• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.152-165
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• 1993

This study was performed at eleven small-sized plating factories located in Seoul, Incheon, Ansan, and Taejeon from July 21 to October 6, 1992. The major objectives of this study were to evaluate worker exposure to hexavalent chromium and local exhaust ventilation (L.E.V.) systems at the chromium plating operations. The most suitable L.E.V. systems for chromium plating tanks were designed as examples for recommendation to the industry. The results are summarized as follows. The range of chromium plating operations investigated included decorative, hard, and black chromium plating on several kinds of parts. Most of plating tanks were not equipped with proper control methods against emission of hexavalent chromium mists and workers were not wearing appropriate personal protectives. The ariborne hexavalent chromium concentrations showed an approximate lognormal distribution. The geometric means of both personal and area samples were within the Korean and ACGIH standards, $50{\mu}g/m^3$. However, in comparison with the NIOSH criterion, $1{\mu}g/m^3$, the geometric means of personal samples at two factories and the geometric means of area samples at two factories exceeded it. The geometric means of personal and area samples of high exposure groups (above the NIOSH criterion) were 7 and 27 times higher than those of low exposure groups (below the NIOSH criterion), respectively. The L.E.V. systems of high exposure groups were improperly designed, and the factory with the highest exposure level had no L.E.V. systems at all on chemical etching process. Whereas at factories of low exposure groups, mist control methods such as mist suppressants, tank cover, and/or auxillary L.E.V. systems were added to L.E.V systems. The evaluation of L.E.V. systems showed that there was no chromium plating operation satisfying the ACGIH criteria for capture velocity, slot velocity, and exhaust rate simultaneously. To increase performance of L.E.V. systems, it must be designed to minimize the impact of boundary layer separation. Push-pull ventilation hood and downward plenum ventilation hood were suggested for the Korean industry.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.270-276
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• 2005

This study was conducted to examine whether a specific synthetic metalworking fluid (MWF), "A", in use for 10 months without replacement, displayed microbial resistance and to identify the additives associated with the control of microbial growth. Three synthetic MWF products ("A", "B", and "C") were studied every week for two months. Microbial deterioration of the fluids was assessed through evaluation by endotoxin, bacteria and fungi levels in the MWFs. In addition, formaldehyde, boron, ethanolamine, and copper levels were also studied to determine whether they influence microbial growth in water-based MWFs. Throughout the entire study in the sump where MWF "A" was used, bacteria counts were lower than 103 CFU/mL, and endotoxins never exceeded 103 EU/mL. These levels were significantly lower than levels observed in sumps badly deteriorated with microbes. Boron levels in MWF "A" ranged from 91.7 to 129.6 ppm, which was significantly higher than boron levels found in other MWF products. The total level of ethanolamine (EA) in MWF "A" ranged from 35,595 to 57,857 ppm (average 40,903 ppm), which was over ten times higher than that found in other MWFs. Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) concentrations in MWF "A" were also significantly higher than seen in other MWFs. However, although EA and boron might improve anti-microbial performance, their abuse can pose a serious risk to workers who handle MWFs. From an industrial hygiene perspective, our study results stress that the positive synergistic effect of boron and EA in reducing microbial activity in MWF must be balanced with the potentially negative health effects of such additives. Our study also addresses the disadvantage of failing to comprehensively report MWF additives on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Future research in MWF formulation is needed to find the best level of EA and boron for achieving optimal synergistic anti-microbial effects while minimizing employee health hazards.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 1999

