• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationships musculoskeletal pains with combined vulnerability in terms of age, gender, and employment status Methods: The fifth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) in 2010 (43,816 participants aged 15 years and over) analyzed for European employees and the third Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) in 2011 (50,032 participants aged 15 years and older) analyzed for Korean employees. In this study, three well known vulnerable factors to musculoskeletal pains (older age, female gender, and precarious employment status) were combined and defined as combined vulnerability. Associations of musculoskeletal pains with combined vulnerability were assessed with prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated by Poisson regression models with robust estimates of variance. Results: The prevalences of musculoskeletal pains were lower but the absolute and relative differences between combined vulnerabilities were higher among Korean employees compared with the European employees. Furthermore, the increased risk of having musculoskeletal pains according to combined vulnerability was modestly explained by socioeconomic factors and exposure to ergonomic risk factors, especially in Republic of Korea. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the labor market may be more unfavorable for female and elderly workers in Republic of Korea. Any prevention strategies to ward off musculoskeletal pains, therefore, should be found and implemented to mitigate or buffer against the most vulnerable work population, older, female, and precarious employment status, in Republic of Korea.

• KEPCO Journal on Electric Power and Energy
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.189-195
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• 2019

In this work, the flow and combustion characteristics using a 3-D numerical simulation was evaluated for a shale gas fueled combustor in a commercial class gas turbine. The Standard k-e turbulence model, 2 step methane oxidation mechanism, Finite rate/Eddy dissipation reaction model, DTRM radiation model were employed and validated well at the baseline condition (Natural Gas, Pilot Ratio 0.2). Based on the validated models, the combustion characteristics of shale gas was evaluated for three pilot ratios cases. It was found that NOx concentrations for all shale gas cases were less than the that for city gas, which imply that, at the selected PRs, the condition for combustion stability is satisfied. In addition, for higher PR, whereas the average temperatures at the exit are the same, the NOx increases. It means that diffusion combustion portion increases due to the higher PR.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.332-335
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• 2011

As our interests in eco-friendly materials have been significantly increased, the utilization of porous zeolite concrete that has structural functionality and permeability has been increased. In this paper, the mixture of porous concrete and zeolite, which can be used as multirole boulders, was investigated for the suitability of an environment-friendly product by evaluating of the water purification ability. The contamination removal rates of BOD, TOC, T-N, and T-P in stagnant water tank were 70.6, 67.0, 57.7, and 50.6%, respectively. Also for the non-point source pollution with the inflow and the outflow, the removal rates of Zn, Pb, BOD, and COD were 99.9, 90.0, 69.2, and 33.5%, respectively. The performance of the heavy metal contamination removal for the porous zeolite showed better than that of stagnant system. Therefore, it is expected that the installation of the porous zeolite concrete can play a role as an eco-friendly products by its high contamination removal.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.3172-3193
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• 2022

Cognitive radio-simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (CR-SWIPT) has attracted much interest since it can improve both the spectrum and energy efficiency of wireless networks. This paper focuses on the resource sharing between a point-to-point primary system (PRS) and a multiuser multi-antenna cellular cognitive radio system (CRS) containing a large number of cognitive users (CUs). The resource sharing optimization problem is formulated by jointly scheduling CUs and adjusting the transmit power at the cognitive base station (CBS). The effect of accessing CUs' spatial channel correlation on the possible transmit power of the CBS is investigated. Accordingly, we provide a low-complexity suboptimal approach termed the semi-correlated semi-orthogonal user selection (SC-SOUS) algorithm to enhance the spectrum efficiency. In the proposed algorithm, CUs that are highly correlated to the information decoding primary receiver (IPR) and mutually near orthogonal are selected for simultaneous transmission to reduce the interference to the IPR and increase the sum rate of the CRS. We further develop a spatial correlation-based resource sharing (SC-RS) strategy to improve energy sharing performance. CUs nearly orthogonal to the energy harvesting primary receiver (EPR) are chosen as candidates for user selection. Therefore, the EPR can harvest more energy from the CBS so that the energy utilization of the network can improve. Besides, zero-forcing precoding and power control are adopted to eliminate interference within the CRS and meet the transmit power constraints. Simulation results and analysis show that, compared with the existing CU selection methods, the proposed low-complex strategy can enhance both the achievable sum rate of the CRS and the energy sharing capability of the network.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.9-23
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• 2024

