• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 1999.10a
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• pp.132-132
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• 1999

In the cosmetics field, facial skins have been classified into four types according to self estimation as well as physiological parameters. The aim of this study is to understand skin condition in the levels and composition of stratum corneum (SC) lipids, and to propose new classification for skin types. We assessed the relationship between the SC lipid composition and the self-estimated skin types or physiological parameters of the skin. Sensitive skin has been of great concern over the last decades, and it should be recognized as a skin type. Therefore, we also investigated the influence of the SC lipid composition on variations of sensitivity evaluated by the Stinging Test. Fifty-five healthy Japanese women aged 22-44 participated in this study. Skin biopsies were taken from facial skin using polyethylene sheet with cyanoacrylate. SC lipids were extracted and separated into individual lipid classes. The combined ceramides and cholesterol were quantified by HPTLC. Free fatty acid was quantified according to the ACS-ACOD method. Instrumental measurements were made at the site around the biopsy. In addition, the Stinging Test and a sensory evaluation questionnaire were administered to all subjects. The generally recognized O-D skin type classification is dependent on the consumer`s subjective assessment with respect to their skin troubles. The product of hydration state and skin surface lipid level showed a significant correlation with self-estimated skin types. The oily-dry skin type classified according to physiological parameters as well as SC lipid levels should be characterized as delicate skin with its barrier function deteriorating in the winter. Two groups of sensitive skin were established. One is the barrier function of the skin is deteriorated, and another is the sebaceous gland activity is in decline.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cadmium is a toxic metal that is an occupational and environmental concern especially because of its human carcinogenicity; it induces serious adverse effects in various organs and tissues. Even low levels of exposure to cadmium could be harmful owing to its extremely long half-life in the body. Cadmium intoxication may be prevented by the consumption of dietary components that potentially reduce its accumulation in the body. Dietary chitosan is a polysaccharide derived from animal sources; it has been known for its ability to bind to divalent cations including cadmium, in addition to other beneficial effects including hypocholesterolemic and anticancer effects. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of dietary chitosan in reducing cadmium accumulation using an in vivo system. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cadmium was administered orally at 2 mg (three times per week) to three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats: control, low-dose, and high-dose (0, 3, and 5%, respectively) chitosan diet groups for eight weeks. Cadmium accumulation, as well as tissue functional and histological changes, was determined. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, rats fed the chitosan diet showed significantly lower levels of cadmium in blood and tissues including the kidneys, liver, and femur. Biochemical analysis of liver function including the determination of aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels showed that dietary chitosan reduced hepatic tissue damage caused by cadmium intoxication and prevented the associated bone disorder. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that dietary chitosan has the potential to reduce cadmium accumulation in the body as well as protect liver function and bone health against cadmium intoxication.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.583-592
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• 2018

Recently, concern has arisen regarding the lowering of groundwater levels in the hinterland caused by the development of high-capacity radial collector wells in riverbank filtration areas. In this study, groundwater levels are estimated using Modflow software in relation to the water volume pumped by the radial collector well in Anseongcheon Stream. Using the water volume data, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed to determine the amount of water that can be withdrawn while minimizing the reduction of groundwater level. We estimate that increasing the pumping rate of the horizontal well HW-6, which is drilled parallel to the stream direction, is necessary to minimize the reduction of groundwater levels in wells OW-7 and OB-11. We also note that the number of input data and the classification of training and test data affect the results of the ANN model. This type of approach, which supplements ANN modeling with observed data, should contribute to the future groundwater management of hinterland areas.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

