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Estimation of Uranium Particle Concentration in the Korean Peninsula Caused by North Korea's Uranium Enrichment Facility (북한 우라늄 농축시설로 인한 한반도에서의 공기중 우라늄 입자 농도 예측)

  • Kwak, Sung-Woo;Kang, Han-Byeol;Shin, Jung-Ki;Lee, Junghyun
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.39 no.3
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    • pp.127-133
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    • 2014
  • North Korea's uranium enrichment facility is a matter of international concern. It is of particular alarming to South Korea with regard to the security and safety of the country. This situation requires continuous monitoring of the DPRK and emergency preparedness on the part of the ROK. To assess the detectability of an undeclared uranium enrichment plant in North Korea, uranium concentrations in the air at both a short and a long distance from the enrichment facility were estimated. $UF_6$ source terms were determined by using existing information on North Korean facility and data from the operation experience of enrichment plants from other countries. Using the calculated source terms, two atmospheric dispersion models (Gaussian Plume Model and HYSPLIT models) and meteorological data were used to estimate the uranium particle concentrations from the Yongbyon enrichment facility. A maximum uranium concentration and its location are dependent upon the meteorological conditions and the height of the UF6 release point. This study showed that the maximum uranium concentration around the enrichment facility was about $1.0{\times}10^{-7}g{\cdot}m^{-3}$. The location of the maximum concentration was within about 0.4 km of the facility. It has been assumed that the uranium sample of about a few micrograms (${\mu}g$) could be obtained; and that few micrograms of uranium can be easily measured with current measurement instruments. On the contrary, a uranium concentration at a distance of more than 100 kilometers from the enrichment facility was estimated to be about $1.0{\times}10^{-13}{\sim}1.0{\times}10^{-15}g{\cdot}m^{-3}$, which is less than back-ground level. Therefore, based on the results of our paper, an air sample taken within the vicinity of the Yongbyon enrichment facility could be used to determine as to whether or not North Korea is carrying out an undeclared nuclear program. However, the air samples taken at a longer distance of a few hundred kilometers would prove difficult in detecting a clandestine nuclear activities.

The Effect of Eisenia bicyclis Extracts on Bone Tissues in Ovariectomized Rats (대황 추출물이 갱년기 유도 흰쥐의 골 조직에 미치는 영향)

  • Park, Yong Soo;Kang, Min Suk;Kim, Bo Kyung;Kim, Mihyang
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.42 no.1
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    • pp.33-39
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    • 2013
  • Menopause is often associated with several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. In this study, we investigated the ability of Eisenia bicyclis (EB) to prevent bone loss in ovariectomized rats, a model for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Extracts from EB obtained using ethanol or hot water were analyzed for total polyphenol content and osteoporosis effects in vivo. Total polyphenol content was higher with extraction by hot water compared to ethanol extraction. Fifty 8-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: the group were sham-operated rats (SHAM), ovariectomized rats (OVX-CON), and ovariectomized rats that were treated with EB at 50 mg/kg body weight (OVX-EB50) and 200 mg/kg body weight (OVX-EB200), respectively. The diets were fed to rats for 6 weeks after their operation. We found that the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was lower in the EB extract group compared to the OVX-CON group. Collagen and pyridinoline content, in bone and cartilage, were reduced by ovariectomy, but the supplemented EB extract groups exhibited higher concentrations in their bones. These results suggest that EB can be used for the industrial development of foods with therapeutic functions.

Functional recovery after transplantation of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in immature rats (저산소 허혈 뇌 손상을 유발시킨 미성숙 흰쥐에서 마우스 골수 기원 중간엽 줄기 세포 이식 후 기능 회복)

