• Title/Summary/Keyword: Response assessment

Search Result 2,059, Processing Time 0.036 seconds

The Development of Vulnerable Elements and Assessment of Vulnerability of Maeul-soop Ecosystem in Korea (한국 마을숲 생태계 취약요소 발굴 및 취약성 평가)

  • Lim, Jeong-Cheol;Ryu, Tae-Bok;Ahn, Kyeong-Hwan;Choi, Byoung-Ki
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
    • /
    • v.34 no.4
    • /
    • pp.57-65
    • /
    • 2016
  • Maeul-soop(Village forest) is a key element of Korean traditional village landscape historically and culturally. However, a number of Maeul-soops have been lost or declined due to various influences since the modern age. For this Maeul-soop that has a variety of conservation values including historical, cultural and ecological ones, attention and efforts for a systematic conservation and restoration of Maeul-soop are needed. The purpose of the present study is to provide information on ecological restoration and sustainable use and management of Maeul-soops based on component plant species, habitat and location characteristics of 499 Maeul-soops spread throughout Korea. Major six categories of threat factors to Maeul-soop ecosystem were identified and the influence of each factor was evaluated. For the evaluation of weight by threat factors for the influence on the vulnerability of Maeul-soop ecosystem, more three-dimensional analysis was conducted using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis method. In the results of evaluation using AHP analysis method, reduction of area, among six categories, was spotted as the biggest threat to existence of Maeul-soops. Next, changes in topography and soil environment were considered as a threat factor of qualitative changes in Maeul-soop ecosystem. Influence of vegetation structure and its qualitative changes on the loss or decline of Masul-soop was evaluated to be lower than that of changes in habitat. Based on weight of each factor, the figures were converted with 100 points being the highest score and the evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soop was conducted with the converted figures. In the result of evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soops, grade III showed the highest frequency and a normal distribution was formed from low grade to high grade. 38 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade I which showed high naturality and 10 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade V as their maintenance was threatened. Also in the results of evaluation of vulnerability of each Maeul-soop, restoration of Maeul-soop's own area was found as top priority to guarantee the sustainability of Maeul-soops. It was confirmed that there was a need to prepare a national level ecological response strategy for each vulnerability factor of Maeul-soop, which was important national ecological resources.

Reduced Ovarian Cancer Incidence in Women Exposed to Low Dose Ionizing Background Radiation or Radiation to the Ovaries after Treatment for Breast Cancer or Rectosigmoid Cancer

  • Lehrer, Steven;Green, Sheryl;Rosenzweig, Kenneth E
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
    • /
    • v.17 no.6
    • /
    • pp.2979-2982
    • /
    • 2016
  • Background: High dose ionizing radiation can induce ovarian cancer, but the effect of low dose radiation on the development of ovarian cancer has not been extensively studied. We evaluated the effect of low dose radiation and total background radiation, and the radiation delivered to the ovaries during the treatment of rectosigmoid cancer and breast cancer on ovarian cancer incidence. Materials and Methods: Background radiation measurements are from Assessment of Variations in Radiation Exposure in the United States, 2011. Ovarian cancer incidence data are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of ovarian cancer following breast cancer and rectosigmoid cancer are from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. Obesity data by US state are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mean ages of US state populations are from the United States Census Bureau. Results: We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, which reveal that in 194,042 cases of breast cancer treated with beam radiation, there were 796 cases of ovarian cancer by 120+ months of treatment (0.41%); in 283, 875 cases of breast cancer not treated with radiation, there were 1,531 cases of ovarian cancer by 120+ months (0.54%). The difference in ovarian cancer incidence in the two groups was significant (p < 0.001, two tailed Fisher exact test). The small dose of scattered ovarian radiation (about 3.09 cGy) from beam radiation to the breast appears to have reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by 24%. In 13,099 cases of rectal or rectosigmoid junction cancer treated with beam radiation in the SEER data, there were 20 cases of ovarian cancer by 120+ months of treatment (0.15%). In 33,305 cases of rectal or rectosigmoid junction cancer not treated with radiation, there were 91 cases of ovarian cancer by 120+ months (0.27%). The difference in ovarian cancer incidence in the two groups was significant (p = 0.017, two tailed Fisher exact test). In other words, the beam radiation to rectum and rectosigmoid that also reached the ovaries reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by 44%. In addition, there was a significant inverse relationship between ovarian cancer in white women and radon background radiation (r = - 0.465. p = 0.002) and total background radiation (r = -0.456, p = 0.002). Because increasing age and obesity are risk factors for ovarian cancer, multivariate linear regression was performed. The inverse relationship between ovarian cancer incidence and radon background was significant (${\beta}=-0.463$, p = 0.002) but unrelated to age (${\beta}=-0.080$, p = 0.570) or obesity (${\beta}=-0.180$, p = 0.208). Conclusions: The reduction of ovarian cancer risk following low dose radiation may be the result of radiation hormesis. Hormesis is a favorable biological response to low toxin exposure. A pollutant or toxin demonstrating hormesis has the opposite effect in small doses as in large doses. In the case of radiation, large doses are carcinogenic. However, lower overall cancer rates are found in U.S. states with high impact radiation. Moreover, there is reduced lung cancer incidence in high radiation background US states where nuclear weapons testing was done. Women at increased risk of ovarian cancer have two choices. They may be closely followed (surveillance) or undergo immediate prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. However, the efficacy of surveillance is questionable. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is considered preferable, although it carries the risk of surgical complications. The data analysis above suggests that low-dose pelvic irradiation might be a good third choice to reduce ovarian cancer risk. Further studies would be worthwhile to establish the lowest optimum radiation dose.

