Herein, the present work focuses on the effective counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. The bottom–up approach was adapted to synthesize Mn2O3 nanorods via the hydrothermal method and the reduced graphene oxide was merged with Mn2O3 to prepare a nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposites were subjected to physio-chemical and morphological characterizations which revealed the crystalline nature of Mn2O3 nanorods. The purity level rGO was characterized using the Raman spectrum and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy employed to find the functional groups. The morphological micrographs were visualized using SEM and TEM and the high aspect ratio Mn2O3 nanorods were observed with 5–7 nm and supported by rGO sheets. The electrocatalytic nature and corrosion properties of the counter electrode towards the iodide electrolyte were studied using a symmetrical cell. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were introduced as counter electrodes for DSSC and produced 4.11% of photoconversion efficiency with lower charge transfer resistance. The fabricated DSSC devices were undergone for stability tests for indoor and outdoor atmospheres, the DSSC stability showed 93% and 80% respectively for 150 days.

Although monitoring of radon has been extensively implemented throughout South Korea, the risk assessment has been mainly limited to indoor environments such as schools, workplaces, and multi-use facilities, and evaluations have normally been performed separately. In this study, the differences in radon exposure according to two groups (< 1 and 1-6 years old) were evaluated considering various indoor and outdoor environments, timeactivity patterns, variations in radon concentrations, and dwelling type (single detached and apartment house) using Monte-Carlo simulation. The distribution and representative values of radon concentration by micro-environments were confirmed through the Anders-Darling test, and a uniform distribution was applied in case of uncertainty. The effective dose ranged from 1.81 ± 1.19 to 2.81 ± 3.02mSv/y. Comparing the levels recommended by EPA, WHO, and ICRP with the value of the 95th percentile of this study, it was found that the results for those dwelling in detached houses exceeded recommended levels. Infants that spend a lot of time in homes with relatively high levels of concentration of radon are assessed to be somewhat more vulnerable to radon exposure.

In this study, we investigated the Indoor and Outdoor concentrations of PM10 in Y area, Jeollanam-do. We conducted personal exposure concentration estimates, and Exposure and Risk Assessments using the Time-weighted Average Model. The concentration of Indoor PM10 was 49.38 μg/m3 and that of Outdoor PM10 was 48.02 μg/m3, with the Indoor/ Outdoor Ratio value being 1 or more, and it was found that there was an indoor source of pollution. The Indoor/Outdoor Cr ratio value was 1 or more, and the source of Cr was confirmed to be indoor. Based on our analysis, there was a positive correlation between heavy metals Ni, Cr, and Mn (p<0.05). Using the Time-Weighted Average model, we determined the PM10 personal exposure concentration to be 49.36 μg/m3 and confirmed the feasibility of this model in utilizing the PM10 personal exposure concentrations. In this study, the findings are likely to provide useful data that can be used to determine the concentration of indoor pollutants that are not easy to survey. However, to accurately evaluate indoor air quality, more factors need to be considered and evaluated.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals to which humans are exposed frequently via various mediums, including vehicle emissions that contain fine dust and heavy metals, use of organic solvent building materials, furniture, and smoking. Exposure to high concentrations of VOCs may result in loss of consciousness, paralysis, convulsions, and, in the most severe cases, death. Therefore, the present study investigated the indoor and outdoor concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and five types of VOCs (benzene, toluene, styrene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene) in apartments, a representative residential environment accounting for ~55% of the housing in the Seoul metropolitan area. The research was conducted over four seasons from May 2020 to February 2021, and the levels of VOC concentrations were analyzed by classifying them by season, weekday/weekend, and indoor/outdoor locations. The seasonal trend in VOC concentrations showed that TVOC concentration was highest in summer, with values of 1630.93 ± 1184.10 μg/m3 and 1610.36 ± 1363.43 μg/m3 for indoor and outdoor environments, respectively. The seasonal trends of the concentrations of the five types of VOCs showed that concentrations of benzene and toluene were highest in spring, the concentrations of m,p-xylene and o-xylene were highest in summer, and the concentration of styrene was highest in winter, irrespective of spatial characteristics such as indoor/outdoor environments. In all four seasons, the indoor concentrations were higher than the outdoor concentrations. These results reveal the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the VOCs and so can serve as useful basic data for managing indoor and outdoor levels of VOCs.

In this paper, we conducted a survey to reveal the general perception of parents toward outdoor air quality, particulate matter (PM), and indoor air quality (IAQ) at schools where their children attend. A total of 1,030 parents participated in this survey, where the age of their children ranged between 7 years to over 19 years of age. Each participant was either a member of a non-governmental organization (NGO) with a keen interest in air quality or an ordinary public panel member with less interest. The result of the survey indicated that the participants had a negative perception of air quality, and parents believed that the outdoor and indoor air is extremely polluted. The participants pointed out that they believe that the main reason for the pollution is due to particulate matter (PM) and school classrooms are the location where their children are exposed to PM the most. Based on our study, the majority of the participants prefer a mechanical ventilation system to reduce indoor air pollutants in schools. Our study should be referred to by school officials in order to maintain IAQ and as a way of addressing the concerns of parents who want to protect their children’s health.

