• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.137-144
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• 2005

In this study, we offered the results of geophysical and geochemical survey on the municipal waste disposal area to delineate the size and extent of leachate contamination. Preliminary to intensive geochemical investigation, we performed two geophysical methods to characterize the survey area. Electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic method were used far site investigation. From the EM method, we can get the information of soil conductivity directly related to the leachate of the contaminations and from magnetic anomalies we can find the boundary of landfill which is not identified on the surface due to soil capping. The results of geophysical survey were well matched to those of geochemical method carried out inside and near the landfill. Electric conductivity (EC) of the groundwater sampled from low resistivity anomaly region of EM result was higher than background value and the border estimated from the magnetic survey showed good agreement with that estimated from the soil gas detection survey.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.182-185
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• 2011

This study was conducted to develop an appropriated management for safety of children snacks sold around school. Total 598 items as targeted food were collected; 66 biscuits, 320 candies, 57 chocolates, 40 ice creams and 115 beverages. Microbiological hazards such as total aerobic bacteria, Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Bacillus ceruse, Yeasts & molds were measured by analytical method in Korean food code. Total aerobic bacteria and Yeasts & molds were detected in cookies at the level of less than 2.69 and 2.65 $log_{10}$ CFU/g and the detection rates were 54.55 and 62.12%, respectively. Bacillus cereus was detected in 1 snack only at the level of 1.39 $log_{10}$ CFU/g but it was less than Korean microbial standards and specifications (3 $log_{10}$ CFU/g). Total aerobic bacteria and Yeasts & molds were detected in candies less than 2.86, 3.36 $log_{10}$ CFU/g and the detection rates were 46,8% respectively. Total aerobic bacteria, Yeast & mold were detected in chocolates at the levels less than 2.52 and 1.87 $log_{10}$ CFU/g and the detection rates were 33 and 22% respectively. Total aerobic bacteria in both ice creams and beverages were detected at the levels less than 3.39 and 1.35 $log_{10}$ CFU/g and the detection rates were 82 and 5% respectively. Coliforms were found in one ice cream (1.39 $log_{10}$ CFU/g) only. The result of this study indicated that all children snacks around school were suitable for microbial standard and specifications in Korean Food Code. However, since most children snacks around school are circulated without proper storage temperature and handing condition, consistent microbial management for children snacks are needed.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.30 no.3 s.58
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• pp.630-642
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to examine the mortality risk associated with cognitive impairment among the rural elderly. The subjective of study was 558 of 'A Study on the Depression and Cognitive Impairment in the Rural Elderly' of Jung Ae Rhee and Hyang Gyun Jung's study(1993). Cognitive impairment and other social and health factors were assessed in 558 elderly rural community residents. For this study, a Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSEK) was used as a global indicator of cognitive functioning. And mortality risk factors for each cognitive impairment subgroup were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. At baseline 22.6% of the sample were mildly impaired and 14.2% were severely impaired. As the age increased, the cognitive function was more impaired. Sexual difference was existed in the cognitive function level. Also the variables such as smoking habits, physical disorders had the significant relationship with cognitive function impairment. Across a 3-year observation period the mortality rate was 8.5% for the cognitively unimpaired, 11.1% for the mildly impaired, and 16.5% for the severly impaired respendents. And the survival probability was .92 for the cognitively unimpaired, .90 for the mildly impaired, and .86 for the severly impaired respondents. Compared to survival curve for the cognitively unimpaired group, each survival curve for the mildly and the severely impaired group was not significantly different. When adjustments models were not made for the effects of other health and social covariates, each hazard ratio of death of mildly and severely impaired persons was not significantly different as compared with the cognitively unimpaired. But, as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death decreased. Employing Cox univariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, smoking habits, physical disorders. Also when adjustments were made for the effects of other health and social covariates, there was no difference in hazard ratio of death between those with severe or mild impairment and unimpaired persons. And as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death did not decrease. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, physical disorders. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model by sex, at men and women statistically significant variable was only age. For both men and women, also cognitive impairment was not a significant risk factor. Other investigators have found that cognitive impairment is a significant predictor of mortality. But we didn't find that it is a significant predictor of mortality. Even though the conclusions of our study were not related to cognitive impairment and mortality, early detection of impaired cognition and attention to associated health problems could improve the quality of life of these older adults and perhaps extend their survival.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.147-155
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• 2012

