• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.647-663
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• 2023

The investigation of the disc cutter wear prediction has an important guiding role in TBM equipment selection, project planning, and cost forecasting, especially when tunneling in a long-distance rock formations with high strength and high abrasivity. In this study, a comprehensive database of disc cutter wear data, geological properties, and tunneling parameters is obtained from a 1326 m excavated metro tunnel project in leptynite in Shenzhen, China. The failure forms and wear consumption of disc cutters on site are analyzed with emphasis. The results showed that 81% of disc cutters fail due to uniform wear, and other cutters are replaced owing to abnormal wear, especially flat wear of the cutter rings. In addition, it is found that there is a reasonable direct proportional relationship between the uniform wear rate (WR) and the installation radius (R), and the coefficient depends on geological characteristics and tunneling parameters. Thus, a preliminary prediction formula of the uniform wear rate, based on the installation radius of the cutterhead, was established. The correlation between some important geological properties (K_V and UCS) along with some tunneling parameters (F_n and p) and wear rate was discussed using regression analysis methods, and several prediction models for uniform wear rate were developed. Compared with a single variable, the multivariable model shows better prediction ability, and 89% of WR can be accurately estimated. The prediction model has reliability and provides a practical tool for wear prediction of disc cutter under similar hard rock projects with similar geological conditions.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.117-126
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• 2024

This study aims to identify high exposure tasks among the tasks performed in domestic nuclear power plants as a basis for developing training programs to improve the efficiency of workers' work. To this end, we first analyzed the exposure status of radiation work in domestic nuclear power plants. Radiation tasks in nuclear power plants were categorized, collective doses were investigated, and the collective doses were calculated based on the collective doses, and representative high exposure tasks were identified. We found that the collective and individual doses in domestic nuclear power plants are continuously decreasing, but there is an imbalance of exposure among workers. In terms of work classification, nuclear power plants are managed in 236 work codes based on light water reactors and 181 work codes based on heavy water reactors, depending on the work equipment and location. Among the total work codes, 23 codes have an annual average dose exceeding 10 μSv, and based on this, 10 representative high exposure tasks were derived. The representative high exposure tasks were selected as S/G nozzle dam work, S/G debris removal work, nuclear instrumentation system, S/G eddy current detection work, and insulation work. The results of this study are expected to serve as an important basis for reducing the exposure of workers in nuclear power plants and improving work efficiency.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.96-104
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Selective bile duct or pancreatic duct cannulation remains a significant initial hurdle in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) despite advances in endoscopy and accessories. This study evaluated our experience with a rotatable sphincterotome in cases of difficult cannulation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed ERCP cases using TRUEtome, a rotatable sphincterotome, as a rescue device for cannulation at a cancer institute in Japan from October 2014 to December 2021. Results: TRUEtome was used in 88 patients. Duodenoscopes were used for 51 patients, while single-balloon enteroscopes (SBE) were used for 37 patients. TRUEtome was used for biliary and pancreatic duct cannulation (84.1%), intrahepatic bile duct selection (12.5%), and strictures of the afferent limb (3.4%). Cannulation success rates were similar in the duodenoscope and SBE groups (86.3% vs. 75.7%, p=0.213). TRUEtome was more commonly used in cases with steep cannulation angles in the duodenoscope group and in cases requiring cannulation in different directions in the SBE group. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the two groups. Conclusions: The cannulation sphincterotome was useful for difficult cannulations in both unaltered and surgically altered anatomies. It may be an option to consider before high-risk procedures such as precut and endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous techniques.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.113-126
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• 2024

Shotcrete lining is an important material for the stability of tunnels in NATM tunnels. However, stressmeters for stress measurements of shotcrete lining are installed in the field without performance verification because of a lack of research on methods, procedures, regulations, and reliability of measurement equipment. To solve this problem, all shotcrete stressmeters currently used in Korea were investigated. For each stressmeter, external inspection and structural and functional inspection were performed to identify defects and problems in devices. For this purpose, a shotcrete stressmeter performance test device capable of load loading in stages was developed and obtained KOLAS certification. Using the device, stressmeter performance tests were conducted. Structural problems of integrated- and cell-type shotcrete stressmeters were identified through concrete mold tests, and improvement plans and performance verification procedures were suggested. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the preparation of regulations for the performance verification of shotcrete stressmeters and the selection of measuring instruments in the field in the future.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.239-250
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• 2023