Outdoor air pollution with particulate matter has become more severe in Korea. Ambient particle concentration affects the indoor environment through various routes through building envelopes. In this study, we investigated particle exposure in residential buildings. Indoor and outdoor particle sources determined the indoor concentrations and particle exposure. This paper measured indoor particles and CO2 concentrations in two different apartment buildings and conducted the survey for 24 hours. The I/O ratio of the occupant awake period was higher than the asleep period. The I/O ratio in the awake period is 0.93-3.65, while the I/O ratio in the asleep period is 0.31- 0.76.Indoor peak events such as cooking or cleaning temporarily increase the I/O ratio and emit the indoor particle sources. Decay rate constant is 0.49-6.84 (1/h) in the indoor peak events during the operation of the exhaust hood and natural ventilation. The size range of 0.3-0.5 μm size is over half for the proportions of emitted particles (55.6%). Daily exposure is divided into indoor sources (45.2%) and outdoor sources (54.8%). We found the differences for the proportion of particle exposure. The ratio of daily exposure in particles for 0.3-0.5 μm size is 43.1 (indoor)/ 56.9 (outdoor) %. However, indoor sources are higher than outdoor sources for the ratio of daily exposure in particles for the 0.5-10.0 μm size.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentration of airborne particulate matter and heavy metals in the houses of the respiratory tract disease patients and a control group of residents in the city of Gwangyang. The particulate matter was measured using a mini-volume air sampler and then weighed three times using a micro balance to calculate the weighted average value. The heavy metals in the particulate matter were extracted using a hot plate and analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer. The average concentration of particulate matter in the outdoor air (34.478 μm/m3) was higher than that in the indoor air (16.794 μm/m3), showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The average concentration of copper, manganese and chromium in the indoor and outdoor air were higher in the houses of those in the study group than those of the control group. In addition, there was a generally high correlation between particulate matter in the outdoor air and heavy metals in the indoor and outdoor air concentration (p<0.05).

In this study, we analyzed the factors affecting the concentration of airborne asbestos fiber in the indoor and outdoor environment of a slate roofing house, and performed a health risk assessment of residents living in houses with slate roofs. Sampling was conducted at ten houses with slate roofs on 3 different days under different weather conditions. A high flow rate pump was used for sampling. The specimen was assessed using a phase-contrast microscope. The degree of risk of exposure to asbestos was assessed using EPA’s carcinogen risk assessment method. Asbestos fiber concentrations for slate roofing houses were 2.43 fiber/L inside and 2.46 fiber/L outside, respectively. The correlation between the indoor and outdoor asbestos fiber concentration was 0.486. But on both sides, the asbestos fiber concentrations did not exceed the standard (10 fiber/L) for ambient air in Korea. The factors affecting the concentration of asbestos fiber were year of construction (p<0.05), total roof area (p<0.05) and average wind velocity (p<0.01). According to EPA’s ELCR (Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk) on air pollution substances, a level of 1.0E-04~1.0E-06 should be maintained. However, the ELCR level of 6 out of 10 houses was over 1.0E-04. Therefore, a risk management plan for residents of slate roofing houses must be prepared immediately.

We measured VOCs and NO2 in the indoor and outdoor air at 125 houses in Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnamdo, from March 2007 to January 2008. The concentration of benzene measured in the Gwangyang survey group was higher than in Yeosu and Hadong, and showed a statistically significant difference from Yeosu (p<0.05). The concentration of toluene in outdoor air was highest in the Gwangyang survey group. The concentration of NO2 measured in the Yeosu survey group was higher than in Gwangyang and Hadong, and showed a statistically significant difference from Hadong (p<0.01). According to the results of a correlation analysis, VOCs (benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene) exposure of individuals showed a significant correlation with the residential indoor air (p<0.01). Also, VOCs of residential indoor and outdoor air showed a significant correlation (p<0.01). The concentration of NO2 exposure of individuals measured in the Yeosu comparison group showed a high correlation with the residential indoor air.