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprise about 2.5% of the Australian population. Cancer registry data indicate that their breast cancer survivals are lower than for other women but the completeness and accuracy of Indigenous descriptors on registries are uncertain. We followed women receiving mammography screening in BreastScreen to determine differences in screening experiences and survivals from breast cancer by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, as recorded by BreastScreen. This status is self-reported and used in BreastScreen accreditation, and is considered to be more accurate. The study included breast cancers diagnosed during the period of screening and after leaving the screening program. Design: Least square regression models were used to compare screening experiences and outcomes adjusted for age, geographic remoteness, socio-economic disadvantage, screening period and round during 1996-2005. Survival of breast cancer patients from all causes and from breast cancer specifically was compared for the 1991-2006 diagnostic period using linked cancer-registry data. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to adjust for socio-demographic differences, screening period, and where available, tumour size, nodal status and proximity of diagnosis to time of screen. Results: After adjustment for socio-demographic differences and screening period, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women participated less frequently than other women in screening and re-screening although this difference appeared to be diminishing; were less likely to attend post-screening assessment within the recommended 28 days if recalled for assessment; had an elevated ductal carcinoma in situ but not invasive cancer detection rate; had larger breast cancers; and were more likely than other women to be treated by mastectomy than complete local excision. Linked cancer registry data indicated that five-year year survivals of breast cancer cases from all causes of death were 81% for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, compared with 90% for other women, and that the former had larger breast cancers that were more likely to have nodal spread at diagnosis. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, tumour size, nodal spread and time from last screen to diagnosis, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women had approximately twice the risk of death from breast cancer as other women. Conclusions: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have less favourable screening experiences and those diagnosed with breast cancer (either during the screening period or after leaving the screening program) have lower survivals that persist after adjustment for socio-demographic differences, tumour size and nodal status.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.439-448
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• 2018

Conventional Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) detects the propagated P-wave from epicenter which should be achieved within 5 seconds to provide seconds to minutes of warning, allowing people to prepare for protective actions. EEWS in Korea is currently capable of providing a warning within 50 seconds after the primary P-wave detection, however, it is well-known that earthquake warning systems operating around Korean National Parks (KNP) have limited capability to fully monitor earthquake events. This study, therefore, presents a strategy to quantify the potential vulnerability to earthquake hazards by superimposing the distribution of Korea Integrated Seismic System (KISS) and the discretized map of KNP. Total 22 national parks are evaluated, and the results suggest that the improvement of the on-site systems should be necessitated for Gyoengju, Gyeryongsan, Songnisan, Gayasan, and Deogyusan national parks, whereas enhancement of regional systems is required for Bukhansan national park.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2527-2530
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• 2015

