• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was intended to investigate the revision status of the occupational exposure standards for aluminum at home and abroad; to investigate worker exposure at domestic aluminum manufacturing and handling workplaces; to conduct social and economic evaluation for the revision of domestic aluminum exposure limits. Methods: We investigated the current status of occupational exposure limits for aluminum at home and abroad, and analyzed supporting data. An exposure survey was conducted targeting domestic aluminum manufacturing and handling workplaces. Based on these, revised aluminum occupational exposure limits were proposed. Results: The major aluminum exposure limits at home and abroad show a notable difference. The toxicity of aluminum, which was revealed through animal experiments and epidemiological investigations. The average concentration of aluminum in the air at 12 workplaces was 0.016 mg/m³, and the maximum was 0.0776 mg/m³. When total dust and respiratory dust were measured side by side and simultaneously for the same process, 12.1% of the total mass concentration of aluminum dust was respiratory dust. As a result of measuring and comparing the size distribution of dust with an optical particle counter in real time, 48.1% of the total dust in the form of welding fume and pyro-powder was respiratory dust. Based on the literature review and workplace survey, three proposals for changing the aluminum exposure limit were proposed. Proposal (1): For all types, 10 mg/m³ is unified as the exposure limit except for soluble salts and alkyls. Proposal (2): 1(R) mg/m³ as the exposure limit for all forms except soluble salts and alkyl. Proposal (3): 1(R) mg/m³ for pyro-powder and welding fume, and 10 mg/m³ for metal dust, aluminum oxide, and insoluble compounds as exposure standards. A pyro-powder was defined as dry aluminum powder of 200 mesh size (74 ㎛) or smaller (larger size classified as metal dust). Reason for setting: In the workplace survey, the ratio of respiratory dust to total dust was analyzed to be about 1:10, so it was judged that the domestic standard and the ACGIH standard were compatible. Conclusions: In all scenarios according to the revision of the exposure standard, the B/C ratio was greater than 1 or only benefits existed, so it was evaluated as sufficiently reasonable as a result of the socio-economic evaluation.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.978-986
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• 2020

Objective: To compare native and post-contrast T1 mapping with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging for detecting and measuring the microvascular obstruction (MVO) area in reperfused acute myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods: This study included 20 patients with acute MI who had undergone 1.5T cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) after reperfusion therapy. CMR included cine imaging, LGE, and T1 mapping (modified look-locker inversion recovery). MI size was calculated from LGE by full-width at half-maximum technique. MVO was defined as an area with low signal intensity (LGE) or as a region of visually distinguishable T1 values (T1 maps) within infarcted myocardium. Regional T1 values were measured in MVO, infarcted, and remote myocardium on T1 maps. MVO area was measured on and compared among LGE, native, and post-contrast T1 maps. Results: The mean MI size was 27.1 ± 9.7% of the left ventricular mass. Of the 20 identified MVOs, 18 (90%) were detected on native T1 maps, while 10 (50%) were recognized on post-contrast T1 maps. The mean native T1 values of MVO, infarcted, and remote myocardium were 1013.5 ± 58.5, 1240.9 ± 55.8 (p < 0.001), and 1062.2 ± 55.8 ms (p = 0.169), respectively, while the mean post-contrast T1 values were 466.7 ± 26.8, 399.1 ± 21.3, and 585.2 ± 21.3 ms, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean MVO areas on LGE, native, and post-contrast T1 maps were 134.1 ± 81.2, 133.7 ± 80.4, and 117.1 ± 53.3 mm², respectively. The median (interquartile range) MVO areas on LGE, native, and post-contrast T1 maps were 128.0 (58.1-215.4), 110.5 (67.7-227.9), and 143.0 (76.7-155.3) mm², respectively (p = 0.002). Concordance correlation coefficients for the MVO area between LGE and native T1 maps, LGE and post-contrast T1 maps, and native and post-contrast T1 maps were 0.770, 0.375, and 0.565, respectively. Conclusion: MVO areas were accurately delineated on native T1 maps and showed high concordance with the areas measured on LGE. However, post-contrast T1 maps had low detection rates and underestimated MVO areas. Collectively, native T1 mapping is a useful tool for detecting MVO within the infarcted myocardium.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2024

