• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.435-448
• /
• 2022

Objectives: As the time spent wearing masks has increased with spread of COVID-19, various research related to masks have been reported. However, there are still few experiments on the physiological response of the body to wearing industrial dust masks in South Korea. Considering the actual working hours at the work site, it is necessary to investigate the comfort of industrial dust masks. Therefore, this study aims to confirm the change in subjective discomfort level according to the wearing time for industrial dust masks in South Korea that have been certified for safety by KCS. Methods: This study evaluated subjective discomfort level over four hours. The experimental conditions were five types: not worn (control group), special grade, first grade, second grade (with valve), and second grade (without valve). The subjective discomfort levels were classified for breathing, warmth (body and face) and wetness (body and face). Subjects recorded their discomfort level on a checklist every one hour. Results: In special grade and second grade (without valve), the discomfort level in terms of breathing, warmth (face), and wetness (face) was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, the effects of all kinds of industrial dust masks on the discomfort level in the body were low. Conclusions: Since this study was conducted on subjects working in an office with a comfortable working environment, it is difficult to apply it to workers at actual industrial sites. However, it is considered meaningful as the first clinical study to evaluate the subjective level of discomfort over a long time for domestic industrial dust masks that have been certified for safety by KCS.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
• /
• v.56 no.4
• /
• pp.515-536
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study is to understand the content characteristics in YouTube videos of the National Archives of Korea. For this purpose, keywords, video data, and viewer responses were collected for 324 videos posted by the National Archives of Korea for five years since April, 2017. Social network analysis, topic modeling, and content analysis were performed. Based on this, the main keywords leading the YouTube videos of the National Archives of Korea, 7 major topics and 20 sub-topics were identified. The characteristics of the YouTube videos and keywords network were studies. In addition, video characteristics were analyzed as external characteristics, video editing and delivery methods, and content characters. The study found that the YouTube channel of the National Archives of Korea has been posting the videos related to various topics such as places, history, and events as well as the basic functions of the archives to induce viewers' interest in the archives. The study also identified the areas that needed to be improved such as low response from viewers, lack of content that could interest viewers, and lack of channel operation to interact or communicate with viewers. Finally, the study was concluded with a proposal to spread the videos of the National Archives of Korea to more users.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.787-792
• /
• 2022

In winter, the excessive use of deicing salt deteriorates concrete pavement durability. To reduce the amount of deicing salt used, phase-change materials (PCMs) potentially offer an alternative way to melt snow through their latent heat storage characteristics. In this research, thermal energy storage concrete was developed by using PCM-impregnated expanded clay as 50 % replacement to normal aggregate by volume. In addition, to improve the thermal efficiency of PCM lightweight aggregate (PCM-LWA)-incorporated concrete, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated in proportions of 0.10 %, 0.15 %, and 0.20 % by binder weight. Compressive strength testing and programmed thermal cycling were performed to evaluate the mechanical and thermal responses of the PCM-LWA concrete. Results showed a significant strength reduction of 54 % due to the PCM-LWA; however, the thermal performance of the PCM-LWA concrete was greatly improved with the addition of MWCNTs. Thermal test results showed that 0.10 % MWCNT-incorporated concrete had high thermal fatigue resistance as well as uniform heat flow, whereas specimens with 0.15 % and 0.20 % MWCNT content had a reduced thermal response due to supercooling when the ambient temperature was varied between -5℃ and 10℃.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.716-728
• /
• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: An imbalanced adipokine profile in obesity increases the susceptibility to obesity-related cardiometabolic alterations, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The mulberry plant has been reported to have health benefits, such as hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects. This study examined the effects of a mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit ethanol extract (MBEE) on dyslipidemia, liver steatosis, and adipokine imbalance in response to a high-fat diet. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of 4 groups containing 6 rats each and fed either a control diet (CON), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a high-fat diet with MBEE of 150 mg/kg/day (LMB) or 300 mg/kg/day (HMB). The triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were measured spectrophotometrically. The leptin, adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The plasma TG levels were similar in the 4 groups. Plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and TC/HDL-C ratio increased in the HFD group compared with the CON group, whereas those values decreased in the LMB group (P < 0.05), indicating that MBEE had a plasma lipid-lowering effect. HDL-C decreased in the HFD group, but MBEE did not affect the HDL-C level. The HFD rats significantly increased hepatic TG and cholesterol levels and plasma ALT and AST activities compared to the CON group. The hepatic TG level and ALT and AST activities were reduced markedly by the MBEE treatment. The HFD group showed a higher PAI-1 level, whereas MBEE treatment, especially in the HMB group, significantly reduced leptin level, and leptin/adiponectin and PAI-1/ adiponectin ratios. These findings suggest that MBEE altered the imbalance between the pro-and anti-inflammatory adipokines to a more anti-inflammatory state. CONCLUSIONS: MBEE could protect against abnormal lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet, lowering plasma cholesterol, LDL-C and TC/HDL-C, and hepatic TG. These findings are associated with the regulating effect of MBEE on the leptin/adiponectin and PAI-1/adiponectin ratios.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
• /
• v.55 no.12
• /
• pp.1031-1039
• /
• 2022

