• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.87-99
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• 2024

Freediving, an underwater leisure sport that involves diving without the use of a breathing apparatus, has gained popularity among younger demographics through the viral spread of images and videos on social media platforms. This study employs prominent Big Data analysis techniques, including text mining, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic analysis, and opinion mining to explore the keywords associated with freediving suits over the past five years. The research aims to analyze the rapidly evolving market trends of freediving suits and the increasingly complex and diverse consumer perceptions to provide foundational data for activating the freediving suit market and developing strategies for sustained growth. The study identified the keyword 'size' related to freediving suits and conducted opinion mining on 'freediving suit sizes'. Although the results showed a higher positive than negative sentiment, negative keywords were also extracted, indicating the need to understand and mitigate the negative factors associated with 'size'. The findings offer vital guidelines for the advancement of the freediving suit market and enhancing consumer satisfaction. This study is important as it contributes foundational data for continuous growth strategies of the freediving suit market.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.157-169
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• 2024

The sudden release of water from a dam failure can trigger bores on a flat surface and exert substantial impact forces on structures. This flow poses a high-risk flood hazard to downstream urban areas, making it imperative to study its impact on structures and devise effective energy dissipators to mitigate its force. In this study, a combination of Genetic Algorithm optimization and numerical modeling is employed to identify the optimal energy dissipator. The analysis reveals that a round arc-shaped structure proves most effective, followed by a triangular shape. These shapes offer wide adaptability in terms of structure dimensions. Structures with higher elevation, especially those with round or triangular shapes, demonstrate superior energy dissipation capabilities. Conversely, square-shaped structures necessitate minimal height to minimize impact forces. The optimal width for dissipating energy is found to be 0.9 meters, allowing for effective wave run-up and propagation. Furthermore, the force exerted on structures increases with higher initial water levels, but diminishes with distance from the dam, highlighting the importance of placement in mitigating impact forces.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.57-76
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• 2024

The management of waste tire rubber has become a pressing environmental and health issue, requiring sustainable solutions to mitigate fire hazards and conserve natural resources. The performance of waste materials in structural components needs to be investigated to fabricate sustainable structures. This study aims to investigate the behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced rubberized concrete (GRRC) compressive components under compressive loads. Nine GRRC circular compressive components, varying in longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratios, were constructed. A 3D nonlinear finite element model (FEM) was proposed by means of the ABAQUS software to simulate the behavior of the GRRC compressive components. A comprehensive parametric analysis was conducted to assess the impact of different parameters on the performance of GRRC compressive components. The experimental findings demonstrated that reducing the spacing of GFRP stirrups enhanced the ductility of GRRC compressive components, while the addition of rubberized concrete further improved their ductility. Failure in GRRC compressive components occurred in a compressive columnar manner, characterized by vertical cracks and increased deformability. The finite element simulations closely matched the experimental results. The proposed empirical model, based on 600 test samples and considering the lateral confinement effect of FRP stirrups, demonstrated higher accuracy (R² = 0.835, MSE = 171.296, MAE = 203.549, RMSE = 195.438) than previous models.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.1092-1100
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• 2024

The global elderly population, aged 65 and over, reached approximately 10% in 2020, and this proportion is expected to continue rising. Therefore, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), which are characterized by declining memory capabilities, is anticipated to increase. In a previous study, we successfully restored the diminished memory capabilities in a fruit fly model of PD by administering an omija extract. To identify functional ingredients that can enhance memory akin to the effects of the omija extract, we conducted screenings by administering halophyte extracts to the PD model. Halophytes are plants that thrive in high-salt environments, and given Korea's geographic proximity to the sea on three sides, it serves as an optimal hub for the utilization of these plants. Upon examining the effects of the oral administration of 12 halophyte extracts, Salicornia herbacea and Calystegia soldanella emerged as potential candidates for ameliorating memory loss in PD model flies. Moreover, our findings suggested that C. soldanella, but not S. herbacea, can mitigate oxidative stress in DJ-1β mutants.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.377-389
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• 2024

The possibility of new viruses emerging in various regions worldwide has increased due to a combination of factors, including climate change and the expansion of international trading. Plant viruses spread through various transmission routes, encompassing well-known avenues such as pollen, seeds, and insects. However, research on potential transmission routes beyond these known mechanisms has remained limited. To address this gap, this study employed metatranscriptomic analysis to ascertain the presence of plant viruses in imported frozen fruits, specifically cherries and blueberries. This analysis aimed to identify pathways through which plant viruses may be introduced into countries. Virome analysis revealed the presence of six species of plant viruses in frozen cherries and blueberries: cherry virus A (CVA), prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), prune dwarf virus (PDV), prunus virus F (PrVF), blueberry shock virus (BlShV), and blueberry latent virus (BlLV). Identifying these potential transmission routes is crucial for effectively managing and preventing the spread of plant viruses and crop protection. This study highlights the importance of robust quality control measures and monitoring systems for frozen fruits, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate the risk associated with the potential spread of plant viruses.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.200-207
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• 2024

