• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.94-101
• /
• 2024

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a significant burden to infant and toddler's care globally, while the disease severity is generally mild in this age group. In this study, we aimed to assess epidemiological and clinical aspects of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers in Seoul, South Korea. Methods: We used Seoul Metropolitan Government's epidemiological investigation database to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers, between March 2020 to December 2021. Results: A total of 5,025 infants and toddlers aged <5 years was diagnosed between the observed period. 2,720 (54.1%) had symptoms, and fever was the most common symptom in 1,941 (74.1%). Of the diagnosed cases, 96.4% did not have underlying diseases. In a district level, extended opening of childcare facility was associated with increased risk of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers. Conclusions: An efficient monitoring system, resembling routine clinical care, is crucial, considering the low rates of severe progression and fatality among infants and toddlers. Moreover, a well-grounded intervention based on scientific evidence, rather than unconditional closures, is necessary to establish a suitable childcare policy that ensures safety from infectious diseases while not overlooking the developmental aspects of social skills.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.192-199
• /
• 2024

Wave overtopping is a significant natural hazard that occurs in coastal areas, primarily driven by high waves, particularly those generated during typhoons, which can cause coastal flooding. The development of residential and commercial areas along the coast, driven by increasing social and economic demands, has led to a concentration of people and assets in these vulnerable areas. This, coupled with long-term sea level rise and an increase in typhoon frequency, has heightened the risk of coastal hazards. Traditionally, the evaluation of wave overtopping volumes has relied on directly measuring the collected volume of water that exceeds the crest height of structures through hydraulic model experiments. These experiments are averaged over a specific measurement period. However, in this study, we propose a new method for estimating individual wave overtopping volumes. We utilize the temporal variation of wave overtopping heights to develop an observation system that can quantitatively assess wave overtopping volumes in actual coastal areas. To test our method, we conducted hydraulic model experiments on rubble mound breakwaters, which are commonly installed along the Korean coast. We introduce wave overtopping discharge coefficients, assuming that the inundation velocity from the structure's crest is the long-wave velocity. We then predict overtopping volumes based on wave overtopping heights and compare and review the results with experimental data. The findings of our study confirm the feasibility of estimating wave overtopping volumes by applying the overtopping discharge coefficients derived in this study to wave overtopping heights.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.166-178
• /
• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictive performance of non-contrast CT (NCCT) signs for hemorrhagic growth after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) when stratified by onset-to-imaging time (OIT). Materials and Methods: 1488 supratentorial ICH within 6 h of onset were consecutively recruited from six centers between January 2018 and August 2022. NCCT signs were classified according to density (hypodensities, swirl sign, black hole sign, blend sign, fluid level, and heterogeneous density) and shape (island sign, satellite sign, and irregular shape) features. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between NCCT signs and three types of hemorrhagic growth: hematoma expansion (HE), intraventricular hemorrhage growth (IVHG), and revised HE (RHE). The performance of the NCCT signs was evaluated using the positive predictive value (PPV) stratified by OIT. Results: Multivariable analysis showed that hypodensities were an independent predictor of HE (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] of 7.99 [4.87-13.40]), IVHG (3.64 [2.15-6.24]), and RHE (7.90 [4.93-12.90]). Similarly, OIT (for a 1-h increase) was an independent inverse predictor of HE (0.59 [0.52-0.66]), IVHG (0.72 [0.64-0.81]), and RHE (0.61 [0.54-0.67]). Blend and island signs were independently associated with HE and RHE (10.60 [7.36-15.30] and 10.10 [7.10-14.60], respectively, for the blend sign and 2.75 [1.64-4.67] and 2.62 [1.60-4.30], respectively, for the island sign). Hypodensities demonstrated low PPVs of 0.41 (110/269) or lower for IVHG when stratified by OIT. When OIT was ≤ 2 h, the PPVs of hypodensities, blend sign, and island sign for RHE were 0.80 (215/269), 0.90 (142/157), and 0.83 (103/124), respectively. Conclusion: Hypodensities, blend sign, and island sign were the best NCCT predictors of RHE when OIT was ≤ 2 h. NCCT signs may assist in earlier recognition of the risk of hemorrhagic growth and guide early intervention to prevent neurological deterioration resulting from hemorrhagic growth.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.217-228
• /
• 2024

