• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.21 no.spc
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• pp.149-156
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• 2019

Assessing the hydrological safety of existing dams against climate change and providing appropriate adaptation measures are important in terms of sustainable water supply and management. Korean major dams ensure their safety through periodic inspections and maintenance according to 'Special Act on the safety control and maintenance of establishments'. Especially when performing a full safety examination, principal engineer must assess the hydrological safety and prepare for potential risks. This study employed future probable maximum precipitation (PMP) estimated using outputs of regional climate models based on RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 greenhouse-gas emission scenarios to assess climate change impact on existing dam's future hydrological safety. The analysis period was selected from 2011 to 2040, from 2041 to 2070, and from 2071 to 2100. Evaluating the potential risk based on the future probable maximum flood (PMF) for four major dams (A, B, C, I) showed that climate change could induce increasing the overflow risk on three dams (A, B, I), although there are small differences depending on the RCP scenarios and the analysis periods. Our results suggested that dam managers should consider both non-structural measures and structural measures to adapt to the expected climate change.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.142-151
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• 2001

Purpose: This study was performed to search the relatively specific brain regions related to the semantic processing of Korean and English words on the one hand and the regions common to both on the other. Materials and Methods: Regional cerebral blood flow associated with different semantic tasks was examined using $[^{15}O]H_2O$ positron omission tomography in 13 healthy volunteers. The tasks consisted of semantic tasks for Korean words, semantic tasks for English words and control tasks using simple pictures. The regions specific and common to each language were identified by the relevant subtraction analysis using statistical parametric mapping. Results: Common to the semantic processing of both words, the activation site was observed in the fusiform gyrus, particularly the left side. In addition, activation of the left inferior temporal gyrus was found only in the semantic processing of English words. The regions specific to Korean words were observed in multiple areas, including the right primary auditory cortex; whereas the regions specific to English words were limited to the right posterior visual area. Conclusion: Internal phonological process is engaged in performing the visual semantic task for Korean words of the high proficiency, whereas visual scanning plays an important role in performing the task for English words of the low proficiency.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.11
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• pp.537-543
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• 2019

Alumina(Al₂O₃) is a ceramic material used in industry with a range of particle sizes and characteristics. In this study, a boehmite sol was prepared by a hydrolysis and peptizing process using the Sol-Gel method from aluminum isopropoxide (AIP). γ-Al₂O₃ was prepared by drying and calcining. To prevent particle agglomeration during the manufacturing process, four kinds of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with molecular weights of 9,000~10,000, 31,000~50,000, 89,000~98,000, and 130,000 were added and three concentrations of HNO₃ (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 molar ratio) were added to determine their effects on the particles. The crystal structure, composition, particle size and shape of the prepared γ-Al₂O₃ were confirmed through x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF), particle size analyzer (PSA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). As a result, γ-Al₂O₃ with a purity of approximately 98.2% was synthesized, and the particle size decreased and the uniformity increased with increasing ratio of HNO₃ addition and PVA molecular weight. From these results, the particle size can be controlled during the manufacturing process of γ-Al₂O₃ by controlling the addition ratio of PVA and HNO₃.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this case study is to assess workers' exposure to carbon nanotubes(CNTs) and characterize particles aerosolized during the process of producing CNT-enabled polytetrafuoroethylene(PTFE) composites at a worksite in Korea. Methods: Personal breathing zone and area samples were collected for determining respirable concentrations of elemental carbon(EC) using NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Method 5040. Personal exposure to nano-sized particles was measured as the number concentration and mean diameter using personal ultrafine particle monitors. The number concentration by particle size was measured using optical particle sizers(OPS) and scanning mobility particle sizers(SMPS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) area samples were collected on TEM grids and analyzed to characterize the size, morphology, and chemistry of the particles. Results: Respirable EC concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.24 ㎍/㎥, which were below 23% of the exposure limit recommended by NIOSH and lower than background concentrations. Number concentrations by particle size measured using OPS and SMPS were not noticeably elevated during CNT-PTFE composite work. Instant increase of number concentrations of nano-sized particles was observed during manual sanding of CNT-PTFE composites. Both number concentrations and mean diameters did not show a statistically significant difference between workers handing CNT-added and not-added materials. TEM analyses revealed the emission of free-standing CNTs and CNT-PTFE aggregate particles from the powder supply task and composite particles embedded with CNTs from the computer numerical control(CNC) machining task with more than tens of micrometers in diameter. No free-standing CNT particles were observed from the CNC machining task. Conclusions: Significant worker exposure to respirable CNTs was not found, but the aerosolization of CNTs and CNT-embedded composite particles were observed during handing of CNT-PTFE powders and CNC machining of CNT-PTFE composites. Considering the limited knowledge on the toxicity of CNTs and CNT composite particles to date, it seems prudent to take a precautionary approach for the protection of workers' health.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2003.05a
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• pp.148-148
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• 2003