Even though there is no fit test regulations in Korea, in many developed countries, respirator fit testing is required before entering specific work environment to ensure that the respirator worn satisfies a minimum of fit and that the user knows when the respirator fits properly. Due to no regulation for fit test, a lot of Korean workers wearing respirators may be potentially exposed to hazards. Anthropometric test panels for testing the fit of respirators are very important to develop respirators fitted properly for Korean workers. To evaluate the fitting performance, 304 workers (272 males, 32 females) and 536 students (268 male, 268 females) were fit tested for 4 full-facepieces (2 domestic-made S, C, and 2 foreign-made T, N), 2 half masks (1 domestic-made S, and 1 foreign-made T) and 3 quarter masks (2 domestic-made S, C, and 1 foreign-made T) with PortaCount 8020. Fit factors of foreign-made masks were higher than those of domestic-made masks in all types. Males were fitted more properly than females. A facial dimension survey of 364 workers (339 males, 25 females) and 158 students (69 males, 89 females) was conducted to develop test panels for fit testing. Subjects were selected on the basis of face length and face width to wear full-facepiece masks in test. For testing half- and quarter masks, face length and lip length were used. Test panels containing 25 male-and-female subjects and 16 male subjects were respectively developed for full-facepiece, and half-and quarter masks to represent a majority of population surveyed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.110-122
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• 1999

Hot-wire anemometers are most commonly used in measuring hood capture velocities due to their accuracy and convenience. But it was questionable that the anemometers being used in the field are accurate enough for the purpose of measurements. To answer this ques tion, a calibration wind tunnel was newly devised and tested. Subsequently, 53 hot-wire anemometers being currently used in the field were tested to evaluate the accuracy of anemometers. The average error was 16.93% while the average errors in the low (0.5~5m/s) and high (5~20m/s) velocity range were 17.40% and 16.45%, respectively. Most of anemometers underestimated the true velocities. It might be due to the contamination of hot-wire, resulting in the slow heat transfer between the sensor and air flow. Astonishingly, 16 of 53 anemometers were out of order due to the malfunctioning of zero adjustment control, power supply, display panel and sensor. It is desirable to calibrate periodically and clean the sensor after using in the dirty environment.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.24-35
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• 2013

The Purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of mirror therapy for stroke. Moreover, this paper was designed to summarize clarified information of neurological plasticity by mirror therapy to finally define the neurological mechanism. Mirror therapy improves the stroke patients' hand and arm motor function. It also has a positive influence on recovering performance of activities of daily living and relieving pain. However, it is not evident that mirror therapy restores visual neglect. There are various ways of recovering stroke. Fundamentally, all the theories are on a bases of restoration of premotor area. Premotor area which is associated with motor control increases the activation of primary motor area and finally improves patients' motor function. If primary motor area is completely damaged, premotor area and supplementary motor substitute for primary motor area. In summary of literature survey, there are not enough evidence to verify the effectiveness and neurological mechanism of mirror therapy. In future, more researches should be conducted to verify the neurological recovery through mirror therapy. Then, mirror therapy will be acknowledged as a clinically effective treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.61-68
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• 2020

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current state of rapid weight loss and physical and mental complaints among elite combat athletes who were selected and trained as national representatives. METHODS: A total of 127 combat athletes who had trained at the national training center in 2019 were enrolled. The questionnaire used as the survey tool was interpreted as words that Korean athletes could easily understand based on the Portuguese version of the 'Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire' (RWLQ). χ² tests was performed to determine the differences in physical and mental changes according to sports and weight loss method. RESULTS: Combat athletes in Korea regularly undergo rapidly weight loss within a short period of time prior to competition. There were statistically similar results in terms of weight loss method, physical and mental changes and information about weight loss according to the sport. Weight loss methods often limit food and water intake and dehydrate. The physical complaints associated with them are symptoms such as "no energy", "dizziness", and "muscle spasms". The mental complaints include "irritability", "concentration loss" and "anxiety". These symptoms can be caused by side effects such as food intake limitation, water restriction and dehydration. Information sources for weight loss were in the order of "senior or colleagues", "supervisor or coach", and "Internet". No information was obtained from a doctor or dietitian. CONCLUSION: These results provide a baseline for predicting proper weight loss in athletes and provide useful information for developing performance enhancement as well as weight loss.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.324-332
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• 2017

