• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.475-483
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• 2019

Special chemical warfare agents are lethal gases that attack the human respiratory system. One of such gases are blood agents that react with the irons present in the electron transfer system of the human body. This reaction stops internal respiration and eventually causes death. The molecular sizes of these agents are smaller than the pores of an activated carbon, making chemical adsorption the only alternative method for removing them. In this study, we carried out a Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation by passing a blood agent: cyanogen chloride gas through an SG-1 gas mask canister developed by SG Safety Corporation. The adsorption bed consisted of a Silver-Zinc-Molybdenum-Triethylenediamine activated carbon impregnated with copper, silver, zinc and molybdenum ions. The kinetic analysis of the chemical adsorption was performed in accordance with the test procedure for the gas mask canister and was validated by the kinetic data obtained from experimental results. We predicted the dynamic behaviors of the main variables such as the pressure drop inside the canister and the amount of gas adsorbed by chemisorption. By using a granular packed bed instead of the Ergun equation that is used to model porous materials in Computational Fluid Dynamics, applicable results of the activated carbon were obtained. Dynamic simulations and flow analyses of the chemical adsorption with varying gas flow rates were also executed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.242-250
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• 2019

Background: Data on noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use in intensive care units (ICUs) are very limited in South Korea. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 20 ICUs of university-affiliated hospitals from June 2017 to February 2018. Adult patients (age>18 years) who were admitted to the ICU and received NIV treatment for acute respiratory failure were included. Results: A total of 156 patients treated with NIV were enrolled (mean age, $71.9{\pm}11.6years$). The most common indications for NIV were acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF, n=89) and post-extubation respiratory failure (n=44). The main device for NIV was an invasive mechanical ventilator with an NIV module (61.5%), and the majority of patients (87.2%) used an oronasal mask. After the exclusion of 32 do-not-resuscitate patients, NIV success rate was 68.5% (85/124); ICU and hospital mortality rates were 8.9% and 15.3%, respectively. However, the success rate was lower in patients with de novo respiratory failure (27.3%) compared to that of patients with AHRF (72.8%) or post-extubation respiratory failure (75.0%). In multivariate analysis, immunocompromised state, de novo respiratory failure, post-NIV (2 hours) respiratory rate, NIV mode (i.e., non-pressure support ventilation mode), and the change of NIV device were significantly associated with a lower success rate of NIV. Conclusion: AHRF and post-extubation respiratory failure were the most common indications for NIV in Korean ICUs. Overall NIV success was achieved in 68.5% of patients, with the lowest rate in patients with de novo respiratory failure.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.24-35
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• 2019

It is known that ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ (carbon-13 isotope of dissolved inorganic carbonate (DIC) ions) of water increases when dissolved $CO_2$ degases. However, ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ could decrease when the pH of water is lower than 5.5 at the early stage of degassing. Laboratory experiments were performed to observe the changes of ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ as $CO_2$ degassed from three different artificial $CO_2$-rich waters (ACWs) in which the initial pH was 4.9, 5.4, and 6.4, respectively. The pH, alkalinity and ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ were measured until 240 hours after degassing began and those data were compared with kinetic isotope fractionation calculations. Furthermore, same experiment was conducted with the natural $CO_2$-rich water (pH 4.9) from Daepyeong, Sejong City. As a result of experiments, we could observe the decrease of DIC and increase of pH as the degassing progressed. ACW with an initial pH of 6.4, ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ kept increasing but, in cases where the initial pH was lower than 5.5, ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ decreased until 6 hours. After 6 hours ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ increased within all cases because the $CO_2$ degassing caused pH increase and subsequently the ratio of $HCO_3{^-}$ in solution. In the early stage of $CO_2$ degassing, the laboratory measurements were well matched with the calculations, but after about 48 hours, the experiment results were deviated from the calculations, probably due to the equilibrium interaction with the atmosphere and precipitation of carbonates. The result of this study may be not applicable to all natural environments because the pressure and $CO_2$ concentration in headspace of reaction vessels was not maintained constant as well as the temperature. Nevertheless, this study provides fundamental knowledge on the ${\delta}^{13}C_{DIC}$ evolution during $CO_2$ degassing, and therefore it can be utilized in the studies about carbonated water with low pH and the monitoring of geologic carbon sequestration.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.131-139
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• 2019