This study investigates the physiological and psychological effects of a nature-based outdoor activity program in an environment reflecting the characteristics of forest and coastal areas on 30 firefighters (average age: 40.4 ± 9.8 years) who are frequently exposed to dangerous situations. Blood pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate variability were used as physiological measurement indicators, and the Korean versions of PANAS (positive affect and negative affect schedule), WEMWBS (Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale), and PRS (perceived restorativeness scale) were used as psychological measurement indicators. For four days and three nights, the participants experienced programs at Hallyeohaesang Nature Center and the surrounding mountains, seas, and islands, utilizing forest resources such as trekking on forest trails, walking barefoot, taking aromatic footbaths, meditating in forest oxygen domes, and lying on relaxation chairs, and programs utilizing marine resources such as taking a boat to an island, walking on forest trails with seascape views, and sailing on a yacht. Participants' systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure decreased, and participants' positive emotions increased and negative emotions decreased after the program. There was a statistically significant increase in mental well-being and perceived restorative environment. Through this study, it was found that nature-based outdoor activity programs based on forest and marine resources are effective in physiological and psychological stability of firefighters. It is hoped that the results of this study will be applied to other high-risk workers for PTSD, who have high stress levels, by combining forest healing and marine healing, and expanding the scope and diversity of programs in more diverse environments and conditions.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.195-203
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• 2023

Exposure to environmental chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, during the gestational period can have profound adverse effects on several organs in offspring. Bisphenol A (BPA) can infiltrate the human body through food and drinks, and its metabolites can cross both the placental and the blood-brain barriers. In this study, we investigate the effect of gestational exposure to BPA on epigenetic, biochemical, and histological modifications in the uterine tissues of F1 adult offspring rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to BPA from gestational day 8-15, and changes in global DNA methylation in uterine tissues obtained from adult offspring born to the exposed mothers were analyzed. Global DNA methylation analysis revealed that gestational exposure to BPA resulted in DNA hypomethylation in the uterus. Progesterone receptor (PR) protein expression in uterine tissues was monitored using western blot analysis, which revealed that the PR protein content was considerably higher in all BPA-exposed groups than in the control. Immunohistochemical examination for the PR revealed that intense PR-positive cells were more frequently observed in the BPA-exposed group than in the control group. To date, the evidence that the upregulation of PRs observed in the present study was caused by the non-methylation of specific PR promoter regions is lacking. Conclusively, these results indicate that exposure to BPA during gestation induces epigenetic alterations in the uteri of adult female offspring. We speculate that the global DNA hypomethylation and upregulation of the PR observed simultaneously in this study might be associated with the uterus.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.217-226
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• 2024

Manufacturing workers face increased fatigue and stress due to environmental factors in workplace such as noise and vibration. Addressing this issue requires creating conducive rest spaces; however, the existing conditions of rest spaces in manufacturing workplace are subpar and lack sufficient scholarly evidence. This study investigated the effect of nature-based rest spaces on the physical and emotional recovery from fatigue on manufacturing workers. Three manufacturing complexes with nature-friendly rest spaces were selected, and 63 manufacturing workers participated in the study. The measurement tools included the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS) for fatigue levels, physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate), and emotional indicators (Zuckerman Inventory of Personal Reaction Scale; ZIPERS, Perceived Restorativeness Scale; PRS, Profile of Mood States; POMS and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI). The study compared recovery levels during a 7-minute rest between a space without plants and a space with natural elements. The results indicated a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of participants in green rest spaces compared with those in conventional rest spaces. Regarding fatigue levels, green rest spaces showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure in the middle-fatigue and high-fatigue groups. Positive feelings increased in green spaces, whereas negative emotions decreased, suggesting that short breaks in nature-friendly environments effectively promote workers' physical and emotional recovery. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of green space in various work environments to promote well-being in workers.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.255-277
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• 2011

