• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.389-399
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• 2003

CRN (Cosmogenic radionuclide) methodology has been a versatile tool applicable to a wide range of geomorphology. This study was underiaken to ascertain the rate of erosion and exposure age of mountain-top detritus (tors and block streams) on Mt. Maneo by employing the concentrations of in-situ produced cosmogenic $^{10}$ Be and $^{26}$ Al from bedrock surfaces that are exposed to cosmic rays. The results suggest that tors on the summit were positioned here during the glacial period but no later than 65ka and block streams have been stabilized also since the last glacial period but no later than 38ka. The tors on the summit have been eroded at a slower rate (9m/Ma) than blocks on the hillslope (15m/Ma) since the initial abrupt exposure of each landform to cosmic rays, suggesting that there is a slight difference in the rate of erosion between the summit and the hillslope, and that the local relief between the two areas has been increased. When the $^{26}$ Al/$^{10}$ Be-$^{10}$ Be concentrations from samples are plotted in Lal's steady-state erosion island, one sample (from a for) has complex exposure histories, which can be explained by the occurrence of multiple chipping event of 5cm to 60cm in length on the surface of the rock.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.12a
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• pp.4-15
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• 2005

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant with neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system. The major exposure route of MeHg to humans is via consumption of fish and shellfish which accumulate the chemical through the food web in an aquatic environment. Hair mercury level is an excellent marker for MeHg exposure. We have been conducting a survey on hair mercury contents among general populations from 14 districts to estimate the current Japanese MeHg exposure level. Total mercury levels of all hair samples collected (12923 in total) were analyzed by the oxygen combustion-gold amalgamation method using an atomic absorption mercury detector. Multiple regression analysis revealed that mercury levels were significantly correlated with several covariates, such as sex, age, the amount of daily intake of total fish/shellfish, a preference for certain fish such as tuna or bonito, and artificial waving. The geometric means for the population without artificial waving were 2.47 and 1.65 ${\mu}g/g$ for males (n = 5623) and females (n = 3470), respectively. Hair mercury levels varied with age, and the variations were more significant in males. Since the difference between sexes was not evident at younger ages, some hormonal control might also be involved in the mercury uptake by human hair. The average mercury levels in our hair samples varied among the sampling districts. Tuna is a major carnivorous fish with high mercury accumulations that is often consumed in Japan. The amount of fish consumption and the preference rate far tuna would appear to be responsible far the regional variation in hair mercury levels in Japan. Recently, a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of MeHg was revised by 61st JECFA to 1.6 ${\mu}g/kg/week$, which was about half that of the Japanese standard, and corresponded to a hair level of 2.2 ppm. The distribution of hair mercury levels in Japanese populations in the present study indicated that 25% of the Japanese females of child-bearing age were estimated to be exposed to MeHg over the PTWI level. This would reflect the high Japanese consumption of marine products. However, not only mercury contamination, but also the nutritional benefit may have to be considered when discussing the risk involved in the current level of fish and shellfish consumption in Japan.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.315-323
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• 2022

Background: Socioeconomical disadvantaged communities are more vulnerable to environmental chemical exposure and associated health effects. However, there is limited information on chemical exposure among vulnerable populations in Korea. Objectives: This study investigated chemical exposure among underprivileged populations. We measured urinary metabolites of phthalates in urban disadvantaged communities and investigated their correlations with residential environment factors and relative socioeconomic vulnerability. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 64 residents in a disadvantaged community in Seoul. A total of eight phthalate metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Analytical method used by the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) was employed. Covariate variance analysis and general linear regression adjusted with age, sex and smoking were performed. Results: Several phthalate metabolites, namely monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) had higher levels than those reported in the adults of 4th KoNEHS. Notably, the MnBP level was higher in the lower socioeconomic group (geometric mean [GM]=47.3 ㎍/g creatinine) compared to non-recipients (GM=31.9 ㎍/g creatinine) and the national reference level (GM=22.0, 28.2 and 32.2 ㎍/g creatinine for adults, 60's and 70's, respectively.). When age, sex and smoking were adjusted, MEP and MnBP were significantly increased the lower socioeconomic group than non-recipients (p=0.014, p=0.023). The lower socioeconomic group's age of flooring were higher than non-recipients, not statistically significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that a relatively low income and aged flooring could be considered as risk factors for increased levels of phthalate metabolites in socioeconomic vulnerable populations.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.593-600
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• 2024

