• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.15-28
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• 2024

This paper proposes a method to acquire image data inside tunnel structures and a method to structure the acquired image data. By improving the conditions by which image data are acquired inside the tunnel structure, high-quality image data can be obtained from area type tunnel scanning. To improve the data acquisition conditions, a longitudinal rail of the tunnel can be installed on the tunnel ceiling, and image data of the entire tunnel structure can be acquired by moving the installed rail. This study identified 0.5 mm cracked simulation lines under a distance condition of 20 m at resolutions of 3,840 × 2,160 and 720 × 480 pixels. In addition, the proposed image-data-structuring method could acquire image data in image tile units. Here, the image data of the tunnel can be structured by substituting the application factors (resolution of the acquired image and the tunnel size) into a relationship equation. In an experiment, the image data of a tunnel with a length of 1,000 m and a width of 20 m were obtained with a minimum overlap rate of 0.02% to 8.36% depending on resolution and precision, and the size of the local coordinate system was found to be (14 × 15) to (36 × 34) pixels.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

An image-reconstruction technology, involving the deployment of an unmanned mobility equipped with high-speed LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) has been proposed to reconstruct the shape of abandoned mine. Unmanned mobility operation is remarkably useful in abandoned mines fraught with operational difficulties including, but not limited to, obstacles, sludge, underwater and narrow tunnel with the diameter of 1.5 m or more. For cases of real abandoned mines, quadruped robots, quadcopter drones and underwater drones are respectively deployed on land, air, and water-filled sites. In addition to the advantage of scanning the abandoned mines with 2D solid-state lidar sensors, rotation of radiation at an inclination angle offers an increased efficiency for simultaneous reconstruction of mineshaft shapes and detecting obstacles. Sensor and robot posture were used for computing rotation matrices that helped compute geographical coordinates of the solid-state lidar data. Next, the quadruped robot scanned the actual site to reconstruct tunnel shape. Lastly, the optimal elements necessary to increase utility in actual fields were found and proposed.

• Advanced Industrial SCIence
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2024

In this scholarly investigation, the focus is placed on the transformative potential of edge computing in enhancing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for the facilitation of autonomous driving. The intrinsic capability of edge computing to process voluminous datasets locally and in a real-time manner is identified as paramount in meeting the exigent requirements of autonomous vehicles, encompassing expedited decision-making processes and the bolstering of safety protocols. This inquiry delves into the synergy between edge computing and extant ITS infrastructures, elucidating the manner in which localized data processing can substantially diminish latency, thereby augmenting the responsiveness of autonomous vehicles. Further, the study scrutinizes the deployment of edge servers, an array of sensors, and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technologies, positing these elements as constituents of a robust framework designed to support instantaneous traffic management, collision avoidance mechanisms, and the dynamic optimization of vehicular routes. Moreover, this research addresses the principal challenges encountered in the incorporation of edge computing within ITS, including issues related to security, the integration of data, and the scalability of systems. It proffers insights into viable solutions and delineates directions for future scholarly inquiry.

• Journal of the Korean Regional Science Association
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.37-51
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• 2024

To respond to local extinction, South Korea, under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, identified depopulated areas in 2021 and launched the Local Extinction Response Fund in 2022. However, due to its early stage of implementation, analyzing the characteristics and changes of policy response to local extinction at the central government level remains a challenge. In contrast, Japan, facing similar issues of local extinction as South Korea, has established a robust central government-led response system based on the Regional Revitalization Act and the Comprehensive Strategy and Basic Policy on Community-Population-Job Creation. Hence, this study examines Japan's policy responses to local extinction by analyzing the first and second periods of the Comprehensive Strategy and Basic Policy on Community-Population-Job Creation. For the analysis, topic modeling was employed to enhance text analysis efficiency and accuracy, complemented by expert interviews for validation. The results revealed that the first-period strategy's topics encompassed economy and society, start-up, local government, living condition, service, and industry. Meanwhile, the second-period strategy's topics included resource, the New Normal, woman, digital transformation, industry, region, public-private partnership, and population. The analysis highlights that the policy target, policy direction, and environmental change significantly influenced these policy shifts.

