• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.113-124
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• 2004

A computer software program, called BIDAS (BIoassay Data Analysis Software) is developed to interpret the bioassay measurement data in terms of intakes and the committed effective dose using the human respiratory tract model (HRTM), gastrointestinal tract (GI-tract) model and biokinetic models currently recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) to describe the behavior of the radioactive materials within the body. The program consists of three modules; first, a database module to manage the bioassay data, second, another databasee module to store the predicted bioassay quantities of each radionuclide and finally, a computational module to estimate the intake and committed effective dose calculated with the bioassay quantity measurement values from either an acute or chronic exposure of the radionuclies within the body. This paper describes the features of the program as well as the quality assurance check results of the BIDAS software program.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.239-253
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• 2010

Coenzyme $Q_{10}$ ($CoQ_{10}$, or ubiquinone) is an electron carrier of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (electron transport chain) with antioxidant properties. In view of the involvement of $CoQ_{10}$ in oxidative phosphorylation and cellular antioxidant protection a deficiency in this quinone would be expected to contribute to disease pathophysiology by causing a failure in energy metabolism and antioxidant status. Indeed, a deficit in $CoQ_{10}$ status has been determined in a number of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders. Primary disorders of $CoQ_{10}$ biosynthesis are potentially treatable conditions and therefore a high degree of clinical awareness about this condition is essential. A secondary loss of $CoQ_{10}$ status following HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statins) treatment has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the myotoxicity associated with this pharmacotherapy. $CoQ_{10}$ and its analogue, idebenone, have been widely used in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. These compounds could potentially play a role in the treatment of mitochondrial disorders, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich's ataxia, and other conditions which have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. This article reviews the physiological roles of $CoQ_{10}$, as well as the rationale and the role in clinical practice of $CoQ_{10}$ supplementation in different neurological diseases, from primary $CoQ_{10}$ deficiency to neurodegenerative disorders. These will help in future for treatment of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disease.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.27-39
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• 2000

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors associated with respirator usage on the basis of reasoned action theory. Methods : The data were collected from August 1 to September 30 1999, and study subjects consisted of 303 workers who were employed in the manufacturing industries. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure the attitude, subjective norm and related factors. Results : In bivariate analysis, the variables related to protector usage were prevention of occupational disease, protection of toxic material, disturbance during working, troublesome of usage, proper exchange of protector. Multivariate logit analysis was used to estimate factors associated with respirator usage. Significant predictors that are related to respirator usage were attitude toward the behavior, size of industry and proper exchange of protector. Conclusions : The results suggest that it is strongly required to focus on attitude toward the behavior in order to improve workers' usage of respirator.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.169-176
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• 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate occupational symptoms and chemical exposures of nail salon technicians. Methods: Work-related symptoms of nail salon technicians in Daegu City were surveyed using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and responses were compared to those of non-exposed office workers as controls. Personal exposure level of airborne volatile organic compounds was also monitored using passive samplers. Results: A total of 159 subjects in 120 salons were interviewed. Average work-shift concentrations of 13 chemicals were measured for 50 workers from 30 salons using personal passive samplers. The most frequently reported respiratory or neurologic symptoms by nail shop technicians compared to controls were nose irritation (odds ratio [OR], 54.0; confidence interval [CI], 21.6 to 134.8), followed by headache (OR, 9.3; CI, 4.7 to 18), and throat irritation (OR, 4.3; CI, 2.2 to 8.5). For eyes and skin, 92% of respondents complained eye irritation (OR, 13.1; CI, 5.7 to 30.1). In musculoskeletal symptoms, workers reported pain or discomfort in shoulders (OR, 20.3; CI, 7.7 to 54) and neck (OR, 19.7; CI, 8.9 to 43.6). From personal measurements, the proportion of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit was the highest for acetone with 64%, followed by toluene (50%), butyl acetate (46%), and methyl methacrylate (12%). However, the service was being provided without a proper ventilation system in most surveyed shops. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is warranted to have appropriate local exhaust ventilation place to ensure adequate health protection of nail shop technicians as well as customers. At the same time, greater policy interests are warranted in nail care business to protect health of both workers and customers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.135-147
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• 2020

