• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.464-470
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• 2023

Objectives: This study evaluated occupational exposures to noise and heat stress during routine non-outage works in three coal-fired power plants in the Republic of Korea. Methods: The data were collected during the summer of 2020. Full shift noise exposure of 52 workers were measured using noise dosimeters. Heat stress of 16 worksites were measured for 70 minutes using wet-bulb globe temperature monitors. Results: The noise dosimetry results revealed time-weighted averages that ranged from 47.5 to 88.9 dBA. 2 out of 52 noise measurements exceeded 85 dBA. Based on the arithmetic mean, the coal service group showed the highest level at 80.2 dBA by job tasks. Noise exposures exceeding 85 dBA were measured in the coal service and plant operator group. Heat stress index measurements ranged from 20.3℃ to 37.2℃. 1 out of 9 indices measured in coal facilities and 4 out of 7 indices measured in boiler house exceeded 1 hour TWA during moderate work. Heat stress indices measured from boiler houses were significantly higher than those measured from coal equipment. Conclusions: The results show that overexposure to noise and heat stress may be encountered during routine non-outage work activities in coal-fired power plants. Appropriate actions should be taken to reduce future health outcome from occupational exposure to noise and heat stress in the industry.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.415-430
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• 2023

The Material·Part·Equipment industry is mostly an industry centered on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and is an important industry for revitalizing the local economy, which is the source of manufacturing competitiveness. In this study, we tried to derive the implications necessary for the development of the Material·Part·Equipment industries by analyzing the competitiveness of the Material·Part·Equipment industries in the Chungcheong region. To this end, we analyzed the industrial development stage and competitiveness of each region (Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk) based on business scale factor, industrial growth rate, industrial specialization, and regional competitiveness for the Material·Part·Equipment industries in the Chungcheong region. Using data such as the number of employees, the number of businesses, and the amount of production in 2014 and 2019, significant industrial groups by region were identified considering the level of industrial specialization and regional competitiveness. In addition, by identifying the positions of these significant industrial groups in the stage of industrial development, suggestions for the development of the Material·Part·Equipment industries in the Chungcheong region were presented.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.44.1-44.11
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• 2023

Background: A series of breast cancer cases were recently reported in a tertiary university hospital in South Korea. Nurses are generally exposed to risk factors for breast cancer such as night shift work, antineoplastic agents, and job strain. However, the epidemiological evidence of excess incidence among nurses remains lacking. This study aims to investigate the excess incidence of breast cancer among nurses in a tertiary university hospital and provide epidemiological evidence of occupational risk factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort was developed using personnel records of female workers in the nursing department who worked from January 2011 to June 2021 in a tertiary university hospital in South Korea. Sick leave records were used to identify cases of breast cancer. The standardized incidence ratio of breast cancer among nurses was compared to the general population. Results: A total of 5,509 nurses were followed up for 30,404 person-years, and 26 breast cancer cases were identified. This study revealed a significantly increased breast cancer incidence among all included nurses, with a standardized incidence ratio of 1.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.41), compared to the general population. Workers, who handle antineoplastic agents in their representative department and current and/or former department, had significantly elevated breast cancer standardized incidence ratios of 2.73 (95% CI: 1.008-5.94) and 3.39 (95% CI: 1.46-6.68), respectively. Conclusions: This study provides significant evidence of increased breast cancer risk among nursing staff in a hospital setting, particularly those who handle antineoplastic drugs. Measures that reduce exposure to risk factors should be implemented, especially anticancer drugs, to protect healthcare professionals. Further research at a national level that focuses on healthcare workers is necessary to validate breast cancer incidence and its contributing factors.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2024