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

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.584-595
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• 2021

Objective: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has shown activity against melanoma brain metastases. Recently, promising results have also been reported for ICI combination therapy and ICI combined with radiotherapy. We aimed to evaluate radiologic response and adverse event rates of these therapeutic options by a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search of Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed up to October 12, 2019 and included studies evaluating the intracranial objective response rates (ORRs) and/or disease control rates (DCRs) of ICI with or without radiotherapy for treating melanoma brain metastases. We also evaluated safety-associated outcomes. Results: Eleven studies with 14 cohorts (3 with ICI combination therapy; 5 with ICI combined with radiotherapy; 6 with ICI monotherapy) were included. ICI combination therapy {pooled ORR, 53% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44-61%); DCR, 57% (95% CI, 49-66%)} and ICI combined with radiotherapy (pooled ORR, 42% [95% CI, 31-54%]; DCR, 85% [95% CI, 63-95%]) showed higher local efficacy compared to ICI monotherapy (pooled ORR, 15% [95% CI, 11-20%]; DCR, 26% [95% CI, 21-32%]). The grade 3 or 4 adverse event rate was significantly higher with ICI combination therapy (60%; 95% CI, 52-67%) compared to ICI monotherapy (11%; 95% CI, 8-17%) and ICI combined with radiotherapy (4%; 95% CI, 1-19%). Grade 3 or 4 central nervous system (CNS)-related adverse event rates were not different (9% in ICI combination therapy; 8% in ICI combined with radiotherapy; 5% in ICI monotherapy). Conclusion: ICI combination therapy or ICI combined with radiotherapy showed better local efficacy than ICI monotherapy for treating melanoma brain metastasis. The grade 3 or 4 adverse event rate was highest with ICI combination therapy, and the CNS-related grade 3 or 4 event rate was similar. Prospective trials will be necessary to compare the efficacy of ICI combination therapy and ICI combined with radiotherapy.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.91-99
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• 2024

Piping systems are crucial facilities used in various industries, particularly in areas related to daily life and safety. Piping systems are fixed to the main structures of buildings and facilities but do not support external loads and serve as non-structural elements performing specific functions. Piping systems are affected by relative displacements owing to phase differences arising from different behaviors between two support points under seismic loads; this can cause damage owing to the displacement-dominant cyclic behavior. Fittings and joints in piping systems are representative elements that are vulnerable to seismic loads. To evaluate the seismic performance and limit states of fittings and joints in piping systems, a high-stroke actuator is required to simulate relative displacements. However, this is challenging because only few facilities can conduct these experiments. Therefore, element-level experiments are required to evaluate the seismic performance and limit states of piping systems connected by fittings and joints. This study proposed a method to evaluate the seismic performance of an elbow specimen that includes fittings and joints that are vulnerable to seismic loads in vertical piping systems. The elbow specimen was created by connecting straight pipes to both ends of a 90° pipe elbow using flexible groove joints. The seismic performance of the elbow specimen was evaluated using a cyclic loading protocol based on deformation angles. To determine the margin of the evaluated seismic performance, the limit states were assessed by applying cyclic loading with a constant amplitude.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.337-348
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• 2007

Characteristics in distributions of T, S, nutrients, chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ concentrations and meso-zooplankton abundances and the relations among these parameters were investigated with the data collected in Asan Bay around the rainy season from May 24 till August 25, 2006 at about 10 days interval. Freshwater input during the rainy season clearly affected the distributions of zooplankton and phytoplankton (chlorophyll ${\alpha}$). Freshwater discharge resulted in high nutrients decreased zooplankton abundances. On the contrary, chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ concentrations increased at the end of the rainy season. It seemed that the increase of chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ concentrations was the result of the decreased zooplankton and enriched nutrients caused by freshwater discharges. Seawater temperatures were certainly the reason for the zooplankton succession. However, overall abundance of zooplankton and abundances of some zooplankton such as Noctiluca scintillans, Acartia pacifica, and Sagitta crassa seemed to be influenced by lowered salinity caused by heavy rain rather than seawater temperatures.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.308-319
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• 2008

