• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.235-242
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is the establishment of scientific processes for making food safety policies. Thus, we investigated pesticide residue level of the agricultural commodities from market, and performed risk assessment. Fifteen agricultural items are chosen based on the frequency of Korean consumption. The samples were collected from 9 cities where populations are more than one million. Total 283 active ingredients were monitoring ( total sample number =232). Single-analysis of target pesticides was for three kinds of possible growth regulators and the multicomponent analysis was for 280 kinds of pesticides, a total of 283 species were selected to perform the pesticide residues. Before monitoring the analytes, the improvements of the analytical methods were done by method validations under the CODEX analytical method development guidelines and can produce metrics that represent the international standards applied in accordance with the guidelines. In addition to residual pesticides detected during monitoring we compare the ADI to EDI values using detected result and dietary consumption data which is extracted from annual market basket survey. The 163 samples were non-detected in the total 232 samples so it means that every agricultural commodity will residual pesticides-free in 70.3%. The detected residual pesticides showed for a total of 69 cases (29.7%). Two of samples violate Korean MRL (0.9%). The ratio of EDI compared to ADI resulted in only from 0.00087 to 0.902%. In result, we can assume that all detected residual pesticides are very safe level and current policies of Korean pesticides control may be working.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.74-84
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• 2016

Literacy on food additives of elementary school teachers (ET) and nutrition teachers (NT) could be influential factor on safe dietary education for school children. Therefore, the perceptions and information needs on food additives were surveyed from 351 elementary school teachers and nutrition teachers in metropolitan area of Korea, and the basic data for the promotion of risk communication on food additives among them were obtained. Compared to ET who consider 'taste' (39.1%) as the most important factor while purchasing food, NT considered 'safety' (68.1%) first (p < 0.001). Among the food labelling items, the level of understanding on food additives was the lowest both in ET (3.53) and NT (4.17), and NT showed better levels of understanding overall on food labels. Both ET and NT regarded hazardous factors of food as environmental pollutants, foodborne pathogens, and food additives in order, and tended to select 'no additives' or 'no artificial color' products while purchasing processed food. Although NT answered that they know all food additives had been passed the evaluation of safety and effectiveness tests (100%) and have standards of use (81.9%), majority of them (87.5%) believed the consumption of food additives are harmful on human health. ET (75.2%) also regarded food additives as dangerous materials. Above results suggested the necessity of proper and enough risk communication for both ET and NT. Both ET and NT wanted to have information on the safety or hazard of food additives. Most preferred media to get the information on food additives was TV (3.80) among ET and lecture (3.65) among NT. ET and NT trusted hospital, research institution/universities or the personnels working in these institutions as the provider of information on food additives. The result that the trust levels of ET and NT on government were relative low suggested the weakness of risk communication in Korean government. Although ET and NT answered that they do not trust mass media, their behaviors were affected by them such as reading food labels in ET (39.4%) and reducing the consumption of food additives in NT (50%). They also indicated mass media's problem of sensitive approach on food additives and asked the urgent reaction of government by providing sound information through experts on food additives. Above results revealed that ET and NT have different perceptions and information needs on food additives, therefore, proper risk communication should be provided for them to serve as dietary educators for elementary school children.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.597-603
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• 2009

