Earticle

In May 2023, South Korea introduced a major revision to its risk assessment system, marking the most significant update since its establishment. This revision aims to strengthen industrial accident prevention and support companies in managing risks more systematically. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to face persistent challenges in adopting the revised framework due to resource constraints and limited technical expertise. In particular, SMEs with insufficient professional personnel and financial support encounter practical difficulties in implementing the new assessment methods. This study analyzes key barriers and proposes practical solutions, including the flexible application of risk assessment methods tailored to workplace characteristics, the development of user-friendly materials, and the expansion of government support through consulting and educational programs. These strategies seek to simplify risk assessment processes, enabling SMEs to effectively manage workplace hazards, prevent serious accidents, and foster safer, more sustainable working environments across various industries. Through these measures, SMEs will be able to comply with legal requirements while enhancing their practical safety management capabilities. Ultimately, this is expected to reduce the overall industrial accident rate and positively contribute to strengthening corporate competitiveness.

Purpose: This study aims to identify the relationship between virtual reality simulation education comprehension, perceived necessity, metacognition, and problem-solving abilities among nursing students with experience in virtual reality simulation education. Method: The study was conducted among 130 fourth-year nursing students with experience in virtual-reality-simulation education at W University. A questionnaire survey was conducted online from September to December 2022. Results: Significant differences in problem-solving abilities, as well as in comprehension, perceived necessity, and metacognition related to virtual reality simulation education were observed based on their health status, virtual reality simulation experience, and levels of satisfaction with simulation classes, school, and major. Comprehension, perceived necessity, and metacognition of virtual reality simulation education were significant variables that explained problem-solving ability, with an explanatory power of 40.4%. Conclusion: This will help improve the comprehension, perceived perceived necessity, and metacognition regarding virtual reality simulations education among nursing students, thereby improving their problem-solving abilities in simulation-based practice education.

The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among cancer survivors using from the 2015 Korea Health Panel Survey (KHPS) data. The study analyzed 546 cancer survivors, measuring HRQOL using the EQ-5D index. Results revealed a mean HRQOL score of 0.88±0.11, with significant factors including activity limitation (β=-0.39, p<.001), subjective health status (β=0.30, p<.001), age (β= -0.17, p<.001), household composition (β=0.10, p=.041), and unmet medical needs (β= -0.09, p=.043). Older age, activity limitations, and unmet medical needs negatively impacted HRQOL, while good subjective health status and family support positively influenced it. The regression model in HRQOL of cancer survivors. Therefore, to improve the HRQOL of cancer survivors, customized programs and policies that take into account age, activity limitations, subjective health status, household composition, and unmet medical needs should be developed and provided.

This cross-sectional study examines the association between psychosocial risk factors and stress-related disorders (SRDs) among 267 chemical laboratory workers across academic, industry, and government sectors in Sri Lanka. Utilizing the Laboratory Safety Culture Survey, Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ-II), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), findings reveal that 36.3% of participants were likely to experience SRDs. Health and safety concerns emerged as the most significant predictor, increasing SRD likelihood by 55.7%, while emotional demands were also influential. Notably, a faster work pace reduced stress levels by 11.6%. Protective factors included recognition and supervisor support, which lowered SRDs by 15.4% and 16.7%, respectively. Sociodemographic factors such as education, job role, and chemical handling experience also significantly affected mental health. Industry workers exhibited higher SRD prevalence than their academic and government counterparts. These results emphasize the need for targeted safety measures, mental health support, and interdisciplinary research to improve laboratory worker’s well-being.

This study explores the relationships among academic stress, ego-resilience, major satisfaction, and college life adjustment in nursing transfer students, aiming to identify key factors influencing their adaptation to college life. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 106 nursing transfer students at two universities in B City between October and November 2024. Statistical analyses performed using SPSS/WIN 26.0 revealed that academic stress (β= -.608, p< .001), ego-resilience (β= .259, p= .001), and peer relationships (β= .189, p< .001) significantly influenced college life adjustment, collectively accounting for 78.9% of the variance. Academic performance, peer relationships, and future role expectations also influenced adjustment levels. Notably, academic stress demonstrated a strong negative correlation with college life adjustment (r=-.845, p<.001), whereas ego-resilience (r=.782, p<.001) and major satisfaction (r=.626, p<.001) were positively correlated. These findings highlight the critical need to reduce academic stress and strengthen ego-resilience and peer relationships to facilitate successful adaptation among nursing transfer students. Tailored support systems and intervention programs are essential for promoting both academic success and personal growth.

This study aims to diagnose financial risk factors and propose alternatives in response to various constraints surrounding major local cities, called Special Case Cities in South Korea. We have analyzed the financial conditions of Special Case Cities and tried to accurately understand the financial status. To do so, we compared the financial conditions of Special Case Cities in similar conditions in order to identify both the risk factors and strengths of the Korean local governments. Financial pressure factors that Special Case Cities should consider are dependency issues and weakened autonomy due to intergovernmental fiscal relationships. In addition, there are expected increases in administrative demands and appropriations, plus an increased fiscal burden due to new promised projects. There is a need to internalize the medium-term local financial plan to clarify and transparently disclose the available financial resources that are the basis for establishing projects. Special Case Cities need to overcome the problems by achieving fiscal democracy through citizen participation and connectivity. The extent of Special Case Cities' own efforts should be reflected in its finances.

This study examines the fabrication of WC-Co (tungsten carbide-cobalt) strips using reclaimed WC powders, with the aim of enhancing recycling rates and minimizing waste in the production of wear-resistant machine components. WC-Co materials are extensively used in industries such as automotive and electronics due to their exceptional wear resistance. Despite their widespread application, the recycling of used WC-Co strips has been constrained by the deterioration of mechanical properties, particularly hardness. This research focuses on optimizing the Co content and powder mixture ratio to enhance the hardness of WC-Co tools. The findings reveal that maintaining the Co content below 13 wt% mitigates its adverse effects on hardness. Additionally, achieving an ideal balance between reclaimed and virgin WC powders is crucial for enhancing the hardness of the resulting WC-Co strips. The incorporation of reclaimed WC powder at an optimized ratio facilitates a tailored grain size, leading to improved material hardness. This study highlights the potential for increasing recycling efficiency and reducing waste during WC-Co tool production, while maintaining or even enhancing their wear resistance and mechanical properties.