Background: Workers are often exposed to hazardous heat due to their work environment, leading to various injuries. As a result of climate change, heat-related injuries (HRIs) are becoming more problematic. This study aims to identify critical contributing factors to the severity of occupational HRIs. Methods: This study analyzed historical injury reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Contributing factors to the severity of HRIs were identified using text mining and model-free machine learning methods. The Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) was applied to explore the relationship between impact factors and the severity of HRIs. Results: The results indicated a higher risk of fatal HRIs among middle-aged, older, and male workers, particularly in the construction, service, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. In addition, a higher heat index, collapses, heart attacks, and fall accidents increased the severity of HRIs, while symptoms such as dehydration, dizziness, cramps, faintness, and vomiting reduced the likelihood of fatal HRIs. Conclusions: The severity of HRIs was significantly influenced by factors like workers' age, gender, industry type, heat index , symptoms, and secondary injuries. The findings underscore the need for tailored preventive strategies and training across different worker groups to mitigate HRIs risks.

• Journal of Urban Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.53-64
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• 2023

With the development of the plant industry, there has been an increasing frequency of major accidents both domestically and internationally, emphasizing the importance of plant safety. Therefore, this study aims to investigate measures to enhance the stability of piping, a key component within the plant. Upon examining the piping, erosion, buckling, and fatigue emerged as significant risk factors among various potential hazards, leading to their selection as the primary risk factors in this study. Identifying variables that can collectively mitigate these factors, the study focuses on the material, thickness, and elbow angle of the piping. The reference piping model is established as the pipeline connecting the Skim Tank and IGF within a 300BPD oil sands modular plant in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do. Utilizing the FEA analysis program ANSYS, the study conducts a variable analysis for the identified risk factors. The results of the analysis, through comparison and evaluation, provide evidence of the effectiveness of enhancing stability. It is observed that reducing the elbow angle significantly improves erosion and buckling, while changing to a material with high yield stress most significantly enhances stability when considering fatigue.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.95-107
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• 2024

In South Korea, over 400,000 Non-building Structures are inadequately managed and exposed to potential risks due to insufficient inspection systems, leading to an increase in accidents and significant losses of life and property. Therefore, it is crucial for users to conduct proactive self-inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards. This study reclassified Non-building Structures into four main categories by analyzing their structural characteristics and associated risks through statistical analysis. Among these, retaining walls, which account for the largest proportion, were systematically analyzed to identify common damage patterns. Based on this analysis, self-inspection checklists were developed for both non-experts and experts. The proposed process involves an initial visual inspection using a simple non-expert checklist, followed by a more detailed expert-level inspection if any anomalies are detected. The reliability of this process was validated through approximately 120 validation processes.

• Architectural research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.83-92
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• 2024

The profound impact of earthquakes on human lives and the built environment emphasizes the substantial human and economic losses result-ing from structural collapses. Many researchers in this field highlight the longstanding societal challenge posed by earthquakes and under-score the imperative to minimize such losses. Over the decades, researchers have dedicated efforts to seismic design, focusing on improv-ing structural performance to mitigate earthquake-induced damages. This has led to the development of various structural analysis methods. In this research, a specific RC frame structure (401 Bldg.) at Kyungpook National University that is designed for educational purposes, serves as a representative case. This research employs SAP 2000 for simulation, aiming to assess the structural performance under seismic condi-tions, focusing on evaluating the structural behavior under different column orientations. This research utilizes RSA (Response Spectrum Analysis) to comprehensively examine parameters of displacement, base shear force, base moment, joint radians, and story drift. Referring to the results from RSA, this research also assesses the structural performance using LTHA (Linear Time History Analysis) by conducting synthetic frequency domain and synthetic time domain analyses based on the seismic wave from the Kobe 1995 earthquake (Abeno). Based on the findings from the discussions, this research is expected to be a valuable reference for structural design within seismic resistance and the seismic reinforcement of existing RC frame structures.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.4
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• pp.451-457
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• 2024

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) results from the exposure of susceptible hosts to a diverse group of environmental mycobacteria. The emphasis on nonpharmacological strategies is motivated by the widespread presence of NTM in various environments, and the inconsistent success rates of pharmacological treatments. Modifiable factors contributing to NTM-PD development include impaired airway clearance, low body mass index, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and exposure to NTM habitats. This suggests that lifestyle and environmental modifications could affect disease development and progression. The review highlights several modalities that can modify the risk factors. Airway clearance techniques, informed by the "gel-on-brush" model of the bronchial epithelium, aim to enhance mucociliary clearance, and have the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve lung function. The impact of nutritional status is also examined, with a lower body mass index linked to an increased risk and progression of NTM-PD, indicating the importance of targeted nutritional support. Additionally, the theoretical and epidemiological links between gastroesophageal reflux disease and NTM-PD advocate careful management of reflux episodes. Understanding the risk of NTM transmission through environmental exposure to contaminated water and soil is also crucial. Strategies to mitigate this risk, including effective water management and minimizing soil contact, are presented as vital preventive measures. The review supports the inclusion of nonpharmacological treatments within a comprehensive NTM-PD management strategy, alongside conventional pharmacological therapies. This integrated approach seeks to improve the overall understanding and handling of NTM-PD.