  • Choi, Wooksun;Shin, Hye Kyung;Eun, So-Hee;Kang, Hoon Chul;Park, Sung Won;Yoo, Kee Hwan;Hong, Young Sook;Lee, Joo Won;Eun, Baik-Lin
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.52 no.7
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    • pp.824-831
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    • 2009
  • Purpose : We aimed to investigate the efficacy of and functional recovery after intracerebral transplantation of different doses of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) in immature rat brain with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods : Postnatal 7-days-old Sprague-Dawley rats, which had undergone unilateral HI operation, were given stereotaxic intracerebral injections of either vehicle or mMSCs and then tested for locomotory activity in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week of the stem cell injection. In the 8th week, Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory dysfunction for a week. Results : In the open field test, no differences were observed in the total distance/the total duration (F=0.412, P=0.745) among the 4 study groups. In the invisible-platform Morris water maze test, significant differences were observed in escape latency (F=380.319, P<0.01) among the 4 groups. The escape latency in the control group significantly differed from that in the high-dose mMSC and/or sham group on training days 2-5 (Scheffe's test, P<0.05) and became prominent with time progression (F=6.034, P<0.01). In spatial probe trial and visible-platform Morris water maze test, no significant improvement was observed in the rats that had undergone transplantation. Conclusion : Although the rats that received a high dose of mMSCs showed significant recovery in the learning-related behavioral test only, our data support that mMSCs may be used as a valuable source to improve outcome in HIE. Further study is necessary to identify the optimal dose that shows maximal efficacy for HIE treatment.

Characteristics of Biodegradation of Geosmin using BAC Attached Bacteria in Batch Bioreactor (정수처리용 생물활성탄(BAC) 부착 박테리아를 이용한 회분식 반응기에서의 Geosmin 생분해 특성)

  • Son, Hee-Jong;Jung, Chul-Woo;Choi, Young-Ik;Jang, Seong-Ho
    • Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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    • v.32 no.7
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    • pp.699-705
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    • 2010
  • In this study, three different biological activated carbons (BACs) were prepared from activated carbons made of each coal (F400, Calgon), coconut (Samchully) and wood(Pica, Picabiol) which were run for two and half years in the pilot plant. The attached bio-film microorganisms in and on the BACs were isolated and identified. The results showed that nine different bacteria species (Chryseomonas luteola, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas vesicularis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Spingomonas paucimobilis, Agrobacterium radiobacter, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Spirillum spp., and Pasteurella haemolytica) were isolated and identified, the dominant species was Pseudomonas sp. that had occupied 56.5%. More specifically, it was observed that the populations of the microorganisms deceased in the order: Pasteurella haemolytica (18.9%) > Chryseomonas luteola (4.0%) > Agrobacterium radiobacter (3.5%) > Aeromonas hydrophila (2.0%) in and on the BACs. After isolating of 9 species of biofilm microorganisms, the growth curve for the biomass was investigated. During 24~96 hours, the biomass has the highest concentration, and activity of the biomass was the best to uptake geosmin as carbon resources. The operation temperatures for investigating the biodegradation of geosmin were set at $4^{\circ}C$ and $25^{\circ}C$. Pseudomonas vesicularis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Agrobacterium radiobacter and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia played a maior role in removing the target compound as geosmin. However, geosmin was not biodegraded well by Chryseomonas luteola, Spingomonas paucimobilis, and Spirillum spp.. It is also interesting to evaluate kinetics of biodegradability of geosmin. The first-order rate constants for biodegradability of geosmin at $4^{\circ}C$ and $25^{\circ}C$ were $0.00006{\sim}0.0002\;hr^{-1}$ and $0.0043{\sim}0.0046\;hr^{-1}$ respectively. Higher water temperature produced better geosmin removal rates. When concentrations of geosmin increased from 10 to 10,000 ng/L, the rate constants for biodegradability of geosmin increased from 0.0003 to $0.0882\;hr^{-1}$. As described earlier, higher geosmin concentration in the reactor produced higher rate constant.

