• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.347-353
• /
• 2005

Pesticide risk assessment for pesticide operators as well as for consumers has become one of the pesticide regulatory tools to reduce any unreasonable adverse health effects from pesticide use. The risk for pesticide operators can be quantified by comparing the acceptable operator exposure level(AOEL) with exposure level during pesticide application. This study is to evaluate the risk of benzimidazole fungicides application worker. The exposure level of pesticide applicators were calculated using Japanese operator exposure study tested with EPN 45% EC. The AOELs for pesticides were obtained dividing relevant lowest no observed abuse effect levels(NOAELs) for the exposure scenario into uncertainty factor, 100. For the non-cancer and cancer occupational risk assessment, $Q_1^*$ produced by US/EPA and life time average daily dose(LADD) calculated from average daily dose(ADD), treatment days per year, worked years for life time were used. Operator exposure for benzimidazole fungicides application were benomyl 0.2, carbendazim 0.36 and thiophanate-methyl 0.42 mg/kg/day. Short-term AOELs for benomyl, carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl were 0.3, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/kg/day, and long-term AOEL were 0.025, 0.025, 0.08 mg/kg/day, respectively. LADDs were benomyl 0.0038, carbendazim 0.0067, thiophanate-methyl 0.0081 mg/kg/day. The ratios of exposure to AOEL were $0.28{\sim}1.5$ for short-term and $3.73{\sim}9.88$ for long-term. Cancer risk for operator were $9.12{\times}10^{-6}$ for benomyl, $1.61{\times}10^{-5}$ for carbendazim and $1.13{\times}10^{-4}$ for thiophanate-methyl by the standard application scenario. The result showed 3 fungicides exceed the risk criteria, $1.0{\times}10^{-6}$. The above risk assessments were based upon conservative assumptions and therefore are believed to be protective of the applicator. To refine the risk at the more actual conditions, further risk assessment with more realistic data would be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
• /
• v.30 no.6
• /
• pp.164-173
• /
• 2015

There exists required safety integrity level (SIL) to assure safety in accordance with international standards for every electrical / electronics / control equipment or systems with safety related functions. The SIL is allocated from lowest level (level 0) to highest level (level 4). In order to guarantee certain safety level that is internationally acceptable, application of methodology for SIL allocation and demonstration based on related international standards is required. However, application standard differs from every industry in domestic or international for application on mythology for allocation and demonstration of SIL. Application or assessment is not easy since absence on clear criteria or common definition. This research studied not only fundamental concept of SIL required to guarantee safety in accordance with international standards for safety related equipment and system, but different types of methodologies for SIL allocation. Specifically, SIL allocation for Platform Screen Door system of railway is studied applying methodology of severity of accidents and risk graph among different methodologies for SIL allocation.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.541-546
• /
• 2014

Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) has been widely used to estimate the overall safety of nuclear power plants (NPP) and it provides base information for risk informed application (RIA) and risk informed regulation (RIR). For the effective and correct use of PSA in RIA/RIR related decision making, the risk estimated by a PSA model should be as realistic as possible. In this work, a best-estimate thermal-hydraulic analysis of loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs) for the Hanul Nuclear Units 3&4 is first carried out in a systematic way. That is, the behaviors of peak cladding temperature (PCT) were analyzed with various combinations of break sizes, the operating conditions of safety systems, and the operator's action time for aggressive secondary cooling. Thereafter, the results of the thermal-hydraulic analysis have been reflected in the improvement of the PSA model by changing both accident sequences and success criteria of the event trees for the LOCA scenarios.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.13-29
• /
• 2023

Objectives To evaluate the evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for facet joint syndrome. Methods We conducted search across 9 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL (CENTRAL), KoreaMed, Kmbase, Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS), ScienceOn, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang) to find clinical trials that used acupuncture as treatment for facet joint syndrome. The methodological quality of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) tool, while non-randomized controlled clinical trials (nRCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Study (RoBANS) tool. Results Nine RCTs and one nRCT met our inclusion criteria. Fire needle was more effective than medial branch block in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS) after 1 month (p=0.02). Also, Fire needle was more effective than Ibuprofen in terms of VAS and oswestry disability index (ODI) (p<0.05). However, in the rest of the study results, the intervention group did not show a statistically significant difference than the control group. Conclusions Although our review found encouraging but limited evidence of acupuncture for facet joint syndrome, most of the studies included in the analysis were evaluated as methodologically high risk of bias. From now on further well-designed RCTs should be encouraged.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.25 no.8
• /
• pp.749-755
• /
• 2024

The recent surge in the incidence of small papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) has been linked to the widespread use of ultrasonography, thereby prompting concerns regarding overdiagnosis. Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a less invasive alternative management strategy for low-risk PTCs, especially for PTCs measuring ≤1 cm in maximal diameter. Recent studies report low disease progression rates of low-risk PTCs ≤1 cm under AS. Ongoing research is currently exploring the feasibility of AS for larger PTCs (<20 mm). AS protocols include meticulous ultrasound assessment, emphasis on standardized techniques, and a multidisciplinary approach; they involve monitoring the nodules for size, growth, potential extrathyroidal extension, proximity to the trachea and recurrent laryngeal nerve, and potential cervical nodal metastases. The criteria for progression, often defined as an increase in the maximum diameter of the PTC, warrant a review of precision and ongoing examinations. Challenges exist regarding the reliability of volume measurements for defining PTC disease progression. Although ultrasonography plays a pivotal role, challenges in assessing progression and minor extrathyroidal extension underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in disease management. This comprehensive overview highlights the evolving landscape of AS for PTCs, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols, meticulous assessments, and ongoing research to inform decision-making.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.96-109
• /
• 2011