Treat-to-Target Strategy for Asian Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Result of a Multicenter Trial in Korea

  • Song, Jason Jungsik;Song, Yeong Wook;Bae, Sang Cheol;Cha, Hoon-Suk;Choe, Jung-Yoon;Choi, Sung Jae;Kim, Hyun Ah;Kim, Jinseok;Kim, Sung-Soo;Lee, Choong-Ki;Lee, Jisoo;Lee, Sang-Heon;Lee, Shin-Seok;Lee, Soo-Kon;Lee, Sung Won;Park, Sung-Hwan;Park, Won;Shim, Seung Cheol;Suh, Chang-Hee;Yoo, Bin;Yoo, Dae-Hyun;Yoo, Wan-Hee
    • Journal of Korean Medical Science
    • /
    • v.33 no.52
    • /
    • pp.346.1-346.11
    • /
    • 2018
  • Background: To evaluate the therapeutic benefits of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy for Asian patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Korea. Methods: In a 1-year, multicenter, open-label strategy trial, 346 patients with early RA were recruited from 20 institutions across Korea and stratified into 2 groups, depending on whether they were recruited by rheumatologists who have adopted the T2T strategy (T2T group) or by rheumatologists who provided usual care (non-T2T group). Data regarding demographics, rheumatoid factor titer, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody titer, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), and Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire (KHAQ) score were obtained at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. In the T2T group, the prescription for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was tailored to the predefined treatment target in each patient, namely remission (DAS28 < 2.6) or low disease activity (LDA) ($2.6{\leq}DAS28$ < 3.2). Results: Data were available for 163 T2T patients and 162 non-T2T patients. At the end of the study period, clinical outcomes were better in the T2T group than in the non-T2T group (LDA or remission, 59.5% vs. 35.8%; P < 0.001; remission, 43.6% vs. 19.8%; P < 0.001). Compared with non-T2T, T2T was also associated with higher rate of good European League Against Rheumatism response (63.0% vs. 39.8%; P < 0.001), improved KHAQ scores (-0.38 vs. -0.13; P = 0.008), and higher frequency of follow-up visits (5.0 vs. 2.0 visits/year; P < 0.001). Conclusion: In Asian patients with early RA, T2T improves disease activity and physical function. Setting a pre-defined treatment target in terms of DAS28 is recommended.

Estimation of Domestic Greenhouse Gas Emission of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector adapting 2006 IPCC GL Tier 2b Method (국내 냉동 및 냉방부문 온실가스 배출량 산정 - 2006 IPCC GL Tier 2b 적용 -)

