• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.10-16
• /
• 2018

Background: A detailed evaluation of the underground mine climate requires extensive measurements to be performed coupled to climatic modeling work. This can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, and consequently impractical for daily work comfort assessments. Therefore, a simple indicator like a heat stress index is needed to enable a quick, valid, and acceptable evaluation of underground climatic conditions on a regular basis. This can be explained by the unending quest to develop a "universal index," which has led to the proliferation of many proposed heat stress indices. Methods: The aim of this research study is to discuss the challenges in identifying and selecting an appropriate heat stress index for thermal planning and management purposes in underground mines. A method is proposed coupled to a defined strategy for selecting and recommending heat stress indices to be used in underground metal mines in the United States and worldwide based on a thermal comfort model. Results: The performance of current heat stress indices used in underground mines varies based on the climatic conditions and the level of activities. Therefore, carefully selecting or establishing an appropriate heat stress index is of paramount importance to ensure the safety, health, and increasing productivity of the underground workers. Conclusion: This method presents an important tool to assess and select the most appropriate index for certain climatic conditions to protect the underground workers from heat-related illnesses. Although complex, the method presents results that are easy to interpret and understand than any of the currently available evaluation methods.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.31-38
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Traumatic vertebral injuries have a prevalence of 4-5% at level I centers. Studies have demonstrated that isolated thoracolumbar transverse process fractures (iTPF) rarely require brace or surgical interventions. We hypothesized that similarly isolated thoracolumbar spinous process fractures (iSPF) would have less need for bracing and operative interventions than SPFs with associated vertebral body (VB) fractures (SPF+VB). We performed a similar analysis for iTPF compared to transverse process fractures associated with VB injury (TPF+VB). Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study from 2012 to 2016, patients were classified into iSPF, SPF+VB, iTPF, and TPF+VB groups. Data including the fracture pattern, neurologic deficits, and operative intervention were obtained. The primary outcome studied was the need for bracing and/or surgery. A statistical analysis was conducted. Results: Of 98 patients with spinous process fractures, 21 had iSPF and 77 had SPF+VB. No iSPF patients underwent surgery, whereas 24 (31.17%) SPF+VB patients did undergo surgery (p=0.012). In the iSPF group, three patients (15%) received braces only for comfort, whereas 37 (48.68%) of the SPF+VB group required bracing (p=0.058). Of 474 patients with transverse process fractures, 335 had iTPF and 139 had TPF+VB. No iTPF patients underwent surgery, whereas 28 (20.14%) TPF+VB patients did (p≤0.001). Of the iTPF patients, six (1.86%) were recommended to receive braces only for comfort, while 68 (50.75%) of the TPF+VB patients required bracing (p<0.001). Conclusions: No patients with iSPF or iTPF required surgical intervention, and bracing was recommended to patients in these groups for comfort only. It appears that these injures may be safely managed without interventions, calling into question the need for spine consultation.

• Journal of the Korean Society for information Management
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.61-86
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of learning space Servicescape on the user satisfaction level and continuance intention and to identify moderating effect of the learning activity. The six Servicescape factors are selected after literature review and in-depth interviews; cleanliness, comfort, convenience, aesthetics, accessibility, and flexibility. The online survey is given to the university students at four-year private universities in Seoul metropolitan area. The result shows that among the learning space Servicescape factors, cleanliness, comfort, convenience, and accessibility have a significant impact on the user's satisfaction and the user's satisfaction response determines the continuance intention to the learning space. It is also found that the factors of cleanliness and comfort have a negative moderating effect on user satisfaction. This study implies that the result provides methods to develop the space arrangement for university libraries that provide the better-support to students' learning experience.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.199-209
• /
• 2023

This study identified design elements of the functions required for children's ski pants. Data for this study were collected through questionnaire surveys conducted among children's ski instructors and children's sportswear developers. Five functionalities of children's skiwear were evaluated: mobility, stability, comfort, protection, and convenience. A total of 25 functional design elements related to the patterns, design details, and physical characteristics of fabrics for ski garments, were evaluated. The results of this study are as follows. First, children's sportswear developers evaluated that the pattern elements were important. Most of the pattern design elements highly related to mobility. Children's ski instructors' appraisal was that the height of the back waist was the important feature. Second, regarding the design details, children's ski instructors evaluated the size adjustment function and ventilation system as important elements. Many design detail elements were highly related in respect of stability, comfort, protection, and convenience. Third, the physical characteristics of fabric were strongly associated with mobility, comfort, and protection. As regards the physical characteristics of fabric, children's ski instructors valued anti-fouling highly, but children's sportswear developers attached more importance to the weight of the fabric. The results of this study will be useful in designing functional ski pants for children of elementary and intermediate ski levels. Since there may be limitations related to the ski level and age of children wearing ski pants, it is suggested that follow-up studies according to various groups of the ski pant wearers should be done.

