• Title/Summary/Keyword: environmental risk factors

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OPTION DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

  • Charles Y. J. Cheah;Jicai Liu
    • International conference on construction engineering and project management
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    • 2005.10a
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    • pp.980-985
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    • 2005
  • Since the 1980s, Build-Operate-Transfer and its variations have become a common approach to develop large-scale infrastructure projects. Despite the slight variations in contractual settings, the key issue for all parties concerned is to assess the risks and uncertainties inherent in a project. The risk factors studied and highlighted by past researchers are very diverse. This paper starts with an objective to compare the risk factors in different sectors of infrastructure, and then categorize them into two kinds: general and specific. Following this classification, risk mitigation strategies should be adopted differently at the corporate and project levels. A few short cases have also been used to illustrate the flexible measures or "options" that some project participants have designed to address risks and uncertainties at the two levels.

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Epidemiology, Major Risk Factors and Genetic Predisposition for Breast Cancer in the Pakistani Population

  • Shaukat, Uzma;Ismail, Muhammad;Mehmood, Nasir
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.10
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    • pp.5625-5629
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    • 2013
  • Occurrence of breast cancer is related to genetic as well as cultural, environmental and life-style factors. Variations in diversity of these factors among different ethnic groups and geographical areas emphasize the immense need for studies in all racial-ethnic populations. The incidence of breast cancer in Pakistan is highest in Asians after Jews in Israel and 2.5 times higher than that in neighboring countries like Iran and India, accounting for 34.6% of female cancers. The Pakistani population is deficient in information regarding breast cancer etiology and epidemiology, but efforts done so far had suggested consanguinity as a major risk factor for frequent mutations leading to breast cancer and has also shed light on genetic origins in different ethnic groups within Pakistan. World-wide research efforts on different ethnicities have enhanced our understanding of genetic predisposition to breast cancer but despite these discoveries, 75% of the familial risk of breast cancer remains unexplained, highlighting the fact that the majority of breast cancer susceptibility genes remain unidentified. For this purpose Pakistani population provides a strong genetic pool to elucidate the genetic etiology of breast cancer because of cousin marriages. In this review, we describe the known breast cancer predisposition factors found in the local Pakistani population and the epidemiological research work done to emphasize the importance of exploring factors/variants contributing to breast cance, in order to prevent, cure and decrease its incidence in our country.

Aggregate Risk Assessment on Xylene and Ethylbenzene (자일렌과 에틸벤젠에 대한 매체통합위해성평가 연구)

  • Seo, Jung-Kwan;Kim, Taksoo;Kim, Pilje
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
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    • v.22 no.2
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    • pp.163-171
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    • 2013
  • The aggregate risk assessment on xylene and ethylbenzene was carried out according to the guidance established newly in 2010 with the purpose of providing information for risk management. In human exposure assessment, the results indicated that lower ages were exposed more and that, in the interior space at home, the highest level of human exposure occurred via inhalation. At outdoor spaces, exposures via inhalation and drinking were less than 1%. In human health risk characterization, xylene showed HI(Hazard Index) < 1 in all ages. When reasonable maximum exposure(RME) was applied, HI for young children was 0.64. The HI of ethylbenzene was also below 1(0.02~0.04) in all ages, indicating no potential risk. From this study, it is considered that xylene need to be continous monitoring with interest because this substance may be more sensitive on young age group. In additon, to reduce the uncertainty of the risk assessment, the korean exposure factors on young age group such as infant, children had to be established as soon as possible.

Food Safety Perceptions on Pesticide Contamination among Koreans -Based on the 2008 Social Survey- (한국인의 농산물 농약 오염 불안도 연구 -2008년도 사회조사를 바탕으로-)

  • Nam, Eun-Kyung;Cha, Eun-Shil;Choi, Yeong-Chull;Lee, Won-Jin
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.37 no.4
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    • pp.323-331
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    • 2011
  • Objective: This study aimed to examine the level of risk perception related to pesticide contamination of food products and associated sociodemographic factors, as well as investigate the association with environmental pollution preventive behaviors. Methods: Based on data from Social Survey conducted in 2008 among a nationally representative sample of the population 15 years or older, we estimated proportions and 95% confidence intervals of the risk perception of pesticide contamination of food products. Logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the effects of sociodemographic status on risk perception. Results: Among respondents, those who feel anxious about the risks of pesticide contamination of domestic food products accounted for 40.4%, whereas the proportion rose to 87.0% with imported food products. These numbers showed that levels of anxiety about the pesticide contamination of imported food products were ranked at the top, and those for domestic products were at the bottom of the list of all environmental pollutants examined in the survey. Significantly related factors to anxiety about pesticide contamination of food products included women, the 40-50 age group, university graduates, married, non-manual employment, having school-aged children, and owning one's own home. The population attempting to prevent environmental pollution showed higher levels of anxiety about pesticide contamination of food products than did those who were not taking such steps. Conclusion: Compared to other forms of environmental pollution, Koreans show the highest levels of anxiety about pesticide contamination of imported food products. Therefore, it is necessary to establish appropriate regulations and transparent risk communication with the public about the safety of imported food.

