• Health Policy and Management
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.330-333
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• 2022

Korea's quarantine response to the novel coronavirus (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) pandemic is based on the sacrifice of health professionals, especially public health doctors (PHDs) who were called out first and put in the first place in the country. PHDs performed major quarantine tasks, such as collecting samples from screening clinics and epidemiological investigations, in various parts of the country, including the Daegu area, where the first large-scale COVID-19 confirmed cases in Korea and explosively increased. Because of their position as fixed-term civil servants, however, PHDs' professionalism as doctors was ignored, and they were not properly compensated for their work. They were also exposed to problems such as a high risk of infection, mental suffering, and various human rights violations. We must prepare concrete measures to improve the fundamental treatment of PHDs and protect their human rights in order to prepare for a possible infectious disease pandemic in the future.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.407-412
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• 2001

Milk data may be increasingly used as indicators of the protein-energy balance and actual farm feeding practices. It was related to milk production, nutritional and reproductive disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between level of fat, protein or milk urea nitrogen (MUN) from the first test within 35 days in milk and displaced abomasum (DA) in a large dairy herd with high yielding Holstein cows. Milk data from forty-five DA cases were compared to those from 90 healthy cows. Higher odds of DA diagnosis was found with higher 5.0% milk fat, lower 3.0% milk protein. Therefore, cows with a fat to protein ratio of>1.5 had higher risks for DA. Also, incidence rates of DA was higher in the cows which the level of MUN was lower than 12.0 mg/dl or higher than 25.0 mg/dl relative to healthy cows. These results indicate that cows diagnosed with DA were energy deficient prior to DA diagnosis. We conclude that level of fat, protein or MUN serve as a monitoring tool of protein and energy nutritional balance in early lactation cows and also as a significant predictor of risk for DA.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2008

Methyl bromide has been used as a representative fumigant for quarantine, and several poisoning cases have occurred recently by this chemical in Korea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate workers' exposures to airborne methyl bromide in the importing and exporting plant products quarantine companies. Air samples were collected 400/200 mg Anasorb 747TM and were analyzed by gas chromatograph /flame ionization detector according to the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) Method PV2040. Geometric mean (GM) and arithmetic mean (AM) of total 27 workers' exposure concentrations to airborne methyl bromide were 1.12 ppm and 0.24 ppm, respectively. Two exposures(12.1 ppm and 12 ppm as 8hr-TWA) of total 27 workers' exposures exceeded the Korean standard (5 ppm) of Ministry Labor, while 4 exposures (15%) exceeded the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) (1 ppm) of American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Seven samples (11%) of total 63 short-term air samples exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 20 ppm (Ceiling). The opening (management) task in wood fumigation by tent showed the highest short-term exposure concentrations (AM: 18.6 ppm, GM: 0.58 ppm, maximum: 340.7 ppm). The maximum level in treatment task of the same process was 2.01 ppm. Methyl bromide concentrations in opening operation was significantly higher than that in treatment operation (p<0.05). In conclusion, the GM of workers' 8hr-TWA exposures to airborne methyl chloride in the importing/exporting plant quarantine industry was estimated below the ACGIH TLV (1 ppm). However, opening task in the fumigation of wood being covered with tent or fumigation of pant products in container showed the levels exceeding ACGIH TLV (1 ppm), and opening task in the fumigation of wood being covered with tent showed the level exceeding the Korean standard of Ministry of Labor (5 ppm).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.45-49
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• 2021

