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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]

The emergence of idols in music industries, especially recently in South Korea, has led to an increase in the number of fans from around the world, especially among teenagers. The popularity of these idols is also due to the influence of social media reporting on their performances, way of life and daily activities, which covers both positive and negative news. In this research, we develop mathematical models to analyze the impact of media on the idols' popularity using a statistical approach. To apply the models, we collect data from Google Trends for searching statistics graphs that display the popularity of the Korean idols BTS and EXO, and the American idols Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. We observe the effect of negative and positive news on the popularity of these Eastern and Western idols. It was expected that positive news would increase the number of fanatical fans while negative news would make the fans become bored with the idol quickly. The results show that negative news about Korean idols can reduce their popularity, but on the contrary, negative news about the American idols does not affect their popularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have suggested that the relationship between voluntary turnover and organizational performance can be moderated by the organizational context in which turnover occurs. However, there are few empirical studies that examine such moderating effects. Using a sample of 161 firms in South Korea, this study investigates how the relationship between voluntary turnover and organizational performance is moderated by three context variables: (1) the degree of organizational usage of employee involvement practices, (2) the degree of organizational investment in employee training and development, and (3) the availability of potential workers. The results demonstrate that employee involvement practices significantly amplify the negative relationship between voluntary turnover and organizational performance, give marginal support for moderation from the availability of potential workers, and provide no support for moderation from the degree of organizational investment in employee training and development. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of this study for enriching our understanding of the relationship between voluntary turnover and organizational performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [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]

Aim: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the impact of intelligent healthscape quality on job outcomes and job satisfaction via the pleasure feeling of nurses, a positive emotion towards the work environment. The moderating effect of innovativeness as a personal trait is also investigated. Background: High quality of intelligent healthscape can improve nurses' job outcomes and satisfaction. Methods: A descriptive, cross‐sectional, survey design was used. A total of 222 experienced nurses from a general hospital were surveyed in their working environment, pleasure feeling, job outcomes and job satisfaction. Structural equation modelling was used to test the theoretical model and hypotheses between constructs. Results: The final model explained 88% of the variance in nurse job outcomes and job satisfaction. The result shows that (a) intelligent healthscape quality had a positive effect on nurse job outcomes and job satisfaction through pleasure feeling, and all the paths of the suggested model were statistically significant. Moreover, (b) a pleasure feeling showed stronger effects on job outcomes in nurses with higher levels of innovativeness. Conclusions: This model provides a better understanding of the mechanisms between perceived nursing work environment, job outcomes and psychological empowerment. Based on these results, nurse managers can facilitate job satisfaction of nurses by establishing a highly advanced and supportive work environment. Implications for Nursing Management: The results of this study provide empirical evidence linking intelligent healthscape quality, pleasure feeling, job outcomes and job satisfaction derived from a theoretical model of intelligent healthscape quality. These findings further elucidate the significance of the technology embedded physical nurse work environment as well as provide new academic approaches by demonstrating novel applications of a theoretical framework. [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]

This study examined the causal relationship between knowledge, attitudes and discriminatory behaviour towards older people and further explored age-group differences using multi-group analysis. Data were collected from 1,500 Korean adults aged 20 and older in 2011 using the multi-stage quota sampling method. Trained investigators collected data with a developed survey questionnaire in person and a structural equation modelling method was used for data analysis. Attitudes towards older people was measured using two variables: 'image of older people' and 'prejudice against older people'. The findings revealed that the younger and older generations demonstrated differences regarding the causal relationship between knowledge, attitudes and discriminatory behaviour towards older people. The paths model between independent and dependent variables in the structural equation modelling was non-equivalent in younger and older groups. For both groups, knowledge about ageing and older people led to a positive influence on their image of and prejudice against older