• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.171-187
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• 2023

Objectives: Aircraft cabin cleaning work is characterized by being performed within a limited time in a narrow and enclosed space. The objective of this study was to evaluate the exposure levels to dust, ultra fine dust(PM2.5) and black carbon(BC) among aircraft cabin cleaners. Methods: Active personal air sampling for respirable dust(n=73) and BC(n=47) was conducted during quick transit cleaning(cabin general and vacuum-specific) and seat cover replacement and total dust and PM2.5 were area-air-sampled as well. Also, size distribution of particle was identified with the cleaning workers targeted. Dusts were collected with PVC filters using gravimetric analysis. The concentration of PM2.5 and the particle size distribution were measured with real-time direct reading portable equipment using light scattering analysis. The concentration of BC was measured by aethalometer(filter-based real-time light absorption analysis instrument). Results: The geometric mean of respirable dust was the highest at vacuum cleaning as 74.4 ㎍/m³, following by replacing seat covers as 49.3 ㎍/m³ and cabin general cleaning as 47.8 ㎍/m³ . The arithmetic mean of PM2.5 was 4.83 ~ 9.89 ㎍/m³ inside the cabin, and 28.5~44.5 ㎍/m³ outside the cabin(from bus and outdoor waiting space). From size distribution, PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratio was 0.54 at quick transit cleaning and 0.41 at replacing seat covers. The average concentration of BC was 2~7 ㎍/m³, showing a high correlation with the PM2.5 concentration. Conclusions: The hazards concentration levels of aircraft cabin cleaners were very similar to those of roadside outdoor workers. As the main source of pollution is estimated to be diesel vehicles operating at airports, and it is necessary to replace older vehicles, strengthen pollutant emission control regulations, and introduce electric vehicles. In addition, it is necessary to provide as part of airport-inftastructure a stable standby waiting space for aircraft cabin cleaners and introduce a systematic safety and health management system for all workers in the aviation industry.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.271-281
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• 2019

Background: The plant communities within reservoir drawdown zones are ecologically important as they provide a range of ecosystem services such as stabilizing the shoreline, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. The aim of the study was therefore to identify the major environmental factors affecting these plant communities within the drawdown zone of the Soyangho Reservoir in South Korea, which experiences a monsoonal climate, and thereafter to (1) elucidate the plant species responses and (2) compare the soil seedbank composition along main environmental gradients. Results: Two main environmental gradients affecting the plant community structure were identified within the drawdown zone; these were a vertical and longitudinal gradient. On the vertical dimension, a hydrological gradient of flood/exposure, the annual-dominated plant community near the water edge changed to a perennial-dominated community at the highest elevation. On the longitudinal dimension from the dam to the upstream, plant species composition changed from an upland forest-edge community to a lowland riverine community, and this was correlated with slope degree, soil particle size, and soil moisture content. Simultaneously, the composition of the soil seedbank was separated along the vertical gradient of the drawdown zone, with mainly annuals near the water edge and some perennials at higher elevations. The species composition similarity between the seedbank and extant vegetation was greater in the annual communities at low elevation than in the perennial communities at higher elevation. Conclusions: The structures of plant community and soil seedbank in the drawdown zone of a monsoonal riverine reservoir were changed first along the vertical and secondly along the longitudinal gradients. The soil seedbank could play an important role on the vegetation regeneration after the disturbances of flood/exposure in the drawdown zone. These results indicate that it is important to understand the vertical and longitudinal environmental gradients affecting shoreline plant community structure and the role of soil seedbanks on the rapid vegetation regeneration for conserving and restoring the drawdown zone of a monsoonal reservoir.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.191-199
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• 1993