  • Shin, Myung-Hwan;Lyu, Young-Sook;Seo, Kyoung-Ae;Lee, Sue-Been;Lim, Cheolsoo;Lee, Sukjo
    • Journal of Climate Change Research
    • /
    • v.3 no.2
    • /
    • pp.117-128
    • /
    • 2012
  • The Government of South Korea has continued its effort to fixate virtuous circle of economic growth and climate change response to cope with international demands and pressure to commitment for greenhouse gas reduction effectively. Nationally, Korean Government has established "Enforcement of the Framework Act on Low carbon, Green Growth"(2010. 4. 13) to implement national mid-term GHG mitigation goal(30% reduction by 2020 compare to BAU), which established the foundation for phased GHG mitigation by setting up the sectoral and industrial goal, adopting GHG and Energy Target Management System. Also, follow-up measures are taken such as planning and control of mid-term and short-term mitigation target by detailed analysis of potential mitigation of sector and industry, building up the infrastructure for periodic and systematic analysis of target management. Likewise, it is required to establish more accurate, reliable and detailed sectoral GHG inventory for successfully establishment and implement the frame act. In comparison to the $CO_2$ emission, Especially fluorinated greenhouse gases (HFCs, PFCs, $SF_6$) are lacking research to build the greenhouse gas inventories to identify emissions sources and collection of the applicable collection activities data. In this study, with the refrigeration and air conditioning sector being used to fluorine refrigerant(HFCs) as the center, greenhouse gas emission estimation methodology for evaluating the feasibility of using this methodology look over and mobile air conditioning, fixed air conditioning, household refrigeration equipment, commercial refrigeration equipment for the greenhouse gas emissions were calculated. First look at in terms of methodology, refrigeration and air conditioning sector GHG emissions in developing country-specific emission factors and activity data of the industrial sector the construction of the DB is not enough, it's 2006 IPCC Guidelines Tier 2a (emission factor approach) rather than the Tier 2b (mass balance approach) deems appropriate, and each detail by process, sectoral activity data more accurate, if DB is built Tier 2a (emission factor approach) can be applied will also be judged. Refrigeration and air conditioning sector in 2009 due to the use of refrigerant greenhouse gas emissions ($CO_2eq.$) assessment results, portable air conditioner 1,974,646 ton to year, fixed-mount air conditioner 1,011,754 ton to year, household refrigeration unit 4,396 ton to year, commercial refrigeration equipment 1,263 ton to year was estimated to total 2,992,037 tons.

Survey of Knowledge on Insomnia for Sleep Clinic Clients (수면클리닉을 방문한 환자들의 불면증에 대한 인식조사)

  • Soh, Minah
    • Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
    • /
    • v.26 no.1
    • /
    • pp.23-32
    • /
    • 2019
  • Objectives: Insomnia is not only the most common sleep-related disorder, but also is one of the most important. Knowledge of the comorbidities of insomnia is essential for proper treatment including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to prevent disease chronification. This study aimed to determine sleep clinic patients' knowledge of insomnia. Methods: This study recruited 44 patients (24 males and 20 females; mean age $54.11{\pm}16.30years$) from the sleep clinic at National Center for Mental Health. All subjects were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire about their reasons for visiting a sleep clinic and about their knowledge of treatment and comorbidities of insomnia. Results: The reasons for visiting the sleep clinic were insomnia symptoms of daytime sleepiness, irregular sleeping time, nightmares, snoring, and sleep apnea, in that order. Of the responders, 72.7% had a comorbidity of insomnia, and 22.7% showed high-risk alcohol use. In addition, 70.5% of responders chose pharmacological treatment of insomnia as the first option and reported collection of information about treatment of insomnia mainly from the internet and medical staff. More than half (52.3%) of the respondents reported that they had never heard about non-pharmacological treatments of insomnia such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT-I) or light therapy. The response rate about comorbidities of varied, with 75% of responders reporting knowledge of the relation between insomnia and depression, but only 38.6% stating awareness of the relation between insomnia and alcohol use disorder. Of the total responders, 68.2% were worried about hypnotics for insomnia treatment, and 70% were concerned about drug dependence. Conclusion: This study showed that patients at a sleep clinic had limited knowledge about insomnia. It is necessary to develop standardized insomnia treatment guidelines and educational handbooks for those suffering from insomnia. In addition, evaluation of alcohol use disorders is essential in the initial assessment of sleep disorders.

The Path Formation of Thailand's Electricity/Energy Regime and Sustainability Assessment (태국 전력/에너지 체제의 경로 형성과 지속가능성 평가)

  • EOM, Eun Hui;SHIN, Dong Hyuk
    • The Southeast Asian review
    • /
    • v.27 no.4
    • /
    • pp.1-40
    • /
    • 2017
  • This study aims to examine the electricity/energy regime of Thailand, the largest energy-hungry country in the Mekong region. This study examined how the electricity/energy regime of Thailand has been shaped and changed up to the present, not only at the national level but also at the sub-regional level covering the Mekong region. Meanwhile, according to the Paris Agreement in 2015, which will get in to effect from 2020, developing countries as well as developed countries have been given voluntary responsibilities and reduction obligations in response to global climate change. Under the post 2020 Climate Change Regime, Thailand also needs to revise its existing electricity/energy policy. We reviewed the recent energy policy of Thailand and evaluated the possibility of transition to a sustainable energy system based on Energy Trilemma's analysis framework. And we examined the roles and impacts of the Thai civil society on the national power and energy planning as well as in the future climate change policy. As a result of the analysis, it can be seen that Thailand's electricity/energy regime has grown rapidly through the support of the West countries under the Cold War era. In particular, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand(EGAT) played the key role in Thailand's energy policy. In addition, Thailand's geopolitical location and relatively high economic level compared to neighboring countries will continue to be of importance in the future construction of power grids in the region. Meanwhile, in the frame of Energy Trilemma, Thailand has still been vulnerable to environmental sustainability. Thai NGOs have resisted to as well as collaborated with the government to influence the existing electricity/energy policy in the various dimensions but their influence has weakened considerably since the coup in 2014. In conclusion, this study suggests to cooperate with government as well as civil society for sustainable energy transformation of Thailand and Mekong region.

