• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.1172-1184
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• 2021

Objective: The purposes of this study were to analyze the radiation doses for pediatric abdominopelvic and chest CT examinations from university hospitals in Korea and to establish the local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) based on the body weight and size. Materials and Methods: At seven university hospitals in Korea, 2494 CT examinations of patients aged 15 years or younger (1625 abdominopelvic and 869 chest CT examinations) between January and December 2017 were analyzed in this study. CT scans were transferred to commercial automated dose management software for the analysis after being de-identified. DRLs were calculated after grouping the patients according to the body weight and effective diameter. DRLs were set at the 75th percentile of the distribution of each institution's typical values. Results: For body weights of 5, 15, 30, 50, and 80 kg, DRLs (volume CT dose index [CTDI_vol]) were 1.4, 2.2, 2.7, 4.0, and 4.7 mGy, respectively, for abdominopelvic CT and 1.2, 1.5, 2.3, 3.7, and 5.8 mGy, respectively, for chest CT. For effective diameters of < 13 cm, 14-16 cm, 17-20 cm, 21-24 cm, and > 24 cm, DRLs (size-specific dose estimates [SSDE]) were 4.1, 5.0, 5.7, 7.1, and 7.2 mGy, respectively, for abdominopelvic CT and 2.8, 4.6, 4.3, 5.3, and 7.5 mGy, respectively, for chest CT. SSDE was greater than CTDI_vol in all age groups. Overall, the local DRL was lower than DRLs in previously conducted dose surveys and other countries. Conclusion: Our study set local DRLs in pediatric abdominopelvic and chest CT examinations for the body weight and size. Further research involving more facilities and CT examinations is required to develop national DRLs and update the current DRLs.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.171-202
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• 2024

If the plant genetic resources and information-sharing systems held by arboretums worldwide are effectively utilized, it is believed that a conservation system for plant diversity in the currently inaccessible North Korean region could be established. This study was conducted to review the scientific names of plants native to North Korea but not to South Korea and to assess the status of genetic resources held in domestic and international arboretums. To compile a list and status of North Korean plant's genetic resources, updated checklists of vascular plants in Korean Peninsula and online plant information databases were consulted to compile synonym, distribution range, and other related information. A total of 486 taxa (449 species, 13 subspecies, 21 varieties, 1 forma and 2 hybrids) from 236 genera and 64 families, representing 12.34% of the total native flora of the Korean Peninsular were presented in the North Korea plant list, and the presence of rare, endemic and northern lineage species was confirmed. It was found that 384 taxa from 190 genera, 53 families of North Korean plants are held as genetic resources in 333 arboretums and plant research institutions across 46 countries and 5 continents worldwide. This study is expected to contribute to the construction and application of a species list for plants native to the Korean Peninsula.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.450-463
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• 2023

The objective of this study is to derive the core habitat of the Kirengeshoma koreana Nakai utilizing Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) models. Expert-based models have been criticized for their subjective criteria, while statistical models face difficulties in on-site validation and integration of expert opinions. To address these limitations, both models were employed, and their outcomes were overlaid to derive the core habitat. Five variables were identified through a comprehensive literature review and spatial analysis based on appearance coordinates. The environmental variables encompass vegetation zone, forest type, crown density, annual precipitation, and effective soil depth. Through surveys involving six experts, importance rankings and SI (Suitability Index) scores were established for each variable, subsequently facilitating the creation of an HSI map. Using the same variables, the MaxEnt model was also executed, resulting in a corresponding map, which was merged to construct the definitive core habitat map. Out of 16 observed locations of K. koreana, 15 were situated within the identified core habitat. Furthermore, an area historically known to host K. koreana but not verified in the present, Mt. Yeongchwi, was found to lack a core habitat. These findings suggest that the developed models exhibit a high degree of accuracy and effectively reflect the current ecological landscape.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.221-231
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• 2024

