This study investigated the characteristics of personal PM2.5 exposure among 109 participants residing in Seoul over a two-month period, from February 2024 to April 2024. The participants were categorized into four sub-populations, and personal exposure to PM2.5 was assessed using portable monitors, GPS, and time-activity diaries. To understand the time-activity patterns, the daily occupancy rate for different microenvironments was calculated. Additionally, daily PM2.5 exposure contribution and integrated exposure were quantified. A time series analysis was conducted to identify differences in time-activity patterns and PM2.5 exposure among the sub-populations. ANOVA analysis indicated statistically significant differences in PM2.5 concentrations across populations and microenvironments (p<0.05). However, post-hoc analysis revealed specific microenvironments within certain sub-populations where PM2.5 concentration differences were not significant (p>0.05). All sub-populations spent more than 90% of their time indoors, and the results for exposure contribution and integrated exposure indicated that the home, which had the highest occupancy rate, was the most significant contributor to PM2.5 exposure. This study is expected to serve as foundational data for future indoor air quality management and the development of personalized strategies for reducing PM2.5 exposure.

FRP 복합재료 중 CFRP(탄소 섬유 강화 플라스틱)는 현재 RC 구조물의 내부 및 외부 보강재로서 그리드 형태로 활용되고 있다. 그러나 CFRP 그리드에 대한 성능평가 기준은 매우 미흡하여 FRP 보강근 기준을 사용하고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 그리드 가닥 수와 경계조건과 변수를 고려하여 CFRP 그리드의 인장 성능을 평가하기 위한 실험이 수행되었다. 가닥 수는 1, 2, 3가닥에 대한 인장시험이 수행되었으며, 경계조건의 경우 모르타르, 에폭시, 에폭시 + 모르타르로 변수를 지정하였다. 인장시험을 통하여 최적 가닥 수 및 최적 경계조건으로 개발한 시편을 토대로 고온 노출 시간에 따라 CFRP 그리드의 인장 성능 평가가 수행되었다. 온도는 130°C 로 유지되었으며, 5개의 시편을 각각 70분(Case 2), 100분(Case 3), 120분(Case 4), 150분(Case 5) 고온에 노출하여 비 고온 노출 시편 과 비교하였다. 실험 결과, 비 고온 노출 시편과 비교하여 Case 5에서는 인장강도와 탄성계수가 각각 최대 51.32% 및 44.4% 감소한 것으로 나타났다.

중재 시술의 발전으로, 노출된 방사선으로 인한 의료 방사선 중재 시술자에 미치는 건강 위협이 증대됨에 따라 시술 중 방사선 노출을 최소화하기 위한 관심과 노력이 요구되고 있다. 이에 대한췌장담도학회에서는 투시 장비를 이용한 중재 시술 중 의료 방사선 중재 시술자에게 미치는 방사선 노출을 최소화하기 위한 권고안을 개발하였다. 본 권고안은 방사선 차폐, 방사선 투시기와 방사선량의 관리, 방사선 노출 선량 한도 및 감시, 임신과 출산 총 4가지 분야로 나누어 중재 시술자에게 방사선 노출의 위험을 이해하기 위한 지식을 전달하고 실질적으로 수행해야 하는 권고사항을 명확히 제시하여 불필요한 방사선 노출을 피하기 위한 실용적인 접근이 가능하도록 구성되었다. 본 권고안을 통해 의료 방사선 중재시술자의 방사선 노출을 최소화하여 안전하고 효과적인 중재 시술이 이루어질 수 있기를 기대한다.

To understand the detrimental effects of triclosan on Java medaka (Oryzias javanicus) embryos, fertilized embryos were exposed to different concentrations (1, 10, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 μg l-1) of triclosan until hatching. Then, we examined the survival rate and developmental parameters as well as alterations in antioxidant constituents and DNA damage markers. The results showed dose-dependent mortality, hatching delays, and developmental abnormalities in the embryos. Additionally, there were significant increases in oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant responses, along with elevated DNA damage. These findings suggest that sublethal concentrations of triclosan induce toxic effects through oxidative stress on Java medaka embryos, as evidenced by changes in in vivo parameters and biochemical constituents.

