• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.42 no.5
• /
• pp.729-740
• /
• 2022

This study analyzed the effects of job stress and sleep disorders on sleepiness during the daytime for a night-shift urban railway crew. As a result of the analysis, measurements on a daytime sleepiness index were higher for the crew than those during other working hours, indicating that the degrees of sleepiness and drowsiness were severe. Afterwards, aromatic essential oils, which are generally known to help relieve sleep disorders and stress, were utilized to verify the effect on stress on night-shift workers. The experimental group treated with aromatherapy was found to show improved stress reduction and overall activity levels in the autonomic nervous system compared to an untreated control group. This study proves that night work by an urban railway crew negatively affects stress levels by increasing stress and negatively affects the autonomous nervous system, also showing that an aromatherapy treatment can be a good alternative to alleviate these conditions. The results of this study are expected to help prevent safety accidents by relieving the stress of nighttime workers.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.411-422
• /
• 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between quality of life and demographic characteristics and health-related behavioral characteristics, and their relevance to variables that represent health conditions among metropolitan-dwelling older adults. The study subjects were 380 senior citizens aged 65 or older living in the D metropolitan area, and data collection was conducted by visiting them for interviews in June 2019. A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between independent variables (demographic characteristics, health-related behavioral characteristics, health condition variables) and the dependent variable (quality of life) while controlling for gender and age. As a result, the factors related to quality of life for those surveyed were education level, spousal status, living status, bear for living expenses, average monthly allowance, satisfaction with daily life, evaluation of sleep quality, smoking and eating habits, amount of regular exercise, hobbies, subjective health status, physical disability (if any), hearing ability, visual acuity, mastication ability, urinary incontinence (present or not), and amnesia. The above results suggest that quality of life for the elderly living in urban areas is significantly related to variables that indicate demographic characteristics, health-related behavioral characteristics, and health condition.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.316-323
• /
• 2022

Background: We developed a habitat suitability index (HSI) model for Pedicularis hallaisanensis, a Grade II Endangered Species in South Korea. To determine the habitat variables, we conducted a literature review on P. hallaisanensis with a specific focus on the associated spatial factors, climate, topography, threats, and soil factors to derive five environmental factors that influence P. hallaisanensis habitats. The specific variables were defined based on the collected data and consultations with experts in the field, with the validity of each variable tested through field studies. Results: Mt. Seorak had a suitable habitat area of 2.48 km² for sites with a score of 1 (0.62% of total area) and 0.01 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Mt. Bangtae had a suitable habitat area of 0.03 km² for sites with a score of 1 (0.02% of total area) and 0 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Mt. Gaya showed 0.13 km² of suitable habitat for sites with a score of 1 (0.17% of total area) and 0 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Lastly, Mt. Halla showed 3.12 km² of suitable habitat related to sites with a score of 1 (2.04% of total area) and 4.08 km² of sites with a score of 0.9 (2.66% of total area). Mt. Halla accounts for 73.1% of the total core habitat area. Considering the climatic, soil, and forest conditions together with standardized collection sites, our results indicate that Mt. Halla should be viewed as a core habitat of P. hallaisanensis. Conclusions: The findings in this study provide useful data for the identification of core habitat areas and potential alternative habitats to prevent the extinction of the endangered species, P. hallaisanensis. Furthermore, the developed HSI model allows for the prediction of suitable habitats based on the ecological niche of a given species to identify its unique distribution and causal factors.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.236-243
• /
• 2022