The aim of this study was to enhance the safety and care of mental health for seafarer working in passenger ship workspaces. Brightness, color values, and color distribution were investigated with issues and improvement ways identified through seafarers' interviews. Firstly, previous studies, references, current policy, regulations, and accident case studies were reviewed. Color compositions of wheelhouse and engine room of M Ship were then surveyed in the field. Color values of each space were analyzed using a colorimeter. Colormeter analysis of brightness and color measurements in the wheelhouse and engine areas indicated that ceilings, walls, and floors were generally dark, with the engine area being very dark. Regarding color, green and blue were distributed in the ceiling of the wheelhouse and engine area, while red and blue were in the walls and floors of the wheelhouse and engine area. According to interviews with seafarers currently working at engine rooms, they responded about their experience of near miss incidents due to a decrepit indoor environment, a dark working environment, slippery and bright flooring, and stairs that were not suitable for domestic users. Thus, when installing lighting in the future, the brightness of the space should be improved by distinguishing between night and day. A lighting plan considering the location of lighting, level of shadow formation and contrast, reflectance of the facility, glare, color of light, floor color plan, and material selection is needed. A facility design suitable for domestic users is also needed.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.75-88
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the current use of Korean medicine for obesity and its effect for women in climacteric period. Methods: We studied women aged 45-55 who visited Daejeon Korean medicine Hospital of Daejeon University to lose body weight from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022 via an analysis of the medical records. The treatment duration was continuous for more than 2 weeks, and a body composition was measured by Inbody 770 at 2 to 4 weeks after the first visit. Results: 28 patients were finally selected and their average age was 49.32±3.38 years. Based on the body mass index (BMI) classification, 19 were in the 1st obesity group, 5 in the 2nd obesity group, 3 in the overweight group and 1 in the normal group. Patients usually complained comcomitant symptoms, and the symptoms of menopausal disorder was the most frequent. The average treatment duration was 3.68±0.67 weeks and the average treatment frequency was 3.93±0.98 times. All patients took herbal medicines Gambi-tang and 23 took modified fasting therapy including Gamro-su. 14 were treated by whole body far-infrared therapy and 6 were gotten partial obesity treatment. Among patients treated for accompanying symptoms, menopausal disorders were the most common (35.71%), and herbal medicine such as Gamisoyou-san, Hominis Placenta Pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, and cupping were used. After treatment, on average, body composition changed significantly; body weight 3.28±1.82 kg, BMI 1.36±1.04 kg/m², body fat 1.70±1.67 kg, skeletal muscle mass 0.81±0.91 kg, abdominal circumference 2.04±2.6 cm, and visceral fat area 8.91±12.83 cm². Conclusions: We analyzed general characteristics, BMI distribution, types of Korean medicine treatment and change of body composition. This study could be used as reference to provide practical data of treatment for obese women in climacteric period.

• Journal of Service Research and Studies
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.108-123
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• 2024

In particular, as the current educational institutions are becoming more competitive, universities need to make efforts to survive the fierce competition by improving their service qualities. In this situation, this study was conducted to confirm the effect of international students' evaluation of university service quality on university loyalty through university satisfaction and service engagements, And several implications can be suggested as follows. First, the dimensions of university service quality were identified as important factors that had a great influence on the university satisfaction of international students. Among the service quality dimensions, support services related to international students were found to be the most important variable in university satisfaction. The school's efforts to solve the inconvenience of international students and the grievances of students who feel difficulties that their own students do not feel are considered a very important factor in the satisfaction of international students. Second, it was found that international students' class engagement or friendship engagement can be increased through satisfaction with the school, and eventually, the increased engagements affect university loyalty. In particular, it has been verified that for international students, the loyalty of the school can be increased by establishing friendships with students from various countries and participating in various school programs. Finally, according to the purposes of studying abroad, the difference was confirmed between the groups studying for academic development and better employment and the group employed for overseas experience and immigration.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was intended to investigate the revision status of the occupational exposure standards for aluminum at home and abroad; to investigate worker exposure at domestic aluminum manufacturing and handling workplaces; to conduct social and economic evaluation for the revision of domestic aluminum exposure limits. Methods: We investigated the current status of occupational exposure limits for aluminum at home and abroad, and analyzed supporting data. An exposure survey was conducted targeting domestic aluminum manufacturing and handling workplaces. Based on these, revised aluminum occupational exposure limits were proposed. Results: The major aluminum exposure limits at home and abroad show a notable difference. The toxicity of aluminum, which was revealed through animal experiments and epidemiological investigations. The average concentration of aluminum in the air at 12 workplaces was 0.016 mg/m³, and the maximum was 0.0776 mg/m³. When total dust and respiratory dust were measured side by side and simultaneously for the same process, 12.1% of the total mass concentration of aluminum dust was respiratory dust. As a result of measuring and comparing the size distribution of dust with an optical particle counter in real time, 48.1% of the total dust in the form of welding fume and pyro-powder was respiratory dust. Based on the literature review and workplace survey, three proposals for changing the aluminum exposure limit were proposed. Proposal (1): For all types, 10 mg/m³ is unified as the exposure limit except for soluble salts and alkyls. Proposal (2): 1(R) mg/m³ as the exposure limit for all forms except soluble salts and alkyl. Proposal (3): 1(R) mg/m³ for pyro-powder and welding fume, and 10 mg/m³ for metal dust, aluminum oxide, and insoluble compounds as exposure standards. A pyro-powder was defined as dry aluminum powder of 200 mesh size (74 ㎛) or smaller (larger size classified as metal dust). Reason for setting: In the workplace survey, the ratio of respiratory dust to total dust was analyzed to be about 1:10, so it was judged that the domestic standard and the ACGIH standard were compatible. Conclusions: In all scenarios according to the revision of the exposure standard, the B/C ratio was greater than 1 or only benefits existed, so it was evaluated as sufficiently reasonable as a result of the socio-economic evaluation.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2024