A car horn serves a crucial safety role as a means of communication between drivers and a part that alerts pedestrians in advance. While previous studies have utilized finite element method and electric circuit model to simulate and analyze characteristics of the car horns, there remains a lack of research on design methods of a trumpet horn. This paper presents a design approach that predicts the operating frequency based on the acoustic reactance at the throat of the horn, once the vibrating part is determined. We deal with a horn combining both an exponential horn and a waveguide in the acoustic section, and confirm that the acoustic reactance at the horn throat measured by impedance tube experiment agrees well compared with the numerical result obtained using the finite element method. The resonance frequency of the car horn is predicted using the COMSOL Multiphysics finite element numerical analysis model, and the proposed design method is validated by measuring the operating frequency of the designed horn in a sound pressure experiment. As a result, the resonance measured in a semi-anechoic chamber environment by applying a DC voltage of 12 [V] excluding the holder occurs accurately within a few [Hz] of the design operating frequency. This paper discuss the design method of a trumpet horn from the perspective of the horn's acoustic reactance, and is expected to be useful for designing horn systems.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2024

Background: In this study, we investigate the rapid increase in environmental odors and notable rise in civil complaints near Dorim Stream in the Gwanak-gu area of Seoul. Objectives: This study aims to identify the causal compounds responsible for environmental odors in the Dorim Stream and investigate the structural characteristics of the stream that influence odor generation. Methods: The research methodology involved setting up 41 sampling points, selecting panels for direct sensory evaluation to assess odor intensity, measuring dissolved oxygen and hydrogen sulfide concentrations, and using all-in-one low-temperature desorption gas chromatography (ATD-GC) and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) analysis to identify odor-causing compounds. Results: The evaluation of Dorim Stream revealed that in areas with complete meandering, there were lower dissolved oxygen levels (4.5±2.67 mg/L) and higher odor intensity (4.0±0.92), while in partially meandering sections, higher dissolved oxygen levels (7.8±1.15 mg/L) and lower odor intensity (2.8±1.06) were observed. Hydrogen sulfide levels measured with sensors increased with higher temperatures, especially in the afternoon hours (12:00~14:00). Acetaldehyde was the dominant odor compound detected in both the Bonglim Bridge (0.4 ppm) area and Guro Bridge area (0.867 ppm), with concentrations more than twice as high near Guro Bridge. Odor-causing compounds identified by TD-GC/MS indicated a pungent, sulfurous odor in the Guro Bridge area and a musty odor in the Bonglim Bridge area. Conclusions: This study categorizes and analyzes the sources of odor in Dorim Stream in Seoul based on meandering patterns and the distribution of sewage facilities, highlighting the potential odor issues associated with combined sewage systems and sewer junctions and suggesting policy improvements.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.15.1-15.9
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• 2022

Background: Most previous longitudinal studies on lifestyle and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have focused on physical activity rather than sitting time. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between prolonged sitting time and the development of erosive esophagitis (EE). Methods: A self-report questionnaire was used for measuring sitting time in the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study. Sitting time was categorized into four groups: ≤ 6, 7-8, 9-10, and ≥ 11 hours/day. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed by experienced endoscopists who were unawared of the aims of this study. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the development of EE were estimated using Cox proportional hazards analyses with ≤ 6 hours/day sitting time as the reference. Results: There were 6,524 participants included in the study. During a mean follow-up of 3.14 years, 2,048 incident cases developed EE. In age- and sex-adjusted models, the HR in the group sitting ≥ 11 hours per day compared ≤ 6 hours per day was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.76-0.99). After further adjusting for alcohol intake, smoking status, educational level, history of diabetes, and history of dyslipidemia, sitting time was still significantly related to the risk of EE (HR, 0.87; 95% CI: 0.76-0.98). After further adjustment for exercise frequency, this association persisted (HR, 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76-0.98). In subgroup analysis by obesity, the relationship between sitting time and EE was only significant among participants with body mass index < 25 kg/m² (HR, 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71-0.95). Conclusions: Generally, prolonged sitting time is harmful to health, but with regard to EE, it is difficult to conclude that this is the case.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.3.1-3.12
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• 2022

