• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.133-140
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to check the degree of residual microbial contamination after disinfection of reusable suction containers, used in an intensive care unit (ICU) and present basic data for efficient use through cost analysis in comparison to disposable suction containers. Methods: This study was conducted on 32 reusable suction containers used in an ICU on a selected specific day. After disinfection and washing, specimens were collected from the used containers and cultured to check for microbial contamination. Additionally, a comparative narrative study analyzes the cost of using reusable suction containers and disposable suction containers. Data were analyzed with the SPSS WIN 20.0 program using real numbers and percentage ${\chi}^2$-test. Results: As a result of the study, microorganisms were found in all samples where in 30 were gram-positive (62.5%) while 13 were gram-negative (27.1%). Based on level of contamination, microorganisms were less than 10CFU/ml in 18 samples (56.3%); 11-99CFU/ml in six samples (18.8%); and more than 100CFU/ml in eight samples (25%). Cost per day for a reusable suction container was $10,655+{\alpha}$ while cost per day for a disposable suction container was 10,666 won. Conclusion: This study found that reusable suction containers, even after disinfection, accounted for factors of potential infection as well as microbial contamination. So, disposable suction containers are superior in cost-effectiveness and highly efficient for use with infected patients.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.1551-1556
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• 2016

Broiler meat production worldwide has been plagued by lethal food-poisoning bacteria diseases, including listeriosis. A fatality rate of 15.6% was recorded in human beings in the EU in 2015. During 2013, a total of 200 poultry farm samples, including litter, chicken breast, farm feed, and drinking water, were collected to generate baseline data for the characterization of the genus Listeria in broiler poultry farms. Listeria spp. were detected in a total of 95 (47.5%) poultry farm samples. The isolates of Listeria spp. included L. innocua (28.5%), L. ivanovii (12.5%), L. welshimeri (4.5%), and L. monocytogenes and L. seeligeri (1% each). Listeria spp. contamination rates were higher in farm feed (70%), followed by litter (52.5%), chicken breasts (42.2%), and drinking water (10%). Almost all Listeria spp. isolates were resistant to more than three classes of antibiotics (multidrug resistant). Besides this, we observed a significant resistance level to penicillin and fluoroquinolone drugs. However, lower resistance levels were recorded for broad-spectrum cephalosporins. The inlA, inlC, and inlJ virulence genes were detected in almost all of the L. monocytogenes isolates. Thus, food safety management approaches and interventions at all stages of the broiler rearing cycle were needed to control cross-contamination and the zoonotic potential of listeriosis.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.25-35
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• 1999

Fly ash, by-product from coal fired power station, has long been regarded as a potential contamination source for heavy metals and inorganics due to their enriched concentrations and associations with particle surface. Feed coal and fly ash samples were collected from two power stations; Yongdong deliang with domestic anthracite coals and Boryong with imported bituminous coals. The coal and fly ash samples were analyzed for chemical composition and mineral components, using XRF and XRD. Batch leaching experiments were conducted by agitating samples with deionised water for 24 hours. Anthracite coals are generally higher in Al and Si contents than bituminous coals. This is due to the higher ash contents of the anthracite coal than bituminous coal. The chemistry of the two fly ash samples shows broadly similar compositions each other, except for the characteristically high contents of Cr in anthracite coal fly ash. Leaching experiments revealed that concentrations of metals gradually decreased with leachings in general. However, measurable amounts of metals were present in the effluent from weathered ash and the samples subjected to the leaching procedure. These metals are likely to indicate that the metals in fly ash were incorporated into glass fraction as well as associated with particle surface of samples. Dissolution of aluminosilicate glass would control releasing heavy metals from fly ash as weathering progresses during landfill with implication of possible groundwater contamination through fly ash landfill.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.41-51
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• 2014

