• Title/Summary/Keyword: climate action

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Effects of Heat Wave on Body Temperature and Blood Pressure in the Poor and Elderly

  • Kim, Young-Min;Kim, So-Yeon;Cheong, Hae-Kwan;Ahn, Byun-Gok;Choi, Kyu-Sik
    • Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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    • v.27
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    • pp.13.1-13.10
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    • 2012
  • Objectives: We aimed to investigate the acute effects of heat stress on body temperature and blood pressure of elderly individuals living in poor housing conditions. Methods: Repeated measurements of the indoor temperature, relative humidity, body temperature, and blood pressure were conducted for 20 elderly individuals living in low-cost dosshouses in Seoul during hot summer days in 2010. Changes in the body temperature, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) according to variations in the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA controlling for age, sex, alcohol, and smoking. Results: Average indoor and outdoor temperatures were $31.47^{\circ}C$ (standard deviation [SD], $0.97^{\circ}C$) and $28.15^{\circ}C$ (SD, $2.03^{\circ}C$), respectively. Body temperature increased by $0.21^{\circ}C$ (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to $0.26^{\circ}C$) and $0.07^{\circ}C$ (95% CI, 0.04 to $0.10^{\circ}C$) with an increase in the indoor and outdoor temperature of $1^{\circ}C$. DBP decreased by 2.05 mmHg (95% CI, 0.05 to 4.05 mmHg), showing a statistical significance, as the indoor temperature increased by $1^{\circ}C$, while it increased by 0.20 mmHg (95% CI, -0.83 to 1.22 mmHg) as outdoor temperature increased by $1^{\circ}C$. SBP decreased by 1.75 mmHg (95% CI, -1.11 to 4.61 mmHg) and 0.35 mmHg (95% CI, -1.04 to 1.73 mmHg), as the indoor and outdoor temperature increased by $1^{\circ}C$, respectively. The effects of relative humidity on SBP and DBP were not statistically significant for both indoor and outdoor. Conclusions: The poor and elderly are directly exposed to heat waves, while their vital signs respond sensitively to increase in temperature. Careful adaptation strategies to climate change considering socioeconomic status are therefore necessary.

An Experimental Study on the Performance of RC Beam according to the Rapid Freezing and Thawing Test Method in the Air (기중 급속 동결 융해 시험 방법에 따른 철근콘크리트 보의 성능 실험 연구)

  • Kim, Sang-Woo;Lee, Dong-Ju;Kim, Kyeong-Min;Kim, Jin-Sup
    • Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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    • v.25 no.4
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    • pp.46-55
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    • 2021
  • Concrete structures can cause various problems as the number of common years increases when exposed to external extreme climate conditions. Among these problems, freezing and thawing occur due to the action of extreme climate factors such as heavy rain and heavy snow, which have become the most problematic in recent years. In this study, we present a rapid freezing and thawing test method of concrete in the air, referring to KS F 2456, as Seoul exhibits very dry weather during the period of freezing and thawing. Concrete test specimens and RC beams were fabricated to perform rapid freezing and thawing of 0, 100, 200, and 300 cycles, and the performance evaluation confirmed the degradation of each subject in material and member units. The design strength of 24 MPa, which performs rapid freezing and thawing in the air up to 300 cycles, decreases by 5.24 MPa (21%), and as rapid freezing and thawing in the air increases the stress burden on reinforced concrete bending members, reducing the energy absorption (dissipation) ability of structures due to earthquakes.

