• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.165-174
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• 1999

Background: Coal-worker's pneumoconiosis(CWP) is radiologically divided into two major groups: simple pneumoconiosis (SP), in which small, rounded or irregular opacities smaller than 1cm are observed, and progressive massive fibrosis(PMF), which is characterized by opacities larger than 1cm. SP has a life expectancy equivalent to miners with no radiographic evidence of CWP, but PMF is associated with more obvious impairments of ventilatory capacity and premature death. But only minority of workers develop PMF when exposed to dust concentrations similar to those experienced by workers who develop only SP. In this study, immune status in patients with CWP were evaluated by measurement of the serum immunoglobulin levels between control, SP and PMF groups. Method: Coal workers selected for this study were emplyees of the Tae-Baek and Dong-Hae Hospital. All the patients were men of 45-76 years old and the mean duration of exposure to coal dust were 23.2 years. By X-ray examination, 51 patients were classified in SP, 59 in PMF category. The normal controls examined were 58 men of 26-70 years old. Serum Ig levels were estimated by using Nephelometer(Behring Nephelometer : Germany) and serum were collected 51 in SP, 49 in PMF and 57 cases in control group. Results: The levels of IgG were increased but the levels of IgM were decreased with increasing age in control groups. There were no statistical difference of immunoglobulin levels between smokers and nonsmokers in control groups. There were no statistical difference of immunoglobulin levels between Control, SP and PMF groups. Multiple regression analysis were undertaken to determine the statistical significance of the apparent trends and estimate the effects associated with age, smoking habit and radiological category of CWP. According to this analysis, the levels of IgG were decreased significantly in SP group and had decreasing tendancy, but not statistically significant in PMF group. Conclusion : From the observations described, CWP patients had decreased IgG concentration compared to control gorup. Therefore, there was some relation between CWP and immunoglobulin concentration.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.2
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• pp.185-194
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• 2022

Background: The Korea Interstitial Lung Disease Study Group has made a new nationwide idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) registry because the routine clinical practice has changed due to new guidelines and newly developed antifibrotic agents in the recent decade. The aim of this study was to describe recent clinical characteristics of Korean IPF patients. Methods: Both newly diagnosed and following IPF patients diagnosed after the previous registry in 2008 were enrolled. Survival analysis was only conducted for patients diagnosed with IPF after 2016 because antifibrotic agents started to be covered by medical insurance of Korea in October 2015. Results: A total of 2,139 patients were analyzed. Their mean age at diagnosis was 67.4±9.3 years. Of these patients, 76.1% were males, 71.0% were ever-smokers, 14.4% were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis, and 56.9% were at gender-age-physiology stage I. Occupational toxic material exposure was reported in 534 patients. The mean forced vital capacity was 74.6% and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 63.6%. Treatment with pirfenidone was increased over time: 62.4% of IPF patients were treated with pirfenidone initially. And 79.2% of patients were treated with antifiboritics for more than three months during the course of the disease since 2016. Old age, acute exacerbation, treatment without antifibrotics, and exposure to wood and stone dust were associated with higher mortality. Conclusion: In the recent Korean IPF registry, the percentage of IPF patients treated with antifibrotics was increased compared to that in the previous IPF registry. Old age, acute exacerbation, treatment without antifibrotics, and exposure to wood and stone dust were associated with higher mortality.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.83-95
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• 2012

China has been a top producer and exporter of refined lead products in the world since the year 2000. After the phasing-out of leaded gasoline in the late 1990s, non-ferrous metallurgy and coal combustion have been identified as potential major sources of aerosol lead in China. This paper presents the single particle analytical results of ambient aerosol particles collected near a lead smelter using a scanning electron microscopy- energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Aerosol particle samples were collected over a 24-hour period, starting from 8 pm on 31 May 2002, using a high volume TSP sampler. For this near source sample, 73 particles among 377 particles analyzed (accounting for 19.4%) were lead-containing particles mixed with other species (S, Cl, K, Ca, and/or C), which probably appeared to be from a nearby lead smelter. Lead-containing particles of less than $2{\mu}m$ size in the near source sample were most frequently encountered with the relative abundances of 42%. SEM-EDX analysis of individual standard particles, such as PbO, PbS, $PbSO_4$, $PbCl_2$, and $PbCO_3$, was also performed to assist in the clear identification of lead-containing aerosol particles. Lead-containing particles were frequently associated with arsenic and zinc, indicating that the smelter had emitted those species during the non-ferrous metallurgical process. The frequently encountered particles following the lead-containing particles were mineral dust particles, such as aluminosilicates (denoted as AlSi), $SiO_2$, and $CaCO_3$. Nitrate- and sulfate-containing particles were encountered frequently in $2-4{\mu}m$ size range, and existed mostly in the forms of $Ca(NO_3,SO_4)/C$, $(Mg,Ca)SO_4/C$, and $AlSi+(NO_3,SO_4)$. Particles containing metals (e.g., Fe, Cu, and As) in this near source sample had relative abundances of approximately 10%. Although the airborne particles collected near the lead smelter contained elevated levels of lead, other types of particles, such as $CaCO_3$-containing, carbonaceous, metal-containing, nitrates, sulfates, and fly-ash particles, showed the unique signatures of samples influenced by emissions from the lead smelter.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2020

