• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.25 no.11
• /
• pp.105-115
• /
• 2009

The Jeju sand was sampled from the beach in Jeju Island and its basic properties were analyzed. The cementation effect of Jeju coastal sediments was evaluated from in-situ tests such as SPT, CPT, and the Suspension-PS test. It was shown from test results that the Jeju sand has high extreme void ratios due to the angularity of grains and the intra-particle voids of hollow particles, similar to typical calcareous sands. From cone penetration test in the calibration chamber, it was found that the cone resistance($q_c$)-relative density($D_R$)-vertical effective stress(${\sigma}_v'$) relation of Jeju sand almost matches that of high compressible quartz sand. However, the $q_C-D_R-{\sigma}_v'$ correlation suggested for uncemented Jeju sand overestimates the relative density of coastal sediments of Jeju Island due to the cementation effect. From the analysis of the relation of cone resistance, N value, and small strain shear modulus measured in-situ, it seems reasonable to assume that the coastal sediment of Jeju Island is a naturally cemented one.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.28 no.6C
• /
• pp.321-329
• /
• 2008

In this study, a series of column test as a way in order to make up for the weakness point of the conventional acceleration method were conducted to both propose the suction board drain method and grapes the specific improvement character of this method as a result of a sort of plastic drain board and a phase of vacuum pressure conditions. On this occasion, the study focused on computing the effective factors of the fittest Suction board drain method affected by each condition through confirming the settlement generated during the test, the water content reduction and stress increase effect occurred arising from the test, and the ratio of consolidation related to the improvement period. In accordance with the shape of core and that whether the core is attached to the filter(pocket or adhesion), the castle type of adhesion and the column type of pocket are more efficient than the others as a consequence of the test to find out the improvement effect depending on each drainage such as a castle type, coil type, harmonica type, column type of pocket and a castle of the adhesion. In case of the step suction pressure, the shorter the period of $-0.8\;kg/cm^2$ as a final step of the suction pressure is, the better the improvement is. In addition, the correlation between degree of consolidation per each suction pressure level and duration of application was drawn as a curve and the point of inflection on this curve was provided to determine the duration period to maximize the consolidation.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• /
• v.35
• /
• pp.50.1-50.11
• /
• 2023

Background: The rise in telecommuting or non-face-to-face work owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has fueled conversations regarding the "right to disconnect." Although evidence suggests that receiving work-related communications through telecommunication devices outside of work hours may lead to various symptoms and illnesses, limited research has been undertaken on these symptoms. This study therefore aims to investigate the correlation between receiving work communications through telecommunication devices after work hours and the occurrence of work-related headaches and eyestrain in full-time, non-shift white-collar workers. Methods: This study used data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. The frequency of using telecommunication devices for work purposes outside of working hours was divided into five categories: "Every day," "Several times a week," "Several times a month," "Rarely," and "Never." Work-related headaches and eyestrain were categorized based on a "yes" or "no" response to the survey questions. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Results: After adjusting for sex, age, income level, education, occupation, workplace size, work hours, and sleep disorders, the odds ratio (OR) of work-related headaches and eyestrain based on frequency of telecommunication device usage were as follows: "rarely" (OR: 1.292; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111-1.503), "several times a month" (OR: 1.551; 95% CI: 1.249-1.926), "several times a week" (OR: 1.474; 95% CI: 1.217-1.784), and "every day" (OR: 1.548; 95% CI: 1.321-1.813). Conclusions: Employees who use telecommunication devices for work after regular hours are more susceptible to experiencing work-related headaches and eyestrain compared to those who do not. However, there is a dearth of research examining the physical and mental health impacts of using telecommunication devices for after-hours work. Furthermore, the existing preventative measures in Korea are insufficient. Consequently, it is imperative to develop effective measures and conduct additional research to address this issue.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.67 no.5
• /
• pp.510-520
• /
• 2024