The paper investigates the influence of government-led projects on investors' decision-making reference points, using Prospect Theory and Human Capital Theory. It empirically explores whether government initiatives shift investors' reference points, offering insights for private investments in government-backed ventures. The study, spanning from May 2017 to May 2022, compares 51 companies involved in Korea's 'New Deal' policy to 49 non-participating companies. It considers founders' human capital elements such as past startup experience, technical and managerial industry experience, education level, and graduate school reputation. The analysis reveals that only the reputation of the founder's graduate school has a significant negative effect, implying a conservative approach by investors towards government-led projects. This highlights the need for investors to consider the founder's social capital and the impact of government support on venture growth and public offering pace.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.15-31
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of patient safety incidents (PSIs) related to nursing and to provide primary data for preventing the recurrence of similar incidents. Methods: This secondary analysis study included damage claims rulings filed for clinical negligence from 2014 to 2018 that contained the keyword 'nurse'. It excluded judgments irrelevant to nursing care and in which clinical negligence or causal damages were overruled. A total of 93 cases were analyzed. The characteristics of PSIs were derived through descriptive statistics, and two instances of nursing-related PSIs were examined by qualitative content analysis focusing on root causes. Results: The analysis of PSIs related to nursing suggested that the medical institutions where the PSIs occurred most frequently were hospitals, and the most common types of PSIs were medication, surgery, and treatment/procedure, in that order. In addition, it indicated that nursing-related PSIs occurred most frequently in general wards during the day shift, with the most common related nursing practice being managing potential risk factors. The qualitative analysis showed that careless monitoring and institutional inertia were causes of PSIs. Conclusion: To prevent nursing-related PSIs, nurses need to individually monitor and assess patient conditions. In addition, support should be accompanied by the improvement in the systems in place aimed at preventing the recurrence of nursing-related PSIs at the institutional and national level, such as securing appropriate nursing personnel and improving labor conditions.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.152-162
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• 2024

Background: Plant species of the alpine treeline ecotone are highly sensitive to climate change and may adjust their population dynamics, and functional traits in response to changing climate. This study examined regeneration patterns and leaf traits variations in an important treeline ecotone element Rhododendron campanulatum along the elevation gradient in western Nepal to assess its potential adaptive responses to climate change. The distribution range of R. campanulatum (3,400-3,800 m above sea level [a.s.l.]) was divided into five horizontal bands, each with a 100 m elevational range. Eight plots (10 m × 10 m) were sampled in each band, resulting into a total of 40 plots. In each plot, all R. campanulatum individuals and co-occurring tree species were counted. From each elevation, R. campanulatum leaf samples were collected to determine leaf dimensions, leaf density, specific leaf area (SLA), and stomatal density (SD). Results: The density-diameter curve indicated that R. campanulatum was regenerating well, with enhanced regeneration at higher elevation (3,800 m a.s.l.) than at lower. Tree canopy cover appeared to be the major determinant of R. campanulatum regeneration, as indicated by a higher number of seedlings in treeless stands. With increasing elevation, the leaf length, width, SLA, and stomata length decreased but leaf thickness and SD increased. Conclusions: Overall, a higher regeneration and lower SLA with the high SD in the leaves at the upper limit of the species distribution suggested that R. campanulatum is well adapted at its upper distribution range with the possibility of upslope range shift as temperature increases.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes of transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with open physes who were selected with authors' new operative indications. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 15 patients with open physes who underwent a transtibial ACL reconstruction and were followed up for 4~6 years after surgery. Our operative indications involved 1) choronologic age of ${\geq}$ 16 in male and ${\geq}$ 14 in female, 2) open physes of ${\leq}$ 2 mm width, and 3) Risser sign and Tanner stage of ${\geq}$ 3. Tibialis anterior tendon allograft was used in all patients, and endobutton and bioscrew were used for femoral and tibial fixations, respectively. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Lysholm Knee Scoring scale, Tegner activity scale, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 subjective score. Physical examinations to evaluate stability involved Lachman and pivot shift tests. For radiographic results, we evaluated side to side differences of anterior displacement in stress views. In addition, with use of scannograms taken at last follow-up, we examined side to side differences of femorotibial angles, anatomical and mechanical lateral distal femoral angles, mechanical medial proximal tibial angles and leg lengths. Results: The mean Lysholm Knee score was 51(40-61) points preoperatively and 97(94-100) points at last follow up. The mean Tegner activity score was 2.6 points preoperatively and 7.1 points at last follow up. The mean IKDC score was 32.6 points preoperatively and 88.3 points at last follow up. The mean anterior displacement of the tibia was improved from 6.7(${\pm}1.0$) mm to 1.9(${\pm}0.9$) mm. There were no leg length discrepancies over 5 mm and no statistically significant differences in all the radiographic variables representing growth disturbance. Conclusion: This study suggests that patients with open physes who selected by authors' new indication would safely undergo transphyseal ACL reconstruction with successful outcomes.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.495-509
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• 2003

