• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.30-37
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• 2023

The PSCB girder bridge is a closed cross-section in which the top and bottom flanges and the web are integrated, and the structural characteristics are generally different from the bridges in which the girder and the floor plate are separated, so a maintenance plan that reflects the characteristics of the PSCB girder bridge is required. As a result of analyzing damage types by collecting detailed safety diagnosis reports of highway PSCB girder bridges, most of the deterioration and damage occurring during use is concentrated on the top flange. In particular, cracks in the bridge direction on the underside of the top flange occurred in about 70 % of the PSCB girder bridges to be analyzed, and these cracks were judged to be caused by indirect loads such as heat of hydration and drying shrinkage rather than structural cracks caused by external loads. In order to improve durability and reduce maintenance costs of PSCB girder bridges in use, it is necessary to control restraint drying shrinkage cracks from the design stage. Therefore, in this paper, the cracks caused by drying shrinkage under restraint, which is the main cause of cracks under the flanges of the top part of the PSCB girder bridge, were directly calculated using the Gilbert Model, and the influencing factors such as the amount of reinforcing bars, diameter and spacing of reinforcing bars were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the crack width caused by restraint drying shrinkage exceeded the allowable crack width of 0.2 mm for reinforcing bars with a reinforcing bar ratio of 0.01 or less based on the H16 reinforcing bar and a reinforcing bar with a diameter greater than H19 based on the reinforcing bar ratio of 0.01. Finally, based on the results of the crack width review, a method for controlling the crack width of the top flange of the PSCB girder bridge was proposed.

• Korean small business review
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.65-86
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• 2019

This study empirically analyzed how the elements of entrepreneurship and the fear of entrepreneurial failure influence entrepreneurial intention with each other in a situation that encourages startups. In particular, the moderating effect of fear of entrepreneurial failure was verified by dividing the fear of entrepreneurial failure into three sub-variables: fear of financial loss, fear of psychological loss, and fear of career loss. As a result, it was found that proactiveness and risk-taking had a positive effect on entrepreneurial intention, but innovativeness did not. Fear of entrepreneurial failure(all of sub-variables) was found to have no significantly moderating effect on the relationship between entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention. Therefore it seemed to have a negative effect as a independent variable. However, considering the regression coefficient(β) is positive or negative depending on the interaction terms of the sub-variables of fear of entrepreneurial failure and the entrepreneurship, it could be inferred that the moderating effect could be positive or negative. Based on this research results, a sophisticated entrepreneurship education program to inspire entrepreneurship and lower the fear of failure is needed in order to promote startups. And at the same time, a social safety net construction plan to reduce the fear of entrepreneurial failure needs to be prepared.

• Analyses & Alternatives
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.31-69
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• 2018

This study examines the role of science in resolving trade disputes. After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 that not only jeopardized the people of Japan, but also put the safety of an entire region at risk, the Republic of Korea (Korea) has imposed import bans as well as increased testing and certification requirements for radioactive material on Japanese food products. Japan has challenged these restrictions at the World Trade Organizations Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). This study aims to explain how international trade agreements and previous DSB rulings have dealt with different scientific viewpoints provided by confronting parties. In doing so, it will contrast the viewpoints espoused by Korean and Japanese representatives, and then analyzes the most similar case studies previously ruled on by the DSB, including the case of beef hormones and the case of genetically modified crops including biotech corn, both between the United States and the European Communities (EC). This study finds that science is largely subordinate to national interests in the case of state decision-making within the dispute settlement processes, and science has largely been relegated to a supportive role. Due to the ambiguity and lack of truly decisive decisions in the Appellate Body in science-based trade disputes, this study concludes that the Appellate Body avoids taking a firm scientific position in cases where science is still inconclusive in any capacity. Due to the panel's unwillingness to establish expert review boards as it has the power to do, instead favoring an individual-based system so that all viewpoints can be heard, it has also developed a system with its own unique weaknesses. Similar to any court of law in which each opposing party defends its own interests, each side brings whatever scientific evidence it can to defend its position, incentivizing them to disregard scientific conclusions unfavorable to their position. With so many questions that can arise, combined with the problems of evolving science, questions of risk, and social concerns in democratic society, it is no wonder that the panel views scientific information provided by the experts as secondary to the legal and procedural issues. Despite being ruled against the EC on legal issues in two previous cases, the EC essentially won both times because the panel did not address whether its science was correct or not. This failure to conclusively resolve a debate over whose science is more scientific enabled the EC to simply fix the procedural issues, while continuing to enforce trade restrictions based on their scientific evidence. Based on the analysis of the two cases of disputes, Korea may also find itself guilty of imposing an unwarranted moratorium on Japan's fish exports, only to subsequently pass new restrictions on labelling and certification requirements because Japan may have much scientific evidence at its disposal. However, Korea might be able to create enough uncertainty in the panel to force them to rule exclusively on the legal issues of the case. This will then equip Korea, like the EC in the past, with a way of working around the ruling, by changing whatever legal procedure they need to while maintaining some, if not most, of its restrictions when the panel fails to address its case on scientific grounds.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.111-116
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• 2023