Background: Atrioventricular valve regurgitation in pediatric patients with a functional single ventricles (FSV) - has been known as one of the important risk factors for death and unfavorable long-term results after a Fontan operation. We evaluated early and mid-term results of bivalvation valvuloplasty in FSV patients. Material and Method: We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients with a functional single ventricle who underwent bivalvationvalvuloplasty between 1999 and 2007. The degree of common atrioventricular valve regurgitation (CAVVR) was determined by color Doppler echocardiography (regurgitation grade scoring, trivial; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe; 4). Mean age at valve surgery was $6.9{\pm}7.0$ months (median 4 months, 24 days$\sim$21 months)and mean body weight was $6.2{\pm}2.8\;kg$ ($3.1{\sim}11.3\;kg$). Nine patients had isomerism heart and two of them had TAPVC. The concomitant procedures were performed in all but one patient. Additional commissural closure was performed in 3 patients and commissural annuloplasty in another 3 patients. Result: There was one hospital death after. surgery. A 32-day old patient who had been preoperatively dependent on a ventilator died of air way and lung problems 4.3 months after pulmonary artery banding and bivalvation valvuloplasty. Mean follow-up duration was 40 months ($4.3{\sim}114$ months). Mean preoperative CAVVR score was $3.3{\pm}0.6$, which decreased to $1.9{\pm}0.7$ postoperatively (p<0.0001). This residual regurgitation slightly increased to $2.2{\pm}0.4$ (no statistical significance) after a mean follow-up of 1.4.3 months. Six patients (60%) required re-operations for residual regurgitation at a subsequent bidirectionalcavopulmonary shunt or Fontan operation. One patient with Ebsteinoid malformation of the right sided atrioventricular valve required valve replacement due to stenoinsufficiency. Another patient required edge-to-edge repair at the right sided AV valve (between the right mural leaflet and the bridging leaflets). The remaining 4 patients required additional suture placements between bridging leaflets with or without commissural annuloplasty. All survivor had trivial or mild CAVVR at the latest follow-up. Conclusion: Bivalvation valvuloplasty for CAVVR in FSV patients is. an effective and safe procedure. However, significant numbers of the patients have small residual regurgitation and require additional valve procedures at subsequent operations. Long-term observations to monitor progression of the CAVVR is mandatory.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.135-142
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• 2023

The total arsenic and 6 arsenic species were investigated in 56 fish collagen products using ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer) and HPLC-ICP-MS(High performance liquid chromatography-Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer). The mean concentrations of total arsenic and arsenic species were 40.103±81.133 ㎍/kg (N.D.~586.686) and 30.070±50.378 ㎍/kg (N.D.~313.871), respectively. The mean concentration of inorganic arsenic was 24.610±32.706 ㎍/kg (N.D.~129.331), and the As(V) (Arsenate) was the most dominant. The standards and specifications of arsenic have not been established for fish collagen products. Our study presents that arsenic levels are relatively safe compared with not only previous studies but also domestic and international standards. However, in one sample, the total arsenic concentration was 586.686 ㎍/kg, showing the inorganic was 8.119 ㎍/kg, and the DMA was 305.752 ㎍/kg, which was high than the Canadian standard for organic arsenic. In conclusion, it is necessary to monitor arsenic levels consistently and establish standards and specifications of arsenic in fish collagen products to assure consumer safety.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.12 no.5_spc
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• pp.149-167
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• 2006

Korean society is rapidly changing to aging society comparing the other industrialized countries, however, the studies of elderly driver's driving behavior and accidents are not enough in Korea for elderly driver's accident prevention. This study focused on the elderly driver's psychological effects on elderly driver's driving behavior and traffic accidents; carefulness and aberrant driving behavior. - Elderly driver's traffic accidents The high percentage of elderly driver's accidents occurs in intersections and when turning left. There was a significant difference of the opponent vehicle's speed when left turn, between elderly driver and young driver; the elderly driver choose the higher speed of opponent vehicle than young driver when left turning. This result means that elderly driver has some problems with deciding the vehicle's speed and gap acceptance(Sunyeol Lee, Soonchul Lee, and Inseok Kim, 2006)(Table 1). - Carefulness and driving confidence In order to understand elderly driver's carefulness, this study compared the elderly driver's driving confidence. Driving confidence was consisted of 4 factors; environment of traffic condition, safe driving, driving ability and attention. Elderly driver's confidence was lower than young driver's. Elderly driver in high driving confidence group, showed longer driving history and they were tend to commit violations more frequently than elerly driver in low driving confidence group. Young driver, whose driving confidence level was high answered more driving history, annual mileage, the frequency of committing traffic violation and the experience of accident within lats 5 years(Soonchul Lee, Juseok Oh, Sunjin Park, Soonyeol Lee and Inseok Kim, 2006)(Table 2). This study examined the total time required until deciding to turn left in the no traffic signal intersection between elderly driver and young driver. The result showed that the time of elderly driver was significant longer than young driver(Sunyeol Lee et al, 2006)(Table 3). - Elderly driver's aberrant behavior Driver behavior Questionnaire(DBQ) was measured to understand the aberrant behavior; violation, error and lapse. The tend of aberrant behavior was observed by aging(Sunjin Park, Soonchul Lee, Jonghoi, Kim and Inseok Kim, 2006). Elderly driver's DBQ score was lower than young driver's(Table 4). Elderly and young driver showing longer driving history were in low DBQ score group. Elderly driver had high error score and young driver had high violation score. Young driver's aberrant driving behaviour was associated with annual mileage and the frequency of committing traffic violation. Elderly driver's aberrant driving behaviour was associated with annual mileage and experience of accident. Especially elderly driver whose violation, error and lapse score was high answered more committing experience of accident within last 5 years.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.236-245
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• 2023