This study investigated the ability of Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz.) S.T. Blake (Poaceae), Cyperus ligularis L. (Cyperaceae), Commelina erecta L. (Commelinaceae), Mariscus umbellatus (Rottb.) Vahl (Cyperaceae), Fimbistylis miliacea L. (Cyperaceae) and Torulinium odoratum L. (Cyperaceae) to clean up various levels of used motor oil (UMO) contaminated soils. The plants were grown in 2 kg garden soils treated to 0%, 1%, 5% and 10% levels of UMO contamination. The plant growth parameters, chlorophyll contents and dry weight of test plants were measured. The phytoremediation ability of these test plants were assessed by measuring the uptake of hydrocarbons in terms of total hydrocarbon content (THC) as well as their percentage degradation values. There was significant (P < 0.05) reduction in leaf chlorophyll contents and dry weights of the test plant species planted in UMO contaminated soils. THC as well as the percentage uptake (or degradation) of hydrocarbons were both lowest in C. ligularis but highest in T. odoratum in all cases. The phytoremediation potential of test plants was highest in soils contaminated with 5% UMO. Based on the results of this study, all test plants with the exception of C. ligularis were potentially capable of undertaking phytoremediation. However, B. bladhii and T. odoratum proved most effective in the uptake and degradation of UMO.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2008.10a
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• pp.1647-1654
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• 2008

The characteristics of arsenic(As) contamination were investigated on soils of 3 abandoned metal mine sites in Gangwon-do, Korea. Total forty nine soils were sampled to conduct standard methods(extraction by 1HCl), sequential extraction and column leaching test. Concentration of As extracted by 1N HCl was ordered as follows: A mine > B mine > C mine, and the concentration of arsenic in the soils of A mine was significantly greater than that at any other cases and all samples of A mine were exceeded the national regulation of $6mg \;kg^{-1}$. In the results of sequential extraction, the potential contamination risk for groundwater and plants was ordered as follows: C mine > B mine > A mine because the C mine showed the relatively greater mobility and bioavailability of fraction than any other mines. And, in colume test, concentration of As was ordered as follows: C mine > B mine > A mine, and it was expected that these results were connected with fraction characteristics of the mine sites. Therefore adequate leaching investigations should be used to simulate the effect of natural leaching conditions, and to predict both the potential mobility of metals to groundwater and their bioavailability to plants under natural conditions.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.343-350
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• 2023

Background: Digital panoramic dental X-ray equipment (PDX) is frequently used by patients and dental workers for diagnosis and examination in dental institutions; however, infection control has not been properly implemented. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to systematically review the potential risk of cross-infection in the dental environment by investigating the contamination level of general aerobic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus, which are important in hospital infections, in PDX areas that people mainly contact. Methods: This survey was conducted from March to May 2023 and covered one general hospital, three dental hospitals, and nine dental clinics equipped with PDX. Bacteria samples were collected from the left-handle, right-handle, forehead support, and head side support as the patient's contact areas, as well as the X-ray exposure switch and left-click mouse button as the dental hygienist's contact areas of the PDX. The collected bacteria were spread on Petrifilm, and colonies formed after 48 hours of culture were counted. Results: General aerobic bacteria and S. aureus were detected in all areas investigated. Significant differences in bacterial counts between different regions of the PDX were observed in both groups (p<0.001). The detection rates of general aerobic bacteria (p<0.001) and S. aureus (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the contact areas of patients than those of dental hygienists. A positive correlation was observed between the forehead and the temple region in terms of general aerobic bacteria and S. aureus detection (r=1) (p<0.01). Conclusion: Taken together, the presence of many bacteria, including S. aureus, detected in PDX indicates that PDX has a potential cross-infection risk. Our results therefore highlight the need for the development of appropriate disinfection protocols for reusable medical devices such as PDX and periodic infection prevention training for hospital-related workers, including dental hygienists.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.102-112
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• 2024

Background: Despite the rise in the number of domestic indoor climbing gyms, there is a lack of specific hygiene standards and research on the holds installed in them. Holds can act as vectors for microbial transmission through the hands, posing a risk of infectious diseases, especially with damaged skin. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the contamination level and species of microorganisms on holds according to the management methods practiced in indoor climbing gyms and identify effective strategies for reducing microbial contamination. Methods: We investigated factors that may influence microbial contamination of holds, including hold management methods, user information, and hygiene management at three climbing gyms in Seoul. A total of 72 holds were sampled, 18 for each management method of brushing, high-pressure washing, and ethanol disinfection. Samples were cultured on LB and blood agar at 37℃ for 48 hours to calculate CFUs. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA was carried out to identify microorganisms. Dunn-Bonferroni was employed to see the microbial reduction effect of the management method and the difference in microbial contamination by management method and climbing gym. Results: As a result of microbial identification, microorganisms such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcus, which were derived from various environments such as skin and soil, were discovered on the surface of the climbing hold. Among the discovered microorganisms, some species had potential pathogenic properties that could cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal disease, bacteremia, and sepsis. All hold management methods were effective in reducing microorganisms (p<0.05), with ethanol disinfection being the most effective (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that there are potential pathogens on holds that demand thorough management for microbial prevention. Proposed methods include regular brushing and ethanol disinfection in addition to high-pressure washing with long cycles, which are the existing forms of hold management. Further studies on shoe management are advised to curb soil-derived microorganisms.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.179-188
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• 1996