Background: Influenza illness causes several disruptions to the workforce. The absenteeism that often ensues has economic implications for employers. This study aimed to estimate the cost-benefit of influenza vaccination in a healthcare setting from the employer's perspective. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in a private hospital in 2018-2019 comparing voluntary vaccinated with non-vaccinated employees with influenza vaccine. The analyses were made based on self-reporting on absenteeism and presenteeism from Influenza-like illnesses (ILIs). The costs incurred, both direct and indirect costs, were included in the study. A cost-benefit analysis was performed by measuring the cost of the vaccination program. The costs of absenteeism and reduced productivity were calculated using 3 hypothesised levels of effectiveness in the following percentage of productivity of 30%, 50%, and 70%. The costs were also calculated based on four scenarios: with and without operating income and with and without replacement. The benefits of the influenza vaccination from the employer's perspective were analysed. The benefit to cost ratio was determined. Results: A total of four hundred and twenty-one respondents participated. The influenza vaccination rate was 63.0%. The rate of ILI of 38.1% was significantly lower among vaccinated. The ILI-related absenteeism reported was also significantly lower amongst vaccinated employees at 30% compared to 70% non-vaccinated. Employers could save up to USD 18.95 per vaccinated employee when only labour cost was included or 54.0% of cost savings. The cost-saving rose to USD 155.56 when the operating income per employee was also included. The benefit to cost ratio confirmed that the net cost-benefit gained from the vaccination was more than the net cost of vaccination. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination for working adults was cost-saving and cost-beneficial when translated into financial investments for the employer. A workplace vaccination demonstrates a significant cost-benefit strategy to be applied in any institutional setting.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.3
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• pp.327-338
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• 2024

Forest road construction can degrade the physical and biological environments of forest ecosystems. Although this degradation may be temporary, some research has shown the potential for the long-term recovery of the original ecosystem. This study investigated changes in communities' structures over time to understand the process of ecosystem change following road construction. Data were collected from 63 plots, each measuring 25m², in Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, including plots from roads constructed in 1998 (25 years elapsed), 2021 (two years elapsed), and 2022 (one year elapsed), using phytosociological methods. The results showed that the importance of the values of Pinus densiflora an d Quercus variabilis in the tree and subtree layers of the 25-year-old cut slopes were similar to those of the control plots, indicating the significant recovery of the original ecosystem's structure and function after 25 years. Species diversity analysis revealed the higher evenness and lower dominance of the cut slopes and road surfaces attributed to the high dominance of species such as Arundinella hirta and Miscanthus sinensis. The community similarity index and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) indicated that the control plots, all the edge plots, and the 25-year-old cut slopes could be considered part of the same community. In conclusion, forest roads in place for 25 years appear to have been restored to the level of the original ecosystem. These findings can serve as valuable ecological data for understanding the vegetation recovery process at future forest road construction sites.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.633-646
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cladophora glomerata extract (CGE), rich in polyphenols, was reported to exhibit antidiabetic and renoprotective effects by modulating the functions of protein kinases-mediated organic anion transporter 1 (Oat1) and 3 (Oat3) in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, the antioxidant effects of CGE on such renoprotection have not been investigated. This study examined the mechanisms involved in the antioxidant effects of CGE on renal organic anion transport function in an in vivo study. MATERIALS/METHODS: Diabetes was induced in the rats through a high-fat diet combined with a single dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (BW) streptozotocin. Subsequently, normal-diet rats were supplemented with a vehicle or 1,000 mg/kg BW of CGE, while T2DM rats were supplemented with a vehicle, CGE, or 200 mg/kg BW of vitamin C for 12 weeks. The study evaluated the general characteristics of T2DM and renal oxidative stress markers. The renal organic transport function was assessed by measuring the para-aminohippurate (PAH) uptake using renal cortical slices and renal inflammatory cytokine expression in the normal diet (ND) and ND + CGE treated groups. RESULTS: CGE supplementation significantly reduced hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and renal lipid peroxidation in T2DM rats. This was accompanied by the normalization of high expressions of renal glutathione peroxidase and nuclear factor kappa B by CGE and vitamin C. The renal anti-inflammation of CGE was evidenced by the reduction of tumor necrosis factor-1α and interleukin-1β. CGE directly blunted sodium nitroprusside-induced renal oxidative/nitrosative stresses and mediated the PAH uptake in the normally treated CGE in rats was particularly noteworthy. These data also correlated with reduced nitric oxide production, highlighting the potential of CGE as a therapeutic agent for managing T2DM-related renal complications. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CGE has antidiabetic effects and directly prevents diabetic nephropathy through oxidative/nitrosative stress pathways.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.673-681
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• 2024

