• Proceedings of the Korea Environmental Mutagen Society Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.34-63
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• 2003

Occupational and environmental exposure to manganese continue to represent a realistic public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Increased utility of MMT as a replacement for lead in gasoline creates a new source of environmental exposure to manganese. It is, therefore, imperative that further attention be directed at molecular neurotoxicology of manganese. A Need for a more complete understanding of manganese functions both in health and disease, and for a better defined role of manganese in iron metabolism is well substantiated. The in-depth studies in this area should provide novel information on the potential public health risk associated with manganese exposure. It will also explore novel mechanism(s) of manganese-induced neurotoxicity from the angle of Mn-Fe interaction at both systemic and cellular levels. More importantly, the result of these studies will offer clues to the etiology of IPD and its associated abnormal iron and energy metabolism. To achieve these goals, however, a number of outstanding questions remain to be resolved. First, one must understand what species of manganese in the biological matrices plays critical role in the induction of neurotoxicity, Mn(II) or Mn(III)? In our own studies with aconitase, Cpx-I, and Cpx-II, manganese was added to the buffers as the divalent salt, i.e., $MnCl_2$. While it is quite reasonable to suggest that the effect on aconitase and/or Cpx-I activites was associated with the divalent species of manganese, the experimental design does not preclude the possibility that a manganese species of higher oxidation state, such as Mn(III), is required for the induction of these effects. The ionic radius of Mn(III) is 65 ppm, which is similar to the ionic size to Fe(III) (65 ppm at the high spin state) in aconitase (Nieboer and Fletcher, 1996; Sneed et al., 1953). Thus it is plausible that the higher oxidation state of manganese optimally fits into the geometric space of aconitase, serving as the active species in this enzymatic reaction. In the current literature, most of the studies on manganese toxicity have used Mn(II) as $MnCl_2$ rather than Mn(III). The obvious advantage of Mn(II) is its good water solubility, which allows effortless preparation in either in vivo or in vitro investigation, whereas almost all of the Mn(III) salt products on the comparison between two valent manganese species nearly infeasible. Thus a more intimate collaboration with physiochemists to develop a better way to study Mn(III) species in biological matrices is pressingly needed. Second, In spite of the special affinity of manganese for mitochondria and its similar chemical properties to iron, there is a sound reason to postulate that manganese may act as an iron surrogate in certain iron-requiring enzymes. It is, therefore, imperative to design the physiochemical studies to determine whether manganese can indeed exchange with iron in proteins, and to understand how manganese interacts with tertiary structure of proteins. The studies on binding properties (such as affinity constant, dissociation parameter, etc.) of manganese and iron to key enzymes associated with iron and energy regulation would add additional information to our knowledge of Mn-Fe neurotoxicity. Third, manganese exposure, either in vivo or in vitro, promotes cellular overload of iron. It is still unclear, however, how exactly manganese interacts with cellular iron regulatory processes and what is the mechanism underlying this cellular iron overload. As discussed above, the binding of IRP-I to TfR mRNA leads to the expression of TfR, thereby increasing cellular iron uptake. The sequence encoding TfR mRNA, in particular IRE fragments, has been well-documented in literature. It is therefore possible to use molecular technique to elaborate whether manganese cytotoxicity influences the mRNA expression of iron regulatory proteins and how manganese exposure alters the binding activity of IPRs to TfR mRNA. Finally, the current manganese investigation has largely focused on the issues ranging from disposition/toxicity study to the characterization of clinical symptoms. Much less has been done regarding the risk assessment of environmenta/occupational exposure. One of the unsolved, pressing puzzles is the lack of reliable biomarker(s) for manganese-induced neurologic lesions in long-term, low-level exposure situation. Lack of such a diagnostic means renders it impossible to assess the human health risk and long-term social impact associated with potentially elevated manganese in environment. The biochemical interaction between manganese and iron, particularly the ensuing subtle changes of certain relevant proteins, provides the opportunity to identify and develop such a specific biomarker for manganese-induced neuronal damage. By learning the molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity, one will be able to find a better way for prediction and treatment of manganese-initiated neurodegenerative diseases.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.1125-1131
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• 2016

