• Title/Summary/Keyword: Medical agency

Search Result 940, Processing Time 0.04 seconds

APPLICATION OF FUZZY SET THEORY IN SAFEGUARDS

  • Fattah, A.;Nishiwaki, Y.
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Intelligent Systems Conference
    • /
    • 1993.06a
    • /
    • pp.1051-1054
    • /
    • 1993
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency's Statute in Article III.A.5 allows it“to establish and administer safeguards designed to ensure that special fissionable and other materials, services, equipment, facilities and information made available by the Agency or at its request or under its supervision or control are not used in such a way as to further any military purpose; and to apply safeguards, at the request of the parties, to any bilateral or multilateral arrangement, or at the request of a State, to any of that State's activities in the field of atomic energy”. Safeguards are essentially a technical means of verifying the fulfilment of political obligations undertaken by States and given a legal force in international agreements relating to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The main political objectives are: to assure the international community that States are complying with their non-proliferation and other peaceful undertakings; and to deter (a) the diversion of afeguarded nuclear materials to the production of nuclear explosives or for military purposes and (b) the misuse of safeguarded facilities with the aim of producing unsafeguarded nuclear material. It is clear that no international safeguards system can physically prevent diversion. The IAEA safeguards system is basically a verification measure designed to provide assurance in those cases in which diversion has not occurred. Verification is accomplished by two basic means: material accountancy and containment and surveillance measures. Nuclear material accountancy is the fundamental IAEA safeguards mechanism, while containment and surveillance serve as important complementary measures. Material accountancy refers to a collection of measurements and other determinations which enable the State and the Agency to maintain a current picture of the location and movement of nuclear material into and out of material balance areas, i. e. areas where all material entering or leaving is measurab e. A containment measure is one that is designed by taking advantage of structural characteristics, such as containers, tanks or pipes, etc. To establish the physical integrity of an area or item by preventing the undetected movement of nuclear material or equipment. Such measures involve the application of tamper-indicating or surveillance devices. Surveillance refers to both human and instrumental observation aimed at indicating the movement of nuclear material. The verification process consists of three over-lapping elements: (a) Provision by the State of information such as - design information describing nuclear installations; - accounting reports listing nuclear material inventories, receipts and shipments; - documents amplifying and clarifying reports, as applicable; - notification of international transfers of nuclear material. (b) Collection by the IAEA of information through inspection activities such as - verification of design information - examination of records and repo ts - measurement of nuclear material - examination of containment and surveillance measures - follow-up activities in case of unusual findings. (c) Evaluation of the information provided by the State and of that collected by inspectors to determine the completeness, accuracy and validity of the information provided by the State and to resolve any anomalies and discrepancies. To design an effective verification system, one must identify possible ways and means by which nuclear material could be diverted from peaceful uses, including means to conceal such diversions. These theoretical ways and means, which have become known as diversion strategies, are used as one of the basic inputs for the development of safeguards procedures, equipment and instrumentation. For analysis of implementation strategy purposes, it is assumed that non-compliance cannot be excluded a priori and that consequently there is a low but non-zero probability that a diversion could be attempted in all safeguards ituations. An important element of diversion strategies is the identification of various possible diversion paths; the amount, type and location of nuclear material involved, the physical route and conversion of the material that may take place, rate of removal and concealment methods, as appropriate. With regard to the physical route and conversion of nuclear material the following main categories may be considered: - unreported removal of nuclear material from an installation or during transit - unreported introduction of nuclear material into an installation - unreported transfer of nuclear material from one material balance area to another - unreported production of nuclear material, e. g. enrichment of uranium or production of plutonium - undeclared uses of the material within the installation. With respect to the amount of nuclear material that might be diverted in a given time (the diversion rate), the continuum between the following two limiting cases is cons dered: - one significant quantity or more in a short time, often known as abrupt diversion; and - one significant quantity or more per year, for example, by accumulation of smaller amounts each time to add up to a significant quantity over a period of one year, often called protracted diversion. Concealment methods may include: - restriction of access of inspectors - falsification of records, reports and other material balance areas - replacement of nuclear material, e. g. use of dummy objects - falsification of measurements or of their evaluation - interference with IAEA installed equipment.As a result of diversion and its concealment or other actions, anomalies will occur. All reasonable diversion routes, scenarios/strategies and concealment methods have to be taken into account in designing safeguards implementation strategies so as to provide sufficient opportunities for the IAEA to observe such anomalies. The safeguards approach for each facility will make a different use of these procedures, equipment and instrumentation according to the various diversion strategies which could be applicable to that facility and according to the detection and inspection goals which are applied. Postulated pathways sets of scenarios comprise those elements of diversion strategies which might be carried out at a facility or across a State's fuel cycle with declared or undeclared activities. All such factors, however, contain a degree of fuzziness that need a human judgment to make the ultimate conclusion that all material is being used for peaceful purposes. Safeguards has been traditionally based on verification of declared material and facilities using material accountancy as a fundamental measure. The strength of material accountancy is based on the fact that it allows to detect any diversion independent of the diversion route taken. Material accountancy detects a diversion after it actually happened and thus is powerless to physically prevent it and can only deter by the risk of early detection any contemplation by State authorities to carry out a diversion. Recently the IAEA has been faced with new challenges. To deal with these, various measures are being reconsidered to strengthen the safeguards system such as enhanced assessment of the completeness of the State's initial declaration of nuclear material and installations under its jurisdiction enhanced monitoring and analysis of open information and analysis of open information that may indicate inconsistencies with the State's safeguards obligations. Precise information vital for such enhanced assessments and analyses is normally not available or, if available, difficult and expensive collection of information would be necessary. Above all, realistic appraisal of truth needs sound human judgment.