Background: The cancer of the prostate risk assessment (CAPRA) score has been defined to predict prostate cancer recurrence based on the pre-clinical data, then pathological data have also been incorporated. Thus, CAPRA post-surgical (CAPRA-S) score has been developed based on six criteria (prostate specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis, pathological Gleason score, and information on surgical margin, seminal vesicle invasion, extracapsular extension and lymph node involvement) for the prediction of post-surgical recurrences. In the present study, biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free probabilities after open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RP) were evaluated by the CAPRA-S scoring system and its three-risk level model. Materials and Methods: CAPRA-S scores (0-12) of our 240 radical prostatectomies performed between January 2000-May 2011 were calculated. Patients were distributed into CAPRA-S score groups and also into three-risk groups as low, intermediate and high. BCR-free probabilities were assessed and compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression. Ability of CAPRA-S in BCR detection was evaluated by concordance index (c-index). Results: BCR was present in 41 of total 240 patients (17.1%) and the mean follow-up time was $51.7{\pm}33.0$ months. Mean BCR-free survival time was 98.3 months (95% CI: 92.3-104.2). Of the patients in low, intermediate and high risk groups, 5.4%, 22.0% and 58.8% had BCR, respectively and the difference among the three groups was significant (P = 0.0001). C-indices of CAPRA-S score and three-risk groups for detecting BCR-free probabilities in 5-yr were 0.87 and 0.81, respectively. Conclusions: Both CAPRA-S score and its three-risk level model well predicted BCR after RP with high c-index levels in our center. Therefore, it is a clinically reliable post-operative risk stratifier and disease recurrence predictor for prostate cancer.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.558-568
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• 2011

Hazardous volatile organic compounds (HVOCs) have been increasingly getting concern in urban air chemistry due to photochemical smog as well as its toxicity or potential hazards. In this study, we investigated their concentrations and the properties in tunnel, urban roadside and residential area. As a result, among 36HVOCs measured in this study, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) and dichlorodifluoromethane, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, trichlorofluoromethane were detected above the concentration of $1{\mu}g/m^3$ in every sampling site and the most abundant compound was toluene. The other compounds were detected at trace level or below the detection limit. In addition, we found that three CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), such as CFC-12, CFC-11, CFC-113, were persistently detected because of the emission in the past. Toluene to benzene ratio (T/B) at tunnel and roadside were calculated to be 4.3~5.3 and at residential area 15.4, suggesting that the residential area had several emission sources other than car exhaust. The ratio of X/E (m,p-xylene to ethylbenzene) ratio was calculated to be 1.8~2.1 at tunnel, 1.7 at roadside and 1.2 at residential area, which means this ratio reflected well the relative photochemical reactivity between these compounds. Good correlation between m,p-xylene and ethylbenzene ($r^2$ > 0.85) were shown in every study sites. This indicated that correlation between $C_2$-alkylbenzenes were not severely affected by 3-way catalytic converter. In this study, it was demonstrated that the concentration of benzene was very low, compared with national air quality standard (annual average of $5{\mu}g/m^3$). Its concentration were $2.52{\mu}g/m^3$ in roadside and $1.34{\mu}g/m^3$ in residential area. We thought this was the result of persistent policy implementation including the reduction of benzene content in gasoline enforced on January 1, 2009.

• International Journal of Railway
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.149-156
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• 2008

During maintenance or construction works in or at the tracks of railways, high risks for passengers and railway staff, especially for the workers on the construction site exist. The high risks result out of the movement of rail vehicles, like trains or construction vehicles, which must be faced by using any available technical and operational technologies for securing them against the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the level of protection continuously and to identify new and innovative methods and technologies for the protection of the gang (construction worker, machines and material). Especially on construction sites at line sections with two or more parallel tracks but also with single tracks, there are still a lot of incidents and accidents mostly with seriously injured persons or fatalities. These were mainly gang members that breach the railway-loading gage. By using proper warning or protection systems, the avoidance of such accidents must be achieved. The latest developments. in gang protection systems concern on the one hand fixed barriers in the middle between the construction site and the operated track and on the other hand construction vehicles equipped with automatic warning systems. The disadvantage of such protection methods is that the gang can be warned against an approaching train but a monitoring of the gang members cannot be performed. Only one part of a potential dangerous situation will be detected. If the gang members will overhear the acoustic warning signal of the security staff and the workers will not leave the danger zone in the track, the driver of the approaching train had no chance to react to the dangerous situation. An accident is often inevitable. While the detection of acoustic warning signals by the gang members working on a construction site is very difficult, the acoustical planning of an automatic warning system has to be designed for an acoustic short range level of one meter besides the construction vehicle. The decision about the use of today's technical warning system (fixed systems, automatic warning systems, etc.) must be geared to the technical feasibility and the level of safety which is needed. Criteria for decision guidance to block a track should be developed by danger estimation and economical variables. To realize the actual jurisdiction and to minimize the hazards of railway operations by the use of construction vehicles near the tracks further developments are needed. This means, that the warning systems have to be enhanced to systems for protection, which monitor the realization of the warning signal as a precondition for giving a movement authority to a train. This method can protect against accidents caused by predictable wrongdoing. The actual state of the art technique of using a collective warning combined with additional security staff is no longer acceptable. Therefore, the Institute of Transportation System of the German Aerospace Center in Braunschweig (Germany) will develop a gang warning and protection system based upon imaging methods, with optical sensors such as video in visible and invisible ranges, radar, laser, and other. The advantage of such a system based on the possibility to monitor both the gang itself and the railway-loading gauge either of the parallel track or of the same track still in use. By monitoring both situations, the system will be able to generate a warning message for the approaching train, that there are obstacles in the track, so that the train can be stopped to prevent an accident. And also the gang workers will be warned, while they breach their area.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.43-50
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• 2006

