• Korea Trade Review
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.131-152
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• 2018

This study evaluates the potential by Chines region for entry of Korean logistics companies and retailers. The variables affecting e-commerce business and retail sales concerning the Chinese omni-channel market were extracted from a thorough literature review. Empirical analyses for variables based on 31 regions in China were performed. Results show that e-commerce is affected by disposable income and internet traffic and that retail sales are affected by urban and rural population, GRDP and urbanization. In addition, we performed variance decomposition analysis in order to estimate responses of logistics GDP(transport, storage and communication) and the number of Chinese mobile users. Exogenous shocks to logistics GDP and the number of mobile phone users play a strong role in explaining the forecast error of express service variance over time. Based on our results, we suggest 7 potential regions(Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing, Shanghai, Liaoning and Shandong) as well as managerial implications for entry into China for logistics companies and retailers.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.237-242
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• 2023

Background: This study evaluated occupational exposure levels of doxorubicin in healthcare workers performing rotational intraperitoneal pressurized aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedures. Methods: All samples were collected during PIPAC procedures applying doxorubicin to an experimental animal model (pigs). All procedures were applied to seven pigs, each for approximately 44 min. Surface samples (n = 51) were obtained from substances contaminating the PIPAC devices, surrounding objects, and protective equipment. Airborne samples were also collected around the operating table (n = 39). All samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Among the surface samples, doxorubicin was detected in only five samples (9.8%) that were directly exposed to antineoplastic drug aerosols in the abdominal cavity originating from PIPAC devices. The telescopes showed concentrations of 0.48-5.44 ng/cm² and the trocar showed 0.98 ng/cm² in the region where the spraying nozzles were inserted. The syringe line connector showed a maximum concentration of 181.07 ng/cm², following a leakage. Contamination was not detected on the surgeons' gloves or shoes. Objects surrounding the operating table, including tables, operating lights, entrance doors, and trocar holders, were found to be uncontaminated. All air samples collected at locations where healthcare workers performed procedures were found to be uncontaminated. Conclusions: Most air and surface samples were uncontaminated or showed very low doxorubicin concentrations during PIPAC procedures. However, there remains a potential for leakage, in which case dermal exposure may occur. Safety protocols related to leakage accidents, selection of appropriate protective equipment, and the use of disposable devices are necessary to prevent occupational exposure.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.20-29
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• 2024

Membranes are increasingly used in a variety of applications including desalination, gas separation, disposable filters, and healthcare products. Recently, sustainable and green membrane fabrication technology is recognized as one of the decisive initiatives to reach the target of pollution control. Especially, the fabrication of bio-based membranes using such as poly lactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) has attracted considerable attention. The phase inversion method is one of the versatile approaches for preparing PLA membranes. This article reviews the recent advances in PLA membrane preparation via the phase inversion method. Furthermore, it provides a perspective on the potential outlook for future advances. Overall, this review has demonstrated has been conducted in the area of bio-based PLA membranes.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.261-278
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• 2024

This study aims to enhance the life satisfaction of the elderly population in South Korea by exploring their satisfaction levels and identifying influencing factors. Utilizing data from the 17th Korean Welfare Panel, which includes 6,260 individuals aged 65 and older, this study employs independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and hierarchical regression analysis. The results showed that, in general, the life satisfaction of the elderly population was somewhat lower than that of the general adult population in all areas, except for job satisfaction and satisfaction with housing. Key factors influencing life satisfaction among the elderly population include demographic characteristics (gender, age, economic activity, residence, education level), subjective health status factors, financial factors (disposable income, monthly living expenses), and psychological factors (depression, self-esteem). Notably, psychological factors, particularly self-esteem and depression, profoundly affect all life satisfaction domains. Enhancing life satisfaction necessitates fostering positive self-perception and capabilities in the elderly population, suggesting the need for programs focused on positive emotional experiences. Moreover, depression significantly reduces life satisfaction, underscoring the importance of policy interventions to address negative emotions in this demographic. This study is expected to provide basic data for establishing concrete and effective policies for improving the quality of life for the elderly population. Additionally, by highlighting the importance of positive psychological factors, it is anticipated that the study will offer a new direction for improving the life satisfaction of the elderly population.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.267-273
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• 2024