As one of the hydrological factors closely related to landslides, precipitation indirectly affects slope stability by generating external forces. Groundwater level fluctuations have attracted more attention lately as factors that directly affect slope stability have become more prominent. Therefore, this study attempted to analyze the relationship between variables through changes in precipitation, groundwater levels, and land displacement. A time series-based analysis was conducted using satellite-based precipitation and point-based groundwater levels in conjunction with the PSInSAR technique to simulate land displacement in urban and mountainous areas. There was a sharp rise in groundwater levels in both urban and mountain areas during heavy rainfall, and a continuous decrease in urban areas when rainfall was low. 6 mm of displacements was observed in the mountainous area as a results of soil outflow from the topsoil layer, which was accompanied by an increased groundwater level. Meanwhile, different results were found in urban area. In response to the rise in groundwater level, the land displacement increases due to the expansion of soil skeletons, while the decrease seems to be attributed to anthropogenic influences. Overall, there was no consistent relationship between groundwater levels and land displacement, which appears to be caused by factors other than hydrological factors. Additional consideration of environmental factors could contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between the two factors.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.338-343
• /
• 2022

As the revitalization of the global maritime industry continues, the number of foreign ships navigating the maritime territories of maritime neighboring countries has rapidly increased. However, large-scale marine accidents have occurred, caused by the insufficient establishment of a system for management and operation relative to vessels' safety-condition. To address that, the IMO has granted the right to exercise port state control, especially for foreign vessels, to countries with jurisdiction over maritime territories with strengthening regulations and guidelines. In particular, the Republic of Korea, as a member of the TOKYO MOU, is conducting PSC, but as of 2020, the proportion of foreign ships was three times higher than that of national ships that called in domestic ports. However, the inspection rate was low at 9% which has not met the recommended level by the TOKYO MOU. Thus, this study conducted an IPA analysis as well as content analysis, by collecting the practical opinions and views of PSCO through objective questionnaires and written expert interviews, for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of domestic PSC. As a result, it was derived that the importance and performance related to human factors such as life on board, working environment, and response to safety accidents should be improved in to raise the quality of PSC inspection. Additionally, the work environment and performance of PSC in domestic ports for foreign vessels could be improved, if multifaceted support bases are established, for administrative unification of related tests for PSC, recruitment of PSCO, activation of the defection-reporting system, reorganization of the PSC execution group, etc.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.55 no.1
• /
• pp.29-43
• /
• 2022

The groundwater quality in Boseong area was characterized and their background concentrations were estimated based on the chemical data obtained from 200 groundwater samples collected during July 2019. Groundwater data were classified into two groups: Group 1 with NO₃^- < 44.3 mg/L and Group 2 with NO₃^- ≥ 44.3 mg/L. Results of t-tests indicate that groundwaters in Group 2 are significantly higher in water temperature and Ca concentration and significantly lower in F, As, Pb and Zn concentrations. It was also revealed that groundwaters Group 2 are closely linked to low pH, alkalinity, NH₄, NO₂, F, As, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn levels, and high EC and water temperature. Background concentrations were estimated using the the BRIDGE method. The results depicted the higher levels in NO₃, NH₄, PO₄, As, Fe, Mn than the ones estimated by MOE and KECO (2018; 2019), which were prepared for the three catchment units in Boseong. The results of this study are believed to have more reliability because more data were used.

