• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2009

Hot tub lung has been described as a pulmonary illness associated with exposure to nontuberculous mycobacteria,mainly hot bathtub water contaminated with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and hence the name. Although not entirely clear, its etiology has been thought to involve either an infection or a hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to MAC. Herein, we describe 2 female patients (60 and 53 years old) admitted to our hospital with hot tub lung, and both of whom worked in a public bath. Both women were initially admitted following several months of exertional dyspnea and cough. The patients had been working as body-scrubbers in a public bath for several years. Their chest CT scans showed bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities with multifocal air-trappings and poorly defined centrilobular nodules in both lungs. Pathological findings from lung specimens revealed small non-necrotizing granuloma in the lung parenchyme with relatively normal-looking adjacent alveoli. Discontinuation of working in the public bath led to an improvement in symptoms and radiographic abnormalities, without antimycobacterial therapy.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.51-59
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• 2002

The seasonal variation in species composition and abundance distribution of zooplankton was studied in the Seomjin river estuary along the salinity gradients. In this estuary, marine taxa predominated in all seasons and very limited number of freshwater species appeared. The total abundances showed a seasonal fluctuation. The highest total abundance appeared in spring with over 3,000 individuals/m$^3$. In summer, the high abundance was sustained although it decreased a little. The abundance was minimal in fall with about 500 individuals/m$^3$. When the study area was divided into three salinity regimes, oligohaline (salinity less than 5 psu), mesohaline (5${\sim}$18 psu), and polyhaline zone (over 18 psu), the zone of high abundance as well as the composition of zooplankton community in each salinity regime changed seasonally. In fall, marine copepods predominated in oligohaline zone while marine species other than crustaceans dominated in polyhaline zone. However, in winter copepods predominated in all area. In spring and summer, holozoic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans dominated in higher salinity regimes. We listed major copepod species of each salinity regime for each season with the ranges of water temperatures (T) and salinities (S) of their occurrence. T, S's of maximum abundances of those major copepod species were also reported. The observed very wide tolerance ranges of major copepod species for salinity suggested that the concept of 'indicator species' should be used in quantitative context rather than qualitative.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 2008

Purpose: Radio-isotopes (RI) use has been steadily developing due to industrial and technical development in the modern medical society. Particularly, popularization of domestic cyclotrons dramatically enable hospitals to produce and use diagnostic radio-isotopes. Generally, only specific facilities such as hospitals, research institutes, nuclear power plants and universities can use radio-isotopes, they are also responsible for ventilation system. The strength of radioactivity in the air is strongly regulated and controlled by korea atomic energy law in Korea Institue of Nuclear Safety (KINS), so that air radioactivity exposure can lead to environmental pollution surrounding places. In this study, we'd like to find out the investigation and the present condition of the controlled ventilation system in domestic hospitals by an emission standard from KINS, and try to reach an agreement about how to use the ventilation system. Result: Definition of filters, features and structures of pre-filters, hepa-filters, charcol filters, filter exchange procedures and precautions are explained. RI deflation concentration and filter exchange cycle have been presented as a standard prescribed in the rules of KINS. The Radiation Control Management System (RCMS) introduced by Seoul National University Bundang Hospital linking to digital pressure gauge with computer controller in another medical facilities were described in details. Conclusions: The system of medical facilities using RI has been remarkably developing in 21 century. Especially, radiation safety control system has also been grown rapidly into the subdivision, specialization, advanced technology along with international technical improvement. However, As far as current RI ventilation system is concerned, it has nothing better than doing in the past. Preferentially, to reinforce this, more sophisticated system with strict periodic filter exchange and exhaust air control guidance should be introduced by applying brilliant domestic information technology for RCMS and digital gauge method. From personal point of view as a radiation safety manager, I have provide with present problems and improvements. Futhermore, more improved guidance should be conducted.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1718-1721
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• 2008

The skin of human is constantly being exposed to environmental irritants such as ultraviolet, smoke and chemicals. These irritants cause free radicals and reactive oxygen species which leave serious damages on the cells of skin. The water and ethanol extracts of Cambodian Phellinus linteus were investigated for the activities of anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-wrinkle effects to apply as a functional ingredient for cosmetic products. As the result of evaluation of liquid oxidation rate by add $Fe^{2+}$ and $Cu^{2+}$ to Cambodian Phellinus linteus extracts, Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extracts were higher than Cambodian Phellinus linteus water extracts in the chealting ability of $Fe^{2+}$ and $Cu^{2+}$. The Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extracts exhibited that anti-lipid peroxidation higher than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at the concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml. Cambodian Phellinus linteus water and ethanol extracts showed a higher inhibitory effect on $Fe^{2+}$-induced lipid peroxidation compared to $Cu^{2+}$-induced lipid peroxidation. In the case of anti-wrinkle effect, the elastase inhibition activity of Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extracts was 50.7%, and it is higher than urosolic acid at the concentration of 0.01 mg/ml. Also, in collagenase inhibition activity, Cambodian Phellinus linteus water extract showed low effect, but Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extract was about 50% at a 0.1 mg/ml. concentration. These results proved that Cambodian Phellinus linteus had anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-wrinkle effect. Therefore, Cambodian Phellinus linteus could be useful as an anti-wrinkle cosmetic ingredient.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.183-200
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• 2019

