• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2024.07a
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• pp.1311-1311
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• 2024

Recent advances in artificial intelligence technology have led to active research aimed at systematically managing the productivity and environmental impact of major management targets such as heavy equipment at construction sites. However, challenges arise due to phenomena like partial occlusions, resulting from the dynamic working environment of construction sites (e.g., equipment overlapping, obstruction by structures), which impose practical constraints on precisely monitoring heavy equipment. To address these challenges, this study aims to enhance automated multi-object tracking (MOT) in scenarios involving long-term occlusions across consecutive frames for heavy construction equipment. To achieve this, two methodologies are employed to address long-term occlusions at construction sites: (i) tracking-by-detection and (ii) video inpainting with generative adversarial networks (GANs). Firstly, this study proposes integrating FairMOT with a tracking-by-detection algorithm like ByteTrack or SMILEtrack, demonstrating the robustness of re-identification (Re-ID) in occlusion scenarios. This method maintains previously assigned IDs when heavy equipment is temporarily obscured and then reappears, analyzing location, appearance, or motion characteristics across consecutive frames. Secondly, adopting video inpainting with GAN algorithms such as ProPainter is proposed, demonstrating robustness in removing objects other than the target object (e.g., excavator) during the video preprocessing and filling removed areas using information from surrounding pixels or other frames. This approach addresses long-term occlusion issues by focusing on a single object rather than multiple objects. Through these proposed approaches, improvements in the efficiency and accuracy of detection, tracking, and activity recognition for multiple heavy equipment are expected, mitigating MOT challenges caused by occlusions in dynamic construction site environments. Consequently, these approaches are anticipated to play a significant role in systematically managing heavy equipment productivity, environmental impact, and worker safety through the development of advanced construction and management systems.

• Nanomaterials
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.827-838
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• 2022

Controlling the Schottky barrier height (φ_B) and other parameters of Schottky barrier diodes (SBD) is critical for many applications. In this work, the effect of inserting a graphene interfacial monolayer between a Ni Schottky metal and a β-Ga₂O₃ semiconductor was investigated using numerical simulation. We confirmed that the simulation-based on Ni workfunction, interfacial trap concentration, and surface electron affinity was well-matched with the actual device characterization. Insertion of the graphene layer achieved a remarkable decrease in the barrier height (φ_B), from 1.32 to 0.43 eV, and in the series resistance (R_s), from 60.3 to 2.90 mΩ.cm². However, the saturation current (J_s) increased from 1.26×10^-11 to 8.3×10^-7(A/cm²). The effects of a graphene bandgap and workfunction were studied. With an increase in the graphene workfunction and bandgap, the Schottky barrier height and series resistance increased and the saturation current decreased. This behavior was related to the tunneling rate variations in the graphene layer. Therefore, control of Schottky barrier diode output parameters was achieved by monitoring the tunneling rate in the graphene layer (through the control of the bandgap) and by controlling the Schottky barrier height according to the Schottky-Mott role (through the control of the workfunction). Furthermore, a zero-bandgap and low-workfunction graphene layer behaves as an ohmic contact, which is in agreement with published results.

• Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering
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• v.39
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• pp.1004-1010
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• 2022

Ceramides are a major lipid class known to play an essential role in maintaining skin function. Thus, efforts have been made to produce ceramides and ceramide precursors in large quantities for industrial applications. The yeast Wickerhamomyces ciferrii, a natural producer of the ceramide precursor tetraacetyl phytosphingosine (TAPS), has been isolated and engineered through various mutagenesis approaches aiming to enhance TAPS production. Herein, a high-throughput screening platform for isolating W. ciferrii mutants with improved TAPS production is described. A fluorescence-mediated reporter system that allows initial quantification of TAPS content in yeast cells based on BODIPY staining was developed. The optimal concentration of BODIPY for monitoring intracellular TAPS levels in W. ciferrii was 400 ㎍/L, as shown by a linear correlation between the actual TAPS levels and mean fluorescence intensities. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used for isolating high TAPS-producing strains from an ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutant library. After several rounds of sorting, mutants exhibiting a high-TAPS phenotype were isolated, and the M40 strain with the highest TAPS titer was chosen for large-scale cultivation. The influence of different carbon sources for optimizing TAPS production was also evaluated using the M40 strain. A maximum production yield of 5.114 g/L of ceramide precursors, including TAPS and triacetyl phytosphingosine, was achieved with the supplementation of molasses. This novel platform enables rapid screening of high TAPS-producing strains using the common dye BODIPY and can be easily extended for the development of mutants with high productivity of ceramide precursors in yeast and other microorganisms.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.274-287
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• 2024