A Methodology for Selection of Habitat Management Areas for Amphibians and Reptiles Considering Soil Loss (토양유실을 고려한 양서파충류의 서식지 관리지역 선정방법)

  • Kim, Ji-Yeon;Lee, Dong-Kun;Mo, Yong-Won
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.21 no.6
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    • pp.55-69
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    • 2018
  • As disaster risk and climate change volatility increase, there are more efforts to adapt to disasters such as forest fires, floods, and landslides. Most of the research, however, is about influence of human activities on disaster and there is few research on disaster adaptation for species. Previous studies focusing on biodiversity in selecting conservation areas have not addressed threats of disaster in the habitats for species. The natural disasters sometimes play role of drivers of ecological successions in the long run, but they might cause serious problems for the conservation of vulnerable species which are endangered. The purpose of this study is to determine whether soil loss (SL) is effective in selecting habitat management areas for amphibians and reptiles. RUSLE model was used to calculate soil loss (SL) and the distribution of each species (SD) was computed with MaxEnt model to find out the biodiversity index. In order to select the habitat management area, we estimated the different results depending if value of soil loss was applied or not by using MARXAN, a conservation priority selection tool. With using MARXAN, conservation goals can be achieved according to the scenario objectives, and the study has been made to meet the minimum habitat area. Finally, the results are expressed in two; 1) the result of soil loss and biodiversity with MATRIX method and 2) the result of regional difference calculated with MARXAN conservation prioritization considering soil loss. The first result indicates that the area with high soil loss and low species diversity have lower conservation values and thus can be managed as natural disturbances. In the area where soil loss is high and species diversity is also high, it becomes where a disaster mitigation action should be taken for the species. According to the conservation priorities of the second result, higher effectiveness of conservation was obtained with fewer area when it considered SL in addition to SD, compared to when considered only biodiversity. When the SL was not taken into consideration, forest area with high distribution of species were important, but when SL considered, the agricultural area or downstream of the river were represented to be a major part of habitats. If more species data or disaster parameters other than soil loss are added as variables later, it could contribute as a reference material for decision-making to achieve various purposes.

Estimation of Modification Factor for Scale Effect of the Front of Flood Wave Propagation (홍수파 선단의 축척효과에 대한 보정계수 산정)

  • Jeong, Seok-il;Kim, Soo young;Lee, Seung Oh
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.17 no.6
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    • pp.39-44
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    • 2016
  • Recently, there has been increasing concern regarding the collapse of hydraulic structures due to abnormal climate conditions. Therefore, numerous studies of the collapse of hydraulic structures have been carried out. In particular, the velocity of the propagation of a flood wave-front is important for predicting the inundation safety and establishing an EAP (Emergency Action Plan). Although many hydraulic tests have been conducted for precise predictions of a flood wave-front, the scale effect from downsizing has not considered. In this study, the relationships between surface tension and the concentration of surfactant, between surface tension and the velocity of flood wave propagation, and between surface tension and the Weber Number were derived through hydraulic tests using a surfactant and image analysis equipment. Based on these relations, the modification factor for the scale effect of the front of flood wave propagation was suggested. The results highlight the necessity of a modification factor when the Weber Number is lower than 12.2, but the scale effect can be ignored when the Weber Number over 12.2.

A Design and Implementation of Control and Management System for Water Culture Device using Solar Tracking Method (광원 트래킹 기법을 이용한 수경재배기 제어 관리 시스템 설계 및 구현)

  • Park, Sung-Kyun;Jung, Se-Hoon;Oh, Min-Joo;Sim, Chun-Bo;Park, Dong-Gook;You, Kang-Soo
    • The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.231-242
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    • 2014
  • It is throwing the spotlight on the cultivation crops about high quality crops and productivity improvement per unit area because of rapid climate change caused by global warming. Therefore, we propose a water culture management of circulation nutrient method control system applies to solar tracking method not using traditional method of deep flow technique and artificial light source. We design it in the form of the circulation nutrient method in waterway of a certain amount of nutrient solution and water flowed into the way of circular. In addition, we design a multistage structure in pyramid shape which be possible continuous photosynthesis action to crops of water culture bottom part. Also, solar tracking method is designed five sensor method of center hole sensor method for tracking shadow of solar light not using traditional two hole, four hole sensor method. Finally, through the water culture device applies to solar light tracking method was not introduced in existing study yet, we can reduce growth speed of crops which be possible continuous photosynthesis action to crops. Moreover, We can expect high productivity of per unit area which be possible all crops can be offered growth environment of same type by using form of pyramid shape of multistage structure without top or bottom part.