The purpose of this paper is to establish an evaluation criteria for pavement condition in bicycle road. The suggested criteria would help in the activation policy of bicycle use. The conventional evaluation criteria is difficult to be applied for the bicycle road since the bicycle road is sensitive to changes in the driving environments such as obstacles and bumps. This study presents the evaluation criteria that is suitable for bicycle road. The criteria was suggested in 5 grades through the impact acceleration range of RMSI (Road Monitoring System using ICT). The grades of the criteria are divided into a range of grade A to E. The grade A is a very good condition, while the grade E is a state that requires immediate maintenance. This study were confirmed the validity through the survey of user's satisfaction. According to the results of survey, the grade A was shown correlation of 91%. The grade E requiring immediate repair was presented correlation of 94%. It showed that the results of surveying the bicycle road users are highly correlated with the suggested criteria for pavement condition. It showed that the criteria are highly correlated with the survey results. Suggested criteria using the RMSI is expected to be effective for maintenance of the bicycle road. In addition, it is expected to ensure the serviceability and safety for the bicycle users.

• Korea Trade Review
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.331-355
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• 2023

As competition between companies intensifies in the global management environment, ESG management is emerging as a tool for companies to have competitive advantages, and it is becoming increasingly important for companies to form strategic partnerships using SCM. Through the investigation of the previous research, the main factors such as ESG management, SCM partnership, corporate image, performance and so on were analyzed. As a result, the stronger ESG management factors such as the environment and society are, the higher the corporate image. Second, ESG management, such as the environment and society, has a significant impact on corporate performance. Third, ESG management activities such as environment and society have enhanced SCM partnerships. Fourth, it was confirmed that the stronger the SCM partnership, the better the corporate image. Fifth, the improvement of the corporate image of non-financial performance will have a more significant impact on corporate performance. In terms of academic and practical implications, it leads to important factors to be considered in the introduction of ESG management by companies, and empirically explores the relationship between each factor. The ESG management of Korean start-ups needs to be promoted according to environmental and social factors, and the ESG management needs to be implemented from a long-term perspective.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.134-145
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• 2023

Currently, the floodplains of major rivers are transforming into various types of waterfront spaces according to the increase in leisure activities and improved accessibility. In general, waterfront activities in river channels tend to be concentrated in summer, and the waterfront activities during this period directly affect water quality. Accordingly, it is necessary to accurately compare and evaluate the characteristics and water quality of waterfront activities during the period when waterfront activities are concentrated. In this study, the following research was conducted to compare and analyze the current status of waterfront activities of users of waterfront areas and the water quality of waterfront areas. First, three waterfront areas were selected for investigation using the information from the Ministry of Environment's water quality measurement network. Second, a survey was conducted on the satisfaction and types of waterfront activities targeting users of waterfront areas. Third, water quality grades were calculated based on monthly water quality measurement factors and compared. Fourth, statistical analysis (one-way analysis of variance) was conducted to see if there was a significant difference in water quality characteristics between periods of high waterfront activity and periods of low waterfront activity using water quality measurement data for the last 5 years. As a result of this analysis, the following conclusions were drawn in this study. First, the use of waterfront activities was investigated in the order of camping, water skiing, fishing, swimming, and rafting. Second, satisfaction factors for waterfront activities were investigated in the order of activity convenience, water quality, waterlandscape, transportation access convenience, and temperature. Third, it was found that satisfaction with water quality in waterfront areas was generally unsatisfactory regardless of the water quality grade presented by the competent authority. Fourth, as a result of comparing the water quality measurement network data of the Ministry of Environment by water quality grade, generally good grades were found, and in particular, there was a difference in grade frequency by season in the BOD category. Fifth, as a result of statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA) of water quality monitoring network data by season, there were statistically significant differences in COD, BOD, TP, and TOC except for DO. Considering the results of these studies, it is judged that it is necessary to prepare a comprehensive management system for water quality improvement in the waterfront zone and to improve water quality during periods of high waterfront activity, and to prepare a water quality forecasting system for waterfront areas in the future.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.398-412
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to collect the basic data for effective creation and management of hilly pasture. The investigation of flora and vegetation was conducted at 59 $relev\acute{e}s$ in hilly pasture of Daegwallyeong from 2014 to 2016. The vascular plants of the hilly pasture were 121 listed taxa which contain 38 families, 90 genera, 104 species, 13 varieties, and 12 subspecies. The biological type of the hilly pasture was determined as the $Th-D_4-R_5-e$ type. Twelve taxa were of naturalized plants composed of 5 families, 9 genera, 12 species. The urbanization index and the naturalized index were 3.7% and 9.9%, respectively. The vegetation types in the hilly pasture were classified into the following 3 communities: the Spiraea miyabei-Spiraea salicifolia community, the Persicaria thunbergii community, and the Agrostis alba-Phleum pratense community. The Agrostis alba-Phleum pratense community was classified into the following 5 subcommunities: the Poa pratensis subcommunity, the Artemisia princeps subcommunity, the Festuca ovina subcommunity, the Rumex acetosella subcommunity, and the typical subcommunity. Two factors (slope and EC) had the strongest impact on plant community distribution. Especially, the steep sloping sites (over $40^{\circ}$) did not play a crucial role in maintaining adequate pasture because of the invasion and establishment of shrubs.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.461-470
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• 2001