Chemiresistors play a crucial role in numerous research fields, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial safety, owing to their ability to detect and quantify gases with high sensitivity and specificity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in photoactivated chemiresistors and emphasizes their potential for the development of highly sensitive, selective, and low-power gas sensors. This study explores a range of structural configurations of sensing materials, from zero-dimensional quantum dots to three-dimensional, porous nanostructures and examines the impact of these designs on the photoactivity, gas interactions, and overall sensor performance-including gas responses and recovery rates. Particular focus is placed on metal-oxide semiconductors and the integration of ultraviolet micro-light emitting diodes, which have gained attention as key components for next-generation sensing technologies owing to their superior photoactivity and energy efficiency. By addressing existing technical challenges, such as limited sensitivity, particularly at room temperature (~22℃), this paper outlines future research directions, highlighting the potential of photoactivated chemiresistors in developing high-performance, ultralow-power gas sensors for the Internet of Things and other advanced applications.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.62.1-62.13
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• 2024

Importance: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious public health threat. AMR bacteria and their resistance determinants in food can be transmitted to humans through the food chain and by direct contact and disseminate directly to the environment. Objective: This study examined the AMR characteristics and transferable R plasmids in Escherichia coli isolated from meat ducks raised in an open-house system. Methods: One hundred seventy-seven (n = 177) commensal E. coli were examined for their antimicrobial susceptibilities and horizontal resistance transfer. The plasmids were examined by PCR-based plasmid replicon typing (PBRT) and plasmid multi-locus sequence typing (pMLST). Results: The highest resistance rate was found against ampicillin (AMP, 83.0%) and tetracycline (TET, 81.9%), and most isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) (86.4%). The R plasmids were conjugally transferred when TET (n = 4), AMP (n = 3), and chloramphenicol (n = 3) were used as a selective pressure. The three isolates transferred resistance genes either in AMP or TET. The blaCTX-M1 gene resided on conjugative plasmids. Five replicon types were identified, of which Inc FrepB was most common in the donors (n = 13, 38.4%) and transconjugants (n = 16, 31.2%). Subtyping F plasmids revealed five distinct replicons combinations, including F47:A-:B- (n = 2), F29:A-:B23 (n = 1), F29:A-:B- (n = 1), F18:A-B:- (n = 1), and F4:A-:B- (n = 1). The chloramphenicol resistance was significantly correlated with the other AMR phenotypes (p < 0.05). Conclusions and Relevance: The meat ducks harbored MDR E. coli and played an important role in the environmental dissemination of AMR bacteria and its determinants. This confirms AMR as a health issue, highlighting the need for routine AMR monitoring and surveillance of meat ducks.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.144-155
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• 1997

In December 1990, Occupational Safety and Health Law was amended to reinforce employer's responsibilities on employees' health and safety. Among the amended law it was important to expand the role of an occupational health nurse to the role of an occupational health manager. An occupational health manager should take charge of coordinating periodic health examination and environmental hazard evaluation, providing primary care, monitoring employees' health status, giving the workplace walk-through, selecting safe protection equipment, providing health information, counseling and health education, independently. This position of occupational health nurse is equivalent to the role of doctors or occupational hygienists. In 1991, government made a master plan to prevent occupational disease and injury. Under the plan, Korea Industrial Nursing Association (KINA) was established in 1994 with the purpose of improving health services and upgrading career opportunities for members. Therefore, this study was designed to analyze the transition of occupational health nursing education with the changes of law and policy in Korea between 1991 and 1996. In details, it was to analyze the rate of school providing occupational health nursing practice based lecture, lecture hours, lecture contents in undergraduate curriculum, program contents of graduate school, kinds of continuing education, etc. For this purpose, we conducted survey two times. In February 1991, baseline study was conducted with all nursing programs in Korea (19 BSN programs and 43 nursing departments of junior college). From April to May in 1996, the second survey was conducted with all nursing programs (38 BSN programs and 69 junior colleges). The first response rate was 66.1% and the second was 40.6%. Structured questionnaires were mailed to the deans or the community health nursing faculties. In the case of graduate school, telephone survey was conducted with 10 school of public health or environmental health area. Data from the yearbook of Industrial Safety Training Institute (ISTI), the history of Korea Industrial Health Association, and the journals of KINA were also included in the analysis. As the results, we found that there were remarkable improvement in undergraduate and graduate programs, obligatory as well as voluntary continuing education in terms of occupational health nursing expertise between 1991 and 1996. 1) The number of school providing occupational health nursing practice-based lecture was increased with the rate from 7.3% to 25.6%. The rate of school giving over 15 class-hours was increased from 33.3% to 46.6%. 2) Content areas were composed of introduction of occupational health, occupational epidemiology, industrial hygiene, occupational disease and injury, law and policy, health education, concept of occupational health nursing, role of occupational health nurse, occupational health nursing process, etc. Of content areas, occupational health nursing process was more emphasized with the increased rate from 43.9% to 88.4%. 3) In the case of graduate school, occupational health programs were increased from 4 to 10. One of them has developed occupational health nursing program as an independent course since 1991. 4) The law increased educational hours from 28 hours to 36 hours for introductory course at the time of appointment, and from 14 hours to 24 hours every 2 years for continuing education. Course contents were Occupational safety and health law, introduction of occupational health, health education methodology, planning and evaluation, periodic health exam, occupational disease care, primary care, emergency care, management, industrial environment evaluation, etc. In 1996, Korea Industrial Nursing Association has begun to provide continuing education after Industrial Safety Training Institute. 5) Various educational programs in voluntary base were developed such as monthly seminar, CE articles, annual academic symposium, etc. It was shown that changes of law and policy led rapid growth of occupational health nursing education in various levels. From this trend, it is expected that occupational health nurse expertise be continuously to be enhanced in Korea. Legal and political supports should proceed for the development of occupational health nursing in early stage.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.100 no.3
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• pp.522-534
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• 2011

