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For applications of microorganisms as probiotics in the food industry, safety evaluation has increasingly become important to ensure the health of consumers. Although people have been using various lactic acid bacteria for different purposes, some studies have reported that certain lactic acid bacteria exhibit properties of virulence and produce toxic compounds. Thus, it is necessary to examine the characteristics associated with lactic acid bacteria that are safe for use as probiotics. This research aimed to assess the safety of Lactococcus lactis IDCC 2301 isolated from homemade cheese using in vitro and in vivo assays, including antibiotic resistance, hemolytic activity, toxin production, infectivity, and metabolic activity in immune‐compromised animal species. The results demonstrated that the strain was susceptible to nine antibiotics suggested by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Whole‐genome analysis revealed that L. lactis IDCC 2301 neither has toxigenic genes nor harbors antibiotic resistance. Moreover, L. lactis IDCC 2301 showed neither hemolytic nor β‐glucuronidase activity. Furthermore, none of the D‐lactate and biogenic amines were produced by L. lactis IDCC 2301. Finally, it was demonstrated that there was no toxicity and mortality using single‐dose oral toxicity tests in rats. These results indicate that L. lactis IDCC 2301 can be safely used as probiotics for human consumption., Safety assessment of Lactococcus lactis IDCC 2301 isolated from homemade cheese was performed. It was proven that L. lactis IDCC 2301 can be safely used as probiotics for human consumption through in vitro and in vivo experiments about safety.

BACKGROUND: There are a few studies about paradoxical bronchodilator response (BDR), which means a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) or forced vital capacity (FVC) after short-acting bronchodilator administration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated the effect of paradoxical BDR on the clinical outcomes of COPD patients in South Korea. METHODS: We analyzed the KOrea COpd Subgroup Study team (KOCOSS) cohort data in South Korea between January 2012 and December 2017. BDR was defined as at least a 12% and 200-mL reduction in FEV(1) or FVC after bronchodilator administration. RESULTS: A total of 1,991 patients were included in this study. A paradoxical BDR was noted in 57 (2.9%) patients and was independently associated with worse dyspnea and poor quality of life. High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were associated with a paradoxical BDR (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.09; P=0.003). However, paradoxical BDR was not associated with severe acute exacerbations. Pre-bronchodilator FEV(1) (L) showed a higher area under the curve (AUC) for predicting severe acute exacerbations than the post-bronchodilator FEV(1) (L) in the paradoxical BDR group (0.788 vs. 0.752). CONCLUSION: A paradoxical reduction of FEV(1) or FVC after bronchodilator administration may be associated with chronic inflammation in the airway and independently associated with worse respiratory symptoms and poor quality of life.

Air embolism is a rare, fatal complication of computed tomography (CT)‐guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) of the lung. Here, we report a patient who developed an air embolism after CT‐guided TTNB, which led to ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and acute cerebral ischemia. The patient recovered completely without critical sequelae and was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma harboring activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. The patient responded to subsequent treatment with gefitinib. Key points Signficant findings of the study Air embolism is a rare, fatal complication of CT‐guided transthoracic lung biopsy. Only a few cases have been previously reported where myocardial and cerebral infarction occurred after TTNB, demonstrated not only on CT scan, but also electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram. What this study adds Detection of driver gene mutation is crucial for planning lung cancer treatment. Despite the need for tissue biopsy, air embolism propagation to vital organs could result in severe end‐organ damage and multidisciplinary approaches are needed to improve initial outcomes., Systemic air embolism developed after CT‐guided TTNB, leading to ST‐elevation, myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. The patient recovered completely without sequelae and was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma harboring activating EGFR mutation. Treatment with gefitinib showed a response.

Background The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) test is useful in asthma patients. However, a few studies on its usefulness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have been reported. We analyzed the FENO level distribution and clinical characteristics according to the FENO level in COPD patients. Methods From December 2014 to June 2019, COPD patients who underwent pulmonary function and FENO tests at Chonnam National University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated for FENO, comorbidities, asthma history, blood eosinophil, and pulmonary function test. The high FENO group was defined as those with FENO level>25 parts per billion (ppb). Results A total of 849 COPD patients (mean age, 70.3±9.4 years) were included. The mean forced expiratory volume at 1 second was 66.5±21.7% and the mean FENO level was 24.3±20.5 ppb. Patients with FENO ≤25 ppb were 572 (67.4%) and those with FENO >25 ppb were 277 (32.6%). Blood eosinophil percentage was significantly higher (4.2±4.8 vs. 2.7±2.5, p3% (46.9% vs. 34.8%, p=0.001) and asthma history (25.6% vs. 8.6%, p3%, and positive bronchodilator response (BDR) were independent risk factors for the high FENO level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.85; p