Background: During the coronavirus pandemic, masks played a critical role in preventing respiratory infections. While the performance of masks such as KF-certified masks and N95 masks was evaluated and managed by the authorities, the performance of common masks was not. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of uncertified masks in four Asian countries against certification standards (Korean KF80, KF94, and US N95). Methods: Thirty uncertified mask products from Indonesia, 20 from South Korea, 26 from Taiwan, and 30 from Thailand were purchased to perform performance evaluations. The uncertified masks included disposable dental masks, cloth masks, and children's masks. Filtration efficiency and inhalation airflow resistance tests were conducted according to Korean KF80, KF94, and US N95 protocols. Results: None of the 106 identified masks complied with the KF94 standard. A few complied with the KF80 standard: four from Indonesia, four from South Korea, 13 from Taiwan, and 16 from Thailand. Some of the masks met the N95 standard: one from Indonesia, three from South Korea, two from Taiwan, and one from Thailand. Conclusions: Since many uncertified masks did not comply with performance standards, wearing them might not have provided sufficient protection. Performance of uncertified masks could provide critical information for next pandemic management.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.177-184
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• 2024

Purpose: Even after allergic rhinitis is diagnosed and treated, various symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose recur periodically due to various environmental factors. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of mask-based aromatherapy as a method of alleviating allergic rhinitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study participants were adults between the ages of 19 and 60 who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and had a Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) of 2 or more. Participants were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy group that was provided aromatherapy essential oils and a control group that did not receive aromatherapy. Participants in the aromatherapy group were asked to drop an aromatherapy essential oil onto a disposable face mask and wear it twice a day for two weeks. Results: The aromatherapy group experience significant alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms (visual analogue scale, F = 11.22, p < .001; TNSS, F = 15.82, p < .001). The aromatherapy group also showed significantly higher improvements in fatigue (F = 8.28, p < .001), allergic rhinitis-specific quality of life (F = 11.12, p < . 001). Conclusion: The oils used in this study appeared to be effective in relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In particular, the mask drop inhalation method was applied in light of mandatory mask-wearing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic during this study period. Mask drop inhalation is a method of inhaling oil close to the nose and is considered an effective method for reducing the inconvenience of applying oil.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

This study aimed to provide basic information on dental hygienists' practicing the prevention of infections by figuring out their actual conditions in dental clinics. The subjects of the study were the dental hygienists who participated in the continuing medical education of Incheon & Gyeonggi-do association and Seoul city association in October and November 2005 and the self-administered surveys were used for the prevention of infections. The results were as below. 1. In terms of education experiences of infection prevention, those who answered "there were" were 72 persons (42.9%) and those who followed the educational route for infection prevention were "through the in-house education from the hospital" and they were 42 persons (58%), which were highest. 2. In terms of the injury experiences, those who answered "there were" were 147 persons (87.5%) and the number of annual injury out of 147 persons with injury experiences was 7.7 time. For the tools that were damaged, 125 persons (75%) damaged the "explorer," which was highest. 3. For the experiences of being infected with contagious diseases, those who answered "there were" were 6 persons (3.6%) and there were four persons for "hepatitis B", one person for "rubella" and one person for "TB." 4. The questions with high practice scores were as in the following: "2. I wash my hands after conducting medical examinations (1.86 points)," "7. I always close the lid of a shot of Novocain after doing local anesthesia (1.86 points)" and "20. I separate and collect the wastes and give them to those who treat accumulated materials (1.85 points)". Meanwhile, the questions with low practice scores were as below: "16. I change my medical gowns (doctor wears) once a day (0.24 point)" and "I wash my medical gowns every time after examining patients with contagious diseases (0.52 points)." 5. The question with high knowledge was as below: "1. The contagion during the dental treatment is determined by source of infection, infection methods, infection routes and the host that is prone to infection (0.95 point)" and the question with the lowest knowledge was "5. HBV(hepatitis B) is destroyed after adding 95oC of heat for more than 5 minutes (0.27 points)." 6. The question with the highest organization-related factors was "I am always ready to use a mask, gloves, etc. if necessary" (0.89 points)" and the question with the lowest score was "There is a guideline that I can refer when I am exposed to dangerous situations related to the contagion in my workplace (0.33 point)." 7. In terms of the equipment conditions of protectors in medical environments, 168 persons for (disposable) mask (100%), 167 persons for disposable gloves (Latex) (99.4%), which meant that most of them were equipped with them. On the contrary, 108 persons (64.3%) are equipped with the protectors for frontal faces, which is the lowest and 165 persons (98.2%) said that they had autoclave in their disinfecting and sterilizing devices.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.615-622
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• 2016