This study aimed to investigate the extent to which media advertisements conducted by vocational colleges (such as SNS, banners, university information boards in high schools, terminal advertisements, local daily newspaper advertisements, and elevator video advertisements) influence the formation of a positive image of the college among incoming students. To this end, a total of 430 freshmen at K Vocational College in Jeonbuk were asked about the frequency of their exposure to the college's media advertisements for each type of media. Additionally, they were asked about the impact these advertisements had on forming a positive image of the college, and the results were analyzed accordingly. The frequency of exposure to the advertisements was measured to verify the exposure effect of the advertisements themselves. To determine the impact of the frequency of exposure to each type of media on the formation of a positive image, correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted. The key findings are as follows: First, while there were differences in the frequently encountered media among different age groups, banners and SNS advertisements were the most frequently encountered when considering all age groups collectively. Second, regarding the impact of the frequency of exposure to each type of media on the formation of a positive image of the college, elevator advertisements had the most significant effect, followed by banner advertisements. The purpose of this study is to aid in the formulation of the college's promotional strategies, with the expectation that the college will achieve better results through more efficient advertising.

• Transactions of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.5-12
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• 2015

According to the analysis of special medical examination and work environment monitoring data, the rate of C1 and D1 on noise hazard exceeded 90 % among those of total hazardous factors. The rate of company exceeding noise exposure limit was also more than 90 %. The analysis result shows that main ages diagnosed with C1 and D1 was age of 50s. The majority scale company having workers diagnosed with C1 and D1 was the companies employing 5~49 workers. Types of industries which have a large number of companies exceeding noise exposure limit were automobile and trailer manufacturing, metal processing industry and primary metal manufacturing. A large number of work processes exceeding noise exposure limit were forming and processing work, cutting and bending work and grinding. To reduce the number of company exceeding noise exposure limit, the reduction counterplan should be focused on the type of industry and the work process which exceeded noise exposure limit frequently. However, the reduction counterplan is preemptively necessary to the type of industry and the work process which exceeded noise exposure limit consecutively if the purpose of reduction counterplan is not to merely reduce the number of company exceeding noise exposure limit but to abate workers' suffering from noise.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.102-110
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• 2010

Personal exposure relies on characteristics of time activity patterns of the population of concern as human activities impact the timing, location, and level of personal exposure. The information about time spent in microenvironments plays a critical role for personal exposure to air pollutants. It is useful to determine the precise times of the day that the subjects are in certain locations or engaging in specific activities because exposure to some air pollutants can depend on temporal trends. This study investigated time activity pattern for workers of Korean population over 19 years old with 8,778 workers in weekday. The residential indoor times were 12 hours. Time activity was different by gender and the mean times stayed at home in weekday were 12.9 hours in female and 11.42 hours in male, respectively. The major factors on residential indoor time and workplace time were age, monthly income, occupation and industry type, work position, education, and gender. Considering shorter than those in other countries, Korean workers spent less time at home after the working hours. Determinants of time activity pattern need to be taken into account in exposure assessment, epidemiological analyses, exposure simulations, as well as in the development of preventive strategies. Since there are substantial difference of Korean worker activity pattern, this information can be critical for exposure assessment in Korea.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.543-548
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• 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study was to calculate sample size and power in an ongoing cohort, Korea radiation effect and epidemiology cohort (KREEC). Method: Sample size calculation was performed using PASS 2002 based on Cox regression and Poisson regression models. Person-year was calculated by using data from '1993-1997 Total cancer incidence by sex and age, Seoul' and Korean statistical informative service. Results: With the assumption of relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8, sample size calculation was 405 events based on a Cox regression model. When the relative risk was assumed to be 1.5 then number of events was 170. Based on a Poisson regression model, relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8 rendered 385 events. Relative risk of 1.5 resulted in a total of 157 events. We calculated person-years (PY) with event numbers and cancer incidence rate in the nonexposure group. Based on a Cox regression model, with relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8, 136 245PY was needed to secure the power. In a Poisson regression model, with relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8, person-year needed was 129517PY. A total of 1939 cases were identified in KREEC until December 2007. Conclusions: A retrospective power calculation in an ongoing study might be biased by the data. Prospective power calculation should be carried out based on various assumptions prior to the study.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.12 no.9
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• pp.967-976
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• 2003