• Journal of Wellbeing Management and Applied Psychology
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.19-31
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify indoor air quality in various living spaces using sensors that can measure noise, vibration, fine dust, and odor in real time and to propose optimal indoor air quality maintenance management using Internet of Things(IoT). Research design, data and methodology: Using real-time sensors to monitor physical factors and environmental air pollutants that affect the comfort of the residential environment, Noise, Vibration, Atmospheric Pressure, Blue Light, Formaldehyde, Hydrogen Sulfide, Illumination, Temperature, Ozone, PM10, Aldehyde, Amine, LVOCs and TVOCs were measured. It were measured every 1 seconds from 4 offices and 4 stores on a small scale from November 2018 to January 2019. Results: The difference between illuminance and blue light for each measuring point was found to depend on lighting time, and the ratio of blue light in total illumination was 0.358 ~ 0.393. Formaldehyde and hydrogen sulphide were found to be higher than those that temporarily attract people in an indoor office space that is constantly active, requiring office air ventilation. The noise was found to be 50dB higher than the office WHO recommendation noise level of 35 ~ 40dB. The most important factors for indoor environmental quality were temperature> humidity> illumination> blue light in turn. Conclusions: Various factors that determine the comfort of indoor living space can be measured with real-time sensors. Further, it is judged that the use of IoT can help maintain indoor air quality comfortably.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.171-178
• /
• 2024

Background: We developed a novel interlocking three-dimensional (3D) miniplate design with an adjustable configuration. As this device is new, surgeons must become familiar with its application. This study evaluated the usability and learning curves associated with the novel interlocking 3D miniplate for mandibular fracture fixation. Methods: The study participants, nine plastic surgeons, were asked to apply an interlocking 3D miniplate and a standard miniplate to polyurethane mandible models. The participants had completed the Basic Craniomaxillofacial Osteosynthesis course during residency and had operated on craniomaxillofacial fractures within the past 5 years. They were instructed to place the interlocking 3D miniplate three times and the standard miniplate once. We assessed the time required for implant placement, the comfort level of the surgeons, and the biomechanical stability of the plates. Biomechanical testing was conducted by subjecting the mandible to forces ranging from 10 to 90 N and the displacement was measured. Results: The results indicate increasing comfort with each attempt at placing the interlocking 3D miniplate, with a significant difference between the first and third attempts. Additionally, a reduction in application time was noted with repeated attempts, suggesting improved efficiency. Biomechanical tests showed comparable stability between the tested plates. Conclusion: Multiple attempts at applying the interlocking 3D miniplate resulted in increased comfort and reduced application time. These findings indicate that, despite its novelty, the interlocking 3D miniplate is relatively straightforward to apply and has a short learning curve. However, surgeons must have specific qualifications to ensure proper training and minimize errors during placement.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.279-289
• /
• 1998

This study was performed to investigate the dimensions of clothing attitudes and to study differences of the dimensions according to the demographic variables. The subjects selected for final analysis were 595 adults ranging from 20's to 50's in age. The clothing attitudes were classified into nine dimensions: fashionability, clothing involvement, clothing conformity, modesty, status symbolism, comfort, manageability, individuality and economy. And the dimensions were significantly different according to monthly expenditure on clothing, sex and educational level.

• Journal of Korean Living Environment System
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.233-237
• /
• 2013

Daylighting affects the luminous environment and provides comfortable environment to the occupants. However, excessive daylighting might have negative influences on the visual comfort. Skylight, light intensity and distribution, and insolation could cause glare effects on the occupants. This study analyzed the effect of fenestration on the interior glare effects, and verified luminous environment adjustability through mock up test of conventional fenestration and 'Convergence Window System' by analyzation of luminance, luminance contrast, and glare effect. Consequently, room installed Convergence Window System was improved luminance contrast and PGSV Level.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.341-352
• /
• 1998

The purpose of this study was to provide a bases for comfort of patient through of measuring the noise level in emergency room and grasping the perception to noise of inpatient. Data on noise level through sound level meter in ER and patients' perception of the noise through a structured questionnaire and were collected from August 21 to September 5 in 1998. And collected data were analyzed with SAS statistics progeam, descriptive statistic, t-test and ANOVA. The result of examination is as follows : 1. Among a noise level of measured highest was 64.6dB(A) in 'rounding of medical teams', the lowest was 54.8dB(A) in 'traffic noise from outside'. 2. The mean score of noise perception was 0.93. Among a kind of noise reported by the subjects, that which ranked highest was 'conversation of patients' caregiver and visitors'(1.75). The ranked lowest was 'noise of airconditioner'(0.59). 3. The relationship between perception of noise and subjects' characteristics was not significient. Therefore, based on this result, ways require to decrease the noise level in emergency department.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
• /
• v.10 no.6
• /
• pp.786-798
• /
• 2007

As we go about our daily lives, people often collect surrounding information and adapt to the situation. Computer development trends show that one wants computers to work like human beings, i.e. computers can sense its context and adapt corresponding to context changes. To implement this expectation, a context aware service layer is needed. In this layer, sensors capture its environment and send this information to the service center. Considering received information as its context, the service center seeks the suitable operation according to the context. Tills paper presents a context aware service which is applied in controlling air-conditioner. The air-conditioner includes sensors which are installed at some special positions in a room. Each of these sensors gathers comfort-influenced information like temperature, humidity and sends them to air-conditioner. The air-conditioner adapts its operation to the environment according to the sensed information. To control the air-conditioner effectively, we use a genetic algorithm which is suitable in adaptation issues. The simulation shows that the room condition can be maintained at a comfortable level by using context-aware services in the operation of the air-conditioning system.