Objective: This study was a preliminary study for the prevention programs for farmers' occupational diseases. It selected the priorities recognized by farmers, such as occupational diseases, and also identifies the effectiveness and feasibility of prevention programs among diseases recognized by farmers. Therefore, we plan to use it as basis data for future farmer safety and health programs. Method: The subjects of the study were farmers living in the region, selected through a snowball recruitment method, and a total of 671 people were targeted. The priority selection method was the Basic Priority Rating System (BPRS) method, and among the occupational diseases, programs to prevent musculoskeletal diseases, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and pesticide poisoning were surveyed on the effectiveness and feasibility of farmers. Results: Among occupational diseases, the highest priority was musculo-skeletal disease, followed by respiratory disease and pesticide poisoning. Among the programs for musculoskeletal disease, 'use of agricultural work convenience equipment and auxiliary tools' had the highest perceived effectiveness and feasibility. Among the five programs for pesticide poisoning, 'equipment of protective equipment such as pesticide protective clothing/glove' had the highest effectiveness at 67.4%, and 'compliance with pesticide use instructions' had the highest level of feasibility at 64.3%. Among the four programs to prevent respiratory diseases, 'wearing a dust mask or gas mask' was the highest at 65.5% in terms of both effectiveness and feasibility. Conclusion: When carrying out safety and health programs for farmers, the priorities recognized by farmers should be taken into consideration, and the program contents should also be developed taking into account the size of effect and feasibility recognized by farmers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.207-215
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• 1999

The objectives of this study are to explain the use of media materials in school health education with other related factors in elementary, middle, and high schools in Korea. The data were collected by questionnaires from June to September in 1998. The number of subjects were 294 school nurses. The PC-SAS program was used for statistical analysis such as percent distribution, chi-squared test, spearman correlation test, and logistic regression. The use of media materials in health education has become extremely common. Unfortunately, much of the early materials were of poor production quality, reflected low levels of interest, and generally did little to enhance health education programming. A recent trend in media materials is a move away from the fact filled production to a more affective, process-oriented approach. There is an obvious need for health educators to use high-quality, polished productions in order to counteract the same levels of quality used by commercial agencies that often promote "unhealthy" lifestyles. Health educators need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the various forms of media. Selecting media materials should be based on more than cost, availability, and personal preference. Selection should be based on the goal of achieving behavioral objectives formulated before the review process begins. The decision to use no media materials rather than something of dubious quality usually be the right decision. Poor-quality, outdated, or boring materials will usually have a detrimental effect on the presentation. Media materials should be viewed as vehicles to enhance learning, not products that will stand in isolation. Process of materials is an essential part of the educational process. The major results were as follows : 1. The elementary schools used the materials more frequently. But the production rate of media materials was not enough. The budget was too small for a wide use of media materials in school health education. These findings suggest that all schools have to increase the budget of health education programs. 2. Computers offer an incredibly diverse set of possibilities for use in health education, ranging from complicated statistical analysis to elementary-school-level health education games. But the use rate of this material was not high. The development of related software is essential. Health educators would be well advised to develop a basic operating knowledge of media equipment. 3. In this study, the most effective materials were films in elementary school and videotapes in middle and high school. Film tends to be a more emotive medium than videotape. The difficulties of media selection involved the small amount of extant educational materials. Media selection is a multifaceted process and should be based on a combination of sound principles. 4. The review of material use following student levels showed that the more the contents were various, the more the use rate was high. 5. Health education videotapes and overhead projectors proved the most plentiful and widest media tools. The information depicted was more likely to be current. As a means to display both text and graphic information, this instructional medium has proven to be both effective and enduring. 6. An analysis of how effective the quality of school nurse and school use of media materials shows a result that is not complete (p=0.1113). But, the budget of health education is a significant variable. The increase of the budget therefore is essential to effective use of media materials. From these results it is recommended that various media materials be developed and be wide used.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.562-571
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• 2008