Temporal variations in plankton assemblages and environmental factors in Asan Bay and their relationships were examined with the data collected from February till early June, 2005. Seawater temperatures showed typical pattern of temporal change observed in temperate waters. Salinity variation was minor. Phytoplankton biomass showed two peaks, one in February only in the inner part of the bay and the other in May in the whole bay. Phytoplankton succession was clearly shown with the increase of seawater temperatures. Diatom (Bacillariophyceae) dominated in February, diatom and cryptomonads (Cryptophyceae) prevailed in May, and dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae) was most abundant in June. Spring bloom in Asan Bay occurred about one month earlier than those observed in temperate seas. Among the inorganic nutrients (N, P and Si), only silicate concentration showed a significant negative correlation with phytoplankton biomass, indicating the sink of this nutrient in the bay to be the uptake by phytoplankton. Nitrate concentration seemed to be a limiting factor in this bay during the study period. Mesozooplankton abundances showed a significant positive correlation with seawater temperatures and a significant negative correlation with phytoplankton biomass. Increase of mesozooplankton abundance followed phytoplankton increase with the time lag of about two months. This increase of zooplankton seemed to be the result of increased seawater temperatures and food.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.1-22
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• 2017

'The worstest environment disaster', 'World's first biocide massacre', 'Home-based Sewol ferry disaster' are all phrases attached to the recent humidifier disinfectant disaster. In the spring of 2011, four of 8 pregnant women including 1 adult man passed away at a university hospital in Seoul due to breathing failure. Epidemiologic investigation conducted by the Korean CDC soon revealed the inhalation of humidifier disinfectant, which had been widely used in Korea during the winter, to be responsible for the disease. As well as lung fibrosis hardening of the lungs, other diseases including asthma, rhinitis, skin disease, liver disease, fetal disease or cancers have been researched for their relation with exposure to the products. By February 9, 2017, 5,342 cases had registered for health problems and 1,131 of them were already dead (20.8% mortality rate). Based on studies by government agencies and a telephone survey of the general population by Seoul National University and civic groups, around 20% of the general public of Korea has used these products. Since the market release of the first product by SK Chemical in 1994, over 7.1 million items from around 20 brands were sold up to 2011. Most of the products were manufactured by well-known large conglomerates such as SK, Lotte, Samsung, Shinsegye, LG, and GS, as well as some European companies including UK-based Reckitt Benckiser and TESCO, the German firm Henkel, the Danish firm KeTox, and an Irish company. Even though this disaster was unveiled in 2011 by the Korean government, the issue of the victims was neglected for over five years. In 2016, an unexpected but intensive investigation by prosecutors found that Reckitt Benckiser manipulated and concealed animal tests for its own brand and brought several university experts and company employees to court. The matter was an intense social issue in Korea from May to June with a surge in media coverage. The prosecutor's investigation and a nationwide boycott campaign organized by victims and environmental groups against Reckitt Benckiser, whose product had been used by more than 70% of victims, led to the producer's official apology and a compensation scheme. A legislative investigation organized after the April 2016 national election revealed the producers' faults and the government's responsibility, but failed to meet expectations. A special law for the victims passed the National Assembly in January 2017 and a punitive system together with a massive environmental epidemiology investigation are expected to be the only solutions for this tragedy. Sciences of medicine, toxicology and environmental health have provided decisive evidence so far, but for the remaining problems the perspectives of social sciences such as sociology and jurisprudence are highly necessary, similar to with the Minamata disease and Wonjin Rayon events. It may not be easy to follow this issue using unfamiliar terminology from medical and chemical science and the long, complicated history of the event. For these reasons the author has attempted to write this article in a question and answer format to render it easier to follow. The 17 questions are: Q1 What is humidifier disinfectant? Q2 What kind of health problems are caused by humidifier disinfectant? Q3 How many victims are there? Q4 What is the analysis of the 1,112 cases of death? Q5 What is the problem with the government's diagnostic criteria and the solution? Q6 Who made what brands? Q7 Has there been a recall? What is still on sale? Q8 Was safety not checked by any producers? Q9 What are the government's responsibilities? Q10 Is it true that these products were sold only in Korea? Q11 Why and how was it unveiled only in 2011 after 17 years of sales? Q12 What delayed the resolution of the victim issue? Q13 What is the background of the prosecutor's investigation in early 2016? Q14 Is it possible to report new victim cases without evidence of product purchase? Q15 What is happening with the victim issue? Q16 How does it compare with the cases of Minamata disease and Wonjin Rayon? Q17 Are there prevention measures and lessons?