In this study, we summarized the definition of smart vegetable seedling production technology, analysis of smart seedling production system, a hardware and software configuration model for smart seedling production system, research and development trends in smart seedling production system, and proposed future research and development plans for smart seedling production technology. Smart vegetable seedling production is a data-based seedling production, management, and distribution system that utilizes 4th Industrial Revolution technology to improve seedling productivity and quality. The production of vegetable seedlings using smart seedling production technology can be efficiently managed by collecting, analyzing, and managing information on seedlings, environment, and tasks at each stage of production by linking with the smart seedling integrated management system. However, there is still a lack of standardization of seedling standards and quality for each vegetable crop to establish smart seeding production technology, as well as development of smart seedling production element technology, which requires national wide R&D support.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.20-31
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• 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the structure of benthic communities resulting from aquaculture activities and to assess the benthic health status of surface sediment in Gangjin Bay, a region known for concentrated shellfish aquaculture on the southern coast of Korea. Survey stations were divided into longline culture, bottom culture, and non-cultivation areas. The spatiotemporal distribution of physiochemical factors such as the grain size, water temperature, salinity, and total organic carbon in Gangjin Bay showed no significant differences between sampling stations. However, the species number, density, and diversity were relatively lower at the sampling stations in the bottom culture areas than at the other stations throughout the entire survey period. Cluster analysis and principal coordinates analysis also clearly distinguished the benthic communities in the bottom culture areas from those in the other sampling areas. At the sampling stations in the longline culture and non-cultivation areas, Scolectoma longifolia and Sigambra tentaculata, which are indicator species of organically enriched areas, appeared as dominant species. However, excluding some stations influenced by physical factors such as the water depth and current speed, the occupancy rate was not high. The health assessment results, conducted using the fisheries environment assessment method, revealed good conditions with Grades 1 and 2 across the entire area. However, an examination of the spatiotemporal changes in benthic communities and the benthic health index indicated that the benthic environment in the bottom culture areas was affected by physical disturbances.

• Journal of the Korean Society for information Management
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.133-162
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• 2024

The rapid digitalization has highlighted the importance of identifying and managing online resources. Especially, the need for a systematic identification system for the efficient distribution and preservation of digital content is growing. This study aims to respond to these contemporary demands by investigating the current state of identification systems for online resources and exploring more systematic management and utilization methods through linking these systems with legal deposit. To achieve this, the study surveyed the identification systems and their issuance status for online resources and analyzed prior research related to these online resources. Based on the analysis, the proposed strategies for linking with legal deposit can be summarized into three categories: First, to prioritize and enhance the utilization of legal deposit, strategies are required to strengthen the mutual complementarity of deposit and use, to assign priorities to certain deposits, and to increase the usability of deposited materials. Second, as strategies based on international standard numbers for linking with legal deposit, it is necessary to integrate ISBN and UCI in the deposit process, to link international standard resource numbers with deposit, to interconnect metadata between international standard numbers and UCI, to integrate UCI and ICN, and to introduce automation technology for upgrading the deposit system. Third, to effectively implement the aforementioned strategies, policy support is essential. This includes enhancing the role of the Korean Bibliographic Standards Center, strengthening cooperation with publishers, compensating for deposited materials, and increasing awareness and institutional compensation for the legal deposit system.