This study is to investigate the environmental levels and trend of dioxins, which was the 3$\^$rd/ year of environmental monitoring research for endocrine disrupting chemicals since 1999. Total 282 samples were analyzed from 115 sites including 26 sites of airs, 43 sites of waters, 11 sites of sediments and 35 sites of soil, which were the same as those of investigated sites in 2000. Sampling period was from June 2001 to June 2002. Target chemicals were seventeen species of 2,3,7,8-chlorine-substituted PCDD and PCDF congeners and were analyzed by the standard methods, established by National Institute Environmental Research (NIER). The average concentration of dioxins in air decreased from 0.324 pg-TEQ/N㎥ in 2000 to 0.287 pg-TEQ/N㎥ in 2001, and those in water and soil were 0.073pg-TEQ/L and 1.703pg-TEQ/dry g, respectively, which was the less values detected in 2000. In sediment, however, the value was 0.086pg-TEQ/dry g, which was the increase from the value of the year 2000. The concentration range of dioxins in air for 26 sites in 17 regions detected were 0.013∼l.664pg-TEQ/N㎥, 4 sites from those were exceeded the Air Quality Standards of Dioxin in Japan (0.6 pg-TEQ/N㎥). The tolerable daily intake of dioxins was calculated at the highest level (1.664) in air, with referring the soil and food data from Japan, was calculated to be 2.85pg-TEQ/kg/day, which was below the level of 4 pg-TEQ/kg/day suggested in KFDA(Korea). While the average concentration of dioxins in 15 big cities was 0.190 pg-TEQ/N㎥, that in 8 medium/small cities constituting an industrial complex was 0.558 pg-TEQ/N㎥. In water, the concentration range detected were 0∼0.946pg-TEQ/L and the trend of the average concentrations shows an increase from those of 1999 but decreased from those of 2000, any sites however were not exceeded the Water Quality Standards of Dioxin in Japan (1 pg- TEQ/L). In soil. the detected range were 0∼43.333 pg-TEQ/dry g and the average concentration decreased, compared with the results of 2000. According to the monitoring results by land utilization, the detected range were 0∼43.333pg-TEQ/dry g in farmland, 0.017∼0.601 pg-TEQ/dry g in the industrial area, 0.005∼0.049pg-TEQ/dry g in the park and 0.008∼1.825 pg-TEQ/dry g in the rest. In sediment, the detected range increased from 0∼0.244 pg-TEQ/dry g to 0∼0.537 pg-TEQ/dry g, based on the results of 2000. For the proper control of dioxins, continuous monitoring needs to be performed and in addition, the dioxin inventory should be prepared for major sources through the dioxin emission survey. These results would provide sound and solid basis for proper decision making of dioxins management like establishment of environmental quality standards in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.445-449
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• 2005

Present study was designed to evaluate the practical application of triethyl amine(TEA) injection for improving the collection efficiency of electrostatic precipitator(ESP) connected to a real operating plant. The major fuels used at the domestic power stations were bituminous coals imported from Australia, China, South Africa, and USA. Although the values of the electric resistance would be more or less different according to the type of the coals used, the unique electric resistance values of fly ash from the coals were mostly higher than $1{\times}10^{12}\;{\Omega}-cm$ and therefore, back corona problems were always expected to occur in the electrostatic precipitator. The particulates concentrations, smoke concentrations and their electric resistivity measured at the outlet of ESP, and the inspection of collection indicated that the injection of TEA improved the collection efficiency of particulate at collection plates of ESP. The electric resistance for, fly ash with the injection concentration of TEA 15 ppm(Purity 99.7%) was lowered to $2.1{\times}10^{11}\;{\Omega}-cm$ after injection from $1.9{\times}10^{12}\;{\Omega}-cm$ before injection. Under this condition, the dust emission content at the stack was reduced to approximately 80%, lowering the average outlet concentrations of particulates from $70\;mg/Sm^3$ to $14\;mg/Sm^3$.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.257-264
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• 2017