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in essentially all natural and synthetic materials from petrol to flowers. In this study, indoor and outdoor VOCs concentrations of houses, offices and internet-cafes were measured and compared simultaneously with personal exposures of each 50 participants in Asan and Seoul, respectively. Also, factors that influence personal VOCs exposure were statistically analyzed using questionnaires in relation to house characteristics, time activities, and health effects. All VOCs concentrations were measured by OVM passive samplers (3M) and analyzed with GC/MS. Target pollutants among VOCs were Toluene, o-Xylene, m/p-Xylene, Ethylbenzene, MIBK, n-Octane, Styrene, Trichloroethylene, and 1,2-Dichlorobenzene. Indoor and outdoor VOCs concentrations measured in Seoul were significantly higher than those in Asan except Ethylbenzene. Residential indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios for all target compounds ranged from 0.94 to 1.51 and I/O ratios of Asan were a little higher than those of Seoul. Relationship between personal VOCs exposure, and indoor and outdoor VOCs concentrations suggested that time-activity pattern could affect the high exposure to air pollutant. Factors that influence indoor VOCs level and personal exposure with regard to house characteristics in houses were building age, inside smoking and house type. In addition insecticide and cosmetics interestingly affected the VOCs personal exposure. Higher exposure to VOCs might be caused to be exciting increase and memory reduction, considering the relationship between measured VOCs concentrations and questionnaire (p<0.05).

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.389-394
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• 2019

When conducting risk assessments of cosmetic ingredients, it is important that reliable exposure information is obtained for cosmetic products. As cosmetics are becoming more diverse, continuous effort must be made to obtain exposure data that reflect their growth and usage trends. The usage pattern of cosmetics, such as the application area and amount used, may differ by product type and also by country. We conducted a survey to compare the amount of sun spray and sun cream used in a usage environment in South Korea. The study was conducted on Haeundae Beach, one of the most popular beaches in South Korea. A total of 1,255 beachgoers participated in this study; 604 and 651 participants used the sun spray and sun cream, respectively, while sunbathing and enjoying water activities on the beach for one day. Exposure was analyzed following a probabilistic method. On comparing all subjects, it was found that the group that used sun spray (mean: 44.52 g/day) used significantly more product (p = 0.000) than those who used sun cream (mean: 20.51 g/day). By analyzing the daily exposure of sun spray and sun cream per unit body weight according to age and gender, the exposure amount of sun spray and sun cream was found to be highest among 2~9 year-old girls (mean for sun spray: 2.51 g/kg/day, p95: 5.50 g/kg/day, mean for sun cream: 0.79 g/kg/day, p95: 1.79 g/kg/day). The amount of sun spray used is approximately twice that of sun cream. Among both the sun spray and sun cream groups, the exposure amount per unit body weight was highest in girls younger than 10. These factors should be considered when conducting risk assessments of sun spray and sun cream.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.103-112
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• 2012

Performance of coronary angiography for exact diagnosis and treatments of cardiovascular disease have been increased recently and it also brings increase of the contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) referred from increasing use of radiological contrast agents. The variation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is an indicator of CIN, which is known to increase when renal function is decreased. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the affecting factors including concomitant drug on variation of eGFR of patients who underwent coronary angiography according to the conditions of renal function. Medical records of 66 patients were evaluated retrospectively and the patients underwent coronary angiography or angioplasty with nonionic and isotonic contrast media (iodixanol) at Chungnam national university hospital from 1 Jan 2008 to 30 Jul 2010. Patients group was divided into 2 groups; the patients in stages 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the patients in stage 2 CKD. Each group was researched about the effect of concomitant drug and clinical characteristics on eGFR variation. The change of eGFR was compared among baseline and 2 or 3 day after coronary angiography. In results, the eGFR variation in group over age 75 was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure (p $$\leq_-$$ 0.05). The eGFR variation in anemia was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stage 2 CKD (p > 0.05). The eGFR variation in group under $HbA_{1c}$ 6.5% was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD (p $$\leq_-$$ 0.05). The eGFR variation by taking statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and nitroglycerin was increased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stage 2 CKD (p $$\leq_-$$ 0.05). The eGFR variation by using of diuretics was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD (p $$\leq_-$$ 0.05). The eGFR variation by taking statins, nitroglylcerin was increased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD(p > 0.05). The eGFR variation in group over contrast dosage 150 ml was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD (p $$\leq_-$$ 0.05). Therefore, when undergoing coronary angiography, contrast dosage should be minimized less than 150 ml, and diuretics should be restricted as possible in stages 3-4 CKD. Patients over age 75 require special attention to prevent CIN, and if patients undergo coronary angiography in stages 3-4 CKD, $HbA_{1c}$ is also requried to maintain below 6.5% to prevent CIN.