Differences in Environmental Behavior Practice Experience according to the Level of Environmental Literacy Factors (환경소양 요인별 수준에 따른 환경행동 실천 경험의 차이)

  • Yoonkyung Kim;Jihoon Kang;Dongyoung Lee
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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    • v.16 no.1
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    • pp.153-165
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    • 2023
  • This study investigates learners' environmental literacy, classifies the results by factors of environmental literacy, and then investigates the differences in the students' environmental behavior practice experiences according to the classification by factor. The study was conducted with 47 6th grade students from D elementary school located in P metropolitan city as the subject of final analysis, and environmental literacy questionnaires and environmental behavior practice experience questionnaires were used as the main data. As a result of the study, the learners were classified into three groups according to the factors of environmental literacy, and they were respectively named as the "High environmental literacy group", "low environmental literacy group", and "Low Function and Affectif group". A Word network was formed using the descriptions of environmental behavior practice experiences for each cluster, and a Degree Centrality Analysis was performed to visualize and then analyze. As a result of the analysis, "High environmental literacy group" was confirmed, 1) recognized the subjects of environmental action practice as individuals and families, 2) described his experience of environmental action practice in relation to all elements of environmental literacy, and had a relatively pessimistic view. "low environmental literacy group", and "Low Function and Affectif group" were confirmed 1) perceive the subject of environmental behavior practice as a relatively social problem, 2) the description of the experience of environmental behavior practice is relatively biased specific factors, and the "Low Function and Affectif group" is particularly focused on the knowledge element. And 3) it was confirmed that they were aware of climate change from a relatively optimistic perspective. Based on this conclusion, suggestions were made from the perspective of environmental education.

A Study on Selection of Optimal Shelters according to Dam Break Scenario Based on Continuous Rainfall Event (연속호우사상기반의 댐 붕괴 시나리오에 따른 최적대피소 선정에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Kyunghun;Lim, Jonghun;Kim, Hung Soo;Shin, Soeng Cheol
    • KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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    • v.43 no.4
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    • pp.433-447
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    • 2023
  • There is a growing demand for the stability of existing dams due to abnormal climate and the aging of dams. Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for reservoir or dam failure only consider a single rainfall event. Therefore, this study simulates dam failure caused by continuous rainfall events, and proposes the establishment of EAP by selecting the optimal shelters. We define a mega rainfall event scenario caused by continuous rainfall events with 500-year frequency in the Chungju Dam watershed and estimate the mega flood. The mega flood event scenario is divided into two cases: scenario A represents the flooding case caused by discharge release from a dam, while scenario B is the case of a dam break. As a result of flood inundation analysis, the flooded damage area by the scenario A is 50.06 km2 and the area by the scenario B is 6.1 times of scenario A (307.45 km2). We select optimal shelters for each administrative region in the city of Chungju, which has the highest inundation rate in the urban area. Seven shelter evaluation indicators from domestic and foreign shelter selection criteria are chosen, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to evaluate the alternatives. As a result of the optimal shelter selection, the six shelters are selected and five are schools. This study considers continuous rainfall events for inundation analysis and selection of optimal shelters. Also, the results of this study could be used as a reference for establishment of the EAP.

Development and Prospects of Environmental Health Indicators in Korea (우리나라 환경보건지표 개발현황과 전망)