During deep drilling, confined aquifers can present various challenges such as the inability to remove cuttings, rapid groundwater influx, and mud loss. Particularly in flowing well conditions, it is essential to apply the suitable mud density since the aquifer can generates an overpressurized condition. This paper proposes a method for determining the suitable mud density while drilling (SMD) through confined aquifers using mud window analysis and applies it to a case study. The minimum mud density at each depth, which represents the lower limit of the mud window, is determined by the equivalent mud density pore pressure gradient (or by adding a trip margin) at that depth. The pore pressure gradient of a confined aquifer can be calculated using the piezometric level or well head pressure of the aquifer. As the borehole reaches the confined aquifer, there is a significant increase in pore pressure gradient, which gradually decreases with increasing depth. The SMD to prevent a kick can be determined as the maximum value among the minimum mud densities in the open hole section. After entering the confined aquifer, SMD is maintained as the minimum mud density at the top of the aquifer during the drilling of the open hole section. Additionally, appropriate casing installation can reduce the SMD, minimizing the risk of mud loss or invasion into the highly permeable aquifer.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.47-59
• /
• 2024

Purpose: This study aims to propose measures for the prevention of fire and explosion accidents within manufacturing facilities by improving the existing classification criteria for hazardous locations based on the leakage patterns of flammable liquids. The objective is to suggest ways to safely manage ignition sources and combustible materials. Method: The hazardous locations were calculated using "KS C IEC 60079-10-1," and the calculated explosion hazard distances were visualized in 3D. Additionally, the formula for the atmospheric dispersion of flammable vapors, as outlined in "P-91-2023," was utilized to calculate the dispersion rates within the hazardous locations represented in 3D. Result: Visualization of hazardous locations in 3D enabled the identification of blind spots in the floor plan, facilitating immediate recognition of ignition sources within these areas. Furthermore, when calculating the time taken for the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) to reach within the volumetric space of the hazardous locations represented in 3D, it was found that the risk level did not correspond identically with the explosion hazard distances. Conclusion: Considering the atmospheric dispersion of flammable liquids, it was concluded that safety management should be conducted. Therefore, a method for calculating the concentration values requiring detection and alert based on realistically achievable ventilation rates within the facility is proposed.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.102-112
• /
• 2024

Background: Despite the rise in the number of domestic indoor climbing gyms, there is a lack of specific hygiene standards and research on the holds installed in them. Holds can act as vectors for microbial transmission through the hands, posing a risk of infectious diseases, especially with damaged skin. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the contamination level and species of microorganisms on holds according to the management methods practiced in indoor climbing gyms and identify effective strategies for reducing microbial contamination. Methods: We investigated factors that may influence microbial contamination of holds, including hold management methods, user information, and hygiene management at three climbing gyms in Seoul. A total of 72 holds were sampled, 18 for each management method of brushing, high-pressure washing, and ethanol disinfection. Samples were cultured on LB and blood agar at 37℃ for 48 hours to calculate CFUs. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA was carried out to identify microorganisms. Dunn-Bonferroni was employed to see the microbial reduction effect of the management method and the difference in microbial contamination by management method and climbing gym. Results: As a result of microbial identification, microorganisms such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcus, which were derived from various environments such as skin and soil, were discovered on the surface of the climbing hold. Among the discovered microorganisms, some species had potential pathogenic properties that could cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal disease, bacteremia, and sepsis. All hold management methods were effective in reducing microorganisms (p<0.05), with ethanol disinfection being the most effective (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that there are potential pathogens on holds that demand thorough management for microbial prevention. Proposed methods include regular brushing and ethanol disinfection in addition to high-pressure washing with long cycles, which are the existing forms of hold management. Further studies on shoe management are advised to curb soil-derived microorganisms.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.231-237
• /
• 2023

Background: In the past decade, the number of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) procedures has steadily increased. Patients over 65 years of age comprise the vast majority of recipients, and outcomes have been well documented; however, patients are opting for definitive surgical treatment at younger ages.We aim to report on the effects of age on the long-term clinical outcomes following aTSA. Methods: Among the patients who underwent TSA, 119 shoulders were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative clinical outcome data were collected. Linear regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) was conducted to evaluate the associations of clinical outcomes with age. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate implant survival. Results: At final follow-up, patients of all ages undergoing aTSA experienced significant and sustained improvements in all primary outcome measures compared with preoperative values. Based on multivariate analysis, age at the time of surgery was a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes. Excellent implant survival was observed over the course of this study, and Cox regression survival analysis indicated age and sex to not be associated with an increased risk of implant failure. Conclusions: When controlling for sex and follow-up duration, older age was associated with significantly better patient-reported outcome measures. Despite this difference, we noted no significant effects on range of motion or implant survival. Level of evidence: IV.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.153-158
• /
• 2024