In this study, risk categorized five safety management elements(equipment and structure, evacuation, lifesaving and fire extinguishing, performance based fire safety plan, operations management) were classified in order to establish safety system of underground space. Using classified safety management elements, assessment of fire hazard was performed. After calculating the grade of evaluation categories, assessment of fire hazard was suggested. The three grades of evaluation categories are classified as to importance and four criteria of evaluation are classified as to check result based on subdivisions.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.57 no.1
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2024

Objectives: Adjusting for potential confounders is crucial for producing valuable evidence in outcome studies. Although numerous studies have been published using the Korea National Health Insurance Claim Database, no study has critically reviewed the methods used to adjust for confounders. This study aimed to review these studies and suggest methods and applications to adjust for confounders. Methods: We conducted a literature search of electronic databases, including PubMed and Embase, from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. In total, 278 studies were retrieved. Eligibility criteria were published in English and outcome studies. A literature search and article screening were independently performed by 2 authors and finally, 173 of 278 studies were included. Results: Thirty-nine studies used matching at the study design stage, and 171 adjusted for confounders using regression analysis or propensity scores at the analysis stage. Of these, 125 conducted regression analyses based on the study questions. Propensity score matching was the most common method involving propensity scores. A total of 171 studies included age and/or sex as confounders. Comorbidities and healthcare utilization, including medications and procedures, were used as confounders in 146 and 82 studies, respectively. Conclusions: This is the first review to address the methods and applications used to adjust for confounders in recently published studies. Our results indicate that all studies adjusted for confounders with appropriate study designs and statistical methodologies; however, a thorough understanding and careful application of confounding variables are required to avoid erroneous results.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.48.1-48.11
• /
• 2020

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify mean oxygen saturation values (SpO₂) using pulse oximetry in permanent maxillary anterior teeth. Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde electronic databases were searched. Combinations and variations of "oximetry" AND "dental pulp test" were used as search terms. Studies reporting means and standard deviations of SpO₂ values were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and all analyses were performed using R software. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Of the 251 studies identified, 19 met the eligibility criteria and were included (total sample, 4,541 teeth). In the meta-analysis, the mean SpO₂ values were 84.94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.85%-85.04%) for the central incisors, 89.29% (95% CI, 89.22%-89.35%) for the lateral incisors, and 89.20% (95% CI, 89.05%-89.34%) for the canines. The studies were predominantly low-quality due to the high risk of bias associated with the index test, unclear risk regarding patient selection, and concerns about outcome assessment. Conclusions: Although most studies were low-quality, the oxygen saturation levels in normal pulp could be established (minimum saturation, 77.52%). Despite the risk of bias of the included studies, the reference values reported herein are clinically relevant for assessments of changes in pulp status.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.12
• /
• pp.4809-4818
• /
• 2022

The decommissioning project of a nuclear facility is a large-scale process that is expected to take about 15 years or longer. The range of risks to be considered is large and complex, then, it is expected that various risks will arise in decision-making by area during the project. Therefore, in this study, the risk family derived from the Decommissioning Risk Management (DRiMa) project was reconstructed into a decommissioning project risk profile suitable for the Kori Unit 1. Two criteria of uncertainty and importance are considered in order to prioritize the selected 26 risks of decommissioning project. The uncertainty is scored according to the relevant laws and decommissioning plan preparation guidelines, and the project importance is scored according to the degree to which it primarily affects the triple constraints of the project. The results of risks are divided into high, medium, and low. Among them, 10 risks are identified as medium level and 16 risks are identified as low level. 10 risks, which are medium levels, are classified in five categories: End state of decommissioning project, Management of waste and materials, Decommissioning strategy and technology, Legal and regulatory framework, and Safety. This study is a preliminary assessment of the risk of the decommissioning project that could be considered in the preparation stage. Therefore, we expect that the project risks considered in this study can be used as an initial data for reevaluation by reflecting the detail project progress in future studies.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.52 no.1
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to compare assessments of the healing of periapical endodontic surgery using conventional radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This review of clinical studies was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. All articles published from 1990 to March 2020 pertaining to clinical and radiographic healing assessments after endodontic surgery using conventional radiography and CBCT were included. The question was "healing assessment of endodontic surgery using cone-beam computed tomography." The review was conducted by manual searching, as well as undertaking a review of electronic literature databases, including PubMed and Scopus. The studies included compared radiographic and CBCT assessments of periapical healing after periapical endodontic surgery. Results: The initial search retrieved 372 articles. The titles and abstracts of these articles were read, leading to the selection of 73 articles for full-text analysis. After the eligibility criteria were applied, 11 articles were selected for data extraction and qualitative analysis. The majority of studies found that CBCT enabled better assessments of healing than conventional radiography, suggesting higher efficacy of CBCT for correct diagnosis and treatment planning. A risk of bias assessment was done for 10 studies, which fell into the low to moderate risk categories. Conclusion: Three-dimensional radiography provides an overall better assessment of healing, which is imperative for correct diagnosis and treatment planning.