A Proposal for Korean armed forces preparing toward Future war: Examine the U.S. 'Mosaic Warfare' Concept (미래전을 대비한 한국군 발전방향 제언: 미국의 모자이크전 수행개념 고찰을 통하여)

  • Chang, Jin O;Jung, Jae-young
    • Maritime Security
    • /
    • v.1 no.1
    • /
    • pp.215-240
    • /
    • 2020
  • In 2017, the U.S. DARPA coined 'mosaic warfare' as a new way of warfighting. According to the Timothy Grayson, director of DARPA's Strategic Technologies Office, mosaic warfare is a "system of system" approach to warfghting designed around compatible "tiles" of capabilities, rather than uniquely shaped "puzzle pieces" that must be fitted into a specific slot in a battle plan in order for it to work. Prior to cover mosaic warfare theory and recent development, it deals analyze its background and several premises for better understanding. The U.S. DoD officials might acknowledge the current its forces vulnerability to the China's A2/AD assets. Furthermore, the U.S. seeks to complete military superiority even in other nation's territorial domains including sea and air. Given its rapid combat restoration capability and less manpower casualty, the U.S. would be able to ready to endure war of attrition that requires massive resources. The core concept of mosaic warfare is a "decision centric warfare". To embody this idea, it create adaptability for U.S. forces and complexity or uncertainty for the enemy through the rapid composition and recomposition of a more disag g reg ated U.S. military force using human command and machine control. This allows providing more options to friendly forces and collapse adversary's OODA loop eventually. Adaptable kill web, composable force packages, A.I., and context-centric C3 architecture are crucial elements to implement and carry out mosaic warfare. Recently, CSBA showed an compelling assessment of mosaic warfare simulation. In this wargame, there was a significant differences between traditional and mosaic teams. Mosaic team was able to mount more simultaneous actions, creating additional complexity to adversaries and overwhelming their decision-making with less friendly force's human casualty. It increase the speed of the U.S. force's decision-making, enabling commanders to better employ tempo. Consequently, this article finds out and suggests implications for Korea armed forces. First of all, it needs to examine and develop 'mosaic warfare' in terms of our security circumstance. In response to future warfare, reviewing overall force structure and architecture is required which is able to compose force element regardless domain. In regards to insufficient defense resources and budget, "choice" and "concentration" are also essential. It needs to have eyes on the neighboring countries' development of future war concept carefully.

  • PDF

Growth at Heading Stage of Rice Affected by Temperature and Assessment of the Target Growth Applicable to North Korea for Breeding in South Korea (기온에 따른 벼 출수기 생육 반응 및 남한에서 북한 적응 품종 육성을 위한 출수기 목표 생장량 추정)

  • Yang, Woonho;Choi, Jong-Seo;Lee, Dae-Woo;Kang, Shingu;Lee, Seuk-ki;Chae, Mi-Jin
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
    • /
    • v.23 no.2
    • /
    • pp.108-121
    • /
    • 2021
  • Field studies at Suwon, Cheorwon, and Jinbu were carried out to determine the relationship between mean temperature from transplanting to heading (MT) and growth at heading stage of rice. P lant height (P H) and dry weight (DW) at heading stage were significantly correlated with MT, showing second degree polynomials. The optimal temperatures for PH and DW were 23.2 ℃ and 22.8 ℃, respectively. Little differences in rice growth among soils collected from the experimental sites and the temperature-response in a phytotron study supported that MT was the main determinant of the growth shown in the field study. Though number of days to heading increased as MT decreased, cumulative temperatures (CT) affected by sites and MT for given varieties were fairly constant. When applying specific CT for each of the varieties to the temperature in North Korea, (1) five regions (Kaesong, Haeju, Sariwon, Nampo, Pyongyang) were suitable for early to mid-maturing varieties and (2) 14 regions (Yongyon, Singye, Anju, Kusong, Sinuiju, Changjon, Wonsan, Hamhung, Pyonggang, Yangdok, Huichon, Supung, Sinpo, Kanggye) were suitable only for early-maturing varieties. In (1) regions, the similar extent of growth with that in Suwon could be achieved when mid-maturing varieties grown in Suwon are cultivated. Among (2) regions, early-maturing varieties are expected to demonstrate the similar extent of growth with that in Cheorwon in 9 regions except Hamhung, Kanggye, Pyonggang, Yangdok, and Sinpo. For Hamhung and Kanggye, the target PH was assessed as 4cm higher than that shown in Cheorwon. P lant height of 8-14cm and DW of 2-4g per hill greater than those shown in Cheorwon were the target growth for P yonggang, Yangdok, and Sinpo to attain the similar amount of growth with that in Cheorwon. It is suggested that rice varieties for North Korea could be bred by adjusting the target growth at the breeding sites in South Korea.