Background The concurrence of sarcoidosis and primary lung cancer is very rare. We report a very rare case with a delayed diagnosis of primary lung cancer due to its misdiagnosis as worsening of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Case presentation A 68-year-old man presented to the outpatient department for evaluation of a mass in the right hilar area with lymphadenopathies in subcarinal and both interlobar areas on chest computed tomography (CT). Sufficient core samples were obtained from subcarinal and bilateral interlobar lymph nodes using endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). EBUS could not reach the right hilar lymph node due to its high angle. The pathologic findings were consistent with sarcoidosis. After 5 months, chest CT revealed aggravation of the right upper paratracheal lymphadenopathy. Assuming worsening of sarcoidosis, he was prescribed an oral corticosteroid for 5 months. However, follow-up chest CT showed a newly developed right lower paratracheal lymphadenopathy and worsening right hilar lymphadenopathy. Bronchoscopy and EBUS were performed once again. Transbronchial lung biopsy from the right upper lobe and EBUS-TBNA from the right lower paratracheal lymph node revealed adenocarcinoma from the lung. Conclusions Although coexistence of sarcoidosis and lung cancer is very rare, the clinician should consider the possibility of accompanying lung cancer in sarcoidosis patients who are not responding to initial corticosteroid therapy.

BackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells known to bridge innate and adaptive immune reactions. However, the relationship between circulating DCs and Orientia tsutsugamushi infection is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the level and function of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and conventional DCs (cDCs), two subsets of circulating DCs, in scrub typhus patients.MethodsThe study included 35 scrub typhus patients and 35 healthy controls (HCs). pDC and cDC levels, CD86 and CD274 expression, and cytokine levels were measured using flow cytometry.ResultsCirculating pDC and cDC levels were found to be significantly reduced in scrub typhus patients, which were correlated with disease severity. The patients displayed increased percentages of CD86+ pDCs, CD274+ pDCs, and CD274+ cDCs in the peripheral blood. The alterations in the levels and surface phenotypes of pDCs and cDCs were recovered in the remission state. In addition, the production of interferon (IFN)-α and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by circulating pDCs, and interleukin (IL)-12 and TNF-α by circulating cDCs was reduced in scrub typhus patients. Interestingly, our in vitro experiments showed that the percentages of CD86+ pDCs, CD274+ pDCs, and CD274+ cDCs were increased in cultures treated with cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that circulating pDCs and cDCs are numerically deficient and functionally impaired in scrub typhus patients. In addition, alterations in the expression levels of surface phenotypes of pDCs and cDCs could be affected by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Purpose Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using tumor tissue is the gold standard for detection of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, this method often is not repeatable due to difficulties in the acquisition of tumor tissues. Blood-based liquid biopsy using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is expected to be useful to overcome this limitation. Here, we investigated the feasibility of liquid biopsy using plasma and platelets for detection of ALK rearrangement and prediction of ALK inhibitor treatment outcomes. Methods ALK-FISH assays were performed in 1128 tumor specimens of NSCLC between January 2015 and June 2018. We retrospectively analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from previously confirmed FISH-positive (n = 199) and -negative (n = 920) cases. We recruited patients who had available tissue specimens and agreed to venous sampling. RNA was extracted from FFPE blocks, plasma, and platelets. Fusion RNA of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK was detected by quantitative PCR. Results Thirty-three FISH-positive and 28 FISH-negative patients were enrolled. In validation, data compared with FISH, RT-PCR using FFPE tissues showed 54.5% sensitivity, 78.6% specificity, and 75.5% accuracy. Liquid biopsy had higher sensitivity (78.8%), specificity (89.3%) and accuracy (83.6%). Higher positivity for liquid biopsy was shown in subgroups with delayed (≥ 6 months from diagnosis) blood sampling (plasma, 85.7%; platelets, 87.0%). In 26 patients treated with crizotinib, the platelet-positive subgroup showed longer median duration of treatment (7.2 versus 1.5 months), longer median progression-free survival (5.7 months versus 1.7 months), a higher overall response rate (70.6% versus 11.1%), and a higher disease control rate (88.2% versus 44.4%) than the platelet-negative subgroup. Conclusion Liquid biopsy could have applications in the diagnosis of ALK-positive NSCLC, even when using RT-PCR, and platelets can be useful for predicting treatment outcomes of ALK inhibitors.

