• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• /
• v.35
• /
• pp.24.1-24.15
• /
• 2023

Background: The construction workers are vulnerable to fatigue due to high physical workload. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between overwork and heart rate in construction workers and propose a scheme to prevent overwork in advance. Methods: We measured the heart rates of construction workers at a construction site of a residential and commercial complex in Seoul from August to October 2021 and develop an index that monitors overwork in real-time. A total of 66 Korean workers participated in the study, wearing real-time heart rate monitoring equipment. The relative heart rate (RHR) was calculated using the minimum and maximum heart rates, and the maximum acceptable working time (MAWT) was estimated using RHR to calculate the workload. The overwork index (OI) was defined as the cumulative workload evaluated with the MAWT. An appropriate scenario line (PSL) was set as an index that can be compared to the OI to evaluate the degree of overwork in real-time. The excess overwork index (EOI) was evaluated in real-time during work performance using the difference between the OI and the PSL. The EOI value was used to perform receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to find the optimal cut-off value for classification of overwork state. Results: Of the 60 participants analyzed, 28 (46.7%) were classified as the overwork group based on their RHR. ROC curve analysis showed that the EOI was a good predictor of overwork, with an area under the curve of 0.824. The optimal cut-off values ranged from 21.8% to 24.0% depending on the method used to determine the cut-off point. Conclusion: The EOI showed promising results as a predictive tool to assess overwork in real-time using heart rate monitoring and calculation through MAWT. Further research is needed to assess physical workload accurately and determine cut-off values across industries.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.57-66
• /
• 2024

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction that is only partly reversible, inflammation in the airways, and systemic effects. This study aimed to investigate the association between low peripheral oxygen saturation levels (SpO₂), and composite indices predicting death in male patients with (COPD). Method: A total of 140 participants with post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio less than 0.7 were included. Three composite indices (ADO, DOSE, BODEx) were calculated using six variables such as age (A), airflow obstruction (O), body mass index (B), dyspnea (D), exacerbation history (E or Ex), and smoking status (S). Severity of airflow limitation was classified according to Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. SpO₂ was measured by pulse oximetry, and anemia and iron deficiency were assessed based on blood hemoglobin levels and serum markers such as ferritin, transferrin saturation, or soluble transferrin receptor. Results: Participants with low SpO₂ (<95%) showed significantly lower levels of %FEV₁ predicted (p=0.020) and %FEV₁/FVC ratio (p=0.002) compared to those with normal SpO₂ levels. The mMRC dyspnea scale (p<0.001) and GOLD grade (p=0.002) showed a significant increase in the low SpO₂ group. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis revealed higher area under the curve for %FEV₁ (p=0.020), %FEV₁/FVC(p=0.002), mMRC dyspnea scale (p=0.001), GOLD grade (p=0.010), ADO (p=0.004), DOSE (p=0.002), and BODEx (p=0.011) in the low SpO₂ group. Conclusion: These results suggest that low SpO₂ levels are related to increased airflow limitation and the composite indices of COPD.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.231-238
• /
• 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major seafood-borne pathogen commonly detected in marine environments. In Korea, V. parahaemolyticus-induced foodborne illnesses account for 7.5% of bacterial pathogen-related food poisonings. Moreover, the amount of antimicrobial agents used in aquatic cultures is continuously increasing. In this study, we isolated V. parahaemolyticus from seafood samples and performed antimicrobial susceptibility tests using the microbroth dilution method. Furthermore, using whole-genome sequencing, we identified antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence genes, and sequence types (STs). We could isolate V. parahaemolyticus from 47 (59.5%) of the 79 seafood samples we purchased from retail markets in Seoul and Chungcheong provinces. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that 2 and all of the 47 isolates were ampicillin-resistant (4.3%) and susceptible to all tested antimicrobial agents (100%), respectively. The genotype analysis revealed that all isolates carried beta-lactam-, tetracycline-, and chloramphenicol-associated antimicrobial resistance genes. However, we could detect fosfomycin resistance only in one isolate. Concerning the virulence genes, we detected T3SS1 and T3SS2-associated genes in all and one isolate, respectively. However, we could not detect the tdh and trh genes. Of the 47 isolates, 17 belonged to 15 different STs, including ST 658 with 3 isolates. The rest 30 isolates were identified as 25 new STs. The results of this study support the need for operating a continuous monitoring system to prevent foodborne illnesses and the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes in V. parahaemolyticus.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.87 no.3
• /
• pp.368-377
• /
• 2024

