• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 1988

The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the High Head Safety Injection System (HHIS) of KNU 5, 6, 7 and 8 following the removal of safety injection signal (s-signal) from the mini-flow bypass line valves of charging/safety injection pumps. The unavailability of HHSIS and the rupture probability of a charging/safety injection pump have been computed for two different cases; with s-signal on and removed. The results show that when the s-signal is removed from the mini-flow bypass line valves, the unavailability of HHSIS slightly increases while the rupture probability of a charging/safety injection pump is significantly reduced. Hence, based upon the results of this study we conclude that it is more reasonable to remove the s-signal from the mini-flow bypass line valves of KNU 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the normal plant operation. And to improve the availability of HHSIS, the modification of operational procedures and the emphasis on operator training are recommended.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.125-140
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• 2013

This paper aims to give an overview of the methods to inherently prevent human errors and to effectively mitigate the consequences of such errors by securing defense-in-depth during plant management through the advanced man-machine interface system (MMIS). It is needless to stress the significance of human error reduction during an accident in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Unexpected shutdowns caused by human errors not only threaten nuclear safety but also make public acceptance of nuclear power extremely lower. We have to recognize there must be the possibility of human errors occurring since humans are not essentially perfect particularly under stressful conditions. However, we have the opportunity to improve such a situation through advanced information and communication technologies on the basis of lessons learned from our experiences. As important lessons, authors explained key issues associated with automation, man-machine interface, operator support systems, and procedures. Upon this investigation, we outlined the concept and technical factors to develop advanced automation, operation and maintenance support systems, and computer-based procedures using wired/wireless technology. It should be noted that the ultimate responsibility of nuclear safety obviously belongs to humans not to machines. Therefore, safety culture including education and training, which is a kind of organizational factor, should be emphasized as well. In regard to safety culture for human error reduction, several issues that we are facing these days were described. We expect the ideas of the advanced MMIS proposed in this paper to lead in the future direction of related researches and finally supplement the safety of NPPs.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.880-885
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• 2024

For Safety Assisted Engineering works, real-time simulators have emerged as a mandatory tool among all the key actors involved in the nuclear industry (utilities, designers and safety authorities). EDF, Electricité de France, as the leading worldwide nuclear power plant operator, has a crucial need for efficient and updated simulation tools for training, operating and safety analysis support. This paper will present the work performed at EDF/DT to develop a new generation of engineering simulator to fulfil these tasks. The project is called SiRENE, which is the acronym of Re-hosted Engineering Simulator in French. The project has been economically challenging. Therefore, to benefit from existing tools and experience, the SiRENE project combines: - A part of the process issued from the operating fleet training full-scope simulator. - An improvement of the simulator prediction reliability with the integration of High-Fidelity models, used in Safety Analysis. These High-Fidelity models address Nuclear Steam Supply System code, with CATHARE thermal-hydraulics system code and neutronics, with COCCINELLE code. - And taking advantage of the last generation and improvements of instructor station. The intensive and challenging uses of the new SiRENE engineering simulator are also discussed. The SiRENE simulator has to address different topics such as verification and validation of operating procedures, identification of safety paths, tests of I&C developments or modifications, tests on hydraulics system components (pump, valve etc.), support studies for Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA). etc. It also emerges that SiRENE simulator is a valuable tool for self-training of the newcomers in EDF nuclear engineering centers. As a modifiable tool and thanks to a skillful team managing the SiRENE project, specific and adapted modifications can be taken into account very quickly, in order to provide the best answers for our users' specific issues. Finally, the SiRENE simulator, and the associated configurations, has been distributed among the different engineering centers at EDF (DT in Lyon, DIPDE in Marseille and CNEPE in Tours). This distribution highlights a strong synergy and complementarity of the different engineering institutes at EDF, working together for a safer and a more profitable operating fleet.

• Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.327-335
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• 2014

The Korean government, as of last year, is attempting to introduce a competitive system in the rail-market. However there are some pertinent issues which need to be addressed in order to select the best possible organization for optimum railway traffic control. As there are no standard guidelines in selecting an agency, objective evaluation factors need to be properly applied to ensure the best possible decision is made. Through literature review and various interviews with experts, appropriate criteria were selected to evaluate the suitability of each potential operator. As generally mentioned, both safety and efficiency play vital roles in the selection process but in addition, there are other factors such as security and fairness, which also need to be considered. The individual weight of these factors were calculated by the AHP, in which three groups of experts were interviewed to acquire their expertise. According to the results, as a potential operator, the score of a railway operating company and the management cooperation of railway is 2.75 and 3.85, respectively. In the future, in preparation towards becoming a competitive rail-market, this research is expected to assist in choosing the best party to control the rail traffic system.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.58-66
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• 1980