Objectives: Much scientific evidence indicate a positive association between moldy environments and respiratory illnesses and/or symptoms. However, few comprehensive assessments of mold have been performed for such settings. Spore counts or microscopic enumeration only may not be sufficient for evaluating fungal exposure. Recently, Mold Specific QPCR technology developed by the US EPA (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, ERMI) has been widely used worldwide and great performance for assessing fungal exposure has been shown. Methods: We aimed to develop a Korean version of ERMI suitable for the distribution of fungal flora in Korea. Thirty dwellings in the Seoul and Incheon area were selected for sampling, and each was classified as 'Flooded, 'Water-damaged' or 'Non-water-damaged'. Results: Dust on the floor and airborne sampling were collected using an MAS100 and a 'Dustream' collector. Samples were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(QPCR) for the 36 molds belonging to ERMI. Student t-test and ANOVA tests were carried out using SAS software. The median ERMI values of flooded, water damaged, and non-water damaged dwellings were 8.24(range: -5.6 to 27.9), 5.47(-25. 4 to 32.7), and -15.30(-24.6 to 14.8), respectively. Significant differences were observed between flooded and non-water damaged dwellings (P=0.001) and between water-damaged and non-water damaged dwellings (P=0.032). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ERMI values attributed to dust samples in Korea could be applicable for the identification of flooded or water damaged buildings. However, much data is needed for continuously developing the Korean version of ERMI values.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.647-654
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• 2012

Objectives : To propose the data for prevention of oral health problems through assessment on the knowledge, cognition and practice about oral health care of the clients who visit dental clinics. Methods : The subjects were total 400 clients from the four dental clinics in Busan city. Their knowledge, cognition and performances about oral healthcare collected with questionnaire survey from February to March, 2011. The rate and mean compared by chi-square test, t-test, and ANOVA. Results : Mean level of their knowledge, recognition and practice were 72.5, 80.2, and 65.6, respectively. Theses levels were higher in women (p<0.01), in the group of higher interested (p<0.001), immediately treated (p<0.001), correct tooth brushing (p<0.05), toothbrushing educated (p<0.001), take regular scaling (p<0.001), use assistant hygiene items (p<0.001), instead no differences by age and education level. And, the rate of correct toothbrushing was higher as 1.24 (1.03~1.50) times in the group with higher knowledge level, the rate of immediate treatment and regular scaling were higher as 1.35 (1.07~1.70) times, and 2.26 (1.41~3.64) times in the group with higher recognition level, respectively. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that insufficient knowledge and recognition of oral health care are related to a lack of its practice. Though their primary goal of the visits was treatment, the clients' attention needed to raise the comprehensive knowledge and recognition levels for their oral health promotion, especially reach to the performance level rather than simple knowledge acquisition. And more, to achieve the efficient oral health promotion, the importance of early treatment and strengthened efforts for prevention should be emphasized.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.395-408
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was performed in order to provide evidence-based data for the expected professional impact of dental hygienists, and to apply and disclose the comprehensive dental hygiene care process through an in-depth analysis of their scaling experience and investigation of the importance of an evidence-based scaling work performance. Methods: The data were collected from June 3, 2019 to October 3, 2019 by conducting in-depth individual interviews on 10 dental hygienists who are working in dental clinics and hospitals by region. The data were analyzed by using the grounded theory methodology, which is a field of qualitative research method. Results: Study results showed that the core category derived from the paradigm model and change process in this study was 'a process of becoming a mature professional outside practical work'. Conclusions: In this study, the participants were able to gain a sense of occupational accomplishment as dental hygienists by performing scaling based on the comprehensive dental hygiene care (CDHC) process, and to advance into professionals through continuous efforts and research in order to enhance their job competencies.

• Survey Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.109-127
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• 2001

This paper offers a method to measure the distribution of niches of two types of social organizations. Internet sites and voluntary organizations. based on the socio-demographic characteristics of their members. It examines the niches of Internet sites based on age and education of site visitors and those of voluntary organizations based on age. education. and occupational prestige of their members. The method to measure organizational niches makes it possible not only to understand the niche width of organizations but also to examine the extent to which organizations .potentially compete and coexist. This leads to a method to recognize the way organizational environments influence the performance of individual organizations ecologically. To conclude, this paper shows that organizations are socially embedded through a process of pariticipation in which individual members choose their organizations not randomly. but based on their socIoifemographiccharacteristics.