• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.372-377
• /
• 2020

Infection risks of handling specimens associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by public health laboratory services teams were assessed to scrutinize the potential hazards arising from the work procedures. Through risk assessments of all work sequences, laboratory equipment, and workplace environments, no aerosol-generating procedures could be identified except the procedures (mixing and transfer steps) inside biological safety cabinets. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, protective gowns, face shields/safety goggles, and disposable gloves, together with pertinent safety training, was provided for laboratory work. Proper disinfection and good hand hygiene practices could minimize the probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection at work. All residual risk levels of the potential hazards identified were within the acceptable level. Contamination by gloved hands was considered as a major exposure route for SARS-CoV-2 when compared with eye protection equipment. Competence in proper donning and doffing of PPE accompanied by hand washing techniques was of utmost importance for infection control.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.39 no.5
• /
• pp.426-437
• /
• 2013

Objective: Gotjawal refers to a special geographical designation found in Jeju Province, Korea, where vegetation forms over a rocky area. Due to the important ecological value of Gotjawal, international concern about such areas is growing. However, only limited information is available regarding environmental contamination of Gotjawal. This study was conducted in order to investigate the levels of contamination and associated ecotoxicological effects of surface water bodies in Gotjawal. Methods: Surface water samples were collected at three sampling sites in two Gotjawal areas and were analyzed for several pharmaceuticals and pesticides in consideration of the potential sources of contamination. The ecotoxicity of the samples was measured using water fleas (Daphnia magna and Moina macrocopa) and zebrafish (Danio rerio). In addition, effects on the gene transcription of zebrafish were investigated following exposure to the samples. Results: Nine pharmaceuticals were detected in the samples, but none of the target pesticides were detected. Following acute exposure to two surface water samples, the survival of waterfleas was significantly reduced, but reproduction was not affected. In zebrafish, time-to-hatch was delayed and fry survival was decreased in some samples. On the other hand, at the transcriptional level, there were no genes significantly influenced by exposure to the samples. Conclusion: This is the first study investigating environmental contamination in Gotjawal areas and associated ecotoxicities. Further studies are warranted to identify the cause of acute Daphnia toxicity and to determine potential consequences of longer-term exposure in Gotjawal areas.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.267-275
• /
• 2007

In this study, relationship between the air pollution of Siheung city and the relative contribution of automobiles to the city's pollution was evaluated for the first time. Then, new air pollution exposure index was developed through simulation. Using the newly developed index, two different urban development scenarios were compared to present a sustainable urban development plan to reduce air pollution from the land utilization point of view. According to the result of this simulation, air quality of the city was found to be affected significantly by human activities. More populated area showed worse level of air quality. Any development in the city resulted in more automobile activity and deterioration of air quality. This simulation result thus explains that a rapid increase of automobiles accompanied by the land development near local roadsides in the city is the major cause of air pollution in Siheung city. In this study, if urban activities are vigorous in an area with high air pollution, people are more likely to be exposed to air pollutant under the bad environmental conditions. On the other hand, if urban activities are less vigorous in an area with high pollution or if urban activities are vigorous in an area with less pollution, the environmental condition was positive. The APEI (Air Pollution Exposure Index) was developed based on these considerations. Scenarios 1 and 2 were compared and analyzed using APEI. In result, scenario 1 is the case in which land is developed and used in an environmentally favorable manner. From this study, it was proved that the impact of air pollution on human health can be minimized with proper land use. The result form the current study can be used as the basic information to solve problems from improper land utilization and air pollution (by road traffic). It also can be utilized to evaluate air pollution level according to land use and road characteristics and to help to choose the best location of land use to comply with the road function and status.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.527-532
• /
• 2016

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, infestation is an important public health problem in Egypt. Inadequate application of topical pediculicides and the increasing resistance to the commonly used pediculicides made the urgent need for the development of new agents able to induce irreversible changes in the exposed lice leading to their mortality. The aim of the present work is to evaluate pediculicidal efficacy of some natural products such as olive oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and ivermectin separately in comparison with tetramethrin-piperonyl butoxide (licid), as a standard pediculicide commonly used in Egypt. The effects of these products were evaluated by direct observation using dissecting and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Results showed that after 1 hr exposure time in vitro, absolute (100%) mortalities were recorded after exposure to 1% ivermectin and fresh concentrate lemon juice. The mortalities were decreased to 96.7% after exposure to tea tree oil. Very low percentage of mortality (23.3%) was recorded after 1 hr of exposure to extra virgin olive oil. On the other hand, the reference pediculicide (licid) revealed only mortality rate of 93.3%. On the contrary, no mortalities were recorded in the control group exposed to distilled water. By SEM examination, control lice preserved outer smooth architecture, eyes, antenna, respiratory spiracles, sensory hairs, and legs with hook-like claws. In contrast, dead lice which had been exposed to pediculicidal products showed damage of outer smooth architecture, sensory hairs, respiratory spiracles and/or clinching claws according to pediculicidal products used.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.71-79
• /
• 2010