Risk Assessment for Disaster Reduction in Small-Scale Construction Sites (소규모 건축현장 재해감소를 위한 위험성평가 방안)

  • Choi, Hyun-Jun
    • Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.395-404
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    • 2022
  • Purpose: Small-scale construction sites have insufficient systematic safety management activities, and due to the characteristics of the construction site, the production structure is complex due to external environmental factors, and the risk of construction equipment is very high. We would like to propose a checklist method among practical risk assessment techniques that can derive risk factors for disaster prevention at small construction sites and reduce disasters. Method: Risk factors were derived by analyzing literature research and disaster cases, and detailed work for a checklist of risk assessment suitable for small-scale construction sites was classified based on risk factor items. Result: Hazard factors were divided into 6 major categories, and 29 detailed types of work were classified based on actual work types, and 80 detailed works were classified accordingly. Conclusion: By arranging risk factors suitable for small-scale construction sites according to the classification system, the lack of expertise in the construction site can be supplemented, and risk factors can be derived more easily and disaster reduction can be expected through establishment of safety measures.

A Study on Relation between the Quality of Life and Factors for recurrent Stress of Alcohol Dependents (일부 알코올 의존자의 삶의 질 및 재발 스트레스 요인과의 관련성 연구)

  • Ryu, Hodal;Chong, Myong Soo
    • Journal of Korean Medical Ki-Gong Academy
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.105-144
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    • 2013
  • This study intended to provide fundamental data to take countermeasures against recurrent stress by analyzing the health-related quality of life and factors for recurrent stress of alcohol dependents. Structured questionnaire was prepared for patients who quitted drinking after they had been hospitalized for alcohol dependence to take medical treatment but suffered recurrence, and analysis on health-related quality of life and environmental factors with drinking risk was conducted. The quality of life was at a relatively satisfactory level, where pain was found at the highest level and general health condition was found at the lowest level. Environmental factors with drinking risk were found to be a moderate level, drinking for the reason of family and friends in terms of complications with other persons was found to be highest, and then job, self control, bad emotions, and social pressure on drinking were found in order. For health-related quality of life, the quality of life was found to be high in case of the only son, professional job, well-educated persons, and no history of hospitalization. Regarding factors for recurrent stress, stress was found to be high in case of the eldest son and being without religion, and the lower was the quality of life, the higher were recurrent stress and environmental factors with drinking risk. It was found that demographic factors including age, marriage, and job influenced the recurrence of alcohol dependence, and factors for recurrent stress, etc. also influenced recurrent alcohol dependence with drinking risks. Specially, the lower was the quality of life, the higher were factors for recurrent stress, and drinking risks, therefore measures to improve the quality of life are required to be taken to prevent alcohol dependence from recurrence.

Association of the Risk of Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) with Environmental Agents (모 지역의 소아 백혈병 및 악성림프종 발병 사례와 환경적 요인의 연관성 조사)

  • Park, Dong-Uk;Choi, Sangjun;Youn, Kanwoo;Kim, So-Yeon;Kim, Hee-Yun;Park, Yun-Kyung;Kim, Won;Iim, Sanghyuk;Park, Jihoon
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.45 no.3
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    • pp.203-212
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    • 2019
  • Objective: A total of five students at same middle school were reported to be diagnosed with pediatric leukemia (n=2), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL, n=1) and aplastic anemia (n=2) between 2016 and 2017. The aims of this study are to assess exposure to environmental hazardous agents known to be associated with the risk of leukemia and to examine whether the environment of school is associated with the risk leukemia. Method: A total of 11 environmental agents causing childhood leukemia were monitored using international certified method in schools where patients had ever attended. Radon & Thoron detector was used to monitor real-time airborne radon and thoron level ($Bq/m^3$). Clinician interviewed two among nine patients who agreed to participate in this study in order to examine the association of demographic and genetic factors by individually. Leukemia, NHL, and aplastic anemia were grouped into lymphohematopoietic disorder (LHP). Results: Except for airborne radon level, no environmental agents in school and household where patients may be exposed were found to higher than recommended airborne level. Clinical investigation found no individual factors that may be associated with the risk of LHP. Higher airborne radon level than Korea EPA's airborne radon criteria ($148Bq/m^3$) was monitored at most of several after-class room of one elementary school, where two leukemia patients graduated. Significant radon level was not monitored at class-room. Significant exposure to radon of patients was not estimated based on time-activity pattern. Conclusions: Our results have concluded that there have been no environmental factors in school and household environment that may be associated the risk of LHP.