people. The effect of prejudice on discriminatory behaviour was significant in the younger group, but not in the older group. Further implications for practice and future research to reduce ageism were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to answer questions about the similarities and differences in the prevalence and distribution of psychological distress across these populations. Methods: Survey data from older Koreans between the ages 60 and 79 from the two countries (n = 480) was analyzed descriptively and in hierarchical multiple regressions. The stress coping framework was used as a conceptual model Results: This study found significantly different prevalence of psychological distress in both countries. About 13% of older Korean immigrants(US) experienced 'severe' psychological distress versus 21% of their counterparts (Korea). Health status and overall financial status were significantly associated with the experience of psychological distress in both countries, while income was not significantly associated with psychological distress. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed significant associations between family relationships and help-seeking behavior among older Korean immigrants in the United States while there were significant associations between social support, social networks and psychological distress among older Koreans in South Korea. Conclusion: This is the first time that a comparative study has been used to understand psychological distress among older Koreans in both countries. The findings build on prior research on social support and social networks as stress coping buffers, adding a much-needed understanding of how stressors and different types of resources influence psychological distress outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study primarily uses Berry's theoretical model to examine national identity, acculturation (to South Korea), ethnic identity, and enculturation (to country-of-origin), and how they are linked to immigrant adolescents' aggression and depression in South Korea. Data were collected from 120 immigrant youths (i.e., those born in South Korea and those born in their country-of-origin) in eight middle schools. Analyses include multivariate regression and cluster analyses. Findings indicate that South Korean identity (m = 48, F = 77.0, p <.001), acculturation to South Korean culture (m = 44.9, F = 52.3, p <.01), and mother's Korean proficiency (m = 3.6, F = 10.9, p <.001) were higher among Korea-born adolescents. Enculturation (m = 35.5, F = 13.7, p <.001) and depression (m = 36.4, F = 15.3, p <.001) were higher among foreign-born adolescents. Aggression (r = −.26, p <.01) and depression (r = −.46, p <.01) were lower among native-born Korean adolescents. South Korean identity (B = −.27, p =.02) and acculturation (B = −.28, p =.01) were negatively associated with aggression. South Korean identity (B = −.22, p =.04), acculturation (B = −.21, p =.03), and ethnic identity (B = −.17, p =.02) were negatively associated with depression. Integration youth (M = 12.7) and assimilation youth (M = 11.5) reported lower aggression than marginalization youth (M = 15.8, F = 5.48, p <.01). Assimilation type had better outcomes than separation and marginalization types. [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]

Bi-ethnic adolescents of marriage migrant mothers in Korea are often encouraged to be “pure” Koreans for their adjustments and not given the opportunities to explore their ethnic identity or to learn about their mother’s culture of origin. Existing studies conducted with mono-ethnic minorities in other countries, however, do not support this belief. We tested a conceptual model on the role of ethnic socialization, ethnic identity and self-esteem on school adjustment among bi-ethnic adolescents in Korea based on social identity theory and theoretical models of ethnic socialization and ethnic identity. We used data from 2015 National Survey of Multicultural Families. The study sample consisted of 296 adolescents aged 9-18 who were born between Korean fathers and Vietnamese marriage migrant mothers. We used structural equation modeling to specifically examine the association between ethnic socialization in terms of parents’ linguistic socialization and adolescents’ school adjustment mediated by ethnic identity in the form of ethnic regard and self-esteem among bi-ethnic adolescents. The results verified the hypothesized model, showing positive relationships between linguistic socialization and ethnic regard, ethnic regard and self-esteem, self-esteem and school adjustment, and ethnic regard and school adjustment. Additionally, the results of bootstrapping test showed that the indirect effect of linguistic socialization on self-esteem through ethnic regard was significant. The indirect effect of ethnic regard on school adjustment through self-esteem was significant and the indirect effect of linguistic socialization on school adjustment via ethnic regard and self-esteem was also significant. These results shed light on the important role of ethnic identity fostered at home among bi-ethnic adolescents of marriage migrant mothers in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study was conducted to develop a theoretical model to comprehensively explain suicidal ideation in Korean college students by including resilience, belongingness, and college life adjustment in addition to depression and stress. Design and Sample: This study was a descriptive survey with 291 college students. Measures: Structural equation modeling was used to the hypotheses on this study. Results: Belongingness and depression showed a statistically significant direct effect, and college life stress and belongingness showed a statistically significant indirect effect. Belongingness was the most influential, and all the predictors in combination had an explanatory power of 37% for suicidal ideation in college students. Conclusions: Findings suggest a model of suicidal ideation focused on perspective, protective factors; previous research provided a negative perspective with focus on risk factors for suicidal ideation. Findings can be used to develop diverse programs to decrease suicidal ideation in college students and help them to adjust to college life. [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]