This study attempts to investigate the impact of pollution by VOCs at schools located around Shihwa national industrial complex. Schools around the Shihwa national industrial complex were divided into two categories based on location, with five schools located near the industrial complex and five schools located near housing development. Samples of the indoor air and the outdoor air were collected from each classified school and analyzed to evaluate the impact of the industrial complex on each school through a comparison and to find the correlation between them. In combination with this, this study attempted to conduct comparative evaluations of the schools in which there might be relatively higher indoor air pollution since new construction and extension or remodelling had recently been carried out with other schools. The samples collected from 10 places in total were analyzed, using GC/MS. TVOCs, and individual component of VOCs, were detected in the schools near shihwa national industrial complex at higher levels than in the schools nearby housing development. TVOCs were detected at the schools in the industrial complex st levels of 166.5 μg/m3, that is, about 1.5 times higher than the level detected at the schools outside the industrial complex. TVOCs were found in the indoor air of the schools that had been extended or remodelled less than 3 years ago at levels of 188.8 μg/m3, while in schools where more than 3 years had passed since extention or remodelling they were found at levels of 97.5 μg/m3, meaning they were about 1.9 times higher in schools in the first 3 years.

The concern of fine particle (PM2.5) management of outdoor environments has been increasing due to its exposure and related health effects in Korea. As a result, PM2.5 standard in atmosphere environment was regulated in 2015. On the other hand, indoor PM2.5 standard has been required because most people spent their times in indoor environments. In this study, we measured the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations both indoor and outdoor environments of public-use facilities such as underground stations, underground shopping centers, and nurseries for 24 hour with filter-weighing method in Seoul and Daegu. Measurement duration was from March to April in 2014 during the Asian dust period. At all measurements, indoor to outdoor (I/O) concentration ratios exceeded 1 except 1 day nursery in Daegu in spite of Asian dust period. The ratios of PM2.5 to PM10 concentrations ranged from 0.63 to 0.75 in indoor environments, and from 0.63 to 0.82 in outdoor, indicating that PM2.5 should be carefully managed in indoor environments as well as outdoor atmosphere.

The study measured the volatile organic compounds consistency of the child tympanitis patient family. Benzene, the result which analyzes toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and TVOC consistency, case of personal exposure they were 0.518 μg/m3, 0.909 μg/m3, 1.299 μg/m3, 0.960 μg/m3 and 273.718 μg/m3 respectively, case it appeared with benzene the interior 0.539 μg/m3 and toluene 1.433 μg/m3 and ethylbenzene 1.253 μg/m3 and xylene 1.899 μg/m3 and TVOC 262.132 μg/m3. The consistency of the outdoor benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and TVOC appeared respectively with 0.512 μg/m3, 0.474 μg/m3, 1.177 μg/m3, 0.862 μg/m3 and 22.306 μg/m3. Personal exposure, the residential interior, interrelationship analytical result Benzene of outdoor consistency and Ethyl benzene, Xylene and TVOC personal exposures with the interior and outdoor consistency showed the interrelationship which considers(p < 0.01). VOCs consistency which it follows in residential type the detached home > the multi generation house > the consistency price came out with the apartment order, VOCs consistency which it follows construction year possibility the year valence which is built 4 years at once rises the consistency appeared more highly the case where the case is above 4 years than.

Residential thermal conditions are important because people spend the majority of their time in the home environment. Indoor temperature and relative humidity(RH) were measured continuously over 1 year in 14 residences in Seoul, Korea. The relationship between residential indoor and outdoor conditions were determined by four meteorological parameters-temperature, apparent temperature(AT), RH, and absolute humidity(AH). Outdoor and indoor temperature, AT and AH were closely correlated, but RH was not. While indoor temperatures, AT, and AH were significantly higher than the corresponding outdoor levels, indoor RH was significantly lower than outdoor RH. Regression models between indoor and outdoor temperature detected a heating threshold at 15.0oC of outdoor temperature. The indoor thermal conditions were significantly different by the two residence types. Indoor temperatures in apartments were lower in summer and higher in winter than those in detached houses. However, indoor RHs in apartments were lower than in detached houses. During tropical nights, the daily temperature range was higher in residences with air-conditioning than in naturally ventilated residences.

The objectives of this study were to characterize the factors affecting exposure to the VOCs and NO2 in the vicinity of Gwangyang industrial complex. The VOCs and NO2 levels were measured for residents of an exposure group (industrial area within 5 km) and a control group (15 km farther), respectively using the VOCs and NO2 filter badge as a passive sampler from August to September 2006. The means of indoor, outdoor, workplace and personal exposure levels of benzene were 1.10 ppb, 0.94 ppb, 1.85 ppb and 2.35 ppb respectively in the exposure group. The means regarding toluene for the exposure group were 9.29 ppb indoor, 8.09 ppb outdoor, 14.5 ppb workplace, 14.2 ppb personal exposure. The means regarding ethylbenzene were 4.96 ppb(indoor), 4.45 ppb(outdoor), 6.84 ppb (workplace), 6.10 ppb(personal exposure), and the means regarding xylene were 0.10 ppb(indoor, outdoor), 0.18 ppb(workplace) 0.17 ppb(personal exposure). The means for the indoor, outdoor, workplace and personal exposure level of NO2 were 18.40 ppb, 18.51 ppb, 18.59 ppb, 18.80 ppb respectively in the exposure group. Correlations between personal exposures and workplace concentrations of individual VOCs and NO2 exposures, and each of the microenvironment was statistically significant.