Bioreporter bacteria, such as recombinant bioluminescent bacteria, have been used for the detection of specific compounds in complex environmental media. In this study, optimum conditions for the preparation and application of deep-freezed and Iyophilized recombinant bioluminescent strain KG1206 were investigated for the future application on contaminated environmental sites. Genetically engineered microorganism, Pseudomonas putida mt-2 KG1206, contains TOL plasmid and the plasmid inserted $P_{m}$, promoter on the upper part of lux gone in vector pUCD615, and m-toluate and benzoate are considered direct inducers for bioluminescence. Optimum conditions determined for the preparation and application of the deep-freezed and lyophilized strain were followings: cryoprotective agent (24% sucrose), lyophilization time (12 hrs), strain concentration ($OD_{600}=0.6$), reconstitution for freezed strain (quick reconstitution at $35^{\circ}C$), reconstitution for lyophilized strain ($3{\sim}6$ hrs exposure on LB medium), carrying conditions (keep at $20^{\circ}C$ after reconstitution). These results demonstrate the feasibility of deep-freezed or lyophilized state of genetically engineered bioluminescent strain for environmental usage.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.243-254
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• 2002

For the purpose of evaluating the biocompatability of 3 kinds of metallic materials frequently used in pediatric dentistry (stainless steel crown, orthodontic band, orthodontic wire), cellular and molecular studies, including cell growth and proliferation, screening of cell death with determination of types whether necrosis or apoptosis and changes in expressions of related signaling molecules were examined, using cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1), HGF-1 was cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. among which the 3rd to 6th generations of HGF-1 were used. The specimen were divided into stainless steel crown (R), band (B) and wire (W). The immunocytochemical study was done for the detection of anti-PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) labeling. With extracted protein, western blot was done for the detection of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38, using individual antibodies. Cultured cells proliferated, remarkably till 7 day and slightly at 11 day. There was no statistical significance in the counts of proliferating HGF-1 between control and experimental groups (p>0.05). Relative growth rates were no statistically significant difference between control and experimental groups (p>0.05). PCNA labeling indexes showing similar patterns in control and experimental groups. The expressions of ERK1 and ERK2, p38 were similar in control and experimental groups. The expression of JNK increased at 1st day, slightly decreased at 4th day and markedly increased at 7th and 11 day. Although the patterns of control and experimental groups were similar, the increased expressions of JNK at late period suggest a possible stress due to inhibited cell growth and proliferation, and worse culture condition. Conclusively, the 3 kinds of metal specimens used in this study did not induce cellular and molecular hazards during short term culture of HGF-1. But, for the better clinical stability, the establishment of long period culture and animal experiment was thought necessary.