Objectives: Self-reporting can be used to determine the incidence and prevalence of hypertension (HTN). The present study was conducted to determine the validity of self-reported HTN and to identify factors affecting discordance between self-reported and objectively measured HTN in participants in the Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort. Methods: The RaNCD cohort included permanent residents of Ravansar, Iran aged 35-65 years. Self-reported data were collected before clinical examinations were conducted by well-trained staff members. The gold standard for HTN was anti-hypertensive medication use and blood pressure measurements. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy of self-reporting were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the discordance between self-reported HTN and the gold standard. Results: Of the 10 065 participants in the RaNCD, 4755 (47.4%) were male. The prevalence of HTN was 16.8% based on self-reporting and 15.7% based on medical history and HTN measurements. Of the participants with HTN, 297 (18.8%) had no knowledge of their disease, and 313 (19.9%) had not properly controlled their HTN despite receiving treatment. The sensitivity, specificity, and kappa for self-reported HTN were 75.5%, 96.4%, and 73.4%, respectively. False positives became more likely with age, body mass index (BMI), low socioeconomic status, and female sex, whereas false negatives became more likely with age, BMI, high socioeconomic status, smoking, and urban residency. Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of self-reported HTN were acceptable, suggesting that this method can be used for public health initiatives in the absence of countrywide HTN control and detection programs.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.163-173
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• 2018

This study was carried out to propose the baseline data for in situ conservation by analyzing environmental and growth characteristics in Pedicularis hallaisanenesis habitats. P. hallaisanensis habitats, according to investigations, were located on the slope of southwest at an elevation of 1,400 m in Mt. Gayasan and on the slope of southeast at an elevation of 1,500 m in Mt. Hallasan. Pedicularishallaisanensis habitats. Also, habitats were found at the grassland with no upper vegetation. In the study sites, soil pH and soil organic matter were 4.9-6.5 and 4.4-8.1%, respectively. A total of 55 vascular plants taxa were identified in ten quadrats in two habitats, of which 25 were inhabited in Mt. Gayasan and 37 in Mt. Hallasan. Current status of P. hallaisanensis habitats were very vulnerable with the pressure of the vegetation constantly threatening the species' survival. Thus, concrete conservation plans including diverse factors as light intensity, temperature and genetic analysis to protect natural habitats should be set up as soon as possible.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.1060-1068
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• 2018

Study Design: Retrospective study. Purpose: Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration is an important cause of low back pain. Overview of Literature: Spinal fusion is often reported to have a good course for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, many studies have reported that adjacent segment degeneration is accelerated after lumbar spinal fusion. Radiography is a simple method used to evaluate the orientation of the vertebral column. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method most often used to specifically evaluate intervertebral disc degeneration. The Pfirrmann classification is a well-known method used to evaluate degenerative lumbar disease. After spinal fusion, an increase in stress, excess mobility, increased intra-disc pressure, and posterior displacement of the axis of motion have been observed in the adjacent segments. Methods: we retrospectively secured and analyzed the data of 15 patients (four boys and 11 girls) with AIS who underwent a spinal fusion surgery. We studied the full-length view of the spine (anterior-posterior and lateral) from the X-ray and MRI obtained from all patients before surgery. Postoperatively, another full-length spine X-ray and lumbosacral MRI were obtained from all participants. Then, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, curve correction, and fused and free segments before and after surgery were calculated based on X-ray studies. MRI images were used to estimate the degree to which intervertebral discs were degenerated using Pfirrmann grading system. Pfirrmann grade before and after surgery were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. While analyzing the contribution of potential risk factors for the post-spinal fusion Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, we used generalized linear models with robust standard error estimates to account for intraclass correlation that may have been present between discs of the same patient. Results: The mean age of the participant was 14 years, and the mean curvature before and after surgery were 67.8 and 23.8, respectively (p<0.05). During the median follow-up of 5 years, the mean degree of the disc degeneration significantly increased in all patients after surgery (p<0.05) with a Pfirrmann grade of 1 and 2.8 in the L2-L3 before and after surgery, respectively. The corresponding figures at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels were 1.28 and 2.43, 1.07 and 2.35, and 1 and 2.33, respectively. The lower was the number of free discs below the fusion level, the higher was the Pfirrmann grade of degeneration (p<0.001). Conversely, the higher was the number of the discs fused together, the higher was the Pfirrmann grade. Conclusions: we observed that the disc degeneration aggravated after spinal fusion for scoliosis. While the degree of degeneration as measured by Pfirrmann grade was directly correlated by the number of fused segments, it was negatively correlated with the number of discs that remained free below the lowermost level of the fusion.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.43-51
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• 2019