  • PDF

Standardization of the Method of Measuring Average Glandular Dose (AGD) and Evaluation of the Breast Composition and Thickness for AGD (평균 유선선량 측정방법의 표준화 및 유방 두께, 실질양상과의 상관관계 분석)

  • Park, Hye-Suk;Kim, Hee-Joung;Lee, Chang-Lae;Cho, Hyo-Min;Yu, A-Ram
    • Progress in Medical Physics
    • /
    • v.20 no.1
    • /
    • pp.21-29
    • /
    • 2009
  • Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among korean woman. Therefore, the early detection activities of breast cancer such as breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations, mammography are important. A yearly mammography examination has been recommended for women aged 40 and older for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic periods. However, the glandular tissue of breast is the most radiation-sensitive tissue, and the determination of average glandular dose (AGD) forms an important part of the quality control of the mammographic systems. Because of the difficulty of estimating AGD directly, it is often estimated from the measurements of the incident air kerma and by applying the appropriate conversion factors. The primary objective of this study was to standardize the method of measuring AGD. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationships between AGD per various composition and thickness of the breast using Monte Carlo simulations. As a result, we standardized the method of measuring AGD according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines (CoP: an international code of practice). Overall, AGD for mammographic practice in Korea was less than 3.0 mGy recommended by the Korea Food and Drug Adminstration (KFDA) protocol, and Korean Institute for Accreditation of Medical Image (KIAMI). The measured and simulated AGD for a given condition were calculated as 1.7 and 1.6 mGy, respectively. For the AGDs obtained, there was no significant difference between them. The simulated AGD was dependent on the fraction of glandular tissue of the breast. The AGD increases with increasing of the breast glandularity due to increasing absorption of low energy photons. The AGD also increases as a function of breast thickness. In conclusion, the results of this study could be used as a baseline to establish a reference level of radiation dose in mammography.