A survey was conducted to investigate the power tiller accidents. Eight provinces were covered for this study, and 278 power tiller owners were selected randomly by computer random generator. The results are summarized as follows : A. Frequency of accident. (1) Each power tiller had an accident 0.98 times a year and once every 361 hours of use. Higher frequency of accident was found during the miscellaneous operations including the preparation for farming operation, and there was one accident for every 92 hours of use. (2) The power tiller, which are more than six years old, met an accident 1.19 times a year , or one every 311 hours of use. This value was the highest one compared with any other group. (3) Kerosene engine power tillers met an accident 0.97 times a year, or one every 389 hours of use. It was one tie a year, or once every 329 hours of use for diesel engine power tillers. (4) Among diesel-engine power tillers, 10 horse-power group showed a higher frequency tillers. B. Cause of accident (1) The accidents of power tiller were mainly of sefety , which occurred due to the lack of attention during the operation and 47.4% of the total accidents. The next was of accidental, which represented 26.3% of the total accidents. (2) High percentage of safety accidents occurred during the preparation for farming operation including adjustment. Most of the accidental accidents occurred during the transportation. (3) Lower frequency of accident was found in the power tiller group which were operated by the 21-40 years old operator in comparison with that of the power tiller which was operated by other age group. Power tillers which were operated by high school graduates experienced less accidents compared to other education levels. C. Damage by accident (1) Eighty seven pescents of the total accidents caused damage to the power tiller operator , and 13 % of the total accidents caused property damage only. (2) With regard to the damage to the power tiller operator, 73.8% of the total accidents caused light injury but 26.3% caused heavy injury. (3) Accidents which occurred during machine preparation , and farming operations caused minor injury to the operator, but the accidents during transportation caused heavy injury which cost more than 15 days for recovery. (4) Among the 39 accidents , which caused property damage 18 accidents were from the transportation . Among the total property damage accidents 53.8% were light one which cost only less than 1,000 won. (5) The property damage from each accident cost 1,017 won, on the average, with regard to the kinds of operation, the highest property damage occurred during transportation work, with the value of 2, 965won.

• Annals of Coloproctology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.292-298
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• 2018

Purpose: This study compared the perioperative clinical outcomes of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPLS) with those of conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (MPLS) for patients with sigmoid colon cancer and investigated the safety and feasibility of RPLS performed by 1 surgeon and 1 camera operator. Methods: From the beginning of 2010 until the end of 2014, 605 patients underwent a colectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. We compared the characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and pathologic results for the patients who underwent RPLS and for the patients who underwent MPLS. We also compared the clinical outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and 3-port laparoscopic surgery. Results: Of the 115 patients in the RPLS group, 59 underwent SILS and 56 underwent 3-port laparoscopic surgery. The MPLS group included 490 patients. The RPLS group had shorter operating time ($137.4{\pm}43.2minutes$ vs. $155.5{\pm}47.9minutes$, P < 0.001) and shorter incision length ($5.3{\pm}2.2cm$ vs. $7.8{\pm}1.2cm$, P < 0.001) than the MPLS group. In analyses of SILS and 3-port laparoscopic surgery, the SILS group showed younger age, longer operating time, and shorter incision length than the 3-port surgery group and exhibited a more advanced T stage, more lymphatic invasion, and larger tumor size. Conclusion: RPLS performed by 1 surgeon and 1 camera operator appears to be a feasible and safe surgical option for the treatment of patients with sigmoid colon cancer, showing comparable clinical outcomes with shorter operation time and shorter incision length than MPLS. SILS can be applied to patients with favorable tumor characteristics.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.31-64
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• 2015

The Chicago Convention and Annexes have become the basis of aviation safety regulations for every contracting state. Generally, aviation safety regulations refer to the SARPs provided in the Annexes of the Chicago Convention. In order to properly reflect international aviation safety regulations, constant studies of the aviation fields are of paramount importance. Treaties duly concluded and promulgated under the Constitution and the generally recognized rules of international law shall have the same effect as the domestic laws of the Republic of Korea. Each contracting state to the Chicago Convention should meet ICAO SARPs about AOC and FAOC. According to ICAO SARPs, Civil Aviation Authorities shall issue AOC to air carriers of the state, but don't require to issue for foreign air carrier. However some contracting states of the Chicago Convention issue FAOC and/or Operations Specifications for the foreign operators. This FAOC is being expanded from USA to the other contracting states. Foreign operators have doubly burden to implement AOC of the ICAO SARPs because FAOC is an additional requirement other than that prescribed by the ICAO SARPs In Article 33, the Chicago Convention stipulates that each contracting state shall recognize the validity of the certificates of airworthiness and licenses issued by other contracting states as long as they are equal to or above the minimum standards of the ICAO. In ICAO Annex 6, each contracting state shall recognize as valid an air operator certificate issued by another contracting state, provided that the requirements under which the certificate was issued are at least equal to the applicable Standards specified in this Annex. States shall establish a programme with procedures for the surveillance of operations in their territory by a foreign operator and for taking appropriate action when necessary to preserve safety. Consequently, it is submitted that the unilateral action of the states issuing the FAOC to the foreign air carriers of other states is against the Convention. Hence, I make some proposals on the FAOC as an example of comprehensive problem solving after comparative study with ICAO SARPs and the contracting state's regulations. Some issues must be improved and I have made amendment proposals to meet ICAO SARPs and to strengthen aviation development. Operators should be approved by FAOC at most 190 if all states require FAOC. Hence, it is highly recommended to eliminate the FAOC or reduce the restrictions it imposes. In certain compliance-related issues, delayed process shall not be permitted to flight operations. In addition, it is necessary for the ICAO to provide more unified and standardized guidelines in order to avoid confusion or bias regarding the arbitrary expansion of the FAOC. For all the issue mentioned above, I have studied the ICAO SARPs and some state's regulation regarding FAOC, and suggested some proposals on the FAOC as an example of comprehensive problem solving. I hope that this paper is 1) to help understanding about the international issue, 2) to help the improvement of korean aviation regulations, 3) to help compliance with international standards and to contribute to the promotion of aviation safety, in addition.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2014