Background: In Indonesia, the prevalence of cleft lip and palate increased from 0.08% to 0.12% between 2013 and 2018. Children with cleft deformities typically undergo staged surgery. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had negative impacts on the healthcare sector, including the suspension of elective procedures; this has raised concerns about the safety of performing surgery and the functional consequences of delaying treatment, the latter of which is associated with poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to report the characteristics of clefts treated by the Bandung Cleft Lip and Palate Center team during the pandemic period. Methods: This brief comparative study based on a chart review was conducted at the Bandung Cleft Lip and Palate Center. We statistically evaluated data from all patients treated between September 2018 and August 2021. Frequency analysis was performed to analyze the average number of each procedure by age before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Data from 18-month periods before (n= 460) and during (n= 423) the pandemic were compared. Cheiloplasty procedures were examined (pre-pandemic, n= 230; pandemic, n= 248); before the pandemic, 86.1% were performed according to the treatment protocol (patient < 1 year old), and this proportion non-significantly dropped to 80.6% during the pandemic (p= 0.904). Palatoplasty procedures were also compared (pre-pandemic, n= 160; pandemic, n= 139); the treatment protocol (patient 0.5-2 years old) was followed for 65.5% of procedures before the pandemic and 75.5% during the pandemic (p= 0.509). Additionally, 70 (mean age, 7.94 years) revision and other procedures were performed before the pandemic and 36 (mean age, 8.52 years) during the pandemic. Conclusion: The cleft procedures performed at the Bandung Cleft Lip and Palate Center did not significantly change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.78-95
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the results of the 2022 Gyeonggi-do Oriental Medicine Fertility Treatment Support Project, review the outcomes and satisfaction of Oriental Medicine fertility support initiatives, and propose progressive fertility treatment support strategies by comparing them with the results of the past three years. Methods: Total of 242 women and 205 spouses participated in the Korean Medicine fertility treatment support project, which encompassed herbal medicine, acupuncture, and counseling treatments over a 3-month period, followed by a 3-month post-treatment follow-up. Data pertaining to patients' general, demographic, and fertility-related characteristics were collected before treatment initiation. During treatment, information regarding the treatments administered by Korean medical doctors was recorded, along with post-treatment outcomes and satisfaction levels. Safety assessments included pre- and post-treatment blood tests and monitoring for adverse events. Results: Among the 242 female subjects, 209 successfully completed the treatment program. Of these, 35 (16.7%) achieved pregnancy, with 30 (15%) attaining pregnancy through herbal monotherapy. Out of the 35 pregnancies, 17 were maintained, while 10 resulted in miscarriage. Notably, 83.8% of patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. An analysis spanning three years revealed a continuous increase in the average age of patients, surpassing 38 years in 2022, a critical point in fertility decline age. Additionally, there was a notable rise in the prevalence of patients with a history of gynecological issues, advanced spouse age, and semen abnormalities, which is assumed to have contributed to the decrease in the pregnancy success rate. Conclusions: This study compares the clinical results of the 2022 Gyeonggi-do Korean Medicine Fertility Treatment Support Project with those of the past three years. Based on these findings, recommendations are made to enhance the project, including stricter age criteria for patient selection, enhanced specialized treatment tools for medical doctors, and combining Korean Medicine treatment and medical assisted reproductive technologies, all aimed at increasing pregnancy success rates. These results provide a foundation for the development of fertility support projects and related policies.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.496-504
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• 2023

Countries worldwide are striving to find new sources of sustainable energy without carbon emission due to the increasing impact of global warming. With the advancement of the fourth industrial revolution on a global scale, there has been a substantial rise in energy demand. Simultaneously, there is a growing emphasis on utilizing energy sources with minimal or zero carbon content to ensure a stable power supply while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this comprehensive overview, a comparative analysis of carbon reduction policies of government was conducted. Based on international carbon neutrality scenarios and the presence of remaining thermal power generation, it can be categorized into two types: "Rapid" and "Safety". For the domestic scenario, the projected power demand and current greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with "The 10th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand" was examined. Considering all these factors, an overview of the current status of carbon neutrality technologies by focusing on the energy sector, encompassing transitions, hydrogen, transportation and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) was offered followed by summarization of key technological trends and government-driven policies. Furthermore, the central aspects of the domestic carbon reduction strategy were proposed by taking account of current mega trends in the energy sector which are highlighted in international scenario analyses.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.32-41
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• 2024