"Legal Study on Boundary between Airspace and Outer Space" (영공(領空)과 우주공간(宇宙空間)의 한계(限界)에 관한 법적(法的) 고찰(考察))

  • Choi, Wan-Sik
    • The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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    • v.2
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    • pp.31-67
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    • 1990
  • One of the first issues which arose in the evolution of air law was the determination of the vertical limits of airspace over private property. In 1959 the UN in its Ad Hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, started to give attention to the question of the meaning of the term "outer space". Discussions in the United Nations regarding the delimitation issue were often divided between those in favour of a functional approach ("functionalists"), and those seeking the delineation of a boundary ("spatialists"). The functionalists, backed initially by both major space powers, which viewed any boundary as possibly restricting their access to space(Whether for peaceful or military purposes), won the first rounds, starting with the 1959 Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space which did not consider that the topic called for priority consideration. In 1966, however, the spatialists, were able to place the issue on the agenda of the Outer Sapce Committee pursuant to Resolution 2222 (xxx1). However, the spatialists were not able to present a common position since there existed a variety of propositions for delineation of a boundary. Over the years, the funtionalists have seemed to be losing ground. As the element of location is a decisive factor for the choice of the legal regime to be applied, a purely functional approach to the regulation of activities in the space above the Earth does not offer a solution. It is therefore to be welcomed that there is clear evidence of a growing recognition of the defect inherent to such an approach and that a spatial approach to the problem is gaining support both by a growing number of States as well as by publicists. The search for a solution of the problem of demarcating the two different legal regimes governing the space above the Earth has undoubtedly been facilitated, and a number of countries, among them Argentina, Belgium, France, Italy and Mexico have already advocated the acceptance of the lower boundary of outer space at a height of 100km. The adoption of the principle of sovereignty at that height does not mean that States would not be allowed to take protective measures against space activities above that height which constitute a threat to their security. A parallel can be drawn with the defence of the State's security on the high seas. Measures taken by States in their own protection on the high seas outside the territorial waters-provided that they are proportionate to the danger-are not considered to infringe the principle of international law. The most important issue in this context relates to the problem of a right of passage for space craft through foreign air space in order to reach outer space. In the reports to former ILA Conferences an explanation was given of the reasons why no customary rule of freedom of passage for aircraft through foreign territorial air space could as yet be said to exist. It was suggested, however, that though the essential elements for the creation of a rule of customary international law allowing such passage were still lacking, developments apperaed to point to a steady growth of a feeling of necessity for such a rule. A definite treaty solution of the demarcation problem would require further study which should be carried out by the UN Outer Space Committee in close co-operation with other interested international organizations, including ICAO. If a limit between air space and outer space were established, air space would automatically come under the regime of the Chicago Convention alone. The use of the word "recognize" in Art. I of chicago convention is an acknowledgement of sovereignty over airspace existing as a general principle of law, the binding force of which exists independently of the Convention. Further it is important to note that the Aricle recognizes this sovereignty, as existing for every state, holding it immaterial whether the state is or is not a contracting state. The functional criteria having been created by reference to either the nature of activity or the nature of the space object, the next hurdle would be to provide methods of verification. With regard to the question of international verification the establishment of an International Satelite Monitoring Agency is required. The path towards the successful delimitation of outer space from territorial space is doubtless narrow and stony but the establishment of a precise legal framework, consonant with the basic principles of international law, for the future activities of states in outer space will, it is still believed, remove a source of potentially dangerous conflicts between states, and furthermore afford some safeguard of the rights and interests of non-space powers which otherwise are likely to be eroded by incipient customs based on at present almost complete freedom of action of the space powers.

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Functional Result of Limb Salvage Surgery with Tumor Prosthesis for Osteosarcoma of Proximal Tibia (근위 경골 골육종의 종양대치물을 이용한 사지 구제술 후의 기능 평가)

