally occurring floods without dam regulation. Furthermore, an approach to estimate the flood frequency based on the hourly extreme peak flow data, obtained by combining SWAT simulation and Sangal's method, was proposed and then verified by comparison with the observation-based results. The increased percentage of floods estimated with hourly simulated data for the three scenarios of dam regulation ranged from 16.1% to 44.1%. The reduced percentages were a little higher than those for the daily-based flood frequency estimates. The developed approach allowed for better understanding of flood frequency, as influenced by dam regulation on a relatively large watershed scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Digital applications to promote communication and engagement for people with dementia (PWD) are gaining increasing attention for their potential to improve interpersonal relationships and quality of life (Hoel et al, 2021). The ubiquitous availability of everyday digital technologies could enable widespread use by usual carers and families and support implementation of person-centered care practices in daily care. However, a major barrier for the adoption and effectiveness of these applications is the significant time and effort required to personalize them. which may not be practically achievable for many carers. In order to address this issue, a conceptual AI framework to automate personalization of a cognitive stimulation application has been co-created with a PWD and her daughter and its feasibility investigated. Method A digital application called Aikomi Care that provides personalized stimulation programs to promote communication called was used by the mother and daughter in weekly on-line sessions for approximately 2 years. Each session used a different program manually prepared in collaboration with the daughter by selecting stimulation topics based on her mother's life story and interests and topics which she had enjoyed in previous sessions which were arranged in a sequence form a story that could be easily understood by the mother. In addition, each session was video recorded and the behavioral response were manually annotated and correlated with the stimulation topic giving rise to the response. In this was way, a long-term Aikomi care usage data set was generated for AI model development. Results and Discussion 2 AI models were created to learn: (i) the characteristics of the stimulation topics that generate good responses by the mother in order to recommend known and new topics that could induce good responses and ii) learn the sequence order patterns of the stimulation topics in a program that result in sessions that give good overall responses. The goal was for these models to work together to provide the right content in the right sequence to optimize generation of the desired responses by the PWD. The stimulation topic recommendation algorithm uses a Word2vec (Mikolov et al, 2013) approach and the sequence prediction algorithm is based on a Long-Short-Term-Memory model (LSTM, Brownlee, 2017). Both algorithms achieved promising accuracies sufficient for further development and demonstrate how a co-creation approach can be used to develop AI models to learn and adapt stimulation programs according to the preferences and responses of a PWD. The results of the preliminary testing of the model will be presented and its potential to be used as an automated personalized storytelling function to enable intelligent augmentation of communication and engagement will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple prevention measures have the possibility of impacting HIV incidence in South Korea, including early diagnosis, early treatment, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We investigated how each of these interventions could impact the local HIV epidemic, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), who have become the major risk group in South Korea. A mathematical model was used to estimate the effects of each these interventions on the HIV epidemic in South Korea over the next 40 years, as compared to the current situation. Methods: We constructed a mathematical model of HIV infection among MSM in South Korea, dividing the MSM population into seven groups, and simulated the effects of early antiretroviral therapy (ART), early diagnosis, PrEP, and combination interventions on the incidence and prevalence of HIV infection, as compared to the current situation that would be expected without any new prevention measures. Results: Overall, the model suggested that the most effective prevention measure would be PrEP. Even though PrEP effectiveness could be lessened by increased unsafe sex behavior, PrEP use was still more beneficial than the current situation. In the model, early diagnosis of HIV infection was also effectively decreased HIV incidence. However, early ART did not show considerable effectiveness. As expected, it would be most effective if all interventions (PrEP, early diagnosis and early treatment) were implemented together. Conclusions: This model suggests that PrEP and early diagnosis could be a very effective way to reduce HIV incidence in South Korea among MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, structures of real-time adaptive observation guidance provided by Yonsei University (YSU) in South Korea during The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX)-Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC) are presented and compared with those of no-lead-time adaptive observation guidance recalculated as well as other adaptive observation guidance for a tropical cyclone (Jangmi 200815). During the T-PARC period, real-time dry total energy (TE) singular vectors (SVs) based on the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University-National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) and the corresponding tangent linear and adjoint models with a Lanczos algorithm are provided by YSU to help determine sensitive regions for targeted observations. While YSU provided the real-time TESV guidance based on a mesoscale model, other institutes provided real-time TESV guidance based on global models. The overall features of the real-time MM5 TESVs were similar to those generated from global models, showing influences from tropical cyclones, midlatitude troughs, and subtropical ridges. TESV structures are very sensitive to verification region and forecast lead time. If a more accurate basic-state trajectory with no lead time is used, more accurate TESVs, which yield more accurate determinations of sensitive regions for targeted observations, may be calculated. The results of this study may imply that reducing forecast lead time is an important component to obtaining better sensitivity guidance for real-time targeted observation operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the occurrence of a hydrogen fluoride leakage accident that triggered massive losses in Gumi, South Korea in 2012, the government and companies have been interested in installing mitigation systems to minimize the loss of a leakage accident. What lacks in previous researches studying mitigation systems is an evaluation of how much a mitigation system can reduce the impact of accidents. Therefore, modeling-based simulations of mitigation systems should be urgently developed to analysis of the performance of a mitigation system. This study aims to design a mitigation system to reduce the amount of materials leaked to the outside when a leakage accident of a storage tank occurs and determine its design specifications through the use of modeling. The basic concept is that when leakage occurs, leakage material in a dike is drained to a remote impoundment installed under the ground, while the material in the storage vessel is transferred to a reserve tank by a pump at the same time. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed system, two case studies are tested. The simulation results indicate that the proposed mitigation system can contribute to the reduction in the dispersion area for the materials as well as a large reduction in the leakage material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spreads rapidly and has attracted worldwide attention.Methods: To improve the forecast accuracy and investigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, we constructed four mathematical models to numerically estimate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the efficacy of eradication strategies.Results: Using the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed (SEIR) model, and including measures such as city closures and extended leave policies implemented by the Chinese government that effectively reduced the β value, we estimated that the β value and basic transmission number, R0, of SARS-CoV-2 was 0.476/6.66 in Wuhan, 0.359/5.03 in Korea, and 0.400/5.60 in Italy. Considering medicine and vaccines, an advanced model demonstrated that the emergence of vaccines would greatly slow the spread of the virus. Our model predicted that 100,000 people would become infected assuming that the isolation rate α in Wuhan was 0.30. If quarantine measures were taken from March 10, 2020, and the quarantine rate of α was also 0.3, then the final number of infected people was predicted to be 11,426 in South Korea and 147,142 in Italy.Conclusions: Our mathematical models indicate that SARS-CoV-2 eradication depends on systematic planning, effective hospital isolation, and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, and some measures including city closures and leave policies should be implemented to ensure SARS-CoV-2 eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever has been a threat to public health not only in tropical regions but non-tropical regions due to recent climate change. Motivated by a recent dengue outbreak in Japan, we develop a two-patch model for dengue transmission associated with temperature-dependent parameters. The two patches represent a park area where mosquitoes prevail and a residential area where people live. Based on climate change scenarios, we investigate the dengue transmission dynamics between the patches. We employ an optimal control method to implement proper control measures in the two-patch model. We find that blockage between two patches for a short-term period is effective in a certain degree for the disease control, but to obtain a significant control effect of the disease, a long-term blockage should be implemented. Moreover, the control strategies such as vector control and transmission control are very effective, if they are implemented right before the summer outbreak. We also investigate the cost-effectiveness of control strategies such as vaccination, vector control and virus transmission control. We find that vector control and virus transmission control are more cost-effective than vaccination in case of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]