In the construction industry, not only safety accidents, but also various complex risks such as construction delays, cost increases, and environmental pollution occur, and management technologies are needed to solve them. Among them, process risk management, which directly affects the project, lacks related information compared to its importance. This study tried to develop a MATM tunnel process risk classification system to solve the difficulty of risk information retrieval due to the use of different classification systems for each project. Risk collection used existing literature review and experience mining techniques, and DB construction utilized the concept of natural language processing. For the structure of the classification system, the existing WBS structure was adopted in consideration of compatibility of data, and an RBS linked to the work species of the WBS was established. As a result of the research, a risk classification system was completed that easily identifies risks by work type and intuitively reveals risk characteristics and risk factors linked to risks. As a result of verifying the usability of the established classification system, it was found that the classification system was effective as risks and risk factors for each work type were easily identified by user input of keywords. Through this study, it is expected to contribute to preventing an increase in cost and construction period by identifying risks according to work types in advance when planning and designing NATM tunnels and establishing countermeasures suitable for those factors.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.42-49
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• 2024

In recent years, the construction industry has diligently focused on improving the quality and safety of buildings through smart technologies. However, there is a growing trend of leakage defects, especially in educational facilities, due to aging. The objective of this study is to analyze the causes of these defects in educational environments using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) technique and propose preventive measures based on the findings. The FTA technique is explained through a review of domestic literature, and data from the Educational Support Center from 2019 to 2021 are examined to identify major defects. The construction of the Fault Tree (FT) for leakage defects resulted in the identification of 12 basic events. Subsequently, a comprehensive understanding of the causes of leakage is achieved through FTA analysis, leading to the identification of the primary causes of defects. Leakage defects accounted for 46.8% of all reported issues in educational facilities, with roof (ceiling) leaks being the most common problem. FTA analysis revealed that poor substrate treatment was the main cause of roof (ceiling) leaks, which could be attributed to cracks in the waterproof layer, joint cracks, and microvoids in the waterproof layer. The primary achievement of this research is to provide essential data for preventing leakage defects in educational facilities and developing preventive measures through the FTA technique. These results are expected to significantly enhance the management of educational facilities and the prevention of leakage issues.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.89-103
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• 2024

In the disposal environment, gases can be generated at the interface between canister and buffer due to various factors such as anaerobic corrosion, radiolysis, and microbial degradation. If the gas generation rate exceeds the diffusion rate, the gas within the buffer may compress, resulting in physical damage to the buffer due to the increased pore pressure. In particular, the rapid movement of gases, known as gas breakthroughs, through the dilatancy pathway formed during this process may lead to releasing radionuclide. Therefore, understanding these gas generation and movement mechanism is essential for the safety assessment of the disposal systems. In this study, an experimental apparatus for investigating gas migration within buffer was constructed based on a literature review. Subsequently, a gas injection experiment was conducted on a compacted bentonite block made of Bentonile WRK (Clariant Ltd.) powder. The results clearly demonstrated a sharp increase in stress and pressure typically observed at the onset of gas breakthrough within the buffer. Additionally, the range of stresses induced by the swelling phenomenon of the buffer, was 4.7 to 9.1 MPa. The apparent gas entry pressure was determined to be approximately 7.8 MPa. The equipment established in this study is expected to be utilized for various experiments aimed at building a database on the initial properties of buffer and the conditions during gas injection, contributing to understanding the gas migration phenomena.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.104-126
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• 2024

Buffer and backfill play an essential role in isolating high-level radioactive waste and retard the migration of leaked radionuclides in deep geological disposal system. A bentonite mixture, which exhibits a swelling property, is considered for buffer and backfill materials, and excessive groundwater inflow from surrounding rock mass may affect stability and efficiency of their role as an engineered barrier. Therefore, stringent quality control as well as in-situ installation management and inflow water constrol for buffer and backfill are required to ensure the safety of deep disposal facilities. In this study, we analyzed the design requirements of buffer and backfill by examining various laboratory tests and a field study of the Steel Tunnel Test at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory in Sweden. We introduced how to control the quality of buffer and backfill construction in-field, and also presented how to handle excessive groundwater inflow into disposal caverns, validating the groundwater retention capacity of bentonite pellets and the effectiveness of geotexile use.