  • PDF

Analysis of Actual Conditions of Unnatural Death Cases and Questionnaire for Initial Crime Scene Investigation of Police (변사체 발생실태 및 경찰의 현장 초동조치에 관한 설문 분석 - 경북지역을 중심으로 -)

  • Cho, Doo-Won;Chae, Jong-Min
    • Journal of forensic and investigative science
    • /
    • v.1 no.1
    • /
    • pp.11-30
    • /
    • 2006
  • The preliminary investigative activities by the police officer play a critical role in identifying the cause of death in unnatural death investigations. The failure to secure the crime scene leads to the destruction of significant evidence, which results in the difficulty or impossibility to identify the cause of death. In order to prevent this jeopardizing crucial evidence, and to identify the level of preliminary investigation on the scene, this research is conducted and analyzed with questionnaires of 300 police first responders and 100 detectives. As a result, it was disclosed that there is a possibility for first responders to fail to ensure scene security, scene observation, and canvass interviews. Besides, when medical personnel have no choice but to contaminate the crime scene in order to save lives, it is necessary for them to take photos and to take proper actions before they enter the scene. The importance of scene-control education cannot be emphasized enough in order to prevent media from entering and destroying the evidence. Through research of actual conditions of unnatural death cases which occurred in Kyongbook Province for last five years, the statistics regarding a few different types of death were analyzed as follows. Evidence that homicide, suicide, accidental death, and disaster deaths have increased year by year. Therefore, it is deemed necessary for the government to take multilateral policies to reduce them, and for police to reinforce their investigative skills. Further, the insufficient number of autopsy facilities and forensic pathologists, only 13% of the deceased (1,237 cases) have had an autopsy conducted to identify the cause of death for last five years. The other, 87.3% (8,496 cases) of the deceased, were handled through simple postmortem examination. The significance of this percentage is that there is still the possibility not revealing the cause of unjust deaths. Therefore, it is necessary to furnish police agency with the reasonable amount of funding for autopsies and maintaining enough forensic pathologists.

  • PDF

Research on Radiation Shielding Film for Replacement of Lead(Pb) through Roll-to-Roll Sputtering Deposition (롤투롤 스퍼터링 증착을 통한 납(Pb) 대체용 방사선 차폐필름 개발)

  • Sung-Hun Kim;Jung-Sup Byun;Young-Bin Ji
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
    • /
    • v.17 no.3
    • /
    • pp.441-447
    • /
    • 2023
  • Lead(Pb), which is currently mainly used for shielding purposes in the medical radiation, has excellent radiation shielding functions, but is continuously exposed to radiation directly or indirectly due to the harmfulness of lead itself to the human body and the inconvenience caused by its heavy weight. Research on shielding materials that are human-friendly, lightweight, and convenient to use that can block risks and replace lead is continuously being conducted. In this study, based on the commonly used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and the fabric material used in actual radiation protective clothing, a multi-layer thin film was realized through sputtering and vacuum deposition of bismuth, tungsten, and tin, which are metal materials that can shield radiation. Thus, a shielding film was produced and its applicability as a radiation shielding material was evaluated. The radiation shielding film was manufactured by establishing the optimized conditions for each shielding material while controlling the applied voltage, roll driving speed, and gas supply amount to manufacture the shielding film. The adhesion between the parent material and the shielding metal thin film was confirmed by Cross-cut 100/100, and the stability of the thin film was confirmed through a hot water test for 1 hour to measure the change of the thin film over time. The shielding performance of the finally realized shielding film was measured by the Korea association for radiation application (KARA), and the test conditions (inverse wide beam, tube voltage 50 kV, half layer 1.828 mmAl) were set to obtain an attenuation ratio of 16.4 (initial value 0.300 mGy/s, measured value 0.018 mGy/s) and damping ratio 4.31 (initial value 0.300 mGy/s, measured value 0.069 mGy/s) were obtained. by securing process efficiency for future commercialization, light and shielding films and fabrics were used to lay the foundation for the application of films to radiation protective clothing or construction materials with shielding functions.

