• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.217-233
• /
• 2014

Securing the radiological safety is a prerequisite for the safe management of the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) which cannot be reused. This becomes a crucial focus of our R&D efforts upon the implementation of the Act on Protective Action Guidelines against Radiation in the Natural Environment. To secure the safety, the establishment of technical bases and procedures for securing radiological safety related to the disposal of NORM is required. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the characteristics, to collect the data, to have the radiological safety assessment methodologies and tools, to investigate disposal methods and facilities, and to study the effects of the input data on the safety for the NORM wastes. Here, we assess the environmental impact of the NORM waste disposal with respect to the major domestic and foreign NORM characteristics. The data associated with major industries are collected/analyzed and the status of disposal facilities and methodologies relevant to the NORM wastes is investigated. We also suggest the conceptual design concept of a landfill disposal facility and the management plan with respect to the major NORM wastes characteristics. The radionuclide pathways are identified for the atmospheric transport and leachate release and the environmental impact assessment methodology for the NORM waste disposal is established using a relevant code. The assessment and analysis on the exposure doses and excessive cancer risks for the NORM waste disposal are performed using the characteristics of the representative domestic NORM wastes including flying ash, phosphor gypsum, and redmud. The results show that the exposure dose and the excessive cancer risks are very low to consider any radiation effects. This study will contribute to development in the areas of the regulatory technology for securing radiological safety relevant to NORM waste disposal and to the implementation technology for the Act.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.305-313
• /
• 2015

After Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, study and maintenance of monitoring systems have been made at home and abroad. As concerns about radioactive contamination of water have increased in Korea, update of maintenance of managing radioactive materials in water is being made mainly by Ministry of Environment. In this study, we analysed current state of monitoring system modification in Japan, the country directly involved and neighboring country. According to the result, Japan modified the legislations first. Then Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) provides theoretical background of radiological monitoring. And Ministry of the Environment actually watches state of water pollution in public waters and underground water. Finally related agencies like local government are monitoring current state of radioactive contamination in water environment. By region, local monitoring stations share the investigation of the whole country. Also, additional monitoring is running around nuclear facilities. After Fukushima disaster, monitoring for area near Fukushima is added. Among the reference levels, management target value of drinking water and tap water is 10 Bq/kg, and those of public water and underground water are 1 Bq/L. Measuring intervals varied from every hour to once a year, regularly or irregularly depending on the investigation. The main measuring items are air dose rate, gross ${\alpha}$, gross ${\beta}$, ${\gamma}$ radionuclide, Cs-134, Cs-137, Sr-89, Sr-90, I-131, and so on. In comparison, regulations about general public water in Korea need to be modified, while those about area near nuclear facility and drinking water are organized well. In future, therefore, domestic system would be expected to be modified with making reference to the guidelines like WHO's one. As good case of applying international guideline to domestic environment, Japanese system could be a reference when general standard of radioactivity in public water is made in Korea.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.303-313
• /
• 2002

The purpose of this study was to compare the anthropometry, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and nutrient intakes in three groups: a group with an impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG) condition (62 males and 30 females); a group with normal blood glucose (73 males and 50 females); and a group with diabetes mellitus (DM) (79 males and 49 females). In male subjects, body mass index (BMI) and obesity index values were significantly higher in the IFG group than in normal and DM groups, but waist/hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different from those of the DM group. In female subjects, there was no difference in body weight, BMI, obesity index and WHR values between the IFG and the DM groups. The prevalence of obesity in the IFG group (males 43.6%, females 76.7%) was the highest among the three groups. The percentage of high SBP (40.0%) and high DBP (52.0%) in male subjects of the IFG group was significantly greater than in the DM group or the normal group. In the male subjects, the serum triglyceride concentration was significantly higher in the DM group than in the normal and IFG groups. There was no difference in various nutrient intakes(energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, calcium, iron, vitamin A and cholesterol) among the three groups. In male subjects, the percentage of energy intake from alcohol was higher in the IFG group (7.0%) than that of the normal (4.5%) and the DM (5.6%) groups. The fasting blood glucose level had a positive correlation with WHR, TG, the athrogenic index and LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol. This study suggested that the IFG group had a higher obesity index, BMI, blood pressure and serum lipid levels (TG, cholesterol) than the normal or the DM group; furthermore, the IFG group had higher levels of alcohol intake and habits of taking unbalanced diets. Therefore, guidelines for IFG group should emphasize weight control, diet therapy, physical activities and regular balanced diets, in order to prevent diabetes in this group.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.112-117
• /
• 2016