This paper describes the results of a systematic study to determine the characteristics of particle generated from various types of asbestos containing material(ACM) and manmade fiber material(MMFM) during operations of cutting and grinding in laboratory and workplace. Tests were conducted with a specially designed glove box which allowed complete sampling of the generated asbestos fibers. Specificially, air measurements were made during ACM and MMFM installation in building. All personal air samples collected were identified by polarized light microscopy(PLM), X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analysis(SEM/EDXA). Also, the samples were counted by phase contrast microscope(PCM) in order to compare the results with the permissible exposure standard for workplace. Results indicate that the characterisitcs of fibers found in the roofing sheet, the ceiling and the wall insulation boards were identical to those of asbestos, while the characteristics of fibers found in the ceiling insulation board, the floor tile and the sprayed on insulation products in parking area were identical to those of asbestos, while the characteristics of fibers found in the ceiling insulation board, the floor tile and the sprayed on insulation products in parking area were identical to those of rock wool. The concentrations of airborne fibers from various building materials cut by a grinder for 5 minutes were in the ranges of 0.09 $\sim$ 1.71 fibers/cc(f/cc). The highest concentration(1.71f/cc) was found during grinding the wall insulation board which also contains rock wool. The airborne fiber concentrations generated by installing at workplace were ranged from 0.0009 to 0.029 f/cc. All asbestos fibers from the ceiling insulation board at workplace were less than 20$\mu$m in length and more than 20% of them had the average aspect ratio greater than 20. Therefore, for the purpose of decreasing asbestos and man-made fiber concentrations at the workplace, the ceiling and wall board should use strong binding material to increase the binding force with fiber. Also, the permissible exposure standard for workplace(2.0f/cc) in Korea should be constituted below the maximum avaiable concentration measured at glove box.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.715-727
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• 2004

This study was carried out to evaluate non-smoker's exposure levels to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the air of offices in urban areas. A total of 65 offices were selected from two large cities, i.e. Daegu and Daejeon. The field sampling was conducted repeatedly in summer (1999) and winter (1999～2000). The measured ETS markers included respirable suspended particles (RSP as PM$_{40}$ ), vapor and particulate phase ETS markers, including nicotine, 3-ethnyl pyridine (3-EP), ultraviolet absorbing particulate matter (UVPM), fluorescing particulate matter (FPM), and solanseol in ETS particles (SolPM). RSP was measured gravimetrically by a microbalance. The particle samples were then used for the determination of particulate ETS markers by HPLC, while vapor phase markers determined by GC/NPD. The analytical methods were validated for repeatability, linearity, detection limits, and duplication precision. The concentrations of RSP and other ETS markers were significantly higher in smoking offices than non-smoking offices. Despite the similar smoking strength in each office for different seasons, the concentration levels of ETS components appeared to be higher in winter than summer. The contributions of ETS to RSP concentrations based on SolPM, FPM, and UVPM methods were estimated to be in the range of 15.2 ～ 25.3% in smoking offices, whereas 2.4 ～ 15.9% in non-smoking offices. The cooling and heating types did not affect significantly the concentrations of RSP and other ETS markers. Finally, further research issues were suggested to obtain more scientific information on the non-smoker's exposure to ETS with respect to the frame of risk assessment..

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2011

Occupational nanomaterial exposure is an important issue in the manufacture of such products. People are also exposed to various nanoparticles in their living environments. In this study, we investigated nanoparticle formation during the reaction of ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from a commercial air freshener, one of many widely used consumer products, in a $1-m^3$ reaction chamber. The air freshener contained various VOCs, particularly terpenes. A petri dish containing 0.5 mL of the air freshener specimen was placed in the bottom of the chamber, and ozone was continuously injected into the center of the chamber at a flow rate of 4 L/min with an ozone concentration of either 50, 100 or 200 ppb. Each test was conducted over a period of about 4 h. The higher ozone concentrations produced larger secondary nanoparticles at a faster rate. The amount of ozone reacted was highly correlated with the amount of aerosol formation. Ratios of reacted ozone concentration and of formed particle mass concentration for the three injected ozone concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 ppb were similar to one other; 4.6 : 1.9 : 1.0 and 4.7 : 2.2 : 1.0 for ozone and aerosol mass, respectively.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.51-58
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• 2014

This paper presents a fire exposure test result to evaluate fire resistance capacity of retrofit method using FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) in reinforcement concrete structure. Especially, this paper focused on near-surface-mounted retrofit method; FRP is mounted into the groove after making a groove in concrete. In the test, main parameters are retrofit method and materials for fire proofing. Spray type of perlite and board type of calcium silicate were considered as external fire proof on surface while particle of calcium silicate and polymer mortar as internal one in groove. By increasing the temperature of inside heating furnace, the transfer of temperature from surface of fire proofing material to groove in specimen was measured. As a result, fire proofing using the board of calcium silicate was more effective to delay the heat transfer from outside than spraying with perlite. It was found that the fire proofing could resist outside temperature of $820^{\circ}C$ at maximum to keep the temperature of epoxy below glass transit temperature (GTT).