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of physiotherapy intervention for patients with COVID-19 during their hospital admission and post-discharge. METHODS: The recommendations and guidelines of physiotherapy management, medical management, and general information of the WHO, Australian Physiotherapist, European Respiratory Society, British Thoracic Society, and American Thoracic Society were reviewed. RESULTS: This paper contains general information on COVID-19, including medical management, and the importance of physiotherapy approaches including an assessment of the patients' function, such as the 6-minute walking test, five sit to stand or sit to stand for one minute to measure their function as their recovery journey. The patients' quality of life, anxiety, and depression should be considered. Physiotherapy management should be based on an assessment of the patient's presenting impairments, including inclusion and exclusion of physiotherapy intervention. The paper also approaches step by step with the disease progress, from an intensive care unit, the general ward in the acute phase, through to the rehabilitation ward if needed, and post-discharge as an outpatient.. CONCLUSION: The paper has a limitation due to the unknown factor of the natural history of COVID-19. Depending on the patients' recovery journey and the rehabilitation needed, any physiotherapy interventions should focus on what the patients' need on their journey to recovery, e.g., pulmonary, cardiac, neurological, and general rehabilitation. In addition, applying personal protection equipment for treating physiotherapists is a mandatory requirement because this protects from the transmission of COVID-19.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.324-332
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• 2017

Objectives: Much scientific evidence indicate a positive association between moldy environments and respiratory illnesses and/or symptoms. However, few comprehensive assessments of mold have been performed for such settings. Spore counts or microscopic enumeration only may not be sufficient for evaluating fungal exposure. Recently, Mold Specific QPCR technology developed by the US EPA (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, ERMI) has been widely used worldwide and great performance for assessing fungal exposure has been shown. Methods: We aimed to develop a Korean version of ERMI suitable for the distribution of fungal flora in Korea. Thirty dwellings in the Seoul and Incheon area were selected for sampling, and each was classified as 'Flooded, 'Water-damaged' or 'Non-water-damaged'. Results: Dust on the floor and airborne sampling were collected using an MAS100 and a 'Dustream' collector. Samples were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(QPCR) for the 36 molds belonging to ERMI. Student t-test and ANOVA tests were carried out using SAS software. The median ERMI values of flooded, water damaged, and non-water damaged dwellings were 8.24(range: -5.6 to 27.9), 5.47(-25. 4 to 32.7), and -15.30(-24.6 to 14.8), respectively. Significant differences were observed between flooded and non-water damaged dwellings (P=0.001) and between water-damaged and non-water damaged dwellings (P=0.032). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ERMI values attributed to dust samples in Korea could be applicable for the identification of flooded or water damaged buildings. However, much data is needed for continuously developing the Korean version of ERMI values.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.124-133
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• 2020

Objectives: Mask fit is a crucial factor in preventing respiratory infections among healthcare workers. The current coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic calls for the replacement of imported N95 medical masks with domestic N95 versions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether these masks provide proper protection. Methods: Thirty-five participants from three healthcare institutions donned four types of masks and Quantitative Fit Tests(Portacount, USA) were performed. The order of fit test for the four types of masks was randomized, and a three-minute washout period was applied between test times(2 min 29 sec) to reduce potential error stemming from physical exhaustion. Results: There were no significant differences in the Fit Factor for the four types of masks, and there were no gender differences. However, the Fit Factor significantly differed across the three healthcare institutions (p=0.007). With eight of the 35 participants passing, the pass rate with the criteria of 100 or higher was 21%. Conclusions: The mask used in this study was a new domestic N95 medical mask, and the participants were unfamiliar with how to wear it. They reported difficulties with mask fitting. In light of a previous finding that mask fit improved with frequently used masks, wearer preferred masks, or when masks that are regularly worn are used during fit training, the fact that participants were unfamiliar with the mask used in this study is a limitation that should not be overlooked.