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the biodegradation rates of 8 perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) alternatives synthesized at the at Changwon National University in comparison to those of PFOS potassium salt and PFOS sodium salt. Methods: A biodegradability test was performed for 28 days with microorganisms cultured in the good laboratory practice laboratory at the Korea Environment Corporation following the OECD Guidelines for the testing of chemicals, Test No. 301 C Results: While $C_5H_8F_3SO_3K$, $C_8F_{17}SO_3K$ and $C_8F_{17}SO_3Na$ were not degraded after 28 days, the 3 alternatives were biodegraded at the rates of 31.4% for $C_8H_8F_9SO_3K$, 25.6% for $C_{10}H_8F_{13}SO_3K$, 23.6% for $C_{25}F_{17}H_{32}S_3O_{13}Na_3$, 20.9% for $C_{15}F_9H_{21}S_2O_8Na_2$, 15.5% for $C_{23}F_{18}H_{28}S_2O_8Na_2$, 8.5% for $C_{17}F_9H_{25}S_2O_8Na_2$ and 4.8% for $C_6H_8F_5SO_3K$. When the concentration was the same(500 mg/L), $C_{23}F_{18}H_{28}S_2O_8Na_2$ had the lowest tension with 20.94 mN/m, which was followed by $C_{15}F_9H_{21}S_2O_8Na_2$ (23.36 mN/m), $C_{17}F_9H_{25}S_2O_8Na_2$ (27.31 mN/m), $C_{25}F_{17}H_{32}S_3O_{13}Na_3$ (28.17 mN/m), $C_{10}H_8F_{13}SO_3K$ (29.77 mN/m) and $C_8H_8F_9SO_3K$ (33.89 mN/m). Having higher surface tension of 57.64 mN/m and 67.57 mN/m, respectively, than those of the two types of PFOS salts, $C_6H_8F_5SO_3K$ and $C_5H_8F_3SO_3K$ were found valueless as substitute for PFOS. Conclusion: The biodegradation test suggest that 6 compounds could be used as substitutes for PFOS. $C_{23}F_{18}H_{28}S_2O_8Na_2$ and $C_{15}F_9H_{21}S_2O_8Na_2$ were found to be the best substitutes based on biodegradation rate and surface tension, followed by $C_{25}F_{17}H_{32}S_3O_{13}Na_3$, $C_8H_8F_9SO_3K$ and $C_{10}H_8F_{13}SO_3K$. $C_{17}F_9H_{25}S_2O_8Na_2$ was found to have relatively low value as an alternative but it still had a potential to substitute the conventional PFOS.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.2021-2031
• /
• 2013

Due to the rapid economic growth within the nation, the quality of life of individuals have improved dramatically. The scope of living activities of individuals have also extended, resulting in a rapidly increasing demand for automobiles. The number of vehicles registered in Korea is rapidly increasing and will reach 188.71 million as of December 2012. Compared to the registered residents of 50.94 million provided by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, the registered population reflects about 4 people per every automobile. Due to the high demands for vehicles, the demands for parking lots in collective housing and businesses are also increasing. In reality, the current state of expansion of parking lots are underground, due to the limited available space on ground level. Specifically, the slope of a parking lot cannot exceed 17% linear slope and 14% curved slope according to the 'parking lot laws', however studies show that the driver feels at risk for safety when stopped on the parking ramp while driving in the parking lot. This study seeks to examine the suitability of parking lot ramps, concerning the safety aspects of the driver. First, the ramp type was categorized as linear or curved, then test drives were performed based on variations of slopes, slant distances, directions and points. A survey was administered to the driver after the completion of the test drive, in order to element design for an ideal ramp. In the case of curved ramp, the results of the estimate suggests a counterclockwise, slope at a maximum of 12% incline. The maximum slope for a linear ramp was analyzed to be between 13~14%, suggesting that slope greater than 15% need to be eliminated. In conclusion, it is anticipated that the element design parking ramp reported in this study will help to serve as a reference for future parking lot related guidelines, and provide cost effective traffic safety mechanisms in future parking lot businesses to follow.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.162-170
• /
• 2007