Objective: Significant concerns have been raised over chemical exposure and potential health risks such as increased cancer mortality among laboratory workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall exposure and unit task exposure levels of researchers in organic synthesis laboratories at universities. Methods: Seventy-seven personal Time-weighted average(TWA) samples and 139 task-based samples from four organic synthesis laboratories at two universities were collected over three days. The concentrations of acetone, chloroform, dichloromethane(DCM), diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, tetrahydrofuran(THF), benzene, toluene, and xylene were determined using the GC-FID. Results: The most frequently used chemicals in the laboratories were acetone, DCM, n-hexane, methanol, and THF. Carcinogens such as benzene, chloroform, and DCM were used in one or more laboratories. The TWA full-shift exposures of researchers to acetone was the highest(ND-59.3 ppm). Benzene was observed above the occupational exposure limit in 18-40% of the samples. The levels of exposure to organic solvents were statistically different by task(p<0.05), while washing task was the highest. Washing was not perceived as a part of the real lab tasks. Rather it was considered as simple dish-washing or experimental preparation and performed in an open sink where exposure to organic solvents was unavoidable. TWAs and task-based concentrations were compared by substance, which suggests that TWA-based assessment could not reflect short-term and high concentration exposures. Conclusions: Laboratory workers may be exposed to various organic solvents at levels of concern. TWA-based measurement alone cannot guarantee holistic exposure assessment among lab workers as their exposures are very dependent on their tasks. Further investigation and characterization for specific tasks and overall chronic exposures will help protect lab workers from unnecessary exposure to chemicals while they perform research.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2021

Purpose: To assess parent perspectives of the current and potential future tests for their child with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: New Zealand parents of a child with IBD were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Experiences relating to their child's blood or faecal tests, medical imaging (abdominal ultrasound [US], abdominal computerised tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance enterography) and colonoscopy were collected. Perceived attitudes to potential future testing of urine, saliva, and breath, were sought. Results: Twenty-eight parents, 93% female completed the survey, and 86% were aged between 35 and 54 years. Baseline information was provided by parents for 27 of 28 children, 70.3% had Crohn's disease with a mean disease duration of 2.67 years. Blood tests were the most requested and completed tests, while CT was the least ordered and most refused test. Colonoscopy was rated as the least comfortable and generated the most worry. Explanation of test significantly improved parent's levels of understanding when their child had blood, faecal, imaging (US) or colonoscopy tests. Providing an explanation, test invasiveness and the impact of the blood results may have on their child's treatment significantly improved parents' comfort levels. However, explanation of colonoscopy generated a significant parental concerns. Saliva, urine and blood tests were chosen as the most preferred disease monitoring tests. Conclusion: Parents preferred any tests less invasive than colonoscopy for monitoring their child's IBD. Although providing explanation of their child's tests enhanced parents' understanding, it can also affect parents' levels of concern and comfort.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.84 no.2
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• pp.140-147
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• 2021

Background: For generations, cigarette smoking has presented an important public health concern. This study aimed to compare the health-promoting behavior, exercise capacity, physical activity level, health literacy, and knowledge level of smoking-related diseases between smokers and non-smokers. Methods: The study included 71 smokers (mean age, 32.69±8.55 years) and 72 non-smokers (mean age, 31.88±9.94 years) between the ages of 20 and 60 years. Assessments included a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), Cardiovascular Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale (CARRF-KL), Asthma/COPD Awareness Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref [TR]), and Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Results: The results from the study show that the number of coronary artery disease risk factors measured significantly higher among the smoker group members when compared to that of the non-smoker group members (p=0.001). Smokers had significantly lower %6MWT distance than non-smokers (84.83±4.72 and 93.45±7.16, respectively; p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the smokers and non-smokers in terms of physical activity, CARRF-KL, HLQ, WHOQoL-Bref, and HPLP-II subscales or total scores (p>0.05). Additionally, while only forty-one smokers (57.7%) were active, 48 of the non-smoker group was active (66.7%). Conclusion: Smokers suffer greater negative effects to their exercise capacity in comparison to non-smokers. Although smokers and non-smokers have similar levels of health literacy and similar levels of knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk factors and obstructive lung diseases, health professionals could continue to further increase individuals' awareness of smoking-related risk factors and continue to emphasize the importance of physical activity and exercise for protecting cardiopulmonary health.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.21 no.1 s.59
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• pp.12-20
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• 2006