We investigated the basic vegetative phase (BVP), photoperiod-sensitivity (PS), and thermo-sensitivity (TS) of 40 rice varieties to characterize their heading ecology that is adaptable to North Korean rice production areas. The ranges were 12 - 43 days for BVP, 0 - 74 days for PS, and 15 - 33 days for TS, depending on the variety. The number of days from transplanting to the heading stage (DTH) was significantly correlated with PS in the 13 major rice production regions where all 40 varieties (including early-, middle-, and mid-late-maturing varieties) were tested. DTH was significantly correlated with BVP and TS but not with PS in the 10 low-temperature regions where only 28 early-maturing varieties were tested. The heading ecology of the adaptable varieties for each region could be characterized by an exponential equation between the BVP and PS of varieties that headed at the border of the safe marginal heading date (SMHD) for each of the seven regional environments (Kaesong, Haeju, Yongyon, Singye, Sariwon, Nampo, and Pyongyang). A PS of 25 - 30 days or less was an additional adaptive trait in the Sariwon and Pyongyang environments. The varieties that reached the heading stage not later than the SMHD in six regional environments (Anju, Kusong, Sinuiju, Changjon, Wonsan, and Supung) and those that reached the heading stage not later than the late marginal heading date (LMHD) in four regional environments (Hamhung, Pyonggang, Huichon, and Kanggye) had both a PS of 26 days or less and a BVP of 25 - 28 days or less. In the Yangdok, Sinpo, and Chunggang environments, varieties that reached the heading stage not later than the LMHD for each region had a BVP of 15 - 20 days or less. The results suggested that a shortened BVP trait should be introduced to existing early-maturing rice varieties to reduce the duration of growth period to reach the heading stage.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.145-176
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• 2016

Aviation safety can be secured through regulations and policies of various areas and thorough execution of them on the field. Recently, for aviation safety management Korea is making efforts to prevent aviation accidents by taking various measures: such as selecting and promoting major strategic goals for each sector; establishing National Aviation Safety Program, including the Second Basic Plan for Aviation Policy; and improving aviation related legislations. Obstacle limitation surface is to be established and publicly notified to ensure safe take-off and landing as well as aviation safety during the circling of aircraft around airports. This study intends to review current aviation obstacle management system which was designed to make sure that buildings and structures do not exceed the height of obstacle limitation surface and identify its operating problems based on my field experience. Also, in this study, I would like to propose ways to improve the system in legal and regulatory aspects. Nowadays, due to the request of residents in the vicinity of airports, discussions and studies on aviational review are being actively carried out. Also, related ordinance and specific procedures will be established soon. However, in addition to this, I would like to propose the ways to improve shortcomings of current system caused by the lack of regulations and legislations for obstacle management. In order to execute obstacle limitation surface regulation, there has to be limits on constructing new buildings, causing real restriction for the residents living in the vicinity of airports on exercising their property rights. In this sense, it is regarded as a sensitive issue since a number of related civil complaints are filed and swift but accurate decision making is required. According to Aviation Act, currently airport operators are handling this task under the cooperation with local governments. Thus, administrative activities of local governments that have the authority to give permits for installation of buildings and structures are critically important. The law requires to carry out precise surveying of vast area and to report the outcome to the government every five years. However, there can be many problems, such as changes in the number of obstacles due to the error in the survey, or failure to apply for consultation with local governments on the exercise of construction permission. However, there is neither standards for allowable errors, preventive measures, nor penalty for the violation of appropriate procedures. As such, only follow-up measures can be taken. Nevertheless, once construction of a building is completed violating the obstacle limitation surface, practically it is difficult to take any measures, including the elimination of the building, because the owner of the building would have been following legal process for the construction by getting permit from the government. In order to address this problem, I believe penalty provision for the violation of Aviation Act needs to be added. Also, it is required to apply the same standards of allowable error stipulated in Building Act to precise surveying in the aviation field. Hence, I would like to propose the ways to improve current system in an effective manner.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.179-184
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• 2014