Efficacy and Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in Adolescents: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Studies and Observational Studies

  • Soo-Han Choi;Su-Yeon Yu;Jimin Kim;Miyoung Choi;Youn Young Choi;Jae Hong Choi;Ki Wook Yun;Young June Choe
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
    • /
    • v.31 no.1
    • /
    • pp.12-24
    • /
    • 2024
  • The number of pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases worldwide are increasing compared to the early phase of the pandemic, along with highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus variant and the increase in adult COVID-19 vaccination. We conducted a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of the COVID-19 vaccines and the observational retrospective studies on adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents. Seventeen studies were finally included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis showed that although vaccination in adolescents was significantly effective to prevent COVID-19 infection in retrospective studies (risk ratio [RR], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.37; I2 =100%), however the effect of preventing COVID-19 infection was lower than in RCTs (RR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.27). In five retrospective studies, the pooled estimated proportion of participants with myocarditis and/or pericarditis was 2.33 per 100,000 of the population (95% CI, 0.97-5.61 per 100,000). Sub-group analysis with sex and vaccine doses showed that male (5.35 per 100,000) and the second dose (9.71 per 100,000) had significantly higher incidence of myocarditis and/or pericarditis than female (1.09 per 100,000) and the first dose (1.61 per 100,000), respectively. Our study showed that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in adolescent recipients were favorable and effective against COVID-19 in RCT as well as observational studies. The safety findings of BNT162b2 vaccine in adolescents were explored and we found the difference of safety according to sex and vaccine doses. The occurrence of adverse events after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination should be monitored.

Dosimetric Evaluation of a Small Intraoral X-ray Tube for Dental Imaging (치과용 초소형 X-선 튜브의 선량평가)

  • Ji, Yunseo;Kim, YeonWoo;Lee, Rena
    • Progress in Medical Physics
    • /
    • v.26 no.3
    • /
    • pp.160-167
    • /
    • 2015
  • Radiation exposure from medical diagnostic imaging procedures to patients is one of the most significant interests in diagnostic x-ray system. A miniature x-ray intraoral tube was developed for the first time in the world which can be inserted into the mouth for imaging. Dose evaluation should be carried out in order to utilize such an imaging device for clinical use. In this study, dose evaluation of the new x-ray unit was performed by 1) using a custom made in vivo Pig phantom, 2) determining exposure condition for the clinical use, and 3) measuring patient dose of the new system. On the basis of DRLs (Diagnostic Reference Level) recommended by KDFA (Korea Food & Drug Administration), the ESD (Entrance Skin Dose) and DAP (Dose Area Product) measurements for the new x-ray imaging device were designed and measured. The maximum voltage and current of the x-ray tubes used in this study were 55 kVp, and 300 mA. The active area of the detector was $72{\times}72mm$ with pixel size of $48{\mu}m$. To obtain the operating condition of the new system, pig jaw phantom images showing major tooth-associated tissues, such as clown, pulp cavity were acquired at 1 frame/sec. Changing the beam currents 20 to $80{\mu}A$, x-ray images of 50 frames were obtained for one beam current with optimum x-ray exposure setting. Pig jaw phantom images were acquired from two commercial x-ray imaging units and compared to the new x-ray device: CS 2100, Carestream Dental LLC and EXARO, HIOSSEN, Inc. Their exposure conditions were 60 kV, 7 mA, and 60 kV, 2 mA, respectively. Comparing the new x-ray device and conventional x-ray imaging units, images of the new x-ray device around teeth and their neighboring tissues turn out to be better in spite of its small x-ray field size. ESD of the new x-ray device was measured 1.369 mGy on the beam condition for the best image quality, 0.051 mAs, which is much less than DRLs recommended by IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and KDFA, both. Its dose distribution in the x-ray field size was observed to be uniform with standard deviation of 5~10 %. DAP of the new x-ray device was $82.4mGy*cm^2$ less than DRL established by KDFA even though its x-ray field size was small. This study shows that the new x-ray imaging device offers better in image quality and lower radiation dose compared to the conventional intraoral units. In additions, methods and know-how for studies in x-ray features could be accumulated from this work.