This study uses an endogenous Markov-switching framework to examine the interrelatedness of the volatility dynamics of the US and Korean markets. Previous literature assumes that the US market implied volatility index is exogenous to the Korean implied volatility index. Here, we allow for correlations between the US and Korean variables and suggest two types of endogeneity, namely endogeneity in the regressors and in the regime-switching probabilities. The estimation results show that both types of endogeneity are present in the US variables and that the parameter estimates are quite different when endogeneity is considered, indicating a serious endogeneity bias in the parameter estimates. The results of the endogeneity test for the regressors show that the effects of global shocks are often persistent and may last for as long as six periods. Sub-period analyses indicate that the degrees of endogeneity were especially strong during the global financial crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirituality is an essential part of human beings. Spiritual care, designed to meet the spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families, is one of the most important aspects of hospice and palliative care (HPC). This study reviewed and analyzed literature utilizing the most commonly used Korean and international healthcare databases to identify care models that adequately address the spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families in practice. The results of this study show that spirituality is an intrinsic part of humans, meaning that people are holistic beings. The literature has provided ten evidencebased theories that can be used as models in HPC. Three of the models focus on how the spiritual care outcomes of viewing spiritual health, quality of life, and coping, are important outcomes. The remaining seven models focus on implementation of spiritual care. The "whole-person care model" addresses the multidisciplinary collaboration within HPC. The "existential functioning model" emphasizes the existential needs of human beings. The "open pluralism view" considers the cultural diversity and other types of diversity of care recipients. The "spiritual-relational view" and "framework of systemic organization" models focus on the relationship between hospital palliative care teams and terminally ill patients. The "principal components model" and "actioning spirituality and spiritual care in education and training model" explain the overall dynamics of the spiritual care process. Based on these models, continuous clinical research efforts are needed to establish an optimal spiritual care model for HPC. [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]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the ecological factors that influence health‐promoting behaviors in children from low‐income families in South Korea using a descriptive correlational design. The participants included 297 elementary school students who used community childcare centers, 297 caregivers, and 68 teachers at the centers. Data were collected using a structured self‐report survey, and were subjected to a multi‐level regression analysis. The factors influencing the health‐promoting behaviors of children were as follows: self‐efficacy and self‐regulation as intrapersonal factors; caregivers’ parenting behavior and peer relationships as interpersonal factors; and the number of months since the centers’ establishment, teachers workloads, and centers’ perceived environments as institutional factors. The findings emphasize the need to create a healthy environment to promote the health of children from vulnerable groups, and that community‐based participatory research might be an effective strategy to address these environmental problems, and ultimately help reduce health disparities between children. [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]

Objectives: We aimed to analyze factors affecting the severity of mild whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) and to develop a predictive model to evaluate the presence of mild WAD in minor motor vehicle crashes (MVCs).Methods: We used the Korean In-Depth Accident Study (KIDAS) database, which collects data from 4 regional emergency centers, to obtain data from 2011 to 2017. The Collision Deformation Classification code was obtained as vehicle's damage information, and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were used as occupant's injury information. The degree of WAD was determined using the Quebec Task Force (QTF) classification, comprised of 5 stages (QTF 0-4), depending on the occupant's pain and the physician's findings. QTF 1 was defined as mild WAD, and we used QTF 0 to define those who were uninjured. For KIDAS data between 2011 and 2016, a logistic regression model was used to identify factors affecting the occurrence of mild WAD and a predictive model was constructed. Internal validity was