The aim of this study is to draw forth the tasks for establishing the right of native biology in Korea through the case study on 'Access on genetic resources and Benefit Sharing'. For this purpose, this study decided on its research subject by selecting Hoodia, on which ABS treaty was made the most recently, through the examination of the representative ABS precedents on plant species. This study analyzed the process background of ABS on Hoodia, and compared & analyzed the ABS procedures of 'Bonn Guidelines' adopted by the 6th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2002 and Hoodia case. Together with the ABS major issues in common drawn as a result of this analysis, and "Nagoya Protocol" adopted by the 10th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity, this study intended to shed a light on the impending tasks which Korea faces at present and its role relationship. The research results are as follows: 1. It is required that species habitats should be divided based on biological classification and its subsequent community should be established with the development of infrastructure such as a community's independent production, management and monitoring of bio-species. 2. There needs to be a designation of ABS National Focal Point for sharing of ABS-related general information, boosting of implementation of the relevant convention. 3. There needs to be the establishment of ABS convention system consequent on legislative, administrative, political procedures, and designation of the Competent National Authorities for the provision of the format of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) and their contents assessment and confirmation. 4. There should be the establishment of integrated management system of ABS-related research and development of forest biological resources and its relevant research projects. 5. There should be information development through the distribution of responsibility and role between the ministries and offices concerned according to bio-resources, and there needs to be efforts in aiming for opening a working group of academic-industrial institutions for developing a mutually interchangeable system. 6. It's required that the efficient access between industrial circles and the people should be promoted by setting up ABS support center of biological resources in ministry and office's charge. 7. There should be a selection of a national supervisory organization for securement of the right of a local community and monitoring of ABS convention implementation, and a countermeasure system for preventing outflow of forest bioresources. Conclusively, it's judged that it will be possible to inquire into the countermeasures for the establishment of the native forest biology dominion through such research results.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.553-562
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• 2017

In these days, agricultural reservoirs are considered as a useful resource for recreational purposes, tour and cultural amenity for vicinity communities as well as irrigation water supply. However, many of the agricultural reservoirs are showing a eutrophic or hyper-eutrophic state and high level of organic contamination. In particular, about 44.7% of the aged agricultural reservoirs that constructed before 1945 exceed the water quality criteria for irrigational water use. In addition to external loading, internal nutrient loading from bottom sediment may play an important role in the nutrient budget of the aged reservoirs. The objectives of this study were to characterize variations of thermal structure of a shallow M reservoir (mean depth 1.7 m) and examine the potential of internal nutrient loading by continuous monitoring of vertical water temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration profiles in 2015 and 2016. The effect of internal loading on the total loading of the reservoir was evaluated by mass balance analysis. Results showed that a weak thermal stratification and a strong DO stratification were developed in the shallow M Reservoir. And, dynamic temporal variation in DO was observed at the bottom of the reservoir. Persistent hypoxic conditions (DO concentrations less than 2 mg/L) were established for 87 days and 98 days in 2015 and 2016, respectively, during the no-rainy summer periods. The DO concentrations intermittently increased during several events of atmospheric temperature drop and rainfall. According to the mass balance analysis, the amount of internal $PO_4-P$ loading from sediment to the overlying water were 37.9% and 39.7% of total loading during no-rainy season in 2015 and 2016, respectively on August when algae growth is enhanced with increasing water temperature. Consequently, supply of DO to the lower layer of the reservoir could be effective countermeasure to reduce nutrient release under the condition of persistent DO depletion in the bottom of the reservoir.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.162-169
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• 2010