A clinically oriented 32-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) and evoked potential (EP) mapping system has been developed EEG and EP signals acquired from 32-channel electrodes attached on the heroid surface are amplified by a pre-amplifier which is separated from main amplifier and is located near the patient to reduce signal attenuation and noise contamination between electrodes and the amplifier. The amplified signals are further amplified by a main amplifier where various filtering and gain contr61 are achieved An automatic artifact rejection scheme is employed using neural network-based EEG and artifact classifier, by which examination time is substantially reduce4 The continuously measured EEG sigrlals are used for spectral mapping, and auditory and visual evoked potentials measured in synchronous to the auditory and visual stimuli are used for temporal evoked potential mapping. A user-friendly graphical interface based on the Microsoft Window 3.1 is developed for the operation of the system. Statistical databases for comparisons of group and individual are included to support a statistically-based diagnosis.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.64-80
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• 1998

The risk of cross-contamination in dental clinic is very high. Those who are engaged in dental clinic are exposed to various microorganisms in saliva and blood of patient. Potential possibility of cross-contamination of patient to patient, patient to dentist, dentist to laboratory technician always exist, which is important in the view of public health. It is well known that microorganisms may cause cross-contamination by suck-back of microorganisms into the water supply line or air supply line of dental unit and sprayed back into the next patient's oral cavity. The majority of microorganisms coming from dental unit are water microorganisms from the main water supply which have colonized the tube within the units and multiplied in the relatively warm and stagnant conditions. The purpose of this study is to measure the extent of microbial contamination of dental unit and ultrasonic scaler, to evaluate that dental unit water supply is suitable for drinking water, and to assess the effect of flushing on reduction of microbial contamination of dental unit and ultrasonic scaler. In the first experiment, water samples(50ml) from 20 dental units and 10 ultrasonic scalers in Seoul National Univ. Hosp. were tested for the presence of coliform. The samples were filtered by membrane filtration technique.(Microfil system, Millipore Co. U. S. A.) The filter was then placed onto MacConkey agar plate and the plates with filter on it were incubated aerobically at $37^{\circ}C$ for 5 days. The colors and shapes of colonies were examined if those were coliform. To verify the presence of coliform, the colonies were inoculated into phenol red lactose broth and incubated aerobically at $37^{\circ}C$ for 2 days. The fomation of gas was observed. In the second experiment, water samples from 20 handpieces, 10 ultrasonic scalers and 30 A/W syringes after 0, 2, 4, 6 min. flushing respectively were taken. $200{\mu}l$ water samples were spreaded on Brain Heart Infusion agar plate and the plates were incubated aerobically at $37^{\circ}C$ for 5 days. The number of colony was counted. The results obtained were summarized as follows 1. The water from dental unit and ultrasonic scaler was not suitable for drinking water. 2. No coliform was founded in dental unit and ultrasonic scaler water supply. 3. The number of colony of dental unit and ultrasonic scaler was highest in the group of o min. flushing(p<0.05). 4. There was no statistically significant difference in the extent of microbial contamination among handpiece, ultrasonic scaler and A/W syringe (p>0.05). 5. The number of colony was lowest in the group of 4 min. flushing, but there was no statistically significant difference among 2, 4, 6 min. flushing groups.(p>0.05) 6. It is recommended to flush dental unit water line for 4 min. after use on each patient.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.35-48
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• 2004

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of geochemical approaches for investigating and assessing heavy metal contamination in abandoned mine sites. Major sources of contaminants at the abandoned mine sites are mine water, waste rocks, tailings, and chemicals used in beneficiation and mineral processing. Soil, sediment, surface and ground water, and ecological system can be contaminated by heavy metals, which are transported due to erosion of mine waste piles, discharge of acid mine drainage and processed water, and dispersion of dust from waste rocks and tailings. The abandoned mine sites should be characterized using various methods including chemical analysis, mineralogical analysis, acid generation prediction tests, leaching/extraction tests, and field tests. Potential and practical environmental impacts from the abandoned mines should be assessed based on the site characterization.