Prediction of Distribution Changes of Carpinus laxiflora and C. tschonoskii Based on Climate Change Scenarios Using MaxEnt Model (MaxEnt 모델링을 이용한 기후변화 시나리오에 따른 서어나무 (Carpinus laxiflora)와 개서어나무 (C. tschonoskii)의 분포변화 예측)

  • Lee, Min-Ki;Chun, Jung-Hwa;Lee, Chang-Bae
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
    • /
    • v.23 no.1
    • /
    • pp.55-67
    • /
    • 2021
  • Hornbeams (Carpinus spp.), which are widely distributed in South Korea, are recognized as one of the most abundant species at climax stage in the temperate forests. Although the distribution and vegetation structure of the C. laxiflora community have been reported, little ecological information of C. tschonoskii is available. Little effort was made to examine the distribution shift of these species under the future climate conditions. This study was conducted to predict potential shifts in the distribution of C. laxiflora and C. tschonoskii in 2050s and 2090s under the two sets of climate change scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The MaxEnt model was used to predict the spatial distribution of two species using the occurrence data derived from the 6th National Forest Inventory data as well as climate and topography data. It was found that the main factors for the distribution of C. laxiflora were elevation, temperature seasonality, and mean annual precipitation. The distribution of C. tschonoskii, was influenced by temperature seasonality, mean annual precipitation, and mean diurnal rang. It was projected that the total habitat area of the C. laxiflora could increase by 1.05% and 1.11% under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, respectively. It was also predicted that the distributional area of C. tschonoskii could expand under the future climate conditions. These results highlighted that the climate change would have considerable impact on the spatial distribution of C. laxiflora and C. tschonoskii. These also suggested that ecological information derived from climate change impact assessment study can be used to develop proper forest management practices in response to climate change.

Numerical analysis of morphological changes by opening gates of Sejong Weir (보 개방에 의한 하도의 지형변화 과정 수치모의 분석(세종보를 중심으로))

  • Jang, Chang-Lae;Baek, Tae Hyo;Kang, Taeun;Ock, Giyoung
    • Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
    • /
    • v.54 no.8
    • /
    • pp.629-641
    • /
    • 2021
  • In this study, a two-dimensional numerical model (Nays2DH) was applied to analyze the process of morphological changes in the river channel bed depending on the changes in the amount of flooding after fully opening the Sejong weir, which was constructed upstream of the Geum River. For this, numerical simulations were performed by assuming the flow conditions, such as a non-uniform flow (NF), unsteady flows (single flood event, SF), and a continuous flood event (CF). Here, in the cases of the SF and CF, the normalized hydrograph was calculated from real flood events, and then the hydrograph was reconfigured by the peak flow discharge according to the scenario, and then it was employed as the flow discharge at the upstream boundary condition. In this study, to quantitatively evaluate the morphological changes, we analyzed the time changes in the bed deformation the bed relief index (BRI), and we compared the aerial photographs of the study area and the numerical simulation results. As simulation results of the NF, when the steady flow discharge increases, the ratio of lower width to depth decreases and the speed of bar migration increases. The BRI initially increases, but the amount of change decreased with time. In addition, when the steady flow discharge increases, the BRI increased. In the case of SF, the speed of bar migration decreased with the change of the flow discharge. In terms of the morphological response to the peak flood discharge, the time lag also indicated. In other words, in the SF, the change of channel bed indicates a phase lag with respect to the hydraulic condition. In the result of numerical simulation of CF, the speed of bar migration depending on the peak flood discharges decreased exponentially despite the repeated flood occurrences. In addition, as in the result of SF, the phase lag indicated, and the speed of bar migration decreased exponentially. The BRI increased with time changes, but the rate of increase in the BRI was modest despite the continuous peak flooding. Through this study, the morphological changes based on the hydrological characteristics of the river were analyzed numerically, and the methodology suggested that a quantitative prediction for the river bed change according to the flow characteristic can be applied to the field.