The compulsory beef labelling system has launched from January 1st 2007 by the amended Food Hygiene Law, we were checked the actual conditions of beef origin with a nationwide scale by the Hanwoo differentiation specific test method which was developed by Korea FDA using 90 SNP biomarkers. The test method is useful tool to differentiate the beef origin carrying out the mission of KFDA's annual food safety management guidance. Also we have technically transferred the Hanwoo differentiation specific test method to other institutes as well regional KFDA and established the training program as a regular course in Korea Human Resource Development Institute for Health and Welfare. The beef used in this study were collected according to the 2009 Food safety guidance in roast beef restaurants where business site area greater than 100 $m^2$. Total 216 samples were consisted of 48 samples of the Seoul area and 168 of the region. The monitoring result from restaurants in all the region of Korea showed that 3 of 216 Hanwoo-labelled beefs were found out as a non-Hanwoo (1.3%). This results are gradually deceasing trend compared with 34.0% in 2005, 30.1% in 2006, 3.2% in 2007 and 5.14% in 2008. From these data, the Hanwoo differentiation specific test method on the settlement of the compulsory beef labelling system has an important role. As a outcome of this project, we might be considered the early settlement of the compulsory beef labelling system, technically transferred to other institutes and the establishment of regular training program of the test method.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.346-355
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• 1980

It has been proposed that wide individual variation in response to heparin be not considered in the conventional set protocol for the control of heparin and protamine during extracorporeal circulation. In this paper, two protocol of heparin and protamine therapy were compared to assess the role of the Activated Clotting Time [ACT] in relation to heparin, protamine, and postoperative blood loss and transfusion. The study groups consisted of the 31 patients [adults 15 and children 16] anticoagulated with the conventional heparin protocol and the 31 patients [adults 15 and children 16] anticoagulated with ACT protocol during extracorporeal circulation. In the conventional heparin protocol, two mg of heparin per kg was administered initially with an additional 0.75 mg of heparin per kg every 30 minutes of extracorporeal circulation, and reversal was accomplished with protamine in a dose of 1.5 times the total milligram of heparin. In the ACT protocol, two mg of heparin per kg was administered initially with an additional dose of heparin enough to reach an ACT of 480 seconds [within safe zone 300 to 600 seconds] from the patient`s dose response curve every 1 hour of extracorporeal circulation, and reversal was done with protamine in a dose of 1.3 times the milligram of the residual heparin. The results were summarized as follows. After a dose of 2 mg per kg of heparin, the patient`s ACT varied from 240 to 600 seconds in adults and from 240 t~ 660 seconds in children. In the ACT group the total amount of heparin administered was markedly reduced when compared to the conventional group, and less protamine was required to neutralize heparin. The dose of heparin administered decreased from 7.07 [SE 0.42] mg/kg of the conventional group to 4.92 [SE 0.32] mg/k8 of the ACT group in adults and from 10.17 [SE 1.15] mg/kg to 5.23 [SE 0.24] mg/kg in children, which represent 30.4% and 48.6% decrease respectively. The dose of protamine administered for reversal decreased from 10.6 [SE 0.63] mg/kg of the conventional group to 3.35 [SE 0.35] mg/kg of the ACT group in adults and from 15.7 [SE 1.70] mg/kg to 3.26 [SE 0.27] mg/kg in children, which represent 68.4% and 79.2% respectively. The ratio of protamine to heparin administered in the conventional group was 1.50:1 in adults and 1.54:1 in children, but in the ACT group 0.68:1 in adults and 0.62:1 in children. Postoperative blood loss and transfusion revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Although six patients in the conventional group and one in the ACT group needed re-exploration for continuous hemorrhage, no case of generalized oozing was encountered, and in each case a definite bleeding site was identified. Author would like emphasizing the value of the ACT protocol in controlling heparin and protamine administration during extracorporeal circulation.