Optimal Spatial Allocation of Initial Attack Resources for Firefighting in the Republic of Korea Using a Scenario Optimization Model

【Title】 This study explores the optimal spatial allocation of initial attack resources for firefighting in the Republic of Korea. To improve the effectiveness of Korean initial attack resources with a range of policy goals, we create a scenario optimization model that minimizes the expected number of fires not receiving a predefined response. In this study, the predefined response indicates the number of firefighting resources that must arrive at a fire before the fire escapes and becomes a large fire. We use spatially explicit GIS-based information on the ecology, fire behavior, and economic characterizations important in Korea. The data include historical fire events in the Republic of Korea from 1991 to 2007, suppression costs, and spatial information on forest fire extent. Interviews with forest managers inform the range of we address in the decision model. Based on the geographic data, we conduct a sensitivity analysis by varying the parameters systematically. Information on the relative importance of the components of the settings helps us to identify “rules of thumb” for initial attack resource allocations in particular ecological and policy settings.

Emergence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Democratic People's Republic of Korea

In the past decade,there has been extensive global surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI)infection in both animals and humans,however,few studies on epidemiology of avian influenza in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK)were published.During the period 2013–2014,HPAI H5N1 viruses were detected with outbreaks in domestic poultry in DPRK.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the hemagglutinin gene of all samples belonged to clade 2.3.2.1c with high homology.The HPAI H5N1 virus found in ducks at the Tudan Duck Farm in 2013 was might introduced by migratory birds and then led to the outbreaks on neighboring chicken farms in 2014.These data provide direct evidence for the transmission of avian influenza viruses from wild birds to waterfowl to terrestrial birds.Therefore,the monitoring and control of influenza virus in ducks must be given top priority,which are essential components to prevent and control HPAI.

Climate technology promotion in the Republic of Korea

The implementation of climate technologies and their commercialization ultimately depends on the success of their research and development(R&D) projects. In the Republic of Korea(ROK), twenty-seven climate technologies were selected to boost the greening of existing industries and to develop new green industries to promote a sustainable climate technology development strategy. Rechargeable battery technology, carbon capture and storage(CCS) technology, smart grids, and sewage treatment are all research areas expected to have tangible outcomes in the forthcoming years. As such, they were included in a comprehensive R&D plan for climate technology advancement, which places an emphasis on climate technology development and commercialization strategy. In this study, the R&D plan of the ROK is reviewed by examining its six core climate technology programs: solar cells, fuel cells, bioenergy, rechargeable battery technology, information technology(IT) applications for the power sector, and CCS technology in detail. The climate policy in the ROK aims to find new economic growth engines and to develop new business opportunities while actively participating in international efforts to combat climate change.

A Look into the Republic of Korea’s National Human Rights Commission

The National Human Rights Commission （NHRC） of the Republic of Korea set up in 2001 has playedan important role in improving the constitutional construction and pro- tecting human rights.

Analyzing the Implications of Japan and the Republic of Korea Joining AUKUS for Asia and China

The potential inclusion of Japan and the Republic of Korea in the AUKUS(Australia,the United Kingdom,and the United States)trilateral security pact has sparked extensive debate and speculation regarding its implications for Asia’s delicate geopolitical dynamics and the region’s relationship with China.This essay explores the multifaceted consequences of such a development,analyzing its effects on the regional security architecture,economic ties,and the intricate network of alliances and rivalries.Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative analysis of expert opinions with quantitative assessments of economic and military data,the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential ramifications.The findings indicate that while AUKUS expansion could enhance deterrence against perceived threats,it may also escalate tensions,disrupt economic interdependencies,and trigger a regional arms race.The essay emphasizes the importance of nuanced diplomacy and dialogue to address these challenges and preserve regional stability.

Land suitability assessment for apple(Malus domestica)in the Republic of Korea using integrated soil and climate information,MLCM,and AHP

Apples(Malus domestica)are one of the major fruits cultivated in South Korea and worldwide.To both sustain the productivity of apple trees and preserve the land,a land suitability assessment has been conducted.Two methods were used to analyze land suitability,a Most-Limiting Characteristic Method(MLCM)and an Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)with integrated soil and climate information based on the FAO classification framework.The most-limiting characteristic analysis showed that almost all areas were classified as marginally suitable(S3)or not suitable(N),which together accounted for 94.54%of the land in the Republic of Korea.On the contrary,AHP showed that S1(34.1%)and S2(44.17%)account for the majority of the land.

Herbal medicine use in Republic of Korea to alleviate side effects of COVID-19 vaccines:A cross-sectional study

Objective:Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has spread worldwide,and several virus variants have emerged.Vaccines are administered to help prevent the infection.In Republic of Korea,most people take herbal medicine.This study investigated the use of herbal medicine to counter the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey.Chi-square tests were used to determine differences in the use of herbal medication according to sociodemographic characteristics.Independent two-sample and paired t-tests were performed to examine the effect and satisfaction of herbal medicine use for countering the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.One-way analysis of variance was used to determine vaccine-related differences.Results:A total of 233 and 181 participants received the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines,respectively.The majority of herbal medicine users were in their thirties,had a bachelor’s degree,suffered from side effects of vaccination,and received Vaxzevria for their first COVID-19 vaccine dose and Comirnaty for their second dose.The herbal medicine group had a higher satisfaction level of postvaccination side effects than the non-herbal medicine group(P<0.0001).The numeric rating scale scores for vaccination side effects were lower among participants who took herbal medication to alleviate those symptoms(P<0.0001).The most commonly used herbal formula was Shuanghetang.Conclusion:A third of participants receiving COVID-19 vaccines used herbal medication to counter the side effects of vaccination.The use of herbal medicine was associated with age,education level,vaccine brand,and whether side effects of vaccination occurred.Herbal medication use was associated with greater satisfaction compared to vaccine recipients not using herbal medication.

Risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Republic of Korea

Background:Female sex workers(FSW)who live in urban areas in Republic of Korea have a particularly high risk of sexually transmitted diseases(STD).We investigated the prevalence of s STDs in FSWs in order to determine the factors associated with sexually transmitted infections in Korea.Methods:Study data were collected from 832 FSWs through a 2014 survey on the prevalence of STDs in high risk populations in Republic of Korea.We assessed the associations between sexually transmitted infections and demographic and risk behaviour variables through logistic regression analysis.Results:The risk probability of sexually transmitted infection was higher for those who drank alcohol often as well as those who had their first sexual experience at an early age.However,the effects of these factors were attenuated by working conditions.The risk probability of sexually transmitted infections was higher for those who engaged in sex with several customers per day as well as for those who did not practice regular condom use.Conclusions:The risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among FSWs in Republic of Korea are related to and affected by working conditions.Thus,multifaceted health interventions to protect FSWs and their sexual health are deemed necessary.

The effect of a urinary incontinence selfmanagement program for older women in South Korea:A pilot study

Background:Although self-management approaches have shown strong evidence of positive outcomes for urinary incontinence prevention and management,few programs have been developed for Korean rural communities.Objectives:This pilot study aimed to develop,implement,and evaluate a urinary incontinence self-management program for community-dwelling women aged 55 and older with urinary incontinence in rural South Korea.Methods:This study used a one-group pre-post-test design to measure the effects of the intervention using standardized urinary incontinence symptom,knowledge,and attitude measures.Seventeen community-dwelling older women completed weekly 90-min group sessions for 5 weeks.Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests and were used to analyze data.Results:The mean of the overall interference on daily life from urine leakage(pre-test:M=5.76±2.68,post-test:M=2.29±1.93,t=4.609,p<0.001)and the sum of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire scores(pre-test:M=11.59±3.00,post-test:M=5.29±3.02,t=-5.881,p<0.001)indicated significant improvement after the intervention.Improvement was also noted on the mean knowledge(pre-test:M=19.07±3.34,post-test:M=23.15±2.60,t=7.550,p<0.001)and attitude scores(pre-test:M=2.64±0.19,post-test:M=3.08±0.41,t=5.150,p<0.001).Weekly assignments were completed 82.4%of the time.Participants showed a high satisfaction level(M=26.82±1.74,range 22e28)with the group program.Conclusions:Implementation of a urinary incontinence self-management program was accompanied by improved outcomes for Korean older women living in rural communities who have scarce resources for urinary incontinence management and treatment.Urinary incontinence self-management education approaches have potential for widespread implementation in nursing practice.

Factors associated with nursing students' willingness to care for older adults in Korea and the United States

Objective: Elderly health care needs increase and nurses' role for elderlies is vital.It is significant to identify nursing students' intention to care for elderlies.Thus,this study investigated nursing students' willingness to care for elderlies in Korea and the United States.Methods: The study was conducted with 437 undergraduate nursing students from Korea and the United States from May 25 to 31,2018.Participants completed a survey including frequency and quality of contact,anxiety about aging,empathy,attitude toward elderly,and willingness to care.Results: Study findings from the entire group showed that nursing students' willingness to care for the elderly was positively associated with contact quality (β =0.22,P<0.001) and empathy (β =0.12,P 0.009) but negatively associated with anxiety about aging (β =0.23,P < 0.001) and attitude toward the elderly (β =0.14,P =0.004).Contact quality (β=0.30,P < 0.001) was positively associated with the willingness to care in Korean students,whereas extended family living type (β =-0.15,P=0.012) and attitude toward the elderly (β =-0.18,P=0.005) negatively associated in US students.Conclusion: This study suggested that nursing educators reinforce contact quality and empathy but reduce anxiety about aging and attitude toward elderly to enhance future nurses' care quality.

Regulations, Nations, and Freedom of Speech： A Cultural and Legal Analysis of Video Game Regulation

As the video game industry has firmly established itself as an art form as well as entertainment, certain games and content have led to legal issues in several countries. These court cases usually fall under freedom of speech and expression. The author has studied three of the five top video game producing and purchasing markets in the world--the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea--to explore how each country regulates this industry These three countries explicitly guarantee their citizens the freedoms of speech and expression, but, due to cultural differences and historical interpretations of those rights, the policies concerned with gaming have been handled differently by each country. The argument of the author is that historic interpretations of freedom of speech in legal cases can inform how video games and content controversy will be decided by the constitutional courts in these three countries. Japan and the Republic of Korea, for example, have historically interpreted freedom of speech rights in a way that benefits the citizenry as a whole, marking them as more collective. The United States has historically interpreted freedom of speech and expression in a way that benefits individual citizens, marking it as individualistic. These cultural aspects of how legal decisions are reached has affected the relatively new technology of video games