• Proceedings of the KAIS Fall Conference
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• 2010.05b
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• pp.910-914
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• 2010

A collision between a barge and an oil tanker of Hebei Spirit caused the release of an estimated 12,547 tons of light crude oil into the Yellow Sea off the west coast of Taean-gun, Korea on December 7, 2007. This study was aimed to evaluate exposure conditions and acute health effects in soldiers participating in the Hebei Spirit oil spill cleanup activities and the association between these and the nature of the work and use of protection devices. The sample comprised 2,624 soldiers stratified by working area and number of working days. We divided working area into the coast of Taean-gun(highly polluted area) and other areas affected by Hebei Spirit oil spill. And we divided number of working days into 1-7 days, 8-14 days, 15-21 days and above 22 days. Data were obtained via a structured, self-administered questionnaire and included information on working area, type of working, number of working days, use of protective materials, and acute health effects. Acute health effects were classified into 5 groups: neurological, respiratory, dermatologic, ophthalmic and other symptoms. Data analysis was performed using unconditional logistic regression used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. On logistic regression analysis, working on the coast of Taean-gun was significantly associated with increased risk of acute health problems: headache, dizziness, nausea, general fatigue, insomnia, flushed face, sore throat, dry throat, runny nose, cough, sputum, skin irritation, sore eyes, injection of conjunctiva, tear, and low back pain. Furthermore soldiers working more than 21 days were significantly associated with increased risk of acute health problems: insomnia, flushed face, sore throat, runny nose, cough, sputum, tear, low back pain and fever. Accordingly, the exposure to the oil and the subsequent cleanup efforts were suggested to inflict acute health problems on soldiers participating in the Hebei Spirit oil spill cleanup activities.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.140-145
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• 2012

Objectives: To understand the personal experiences of mine workers that have experienced job relocation due to silicosis at the Andina Division of Corporaci$\acute{o}$n Nacional del Cobre (CODELCO), Chile. The purpose of the study was to provide useful information for the development of new local, business and public policies for the care of workers with silicosis. Methods: A qualitative study based on a practical case study of 5 workers. The information was collected by means of structured individual interviews. The method of analysis was phenomenology. Results: The corporal axis was the most commented upon. It included awareness of the illness, body pains, fatigue, and antagonistic mood disorders (sadness, or the difficulty in finding meaning in life). As far as personal relationships, there was evidence of strong relationships with family, coworkers and friends, as well as extended family. Over all, the experience of relocation was positive with periods of impatience and uncertainty. The job reassignment provided a new and pleasant context for the relocated workers and in the process improved their perception of their quality of life. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team should attend mine workers relocated because of silicosis by addressing the mental and physical aspects of their disease, along with the integral participation of close family members. It is suggested that this investigation be maintain over time to record the personal experiences in the medium-term, adding new cases with the intention of shedding more light on the phenomenon being studied. As a preventive measure, continual workshops are needed on the proper use of respiratory protection in addition, a group of monitors is required.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.275-282
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• 2013

Influenza virus is one of the major sources of respiratory tract infection. Due to antigenic drift in surface glycoproteins the virus causes annual epidemics with severe morbidity and mortality. Although hemagglutinin (HA) is one of the highly variable surface glycoproteins of the influenza virus, it remains the most attractive target for vaccine development against seasonal influenza infection because antibodies generated against HA provide virus neutralization and subsequent protection against the virus infection. Combination of recombinant adenovirus (rAd) vector-based vaccine and mucosal administration is a promising regimen for safe and effective vaccination against influenza. In this study, we constructed rAd encoding the globular head region of HA from A/Puerto Rico/8/34 virus as vaccine candidate. The rAd vaccine was engineered to express high level of the protein in secreted form. Intranasal or sublingual immunization of mice with the rAd-based vaccine candidates induced significant levels of sustained HA-specific mucosal IgA and IgG. When challenged with lethal dose of homologous virus, the vaccinated mice were completely protected from the infection. The results demonstrate that intranasal or sublingual vaccination with HA-encoding rAd elicits protective immunity against infection with homologous influenza virus. This finding underlines the potential of our recombinant adenovirus-based influenza vaccine candidate for both efficacy and rapid production.