A 23-month-old Holstein cattle showed excess salivation and reluctance of walking and suddenly died after forced sudden movements. Grossly, numerous fibrous adhesions were present within cranial abdominal cavity including the reticulum and diaphragm and thoracic cavity involving lungs, pericardial sac, and heart. A perforation made by a 10 cm-long sharp-ended wire was detected in the reticulum. Histopathologically, fibrous suppurative epicarditis and myocardial necrosis were observed. Fibrosis with neovascularization were found in lungs, spleen, and liver. And granulomatous reticulitis was observed. For differential diagnosis, no pathogenic bacteria were detected through microbiological tests and PCR results were also negative for bovine susceptible pathogenic antigens. Based on the gross and histopathological examination, we diagnosed this case as chronic traumatic pericarditis. Cattle are inquisitive and prone to swallow various kinds of metallic foreign bodies since they do not use their lips. Therefore, avoiding ingestion of metallic objects in animal feed and animal areas by careful environmental management of farms is required and farmers should give the adequate minerals and vitamins into the feeds not to lick or shallow foreign bodies in case of mineral deficiency. For veterinary practitioners, physical examination, blood tests, and diagnostic imaging (X-ray and Ultrasonography) are required for an exact diagnosis. Furthermore, placing the magnets in rumen would be effective for prophylactic administrations.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.191-199
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• 2022

We investigated the virulence genes, O-serotypes, antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic E. coli isolated from carcasses (n=455) and environmental (n=372) samples of 11 cattle and 12 pig slaughterhouses from December 2020 to December 2021. E. coli were isolated from nine carcasses (2.0%), three slaughter facilities (1.4%), two utensils (2.7%) and three abattoir workers (3.5%) from four cattle and four pig slaughterhouses. Among all isolates, 13 STEC (76.5%) were identified, followed by four EPEC (23.5%). As a result of the antibiotic susceptibility test, all isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, of which 70.6% isolates showed multidrug resistance patterns. The serotypes were diverse in pigs compared to cattle, with serotypes O18, O66, O109 in cattle and O9, O76, O85, O100, O153, and O159 in pigs. In a single cattle slaughterhouse, eight STEC O66 were isolated from various types of sample (4 slaughter animal surfaces, 3 gloves, and 1 knife) with two antimicrobial resistance patterns (CHL-FIS-STR and CHL-FIS). Those two types of strain were suspected cross-contamination from utensils to slaughter animal surfaces. These results showed that pathogenic E. coli were detected in carcasses and various environmental samples in cattle and pig slaughterhouses. Nationwide monitoring and hygiene management are required to prevent cross-contamination of STEC isolate slaughterhouses.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.275-280
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• 2023

Currently, the cumulative number of confirmed cases from the coronavirus in Korea is 30.17 million, and the cumulative number of deaths also reaches 33,444 (as of January 31, 2023). Therefore, this study aims to conduct an empirical analysis on the establishment of quarantine systems in major domestic cities as it is necessary to analyze the influencing factors of COVID-19 and discuss policy directions necessary to establish an effective quarantine system in the future. Among them, 16 cities in Korea with a relatively weak quarantine infrastructure were compared with the interrelationship between "number of upper-level hospitals", "number of urban populations", "number of infected", and "number of deaths", and ultimately the results of quarantine for each local government. In conclusion, the average population of 16 cities is 0.792 million, and the average number of infected people is 0.458 million, and the average cumulative infection rate is 57.8%. Seven cities exceed the average cumulative infection rate: Suwon (61.6%), Yongin (59.1%), Seongnam (61.8%), Hwaseong (65.6%), Anyang (60.7%), Cheonan (62.9%), and Jeonju (62.9%). In addition, despite the establishment of excellent treatment facilities in the city (ave=0.0129), the ratio of "accumulated deaths" (ave=0.11%) was high in Changwon (0.12%/0.0193), Ansan (0.12%/0.0138), Cheongju (0.11%/0.0174), and the ratio of "accumulative deaths" was low (0.09%) despite the construction of relatively poor treatment facilities. Through the results of this study, we expect a paradigm shift in the infectious disease management system in major cities in Korea after post-COVID-19.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2022