The 18~20G needle is used to computer tomography (CT) contrast examination. Therefore, a patient has to apply a self-administering hemostasis (conventional method: CM) and often experience bleeding in the course. Thus, we developed the new disposable transparent tourniquet (TT) for reducing. This study was to compare the usefulness between the proposed transparent tourniquet and the existing hemostatic methods. A Satisfaction survey was conducted by 50 patients and 25nurses. The survey contained the satisfaction of the convenience, safety, sanitation, and wearing sensation of transparent tourniquet. We employed face-to-face interview on 5 points likert scales. And Chi-square, paired T-test were used for the statistics verification. As for the patients, the satisfaction levels were measured for each category with the gender, age. Patients evaluation, overall satisfaction high average sore used TT and there were statistical significance by paired T-test(p<0.05). The following is the average satisfaction level for each category: $4.4{\pm}0.53$ in; $4.28{\pm}0.57$ in safety; $4.52{\pm}0.54$ in sanitation; $4.16{\pm}0.54$ in wearing sensation. So the overall satisfaction level is measured at $4.34{\pm}0.51$. As for the nurses, CT work experience and the current satisfaction with tourniquet were counted as variables. The satisfaction level for each category is: $3.8{\pm}0.7$ in; $3.6{\pm}0.68$ in safety; $3.4{\pm}0.5$ in sanitation; $3.9{\pm}0.49$ in hemostasis. The overall satisfaction level is $3.8{\pm}0.3$. Patients' satisfaction levels were very high with little difference among variables. Nurses' satisfaction levels were different with the TT depending on their work experience but their overall satisfaction was high. This TT will be a starting point to minimizing patient's inconvenience and more studies are necessary to enhance their satisfaction.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.365-372
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• 2012

Purpose: To investigate ocular higher order aberrations (HOA) and spherical aberration changes caused by an aspheric soft contact lens designed to reduce spherical aberration (SA) of the eye. Methods: Fifty subjects who have successfully experienced soft contact lenses were refitted with aspheric design (Soflens Daily Disposable: SDD, Bausch+Lomb) soft contact lens. Ocular higher order aberrations (HOA) and stand alone SA were measured and analyzed for a 4-mm pupil size using Wave-Scan Wavefront$^{TM}$ aberrometer (VISX, Santa Clara, CA, USA). High and low contrast log MAR visual acuity and contrast sensitivity function (CSF) were also measured under photopic and mesopic conditions (OPTEC 6500 Vision Tester$^{(R)}$). All measurements were conducted monocularly with an undilated pupil. Results: The RMS mean values for total HOA with SDD contact lenses were significantly lower than those at with unaided eyes (p<0.001) and a reduction for SA in the SDD was close to the baseline SA (zero ${\mu}m$) (p<0.001). For the SDD lens, there was a statistically significant correlation between the changes in the total HOA and the contact lens power (r=0.237, p=0.018) as well as between the changes in SA and the lens power (r=0.324, p=0.001). High contrast visual acuity (HCVA) and low contrast visual acuity (LCVA) with SDD lenses were $-0.063{\pm}0.062$ and $0.119{\pm}0.060$, respectively under photopic and $-0.003{\pm}0.063$ and $0.198{\pm}0.067$, respectively under mesopic condition. Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) with SDD lenses under both photopic and mesopic conditions was $3.095{\pm}0.068$ and $3.087{\pm}0.074$, respectively. Conclusions: The SDD contact lens designed to control SA reduced the total ocular HOA and SA of the eye, resulting in compensating for positive SA of the eyes. Thus, the optical benefits of the lens with SA control would be adopted for improving the quality of vision.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.08a
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• pp.88-89
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• 2013