estimated using random bootstrapping, and external validity was evaluated by applying 2017 KIDAS data. Of the 2,629 occupants in the KIDAS database from 2011 to 2016, after applying several exclusion conditions, 459 occupants were used to develop the predictive model. The external validity of the derived predictive model was assessed using the 13 MVC occupants from the 2017 KIDAS database meeting our inclusion criteria. Among the 137 MVC occupants from the 2017 KIDAS database for analysis of the external validity of the derived predictive model, the predictive model was verified for 13 MVC occupants.Results: Logistic regression analysis was used to derive a predictive model based on sex, age, body mass index, type of vehicle, belt status, seating row, crush type, and crush extent. This predictive model had an explanatory power of 65.5% to determine an actual QTF of 0 and 1 (c-statistics: 0.655). As a result of the external validity analysis of the predictive model using data from the 2017 KIDAS database (N = 13), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.500, 0.857, and 0.692, respectively.Conclusions: Using the predictive model, the results of the external validity analysis showed low sensitivity but high specificity. This predictive model provided meaningful results, with a high success rate for determining no injury to an occupant. Given our study results, future research is needed to create a more accurate predictive model that includes relevant technical and sociological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physically active leisure plays a key role in successful aging. Exercise beliefs are one of the key predictors of exercise behavior. We used structural equation modeling to assess the plausibility of a conceptual model specifying hypothesized linkages among middle-aged adults' perceptions of (a) exercise beliefs, (b) physical exercise behavior, and (c) subjective well-being. Four hundred two adults in South Korea responded to survey questions designed to capture the above constructs. We found that physically active leisure participation leads to subjective well-being for both middle-aged men and women. However, men and women exercised for different reasons. Women exercised for the sake of their physical appearance and mental and emotional functioning, whereas men exercised for the sake of their social desirability and vulnerability to disease and aging. Based on our results, we suggest that men tend to show higher social face sensitivity, while women show more appearance management behavior. Based on these findings, we discussed the implications and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), we explored the nationally-bounded roles of four predictors (subjective norms, entertainment, recordability, and networkability) in determining the TAM variables of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and behavioral intention (BI) to use diet/fitness apps on smartphones. Participants/methods: College students in the US and South Korea were invited to participate in a survey. We obtained 508 questionnaires (304 from the US and 204 from Korea). Data were analyzed mainly through path analysis. Results: The four factors positively predicted the PU and PEOU of diet/fitness apps. While the effects of the predictors on the three TAM components were generally stronger among the US students than Korean students, the effect of subjective norms on the BI of diet/fitness apps was weaker among Korean students. Conclusion: Findings from the cross-national comparisons were helpful for thoroughly understanding the contextualized mechanisms involved in the adoption of diet/fitness apps. [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]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop an educational program to promote healthy life behaviors and to evaluate its potential effects on the health practices of fifth grade elementary school children. Methods: The program, which consisted of six categories (daily life and health, disease prevention and management, prevention of drug misuse and overuse, sexuality and health, mental health, and injury prevention and first aid), was developed based on the ADDIE model. A pretest–post‐test, one‐group, quasi‐experimental design was used with 85 elementary school students who voluntarily participated in the program. Results: A school‐based educational program, called the “Six Kid Keys,” referring to the six categories of healthy life behaviors, was developed. Significant pre–post differences in two of the six healthy life behavior categories (disease prevention and management, injury prevention and first aid) were found. Conclusion: A school‐based intervention that was aimed at changing habits related to healthy life behaviors could be effective for elementary school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:Although research supports family–professional collaboration, challenges to implementation have been reported. The case reports describe the implementation of a 4-step practice model that incorporates specific strategies to facilitate family–professional collaboration. Method:The participants were two mothers of children with physical disabilities and two physical therapists. Therapists received instruction in the strategies for collaboration including client-centred interview, visualising a preferred future, scaling questions, and family routine and activity matrix. The intervention was implemented during 6-weekly sessions. The 2nd and 5th sessions were videotaped to analyse the interactions between the parent and therapist using Response Class Matrix. Telephone interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences. Results:Therapists were able to implement all strategies following 6 h of instruction. Analysis of the videotapes indicated that mother–therapist interactions were characterised by sharing information and open communication in a mutually supportive manner. Interviews with the mothers and therapists indicated that the therapists engaged the mothers in the intervention process and tailored interventions to child and family needs. The scaling questions were difficult to implement (therapists) and answer (parents). Conclusion:The findings suggest that the strategies can be used by therapists to promote collaboration and involve parents in setting goals and the intervention process.Implications for RehabilitationStrategies to promote parent–therapist collaboration include client-centred interview, visualising a preferred future, scaling questions, and family routine and activity matrix.Therapists with no previous instruction or training on family-centred services successfully implemented the strategies following 6 h of instruction.Interactions between two parent–physical therapist dyads were characterised by sharing information and open communication in a mutually supportive manner following therapist instruction in strategies for parent–therapist collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between parental warmth and adolescent delinquency, the potential mediating roles of adolescent disclosure and parental knowledge, and gender differences in such association among Korean adolescents. We hypothesized that (1) parental warmth would be significantly and negatively associated with delinquency, (2) adolescent disclosure and parental knowledge would mediate the association between parental warmth and adolescent delinquency, and (3) the association between parental warmth and adolescent delinquency mediated through adolescent disclosure and parental knowledge would be stronger for adolescent girls than boys. Using a sample of 3125 Korean adolescents from nationally representative and longitudinal data (Korea Youth Panel Survey), results from path analyses demonstrated that findings were consistent with US samples, suggesting a negative association between parental warmth and adolescent delinquency. Further, when Korean adolescents perceived parents to be warmer, they were more likely to disclose personal information to their parents. In turn, higher levels of disclosure were associated with higher levels of parental knowledge about their adolescent children's activities. Finally, tests of gender differences suggested that parental warmth was more closely associated with adolescent disclosure among girls than boys. Results supported a process model through which parents may shape adolescent children's delinquency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explored undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of an integrated psychiatric nursing curriculum in Seoul, Korea. Thirteen college students from the nursing school participated in focus-group interviews; the data were analyzed using content analysis. Four themes were derived: being confused by uncertainty, struggling to gain confidence, realizing humanity from stigma, and being motivated by role models. A conceptual model of psychiatric nursing education was developed based on these themes to explain the students’ developmental process from student nurse to psychiatric nurse. Psychiatric nurse educators must understand students’ learning process to facilitate their professional role identification. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify thinking strategies in the complicated decision-making process based on real patient-based data of triage nurses in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This study used the ‘think aloud’ method to collect data from 8 triage nurses from one general hospital ED in South Korea. The data were analyzed with protocol analysis using thinking strategies. Results: The triage process was divided into three stages. The first stage consisted of 8 thinking strategies, including searching for information. They used intuition based on directly observed concepts for identifying a crisis. The second stage consisted of 17 thinking strategies related to the decision-making process. They assessed patients and generated a hypothesis to try to understand their health problems through analytic thinking. The third stage consisted of 10 thinking strategies, including qualifying. They considered the situation of the ED and properly triaged the patients. During the triage process, they frequently used judging the value and searching for information on 17 thinking strategies. Conclusions: Triage nurses demonstrated various connected thinking strategies for each stage. Based on our results, further studies should be done to develop a triage education program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores how expert knowledge is created in the process of women-friendly policy making, based on actor network theory (ANT). To address this purpose, this study uses the “Women’s Happiness in the City of Seoul” policy initiated by the local government of Seoul as one example of policy development. Research findings demonstrate that knowledge creation in expert groups followed the four stages suggested by ANT. In addition, this study found that various types of knowledge emerged from individual experts. This research elucidates the process of knowledge creation and its meanings for women-friendly policy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Individuals are increasingly subjected to flaming or negative behaviours as