As more veterinary clinics become specialized with the growth of the companion animal market, an increasing number of veterinary clinics perform orthopedic surgery and use orthopedic products, some of which are defective and have side effects. Thus, the present study aimed to prepare fundamental data for the revision and development of manufacturing standards for these products in order to prevent their side effects. We conducted a survey targeting veterinary clinics as consumers and medical device companies as suppliers. Veterinary clinics were surveyed via offline and online methods; 320 clinics that offered orthopedic surgery and approximately 4,000 veterinary clinics that were registered in the Korean Veterinary Medical Association were targeted, and 153 veterinary clinics responded to the survey. The survey for medical device companies, was performed online, targeting 29 companies; 14 companies responded. The number of side effects of orthopedic products was higher in animal orthopedic products than in those for human use. Many consumers tended to suspect that side effects were caused by product defects. To resolve side effects after using orthopedic products, consumers mostly underwent reoperation. Meanwhile, some severe cases proceeded to legal disputes. Similarly, medical device companies, or the suppliers, responded that most side effects occurred in veterinary orthopedic products and that product defects and mistakes in use were the causes. As for most of the follow-up actions for side effects, these companies either reported the issue to those in charge or analyzed and resolved the issues themselves. Therefore, to develop quality products, suppliers should be provided with clear standards for the production, and information disclosure and a report system for side effects should be particularly established to gain consumers' trust regarding the safety of these products.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.91-102
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• 2022

Many industries are being severely damaged by COVID-19, a respiratory infection that has recently been prevalent around the world. In particular, for workers in the construction industry, it is impossible to work from home, and if an outbreak on a construction site is confirmed, it can lead to great damage. Accordingly, the government has drafted 「Guidelines for Response to Construction Sites for Prevention and Spread of COVID-19」. In addition, domestic and foreign research about COVID-19 in the field of construction sites is being actively conducted. However, Korea has lacked studies on the effectiveness of the countermeasures in place at construction sites, or that reflect the opinions of construction site workers. Therefore, this study conducted a survey of construction site workers by dividing the construction of the COVID-19 quarantine management system and response plan into on-site management and social management. Through the AHP/IPA analysis, it was found that among social management, 'infectious disease management system and cooperation system with related institutions' and 'reduction of working hours' are areas with high importance but low satisfaction. After that, the causes of the two items were analyzed and related countermeasures were suggested. The results of this study will be able to contribute to the improvement of the quarantine management system and response plan at construction sites, and to minimize the damage to the construction industry related to COVID-19.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.578-592
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of public officials working for the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) response in community health centers in South Korea. Methods: A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using data collected from three focus groups and two individual interviews. Results: The participants performed quarantine tasks in a poor working environment with several problems, such as significant workload, lack of manpower, and inappropriate compensation system. Participants experienced obstacles in performing quarantine works, which had the lack of the detailed quarantine guidelines, work support and cooperation system. Participants suffered from civil complaints. Participants endured sacrifices in their personal lives while partaking in COVID-19 response work without holidays, and subsequently experienced health problems. And also participants said that it was necessary to secure expertise and effective communication for infectious disease management. Conclusion: The study results suggest that policies are required that are aimed to improve the working environment and the recruitment of experts in infectious diseases. In addition, the job stress related to the COVID-19 response by public officials in community health centers must be evaluated, and the relation of their job stress to physical and mental problems, as well as psychosocial stress, must be examined.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.163-170
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• 2002

The relationship between level of milk composition and conditions of ovary and uterus were analyzed in Holstein cows at seven farms participating in a reproductive herd health management program. Milk data were taken from 503 early lactating cows between 30 and 60 days in milk with reproductive examination with ultrasonography from september 1999 to August 2000. Milk fat, protein and solid-not-fat concentration in the herds were $3.70{\pm}1.08%$, $2.97{\pm}0.35$, and $8.41{\pm}0.61%$, respectively. The reproductive disorder relative to normal cows had higher risk in the cows that the level of protein was lower than 2.70%. Also, the higher milk fat than 4.50% were associated with a higher risks in the uterine disease and follicular cysts. Therefore, the cows with the fat to protein ratio of > 1.30 had higher risks for reproductive disorder such as cystic ovarian diseases, inactive ovaries and endometritis. These results indicated that cows diagnosed with reproductive disorder were energy deficient prior to reproductive disorder diagnosis. Consequently, milk fat and protein analyses may be used serve as a monitoring tool for condition of ovary and uterus in early lactating cows