This study evaluated the importance of assessing personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by monitoring indoor, outdoor, and personal VOC levels in 15 Seoul residents over a 3-month period using passive samplers. Results indicated that limonene had the highest concentrations across indoor, outdoor, and personal samples, with this compound primarily originating from household cleaners and air fresheners. Other VOCs, such as 2-butanone and toluene, also varied by location. Health risk assessments showed that most VOCs had a Hazard Index (HI) below 1, while the HI of individual exposures were relatively higher. Notably, cancer risk assessments for chloroform and ethylbenzene exceeded permissible levels in some scenarios, suggesting potential cancer risks. This underscores the importance of diverse microenvironment monitoring for accurate health risk evaluations, as relying solely on indoor and outdoor levels can underestimate actual exposure risks. This study highlights the need for future research to monitor VOC levels in various microenvironments, in addition to the necessity of investigating personal activity patterns in depth to accurately assess personal exposure levels. Such an approach is crucial for precise health risk assessments, and it provides valuable foundational data for evaluating personal VOC exposures.

지표면조도는 건축구조물에 작용하는 풍속과 난류강도의 연직분포에 중대한 영향을 미칠 수 있다. KDS 2022에서 지표면조 도구분은 목안측정법으로 판정되고 두 가지 이상의 지표면조도가 혼재되어 있는 경우 중간상태의 지표면조도구분을 적용해야 한다. 이런 접근법은 엔지니어의 주관적인 판단에 의존하여 풍하중 산정의 불확실성을 유발할 수 있다. 이런 문제들을 해결하기 위해 본 연 구에서는 환경부가 제공한 토지피복지도를 활용하였으며, 지표면상태가 혼재되어 있는 경우 ESDU의 경계층 이론에 따라 유효한 바 람의 연직분포를 생성하였다. 토지피복지도를 활용하여 대표적인 10개 지역의 지표면상태를 구분하였으며, KDS, ISO 그리고 ESDU 에 따른 판정법에 의해 결정된 지표면조도구분을 비교하였다.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, has developed extremely high levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole and other classes of insecticides in the field. As microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in various biological processes through gene regulation. we examined the miRNA profile of S. frugiperda in response to Chlorantraniliprole, Indoxacarb and Thiamethoxam. Transcriptome analysis showed significant changes in the abundance of some miRNAs after treatment of S. frugiperda larvae with LC20 concentrations of three insecticides. A total of 197 miRNAs were systematically identified from S. frugiperda, and 16, 9, 2 miRNAs were differentially expressed after treatments of three insecticides. Importantly, three miRNAs were significantly downregulated and three were upregulated by RT-qPCR after treatment the LC50 of three insecticides with S. frugiperda larvae. Microinjection of agomirs of these six miRNAs into S. frugiperda larvae resulted in significant changes in mortality rates when exposed to three insecticides. Additionally, we also screened potential target genes for some of differentially expressed miRNAs, which may play important roles in insecticide resistance development. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance and underscore the potential of miRNAs as targets for the development of novel pest control strategies in S. frugiperda.

Honey bee plays an important role in pollinating plants. Recently, however, declines in honey bee populations have been reported in many countries, and pesticides have been pointed out as one of the factors contributing to honey bee loss. To determine the effects of pesticides on honey bee behavior, we investigated the homing ability of honey bee exposed to four pesticides (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, fenitrothion, and carbaryl). In addition, the changes in expression levels of genes associated with ‘learning and memory’ (cGMP-dependent protein kinase foraging, Kruppel homolog 1, Adenlyate cyclase 3, Early growth response protein 1, Hormone receptor 38) were examined after pesticide treatment in forager bee. The four pesticides tested in this study generally reduced the homing ability of foragers. In the examination of gene expression, learning and memory-related genes were induced by the exposure to acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and carbaryl, whereas fenitrothion decreased the expression of these genes in honey bee. Although further studies are needed, this suggests that pesticides may have negative effects on honey bee behavior and behavior-related gene expression.

