• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.82-94
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• 2021

Facilities for low impact development (LID) or groundwater recharge have the high potential spreading groundwater nitrate contamination because of the rapid infiltration. This study was initiated to remove nitrate from the waters using agricultural byproducts as organic sources for denitrification during infiltration. As the first step of this purpose, we experimentally tested the denitrifying efficiency of 4 organic materials (pine tree woodchips, cherry leaves, rice straws, and rice hulls) and tried to identify the key factors controlling the efficiency. For this study, we precisely investigated the change of chemical reactions during the experiment by analyzing various geochemical parameters. The result shows that the denitrification efficiency is not simply linked to the availability of the easily decomposable contents in the organic matter. It is found that avoiding the severe pH decrease due to the CO₂ generation is the essence to derive the efficient denitrifying conditions when organic matters were used.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.36-40
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• 2022

To respond to rapidly changing water circumstances such as climate change, drought, etc., the korean government (MOE) established four advanced strategies for integrated groundwater management. The first strategy is watershed-based management of groundwater. The second strategy is total quantity management of groundwater including improvement of groundwater preservation area policy and procedure of investigation for groundwater influence area, additional construction of groundwater dam, installation of large-scale public wells, extention of spilled groundwater use. The third strategy is prevention of groundwater contamination including expansion of monitoring wells, introducing declaration of groundwater contamination. The last strategy is advancement of groundwater information management including integrated management of data, setting up a big-data based open platform. The above-mentioned four strategies will be reflected in the 4th National Groundwater Management Plan to secure implementation power, and it is expected to laid the foundation for advanced and rational groundwater management system.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to prepare the way for the prevention and improvement of the ocean environment pollution and destruction by researching and analyzing the degree of interests in the ocean environment which the students of seaside vocational high schools have. The concerns of this study are as follows: 1. The vocational high school students in the seaside cities of Busan and Pohang have recognized that the ocean is the object of the highest potential of development and that through the degree of their recognition that they should better preserve the ocean environment prior to a high degree of local seaside development. 2. Although they have recognized that the ocean environment has a great influence on the life of people, their interests in the environment is low. Also, it is shown that they get their knowledge and information through TV. 3. They've understood that the main factor of ocean contamination concerns the home and the causes of ocean contamination are sewage and waste material from daily life. Moreover, their answers reveal that they believe that they should participate in a sanitization activity for the ocean environment voluntarily and put trash into nearby trash cans as opposed to inconsiderately throwing away trash on the beach. 4. Their answers also show that they recognize the elements that can best preserve the ocean environment start at home and with government, and school services through experience activities are the most effective for the education of the ocean environment.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.869-883
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• 2019

China is currently facing great challenges in protecting its arable soil from contamination by heavy metals, especially Cd in paddy soil. China enacted the first soil environmental quality standards (SEQS) for ten pollutants in 1995, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment released the results of the first nationwide soil survey in 2014. The soil survey showed that as much as 16% of China's soil and 19% of the agricultural soils were contaminated mainly with heavy metals and metalloids beyond the environmental quality limits. The exceeded rate of the contaminant limits in food crops was widespread in China, and the most severe regions were East and Southwest China. Heavy metals and metalloids accounted for 82.4% of the contaminants in soils while organic pollutants accounted for 17% of the contaminants in the soil. Among the heavy metals and metalloids exceeding the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) limit, cadmium (Cd) was highest at 7.0%, followed by nickel (4.8%), arsenic (2.7%), cobalt (2.1%), mercury (1.6%) and lead (1.5%). However, all the average concentrations of the pollutants were lower than the recommended values for the contaminants except for Cd for three levels of pH (< 6.5, 6.5 - 7.5, and > 7.5). According to the Action Plan on Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution released by the State Council in 2016, 90% of contaminated farmland will be made safe by 2020 with an increase to 95% by 2030. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the soil quality to meet the environmental quality standard for soils and heavy metal standards for food safety.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.195-199
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• 2022

