• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1028-1036
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• 2021

Firefly luciferase (FLuc) can function as an efficient marker in the gene and viral therapies. Nonetheless, its clinical translation has been unaccomplished with the concerns on its exogenous nature and the similarity with human fatty acyl-CoA synthetase. In this study, we aimed to show safety of FLuc by conducting a set of preclinical experiments and a human use. Initially, FLuc permeability across the plasma membrane was investigated by delivering the FLuc-carrying viral vector, OTS-412, or the FLuc recombinant protein. After in vitro infection of OTS-412 into different cancer cell lines, FLuc activity was detected only in the cell lysates, but not in culture media. In addition, recombinant FLuc protein further showed the impermeability against the plasma membrane. Similar result was also observed in the in vivo experiment. After being injected into the VX2 tumor-bearing rabbit, the FLuc exclusively resided within the tumor tissue without being detected in the blood plasma or other organs. Human cancer cell lines originated from various organs were lysed and treated to the FLuc, and none of the human substrates was reactive against the FLuc. As a final step, FLuc recombinant protein was intravenously injected into a human. The luciferase was degraded with the half-life of 20 to 30 minutes in blood, and was untraceable from 1.5 hr after the injection. In addition, the blood plasma was nonresponsive against the fatty acids. Hematological analysis was also comparable between the pre- and post-injection. Altogether, our study collectively demonstrates the safety of the firefly luciferase.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.59-64
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• 2015

This study analyzed results of the causes of failure in 1,022 fire trucks currently being used in South Korea (aerial ladder, aerial platform, pumper, and chemical fire trucks). The results show that 46% of aerial ladder trucks have defective in the elevator brake systems, 29% of aerial platform trucks have contamination in the hydraulic oil, 37% of pumpers have defective in the pneumatic cylinders of the air supply system, and 39% of chemical fire trucks have defective in the powder fire extinguishing systems. The principal reasons for malfunctions are deterioration of the apparatuses, and accumulated fatigue from repetitive use of certain components, such as pneumatic cylinders in the air supply system and wire rope jamming in rollers in the ladder apparatus. These manufacturing defects should be improved upon in the manufacturing process. As a result, the fire trucks, which are used for 5 years or more, need precise inspections in accordance with the Regulation on Fire Apparatus Maintenance. Fire apparatuses have a service life of 10 to 12 years or more. They need to be replaced or require life extension, and they should be kept in top shape with the best maintenance for public safety.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.8-20
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• 2003

Natural gas has been supplied through underground pipelines and valve stations as a new city gas in Seoul. In contrast to its handiness the natural gas has very substantial hazards due to fires and explosions occurring from careless treatments or malfunctions of the transporting system. The main objectives of this study are to identify major hazards and to perform risk assessments after assessing reliabilities of the composing units in dealing with typical pipeline networks. there-fore two method, fault tree analysis ;1nd event tree analysis, are used here. Random valve stations are selected and considered its situation in location. The value of small leakage, large rupture, and no supply of liquefied natural gas is estimated as that of top event. By this calculation the values of small leakage are 3.29 in I)C valve station, 1.41 in DS valve station, those of large rup-lure are $1.90Times10_{-2}$ in DC valve station, $2.32$\times$10^{-2}$ in DS valve station, and those of no supply of LNG to civil gas company are $2.33$\times$10 ^{-2}$ , $2.89$\times$10^{-2}$ in each valve station. And through minimal cut set we can find the parts that is important and should be more important in overall system. In DC valve station one line must be added between basic event 26,27 because the potential hazard of these parts is the highest value. If it is added the failure rate of no supply of LNG is reduced to one fourth. In DS valve station the failure rate of basic event 4 is 92eye of no supply of LNG. Therefore if the portion of this part is reduced (one line added) the total failure rate can be decreased to one tenth. This analytical study on the risk assessment is very useful to prepare emergency actions or procedures in case of gas accidents around underground pipeline networks and to establish a resolute gas safety management system for loss prevention in Seoul metropolitan area.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.442-453
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• 2021

Purpose: The objective of this study is to suggest desirable direction of Korean accident investigation organization by analyzing the operation status and way of overseas developed countries' investigation agency. Method: To accomplish the objective of this study, we were examined four main characteristics of accident investigation agencies of the U.S., Japan, and Sweden, focusing on (1); the background of the establishment, (2);organizational structure, (3);major tasks and functions, (4); accident investigation procedures. Result: First, the purpose of its establishment and task is to prevent recurrence of disasters and accidents, at the same time, administrating and researching duties such as legal system, policy, recommending improvement and conducting scientific disaster-cause analysis to contribute safety for the government. Second, it is operated as an independent organization under the president, not belonging to the ministry, in order to enable fair investigation in an impartial position. Third, it has the authority to be recognized for its expertise in the results of investigation. In other words, it is operated as a permanent organization with professional personnel, and secures authority through the accident research with indepth investigation and high-quality recommendations. Conclusion: The overseas investigation agencies rapidly manage and coordinate their operational practices in order to resolve national requirements and social conflicts with fairness, accuracy and expertise in accident investigations. In order to prevent the recurrence of similar events, Korea needs to efficiently reconstruct its investigative functions distributed by each government department. In addition, institutional improvement is needed to make general adjustments at the national level, organize and operate control tower for when the accident has happened.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.589-600
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• 2007

Recently, with the rapid expansion of the franchise restaurants, ensuring food safety has become essential for restaurant growth. Consequently, the need for food safety training and related material is in increasing demand. In this study, we identified potentially hazardous risk factors for ensuring food safety in restaurants through a food safety monitoring tool, and developed training materials for restaurant employees based on the results. The surveyed restaurants, consisting of 6 Korean restaurants and 1 Japanese restaurant were located in Seoul. Their average check was 15,500 won, ranging from 9,000 to 23,000 won. The range of their total space was 297.5 to $1322.4m^2$, and the amount of kitchen space per total area ranged from 4.4 to 30 percent. The mean score for food safety management performance was 57 out of 100 points, with a range of 51 to 73 points. For risk factor analysis, the most frequently cited sanitary violations involved the handwashing methods/handwashing facilities supplies (7.5%), receiving activities (7.5%), checking and recording of frozen/refrigerated foods temperature (0%), holding foods off the floor (0%), washing of fruits and vegetables (42%), planning and supervising facility cleaning and maintaining programs of facilities (50%), pest control (13%), and toilet equipped/cleaned (13%). Base on these results, the main points that were addressed in the hygiene training of restaurant employees included 4 principles and 8 concepts. The four principles consisted of personal hygiene, prevention of food contamination, time/temperature control, and refrigerator storage. The eight concepts included: (1) personal hygiene and cleanliness with proper handwashing, (2) approved food source and receiving management (3) refrigerator and freezer control, (4) storage management, (5) labeling, (6) prevention of food contamination, (7) cooking and reheating control, and (8) cleaning, sanitation, and plumbing control. Finally, a hygiene training manual and poster leaflets were developed as a food safety training materials for restaurants employees.