In this study, the characteristics of seasonal $PM_{2.5}$ behavior in South Korea and other Northeast Asian regions were analyzed by using the $PM_{2.5}$ ground measurement data, weather data, WRF and CMAQ models. Analysis of seasonal $PM_{2.5}$ behavior in Northeast Asia showed that $PM_{2.5}$ concentration at 6 IMS sites in South Korea was increased by long-distance transport and atmospheric congestion, or decreased by clean air inflow due to seasonal weather characteristics. As a result of analysis by applying BFM to air quality model, the contribution from foreign countries dominantly influenced the $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations of Baengnyeongdo due to the low self-emission and geographical location. In the case of urban areas with high self-emissions such as Seoul and Ulsan, the $PM_{2.5}$ contribution from overseas was relatively low compared to other regions, but the standard deviation of the season was relatively high. This study is expected to improve the understanding of the air pollutant phenomenon by analyzing the characteristics of $PM_{2.5}$ behavior in Northeast Asia according to the seasonal weather condition change. At the same time, this study can be used to establish the air quality policy in the future, knowing that the contribution of $PM_{2.5}$ concentration to the domestic and overseas can be different depending on the regional emission characteristics.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.129-142
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• 2023

This study analyzed the ratio of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), CO and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) for cities and regionsin Korea and China using column-averaged carbon dioxide dry-air mole fraction (XCO₂) of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2/3, CO and NO₂ vertical column density (named XCO, XNO₂ in thisstudy) of TROPOspheric monitoring instrument from April 2018 to April 2022, and presented the relationship between socioeconomic indicators (population, number of vehicles, Gross Regional Domestic Product) and ratio, and differences in characteristics between Korea and China. First, CO₂ and CO were analyzed after calculating ΔXCO₂ and ΔXCO removing the background value and trend line due to the difference in atmospheric residence time of three gaseous substances (CO₂, CO, and NO₂). Comparing the three values by regions, ΔXCO and ΔXCO₂ were relatively higher in China and XNO₂ were higher in Korea and the ratio of both values (ΔXCO/ΔXCO₂, ΔXCO/XNO₂) was higher in China than in Korea. ΔXCO/ΔXCO₂, ΔXCO/XNO₂ and socioeconomic indicators have a positive correlation suggesting that the concentration of air pollutants and greenhouse gases is higher as the city is large and the economic activity is active. Regarding the differences in the ratio characteristics of Korea and China, the relationship between ΔXCO and ΔXCO₂ showed a negative correlation in Korea and a positive correlation in China. When the relationship between ΔXCO and XNO₂ was examined for summer and winter, the change of ΔXCO by season was not significant in Korea, whereasthe change of ΔXCO and XNO₂ by season waslarge in China resulting in the relationship between two countries appeared differently. These results suggest that seasonal variability and national emission characteristics should be considered in the process of analyzing the ratio of greenhouse gases to air pollutants.

• Archives of design research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.185-196
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• 2003

The demand for an environment-friendly transportation system, equipped with low energy consumption, and low-or zero-pollution has been on the increase since the beginning of the World Trade Organization era. Simultaneously, the consistent growth of high-speed tram technology, combined with market share, has sparked a fierce competition among technologically-advanced countries like France, Germany, and Japan in an effort to keep the lead in high-speed train technology via extensive Research and development(R＆D) expenses. These countries are leaders in the race to implement the next-generation transportation system, build intercontinental rail way networks and export the high-speed train as a major industry commodity. The need to develop our own(Korean) 'high-speed train' technology and its core system technology layouts including original technology serves a few objectives: They boost the national competitive edge; they develop an environmental friendly rail road system that can cope with globalization and minimize the social and economic losses created by the growing traffic-congested delivery costs, environment pollution, and public discomforts. In turn, the 'G7 Project-Development of High Speed Railway Technology' held between 1996 and 2002 for a six-year period was focused on designing a domestic train capable of traveling at a speed of 350km/h combined and led to the actual implementation of engineering and producing the '2000 high-speed train:' This paper summarizes and introduces one of the G7 Projects-specifically, the design segment achievement within the development of train system engineering technology. It is true that the design aspect of the Korean domestic railway system program as a whole was lacking when compared with the advanced railroad countries whose early phase of train design emphasized the design aspect. However, having allowed the active participation of expert designers in the early phase of train design in the current project has led to a new era of domestic train development and the implementation of a way to meet demand flexibly with newly designed trains. The idea of a high-speed train in Korea and its design concept is well-conceived: a faster, more pleasant, and silent based Korean high-speed train that facilitates a new travel culture. A Korean-type of high-speed train is acknowledged by passengers who travel in such trains. The Korean high-speed prototype train has been born, combining aerodynamic air-cushioned design, which is the embodiment of Korean original design of forehead of power car minimized aerodynamic resistance using a curved car body profile, and the improvement of the interior design with ergonomics and the accommodation of the vestibule area through the study of passenger behavior and social culture that is based on the general passenger car.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.75-82
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• 2009