• Atmosphere
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.625-635
• /
• 2021

South Korea established the 2050 Carbon Neutral Plan in response to the climate crisis, and to achieve this policy, it is very important to monitor domestic carbon emissions and atmospheric carbon concentration. Both CO₂ and CO are emitted from fossil fuel combustion processes, but the relative ratios depend on the combustion efficiency and the strength of local emission regulations. In this study, the relationship between CO₂ and CO was analyzed using ground observation data for the period of 2018~2020 at Anmyeon-do site and the CO/CO₂ ratio according to regional origin during high CO₂ cases was investigated based on the footprint simulated from Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) model. CO₂ and CO showed a positive correlation with correlation coefficient of 0.66 (p < 0.01), and averaged footprints during high CO₂ cases confirmed that air particles mainly originated from eastern and north-eastern China, and inland of Korean Peninsula. In addition, it was revealed that among the cases of high CO₂ concentration, when the CO/CO₂ ratio is high, the industrial area of eastern China is greatly affected, and when the ratio is low, the contribution of the domestic region is relatively high. The ratio of CO₂ and CO in this study is significant in that it can be used as a useful factor in determining the possibility of domestic and foreign origins of climate pollutants.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.730-739
• /
• 2022

Objective: This study investigated the effects of dietary n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio on growth performance, blood indexes, tissue fatty acid composition and the gene expression in finishing pigs. Methods: Seventy-two crossbred ([Duroc×Landrace]×Yorkshire) barrows (68.5±1.8 kg) were fed one of four isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets with n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, and 8:1. Results: Average daily gain, average daily feed intake and gain-to-feed ratio had quadratic responses but the measurements were increased and then decreased (quadratic, p<0.05). The concentrations of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and interleukin 6 were linearly increased (p<0.05) with increasing of dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, while that of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol tended to decrease (p = 0.062), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol:low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and leptin concentration were linearly decreased (p<0.05). The concentration of serum adiponectin had a quadratic response but the measurement was decreased and then increased (quadratic, p<0.05). The proportion of C18:3n-3 was linearly decreased (p<0.05) in the longissimus thoracis (LT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) as dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio increasing, while the proportion of C18:2n-6 and n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio were linearly increased (p<0.05). In addition, the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and lipoprotein lipase in the LT and SCAT, and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the SCAT had quadratic responses but the measurements were increased and then decreased (quadratic, p<0.05). The expression of HSL in the LT was linearly decreased (p<0.05) with increasing of dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio. Conclusion: Dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio could regulate lipid and fatty acid metabolism in blood and tissue. Reducing dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio (3:1) could appropriately suppress expression of related genes in PPARγ signaling, and result in improved growth performance and n-3 PUFA deposition in muscle and adipose tissue in finishing pigs.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.204-213
• /
• 1986

The objective of this paper was to examine the response of rice seedling emergence and early growth under the different temperature (day/night, 29/21$^{\circ}C$, 17/17$^{\circ}C$, 12/12$^{\circ}C$) and the different seeding depth (1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm). The trial was carried out in the phytotron and field in the Crop Experiment Station, Suwon, Korea in 1985. Calcium peroxide-coated seeds were very effctive in promoting seedling emergence, seedling establishment and eary growth of rice. Coated seeds were more effective in low temperature condition (17/17$^{\circ}C$, 12/12$^{\circ}C$) than in high temperature (29/21$^{\circ}C$) at the phytotron trial. The deeper the seeding depth, the less the emergence and seedling establishment, and the available seeding depth was I cm in the direct seeding under the flooded soil. In the field trial (seeding date, May 1) the results for the emergence and seedling establishment were similar to those in the phytotron trial. Available cultivars for the direct seeding cultivation under the flooded soil were Cheonmabyeo, Namyangbyeo, Kihobyeo, Akibare, Nakdongbyeo and Dongjinbyeo in Japonica type, and Taebaegbyeo, Samgangbyeo and Gayabyeo in Indica x Jponica type. Coefficients of variation to the emergence and seedling establishment between rice cultivars were very high. Therefore, in the direct seeding cultivation under the submerged paddy, choice of rice cultivars and improved technique for direct seeding will be more necessary.