The use of copper antibacterial films as an effective infection prevention method is increasing owing to its ability to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. In this study, we evaluated the bacterial contamination of the antibacterial copper membrane attached to a door handle at a university over time. Six mounting locations with high floating population were selected. In three sites, the door handles with the antibacterial film were exposed, while the remaining three were not attached with the antibacterial films. On days 7 and 14, isolated bacterial strains were inoculated in BHI broth and agar, respectively. Colony-forming units (CFU) were determined after incubation. Strain identification was performed using bacterial 16s rRNA PCR and sequencing. Results showed that the bacterial population on day 14 significantly increased from 6 × 10⁹ CFU/mL (day 7) to 2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/mL. Furthermore, strain distribution was not different between the on and off the copper antibacterial film groups. In conclusion, although copper has an antibacterial activity, microbial contamination may occur with prolonged use.

• 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 Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.232-236
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• 2005

This study was performed to find out the patterns of Listeria spp. contamination during Kimbab preparation at the specialized restaurants. Samples were collected from ingredients, containers, equipments, and environments from two Kimbab restaurants from July through September, 2004. Isolation rate of Listeria spp. was $43.2\%$ among 264 samples. Strains isolated were Listeria innocua $35.9\%$, L. murrayi $6.8\%$, and L. grayii $0.3\%$. No L. monocytogenes was detected. Contamination level of ingredients, containers, equipments, and Kimbab sampled during afternoon was all significantly higher than the samples collected during morning(P < 0.05). The most influencing factor of contamination was improper handling or no disinfection procedures during Kimbab preparation. Safety controls are recommended as follows; prevention of cross-contamination during ingredients Preparation, temperature control for ingredients and Kimbab during holding, cleaning and disinfection of chopping boards and knives during preparation processing, and frequent changes of disposable gloves. Kimbab restaurants should recognize the importance of safety control using the Good Hygienic Practices.

• 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.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.433-439
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• 2009

The compressed packer device is designed to improve the underground contamination prevention facilities of ground water wells. As for the device, the installation is simple because of the safety lock device and the compression of the casing are simple the installation is simple. There is no leakage of ground water because the pressure resistance with $4.5\;kg/cm^2$ makes it equipped with the watertightness The single casing is installed and the reaming for grouting is possible with 300 mm excavation so that installation cost can be saved. Silicon rubber is used for the compressed packer so that the extension rate is 590%. In terms of environmental pollution, it is an environmental friendly product which does not contain harmful ingredients such as Pb, Cd, and phenol. below the standard or undetectable level Furthermore, the installation costs are 35 to 62% or lower than the conventional grouting construction method and are 87% or lower than the expansion packer construction method, the new environmental technology No.47 Also, the device is designed to meet the relevant regulations such as Rules on Preserving the Ground Water Quality, The Standard on Jeju Island Ground Water Development and Facility Installation and Management, and The Plan and Guideline on Operating and Managing the Small-Scale Tap Water Facilities of Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3393-3402
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• 2013

The increasing scourge of cancer epidemiology is a global concern. With WHO emphasizing that 40% of all cancer cases are preventable, exposure to known and suspected carcinogens must be discouraged. The battle with communicable diseases and other third world challenges has greatly de-emphasized anti-cancer campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa. The abundant deposit of mineral resources in sub-Saharan Africa has attracted high mining activity with its negative environmental aftermath. Poor regulatory mechanisms have led to environmental contamination by products of mining including heavy metals. In addition to poor urban planning, the springing up of settlements in industrial areas has led to generation and exposure to more hazardous wastes consequent on poor disposal systems. Studies establishing close association between exposure to heavy metals and cancer epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa are increasing. The current review assesses the level of environmental pollution by heavy metals in sub-Saharan Africa, and brings to the fore available evidence implicating such in the increasing cancer epidemiology in the sub-continent.