Purpose: We investigated the safety and efficacy of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in terminally ill cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent PICC at the hospice-palliative division of KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) Medical Center between January 2013 and December 2013. All PICCs were inserted by an interventional radiologist. Results: A total of 30 terminally ill cancer patients received the PICC procedure during the study period. Including one patient who had had two PICC insertions during the period, we analyzed a total of 31 episodes of catheterization and 571 PICC days. The median catheter life span was 14.0 days (range, 1~90 days). In 25 cases, catheters were maintained until the intended time (discharge, transfer, or death), while they were removed prematurely in six other cases (19%; 10.5/1000 PICC days). Thus, the catheter maintenance success rate was 81%. Of those six premature PICC removal cases, self-removal due to delirium occurred in four cases (13%; 7.0/1000 PICC days), and catheter-related blood stream infection and thrombosis were reported in one case, each (3%; 1.8/1000 PICC days). Complication cases totaled eight (26%; 14.1/1000 PICC days). The time to complication development ranged from two to 14 days and the median was seven days. There was no PICC complication-related death. Conclusion: Considering characteristics of terminally ill cancer patients, such as a poor general condition, vulnerability to trivial damage, and a limited period of survival, PICC could be a safe intravenous procedure.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.586-597
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• 1999

Background: Many diagnostic tests have developed to diagnose tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases but the diagnosis of tuberculosis relies largely on radiological findings and acid-fast staining of sputum and/or culture. Recently, new serologic diagnostic methods, which are safe and easy to use have been introduced into Korea. In this study, the usefulness of serologic diagnosis for tuberculosis and the disease pattern induced variation of the test were evaluated. Methods: Serological assay was performed upon 108 patients with two test kits, the ICT tuberculosis and the BioSign$^{TM}$TB, which are based upon a rapid immunochromatographic assay technique, capable of being interpreted within 15 minutes. The case groups consisted of 61 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis(36 patients), extrapulmonary tuberculosis(3 patients), or both(22 patients). Control groups consisted of 47 patients with inactive old pulmonary tuberculosis(17 patients), nontuberculous pulmonary disease(16 patients) and nonpulmonary cardiac disease(14 patients). Results : The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of the ICT tuberculosis were 64.3%, 91.5%, 90.0% and 68.3% respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the BioSign$^{TM}$TB were 76.5%, 95.3%, 94.1 % and 78.8% respectively. Differences in sensitivity were not significant between patients with previous history of tuberculosis or patients without prior history of tuberculosis. The ICT tuberculosis test showed higher sensitivity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients(76.5%) than extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients(33.3%). There was no difference in sensitivity between patients with or without cavitary lesion by chest X-ray. Conclusion: Considering high specificity and PPV, serologic diagnosis using a rapid immunochromatographic assay device is another helpful diagnostic method in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, when combined with previous diagnostic methods such as chest X-ray, microbiologic study but it has limitation in terms of confirming the diagnosis for tuberculosis as the only diagnostic method because of relatively low sensitivity and NPV.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.125-135
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• 2020

This study analyzed the content of eight biogenic amines (BAs), including histamine, in 198 fishery products (121 school-meal products and 77 distributed products) in Korea in 2019. Changes in BA content according to time, temperature, and salt treatment in Japanese Spanish mackerel, chub mackerel, and salmon were also observed. The average histamine content of 198 fishery products was 0.4±2.3 mg/kg, and all were within histamine criteria (200 mg/kg or less). As a result, the margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated to evaluate the risk of fishery products, and school-meal fishery products were evaluated as safe with a MOE of 1 or more. At 30℃, the histamine content of the fish increased rapidly to 144 mg/kg (Japanese Spanish mackerel, 36 h), and 308 mg/kg (chub mackerel, 24 h). When the Japanese Spanish mackerel, chub mackerel, and salmon were stored at 4℃, histamine was not detected for 3 days, and it was not detected for 14 days at -20℃. The BA content (histamines, etc.) of salt-treated Japanese Spanish mackerel and chub mackerel was lower than that of fish not treated with salt.