Personal or population exposure to hazardous air pollutants has often been assessed by time-weighted average model with combining concentrations of indoor environments and time-activity pattern, which were mainly a single measurement. However, daily levels of air pollutants in indoor environments may greatly be changed because of source emission, ventilation, decay rate and so on. Subsequently exposure by a single measurement in indoor environments could not be assessed properly. In this study, we measured the consecutive 21 daily indoor and outdoor measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) with 37 houses and 19 shops such as restaurants and coffee shops beside street by using of passive samplers. Considering that average concentration during 21 days was true value, paired t-test was conducted. Daily variations of NO₂ in houses with constant or low emission source were different from those in restaurants with irregular or high emission source. These results can be explained that the NO₂ emission of indoor sources could affect the validity of measurement periods.

We measured indoor, outdoor, and personal exposure concentrations of ozone (O₃) at 54 households in Gwangyang from June to September, 2009. The results are as follows. The concentration of ozone in outdoor, 16.53±5.72 ppb, was observed two times higher than the concentration of ozone in indoor, 8.22 ± 4.60 ppb. The similar arithmetic average ozone were obtained in exposed and controlled areas, 15.16 ± 1.45 ppb and 15.25 ± 1.94 ppb, respectively. The ozone concentration of an individual smoker was 24.89 ± 7.11 ppb, which was higher than that of a non-smoker, 21.01 ± 11.79 ppb. The indoor occupant density elevated ozone concentrations. The relatively low concentration of ozone was observed in a house with air conditioner (8.59 ± 4.04 ppb) than a house without the unit(10.07 ± 6.43 ppb).

Location-Based Service(LBS) is a service that provides a variety of convenience in life using location information that can be obtained by mobile communication network or satellite signal. In order to provide LBS precisely and efficiently, we need the location determination technology, platform technology and server technology. In this study, we studied on how we can reduce the error on location determination of objects such people and things. Fingerprint location determination method was applied to this study because it can be used at current wireless communication infrastructure and less influenced by a variety of noisy environment than other location determination methods. We converted the probability value to logarithmic scale value because using the sum of k probability values is not suitable to be applied to weight determination. In order to confirm the performance of suggested method, we developed location determination test program with Visual Basic 6.0 and performed the test. According to indoor and outdoor test results, the suggested stochastic method reduced the distance error by 17%, 18% and 9% respectively at indoor environment and 25%, 11% and 4% at outdoor environment compared with deterministic NN, kNN and kWNN fingerprint methods.

This study presents residential indoor and outdoor exposure concentrations distributions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs, benzene, toluene, xylene) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in industrial area (case) and agricultural area (control) during 5 days. Concentrations of VOCs and NO₂ were measured with passive samplers in residential indoor and outdoor. Most of benzene, toluene and NO₂ mean concentrations in case area were higher than those in control area. Considering the indoor and outdoor ratios (I/O) were higher than 1, the residence might be have the sources of indoor air pollutants such as smoking and using of gas range. Residential indoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, and NO₂ with indoor smokers were higher than those and without indoor smokers. In conclusion, it is suggested that personal exposures to air pollutants might be affected by indoor sources as well as outdoor pollutants emitted from industrial complex, and indoor air quality and outdoor air quality should be simultaneously considered to reduce the personal exposure to air pollutants.

Indoor air quality can be affected by indoor sources, ventilation, decay and outdoor levels. Although technologies exist to measure these factors, direct measurements are often difficult. Toluene and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations of residential indoor and outdoor were simultaneously measured and compared in 16 houses, using passive samplers during every 3 days for 60 days. Concentrations of toluene and NO₂ were analyzed by gas chromatography and spectrophotometer, respectively. Using a mass balance model, penetration factor (ventilation rate divided by sum of ventilation rate and deposition constant) and source generation factor (source generation rate divided by sum of ventilation rate and deposition constant) were calculated by multiple indoor and outdoor measurements. The mean contributions of toluene of indoor and outdoor sources on residential indoor air quality were estimated to be 31.01% and 67.00%, respectively. On the other hand, mean contributions of NO₂ were 58.93% and 41.06%, respectively. These results could be explained that contributions of indoor and outdoor air pollutants sources are different to residential indoor air concentrations. In conclusion, contributions of outdoor air and indoor sources affecting indoor air quality were effectively characterized using multiple indoor and outdoor measurements.