Purpose : While cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have increasingly been reported worldwide since it was first reported in the late 1980s, there have been few systemic studies on the pediatric population. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the planning of VRE prevention by investigating the prevalence, risk factors and transmission of VRE infection. Methods : We studied 230 patients under age 15 years who were isolated VRE between January 2001 and December 2006 retrospectively. The patients were classified into the intensive care unit (ICU) and the non-ICU groups. We reviewed the procedures before VRE detection as well as antibiotic sensitivity of detected organisms. Results : The number of VRE-isolation cases was higher in the ICU group than the non-ICU group. Instances of VRE-isolation were also more prevalent in patients who underwent operations or active procedures while taking 3rd-generation cephalosporins or glycopeptides. Almost all antibiotics except tetracycline were resistant to VRE. The proportion of 3rd-generation cephalosporin use was higher than those of any other antibiotics before VRE detection. Additionally, the use of 3rd-generation cephalosporins has increased annually, but that of glycopeptides had decreased in 2006. Also, the rates of VRE isolation have been increasing since 1998. Conclusion : VRE infection is increasing in pediatric population. Strict adherence to appropriate infection control guidelines for the prevention of VRE transmission in hospitals, and tracking of VRE colonization through active surveillance in high risk units are recommended.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.9
• /
• pp.742-748
• /
• 2004

The On-X valve was recently introduced. It was the aim of this study to assess the safety and feasibility from the data derived from 28 patients who underwent aortic and/or mitral valve replacement with this prosthesis in National Medical Center. Material and Method： From May 1999 and May 2003, a series of 28 consecutive patients who had been implanted with 32 On-X prosthesis were reviewed, The operative procedure comprised of 12 MVR, 10 AVR and 6 DVR. The study followed the guidelines of AATS/STS. Mean follow-up was 27 months (total 04 patient-years). Result: Early ($\leq$30 days) mortality was 7.44% (2/28) and no late mortality occurred in the study. Total actuarial freedom from mortality at 2 years was 92.86$\pm$4.87% for all cases, 100% for MVR, 90$\pm$9.49% for AVR, and 83.3$\pm$1.52% for DVR. Thromboembolic event occurred in 2 MVR patients and that was the only complication; therefore, the linearized incidence of valve related complications was 3.17%/ patient-years for all cases and 6.5%/patient-years for MVR and the actuarial freedom from valve related complications at 2 years was 84.85$\pm$10.75%. Preoperatively, 24 (85.71%) patients were in NYHA functional class III or IV but postoperatively, 25 (89,29%) patients were in NYHA functional class I or II. The levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum LDH, reticulocyte rate and indirect bilirubin were all within normal range at postoperative 3 month. In mitral position, the peak gradient was 6.1$\pm$1.8 mmHg and the mean gradient was 3.0$\pm$0.6 mmHg and EOA were 2.54$\pm$0.56 $m^2$, 2.39$\pm$0.73 $m^2$, 2.34$\pm$0.55 $m^2$, 2.40$\pm$0.63 $m^2$ at 27 mm, 29 mm, 31 mm, 33 mm respectively. In aortic postion, the peak gradient was 21.1 $\pm$14.12 mmHg and the mean gradient was 12.3$\pm$6.52 mmHg. Conclusion: Since there was no significant difference in the postoperative mortality, valve related complications and echocardiographic hemodynamic data compared to standard bileaflet design and since there was an improvement in the NYHA functional class and normal values of hemolytic indicators, it can be assumed that On-X valve is safe and feasible. However, accumulation of cases and long-term follow-up of this patient group is needed to establish this result.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.82-88
• /
• 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent of total sugar and sodium in 129 different kinds of bakery products, breads and cookies, sold at bakeshops in Seoul metropolitan area. The bakery products produced by bakeshops on a small scale were not applied by clauses of mandatory nutrition label for children's taste food. All types of free sugars -fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose and maltose- were detected in breads, but only fructose and sucrose were detected in cookies. The average amount of sucrose per 100 g of breads was 6.24 g, of cookies was 30.03 g. Breads and cookies amounting to 100 g of sample contained total sugar of 11.19 g and 30.38 g, respectively. The average amounts of sodium in breads and cookies were 120.71 mg/100 g, 70.76 mg/100 g, respectively. When the contents of total sugar in breads and cookies per one serving size were compared to WHO guidelines, the percentages were 15.7% and 18.2% about recommended daily intake of total sugar of 50 g. When it come to sodium, the bakery products had range of 1.1-6.5% to 2000 mg of daily intake of sodium recommended by WHO.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute Of Construction Engineering and Management
• /
• autumn
• /
• pp.99-106
• /
• 2002