Thanks to the great development of technology in radiation, we are now able to reduce radiation exposure to the patients, and the radiographer and expenses in medical sector. We are also trying to produce ideal images which maintain useful information. These kinds of effort are increasing over the world. For that reason, we should get images which include necessary data of patients. Then it also can help to reduce radiation exposure to the patients. Therefore, we need to know the problems that cause a falling off in image's quality and check on generator in case of their electronic and mechanical errors. And moreover, we should anticipate the possibility of devices errors and prevent them with regular quality control. This investigation was conducted in medical institutions, institute of educations and hospitals. They are all in Seongnam-City. We used PMX-III, kVp meter to implement kVp test, mR / mAs output test, light fiel / beam alignment test, Reproducibility of exposure dose, half value layer test, reproducibility of exposure time test. in the case of hospitals, they perceive the importance of regular quality control and organize the regular quality control team so they can be satisfied with the error standard in most experiments. On the other hand, when it comes to medical institutions and institute of educations, they perceive the importance of regular quality control less than hospitals do. Radiographer need to understand the importance of regular quality control and practice it so they can get the fine ideal image with the lower dose to the patient.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.55-60
• /
• 2018

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of computer game exposure on pathological musculoskeletal symptoms in adolescents. Method: This study included 10 male junior high school students who used computers less than 3 times a week for 1 hr per day. The subjects were asked to play computer games for 4 hr. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hand and wrist, from the distal radius and ulnar head to the distal phalanges, and radiography of the cervical vertebrae were performed before and after playing computer games. For each dependent variable, a paired t-test was performed to identify significant changes before and after a 4-hr active computer game (p<.05). Results: The horizontal diameters of the flexor tendons in the index and middle fingers were significantly reduced after playing computer games. The horizontal diameters of the flexor tendons of other fingers did not show any significant differences, but there was a tendency toward a decrease after playing computer games. There was no significant change in the cervical lordosis angle before and after playing computer games. However, the cervical lordosis angle was relatively decreased. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that computer game exposure had direct and indirect effects on morphological changes of flexor tendons. In addition, playing computer games for long periods of time can have a negative effect on normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system, with the possible development of abnormalities. However, computer game exposure in adolescents cannot be decisively identified as a factor causing pathological symptoms, based on the results of this study alone. Thus, longterm longitudinal studies on the overall musculoskeletal system are necessary.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.11-20
• /
• 2014