This paper was conducted concerning the degree of indoor air quality in public transport vehicles such as taxicabs, buses and subway trains, as sampled through the active participation of drivers and passengers in Seoul between 13th August 2005 and 2nd November 2005. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Among the measured substances especially respirable particulate matters ($PM_{10}$), total bacteria counts (TBC) and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) exceeded the standard level of $150{\mu}g/m^3,\;800CFU/m^3$ and 1000ppm. 2. The concentration of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) in taxi recorded 2491ppm, which is more than the standard amount of 1000ppm. This level was comparatively higher than all other public transportation methods. Total bacteria counts (TBC) in bus and subway recorded $1082CFU/m^3\;and\;1856CFU/m^3$, respectively. 3. The drivers who regularly work long hours showed the higher concern about contamination of the air inside the public transport vehicles and they considered it to be worse than the air outside. In contrast, the general public showed less concern about the air quality inside the public transport vehicles. However, they too acknowledged that the quality of the air inside the public transport vehicles was poor. In regards to the degree of indoor air quality in the public transport vehicles, a counterplan must be implemented urgently to effectively combat the excessive levels of $PM_{10}$, microorganism and $CO_2$. We need to gather more conclusive evidence pertaining to other possible contaminants and influencing factors.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.550-557
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression among school girls in Korea and identify factors influencing the tendency to depression. Methods: A self-report survey was conducted with South Korean middle schoolgirls who were in the 8th and 9th grades. Four hundred and one schoolgirls were included in the study. The instruments utilized in this study were the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale and Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple logistic regression with SPSS WIN 14.0 program. Results: The average depression score of the participants was 20.68, which indicates moderate levels of depression. About 35% of the schoolgirls in this study reported a tendency to depression. Significant predictors for depression were 'decreased problem-solving abilities', 'no family members with whom they can discuss their concern', 'decreased satisfaction in relationship with friends', and 'increased negative self-perception of body-image'. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that schoolgirls require special concern regarding the risk of developing depression. Regular depression screening could be beneficial for early detection of depression in schoolgirls and enhancing problem-solving ability could be considered as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of depression among schoolgirls.

• Proceedings of the Korea Committee for Ocean Resources and Engineering Conference
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• 2002.05a
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• pp.12-16
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• 2002

Soil, ground water and sea bed are exposed to continuous accumulation of polluted materials causing serious environmental damage. It has been reported that such pollution causes a massive mortality of fish stock in rivers by the resuspension of toxic chemicals during strong wind conditions. Therefore, it becomes apparent that there is an immediate demand for the restoration treatment of polluted river bed (or sea bed) sediment layers. Pollution levels of major rivers and ports such as Pal-dang, Kyung-an rivers, Ma-san port are becoming public concern and are posing a serious environmental threat. In particular, the pollution of Shi-hwa river has become a nation wide issue for last few years. In spite of such public concern, the pollution level of such rivers or port are getting worse everyday. In this study, an environmentally sound engineering package is introduced which helps to restore the polluted river bed or sea bed sediments. This engineering package is consisted of a suction facility followed by a series of mechanical, chemical as well as biological treatment units. The suction facility is designed to minimize the secondary pollution due to the resuspension of toxic materials during suction. The sea bed cleaning engineering package is designed to be installed on the top of a floating barge. Such combination of environmental plant and shipbuilding technology provides a cost-effective solution, minimizing the cost involved in the transportation between suction and treatment facilities.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2007

Indoor air quality(IAQ) problems are not limited to large office buildings that are inadequately operated. In fact, many school buildings have significant potentials of air pollution and indoor air pollutants may be of particular concern because it is estimated that most young students who are physically weak to the pollutants spend about 90% of their time in classrooms. The goal of the study is to provide academic and architectural information on the major factors that influence indoor air quality in the elementary school. In order to gain a better understanding of IAQ problems in schools, a series of measurement studies of indoor air quality were designed and 3 different elementary school buildings located in Chuncheon were selected. The levels of CO, $CO_2$, and total volatile organic compounds(TVOCs) including formaldehyde(HCHO), major concern of this study, were measured in absence of students after class. As the results, it is noticeable that most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building, which are, for example, adhesives, upholstery, manufactured wood products, art and scientific supplies. The level of CO was measured similarly to that of outdoors, which means no impact on the indoor air problems since it is lower than the code. Ventilation played an important role in the level of $CO_2$ of which difference was 1.7 times in rough and 230 % of difference in the level was detected among the 3 school buildings. This concludes that indoor air problems might be result of poor building design with inadequate location of corridors within space organization or occupant activity patterns of ventilation.