The Relationship between the Stress and Climacteric symptoms of Middle-Aged Women (중년여성의 스트레스와 갱년기 증상과의 관계)

  • Park, Bok-Hee;Lee, Young-Sook
    • Women's Health Nursing
    • /
    • v.6 no.3
    • /
    • pp.383-397
    • /
    • 2000
  • This study of purpose was to define the relationship between the stress and climacteric symptoms of middle-aged women in order to provide basic data for the development of women's health care program as nursing intervention. The research tools used were a Soon-Young Park's stress questionnaire (4 points scale) and a self diagnostic MENSI scale (3 points scale) developed by a research team of Ill-Yang Pharmacy Co. This research was conducted in Korea in Muan-Gun. Chonnam province, from 22th November to 20th December 1999. The research used a survey design. Seven hundred eleven healthy middle-aged women, aged 40 to 64, and were a convenience sample by stratified ratio using the matching fixed residential and aging blocks. The data were analyzed by GLM. Pearson correlation coefficient and Scheffe test using SAS/ PC+. The results were summarized as follows : 1. The percentage of psychological stress with the following items was: fatigue and enervation, 70.0%; nervous, 61.8%; weakness, 58.5%; The percentage of physical stress with the following items were ; fatigue of eye. 82.3%; backache, 78.0%; headache, 73.8%. 2. The level of psychological stress was 40% of below average level (0-5 points), 31.7 of average level (6-12points), 20.8% of precaution level (13-19 points), and 7.5% of warning level (over 20points). The level of physical stress were 20.1% of below average level (0-5 points), 34.8 of average level (6-12 points), 29.4 of precaution level (13-19 points), and 15.7% of warning level (over 20 points). There were higher physical stress level than psychological stress level of the subjects. 3. The percentage of climacteric symptoms with the following items were : numbness, 75.3%; forgetfulness, 71.0%; pain of joints, 71.0%. The level of climacteric symptoms were 61.8% of mild level 1(10-15 points), 33.0% of moderate level (16-30 points), 5.2% of severe level (over 31 points). 4. There were high positive correlations significantly between the climacteric symptoms and the psychological stress (r=.564. P<0.000), and between the climacteric symptoms and the physical stress of the subjects(r=.678, P<0.000). 5. There were significant differences in the climacteric symptoms of the subjects among below average level, average level, precaution level, and warning level of the psychological stress (F=74.108. P<0.000. Scheffe test). 6. There were significant differences in the climacteric symptoms of the subjects among below average level, average level and precaution level, and warning level of the physical stress ((F=128.181, P<0.000, Scheffe test). In summary, climacteric symptoms complained by middle-aged women are high positive correlated to the level of the stress. Also climacteric symptoms were affected by stress.

  • PDF

A Recognition for community Based Rehabilitation by Public Health Center Physical Therapists in Seoul Province (서울시 보건소 물리치료사들의 지역사회중심재활에 대한 인식)

  • Kim, Chan-Mun;Hong, Wan-Sung;Bae, Sung-Il
    • Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
    • /
    • v.5 no.1
    • /
    • pp.549-556
    • /
    • 1998
  • To survey the recognition of Community Based Rehabilitation(CBR) by Public Health Center(PHC) Physical Therapists in Seoul Province. This study analysed general characteristic of Physical Therapists and cognition, participation, education, problems and requirements for CBR. The subjects of this study were 31 therapists who work at PHC in Seoul Province and Seoul City Childerns Municipal Hospital. Data was collected for 18 days from April 13 to 31, 1998 and results computed from 25 responses. First, Female therapists outnumber males. The age category 30 to 35 old represented 44.0% of the total number studied. 48.0% of therapists had worked more than 7 years and therapists usually 84.0% worked from 3 to 4 years at the PHC. Junior colleage graduates were 72.0%, and respondents with family responsibility were 52.0%. Second, Recently pain control and therapeutic exercises has become the major requirement of patients at PHC(56.0%). If the offered expanded services, a rehabilitation programe at PHC(36.0%) was highly. When asked about a working guide book, nobody had one. Third, 64.0% of therapists were aware of the present level of CBR, 28.0% of them had gotten an information from newspaper and mass media. Fourth, For CBR, 72.0% had positive ideas in which they could participate. 56.0% wished to compose a team of various rehabilitation specialists. 52.0% wished for the meeting day to be flexible and 64.0% desired to meet once or twice a week. Fifth, Almost all(92.0%) desired more educational opportunity about CBR. Example, once or twice a year(48.0%) and training period of 4 to 7 day(44.0%). They wanted to learn theory and parctice together(88.0%) and 48.0% wanted national mutirehabilitation center as a educational managing organization. Sixth, The most important requirement for accomplishing CBR by Physical Therapists was job security and adequate number of therapists(48.0%). Required number of physical therapists in the PHC was 3(52.0%). The cooperative agency should be the distict govement(32.0%) and community welfare center of the disabled persons(32.0%). Factors inhibiting the execution of CBR were lack of physical therapists(56.0%), and equipments for pain control and for therapeutic exercises(68.0%).