Purpose: Walking type cultivator used for weeding generated excessive handle vibration as well as bouncing motion depending on the weeding speed. This research was conducted to define a design factor of the rotary weeding blades for reducing soil reaction forces as well as hand vibration. Methods: The motion and forces acting on the rotary blades were reviewed to find out the most influencing parameter on hand vibration. The installation angle (IA) of the blade was selected and analyzed to determine the condition of no reaction force less. For removing the unnecessary upward soil reaction, the design factor theory of weeding blade was suggested based on geometrics and dynamics. For evaluation of design factor theory, the experiment in situ was performed base on ISO 5349:1. The vibration $a_{hv}$ and theoretical value $X_{MF}$ were compared with two groups that one was positive group ($X_{MF}$ > 0) and the other was negative group ($X_{MF}$ < 0). Results: $X_{MF}$ was derived from rotational velocity, forward velocity, disk diameter, weeding depth, blade's width and IA of blade. Two groups had significant difference (p < 0.05). In aspect of the group mean total exposure duration, positive group was 17.53% bigger than negative group. When disk radius 100, 150 and 200 mm, minimum IAs were $4{\sim}27^{\circ}$, $3{\sim}15^{\circ}$ and $2{\sim}10^{\circ}$, respectively. A spread sheet program which calculated XMF was developed by Excel 2013. Conclusions: According to this result, minimum IA of weeding blade for soil reaction reduction could be obtained. For reduction hand-arm vibration and power consumption, minimum IA is needed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.571-577
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The Provision of thin and pliable tissue and the adequate coverage of tendon - gliding surface is necessary for a soft tissue defect of the hand with exposure of bone, tendon and muscle. This report will discuss our experience with anterolateral thigh fascial free flap for the reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the hand. Methods: Between February 2004 and August 2008, seven patients with full - thickness soft tissue defects of the hand were reconstructed by means of a composite anterolateral thigh fascial free flap. There were soft tissue defects associated with trauma (n=5), scar contracture (n=1) and necrosis due to ischemia (n=1). Flaps were harvested from the anterolateral thigh as adipofascial flaps with only a small sheet of fascia and fatty tissue above it. The fascia and the skin of the donor site was closed directly and delayed split - thickness skin graft was performed. Result: All flaps survived completely. The size of the transferred flap ranged from $2{\times}4cm$ to $5{\times}8cm$. Thin flap coverage was possible without secondary debulking operations. It left minimal donor site morbidity with a linear scar. In one case, the thigh muscle herniation in the donor site was developed. Conclusion: The anterolateral thigh fascial free flap provided thin and pliable tissue which can establish a tendon - gliding mechanism, minimal bulk, minimal donor site morbidity. The disadvantages of this technique were the need for a skin graft and the muscle herniation of donor site.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.59-66
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Recently, there is an increase of the number of hospitals using auto dispenser to reduce occupational radiation exposure when drawing up of the $^{18}F-FDG$ dose (5.18 MBq/kg) in a syringe from the dramatic high activity of $^{18}F-FDG$ multidose vial. The aim of this study is to confirm that using auto dispenser actually reduces the radiation exposure for technologists. Also we analyzed the reproducibility of auto dispenser to find optimized dispensing method for the device. Materials and Methods: We conducted three experiments. Comparison of radiation exposure on chest and hands: The chest and hands exposure dose received by technologists during the injection were measured by electronic personal dosimeter (EPD) and ring TLD respectively. Reproducibility of dispensed volume: We draw up the normal saline into 5 and 2 mL syringe using auto dispenser by changing the volume from 1 to 15 mm for 5 times in the same setting of the volume. The weight of 5 normal saline dispensed from the device at same volume was measured using micro balance and calculated standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Reproducibility of dispensed radioactivity: We dispensed 362.6 $MBq{\pm}10%$ of $^{18}F-FDG$ in 5 and 2 mL syringes from the multidose vial of different specific activity. In the same setting of volume, we repeated dispensing for 4 times and compared standard deviation and coefficient of variation of radioactivity between 5 syringes. Results: There was significant difference in the average of chest exposure dose according to the dispensing methods (P<0.05). Also, when dispensing $^{18}F-FDG$ in manual method, exposure dose was 11.5 times higher in right hand and 4.8 times higher in left hand than in auto method. In the result of reproducibility of dispensed volume, standard deviation and coefficient of variation shows decline as the dispensing volume increases. As a result of reproducibility of dispensed radioactivity, standard deviation and coefficient of variation increases as the specific activity increases. Conclusion: We approved that the occupational radiation exposure dose of technologists were reduced when dispensing $^{18}F-FDG$ using auto dose dispenser. Secondly, using small syringes helps to increase reproducibility of auto dose dispense. And also, if you lower the specific activity of $^{18}F-FDG$ in multidose vial below 915-1,020 MBq/mL, you can use auto dispenser more effectively keeping the coefficient of variation lower than 10%.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.349-357
• /
• 2015

Objectives: The 2007 Korea National Survey for Environmental Pollutants in the Human Body found the highest blood mercury levels nationwide among residents in Seoksan-ri, Goro-myeon, Gunwi-gun, Gyeonsangbuk-do. With the aim to reduce the blood mercury levels of residents in this region, we conducted this study to identify the association between mercury exposure levels and shark meat consumption. Methods: This survey was conducted with 118 participants in Seoksan-ri before the Chuseok festival and 113 residents were added afterwards. Information on participants was collected via questionnaires. Total mercury concentrations in biological samples were measured using a mercury analyzer with the gold-amalgam collection method. Results: To identify this, we conducted mercury exposure level analysis before and after the Chuseok festival and found that blood and urinary mercury levels after Chuseok (GM of $6.9{\mu}g/L$ in blood and $1.68{\mu}g/g$_cr in urine) were higher than those before (GM of $5.29{\mu}g/L$ in blood and $1.44{\mu}g/g$_cr in urine). This area maintains a custom of using shark meat as one of the ancestral rite foods, and the performance of such rites and shark meat consumption have been identified as main sources of mercury exposure. Other than this, smoking, dental amalgam treatment and residential period in the area also contributed to an increase in mercury exposure levels. On the other hand, recent consumption of oriental medicine and vaccination did not have a significant influence on mercury levels. Conclusion: The results were attributed to the local custom of consuming shark meat with high mercury concentrations during rituals taking place during the festival and ancestral rites. Given that the blood mercury levels in 23.2% of the residents exceeded the HBM II values recommended by the German Commission on Human Biological Monitoring, it is suggested that further appropriate actions and follow-up measures be taken to reduce the mercury exposure levels of the residents that exceeded the reference values.