Objective: This study aims to propose an efficient technical model through a kinematic analysis of field hockey drag flick shooting motion in laboratory situations and game situations and to build up the basic data on drag flick shooting technique through a comparative analysis of a Korean specialized shooter and specialized shooters of competing Asian countries. Method: This study selected one Korean female national specialized shooter and seven specialized shooters of competing countries, China, Japan, India, and Malaysia, who participated in the 2018 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy as research subjects. In exercise situations, a 3-D motion analysis utilizing an infrared camera was conducted, while in game situations, an image-based 3-D motion analysis utilizing a digital camera was conducted. Results: The Korean specialized shooter had smaller changes in the angles of the trunk and the stick in game situations than in exercise situations. She had a high angular velocity of the trunk and the stick head, and the maximum speed of the ball was high. The Korean specialized shooter had the maximum angular velocity of the trunk higher than the specialized shooters of the competing countries did, and the angular velocity of the stick head and the maximum speed of the ball were in the average level. Conclusion: As for drag flick shooting in game situations, changes in the angle of the trunk and the stick were small, and the angular velocity was high due to the pressure that the shooters should perform the motion fast with the defenders' interruptions, and this high angular velocity of the trunk and the stick head affected the movement of the ball. Thus, the maximum speed of the ball was higher in game situations than in exercise situations. The Korean specialized shooter had the maximum angular velocity higher than the specialized shooters of the competing countries did; however, the maximum speed of the ball was average, and it turned out that the maximum speed of the ball was associated with the angular velocity of the stick head in P3. Therefore, Korean specialized shooters need complementary training for a change to the torque of the stick head, using the strong torque of the trunk.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.104-111
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• 2019

Staged combustion cycle engines exhibit higher combustion performance compared with open cycle engines with a gas generator. An advanced research of the staged combustion cycle engine is going on for the next program following the KSLV-II program. Various experiments have been carried out for the technology demonstration model, TDM0A and TDM0B. The experiments on the combustion performance are aimed to understand the engine start condition and combustion characteristics. They also aim to develop the oxidizer-rich pre-burner and the combustor of the staged combustion cycle engine. The engine-shaped model, TDM1A is fabricated based on the experimental data. The combustion experiment of the TDM1A shows that the combustion pressure of the combustor is approximately 91 bar and the turbine rotation is approximately 28,00 rpm. The result is stable and satisfies the development requirements. The present paper reports on the development process and characteristics of engine models from TDM0A to TDM1A.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.275-284
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• 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the health promotion behavior level, health beliefs, and self-efficacy of individuals preparing for civil service examinations, as well as the main factors that influence their health promotion behavior. The study subjects were 290 individuals who were preparing for civil service examinations in Noryangjin, where there are a lot of private institutions that provide training for the examinations. Data were collected by questionnaire surveys conducted from December 1 to 19, 2017. With the use of SPSS ver. 23, descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression were conducted. On average, the score for health promotion behavior practice was $2.37{\pm}0.45points$, health beliefs $3.13{\pm}0.45points$, and self-efficacy $3.55{\pm}0.74points$. Health promotion behavior was significantly positively correlated with perceived severity and perceived benefits, which are sub factors of health beliefs (r=.60, p<.001; r=.55, p<.001), while it was significantly negatively correlated with perceived barriers, which are a sub factor of health beliefs (r=.32, p<.001). The factors that influenced health promotion behavior were perceived health condition and perceived barriers, and the explanatory power of health promotion behavior was 25.1% (F=13.58, p<.001). In general, respondents studied for the examinations for a long time and were under severe job pressure; accordingly, they need to have quality meals, regular exercise, and regular medical check-ups to enhance health promotion behavior to control their stress.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.649-655
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• 2018

Objective: This paper reports the possibility of using of a locking horizontal mattress suture technique in repairing lacerations that are difficult to suture with staples. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively over a 6-month period regarding the routine repair of scalp lacerations: those in areas injured by a high energy blunt mechanism, continued to bleed after pressure, nonlinear or damaged skin repaired with a locking horizontal mattress technique, and simple interrupted technique. The effects of the two techniques used to repair scalp lacerations on wound healing, complication rate, and patient satisfaction were examined. The categorical variables are expressed as the number and percent. A Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Thirty-seven consecutive patients with scalp lacerations presented for care. Wound closure was accomplished with the locking horizontal mattress sutures in 40.5% (n=15) (median length, 5.0 cm; interquartile range [IQR], 4.0-7.0 cm). Simple interrupted sutures (median length, 4 cm; IQR, 3.0-5.0 cm) were used in 59.5% (n=22) (P=0.015). The frequency of additional bandage compression (P=0.008), frequency of exudative hemorrhage (P=0.018), and suture mark frequency at suture removal (P=0.047) were significantly lower in the locking horizontal mattress group. Conclusion: The locking horizontal mattress suture, which has the advantage of a horizontal mattress suture, may be one of the ways that can be used alternatively to treat scalp lacerations that difficult to suture with staples.