Purpose: Measure the ozone level in the treatment room while treating a patient so want to know the degree of contamination caused by ozone occurrence. Materials and Methods: Use the linear accelerator (Clinac 21EX, Varian, USA) with the ozone meter (series-200, aeroQual, New Zealand) and water phantom (Wellhofer, IBA, Germany) is irradiated the radiation so that measured the ozone generation level according to MU, dose-rate, SSD, field size, energy, delay time and put the ozone meter in the treatment room actually while treating a patient so measured the daily ozone level variation. Results: While irradiating the radiation, degree of ozone contamination wasn't affected by the energy but mostly in case of electron beam, ozone level was higher than photon beam. The higher dose-rate (0.016~0.025 ppm/hr), the farther SSD (0.018~0.030 ppm/hr), the wider field sizes (0.016~0.025 ppm/hr), the more MU (0.018~0.046 ppm/hr), it occurred high ozone level. Ozone decrement according to delay time changed the background level (0.016 ppm/hr) after elapsed time of 10 minutes from irradiating radiation. And daily ozone occurrence level in the treatment room was below ozone standard level 0.1 ppm/hr (average:0.06 ppm/8 hr) but it could confirm that ozone generation level was included the level (max:0.038 ppm/hr) above 0.02 ppm/hr which patient could perceive. Conclusion: Through ozone level according to variation of certain conditions, actually in the treatment room ozone generation level didn't damaged to patients or workers. Commonly peoples think that ozone was harmful gas but it thought that small amount of ozone generation level while treating a patient was beneficial in the treatment room through air purge action of pathogenic germ or virus sterilization.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.65-69
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• 2009

Purpose: Recently incidence of VDT syndrome has gradually increased as extensive use of computers. VDT syndrome reported by VDT workers include musculoskeletal disorder, neuropsychiatric disoders and eye symptoms such as eye strain, tired eyes, irritation and blurred vision. The environmental factors of VDT syndrome include electromagnetic waves, size, brightness and lighting of computer screen, height of a monitor and a worktable, working hours, kind of task, distance between screen and workers, indoor humidity and temperature, indoor air contamination and ventilation. In this study, we investigated the environmental factors related to body symptoms and health effects included in VDT syndrome. Methods: Study subjects were total 120 persons (54 male, 66 female) with age from 19 to 28. We surveyed the body symptoms and physical discomfort when doing an activity in a short distance such as reading book or paper, computer work. The questionnaire included main body symptoms, self-consciousness symptoms of eye, satisfaction of working environment, pain of the wrist when using keyboard and mouse. Results: Most of people (70%) felt physical pain from long time work of computer, paper, electrical apparatus. They mainly complained pain of neck and low back (57.1%), eye (45.2%) and head (31%). With the environmental factors, 78.3% of the subjects complaint pain of eye from inappropriate illumination. Most of the symptoms included 'eye fatigue'(38.3%), 'dryness of eye'(31.9%) and 'blurred vision'(23.7%). Subjects in this study complained discomfort of their chairs and most of them experienced pain in the wrist when using keyboard or mouse. Conclusions: When people use electrical apparatus or work with paper, people would get their eye fatigue and feeling of physical fatigue because of not harmonizing various environmental factors such as light, space, posture, worktable with theirselves. Therefore, workers should develop preventive method such as self-control of adequate break time to avoid fatigue while VDT work. Work environment should be changed to ergonomic design for optimal visual environment to prevent musculoskeletal disorder through constant research.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.38 no.8
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• pp.420-427
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• 2016

This study was conducted on the sediment remediation using micro-bubble to remove fine particles. For this study, characteristics of contamination and release in sediment were analyzed. And then, the characteristics of bubbles on removal efficiency was investigated at various operation conditions. In particle size distribution of the sediment used for the study, the proportion of clay and silt (<0.075 mm) was about 7.7%, sand (0.075~4.75 mm) was about 67.8%, and gravel (${\geq}4.75$) was 24.5%. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) of the sediment were 2,790~3,260, 261~311 mg/kg respectively. Ignition loss and water content were 4.1~9.6, 32.9~53.2% respectively. In analysis of removal efficiency according to operation conditions of micro-bubble, it was the highest when operation condition is pressure 6 atm, pressurized water ratio 30%, and coagulant dosage 15 ppm. At the time, the sediment's removal efficiency was 19.9%. Accordingly removal efficiency of TN and TP were 21.4, 22.6% respectively. Finally a research was found that fine particles in sediment were almost removed by micro-bubble, which led to decrease nutrients' release at about 20.1~64.3% in comparison to sediment including lots of fine particles.