FRP 복합재 중 CFRP(Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Plastic)는 현재 Rebar, Plate, Grid 등 다양한 형태로 RC 구조물에 내‧외부 보강재로써 사용되고 있다. 이 중 CFRP Grid의 경우 국내에서 상용화가 되지 않아 다른 형태의 보강재보다 성능 분석 및 평가 기준이 미흡한 실정이다. 이에 따라 본 연구에 서는 Grid의 Strand, 경계조건, ASTM 고정장치의 유무 등 다양한 실험을 통하여 CFRP 그리드의 인 장 성능평가를 진행하였다. 선행 연구에서는 CFRP Grid의 인장시험 고정단의 경계조건에 따른 영향 성 분석을 위해 ASTM D7205 및 ASTM D6637에 따라 Tap-Tap (Type 1), Tap-Mortor (Type 2) 로 구성하여 인장시험을 수행하였으며, 시편의 파단 형상 및 시험 결과값이 가장 안정적인 Type 2를 CFRP Grid의 고정단 경계조건으로 설정하였다. 이러한 선행 연구를 바탕으로 고온 노출에 따른 CFRP 그리드의 인장 성능시험 평가를 진행하였으며, 인장시험은 만능재료시험기 및 고성능 카메라를 활용하여 최대 응력과 탄성계수를 도출하였다. 온도는 FRP의 전이온도인 150℃ 이내의 130℃에서 각 Case 별 5개의 시편을 70분(Case 2), 100분(Case 3), 120분(Case 4), 150분(Case 5) 노출한 후, 고온 에 노출하지 않은 시편(Case 1)과 비교하였다. 실험 결과, Case 5와 Case 1을 비교하여 인장강도와 탄성계수는 각각 최대 51.32%, 44.4% 감소하였다. 결론적으로 고온 환경에서 지속적으로 노출될 경 우, CFRP Grid의 성능이 최대 절반 수준으로 감소 되며 RC 부재 내‧외부에 보강 시에 고온 조건을 면밀히 검토하여 성능 감소를 최소화할 필요가 있다고 판단된다.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is toxic heavy metal that accumulates in organisms after passing through their respiratory and digestive tracts. Although several studies have reported the toxic effects of Cd exposure on human health, its role in embryonic development during preimplantation stage remains unclear. We investigated the effects of Cd on porcine embryonic development and elucidated the mechanism. Methods: We cultured parthenogenetic embryos in media treated with 0, 20, 40, or 60 μM Cd for 6 days and evaluated the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation. To investigate the mechanism of Cd toxicity, we examined intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, we examined mitochondrial content, membrane potential, and ROS. Results: Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates began to decrease significantly in the 40 μM Cd group compared with the control. During post-blastulation, development was significantly delayed in the Cd group. Cd exposure significantly decreased cell number and increased apoptosis rate compared with the control. Embryos exposed to Cd had significantly higher ROS and lower GSH levels, as well as lower expression of antioxidant enzymes, compared with the control. Moreover, embryos exposed to Cd exhibited a significant decrease in mitochondrial content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and expression of mitochondrial genes and an increase in mitochondrial ROS compared to the control. Conclusions: We demonstrated that Cd exposure impairs porcine embryonic development by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings provide insights into the toxicity of Cd exposure on mammalian embryonic development and highlight the importance of preventing Cd pollution.

This study evaluated the risk of single and combined exposure to microplastics in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through biomarkers, such as survival rate, excretion rate, and histological alterations of organ systems. The experimental groups were the control (Cont.), single microplastics exposure group (MPs, 1.83%/fish total weight (g)), the copper group (Cu, 21.6 μg L-1), and a group with combined exposure to MPs and copper (MPs*Cu). The experiment was conducted with individual exposure (7 days) for MP excretion rate analysis and group exposure (14 days) for biomarker analysis. The daily excretion rate of MPs tended to decrease in a time-dependent manner. The copper concentration in the body was not significantly different between single and combined copper exposure. The degeneration of mucous cells in the skin, capillary dilation of the gill lamella, increased intestinal mucous, hepatocyte hypertrophy, and the degeneration of glomeruli and renal tubules were observed in all exposure groups. These histological alterations showed the highest tendency in the MPs*Cu group. In this study, the changes in biomarkers were attributed to the single effect of copper or the combined effect of copper and MPs rather than being solely influenced by MPs.