  • Lee, Young-Mee;Jung, Soon-Won;Choi, Wookhee;Park, Kyung-Hwa;Lee, Chul-Woo;Yu, Seung-Do;Park, Choong-Hee
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.42 no.5
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    • pp.293-301
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    • 2016
  • Objectives: This paper presents the current development progress of environmental health indicators (EHIs) in the Republic of Korea and discusses the utilization, limitations and prospects of EHIs. Methods: The development process and assessment criteria of EHIs were established based on the DPSEEA (Driving force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action) framework with reference to that of the World Health Organization-Europe. In order to explore the applicability of EHIs, a case study was performed to compare the atmospheric environmental health status between the Republic of Korea and European region countries using six indicators. Results: Through the development process, 23 indicators in five areas including air quality, indoor air quality, climate change, chemicals, and water quality were developed, mostly using national statistical data. As a result of the case study comparing environmental health indicators in air quality between the Republic of Korea and Europe, it could be useful to understand the different situation of air pollution source, emission, exposure and health effects. Conclusion: In order for EHIs to compare environmental health status and be used as an environmental health policy development tool for vulnerable areas and related factors, it is necessary to develop further indicators for various issues other than air quality and conduct additional research on their interpretation and related implications, such as policy implementation effects.

Theoretical modelling of post - buckling contact interaction of a drill string with inclined bore-hole surface

  • Gulyayev, V.I.;Andrusenko, E.N.;Shlyun, N.V.
    • Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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    • v.49 no.4
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    • pp.427-448
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    • 2014
  • At present, the time of easy oil and gas is over. Now, the largest part of fossil fuels is concentrated in the deepest levels of tectonic structures and in the sea shelves. One of the most cumbersome operations of their extraction is the bore-hole drilling. In connection with austere tectonic and climate conditions, their drivage every so often is associated with great and diversified technological difficulties causing emergencies on frequent occasions. As a rule, they are linked with drill string accidents. A key role in prediction of these situations should play methods of theoretical modelling. For this reason, there is a growing need for development and implementation of new numerical methods for computer simulation of critical and post-critical behavior of drill strings (DSs). In this paper, the processes of non-linear deforming of a DS in cylindrical cavity of a deep bore-hole are considered. On the basis of the theory of curvilinear flexible rods, non-linear constitutive differential equations are deduced. The effects of the longitudinal non-uniform preloading, action of torque and interaction between the DS and the bore-hole surface are taken into account. Owing to the use of curvilinear coordinates in the constraining cylindrical surface and a specially chosen concomitant reference frame, it became possible to separate the desired variables and to reduce the total order of the equation system. To solve it, the method of continuation the solution by parameter and the transfer matrix technique are applied. As a result of the completed numerical analysis, the critical states of the DS loading in the cylindrical channels of inclined bore-holes are found. It is shown that the modes of the post-critical deforming of the DS are associated with its irregular spiral curving prevailing in the zone of bottom-hole-assembly. The possibility of invariant state generation during post-critical deforming is established, condition of its bifurcation is formulated. It is shown that infinite variety of loads can correspond to one geometrical configuration of the DS. They differ each from other by contact force functions.

Optimal Design of Submarine Pipeline for Intake and Discharge of Seawater Desalination Facilities (해수 담수화 설비의 취수 및 배출수 해저 배관 최적화 설계)

  • Choi, Gwangmin;Han, Inseop
    • Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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    • v.31 no.6
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    • pp.599-609
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    • 2017
  • Desalination plants have been recently constructed in many parts of the world due to water scarcity caused by population growth, industrialization and climate change. Most seawater desalination plants are designed with a submarine pipeline for intake and discharge. Submarine pipelines are installed directly on the bottom of the water body if the bottom is sandy and flat. Intake is located on a low-energy shoreline with minimal exposure to beach erosion, heavy storms, typhoons, tsunamis, or strong underwater currents. Typically, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipes are used in such a configuration. Submarine pipelines cause many problems when they are not properly designed; HDPE pipelines can be floated or exposed to strong currents and wind or tidal action. This study examines the optimal design method for the trench depth of pipeline, analysis of on-bottom stability and dilution of the concentrate based on the desalination plant conducted at the Pacific coast of Peru, Chilca. As a result of this study, the submarine pipeline should be trenched at least below 1.8 m. The same direction of pipeline with the main wind is a key factor to achieve economic stability. The concentrate should be discharged as much as high position to yield high dilution rate.