A variety of influenza A viruses from animal hosts are continuously prevalent throughout the world which cause human epidemics resulting millions of human infections and enormous industrial and economic damages. Thus, early diagnosis of such pathogen is of paramount importance for biomedical examination and public healthcare screening. To approach this issue, here we propose a fully integrated Rotary genetic analysis system, called Rotary Genetic Analyzer, for on-site detection of influenza A viruses with high speed. The Rotary Genetic Analyzer is made up of four parts including a disposable microchip, a servo motor for precise and high rate spinning of the chip, thermal blocks for temperature control, and a miniaturized optical fluorescence detector as shown Fig. 1. A thermal block made from duralumin is integrated with a film heater at the bottom and a resistance temperature detector (RTD) in the middle. For the efficient performance of RT-PCR, three thermal blocks are placed on the Rotary stage and the temperature of each block is corresponded to the thermal cycling, namely $95^{\circ}C$ (denature), $58^{\circ}C$ (annealing), and $72^{\circ}C$ (extension). Rotary RT-PCR was performed to amplify the target gene which was monitored by an optical fluorescent detector above the extension block. A disposable microdevice (10 cm diameter) consists of a solid-phase extraction based sample pretreatment unit, bead chamber, and 4 ${\mu}L$ of the PCR chamber as shown Fig. 2. The microchip is fabricated using a patterned polycarbonate (PC) sheet with 1 mm thickness and a PC film with 130 ${\mu}m$ thickness, which layers are thermally bonded at $138^{\circ}C$ using acetone vapour. Silicatreated microglass beads with 150~212 ${\mu}L$ diameter are introduced into the sample pretreatment chambers and held in place by weir structure for construction of solid-phase extraction system. Fig. 3 shows strobed images of sequential loading of three samples. Three samples were loaded into the reservoir simultaneously (Fig. 3A), then the influenza A H3N2 viral RNA sample was loaded at 5000 RPM for 10 sec (Fig. 3B). Washing buffer was followed at 5000 RPM for 5 min (Fig. 3C), and angular frequency was decreased to 100 RPM for siphon priming of PCR cocktail to the channel as shown in Figure 3D. Finally the PCR cocktail was loaded to the bead chamber at 2000 RPM for 10 sec, and then RPM was increased up to 5000 RPM for 1 min to obtain the as much as PCR cocktail containing the RNA template (Fig. 3E). In this system, the wastes from RNA samples and washing buffer were transported to the waste chamber, which is fully filled to the chamber with precise optimization. Then, the PCR cocktail was able to transport to the PCR chamber. Fig. 3F shows the final image of the sample pretreatment. PCR cocktail containing RNA template is successfully isolated from waste. To detect the influenza A H3N2 virus, the purified RNA with PCR cocktail in the PCR chamber was amplified by using performed the RNA capture on the proposed microdevice. The fluorescence images were described in Figure 4A at the 0, 40 cycles. The fluorescence signal (40 cycle) was drastically increased confirming the influenza A H3N2 virus. The real-time profiles were successfully obtained using the optical fluorescence detector as shown in Figure 4B. The Rotary PCR and off-chip PCR were compared with same amount of influenza A H3N2 virus. The Ct value of Rotary PCR was smaller than the off-chip PCR without contamination. The whole process of the sample pretreatment and RT-PCR could be accomplished in 30 min on the fully integrated Rotary Genetic Analyzer system. We have demonstrated a fully integrated and portable Rotary Genetic Analyzer for detection of the gene expression of influenza A virus, which has 'Sample-in-answer-out' capability including sample pretreatment, rotary amplification, and optical detection. Target gene amplification was real-time monitored using the integrated Rotary Genetic Analyzer system.