Background: Significant technological development and changes happened in the tractor industries. Contrariwise, the test procedures of the major standard development organizations (SDO's) remained unchanged or with a little modification over the years, demanding new tractor test standards or improvement of existing ones for tractor performance, safety, and comfort. Purpose: This study focuses on reviewing the research trends regarding performance, safety and comfort evaluation of agricultural tractors. Based on this review, few recommendations were proposed to revise or improve the current test standards. Review: Tractor power take-off power test using the DC electric dynamometer reduced human error in the testing process and increased the accuracy of the test results. GPS signals were used to determine acceleration and converted into torque. High capacity double extended octagonal ring dynamometer has been designed to measure drawbar forces. Numerical optimization methodology has been used to design three-point hitch. Numerous technologies, driving strategies, and transmission characteristics are being considered for reducing emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants. Engine emission control technology standards need to be revised to meet the exhaust regulations for agricultural tractors. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) program has been used to design Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS). Program and methodology has been presented for testing tractor brake systems. Whole-body vibration emission levels have been found to be very dependent upon the nature of field operation performed, and the test track techniques required development/adaptation to improve their suitability during standardized assessment. Emphasizes should be given to improve visibility and thermal environment inside the cab for tractor operator. Tractors need to be evaluated under electromagnetic compatibility test conditions due to large growing of electronic devices. Research trends reviewed in this paper can be considered for possible revision or improvement of tractor performance, safety, and comfort test standards.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2008

A lot of models have been developed for prevention of human errors. Nevertheless most of them failed to attract attention of industry which has been looking for an integrative model that can show practical countermeasures as well as causal factors of human errors. This research aimed to develop a comprehensive model that can mainly be applied to industrial fields. Therefore, in the model, it was tried to explain sequences of an operator's information process that might cause human errors on one hand, and life cycle stages of facilities involved when human errors occur on the other hand. This model was validated by using a typical accident case. With the comprehensive model presented in this research, one could follow up the sequence of human errors caused by operators, and errors made at the design stage which might cause accidents could be tracked. As a consequence, it is expected that much attention would be paid to preventing human errors in industrial fields since safety personnel can easily find out cause of human errors throughout life cycle stages of man-machine facilities if utilizing the suggested model.

• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.75-91
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• 2012

Background: Dental sedation reduces fear and phobia during dental treatment and helps patients get quality treatment by inducing adequate consciousness control. Propofol has recently grabbed the spotlight, but no meta-analysis for efficacy and safety of propofol in dentistry has yet been performed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform meta-analysis to verify the efficacy and safety of propofol for use in dental sedation. Methods: Articles published between 1980 and 2010 were searched in the web sites, journals and medical database including The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE. And a total of 22 studies were selected among the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of propofol with other sedatives (control group). The data was collected from these studies and meta-analysis for efficacy and safety was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 5.0 (CMA 5.0). Results: The patient recovered significantly faster and discharged significantly earlier in the propofol group (SMD = -1.442, P < 0.001). The satisfaction of patient and that of operator was higher in the propofol group (P < 0.05). The incidence of arrhythmia and apnea/ hypoventilation was significantly lower in the propofol group (OR = 0.071, P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the other side effects. On the level of sedation, although the sedation score was significantly lower in the propofol group (SMD = -0.430, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The present analysis showed that the use of propofol resulted in high satisfaction levels on the part of the patients and operators, a shorter recovery time, and faster hospital discharge. The incidence of complications, however, was lower in the propofol groups or not much different between the propofol and control groups. Thus, the adequate use of propofol in dentistry is believed to be helpful for the effective and safe sedation of the patients.