• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.45
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• pp.280.1-280.9
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• 2018

Background: Surveillance and interventions of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) had mainly been targeted in intensive care units (ICUs). Central lines are increasingly used outside ICUs. Therefore, we performed a hospital-wide survey of CLABSIs to evaluate the current status and develop strategies to reduce CLBASI rates. Methods: All hospitalized patients with central venous catheters (CVCs) were screened for CLABSIs from January 2014 through December 2015 at a 1,328 bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Korea using an electronic data-collecting system. Clinical information including type of CVC was collected. CLABSI rates were calculated using the definitions of the National Health and Safety Network after excluding mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (BSI). Results: A total of 154 CLABSIs were identified, of which 72 (46.8%) occurred in general wards and 82 (53.2%) in ICUs (0.81 and 2.71 per 1,000 catheter days), respectively. Nontunneled CVCs were most common (68.6%) among 70 CLABSI events diagnosed within one week of their maintenance. On the other hand, tunneled CVCs and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were more common (60.5%) among 114 CLABSI events diagnosed more than a week after maintenance. Whereas the majority (72.2%) of CLABSIs in ICUs were associated with non-tunneled CVCs, tunneled CVCs (38.9%) and PICCs (36.8%) were more common in general wards. Conclusion: CLABSIs are less common in general wards than in ICUs, but they are more often associated with long-term indwelling catheters. Therefore, interventions to prevent CLABSIs should be tailored according to the type of ward and type of catheter.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.75-83
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• 2019

Purpose: There are no clear criteria for slip performance in the BF certification process, so the evaluator relies on subjective judgments depending on the field situation. Physical criteria for determining the slip performance of various floor finishes are not clear. C.S.R., the only criterion currently being used to check slip performance, may raise questions about its coverage, feasibility and reliability. Method: For an analysis of domestic standards and status, KS L 1001, KS M 3510, and KS F 2375. External standards are analyzed for ADA Standard, ANSI Standard, and BS EN Standard. Analyze the test methods and evaluation criteria of O-Y-PSM, BPT, and the dynamic slip resistance test used in these criteria. It also presents an improvement plan for the rational presentation of standards. Results: To date, various kinds of test methods and measuring devices of the slip resistance coefficient have been developed, but there are not many ways to trust useful results related to user safety. Reliability and thoroughly verified test methods and criteria should be used to assess the slip performance of the floor. In order to improve the standard for the evaluation of slip performance in Korea, the existing standard should first be raised to the same level as the overseas standard, and the application of the discriminatory standard should be applied considering the characteristics and usage patterns of each space. Implication: Currently, Korean standards propose various test methods, but the proper use of test methods, scope and assessment criteria are not established, so improvement of the comprehensive standard is necessary.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are widely distributed in various organisms. Insect GPCRs shown as in vertebrate GPCRs are membrane receptors that coordinate or involve in various physiological processes such as learning/memory, development, locomotion, circadian rhythm, reproduction, etc. This study aimed to identify GPCRs expressed in fat body and compare the expression pattern of GPCRs in different temperature conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: To identify GPCRs genes and compare their expression in different temperature conditions, total RNAs of fat body in Plutella xylostella larva were extracted and the transcriptomes have been analyzed via next generation sequencing method. From the fat body transcriptomes, genes that belong to GPCR Family A, B, and F were identified such as opsin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, neuropeptide F (NPF) receptor, muthuselah (Mth), diuretic hormone receptor, frizzled, etc. Under low temperature, expressions of GPCRs such as C-C chemokine receptor (CCR), opsin, prolactin-releasing peptide receptor, substance K receptor, Mth-like receptor, diuretic hormone receptor, frizzled and stan were higher than those at 25℃. They are involved in immunity, feeding, movement, odorant recognition, diuresis, and development. In contrast to the control (25℃), at high temperature GPCRs including CCR, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, moody, NPF receptor, neuropeptide B1 receptor, frizzled and stan revealed higher expression whose biological functions are related to immunity, blood-brain barrier formation, feeding, learning, and reproduction. CONCLUSION: Transcriptome of fat body can provide understanding the pools of GPCRs. Identifications of fat body GPCRs may contribute to develop new targets for the control of insect pests.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.105-125
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• 2021