Study on the indoor exposure factors of phthalates using bio-monitoring data (생체시료를 이용한 프탈레이트의 실내 노출인자 연구)

  • Yang, Ji Yeon;Shin, Dong Chun;Lee, Si Eun;Lee, Geon Woo;Kim, Joon Hyeog;Lee, Yong Jin;Lim, Young Wook
    • Journal of odor and indoor environment
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.315-321
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    • 2018
  • Phthalate is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with homeostasis and developmental regulation. It is highly toxic to the environment and is associated with various diseases of the human body. Using biological samples from 140 adult subjects, to evaluate the influencing factors which are related to contaminant concentration levels, we used correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Lastly, in order to analyze the health effects related to exposure to phthalates, we conducted a risk assessment by estimating acceptable daily intake exposure according to the influential factors. When we compared the concentration level according to influential factors, in general, the subjects who had engaged in home remodeling work had higher urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations levels than the subjects who had not engaged in home remodeling work. We can confirm statistically significant differences in DBP metabolites. In addition, we can confirm the concentration appeared higher in the categories such as using air freshener, sofa and foods. Through conducting a risk assessment of DEHP, BBzP, DiBP, and DnBP by using data on phthalate metabolite concentration in urine, it was found that the average concentration of all metabolites did not exceed TDI.

A Comparative Study about Risk Factors Influencing Suicide Ideation between Korean and Multicultural Adolescents

  • Lee, Hanju
    • Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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    • v.28 no.3
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    • pp.240-250
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: In South Korea, suicide mortality has rapidly increased, so it has become a major public health concern. Multicultural adolescents are regarded as a high-risk group due to their situation. In this study, we compared the prevalence and risk factors of suicide ideation between Korean and multicultural adolescents. Methods: Data from the eleventh Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2015), collected by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were statistically analyzed using the descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. The total participants were 63,376 in numbers. They were composed of 62,649 (98.9%) Korean and 727 (1.1%) multicultural adolescents. Results: I found that the prevalence of suicide ideation was significantly higher among the multicultural adolescents (15.8%) compared with those of Korean (11.3%). The risk factors of suicide ideation in the Korean group were co-residence without family, poor perceived health status, depressive mood, high stress level, poor perceived happiness level, and experience of violence. Conversely, the risk factors of the multicultural group were smoking, depressive mood, and experience of violence. Conclusion: These findings suggest that appropriate and practical prevention strategies should focus on psychological and environmental factors in order to prevent suicide ideation and reduce suicide behavior in Korean and multicultural adolescents.

Human Risk Assessment of Perchloroethylene Considering Multi-media Exposure (다매체 노출을 고려한 Perchloroethylene의 인체위해성평가연구)

  • Seo, Jungkwan;Kim, Taksoo;Jo, Areum;Kim, Pilje;Choi, Kyunghee
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.40 no.5
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    • pp.397-406
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    • 2014
  • Objectives: Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a volatile chemical widely used as a solvent in the dry-cleaning and textile processing industries. It was evaluated as Group 2 "probably carcinogenic to humans" by the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) of the United State Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in 2012. In order to provide a scientific basis for establishing risk management measures for chemicals on the national priority substances list, aggregate risk assessment was conducted for PCE, included in the top-10 substances. Methods: We conducted the investigation and monitoring of PCE exposure (e.g., exposure scenario, detection levels, and exposure factors, etc.) and assessed its multi-media (e.g., outdoor air, indoor air, and ground water) exposure risk with a deterministic and probabilistic approach. Results: In human risk assessment (HRA), the level of human exposure was higher in the younger age group. The exposure level through inhalation at home was the highest among the exposure routes. Outdoor air or uptake of drinking water represented less than 1% of total contributions to PCE exposure. These findings suggested that the level of risk was negligible since the Hazard Index (HI) induced by HRA was below one among all age groups, with a maximum HI value of 0.17 when reasonable maximum exposure was applied. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was suggested that despite low exposure risk, further studies are needed considering main sources, including occupational exposure.