society becomes digitally adept. Existing research on flaming is largely fragmented and insufficient to understand what induces individuals to engage in flaming actions online. Neutralisation theory, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and motivational theory are integrated to develop a theoretical model to better understand flaming in virtual communities. A large-scale online questionnaire targeting individuals who had experience with flaming in a virtual community was employed to analyse the research model. The results indicate that neutralisation techniques acceptability, enjoyment, subjective norms, and low self-control significantly influence flaming. Enjoyment, low moral beliefs, subjective norms, and low self-control influence neutralisation techniques acceptability, or efforts made by individuals to rationalise their deviant behaviour. Neutralisation techniques acceptability is highly correlated with flaming in virtual communities, which has not previously been examined. Intrinsic motivation or enjoyment influences flaming, which is important because neutralisation theory and the TPB do not account for motivation. Virtual communities have a tremendous amount of influence towards an individual's rationalisation of and repeated engagement in flaming. The government, Internet service providers, the media, virtual communities, and Internet activists have an opportunity to define appropriate online behavioural standards that diminish the prevalence of flaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of an approach which encompasses several micro-systems in Korea may leave important factors of youth risk behaviors undetected. Thus, an examination of a broad set of ecological factors within the micro-system—including individual characteristics as well as immediate family, peer, and school environments surrounding the youth—that is associated with juvenile theft is warranted. The current study analyzes a rare dataset of 176 youth who were arrested for theft and a matching non-theft sample of 180 youth. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to examine variables related to theft engagement. Higher levels of depression was associated with greater odds of theft behavior when examining psychological factors only. Maternal positive parenting behaviors in the family model and school adjustment in the social model were significantly linked with decreased odds of theft engagement. These results may have important implications for providing counseling and educational services to adolescents arrested for theft. Findings encourage expanding the scope of the currently individual-focused program to consideration of family and school contexts that may be crucial for serving youth with theft experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared conventional and satellite-based drought indices from drought vulnerable sites in South Korea during 2004–2013. Satellite-based drought indices, the energy-based water deficit index (EWDI), and the standalone Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based evaporative stress index (stMOD_ESI) were evaluated using MODIS imagery to assess its capability to analyse the complex topography of the Korean peninsula. Of the drought indices examined, the EWDI and stMOD_ESI were accurate when capturing moderate drought conditions, compared to the observed precipitation-based conventional drought indices (standardized precipitation index (SPI-3) and Palmer drought severity index (PDSI)). In addition, the satellite-basedsoil moisture index (SSMI) developed from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) and Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) soil moisture products were reasonably correlated with the EWDI and stMOD_ESI. These results suggest that the satellite-based drought indices (EWDI and stMOD_ESI) may be applicable on a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to test nine variables which derived from the model of self-care in chronic illness and previous studies on elderly patients with hypertension. A descriptive research design was employed in this study. Totally, 306 elderly patients diagnosed with hypertension were selected from three public health centres for the study. The stepwise regression analysis was conducted by analysing predictors of self-care in elderly patients with hypertension. Statistical analyses, including correlation analysis, t-test and analysis of variance tests were conducted for seven variables. The results indicated that only four variables were significant, and the model explained 57% of the variance in self-care. Among these predictors, empowerment was the strongest predictor, followed by social support, depression and perceived severity. These findings demonstrate the significance of assessing predictors of self-care behaviour when examining patients' health behaviours and planning intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Travel patterns have gradually changed from group travel to individual travel. An increasing number of people acquire travel information through various types of media. One of the alternative information sources is social media, which enables users to exchange information among members. However, one of the characteristics of social media is information sharing, not information search, which involves both giving (i.e. posting) and taking (i.e. selective reading, forwarding, replying, linking, and liking) information. Compared to the ‘giving’ side of information-sharing research, less effort has been spent on the ‘taking’ side of information research. Therefore, we investigate travel information adoption in