Recently, concerns about the spread of credit risk in China's real estate market are gradually increasing. Therefore, it is very meaningful to diagnose the management stability of Chinese commercial banks. This study analyzes the impact of housing prices on the loan proportion and management stability of Chinese commercial banks. In addition, we classify Chinese commercial banks according to size and verify whether there are differences in loan proportion and management stability. If there is a difference by scale, the effect of interaction with housing price changes is also verified. The analysis results are summarized as follows. First, it was found that as the housing price growth rate increases, the proportion of loans from Chinese commercial banks increases. Second, as the rate of increase in housing prices and the proportion of total loans increases, management stability appears to decrease. Third, larger banks were found to have a higher proportion of loans, and smaller banks were found to have greater management stability. The results of this analysis show that Chinese commercial banks' aggressive expansion of their loan proportion is lowering their management stability. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the loan ratio to the appropriate size level and secure stability with differentiated strategies according to the loan ratio

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.14-20
• /
• 2024

Objectives: Frozen shoulder (FS) is one of the most challenging shoulder disorders for patients and clinicians. Its symptoms mainly include any combination of stiffness, nocturnal pain, and limitation of active and passive glenohumeral joint movement. Conventional treatment options for FS are physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, injection therapy, and arthroscopic capsular release, but adverse and limited effects continue to present problems. As a result, pharmacoacupuncture (PA) is getting attention as an alternative therapy for patients with FS. PA is a new form of acupuncture treatment in traditional Korean medicine (TKM) that is mainly used for musculoskeletal diseases. It has similarity and specificity compared to corticosteroid injection and hydrodilatation, making it a potential alternative injection therapy for FS. However, no systematic reviews investigating the utilization of PA for FS have been published. Therefore, this review aims to standardize the clinical use of PA for FS and validate its therapeutic effect. Methods: The protocol was registered in Prospero (CRD42023445708) on 18 July 2023. Until Aug. 31, 2023, seven electronic databases will be searched for randomized controlled trials of PA for FS. Authors will be contacted, and manual searches will also be performed. Two reviewers will independently screen and collect data from retrieved articles according to predefined criteria. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, and secondary outcomes will be effective rate, Constant-Murley Score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, range of motion, quality of life, and adverse events. Bias and quality of the included trials will be assessed using the Cochrane handbook's risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Meta analyses will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3 software. GRADE will be used to evaluate the level of evidence for each outcome. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted following PRISMA statement. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion: This review will provide scientific evidence to support health insurance policy as well as the standardization of PA in clinical practice.

• Journal of Venture Innovation
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.77-90
• /
• 2024

While discussions on ESG are actively taking place in Europe and other countries, the number of countries pushing for mandatory ESG information disclosure related to non-financial information of listed companies is rapidly increasing. However, as companies respond to mandatory global ESG information disclosure, problems are emerging such as the stringent requirements of global ESG disclosure standards, the complexity of data management, and a lack of understanding and preparation of the ESG system itself. In addition, it requires a reasonable analysis of how business management opportunities and risk factors due to climate change affect the company's financial impact, so it is expected to be quite difficult to analyze the results that meet the disclosure standards. In order to perform tasks such as ESG management activities and information disclosure, data of various types and sources is required and management through an information system is necessary to measure this transparently, collect it without error, and manage it without omission. Therefore, in this study, we designed an ESG data integrated management model to integrate and manage various related indicators and data in order to transparently and efficiently convey the company's ESG activities to various stakeholders through ESG information disclosure. A framework for implementing an information system to handle management was developed. These research results can help companies facing difficulties in ESG disclosure at a practical level to efficiently manage ESG information disclosure. In addition, the presentation of an integrated data management model through analysis of the ESG disclosure work process and the development of an information system to support ESG information disclosure were significant in the academic aspects needed to study ESG in the future.