  • Bahk, Won-Jong;Sohn, Jong-Min;Chung, Yang-Guk;Kang, Yong-Koo
    • The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.139-143
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    • 2001
  • Purpose : Limb salvage for osteosarcoma of proximal tibia is challenging problem due to difficulties in mobilizing or retracting the main neurovascular structure, inadequate soft tissue coverage, and unsolved problem of patellar tendon reattachment to endoprosthesis. The authors analyzed the functional result of limb salvage using tumor prosthesis with medial gastrocnemius rotation plasty for osteosarcama of the proximal tibia. Materials and Methods : Eleven patients with histologically proven osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia, treated with adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and limb salvage operation with tumor prosthesis between January 1992 and December 1998 at our Medical Center, were selected. There were 6 male and 5 female. Age ranged from 15 years to 23.7 years with an average of 23.7 years. Follow-up period ranged from 1 year to 4.5 years with an average of 2.5 years. The final functional result was evaluated using the method by ISOLS, 1993. The factors include pain, functional activities, emotional acceptance, use of external supports, walking ability and gait. Each of the factors has been scored from 0 to 5 depending on the appropriate description or data. The rating score is determined by dividing the individual factor scores into the total score and indicates percentage of normal function. Results : The overall functional result ranged from 53,3% to 86.7% with an average of 68.3% of normal function. In details, the averages were 82.5% for pain, 62.5% for functional activities, 67.5% for emotional acceptance, 77.5% for use of external supports, 62.5% for walking ability, and 57.5% for gait. The average range of motion of the knee joint was $5^{\circ}$ extension and $85^{\circ}$ flexion. Five patients have extension lag ranged from $5^{\circ}$ to $15^{\circ}$ with an average of $10^{\circ}$. Two patients suffered postoperative infection. One was treated with antibiotics injection only, but the other needed removal of the prosthesis and knee fusion. Both of them showed unsatisfactory result. C o n c l u s i o n : The overall functional result after limb salvage using tumor prosthesis with medial gastrocnemius rotational flap for osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia was relatively satisfactory in case of no postoperative infection. The patients were less satisfactory in functional activities, emotional acceptance and gait than pain, use of external supports due to limitation of motion and extension lag. More aggressive postoperative physical therapy and protection with brace for 6~9 months as well as surgical technique is mandatory for more satisfactory result.

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A Study on the effect of Friend-praise activity program of Elementary students for Self-esteem and Personal Relationship (초등학생의 또래 칭찬활동 프로그램이 자아존중감 및 대인관계에 미치는 효과)

  • Oh, Eun-Ju
    • The Korean Journal of Elementary Counseling
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.159-184
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    • 2006
  • Lately, the rapid social and family system change, the entrance examination-centered circumstance in education have a negative influence not only on making up the affirmative self-esteem but also on building up the personal relationship through mutual communication with friends of the same age. Making children adapt well to school life and develop a good relationship in the class is an important subject in educational field. Thus, various school activities should offer lots of opportunities to increase their affirmative self-esteem and more specified performance-centered programs are required toform a harmonious relationship among parties of students. The purpose of this study is to improve an affirmative self-esteern and a desirable personal relationship of children through developing friend-praise program and adapting it to children. Based on the above purpose, the following subjects for this study 'are suggested. Firstly, is the friend-praise program effective in forming an affirmative self-esteem of elementary students? Secondly, is the friend-praise program successful in improving a desirable personal relationship in an elementary school? In addition, two hypotheses of study are decided on the basis of theoretical background and the former study. Hypothesis 1. The friend-praise program will have a meaningful effect on improving an affirmative self-esteem. Hypothesis 2. The friend-praise program will have a meaningful effect on improving a desirable personal relationship. In order to improve the above hypotheses, the experiment was carried out with two classes on the fourth grade in M elementary school in Wonju with being divided into one experimental group and the other comparative group. The friend-praise program which was adapted to the experimental group was composed with four steps as 'introduction', 'preparation', 'operation' and 'closing'. This program which has twelve categories was executed once or twice in a week and each class was continued for forty or sixty minutes. Contrastively, comparative group had no application of the main program. For the purpose of proving the hypotheses after adapting the program to students, I have executed both self-esteem test and personal relationship test. The tests were performed with using SPSS/Windows V10.0 and the statistic was conducted through independant sample t-test for the difference between groups and contrastive sample t-test for the individual difference in each group. The results of this study can be summarized like the followings: Firstly, from the result of previous and after tests, there was no meaningful change in the comparative group, but the experimental group showed meaningful difference in all categories of self-esteem(t=-4.496, p=.000). Especially, the general self-esteem(t=-3.216, p=.003), social self-esteem(t=-2.680, p=.012), homely self-esteem(t=-3.732, p=.001), and school self-esteem(t=-3.902, p=.000) showed a meaningful difference. At the same time, the experimental group also showed meaningful difference with the comparative group in self-esteem(t=-4.758, p=.000). Especially, the general self-esteem(t=2.581, p=.017), social self-esteem(t=3.160, p=.003), homely self-esteem(t=4.283, p=.000), and school self-esteem(t=4.110, p=.000) showed a meaningful difference. As a result of this experiment, the friend-praise program will have a meaningful effect on improving an affirmative self-esteem was proved. Secondly, there was no meaningful change in the comparative group, but the experimental group showed meaningful difference in all categories of personal relationship(t=-4.131, p=.000). Specifically, satisfaction(t=-2.113, p=.045), communication(t=-3.381, p=.002), confidence(t=-3.517, p=.001), intimacy(t=-3.958, p=.000), sensibility(t=-2.955, p=.006), openness(t=-4.318, p=.000) and interest(t=-2.941, p=.000) showed a meaningful difference. In the same instant, the experimental group also showed meaningful difference with the comparative group in all categories of personal relationship(t=3.897, p=.000). Especially, satisfaction(t=2.257, p=.003), communication(t=3.527, p=.001), confidence(t=3.704, p=.001), intimacy(t=3.904, p=.000), sensibility (t=4.382, p=.000), openness(t=2.648, p=.013) and interest(t=2.944, p=.006) showed a meaningful difference. Accordingly, the friend-praise program will have a meaningful effect on improving a desirable personal relationship was proved. Judging from all these results, we should provide primary students with various opportunities to take part in active programs which help them to set up their righteous sense of value, to solve their own problems and to develop their potentials. Consequently, many kinds of practice-centered program like the friend-praise program should be developed more systematically and teachers should apply all those programs to students according to their individual level and developmental stage.