Objective : Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The treatment of PD aims to alleviate motor symptoms by replacing the reduced endogenous dopamine. Currently, there are no disease-modifying agents for the treatment of PD. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as an effective tool for new drug discovery and screening in the age of translational research. The neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is known to cause a similar loss of dopaminergic neurons in the human midbrain, with corresponding Parkinsonian symptoms. L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) have been implicated in the generation of mitochondrial oxidative stress, which underlies the pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, we investigated the neuro-restorative effect of LTCC inhibition in an MPTP-induced zebrafish PD model and suggested a possible drug candidate that might modify the progression of PD. Methods : All experiments were conducted using a line of transgenic zebrafish, Tg(dat:EGFP), in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) is expressed in dopaminergic neurons. The experimental groups were exposed to 500 μmol MPTP from 1 to 3 days post fertilization (dpf). The drug candidates : levodopa 1 mmol, nifedipine 10 μmol, nimodipine 3.5 μmol, diethylstilbestrol 0.3 μmol, luteolin 100 μmol, and calcitriol 0.25 μmol were exposed from 3 to 5 dpf. Locomotor activity was assessed by automated tracking and dopaminergic neurons were visualized in vivo by confocal microscopy. Results : Levodopa, nimodipine, diethylstilbestrol, and calcitriol had significant positive effects on the restoration of motor behavior, which was damaged by MPTP. Nimodipine and calcitriol have significant positive effects on the restoration of dopaminergic neurons, which were reduced by MPTP. Through locomotor analysis and dopaminergic neuron quantification, we identified the neuro-restorative effects of nimodipine and calcitriol in zebrafish MPTP-induced PD model. Conclusion : The present study identified the neuro-restorative effects of nimodipine and calcitriol in an MPTP-induced zebrafish model of PD. They restored dopaminergic neurons which were damaged due to the effects of MPTP and normalized the locomotor activity. LTCCs have potential pathological roles in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Zebrafish are highly amenable to high-throughput drug screening and might, therefore, be a useful tool to work towards the identification of disease-modifying treatment for PD. Further studies including zebrafish genetic models to elucidate the mechanism of action of the disease-modifying candidate by investigating Ca2+ influx and mitochondrial function in dopaminergic neurons, are needed to reveal the pathogenesis of PD and develop disease-modifying treatments for PD.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.668-675
• /
• 2017

To assess the physiological effects of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus extract on cytoxicity of a neuronal cell line, antioxidant activity, and neuroprotection against intensive glucose-induced oxidative stress were quantitated. Compared to the other fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus (EFAD) showed the highest total phenolics and flavonoids. The 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay and malondialdehyde inhibitory effect test confirmed the superior antioxidant activity of EFAD. Moreover, EFAD also decreased the intracellular ROS level and suppressed neuronal cell death against intensive glucose- or $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, assessment of ${\alpha}$-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities revealed that EFAD was an effective inhibitor of ${\alpha}$-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis identified caffeic acid as the main ingredient of EFAD. Overall, these results suggest that the EFAD is a good natural source of biological compounds that counteract hyperglycemic neuronal defects.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.294-303
• /
• 2020

This study aimed to examine was conducted to the ability of microclimate control in old pine forests by surveying pine forest in Buddhist temples, where the pine forest are stably growing through active protection in the Gyeongnam region, and comparing variation characteristics of microclimate characteristics (temperature and humidity) and distribution of vegetation type. The study sites were pine forests protected well by Buddhist temples (Haein-sa, Beomeo-sa, Tongdo-sa, and Bulguk-sa) in the southeast region of Korea and thus known for stably growing young pine trees. According to the vegetation distribution status analysis, these pine forests did not have a high ratio of pine trees. Except for Tongdo-sa, the ratio of deciduous forest and mixed (deciduous and pine trees) forest had a much larger presence than that of pine forest. Measured data of microclimate showed that the Tongdo-sa area had significantly different characteristics compared to the other three areas. Tongdo-sa area showed a significantly higher diurnal range of temperatures and humidity than the other three areas, in both spring and summer. It is due to the difference in vegetation management. The forests around Tongdo-sa are mostly pine forests, except for the developed areas, while those in the other three areas have a dominant ratio of deciduous brad-leaved forests. Intensive control of pine forest is not effective in mitigating microclimate, i.e., temperature and air humidity. Stress caused by rising temperatures and decreasing air humidity is blamed for the decline of pine forests. Thus, the current active management of pine forests, such as the Tongdo-sa case, has been found to have a greater negative impact on the temperature and humidity stress. Therefore, we believe that a new change in forest management is necessary to increase the effect of mitigating the microclimate of pine forests.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.46 no.5
• /
• pp.545-551
• /
• 2017