Article 325 (Prevention of Fire Explosion due to Electrostatic) of the Rule for Occupational Safety and Health Standard specifies that in order to prevent the risk of disasters caused by static electricity, fire, explosion and static electricity in the production process, However, in order to do this, it is absolutely necessary to use a pre-detection technology and a detector for antistatic discharge prediction, which is a precautionary measure by static electricity in a fire / explosion hazard place, but in Korea, And there is no technical standard for the application of the technology of the explosion proof structure of the related equipment. Research methods include domestic and overseas electrostatic discharge detection technology and literature investigation of related equipment explosion proofing technology, domestic and foreign electrostatic discharge detection device production and use situation investigation, advanced foreign technology data analysis and benchmarking. In particular, we sought to verify the results of empirical experiments using electrostatic discharge detection technology through sample purchase and analysis of related major products, development of optimization technology through prototype production, evaluation, and supplementation, and expert knowledge through expert consultation. The results of this study were developed and fabricated two prototypes of electrostatic discharge detector based on the technology / standard related to electrostatic discharge detection technology in Korea and abroad through development of electrostatic discharge detection technology and development and production of detector. In addition, based on the development of electrostatic discharge detection technology, we developed an intrinsic safety explosion proof ib class explosion proof technology applicable to the process of using and handling flammable gas and flammable liquid vapor and combustible dust. In the case of the over voltage and minimum voltage are supplied to the explosion-proof structure ESD detector, check the state of the circuit and the transient and transient currents generated by the coil and capacitor elements during the input and standby of the signal pulse voltage. Explosion-proof equipment-Part 11: Intrinsically safe explosion proof structure The comparative evaluation with the reference curve in Annex A of "i" confirms that the characteristics of the intrinsically safe explosion protection structure are met.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.9-15
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• 2019

The purpose of present study is to assess the maximum width of the surface cracks using the histogram analysis of image processing techniques in concrete structures. For this purpose, the concrete crack image is acquired by the camera. The image is Grayscale coded and Binary coded. After Binary coded image is Dilate and Erode coded, the image is then recognized as separated objects by applying Labeling techniques. Over time, dust and stains may occur naturally on the surface of concrete. The crack image of concrete may include shadows and reflections by lighting depending on a surrounding conditions. In general, concrete cracks occur in a continuous pattern and noise of image appears in the form of shot noises. Bilateral Blurring and Adaptive Threshold apply to the Grayscale image to eliminate these effects. The remaining noises are removed by the object area ratio to the Labeled area. The maximum numbers of pixels and its positions in the crack objects without noises are calculated in x-direction and y-direction by Histogram analysis. The widths of the crack are estimated by trigonometric ratio at the positions of the pixels maximum numbers for the Labeled objects. Finally, the maximum crack width estimated by the proposed method is compared to the crack width measured with the crack gauge. The proposed method by the present study may increase the reliability for the estimation of maximum crack width using image processing techniques in concrete surface images.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.523-534
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• 2011

In this study, the particle size distribution and pollutants content of sediments collected from different sites in the coastal area of Chungnam province were analyzed. The sediment samples were collected from different parking lots near beaches, harbors, museum and bridges. The particle size distribution analysis showed that the particle is generally $106-500{\mu}m$ and the effective size $D_{10}$ ranges from 40 to $60{\mu}m$ while the $D_{50}$ and $D_{60}$ ranges from 200 to $810{\mu}m$ and 235 to $1005{\mu}m$, respectively. For particle size $D_{10}$, there was no significant difference in all sites. However, for $D_{50}$ and $D_{60}$, the range is large. Sediment analysis implicates that as the particle size decreases, the pollutant content increases. This is because smaller particles have higher specific surface area resulting to have more adsorption capacity. Particles from tires, emission gas from vehicles and dust particles belongs to smaller particles. For particle sizes less than $63{\mu}m$, the analysis showed that as the particles become coarser, the concentration of VS, $COD_{cr}$, TN, and TP is at least 2 to 14 times higher. Cu and Pb were detected in all sites and shows a higher concentration with smaller particle size. Cu concentration are almost the same for all sites but in the case of Pb, the sediments from Sinjindo has higher concentration of up to 2 to 3 times as compared to those collected from the other sites. In the Beach site as well as in the Seocheon Ocean Museum, Cd was contained only in fine particles. However, in Daechon Harbor and Sinjindo Bridge sites, Cd was detected in all the sediment particle size.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.178-188
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• 2015