Researches on integration of design and construction information from earlier era focused on the conceptual data models. Development and prevalent use of commercial database management system led many researchers to design database schemas for enlightening of relationship between non-graphic data items. Although these researches became the foundation fur the proceeding researches. they did not utilize the graphic data providable from CAD system which is already widely used. 4D CAD concept suggests a way of integrating graphic data with schedule data. Although this integration provided a new possibility for integration, there exists a limitation in data dependency on a specific application. This research suggests a new approach on integration for design and construction information, 'Product Model Centered Integration Methodology'. This methodology achieves integration by preliminary research on existing methodology using 4D CAD concept. and by development and application of new integration methodology, 'Product Model Centered Integration Methodology'. 'Design Component' can be converted into digital format by object based CAD system. 'Unified Object-based Graphic Modeling' shows how to model graphic product model using CAD system. Possibility of reusing design information in latter stage depends on the ways of creating CAD model, so modeling guidelines and specifications are suggested. Then prototype system for integration management, and exchange are presented, using 'Product Frameworker', and 'Product Database' which also supports multiple-viewpoints. 'Product Data Model' is designed, and main data workflows are represented using 'Activity Diagram', one of UML diagrams. These can be used for writing programming codes and developing prototype in order to automatically create activity items in actual schedule management system. Through validation processes, 'Product Model Centered Integration Methodology' is suggested as the new approach for integration of design and construction information.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.71-80
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate children's eating behaviors and teachers' feeding practices during mealtime at child-care centers. In addition, it focused on the difference of teachers' feeding practices on children age under 2 years ( ${\leq}2$ years old) and 3 years and older (3~5 years old). Methods: A total of 169 teachers working at childcare centers in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, Korea, completed self-report questionnaires in December 2013. The questionnaires were composed of questions on children's eating behaviors, feeding practices; 'Explain', 'Praise', 'Modeling', 'Indulgent', 'Insist' and 'Reward', interaction with home, and a range of demographic information (analysis rate: 51.2%). Results: Approximately 59.2% of teachers had not taken a class on feeding practice and the average score for nutrition knowledge was 14.6 out of 30 points. The most undesirable eating behavior of children during mealtime was 'eating while walking around (36.7%)' both ' ${\leq}2$ years old' and '3~5 years old'. Regarding feeding practices according to children's undesirable eating behaviors during mealtime, there were differences between age groups. When children did not eat all of the foods that were served and did not clean up silverware or seats after having food, teachers caring for '3~5 years old' practiced 'Explain'. However, percentages of those who practiced 'Indulgent' and 'Modeling' were significantly higher in teachers caring for ' ${\leq}2$ years old' than '3~5 years old'. Conclusion: These findings indicated that teachers caring for children lack education and knowledge about nutrition and feeding practice. In addition, verbal feeding practices, like explain, were mainly used by teachers. As a result, for teachers, guidelines and programs for learning about age appropriate feeding practice during mealtime at child-care centers may be needed.