Background : Neutrophil-mediated inflammation is usually self-limiting, because neutrophils have a remarkably short life span. Prolonged neutrophil survival, which is caused by decreased spontaneous apoptosis, leads to persistent inflammation in sepsis. Because many inflammatory cytokines, which generate signals that delay apoptosis, are regulated by nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ transcription factor, we hypothesized that nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ might be related to the reduced neutrophil apoptosis observed in sepsis. Methods : Neutrophils of healthy volunteers and sepsis patients were freshly isolated from venous blood. Neutrophil apoptosis was assayed with two approaches : by counting apoptotic cells under a microscope and by flow cytometry using Annexin V. The activity of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ was assessed by immunofluorescent staining or electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis was measured by western blot assay. Results : We confirmed reduced spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis in patients with sepsis. The number of apoptotic neutrophils in patients with sepsis increased to the level of that in healthy controls after cycloheximide treatment, suggesting that decreased spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis is dependent on de novo protein synthesis. In patients with sepsis, basal neutrophil nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ was activated compared to the level in healthy controls. Moreover, a blockade of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ activity reversed the decreased spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis in sepsis patients. Meanwhile, X-linked inhibition of apoptosis expression, which is regulated by nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$, decreased 24 hours after incubation in healthy persons, but persisted for 24 hours in patients with sepsis. Conclusion : These observations suggest that the reduced spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis observed in patients with sepsis may be related to the induction of survival protein by nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.86-93
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• 2024

Since replication of plasmids must be strictly controlled, plasmids that generally perform rolling circle replication generally maintain a constant copy number by strictly controlling the replication initiator Rep at the transcriptional and translational levels. Plasmid pJB01 contains three orfs (copA, repB, repC or repABC) consisting of a single operon. From analysis of amino acid sequence, pJB01 CopA was homologous to the Cops, as a copy number control protein, of other plasmids. When compared with a CopG of pMV158, CopA seems to form the RHH (ribbon-helix-helix) known as a motif of generalized repressor of plasmids. The result of gel mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that the purified fusion CopA protein binds to the operator region of the repABC operon. To examine the functional role of CopA on transcriptional level, 3 point mutants were constructed in coding frame of copA such as CopA R16M, K26R and E50V. The repABC mRNA levels of CopA R16M, K26R and E50V mutants increased 1.84, 1.78 and 2.86 folds more than that of CopA wt, respectively. Furthermore, copy numbers owing to mutations in three copA genes also increased 1.86, 1.68 and 2.89 folds more than that of copA wt, respectively. These results suggest that CopA is the transcriptional repressor, and lowers the copy number of pJB01 by reducing repABC mRNA and then RepB, as a replication initiator.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 1967

Cold $(0^{\circ}C)$ or warm $(25^{\circ}C)$ fresh and sea water were flooded into the lungs of rabbits through tracheal canule. Respiratory arrest ensued in 19.5 minutes in the warm fresh water flooded rabbits and was the longest survival time among the experimental groups. The survival times in the other groups were: 2.32 minutes in cold fresh water group, 2.75 minutes in .warm sea water group, and 4.57 minutes in cold sea water group. Cardiac output was measured by means of T-1824 dilution technique after 2 or 3 minutes of flooding in 27 rabbits. Blood pressure was observed by mercury manometer throughout the survival time in 40 rabbits. The following results were obtained. 1. Cardiac output in the warm fresh water flooded and sea water flooded animal was smaller than that of control rabbits. In the cold fresh water flooded animal cardiac output was greater than that of the control animal. 2. Time constants of T-1824 dilution curve of experimental group were elongated than the normal curve. 3. Central blood volume showed an increase in the fresh water group, a decrease in cold sea water group and no change in warm sea water group. 4. In all of the experimental groups arterial blood Pressure showed an abrupt and great variations after flooding of lungs and lasted about 30 seconds. Thereafter, arterial pressure remained at a plateau level until the sudden fall to zero and this was almost coincided with the time of respiratory arrest. The Plateau level of arterial Pressure in fresh water group was about 10 mmHg higher than the control value, and it was lower than the control value in warm sea water group. In cold sea water group the plateau was made up by fluctuations around the control value. 5. Osmosis of water through the lung alveolar membrane occured in all animals. Fresh water caused hemodilution and sea water caused hemoconcentration. 6. In sea water flooded animal more volume of water was recovered through the tracheal canule than the volume injected into trachea. This was interpreted as the consequence of the shift of water from plasma to alveolar sac. 7. Relative freight of lung was greater in fresh water group than sea water group. In all animal lung edema ensued. 8. The mechanisms of cardiac output variations were discussed.