This study has the main objective of being of help as a reference data for the application of the finishing materials when designing the interior of the chapel of the church space through analysis of the finishing materials against the chapels of church space which has complex function. As precedent studies for this, the composition of the function and concept of the church space was surveyed and the complex function of the church space was surveyed. The theoretical surveyed was performed according to the casual composition, behavior of the community and role and location of the duties of the church members. The case objects were 10 chapels constructed by 5 professional interior design companies. The content of the analysis was the finishing materials in the chapels and their application characteristics. The detailed considerations to be referred to when designing the interior of the chapels of church space in the future were proposed. The analysis result of the application of the finishing materials according to the locational function of the chapels of church space can be explained as follows. First, the platform area was the characteristic of applying finishing materials which induce visual immersion. As for the floor materials in the platform, in order to minimize the floor sound and vibration phenomenon occurring during movements, noise insulation and dust protection rubber sheet was place and on top of it the floor or the carpet was placed. Second, the Choir area had the difficult problem of having to consider the appropriate sound absorption occurring due to the proliferation of sound and performance of classical instruments at the same time. However, in the case, this problem was solved through the sculptures of convex shape. Third, since the scheelite is a space where many people move around, the finishing material which absorbs sound was mainly used. Fourth, the entrance area was composed of thick wall materials compared to other walls, and the sound absorption character was most significantly considered when applying the finishing material. Fifth, the broadcasting room was composed either in independent type or an open type and performed its function and the main finishing materials was transparent glass which was highest use frequency.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.192-203
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• 2020

Objectives: The concentration distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenlys (dl-PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fine particles were investigated to provide basic data on POP behavior and composition analysis. Methods: The concentrations of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and PAHs by particle size were evaluated for TSP, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5. Also, fine dust component analysis and factor analysis were performed to identify the source of PCDD/Fs. Results: The particle size distribution was found to account for 24.3% of >10 ㎛, 14.5% of 2.5-10 ㎛, and 61.2% of <2.5 ㎛. The average contributions of coarse particles (>2.5 ㎛) and fine particles (<2.5 ㎛) were PCDD/Fs 67%, dl-PCBs 66%, benzo (a) pyrene 83% and PAHs 84%, and the contributions of fine particles (<2.5 ㎛) were higher than coarse particles (>2.5 ㎛). However, the contributions of coarse particles increased in April to September with higher temperatures, while those of fine particles increased in February to March with lower temperatures. Conclusions: Low chlorinated (4Cl-5Cl) PCDD/Fs were more adsorbed compared to coarse particles due to the influence of pollutant migration from particulate to gas phase according to temperature rise, whereas high chlorinated (6Cl-8Cl) PCDD/Fs were more adsorbed compared to fine particles. PCDD/Fs sources were assessed to be major sources of emissions, such as incineration facilities and/or open burning.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.26 no.7
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• pp.652-660
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• 2005

The distribution of PM10 was investigated using its measurement data collected from a total of 152 AQM stations located across South Korea from 1998 to 2003. It was found that PM10 concentration reaches its peak in the springtime due to massive wind-blown dusts during the Asian Dust (AD) period. Then the concentration level decreases in the summertime, after the rain shower season. When the PM10 data sets were compared across different cities, their patterns contrasted sharply. The highest PM10 concentration was measured in Seoul $(68.2{\mu}g/m^3)$, while the lowest PM10 concentration was measured in Jeju $(39.2{\mu}g/m^3)$. The results of our analysis indicate that PM10 concentrations exhibit a strong proportional relationship with respect to the size of the city. With respect to the correlation analysis of our results, it was evident that PM10 concentrations of nearby cities were found to affect each other.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.24 no.3 s.35
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• pp.279-286
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• 1991

Much of the working population in developing countries are engaged in shift work now and the number of shift workers is not expected to decrease in the future mostly because the need for continuity of production is increasing. Therefore, the possible effects of shift work on health are of particular interest, and in fact, there have been many epidemiological studies on shift work since the first world war. However, no studies on health effects of shift work have been reported in Korea, and the existing studies in western world have arrived at quite different conclusions mainly because the conditions of work other than shift work, such as age and selection of workers, work environment, and labor conditions also influence the health of workers. This study was firstly carried out in Korea to investigate the health risks related to shift work with 2,093 female workers randomly selected from three major manufacturing industries in proportion to total number of female workers in those industries. Differences of work conditions other than shift work in this study were adjusted by multivariate analysis. Ma findings obtained from this study are as follows : 1. There were significant differences between shift and day workers in the distribution of age, type of industry, condition of noise and dust, regularity of mealtime, working position, and working duration. Shift workers tended to be younger, to have shorter working duration, to have more irregular mealtime, to work in standing position, and to work under more noisy and dusty environment than day workers. 2. Univariate analysis showed that shift work increased the Todai Health Index (THI) scores of digestive tract, respiratory tract, and mental instability symptom categories. Shift work also increased days of sickness absence and number of industrial accident per 100 workers per month. 3. Multivariate analysis that adjusted the differences of demographic, occupational and non-occupational health-related working conditions showed that digestive tract symptom and mental instability symptom scores were significantly higher in shift workers than those in day workers. Based on these study results, it is concluded that the shift work has significant effects on some psychophysiological conditions of the workers and the effects are also influenced by several other personal and working conditions.