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.331-339
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate maternal organ and fetal doses by week of pregnancy for pregnant women nuclear medicine practitioners in the nuclear medicine field. In addition, we intend to present basic data for the management of exposure doses of female nuclear medicine practitioners. In this study, phantoms of childbearing women, 3, 6, 9 months pregnant women were simulated using MCNPX(Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended) among the Monte Carlo methods. First, volume source was constructed based on 10 cm of the anterior part of the lower abdomen of the phantom, and the organ and fetal doses were evaluated for each week of the pregnant woman according to the type of radioactive isotope. Second, the organ and fetal dose of pregnant women were evaluated by increasing the distance between the source and the abdominal surface by 50 and 100 cm. As a result, ¹⁸F sources showed high organ and fetal doses in pregnant women 0 to 3 months, and the dose distribution gradually decreased in 6 to 9 months pregnant women. The distribution of organ and fetal doses for ⁹⁹mTc and ¹²³I sources showed the same tendency as that of ¹⁸F, and the overall absorbed dose distribution was relatively lower than that of ¹⁸F. Through this study, it is considered that workers in the early stages of pregnancy within 3 months will need appropriate management to minimize occupational exposure dose.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.401-410
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• 2022

This work reports an oven drying test performed on weathered granite soil from Yecheon, Korea, in order to find an effective method for measuring the weight of pure soil particles. After samples were oven dried, weights measured following desiccation using the method specified by the Korean Industrial Standard (KS F) were compared with weights measured without prior desiccation. Soil samples exposed to air for 45 min after oven drying absorbed moisture from the air and gradually increased in weight. When a desiccator was used, results measured 30 s after exposure to air indicated weight increases of 0.103-0.735% (depending on the particle size of the soil) relative to equivalent samples measured without desiccation. Using a desiccator after oven drying leads to overestimation of the pure soil weight. Therefore, measuring the weight of a soil sample immediately after oven drying without using a desiccator can reduce the error of weight measurement.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.377-387
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• 2021

Background and objective: To improve air quality, particulate matter (PM) can be reduced using green infrastructure. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the particulate matter reduction potential of climbing plants used for green walls, an element of vertical green infrastructure. Methods: A sealed chamber with controlled environmental variables was used to assess the PM reduction level caused by climbing plants. PM concentration in the plant chamber was measured after two and four hours of PM exposure, and the reduction potential was assessed based on the leaf area. Results: Compared to the empty chamber (Control), the PM reduction speed per hour was higher in the plant chamber, which confirmed that climbing plants contribute to the reduction of PM in the air. The PM reduction speed immediately after exposure in the plant chamber was high, but this slowed over time. Additionally, PM has been continuously reduced in plants with large leaves. As a result of calculating the particulate matter reduction level based on leaf area, it was found that there was a difference by particle size. Actinidia arguta, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Trachelospermum asiaticum, and Euonymus fortunei var. radicans showed a high reduction effect. The trichomes on the leaf surface of Trachelospermum asiaticum were found to affect PM reduction. Conclusion: PM adsorption on the leaf surface is an important factor in reducing its concentration. It was possible to compare different plants by quantifying the amount of PM reduction during a fixed time period. These results can be used as the basic data to select the plant species suitable for urban green walls in terms of PM reduction.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2000

Although commercial PIV systems have been widely used for the non-intrusive velocity field measurement of fluid flows, they are still under development and have considerable room for improvement. In this study, a single-frame double-exposure PIV system using a high-resolution CCD camera was developed. A pulsed Nd:Yag laser and high-resolution CCD camera were synchronized by a home-made control circuit. In order to resolve the directional ambiguity problem encountered in the single-frame PIV technique, the second particle image was genuinely shifted in the CCD sensor array during the time interval dt. The velocity vector field was determined by calculating the displacement vector at each interrogation window using cross-correlation with 50% overlapping. In order to check the effect of spatial resolution of CCD camera on the accuracy of PIV velocity field measurement, the developed PIV system with three different resolution modes of the CCD camera (512 ${\times}$ 512, lK ${\times}$ IK, 2K ${\times}$ 2K) was applied to a turbulent flow which simulate the Zn plating process of a steel strip. The experimental model consists of a snout and a moving belt. Aluminum flakes about $1{\mu}m$ diameter were used as scattering particles for the liquid flow in the zinc pot and the gas flow above the zinc surface was seeded with atomized olive oil with an average diameter of 1-$3{\mu}m$. Velocity field measurements were carried out at the strip speed $V_s$=1.0 m/s. The 2K ${\times}$ 2K high-resolution PIV technique was significantly superior compared to the smaller pixel resolution PIV system. For the cases of 512 ${\times}$ 512 and 1K ${\times}$ 1K pixel resolution PIV system, it was difficult to get accurate flow structure of viscous flow near the wall and small vortex structure in the region of large velocity gradient.