Purpose - This study analyzes the effects that the response to the technical barriers to trade (TBT), which are used by various countries as means to restrict imports, exerts on exports at a time when protectionism is emerging in the face of a global economic downturn. TBT has been widely used in developed countries for the safety and protection of their people. Recently, the use of TBT as a tool of protectionism has increased considerably in developing countries as well. Therefore, this study analyzes the South Korean SMEs' response and export performance. Design/methodology - To analyze SMEs' response to TBT and their export performance, this study conducted empirical analysis through statistical analysis. To this end, the research established a theory based on previous research and designed its hypothesis and research model. To verify the hypothesis and research model, factor analysis addressing validity and reliability was performed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 26, and the structural equation model was analyzed. Findings - This study found the causal relationship between the independent variable, the mediating variable, and the dependent variable adopted against the theoretical background to have little or no effect, in contrast with previous studies. In a break from previous studies, all hypotheses were rejected for innovation strategic competencies, one of the sub-factors of the independent variable, which is believed to be a result of the lack of practical research related to TBT. Originality/value - Previous studies performed analysis using trade statistics or macro data. A number of such studies analyzed the relationship between technical regulation and trade volume. This study differs from previous studies in some respects, because it analyzed the export performance of companies by establishing a hypothesis and implementing a research model with the factors analyzed in previous studies. In addition, a new attempt has been made by classifying the TBT response factors into technology competencies, human resource competencies, and innovation strategic competencies, and utilizing technology innovation and the export support system as mediating effects.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2023

Purpose: Recently, the number of severely mentally ill patients has been increasing rapidly in Korea, but there are no design guidelines for spatial planning of Korea's acute psychiatric wards. The study aims to clarify the areas and required rooms in Korea's acute psychiatric wards which are important in establishing the design guidelines for Korea's acute psychiatric wards. Methods: This study proposed a structural framework based on the results of investigating and analyzing the acute psychiatric ward guidelines in the UK, Australia, and the U.S. and the areas and the required rooms of the wards stipulated in the basic data for establishing acute psychiatric ward design guidelines in Korea. The design guidelines for overseas acute psychiatric wards are 'Adult Acute Mental Health' in the UK, 'Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit' in the Australia, and 'Specific Requirements for Mental Health Hospitals' in the United States. Results: As a result of investigating and analyzing the design guidelines for overseas acute psychiatric wards, the areas of wards applicable to acute wards in domestic psychiatric wards were access, patient, treatment, support, and employee areas. In addition, the required rooms for each area were defined around major considerations such as visibility, convenience, comfort, security, safety, patient observation, barrier-free design, and privacy protection. Implications: The results of the study will be presented as a structural framework and basic data for establishing design guidelines for Korea's acute psychiatric wards, which is still absent.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.414-427
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• 2023

Implantable bioabsorbable combination products undergo inherent degradation and systemic absorption within the physiological environment, thereby streamlining the therapeutic regimen and obviating the imperative for invasive extraction procedures. This inherent property not only enhances patient convenience and therapeutic efficacy but also underpins a paradigm of support characterized by heightened safety parameters. Within the regulatory landscapes of Korea, the United States, and Europe, implantable bioabsorbable combination products are meticulously classified into distinct categories, either as pharmaceutical implants or as implantable medical devices, depending on their primary mode of action. This scholarly investigation systematically examines the regulatory frameworks governing implantable bioabsorbable combination products in South Korea, the United States, and Europe. Notable discrepancies across national jurisdictions emerge concerning regulatory specifics, including terminology, product classification, and product name associated with these products. The conspicuous absence of standardized approval regulations presents a formidable barrier to the commercialization of these advanced medical devices. This academic discourse passionately emphasizes the critical need for formulating and implementing a sophisticated regulatory framework capable of streamlining the product approval process, thereby paving the way for a seamless path to commercializing implantable bioabsorbable combination products.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1854-1862
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• 2024