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Status and Characteristics of the Newly Established Cooperatives in Agricultural Sector (농업분야 신생 협동조합의 현황과 유형별 특징)

  • Choi, Kyung Sik;Nam, Gi Pou;Hwang, Dae Yong
    • Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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    • v.21 no.4
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    • pp.967-1006
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    • 2014
  • This study attempted to provide policy recommendations in promoting new cooperatives established in agriculture based on the 2012 Cooperative Act. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 195 newly established cooperatives as the policy target of this study. The new cooperatives were classified as three kinds namely as 'Business' Cooperatives', 'Consumers' Cooperatives', 'Social Cooperatives' based on their member attributes and objectives. Interesting to note that, all of these new cooperatives born by the new Act has taken the marketing business as their main stream business. Among the three types, 'Business Cooperatives' are ranked the highest amount of capital shares per person in average, having about 30 members in size. In categorization, 'Business Cooperatives' include farmer cooperatives as majority and employee cooperatives. They are usually involved in both production and marketing and even in processing activities, and have tried to secure their business performance by e-commerce and stable business contracts. Their diverse activities are highly associated with their local community. Consumers' Cooperatives include consumer cooperatives and stakeholder cooperatives in achieving welfare of members. This type has lower share in capital but has over 30 members in a cooperative, taking marketing (distribution) business as main and often take advantage of their social network and physical store. Regional relationships are less than producer cooperatives. 'Social Cooperatives' are established by public interest and have around 10 members and lowest per capital. their business and community activity is similar to the consumer cooperatives. This study recommends the needs of designing suitable business models by these three types of cooperatives in the future, while appropriating their membership size for their tangible business operations. The government policy direction should aim to develop their new business opportunities and its management stabilization, especially in conjunction with the existing agricultural cooperatives (Nonghyup). It must be rather than to provide simply policy supports for establishment. An in-depth study is recommended in this regard.