Mixed substrate oil cakes are known to emit sulfides, ammonia, and amines. Microorganisms capable of removing odorous gases related to these sulfur compounds were isolated from colonies enriched in vials containing oil cakes and water. Activity tests for hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan reduction were performed to measure the sulfide reduction ratio of the isolates. Control groups were prepared with 0.25 g oil cakes and 10 ml water in a 100-ml vial without inoculation. The experimental groups were prepared similarly, albeit with an inoculum. Hydrogen sulfide removal efficiency of >90% was observed for an isolate, which was identified as Brevundimonas diminuta by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The sequence was deposited in the Korean Collection for Type Cultures under the accession number KCTC11724BP. B. diminuta could remove up to 200 ppmv standard hydrogen sulfide in 24 hours and demonstrated a maximum hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan removal efficiency of 100% at 453 ppmv and 98 ppmv, respectively, in vial tests. Furthermore, B. diminuta cells in 20% (v/w) medium showed removal efficiency of >85% for sulfur compounds in an odor emission chamber for swine manure.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.863-870
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• 2012

The market trends of automatic meter reading associated with smart water meters were investigated. Also, recent developments and field applications of key technology for automatic meter reading associated with smart water meters were analyzed. Smart water meters have been manufactured mostly in United States and Europe and have been expanded their business to Asia. Integrated water management system combining with the additional functions such as real-time consumption metering, cost notification, water conservation, leak detection, water quality monitoring, and flow control have been operated in automatic meter reading. Both water quality and quantity data measured from smart water meters and sensors were transferred to data concentration units through neighborhood area network, and then were transferred to integrated server through wide area network. The data transfer methods were determined by comprehensively considering urban scale, density of smart water meters, power supply and network topologies. Common data collection methods such as fixed network to data concentation units, vehicles drive by, people walk by, and drone fly by have been applied. The automatic meter reading associated with smart water meters are spread throughout the world, and both water and energy savings result in saving the money and reducing the greenhouse gases emission.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.292-297
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• 2007

Global warming and climate changes have been major issues for decades andvarious researches have reported their impact on our environment. According to recent researches, increased carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) concentration in the atmosphere is considered as a dominant contributor to global climate changes and thus numerous researches were conducted to control $CO_2$ concentration in the atmosphere. Soil management practices, such as reducing tillage intensity, returning plant residues, and enhancing cropping system have recommended for restoring organic carbon into the soils effectively. However, few studies on soil carbon sequestration have reported for Korean paddy soils. Therefore, evaluation of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in the long-term single rice cropping system is essential in order to find out potential capacity of paddy field as a carbon sink source. The objective of this research was to evaluate SOC dynamics on the long-term single rice cropping system. Research was conducted in the research farm at National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Rural Development Administration, Suwon. Long-term phosphorus and potassium fertilization and lime application didn't significantly affect on SOC compared to controls. We found that SOC contents were increased continually at the long-term composting plots with enhanced rate of carbon storage. In conclusion, continuous incorporation of plant residues (i.e., composting) is recommended to effectively sequester soil carbon for Korean paddy soils. This result implies that continuous composting in a paddy field may contributenot only for increasing SOC in the soils but also for mitigating global warming through reducing carbon dioxide emission into atmosphere. Therefore, we recommend that a strategy or policy measures to encourage farmers to return plant residues continuously for mitigation of global warming as well as soil fertility is being developed.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.253-260
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• 2008

Comparative study was performed on heavy metal contents among domestic herbal medicines and imported one. The heavy metal contents in 89 samples of 65 types of herbal medicines were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and mercury analyzer. The mean values of heavy metal contents (mg/kg) for herbal medicines were as follows: Hg, 0.010 (domestic: 0.010, imported: 0.010); Pb, 0.380 (domestic: 0.311, imported: 0.449); Cd, 0.080 (domestic: 0.101, imported: 0.059); As, 2.085 (domestic: 1.845, imported: 2.324); Mn, 31.564 (domestic: 33.844, imported: 29.283); Zn, 15.436 (domestic: 18.703, imported: 12.168); Cu, 3.406 (domestic: 3.374, imported: 3.437); Fe, 134.944 (domestic: 108.327, imported: 161.561). The measured values of Hg, Pb and Cd of domestic and imported herbal medicines showed lower levels than the recommended levels of those in herbal medicines by WHO/PHARM (Pb : not more than 5 mg/kg, Cd : not more than 0.3 mg/kg). This results will he used as a basic data for the future legislation on the regulation and control of heavy metal contents of herbal medicines.