• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.78-87
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• 2020

Objectives: To identify the degree of physical burden, a determination was undertaken of dust collection efficiency, inhalation pressure, and CO₂ concentration related to health masks certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Methods: Twenty health masks were purchased on the market. Dust collection efficiency and inhalation pressure were determined in the same manner as in MFDS certification testing, respectively using TSI Model 8130 (TSI, U.S.) and ART Plus (Korea). CO₂ concentrations for 20 subjects using a CO₂ analyzer (G100, G150, Geotechnical Instrument Ltd., UK) were measured with a similar method as a total inward leakage test. In addition to CO₂ levels, dead space volumes in the masks was determined for predicting concentrations of CO₂ in inhalation air. Results: Most of the dust collection efficiencies found for the 20 masks were far higher than the standard. Four KF94s met KF99 and four KF80s even met KF94. Most inhalation pressures were also much lower than the standard, with many almost one-half of the standard. The mean and standard deviation of CO₂ concentration in the mask were 2.9±0.44%. Considering dead volume, the prediction for CO₂ concentration in the inhalation air was 4,395±1,266 ppm. Conclusions: For healthy men and women, the dust collection efficiency and inhalation pressure of health masks were not at a level that would affect their health. Although CO₂ levels in the inhalation air were predicted not to affect health, research on the physiological effects of health masks on Koreans is needed for more precise research.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권6호
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• pp.750-756
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• 2020

Objectives: After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic, the South Korean government announced guidelines on wearing masks to prevent its spread. The guidelines have changed depending on the severity of the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify mask-wearing behaviours to counter the spread of COVID-19 in indoor and outdoor environments. Methods: The type of mask worn and proper wearing were observed in cafés, supermarkets, underground shopping malls, and streets in Seoul. Behavioral assessment was repeated in August at social distancing levels 1 and 2, in October at social distancing level 1, and in November after the mask mandates. Results: In August, 22.1% of subjects in cafés, 90.8% in supermarkets, 91.8% in underground shopping malls, and 83.6% on outdoor streets wore masks properly. In October, the proportion of correct wearers increased in all locations. After masks became mandatory in November, about 97% of users of supermarkets, underground shopping malls, and streets wore masks properly. In cafés, the proportion of proper wearers was 61.5% with both social distancing level 2 in August and the mandate in November. The number of KF-certified mask wearers continued to increase from August to November. Conclusion: This study investigated mask-wearing behaviors to counter COVID-19 through observations in indoor and outdoor places in Seoul. Mask-wearing behavior was different depending on the place and the government guidelines in place. The results could be used for evaluation of the current guidelines for COVID-19.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.427-439
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aims to investigate differences in microbial contamination according to the duration and environment of mask wearing. Methods: Forty-five participants were recruited from workers in an offices, multi-purpose facilities, and a schools. After wearing of KF94 mask for two. four, and six hours, the microorganisms adsorbed on the outer and inner layers of the mask were inoculated on BAP(Blood Agar Plate), Chocolate agar, and SDA plates. The bacterial count (CFUs: colony-forming units) cultured in each plate was measured and analyzed for changes in filtration efficiency. Results: The microbial contamination of masks worn in classrooms, offices, and multi-purpose facilities showed a significant difference depending on the environment (p<0.000). The measured CFUs increased significantly according to the time wearing the mask. The difference between the inner and outer layers of the mask was also significant (p<0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the filtration efficiency of the masks by duration time (p=0.515). Conclusions: Masks worn by workers in the offices, multi-purpose facilities, and schools showed an increase of microbial contamination with the amount of time wearing the mask. The results indicate that the masks used in daily life may have adverse health effects if they are worn for a long time or reused over several days without the realizing that the masks can be contaminated with biological hazards. Guidelines on the safe threshold time for mask use should be established through further research.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.49-56
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a pathogenic bacteria filtration instrument for infection prevention during mouth-to-mouth ventilation. Methods: Two kinds of face shields were used for the study. One rescuer blew the filter through a bag valve mask and the filter was then cultured for bacteria. The mask was tested both on the front and back side. Results: Two kinds of face shields including the KF shield and CM shield were tested. The KF shield has received national certification and it prevented transmission of bacterial infection but the CM shield showed the opposite result and did not prevent bacterial transmission. Pathogenic bacteria were found on the back of the CM shield. Conclusion: A certified face shield is very important to prevent bacterial transmission. Face shields should be demonstrated and used by paramedic students.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.53-63
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• 2022

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the filtration efficiency, inhalation resistance, and liquid resistance of commercial reusable masks in comparison to the performance of KF-AD masks (reference masks). Methods: Thirty-six masks were purchased from an online market. Filtration efficiency and inhalation resistance were determined in the same manner as in MFDS certification testing, respectively using TIL/IL & Filter Test 1300S (SFP Services, UK) and Breathing Resistance Analyzer DA2001 (Lambda Ray, South Korea). Results: Most of the filtration efficiencies found for the 19 masks were far lower than the test standard for KF-certified masks. Four masks met KF94 and three masks even met KF80. Most inhalation resistances were also much lower than the standard, with many almost one-half of the standard. In addition, all the masks except KF-AD masks did not pass the liquid resistance test. Conclusions: Although most of the filtration efficiency performance results found in this study for the reusable masks, which emerged as an alternative, were lower than the standard for health masks, multi-use masks can be used with a replacement filter inserted.