Background: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that leads to airway inflammation, destruction, and airflow limitation, which reflects its severity. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to estimate lung function and airway resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of IOS in predicting the severity of bronchiectasis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the IOS parameters and clinical characteristics in 145 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis between March 2020 and May 2021. Disease severity was evaluated using the FACED score, and patients were divided into mild and moderate/severe groups. Results: Forty-four patients (30.3%) were in the moderate/severe group, and 101 (69.7%) were in the mild group. Patients with moderate/severe bronchiectasis had a higher airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5), a higher difference between the resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5-R20), a higher resonant frequency (Fres), and a higher area of reactance (AX) than patients with mild bronchiectasis. R5 ≥0.43, resistance at 20 Hz (R20) ≥0.234, R5-R20 ≥28.3, AX ≥1.02, reactance at 5 Hz (X5) ≤-0.238, and Fres ≥20.88 revealed significant univariable relationships with bronchiectasis severity (p<0.05). Among these, only X5 ≤-0.238 exhibited a significant multivariable relationship with bronchiectasis severity (p=0.039). The receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting moderate-to-severe bronchiectasis of FACED score based on IOS parameters exhibited an area under the curve of 0.809. Conclusion: The IOS assessed by the disease severity of FACED score can effectively reflect airway resistance and elasticity in bronchiectasis patients and serve as valuable tools for predicting bronchiectasis severity.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.214-227
• /
• 2024

Domestic multipurpose dams are operated to secure reservoir capacity during the summer rainy season, supplying domestic water and maintaining environmental flow in downstream rivers during low-flow periods. This operational approach affects the water quality of downstream rivers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of monthly planned discharge from Youngju Dam on the downstream tributaries, NaeseongCheon and the main stream of the Nakdong River. To achieve this, hydrodynamic and water quality modeling was conducted using the CE-QUAL-W2 model to simulate travel times and changes in water quality parameters. The Time Lagged Cross Correlation (TLCC) method was adapted to analyze the correlation between water quality at Youngju Dam and representative points in the downstream NaeseongCheon and Nakdong River, taking into account the travel time of the dam discharge. The analysis revealed a significant water quality correlation between the discharge from Youngju Dam and the NaeseongCheon monitoring point (Point 5), with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.382 to 0.777. However, the correlation coefficients for water quality between Youngju Dam and the main stream of the Nakdong River ranged from -0.528 to 0.317, indicating either a very weak or negative correlation. This suggests that there is no significant correlation between the water quality of Youngju Dam and the Nakdong River main stream. The findings indicate that the main objective of constructing Youngju Dam to improve the water quality of the Nakdong River main stream may not have substantial practical effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential to review the dam's operational plans with a focus on improving the water quality of NaeseongCheon, which is directly affected by the dam, and to conduct further research in this area.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.76
• /
• pp.259-280
• /
• 2023

Purpose of study: This study aims to analyze the educational use of metaverses among pre-service nursing teachers at a university and explore the implications of designing and operating effective metaverse lessons. Research content and method: This study collected and analyzed data on the experiences and perceptions of 32 pre-nursing teachers enrolled in J University, a very small Christian-based university in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Korea, who participated in a class using metaverses. And based on this, we analyzed the advantages, difficulties, and improvements of the class, differences from classes using Zoom, impressions of the class, and suggestions for effective classes. Conclusions and Suggestions: As a result of analyzing various aspects of perceptions and experiences of classes utilizing the metaverse, it was found that in order to conduct effective classes utilizing the metaverse, it is necessary to check the infrastructure for communication and devices before class, select a metaverse platform according to the goals and contents of the course, and build a space for educational activities. In addition, it was found that it is necessary to provide guidance on how to use the metaverse and conduct sufficient training before running classes with learner-centered teaching methods. In the future, it is expected that systematic research on the principles and teaching-learning models of classroom design using the metaverse will continue to be conducted.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.99-107
• /
• 2017