The principal objective of this study was to assess dietitian's awareness and performance with regard to food suppliers' selection guidelines and purchase guidelines for the receipt of safe food materials. A questionnaire was administered to 203 dietitians working at an elementary school in Gyeonggi North province, and 190 responses were ultimately returned. Excluding responses with incomplete answers and significant missing data, 161 responses(79.3%) were ultimately utilized for data analysis. We determined that meat/poulty and seafood were purchased mainly by manufacturer's branch(59.8% and 78.3%), and processed food and kimchi were generally purchased by producer's cooperatives(47.7% and 44.9%). 78.3% of the contracts were made via informal purchasing and the frequency of contracts was less than 3 times per year(53.4%). Market studies were conducted individually(54.7%), and by group(47.2%). Dietitian and parents volunteered(50.3%) or dietitians, and school and foodservice staffs(45.3%) participated - together in receiving and inspection. School contracted with $4{\sim}5$(39.1%) and $6{\sim}8$ food suppliers(29.8%). Dietitians(42.3%) or school councils(40.2%) evaluated food suppliers once per semester(60.2%). The majority of dietitians(96.3%) conducted sanitary education for food suppliers once per semester (68.3%). All 13 guidelines which were usually used to evaluate food suppliers were thought to be important(more than 4) based on a 5 scale(1: never important, 5: very important). Among them, 'sanitary storage status of food products(4.85)', 'have a chill car(4.83)' and 'proper control of refrigerator, freezer and storage room(4.81)' were the most crucial guidelines. As dietitians evaluated food supplier's-observances of 13 guidelines, 'have a chill car(4.89)', 'hold medical examination of employees(4.89)' and 'hold liability insurance for handling product(4.80)' were fulfilled relatively well. The guidelines for conducting education for their employees(4.45) and keeping their establishment and equipment sanitary(4.79) were important, but were not observed well(3.39 and 3.37). Additionally, the difference between the importance and the observance score of the 'HACCP certificate' were fairly significant(4.44 and 3.54). Dietitians tended to report that purchasing management related to the removal of foodborne illness factors(4.71), return confirmation(4.50) and purchase specification(4.32) were important. The difference between importance and performance was highest in the process of changing food suppliers when the contracts were violated more than three times. Dietitian's age, education work experience and employment type had no observable effects on how important they considered purchase management to be, but their work experience significantly affected performance in terms of the removal of foodborne illness factors(p<0.05). As supplier management is the most critical factor, it is clearly desirable to educate suppliers at specialized training centers and to supervise suppliers in accordance with the established sanitary guidelines.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.102-110
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• 2001

To establish an accurate asbestos analysis method for workplace samples, chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite asbestos fibers were analyzed for their morphology, atomic content and electron diffraction patterns. The morphology of asbestos fiber was evaluated in $10,000{\times}$ magnification. The atomic contents was analyzed by X-ray analyzer (TEM-EDX). Asbestos fibers were further assessed using electron diffraction (ED) patterns to provide an additional criterion for classifying the asbestos fibers. Twenty asbestos fibers were initially randomly selected for morphological evaluation; based on an aspect ratio (length : diameter = 3:1). Then the fibers were determined for their EDX spectrums and ED patterns. Our results showed that only chrysotile fiber has a hollow tube structure to be distinguished from other asbestos fibers. Although asbestos fibers had similar morphology, they had different EDX spectrums and ED patterns. Our results on the atomic content of asbestos fibers were very similar to those of other researchers, but amosite and crocidolite had a little difference in atomic content compared with the results from other researchers. The difference may be due to the difference in equipment or asbestos sample selection. A study on asbestos samples from biological specimens to establish a criterion for determining occupational asbestos exposed diseases should be done in the near future.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.2551-2562
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• 2013

Since 2006, an Intelligent Excavation Robot which automatically performs the earth-work without operator has been developed in Korea. The technologies for automatically recognizing the terrain of work environment and detecting the objects such as obstacles or dump trucks are essential for its work quality and safety. In several countries, terrestrial 3D laser scanner and stereo vision camera have been used to model the local area around workspace of the automated construction equipment. However, these attempts have some problems that require high cost to make the sensor system or long processing time to eliminate the noise from 3D model outcome. The objectives of this study are to analyze the advantages of the existing 3D modeling sensors and to examine the applicability for practical use by using Analytic Hierarchical Process(AHP). In this study, 3D modeling quality and accuracy of modeling sensors were tested at the real earth-work environment.

• Clean Technology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.228-236
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• 2020

Korea has an economy based on manufacturing industrial fields, which produce high amounts of hazardous wastes, in spite of few landfill candidates, and a significant concern for fine airborne particulates; therefore, traditional waste management is difficult to apply in this country. Moreover, waste collection and accumulation have recently been intensified by the waste import prohibitions or regulations in developing nations, the universalization of delivery services in Korea, and the global COVID-19 crisis. This study thus presents a domestic waste management strategy that aims to address the recent issues on waste. The contents of the strategy as the main results of the study include the (1) improvement of the compatibility of the classification codes between the domestic hazardous waste and the international ones such as those of the Basel Convention; (2) consideration of the mixed hazard indices to represent toxicity from low-content components such as rare earth metals often contained in electrical and electronic equipment waste; (3) management application based on risks throughout the life cycles of waste; (4) establishment of detailed material flow information of waste by integrating the Albaro system, Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) system, and online trade databases; (5) real-time monitoring and prediction of the waste movement or discharge using positional sensors and geographic information systems, among others; and (6) selection and implementation of optimal treatment or recycling practices through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and clean technologies.