  • PDF

A Study on Epidemiology of Drowning Accidents associated with Recreational Aquatic Activity (여가 수중활동과 관련된 익사사고의 역학 분석 연구)

  • Son, Jae-Young;Ko, Wi-Sug;Cho, Byung-Jun
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
    • /
    • v.13 no.11
    • /
    • pp.5060-5065
    • /
    • 2012
  • The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of drowning accident in order to prevent and decrease the accidents of drowning. Data were obtained on all accidents of drowning accidents occurred from January to December 2007 were identified by using the Emergency Activity Daily Report Data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The age, weather, date, location, time and case of the drowning accident were examined. The Chi-square test was used to compare each group. All comparisons were made at the p<0.05 level of significance. The result show that the age of drowning accidents for victims aged 20-29 was 27.9%, and for victims aged 30-39 years, 18.7%. In reguard to the age group, drowning accidents during recreational aquatic activity was age 20-39; 51(44.8%). In reguard to the locations, the number of drowning accidents in a lake or reservoir during recreational aquatic activity was 62(53.4%). The number of drowning accidents in a lake or reservoir during etc was 51(58%). In reguard to the days, the number of drowning accidents on Saturday during recreational aquatic activity was 30(25.8%), on Sunday 32(27.6%). The weather of drowning accidents during recreational aquatic activity was sunny 60(51.8%), rainy 40(34.4%), cloudy 16(13.8%). The season of drowning accidents during recreational aquatic activity was summer 53(45.7%). In reguard to season, two groups are significantly different. Drowning is a leading cause of injury related accidents. Understanding the characteristics of drowning is the first step to developing prevention strategies that may be beneficial for people of all ages and under nearly all circumstances are increased swimming ability, lifeguard staffing, providing life jackets, and public education activities.

Analysis of Status and Demand of Participation in Lifelong Education of Low-Income Class (저소득층의 평생교육 참여 실태와 요구 분석)

  • Kim, Hyeon Seong;Kim, Jin Sook
    • The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
    • /
    • v.4 no.2
    • /
    • pp.89-96
    • /
    • 2018
  • This study analyzed status and demand of participation in lifelong education for 218 residents of low-income class according to National Basic Livelihood Security Act. The results of the study are as follows. First, among the statuses of participation in lifelong education, the abilities to study of the low-income class were reviewed. They showed 95.3% of foreign language ability, 66.1% of ICT utilization capacity and 75.7% of computer literacy ability. And the lifelong education participation rate of low-income people was 75.7% It was considered as passive participation in education. Voluntary participation was identified and analyzed. The the actual participation rate in lifelong education was very low at 22.9%. Social participation and awareness according to participation in lifelong education was 43.3% higher than that of respondents who had no participation experience. Especially, voluntary participants showed 73.3% higher than those who did not participate. Second, as a result of analyzing lifelong education of low income class, 74.8% of the respondents answered that there is wished education program. And 50.0% of them could not participate because they did not have enough time. The programs that they wanted to participate in were the programs that could help their real lives such as home life, health and medical courses, professional qualification obtaining process, etc. This indicates that the income level plays a significant role in participation in lifelong education. As a result of analyzing the results of this study above, Korean lifelong education is emphasized and the participation rate is increasing rapidly. However, participation of low-income class in lifelong education seems low.