social media as well as how individuals communicate with each other. We use the elaboration likelihood model, which measures the impact of central (e.g. argument quality) and peripheral (e.g. credibility) cues on traveller information-sharing behaviour corresponding with social presence on social media. The results of an empirical analysis of 527 respondents, who were experienced in travel information adoption via social media, were examined. Our findings revealed that argument quality had a positive effect on perceived usefulness and source credibility positively affected perceived usefulness and social relationships. Perceived usefulness had a significant positive effect on social relationships. Both perceived usefulness and social relationships affected travel information adoption. Lastly, the levels of argument quality and source credibility perceived by social media members were found to differ according to the level of social presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to explain the information-sharing process and investigate the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations that may induce information sharing on Facebook. Using the theory of planned behaviour, this research distinguishes between information-sharing intention and information-sharing behaviour. Based on self-determination theory, this research selects the extrinsic and intrinsic motivations that influence intention. Based on a survey of 233 South Korean Facebook users in their 20s and 30s, this research applies a structural equation modelling approach to develop the research model. All the intrinsic motivations are found to have a significant positive influence on information sharing about products and services. However, among the extrinsic motivations, only expected reciprocal relationship is found to have a significant positive influence on information-sharing intention. This research approaches Facebook empirically from a marketing perspective and suggests a strategic direction for marketers and Facebook managers. [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]

This study challenges the conventional assumption that online customers with high purchase intention routinely move to the purchase stage. To this end, the process of how online customers form purchase intention and behaviour is examined. On the basis of product value distribution (PVD), we propose that thehypothetically expected product value(i.e. PVD average) determines purchase intention, whereas theactual probability of attaining the expected product value(i.e. PVD variance) moderates purchase behaviour. This proposal indicates that theexpected product valuehas significance only when repeated purchase is assumed given that most consumers do not repeatedly purchase the same product in reality. Thus, theactual probability of attaining the expected product valuemore critically affects customer behaviour than does itsexpected value. The effectiveness of the research model is verified by conducting a survey on 300 online mall shoppers in Korea. The results confirm model effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain management (SCM) is an important strategic tool that requires careful planning and management. While the availability of real-time information is a critical aspect of an SCM system, it possesses a potential to disrupt supply chain participants. Thus, the success of an SCM system hinges on how well participants deal with changes taking place in a real-time environment. This study adopts the concept of the real-time enterprise to understand the role of change management on SCM performance based on the concept of the information orientation. The study empirically validated the role of change management on SCM performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To examine the relationship between average hospital length of stay (LOS) of nursing units and work demands perceived by nurses, and between work demands and nurses' health and job outcomes. Design A cross-sectional study using nurse survey data collected in a tertiary university hospital in Seoul, South Korea, in 2013 including 746 staff nurses working on 36 general, oncology, or intensive care units. Methods Each unit's average LOS was categorized as short (1st quartile), medium (2nd and 3rd quartiles), or long (4th quartile). Work demands (i.e., quantitative demands, work pace, and emotional demands), and nurses' health and job outcomes were measured using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II. Their relationships were examined by multiple linear or logistic regression analyses with multilevel modeling. Findings The nurses reported high mean scores of work demands and poor health and job outcomes, compared with other occupations. The nurses working on units with a short or medium (vs. long) LOS perceived higher quantitative and emotional demands, and a higher work pace. Greater quantitative and emotional demands were associated with poor self-rated health, greater sleeping troubles, work-family conflict, stress and burnout, lower job satisfaction, and a greater intent to leave. A higher work pace was also significantly related to greater work-family conflict. Conclusions A shorter LOS was associated with higher work demands, and higher work demands were associated with worse nurse outcomes. Thus, excessive work demands should be avoided to prevent nurses' health and job outcomes from deteriorating. Clinical Relevance Nurse managers need to monitor the impacts of reducing LOS on work demands and nurse outcomes and request additional nurses to meet increasing work demands. [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]