Clinical Experiences of redo-CABG (관상동맥우회 재수술의 임상적 고찰)

  • Lim, Sang-Hyun;Kwak, Young-Tae;Lee, Sak;Chang, Byung-Chul;Kang, Meyun-Shick;Cho, Bum-Koo;Yoo, Kyung-Jong
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.35 no.11
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    • pp.779-784
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    • 2002
  • Recently, the number of coronary artery bypass surgery(CABG) is increasing according to the increasing incidence of coronary artery disease. However, CABG is not a definite corrective surgery; therefore, in some patients, redo-CABG may be required. We retrospectively reviewed our redo-CABG experiences to help future redo-CABG. Material and Method: From January 1991 to April 2001, 14 cases of redo-CABG were performed in Yonsei Cardiovascular Center(M:F=12:2) and mean age was 61,7 $\pm$ 7.1(47-72) years. Mean time from 1st. CABG to redo-CABG was 121.9 $\pm$ 50.5(6.1-179.6) months. Thirteen cases were conventional on-pump CABG and one case was off-pump CABG. In two patients, mitral valve re-replacement and mitral valve repair were performed each. All redo-CABG were performed through mid-sternotomy. During redo-CABG, left internal mammary artery and saphenous vein grafts were used in 6 patients, left internal mammary artery and left radial artery grafts were used in 2 patients, left internal mammary artery and gastroepiploic artery were used in one patient and only greater saphenous veins were used in 5 cases(In one case, cephalic vein was also used). The number of mean distal anastomosis was 2.1 $\pm$ 0.9(1-4). Result: There were no operative death and no perioperative myocardial infarctions and cerebrovascular accidents or other heart related complications. Mean follow up duration was 40.1 $\pm$ 38.6(1.1-118.5) months. During follow up period, angina was re-developed in one patient 13 months after operation. Two patients died of end-stage renal failure 14.8 months and 116.3 months after redo-CABG, respectively. During follow up period, coronary angiography was performed in 3 patients, and all grafts were patent. At last follow up, mean Canadian class was 1.3. Kaplan-Meier survival at 9 years was 90.0 $\pm$ 9.5% and event free survival at 9 years was 71.4 $\pm$ 6.9%. Conclusion: After redo-CABG, all patients improved their angina symptom and daily activity. And long-term survival after redo-CABG was excellent. Therefore, if patients have indications for redo-CABG, thenredo-CABG must be strongly recommended and performed.

A Study on the Filtration of Swine Anaerobic Digestate Using Multi-Layered Compost Beds (다층구조의 퇴비단을 이용한 돈분뇨 슬러리 혐기소화액의 여과효과에 대한 연구)

  • Han, Deug-Woo;Lee, Dong-Hyun;Kim, Jung-Gon;Yang, Seung-Hak;Bae, Jin-Woo;Kwag, Jung-Hoon;Choi, Dong-Yoon;Jeong, Kwang-Hwa
    • Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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    • v.21 no.4
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    • pp.72-81
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    • 2013
  • The objective of this study was to verify whether SCB(Slurry Composting & Bio-filtration) system can be applied for the treatment of anaerobic digestion(AD) wastewater and also, to identify the most effective set among three filtration compost beds tested. Results can be summarized as these; (a) When AD wastewater was sprayed on the top of beds which were mainly composed of sawdust and/or other media and, subsequently, filtrates collected and analyzed, there were large drop in the values of Electric Conductivity(EC), Total Suspended Solid(TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand(BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD). In contrast, Total Nitrgen(T-N) and Total Phosphorus(T-P) were progressively elevated. We consider these changes as positive if the filtrate are to be utilized as liquid fertilizer. (b) When three sets of filtration beds (T1, T2, T3) were compared for their effectiveness, no significant difference was found among them. These indicate that expensive sawdust can be replaced in part with cheaper media such as woodchip, rice husks, or others. (c) At early stage of operation (within 20 days), BOD in filtrates were maintained at high level probably due to the lack of microbial activity. During the same stage, T-N, T-P was at low level but, were elevated to higher levels thereafter. These data, when combined, indicate that the filtration system needs at least a couple of weeks for the optimized microbial functioning. (d) The temperatures of the experimental beds were progressively dropped as the experiment continued through the fall season, although filtration effectiveness was not noticeably influenced.