Background: In the case of multiple exposures to different types of heavy metals, such as the conditions faced by residents living near a smelter, it would be preferable to group hazardous substances with similar characteristics rather than individually related substances and evaluate the effects of each group on the human body. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of factor analysis in the assessment of health effects caused by exposure to two or more hazardous substances with similar characteristics, such as in the case of residents living near a smelter. Methods: Heavy metal concentration data for 572 people living in the vicinity of the Janghang smelter area were grouped based on several subfactors according to their characteristics using factor analysis. Using these factor scores as an independent variable, multiple regression analysis was performed on health effect markers. Results: Through factor analysis, three subfactors were extracted. Factor 1 contained copper and zinc in serum and revealed a common characteristic of the enzyme co-factor in the human body. Factor 2 involved urinary cadmium and arsenic, which are harmful metals related to kidney damage. Factor 3 encompassed blood mercury and lead, which are classified as related to cardiovascular disease. As a result of multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that using the factor index derived through factor analysis as an independent variable is more advantageous in assessing the relevance to health effects than when analyzing the two heavy metals by including them in a single regression model. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that regression analysis linked with factor analysis is a good alternative in that it can simultaneously identify the effects of heavy metals with similar properties while overcoming multicollinearity that may occur in environmental epidemiologic studies on exposure to various types of heavy metals.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.24-35
• /
• 2022

For water quality management, it is necessary to continuously improve the forecasting by analyzing the past water quality, and a Data-driven model is emerging as an alternative. Because the Data-driven model is built based on a wide range of data, it is essential to apply the correlation analysis method for the combination of input variables to obtain more reliable results. In this study, the Gamma Test was applied as a preceding step to build a faster and more accurate data-driven water quality prediction model. First, a physical-based model (HSPF, EFDC) was operated to produce daily water quality reflecting the complexity of the watershed according to various hydrological conditions for Paldang Dam. The Gamma Test was performed on the water quality at the water quality prediction site (Paldangdam2) and major rivers flowing into the Paldang Dam, and the method of selecting the optimal input data combination was presented through the analysis results (Gamma, Gradient, Standar Error, V-Ratio). As a result of the study, the selection criteria for a more efficient combination of input data that can save time by omitting trial and error when building a data-driven model are presented.

• Journal of Mushroom
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.69-77
• /
• 2022

Eco-friendly materials, such as alternative vegan materials using various fungal resources, are being actively researched to reduce environmental pollution and facilitate a healthy lifestyle. The fungal mycelium-based mushroom mycelium mat is one such emerging material. In this study, the commonly used mushroom mycelium culture method was modified to reduce the time required to produce the mycelium mat, lower the possibility of contamination, and improve the properties and quality of the mat. Shortening the period required for the previously used primary bag culture and secondary mat production culture. A culture method in which the bag culture was omitted was attempted using a mycelium mutated by gamma irradiation to the mycelium of Trametes orientalis. In addition, various nutrients were added to the fungal solution to observe the change in physical properties of the fungal mat. High-quality mycelium mats were produced in the experimental group containing 1.5% CaCO₃ in sawdust medium, and the period was also reduced by more than 10 days compared to the existing production method. In the future, for mass producing mycelium mats, additional selection of medium components and optimization of culture conditions are essential.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.112 no.3
• /
• pp.290-302
• /
• 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the initial tree growth characteristics of Q. variabilis planted in forest fire-damaged areas treated with soil moisturizers such as biochar and to identify the factors that affect tree growth. To evaluate the effectiveness of soil moisture treatment in the area planted with QV, an experimental plot was created according to the treatment method (spread and mix) and treatment ratio (0, 4, and 40 t/ha). The survival rate of QV was 20% higher in the treatment plot than in the control plot. The height and root collar diameter (RCD)growths of QV were high on the northern slope with spread treatment and on the southern slope with mix treatment. The relative growth rate (RGR) according to the soil moisturizer treatment method was higher in the mix treatment, showing a significant difference in RCD. The northern slope had a higher RGR and significant growth rate. This suggests that the growth improvement effect may depend on the soil moisturizer treatment method. The aspect or treatment method affectsthe drying conditions of the soil, which in turn affects its moisture content or nutrient dynamics. The present research results can be used to establish soil moisturizer treatment standards that are suitable for growth purposes. In addition, this study demonstrates that biochar treatment can be considered as an effective alternative to boost biomass and facilitate early restoration of forest fire-damaged areas.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.83-91
• /
• 2023