Aim This article is a report of the development and testing of the hypothetical model that illustrates relationships between treatment adherence and its psychosocial influencing factors and to elucidate the direct and indirect (mediating) effects of factors on treatment adherence. Background Poor adherence has been consistently reported in haemodialysis patients. Much research has showed various influencing factors of adherence, but these studies have failed to identify consistent influencing factors. Design This study was performed using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Methods The study subjects were 150 end-stage renal failure patients on haemodialysis at a university hospital located in Incheon, South Korea. Data were collected over 10 months (June 2010-April 2011). Findings The hypothetical model provided a good fit with data. Haemodialysis-related knowledge, perceived barrier to adherence, self-efficacy on adherence, and healthcare provider support had significant effects on adherence. Self-efficacy was found to mediate barrier-adherence and family support-adherence relationships. Self-efficacy in combination with barrier, family support, and healthcare provider support was found to mediate the depression-adherence relationship. Conclusion Strategies aimed at the development of successful adherence interventions should focus on reducing perceived barriers and enhancing self-efficacy and knowledge. It can be suggested that efforts to improve the healthcare provider-patient relationship would enhance adherence. In depressive patients, strategies that promote self-efficacy and the support of family or healthcare providers could diminish the negative impact of depression on adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies on user aggression in virtual worlds have mainly focused on the causes of aggressive behaviour, but only a few have focused on the factors that relieve it. This study was conducted to determine the causes of aggression relaxation and aggravation in virtual worlds, using an approach that significantly differs from that used in previous research. We examined the mechanisms that affect aggravation and relaxation of virtual aggression, and suggested ways to resolve problems with aggression. A survey was conducted with 112 Second Life users to examine how commitment, belief, avatar attachment, desensitisation, and addiction were related to self-control and control disorder, and how the two latter factors affected virtual aggression. The survey also examined how virtual aggression influenced the intention for attacking behaviour in the real world. The results showed that (1) belief is a positive predictor of self-control, which has a negative impact on virtual aggression, (2) addiction is a positive predictor of control disorder, and (3) anger in virtual worlds is significantly connected to aggression in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to estimate the overall success of services at Gangnam Senior Plaza ( GSP), determine the effect of GSP on users, and ascertain local demand for services. Methods A 4-week survey including 1188 participants aged over 50 years old was conducted. Participants included 498 GSP members and 690 older non-members ( Gangnam residents). Six GSP members were interviewed to substantiate the survey findings. Results Survey findings indicated high level of user satisfaction in terms of accessibility to services and facilities, availability of community services and educational programs, staff friendliness and facility cleanliness. GSP service delivery can be further improved by involving highly educated and experienced older people. Conclusion Health promotion, education and recreation activities inspiring a vibrant lifestyle have been recognised as the success factors for GSP service delivery. Thus, GSP can be considered a model for other welfare services in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the users' experiences with three-dimensional (3D) virtual environments to investigate the areas of development as a learning application. For the investigation, the modified technology acceptance model (TAM) is used with constructs from expectation-confirmation theory (ECT). Users' responses to questions about cognitive perceptions and continuous use were collected and analysed with factors that were modified from TAM and ECT. Whilst the findings confirm the significant roles by users' cognitive perceptions, the findings also shed light on the possibility of 3D application serving as an enabler of learning tools. In the extended model, the moderating effects of confirmation/satisfaction and demographics of the relationships amongst the variables were found to be significant. [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]

Despite the massive attention drawn to ‘missing girls,’ there has been no study that specifically focuses on the association between childlessness and the daughter deficit. Using a bivariate probit selection model, this article analysed the data for 6475 married women aged 15–49 years collected from the 2003 Korea National Fertility and Family Health Survey. The results showed that a couple's decision to have a child exerted a significant influence on its daughter deficit. This study also found that the effect of a woman's education on daughter deficit did not correspond to that of her husband's level of education. Additionally, a prediction was made that if a one child family norm were prevailing in South Korea, the probability of a couple's having a daughter deficit would increase by as much as 63.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]