The Shihung mine was restored in the early 90's after abandonment for 20 yews since 1973. Although disposed mine tailings were removed and the site was replaced by an incineration plant, still some residual mine tailings remain in the places including the old mine tailing ditposal area and the adjacent agricultural area. These residual mine tailings are prone to impose an adverse impact on the soil and groundwater and needs investigation for the potential contamination. Mine tailing samples were collected from the old tailing disposal area and the iii paddy. The porewater from the mine tailing were extracted and analysed to investigate chemical changes along the reaction path. Batch leaching tests were also carried out in the laboratory to find any supporting evidence found in the field analysis. Evidence of elemental leaching was confirmed both by the mine tailing and the porewater chemistry in them. The element concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn in the porewater exceed the standard for drinking water of Korean government and US EPA. Leaching of heavy metals from the mine tailing seem to be responsible for the contamination. In batch leaching test. heavy metals were either continuous1y released or declined rapidly. Combining the information with porewater variation with depths and the geochemical meodeling results, most of elements are controlled by dissolution and/or precipitation processes, with some solubility controlling solid phases (Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn). Batch leaching test conducted at fixed pH 4 showed much higher releases for the heavy metals up to 400 times (Zn) and this area is becoming more vulnerable to soil and groundwater pollution as precipitation pH shifts to acidic condition.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.361-374
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• 2007

This study presents long-term shoreline changes of barrier islands in Nakdong Estuary using aerial photographs. Digital photogrammetry is used for constructing mosaic aerial photographs, which yield six sets of shoreline data ranging from 1975 to 2001. Three kinds of rate of shoreline changes such as EPR (End Point Rate), JKR(Jackknife Rate) and LRR (Linear Regression Rate) are computed by a GIS-based Digital Shoreline Analysis Systems. There have been remarkable changes both in Sinja Island and Doyodeung. Western part of Sinja Island advanced seaward, whereas eastern part retreated landward, giving appearance that the island rotated counterclockwise. Rate of shoreline changes at both ends reach 20 m/yr. Doyodeung occurred newly in front of Baekhapdeung in 1993, resulting in shoreline advance in a rate of 40 m/yr. Rate of shoreline changes differ both within and between barrier islands and have a tendency to increase eastward. To understand this spatial variability of rate of shoreline changes, it is suggested to make a detailed investigation into the impact of coastal development on hydrodynamic and sedimentary processes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.1-10
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• 2018