Product Service System(PSS), which is an integrated combination of product and service, provides new value to customer and makes companies sustainable as well. The objective of this paper draws Critical Successful Factors(CSF) of PSS through multiple case study. First, we review various concepts and types in PSS and Platform business literature currently available on this topic. Second, after investigating various cases with the characteristics of PSS and platform business, we select four cases of 'iPod of Apple', 'Kindle of Amazon', 'Zune of Microsoft', and 'e-book reader of Sony'. Then, the four cases are categorized as successful and failed cases according to criteria of case selection and PSS classification. We consider two methodologies for the case selection, i.e., 'Strategies for the Selection of Samples and Cases' proposed by Bent(2006) and the seven case selection procedures proposed by Jason and John(2008). For case selection, 'Stratified sample and Paradigmatic cases' is adopted as one of several options for sampling. Then, we use the seven case selection procedures such as 'typical', 'diverse', 'extreme', 'deviant', 'influential', 'most-similar', and 'mostdifferent' and among them only three procedures of 'diverse', 'most?similar', and 'most-different' are applied for the case selection. For PSS classification, the eight PSS types, suggested by Tukker(2004), of 'product related', 'advice and consulancy', 'product lease', 'product renting/sharing', 'product pooling', 'activity management', 'pay per service unit', 'functional result' are utilized. We categorize the four selected cases as a product oriented group because the cases not only sell a product, but also offer service needed during the use phase of the product. Then, we analyze the four cases by using cross-case pattern that Eisenhardt(1991) suggested. Eisenhardt(1991) argued that three processes are required for avoiding reaching premature or even false conclusion. The fist step includes selecting categories of dimensions and finding within-group similarities coupled with intergroup difference. In the second process, pairs of cases are selected and listed. The second step forces researchers to find the subtle similarities and differences between cases. The third process is to divide the data by data source. The result of cross-case pattern indicates that the similarities of iPod and Kindle as successful cases are convenient user interface, successful plarform strategy, and rich contents. The differences between the successful cases are that, wheares iPod has been recognized as the culture code, Kindle has implemented a low price as its main strategy. Meanwhile, the similarities of Zune and PRS series as failed cases are lack of sufficient applications and contents. The differences between the failed cases are that, wheares Zune adopted an undifferentiated strategy, PRS series conducted high-price strategy. From the analysis of the cases, we generate three hypotheses. The first hypothesis assumes that a successful PSS system requires convenient user interface. The second hypothesis assumes that a successful PSS system requires a reciprocal(win/win) business model. The third hypothesis assumes that a successful PSS system requires sufficient quantities of applications and contents. To verify the hypotheses, we uses the cross-matching (or pattern matching) methodology. The methodology matches three key words (user interface, reciprocal business model, contents) of the hypotheses to the previous papers related to PSS, digital contents, and Information System (IS). Finally, this paper suggests the three implications from analyzed results. A successful PSS system needs to provide differentiated value for customers such as convenient user interface, e.g., the simple design of iTunes (iPod) and the provision of connection to Kindle Store without any charge. A successful PSS system also requires a mutually benefitable business model as Apple and Amazon implement a policy that provides a reasonable proft sharing for third party. A successful PSS system requires sufficient quantities of applications and contents.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.291-302
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• 2017

The research was carried out in order to find climate factors which determine the distribution of Eurya japonica, and the potential habitats (PHs) under the current climate and climate change scenario by using species distribution models (SDMs). Four climate factors; the warmth index (WI), the minimum temperature of the coldest month (TMC), summer precipitation (PRS), and winter precipitaion (PRW) : were used as independent variables for the model. Seventeen general circulation models under RCP (Representative concentration pathway) 8.5 scenarios were used as future climate scenarios for the 2050s (2040~2069) and 2080s (2070~2099). Highly accurate SDMs were obtained for E. japonica. The model of distribution for E. japonica constructed by SDMs showed that minimum temperature of the coldest month (TMC) is a major climate factor in determining the distribution of E. japonica. The area above the $-5.7^{\circ}C$ of TMC revealed high occurrence probability of the E. japonica. Future PHs for E. japonica were projected to increase respectively by 2.5 times, 3.4 times of current PHs under 2050s and 2080s. It is expected that the potential of E. japonica habitats is expanded gradually. E. japonica is applicable as indicator species for monitoring in the Korean Peninsula. E. japonica is necessary to be monitored of potential habitats.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.238-249
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• 2009

The genus Listeria consists of six closely related species and forms three phylogenetic groups: L. monocytogenes-L. innocua, L. ivanovii-L. seeligeri-L. welshimeri, and L. grayi. In this report, we attempted to examine the evolutionary relationship in the L. monocytogenes-L. innocua group by probing the nucleotide sequences of 23S rRNA and 16S rRNA, and the gene clusters lmo0029-lmo0042, ascB-dapE, rplS-infC, and prs-ldh in L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a, 4a, and 4b, and L. innocua. Additionally, we assessed the status of L. monocytogenes-specific inlA and inlB genes and 10 L. innocua-specific genes in these species/serovars, together with phenotypic characterization by using in vivo and in vitro procedures. The results indicate that L. monocytogenes serovar 4a strains are genetically similar to L. innocua in the lmo0035-lmo0042, ascB-dapE, and rplS-infC regions and also possess L. innocua-specific genes lin0372 and lin1073. Furthermore, both L. monocytogenes serovar 4a and L. innocua exhibit impaired intercellular spread ability and negligible pathogenicity in mouse model. On the other hand, despite resembling L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b in having a nearly identical virulence gene cluster, and inlA and inlB genes, these serovar 4a strains differ from serovars 1/2a and 4b by harboring notably altered actA and plcB genes, displaying strong phospholipase activity and subdued in vivo and in vitro virulence. Thus, by possessing many genes common to L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b, and sharing many similar gene deletions with L. innocua, L. monocytogenes serovar 4a represents a possible evolutionary intermediate between L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b and L. innocua.