• 한국의류산업학회지
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.82-91
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• 2023

The children who are part of this study are compelled to wear masks at educational facilities for an extended period of time as they continue to be exposed to Asian dust, fine dust, and COVID-19. However, use of masks is currently causing them a lot of inconvenience. This study aimed to gather basic data for the development of a mask that is suitable and comfortable for children to wear. A total of 331 children aged 1 to 9 were investigated through their parents in terms of their lifestyle, mask wearing and purchasing status, mask preferences, mask inconvenience, and mask improvement. According to the survey on mask use, the proportion of children aged 1-3 years old and wearing ultra-small/XS masks, 4-6 year olds wearing small/S, and 7-9 year olds wearing small/S was the highest. More than 80% of children were wearing masks with a standard filter of KF80 or higher. The purchase criteria for children's masks were found to be excellent in terms of wearing comfort and meeting the filter standards. According to the survey on inconvenience of wearing masks, the majority of those surveyed expressed the need to develop children's masks of different sizes. Furthermore, they experienced various kinds of inconveniences from adult masks, such as the material quality and length of earring bands; it was deduced that these aspects need to be taken care of. The vertical folding type was the most popular in the mask design for children. Children have to wear masks for a prolonged period of time, but they are experiencing lot of inconvenience, which need to be addressed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제83권2호
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• pp.116-121
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• 2020

Particulate matter (PM) is suspended dust that has a diameter of <10 ㎛ and can be inhaled by humans and deposited in the lungs, particularly the alveoli. Recent studies have shown that PM has an adverse effect on respiratory diseases. The aim of this article is to review respiratory diseases associated with PM. According to existing studies, PM is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, and several other respiratory diseases and increases the mortality rates of these diseases. Moreover, increased exposure in the high concentration of atmospheric PM is associated with the development of lung cancer. The most simple and common way to protect an individual from airborne PM is to wear a face mask that filters out PM. In areas of high concentration PM, it is recommended to wear a face mask to minimize the exposure to PM. However, the use of N95 or KF94 masks can interfere with respiration in patients with chronic respiratory diseases who exhibit low pulmonary function, leading to an increased risk of respiratory failure. Conclusionally, reduction of the total amount of PM is considered to be important factor and strengthening the national warning notification system to vulnerable patients and proper early management of exacerbated patients will be needed in the future.

• 패션비즈니스
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.52-69
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• 2023

Based on five types of health KF masks currently being commercialized, this study analyzed results of a survey of 316 male and female college students with experience in wearing health masks in Seoul metropolitan area. By identifying problems and improvement requirements according to current status of wearing health masks, results of this study could be used as basic data for designing ergonomic health mask with improved ease of wearing and satisfaction for human safety protection in the future. SPSS 26.0 statistical program was used for all data analyses, including post-hoc test, χ² test for cross-analysis, frequency analysis, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Duncan test. Considering that masks are worn for more than 8 hours a day on average, it is necessary to design masks considering materials, sizes of mask ear straps, elasticity and thickness of straps. The design should minimize contact with lips and cheeks with improved fit and comfort, blocking performance, and aesthetics. According to this survey, nearly 50% of respondents said they were willing to wear masks even after the end of COVID-19. Thus, it is necessary to perform research and improve masks to have excellent colors, designs, shapes, fit, and functions suitable for both pandemic and post-pandemic era when wearing masks is common.

• 정보교육학회논문지
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• 제25권6호
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• pp.1015-1024
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• 2021

엔트리, Machine Learning for Kids, Teachable Machine과 같이 블록 기반 프로그래밍 언어에서 활용할 수 있도록 인공지능을 간단히 학습시킬 수 있는 다양한 플랫폼들이 존재한다. 그러나 이와 같은 플랫폼들은 별도의 메뉴를 통해 인공지능 학습을 진행한 다음, 학습된 모델을 코드 에디터에서 활용하는 방식을 따르고 있다. 이와 같은 방식은 학습되는 과정을 학생들이 더 직관적으로 살펴볼 수 있다는 장점이 있지만, 학습 메뉴와 코드 에디터를 모두 활용해야 한다는 단점도 존재한다. 본 논문에서는 코드 에디터에서 인공지능 학습과 코딩을 모두 진행할 수 있는 인공지능 블록을 개발한다. 본 인공지능 블록은 스크래치 블록으로 제시되지만 실제 학습 과정은 파이썬 서버를 통해 수행된다. 파란색 펜과 빨간색 펜을 분류하는 모델, 덴탈 마스크와 KF94 마스크를 분류하는 모델을 학습하는 과정을 통해 본 블록에 대해 상세히 기술한다. 또, 학습 성능 면에서 Teachable Machine와 큰 차이가 없음을 실험적으로 나타내었다.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted primarily through droplets, and dental practitioners are at risk of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to direct contact with the patient's mouth, aerosols from dental procedures, and saliva. Wearing a mask is believed to be the best method of protection against infection, and a systematic literature review was conducted on whether the dental masks used in dentistry are effective in preventing Coronavirus Infectious Disease-19 (COVID-19). Methods: We used PubMed, Google Scholar, DBpia, NDSL, and KISS databases for this study. Of the 917 documents narrowed down by the search terms "Coronavirus, COVID-19, and dental," 83 documents were collected and studied. Ultimately, 42 of these papers were selected for analysis after considering duplication from the flow chart of the literature selection process. Results: While dental masks are often used when treating patients with unknown COVID-19 status, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated that the use of dental masks is insufficient in preventing cross-transmission of COVID-19; instead, it was recommended that N95 masks, which correspond to KF94 masks, should be worn daily. On the other hand, wearing a dental mask and following precautions such as hand hygiene may not pose a significantly higher risk of infection than wearing an N95 mask when treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: There is an ongoing discussion regarding the use of dental masks when treating dental patients, and many argue that different types of masks should be selected according to the degree of infection and the individual's respiratory condition. By considering the safety and efficacy of dental masks in preventing infection, improvements can be made in the management of COVID-19 and dental-related infections.