Periodontal disease is a significant oral health issue, with halitosis-inducing bacteria being one of its primary causes. Among these bacteria, the anaerobic pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is known to accelerate the progression of periodontitis. Effective control and prevention of these bacteria are therefore crucial for the management and prevention of periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to explore methods for effectively controlling halitosis-causing bacteria to enhance oral hygiene and the prevention of halitosis. We focused on Dendropanax morbifera, a traditional Korean medicinal plant known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Specifically, we investigated the antimicrobial effects of D. morbifera leaf extracts and fermented sap against P. gingivalis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the leaf extracts and fermented sap were determined under anaerobic conditions. The efficacies in reducing malodor were also evaluated using detection tubes to measure by measuring the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and ammonia (NH₃) using detection tubes. Both the extracts and sap exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis. Furthermore, both test materials effectively reduced bacterial production of H₂S and NH₃ gases. Field emission scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that bacterial cell wall damage began at the MIC levels, with complete cell wall destruction observed at the MBC levels. These results provide valuable data regarding the antimicrobial and halitosis-reducing effects of D. morbifera leaf extracts and fermented sap and support the potential use of D. morbifera in developing new oral hygiene products.

• Journal of KIISE:Software and Applications
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• v.30 no.5_6
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• pp.444-453
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• 2003

Recently, a great interest of bio-technology(BT) is concentrated and the image analysis technique for electrophoresis gels is highly requested to analyze genetic information or to look for some new bio-activation materials. For this purpose, the location and quantity of each band in a lane should be measured. In most of existing techniques, the approach of peak searching in a profile of a lane is used. But this peak is improper as the representative of a band, because its location does not correspond to that of the brightest pixel or the center of gravity. Also, it is improper to measure band quantity in most of these approaches because various enhancement processes are commonly applied to original images to extract peaks easily. In this paper, we adopt an approach to measure accumulated brightness as a band quantity in each band region, which Is extracted by not using any process of changing relative brightness, and the gravity center of the region is calculated as a band location. Actually, we first extract lanes with an entropy-based threshold calculated on a gel-image histogram. And then, three other methods are proposed and applied to extract bands. In the MER method, peaks and valleys are searched on a vertical search line by which each lane is bisected. And the minimum enclosing rectangle of each band is set between successive two valleys. On the other hand, in the RG-1 method, each band is extracted by using region growing with a peak as a seed, separating overlapped neighbor bands. In the RG-2 method, peaks and valleys are searched on two vertical lines by which each lane is trisected, and the left and right peaks nay be paired up if they seem to belong to the same band, and then each band region is grown up with a peak or both peaks if exist. To compare above three methods, we have measured the location and amount of bands. As a result, the average errors in band location of MER, RG-1, and RG-2 were 6%, 3%, and 1%, respectively, when the lane length is normalized to a unit value. And the average errors in band amount were 8%, 5%, and 2%, respectively, when the sum of band amount is normalized to a unit value. In conclusion, RG-2 was shown to be more reliable in the accuracy of measuring the location and amount of bands.