This study aims to investigate the strain-dependent-deformation property of Gyeongju bentonite buffer material. A series of unconfined compressive tests were performed with cylindrical specimens prepared at varying dry densities (𝜌_d = 1.58 g/cm³ to 1.74 g/cm³) using cold isostatic pressing technique. It is found that as 𝜌_d increase, the unconfined compressive strength (q_u), failure strain, and elastic modulus (E) of Gyeongju compacted bentonite (GCB) increases. Normalized elastic modulus (E_sec/E_max) degradation curves of GCB specimens are fitted using Ramberg-Osgood model and the elastic threshold strain (𝜀_e,th) is determined through the fitted curves. The strain-dependency of E and Poisson's ratio (v) of GCB were observed. E and v were measured constant below 𝜀_e,th of 0.14 %. Then, E decreases while v increases after exceeding the strain threshold. The E_sec/E_max degradation curves of GCB in this study suggests wider linear range and higher linearity than those of sedimentary clay in previous study. On top of that, the influence of 𝜌_d is observed on E_sec/E_max degradation curves of GCB, showing a slight increase in 𝜀_e,th with increase in 𝜌_d. Furthermore, an empirical model of q_u with 𝜌_d and a correlation model between q_u and E are proposed for Gyeongju bentonite buffer materials.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.63-75
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• 2012

This paper gives some basic requirements and preferences of various geological environmental conditions for the final deep geological repository of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). This study also indicates how the requirements and preferences are to be considered prior to the selection of sites for a site investigation as well as the final disposal in Korea. The results of the study are based on the knowledge and experience from the IAEA and NEA/OECD as well as the advanced countries in SNF disposal project. This study discusses and suggests preliminary guideline of the disposal requirements including geological, mechanical, thermal, hydrogeological, chemical and transport properties of host rock with long term geological stabilities which influence the functions of a multi-barrier disposal system. To apply and determine whether requirements and preferences for a given parameter are satisfied at different stages during a site selection and suitability assessment of a final disposal site, the quantitative criteria in each area should be formulated with credibility through relevant research and development efforts for the deep geological environment during the site screening and selection processes as well as specific studies such as productions of safety cases and validation studies using a generic underground research laboratory (URL) in Korea.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.4 s.48
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• pp.533-541
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• 2004

Atopic dermatitis, also called congenital fever, is a allergic eczema of chronic itching disease. It is a recurrent and familial disease and appears on a wide age group from infant to adult. It is very common, and the ratio of occurrence is about $9{\~}l2\%$ of a child. However. it is showing trend of continuous increase by social and natural environment, food culture, and life style, recently. The human skin plays a barrier role against a physical and chemical stimulus from external environment. According to the latest study, the decreased amount of ceramide in horny layer impairs the bier function and moisture-maintaining function of skin in atopic dematitis patient. Ceramide is a kind of the sphingolipid in which a fatty acid is connected to sphingosin. Ceramide constitutes about $40\%$ of total lipid between keratinocytes and has the function of defense wall and building regular structure to suppress moisture vaporization in horny layer. In horny layer of skin a comified cell is composed of multi-layer structure of a brick shape, and, as for this cornified cell, it is strongly connected by ceramide, cholesterol, and free fatty acid. Here, we described the effects of a cream containing ceramide on the recovery of skin harrier function of atopic dermatitis patient. The safety and efficacy of latex and liquid formula were evaluated as cosmetics for atopic dermatitis. The latex products was composed of intercellular lipid components-ceramide, cholesterol, and free fatty acid-to restore skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis patients. The liquid one contained beta-glucan, magnolia extracts, and licolice extracts, which have skin immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also confirmed that their possibility on new cosmetic market of atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 2013

Poly (ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), which is likely to be widely used in various application due to good barrier properties, is manufactured by condensation polymerization of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene dicarboxylate (2,6-NDC) or 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (2,6-NDA) with ethylene glycol. In this study, an analytical method to determine monomers in food simulants, which might migrate from PEN food contact materials into food, was developed. The HPLC-UV method was validated for 2,6-NDC and 2,6-NDA. The obtained validation parameters were selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, precision and recovery. The simultaneous HPLC method was considered the be most effective analytical method to determine 2,6-NDC and 2,6-NDA in food simulants.