This paper proposes a battery model coefficient correction method for improving the accuracy of existing lithium battery equivalent models. BMS(battery management system) has been researched and developed to minimize shortening of battery life by keeping SOC(state of charge) and state of charge of lithium battery used in various industrial fields such as EV. However, the cell balancing operation based on the battery cell voltage can not follow the SOC change due to the internal resistance and the capacitor. Various battery equivalent models have been studied for estimation of battery SOC according to the internal resistance of the battery and capacitors. However, it is difficult to apply the same to all the batteries, and it tis difficult to estimate the battery state in the transient state. The existing battery electrical equivalent model study simulates charging and discharging dynamic characteristics of one kind of battery with error rate of 5~10% and it is not suitable to apply to actual battery having different electric characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes a battery model coefficient correction algorithm that is suitable for real battery operating environments with different models and capacities, and can simulate dynamic characteristics with an error rate of less than 5%. To verify proposed battery model coefficient calibration method, a lithium battery of 3.7V rated voltage, 280 mAh, 1600 mAh capacity used, and a two stage RC tank model was used as an electrical equivalent model of a lithium battery. The battery charge/discharge test and model verification were performed using four C-rate of 0.25C, 0.5C, 0.75C, and 1C. The proposed battery model coefficient correction algorithm was applied to two battery models, The error rate of the discharge characteristics and the transient state characteristics is 2.13% at the maximum.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.66-75
• /
• 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of methanogenic bacteria-activated leachate recirculation method for enhancing waste stabilization and landfill gas production from a solid waste landfill. To simulate a conventional landfill (Lys-A), a landfill recirculated only fresh leachate (Lys-B), and two landfills recirculated leachate after pretreating with ASBR (Lys-C and Lys-D), four lysimeters were operated over a period of 4 years. Lys-D was recirculated two times of pretreated leachate volume than that of Lys-C. In the case of the landfill recirculated only fresh leachate and the landfill recirculated leachate after pretreating with ASBR, methane productions were increased until about 600 days, but there were not effect of leachate recirculation for enhancing methane production after about 600 days. It was assumed that leachate recirculation into fewer biodegradable organic wastes had not effect to enhance landfill gas production. Lys-C and Lys-D showed the highest performance for enhancing cumulative methane yield as well as acceleration waste stabilization. In cumulative methane yield, Lys-C (35.51 mL $CH_4/g$ VS) and Lys-D (36.12 mL $CH_4/g$ VS) were much higher than Lys-A (28.37 mL $CH_4/g$ VS) and Lys-B (30.07 mL $CH_4/g$ VS). In case of between Lys-B and Lys-C with the same recirculation rate, COD concentration in Lys-C was more rapidly decreased compared with that in Lys-B. This was attributed to the presence of methanogenic bacteria as well as dilution of inhibitory substances by the methanogenic bacteria-activated leachate recirculation. Therefore, the landfill recirculated leachate after pretreating with ASBR was found to be the most appropriate operating techniques for enhancing waste stabilization and landfill gas production.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
• /
• v.49 no.7
• /
• pp.625-634
• /
• 2016

Three leading agencies under different ministries - Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) in the ministry of Environment, Han river control office in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and Weather Group of ROK Air Force in the Ministry of National Defense (MND) - have been operated radars in the purpose of observing weather, hydrology and military operational weather in Korea. Eight S-band dual-pol. radars have been newly installed or replaced by these ministries over different places by 2015. However each ministry has different aims of operating radars, observation strategies, data processing algorithms, etc. Due to the differences, there is a wide level of accuracy on observed radar data as well as the composite images made of the cross governmental radar measurement. Gaining fairly high level of accuracy on radar data obtained by different agencies has been shared as a great concern by the ministries. Thus, "an agreement of harmonizing weather and hydrological radar products" was made by the three ministries in 2010. Particularly, this is very important to produce better rainfall estimation using the cross governmental radar measurement. Weather Radar Center(WRC) in KMA has been developed an empirical method using measurements observed by Yongin testbed radar. This study is aiming to examine the efficiency of the empirical method to improve the accuracies of radar rainfalls estimated from cross governmental dual-pol. radar measurements. As a result, the radar rainfalls of three radars (Baengnyeongdo, Biseulsan, and, Sobaeksan Radar) were shown improvement in accuracy (1-NE) up to 70% using data from May to October in 2015. Also, the range of the accuracies in radar rainfall estimation, which were from 30% to 60% before adjusting polarimetric variables, were decreased from 65% to 70% after adjusting polarimetric variables.

• Clean Technology
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.221-232
• /
• 2018

This research was conducted to evaluate the operational performance of landfill facility and landfill gas energy facility from the questionnaire survey. In order to evaluate overall operational performance, three types of weighting methods were applied to each technical, economical, and environmental item. There was no significant difference between an equal weighted method, a weighted method of 40% for technology, 30% for economy, and 30% for environment, and a weighted method of 30% for technology, 40% for economy, and 30% for environment. In technical performance, large and middle scales of landfill facilities showed higher scores of 14.8 ~ 19.7 and 14.3 ~ 19.0 than 9.8 ~ 13.0 of small scale one. In environmental performance, large, middle, and small scales of landfill facilities showed 21.3 ~ 23.7, 17.6 ~ 19.6, and 20.8 ~ 23.1 scores, respectively. However, in economical performance, there was significant difference between them with scale. Large and middle scales of landfill facilities showed higher scores of 22.0 ~ 29.3 and 20.5 ~ 27.3 than 6.0 ~ 8.0 of small scale one. As a result of evaluation for landfill gas energy facility, large scale facility showed 19.2 ~ 25.6 and 17.8 ~ 23.7 scores in technical performance and 23.1 ~ 25.7 and 21.3 ~ 23.7 scores in environmental performance, respectively. However, in economical performance evaluation, large scale of landfill gas energy facility showed relatively higher of 27.8 ~ 33.3 score than 18.8 ~ 25.1 of small scale one. From these results, it was shown that economy evaluation heavily effect on the operational performance of landfill facility and landfill gas energy facility compared to technology and environment evaluation.