Curcuma longa L. (CL) is widely used as a spice and coloring agent in several foods, such as curry and mustard, as well as cosmetics and drugs. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of CL extracted with various solvents [methanol (MC), ethanol (EC), acetone (AC)] on $H_2O_2-induced$ DNA damage in human leukocytes along with total polyphenol contents (TPC) and antioxidant properties. The antioxidant effects of CL were determined by measuring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (RSA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. The preventive effect of CL on oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and DNA repair capacities were assessed using comet assay. MC showed the highest TPC (11.17 g gallic acid equivalents/100 g) and antioxidant properties among the solvent extracts. The $SC_{50}$ for DPPH RSA was MC: 35.0 > AC: 45.8 > EC: $57.8{\mu}g/mL$ and SOD-like activity was MC: 46.6 > EC: 141.5 > AC: $296.4{\mu}g/mL$. In the comet assay, the $ED_{50}$ value of MC showed the highest inhibition ($86.7{\mu}g/mL$) of $H_2O_2-induced$ DNA damage, followed by AC ($110.0{\mu}g/mL$) > EC ($115.8{\mu}g/mL$). Analysis of the percentage of damaged cells showed that repair capacity significantly decreased at 4, 8, and 12 h from $H_2O_2-induced$ oxidative stress in each extract. After 12 h, level of DNA damage recovery was similar to the negative control level. These results suggest that CL has potential antioxidant activity and a protective effect against oxidation-induced DNA damage, and the methanol extract of CL was the most effective.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.15 no.10
• /
• pp.6234-6241
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the status of medical staff stress and accommodating manners on the death of patients in a hospital setting for serving the basic information to develop a death education program of medical personnel from April 1 to April 30, 2014. A survey was performed on 353 medical personnel at K university hospital, located in Daejeon metropolitan city. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. The results showed that 'to understand the value of the time and preparedness of a meaningful future' were the most important perspectives on the contents of death education (p<0.05), 'in order to change perceptions and attitudes toward death positively' was the most important reason why they required death education'(p<0.05), 'case-based teaching and problem-based learning' was the most effective way of death education (p<0.05), 'negative or hostile response of a patient's guardian to medical personnel' was the largest stress that medical personnel confront upon witnessing a death'(p<0.05). An understanding of the death of patients by medical personnel and an awareness of the need for death education will help improve the understanding of the patient, their guardian, and medical personnel themselves. The main findings will contribute to the development of a specific death education program on the medical personnel in a hospital setting.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.31 no.6D
• /
• pp.771-778
• /
• 2011

Preliminary feasibility study on Busan metro line #1 in Yangsan line (Nopo-Bukjeong) depending on active volume of mass transportation between Yangsan city and Busan city was conducted. As the study concluded that it's valid, the necessity to establish the metro railroad network connecting to Busan, Ulsan and Gyeongnam Province is demanded to improve the transportation issues in Ungsang area vulnerable to metro service and to drive the balanced development between metropolitan cities. In addition, the volume of transportation depending on methods in target areas and road traffic assignment are surveyed to put a stress on the necessity to establish the metro railroad network. As the demand of transportation for alternative lines is predicted, the budget and benefits for construction for each alternative line set for the rough economic analysis depending on traffic volume for each method and traffic assignment results. The total project budget necessary for construction of proposal line #1 set as effective one among target three lines in this project is calculated in 794.32 billion won. Construction accounts for the most expensive in expenses for project and contingency allowances, purchases for vehicles and collateral expense are followed in orders. However, compensation for lands is not counted. In particular, according to economic analysis in proposal #1, ratio of benefit/cost (B/C) is 0.584, net present value (NPV) is -217.47 billion won, the internal rate of return (IRR) is analyzed in 0.604 %. At the current stage, it is not economically feasible, but the B/C is 0.737 in long-term upon construction of Yangsan line between Wolpheong and Yongdang which is proposal line #3. Therefore, when Busan metro basic plan is reorganized to aim the benefit of residents in Ungsang area vulnerable to the metro service, we think it must be necessary to establish the metro railroad network connecting to Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan which is proposal line #2 by extending the existing Sinjeong line and including this task line in high-ranked plan related to metro railroad.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.382-393
• /
• 2020

The engineered barrier system of high-level radioactive waste disposal must maintain its performance in the long term, because it must play a role in slowing the rate of leakage to the surrounding rock mass even if a radionuclide leak occurs from the canister. In particular, it is very important to clarify gas dilation flow phenomenon clearly, that occurs only in a medium containing a large amount of clay material such as a bentonite buffer, which can affect the long-term performance of the bentonite buffer. Accordingly, DECOVALEX-2019 Task A was conducted to identify the hydraulic-mechanical mechanism for the dilation flow, and to develop and verify a new numerical analysis technique for quantitative evaluation of gas migration phenomena. In this study, based on the conventional two-phase flow and mechanical behavior with effective stresses in the porous medium, the hydraulic-mechanical model was developed considering the concept of damage to simulate the formation of micro-cracks and expansion of the medium and the corresponding change in the hydraulic properties. Model verification and validation were conducted through comparison with the results of 1D and 3D gas injection tests. As a result of the numerical analysis, it was possible to model the sudden increase in pore water pressure, stress, gas inflow and outflow rate due to the dilation flow induced by gas pressure, however, the influence of the hydraulic-mechanical interaction was underestimated. Nevertheless, this study can provide a preliminary model for the dilation flow and a basis for developing an advanced model. It is believed that it can be used not only for analyzing data from laboratory and field tests, but also for long-term performance evaluation of the high-level radioactive waste disposal system.