This study investigate growth responses of Chinese cabbage and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) to application of fermented organic fertilizer produced from domestic organic resources for developing alternative materials instead of imported castor oil meal. Two types of fermented fertilizers (Fermented Organic Fertilizer A (OFA) and Fermented Organic Fertilizer B (OFB)) were produced by mixing distillers dried grains 30%, sesame cake 30%, rice bran 20% and fish meal 20% under different fermentation conditions. Treatment consisted of OFA is fermented for 21 days on plastic greenhouse, OFB is fermented for 5 days on 40℃, and MOF (Mixed Organic Fertilizer) is a fertilizer made with castor bean as the main ingredient. OFA, OFB and MOF were applied at the rate of 320 kg N/ha. Chinese cabbages were cultivated from Aug. to Nov. in 2022. Growth and yield of Chinese cabbage were no significant differences among all treatments except control (non-fertilized, NF). However, NUE of Chinese cabbage was higher the fermented fertilizer treatment (OFB: 81.4%, OFA: 79.1%) than the MOF (65.3%). It was observed that urease activity in the fermented fertilizer treatment was significantly higher than the MOF. This result confirmed that fermented fertilizers have similar effect on growth and yield with the MOF and could improve the NUE of crop.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.357-371
• /
• 2023

In cable tunnel construction using TBM, the vertical shaft is an essential structure for entrance and exit of TBM equipment and power lines. Since a shaft penetrates the ground vertically, it often encounters rock mass. Blasting or rock splitting methods, which are mainly used to the rock excavation, cause public complaints due to the noise, vibration and road occupation. Therefore, mechanical excavation using vertical shaft excavation machine are considered as an alternative to the conventional methods. However, at the current level of technology, the vertical excavation machine has limitation in its performance when applied for high strength rock with a compressive strength of more than 120 MPa. In this study, the potential utilization of waterjet technology as an excavation assistance method was investigated to improve mechanical excavation performance in the hard rock formations. Rock cutting experiments were conducted to verify the cutting performance of the abrasive waterjet. Based on the experimental result, it was found that ensuring excavation performance with respect to changing in ground conditions can be achieved by adjusting waterjet parameters such as standoff distance, traverse speed and water pressure. In addition, based on the relationship between excavation performance, uniaxial compressive strength and RQD, it was suggested that excavation performance could be improved by artificially creating joints using the abrasive waterjet. It is expected that these research results can be utilized as fundamental data for the introduction of vertical shaft excavation machines in the future.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
• /
• 2009.05a
• /
• pp.869-875
• /
• 2009

Safety is a big issue in the construction sites. For safe and secure management, tracking locations of construction resources such as labors, materials, machineries, vehicles and so on is important. The materials, machineries and vehicles could be controlled by computer, whereas the movement of labors does not have fixed pattern. So, the location and movement of labors need to be monitored continuously for safety. In general, Global Positioning System(GPS) is an opt solution to obtain the location information in outside environments. But it cannot be used for indoor locations as it requires a clear Line-Of-Sight(LOS) to satellites Therefore, indoor location monitoring system could be a convenient alternative for environments such as tunnel and indoor building construction sites. This paper presents a case study to investigate feasibility of Wi-Fi based indoor location monitoring system in construction site. The system is developed by using fingerprint map of gathering Received Signal Strength Indication(RSSI) from each Access Point(AP). The signal information is gathered by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, which are attached on a helmet of labors to track their locations, and is sent to server computer. Experiments were conducted in a shield tunnel construction site at Guangzhou, China. This study consists of three phases as follows: First, we have a tracking test in entrance area of tunnel construction site. This experiment was performed to find the effective geometry of APs installation. The geometry of APs installation was changed for finding effective locations, and the experiment was performed using one and more tags. Second, APs were separated into two groups, and they were connected with LAN cable in tunnel construction site. The purpose of this experiment was to check the validity of group separating strategy. One group was installed around the entrance and the other one was installed inside the tunnel. Finally, we installed the system inner area of tunnel, boring machine area, and checked the performance with varying conditions (the presence of obstacles such as train, worker, and so on). Accuracy of this study was calculated from the data, which was collected at some known points. Experimental results showed that WiFi-based indoor location system has a level of accuracy of a few meters in tunnel construction site. From the results, it is inferred that the location tracking system can track the approximate location of labors in the construction site. It is able to alert the labors when they are closer to dangerous zones like poisonous region or cave-in..