Salmonella spp. 11 strains에 대해 저온 열처리(50oC) 3, 6, 9분 후 MIC값을 측정하여 항생제 내성을 알아보았다. Chloramphenicol에 대해 대조군과 열처리한 strains 대부분 에서 감수성(S)이 있는 것으로 나타났고, 열처리한 strains 의 MIC값은 대조군과 비교하였을 때 유지되거나 감소하 였다. Ciprofloxacin에 대해 대조군과 열처리한 strains는 대 부분 감수성(S)이 있거나 중간(I)을 나타냈다. Tetracycline 은 모든 strains에서 감수성(S)이 있는 것으로 나타났으며, S. Gaminara BAA 711에 대해 열처리 후 MIC값이 증가 하였다. Gentamicin에 대해 대조군 strains들에서 감수성을 나타낸 strains가 3 strains, 중간을 나타낸 strains 2 strains, 내성을 가진 strains가 6 strains였으며, 이 중 S. Heidelberg ATCC 8326는 MIC값을 측정했을 때 대조군에서 MIC값 이 8 μg/mL로 MIC break point가 중간이었으나, 3분과 9 분 열처리 후 MIC값이 16 μg/mL로 증가하여 break point 가 내성을 나타냈다. 본 실험결과 Salmonella spp. 11 strains 에 대해서 저온 열처리 후 열내성 효과에 의한 항생제 내성을 알아봤을 때 ciprofloxacin에서 S. Montevideo BAA 710을 3, 6분 열처리한 경우, gentamicin에서 S. Enteritidis 109 D1을 3분 처리한 경우와 S. Heidelberg ATCC 8326 을 3, 9분 처리한 경우, tetracycline에서 S. Gaminara BAA 711을 6, 9분 처리한 경우 MIC값이 증가하였다. 후속 연 구를 통해 Salmonella spp. strains에 대해 열처리 후 열내 성 효과를 나타내는 병원성 유전자의 특성에 대한 지속적 인 연구가 필요하다.

This study investigated the effects of exposure frequency, depth of processing, and activity repetition types on vocabulary learning. In total, 78 South Korean fifth-grade students were divided into four conditions. Students in each condition were asked to read a passage with four of the eight target words (exposure: four times) and the other four words (exposure: once) for three days, and to perform the vocabulary activities assigned to each condition. According to the results, exposure frequency and activity repetition type had significant effects on vocabulary learning. Activity repetition type also had a significant interaction effect with exposure frequency and depth of processing. Notably, presenting a word 12 times (4x3) in reading intervals had a more positive impact on vocabulary learning than presenting it three times (1x3), particularly when different vocabulary activities were repeated. Meanwhile, when the same activity was repeated, an activity with a higher depth of processing was more effective for vocabulary learning.

In this research, the marine medaka Oryzias javanicus underwent a 96 h exposure to two concentrations of the red tide dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi (1,000 and 5,000 cells mL-1), and the temporal variations in biochemical responses related to antioxidant and immunity parameters were assessed in the liver tissue. The study revealed a significant increase in ichthyotoxicity with elevated cell concentrations of K. mikimotoi, especially evident at 96 h in marine medaka exposed to 5,000 cells mL-1. At 1,000 cells mL-1 of K. mikimotoi, the opercular respiratory rate showed a significant increase, whereas exposure to 5,000 cells mL-1 resulted in a lowered rate. The intracellular malondialdehyde content was significantly elevated in response to both cell concentrations at 96 h. Regarding glutathione content, levels were significantly increased by exposure to both cell concentrations. Catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymatic activities experienced an increase at 1,000 cells mL-1 of K. mikimotoi, while their activities were reduced at 5,000 cells mL-1 at 96 h. The analysis of two immunity parameters, alternative complement pathway and lysozyme, demonstrated significantly reduced activities in the liver tissue exposed to 5,000 cells mL-1 of K. mikimotoi. These findings aim to enhance the understanding of K. mikimotoi toxicity in marine fish by offering insights into biochemical responses associated with harmful algal blooms.