Use of de-icing salts results in accumulation of high concentrations of ions on roadside soils and tree. The purpose of this study isto determine translocation of seasonal impact of exchangeable cations originating from de-icing salt on roadside surface soil-plant influenced by the intensity of foliar damage (NY = 0-25%, SY = 26-50%, CY = 51-75%) of trees. This paper investigated the concentration of four exchangeable cations ($K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Na^+$, and $Mg^{2+}$) on the roadside surface soil. The tree (Ginko biloba) samples were collected from the Konkuk and Judeok intersections in Chung-ju city. The sequential extraction procedure was applied to 120 soil samples of the soilsurface and 30 tree samples. Four cation exchange ions were determined by ICP-OES. The content of four exchangeable cations present on roadside soil was found to be the lowest in NY but highest in CY from tree pits in the order of NY < SY < CY. Especially, the results were apparent during spring time compared to other seasons. Soil collected from tree pits had the highest concentration of $Ca^{2+}$ possibly due to a higher volume of traffic on those streetsresulting in splashing of more calcium chloride ($CaCl_2$). The analysis of three exchangeable cations ($K^+$, $Mg^{2+}$, and $Na^+$) in the tree leaves revealed higher levels than roadside surface soil when foliar damage ratio increased in the order of NY < SY < CY in summer. In addition, a strong positive linear relationship was observed between the concentration of exchangeable cations in soil and trees. It is hypothesized that the results of this study can be a valuable baseline for managing de-icing salt on roadside soil and trees, in order to mitigate the salt stress that can damage the roadside soil and trees.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.591-602
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• 2018

Clithon retropictus has been designated as an endangered wildlife Class II due to its high value as a biological indicator species capable of judging environmental quality such as salinity, water flow, and ground conditions. However, basic research on its physiological and ecological characteristics is still lacking. As such, this study intended to examine the impact of environmental conditions such as salinity and soil particle size on the size and density of Clithon retropictus at the Yeoncho river estuary. The investigation of the salinity, which is a key variable that affects the distribution of organisms in the estuary, showed that Clithon retropictus could grow at a salinity ranging from 0#x2030; (freshwater) to 25‰ (brackish water). The coarse gravel (19-75mm) tended to increase nearer the upper stream (under the Yeoncho weir), while the proportion of particles smaller than sand (less than 19mm) increased toward the downstream. The population and the size of the individuals decreased rapidly in the downstream where water stagnated near the Yeoncho weir, and the salt water joined. The results indicated that Clithon retropictus had a high tolerance to salinity, but the adaptability was weaker toward the extremes since the population, and the size tended to decrease as the salinity increased. The correlation analysis revealed that both salinity and soil particle size affected the population and individual size. The correlation between the individual size and salinity was -0.242 (P <0.01), indicating that the size decreased with increasing salinity. The correlation between individual size and coarse gravel having a particle size of 19mm or more was 0.420 (P <0.01), indicating that the size increased with increasing the particle size.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2011

The impact protection system consists of an arrangement of circular sheet pile cofferdams-denoted dolphin structuredeeply embedded in the seabed, filled with crushed rock and closed at the top with a robust concrete cap. Centrifuge model tests were performed to investigation the behaviors of dolphins in this study. Total 7 quasi-model tests and 11 dynamic model tests were performed. The main experimental results can be summarized as follows. Firstly, The experimental force-displacement results for quasi-static tests show a limited influence on the initial stiffness of the structure from the change in fill density and the related change in the stiffness of the fill. And by comparing the dissipation at the same dolphin displacement it was found that the denser fill increase the dissipation by 16% for the 20m dolphin and by 23% for the 30m dolphin. The larger sensitivity for the large dolphin is explained by a larger contribution to the dissipation from strain in the fill. In low level impacts the dynamic force-response is up to 26~58% larger than the quasi-static and the dissipation response is showed larger in small displacement. Hence, it is concluded conservative to use the quasi-static response characteristics in the approximation of the response, and it is further concluded that the dolphin resistance to low level impacts is demonstrated to be equivalent and even superior to the high level impacts.