Background/aims Peripheral eosinophilia during tuberculosis (TB) treatment is common, but has not been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of peripheral blood eosinophilia in patients undergoing anti-TB treatment. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and laboratory data of patients who received anti-TB treatment and had peripheral blood eosinophilia (> 5% of the total white blood cell count) at the Chonnam National University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. Results Of all 2,234 patients with TB who received anti-TB treatment, 397 (17.8%) had peripheral blood eosinophilia. Of the 397 with eosinophilia, we reviewed the data of 262 (66%), and cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) were observed in 161 (61.5%). Of the 161 with CADRs, itching (47.2%) and skin rash (47.8%) were common. Older age, abnormal liver function, and higher peak blood eosinophil percentage were associated with CADRs in multivariate analysis. There was a significant relationship between increased peak eosinophil counts and the degree of severity of CADRs. Conclusion Peripheral blood eosinophilia is a relatively common occurrence during anti-TB treatment. Peripheral blood eosinophil counts were higher according to the degree of severity of CADRs.

Objective Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a fatal respiratory infection, mostly associated with immunocompromised conditions. Several reports have described PCP development in patients who were not immunocompromised, but the clinical course and prognosis of PCP are not well understood. We compared the clinical characteristics and prognoses between patients with and without immunocompromised conditions who developed PCP. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who had been treated for PCP from three hospitals. We defined immunocompromised (IC) status as following: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; hematological malignancy; solid organ tumor under chemotherapy; rheumatic disease; medication with immunosuppressive agents. Patients without immunocompromised status were defined as being non-immunocompromised (non-IC). Results The IC and non-IC groups comprised 173 and 14 patients. The median ages were 62.0 and 74.0 years in the IC and the non-IC group, respectively. The median interval between admission and anti-PCP treatment was significantly longer for patients in the non-IC group than that for patients in the IC group (7 vs. 2 days). The in-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher for patients in the non-IC group than that for patients in the IC group (71.4% vs. 43.9%; P = 0.047). A longer interval between admission and anti-PCP therapy was associated with increased 90-day mortality rate in patients with PCP (hazard ratio, 1.082; 95% confidence interval, 1.015–1.153; P = 0.016). Conclusions Patients with PCP with no predisposing illnesses were older and had higher mortality rates than IC patients with PCP. Delayed anti-PCP treatment was associated with increased 90-day mortality.

BACKGROUND In cases of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) failure, re-biopsy may be useful to understand resistance mechanisms and guide further treatment decisions. However, performing re-biopsy is challenging because of several hurdles. We assessed the feasibility of re-biopsy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in real-world clinical practice. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathologic data of advanced NSCLC patients who experienced disease progression after previous treatment with EGFR-TKIs at a single tertiary hospital in Korea between January 2014 and December 2016. Re-biopsy specimens included small biopsy, surgical tissue, or liquid-based cytology. EGFR mutation was tested using peptide nucleic acid-mediated clamping PCR. RESULTS Of the 230 NSCLC patients that experienced progression after EGFR-TKI therapy, 105 (45.7%) underwent re-biopsy. Re-biopsy was successfully performed in 94 (89.5%) patients, and 11 patients were diagnosed with no malignancy. The complication rate was 8.6%, including seven cases of pneumothorax. EGFR mutation testing was performed on 75 patients using re-biopsy specimens. Of the 57 patients who had sensitizing mutations at diagnosis, T790M mutations were found in 19 (33.3%), while 38 (66.7%) had no T790M mutation. Multivariate analysis showed that the re-biopsy group was younger (P = 0.002) and exhibited a previous response to EGFR-TKIs (P

Rationale: Current guidelines for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recommend the use of targeted agents for specific driver genes after confirming genetic alterations. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement are usually mutually exclusive, EGFR and ALK co-alterations have been reported increasingly in cases of NSCLC. However, the optimal treatment for these cases has not been established. Patient concerns: This case series describes three patients diagnosed with advanced non-squamous NSCLC who harbored EGFR and ALK co-alterations. The complaints for each case are as follows: 57-year-old woman with coughing and dyspnea in case 1, 32-year-old man with diplopia in case 2 and 77-year-old woman with chest discomfort in case 3. Diagnoses: Three never-smokers were diagnosed pathologically with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung. Subsequent molecular studies revealed the EGFR L858R mutation gene and ALK rearrangement, which were proven by real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively. Interventions: All 3 patients received first-line therapy with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Cases 1 and 2 were treated with ALK-TKIs as second-line therapy and received additional EGFR-TKIs as third- and fourth-line regimens. Outcomes: The patients achieved partial responses to EGFR-TKIs according to radiologic findings. However, second-line ALK-TKI therapy was ineffective in cases 1 and 2. Lessons: Cases of NSCLC with concomitant EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement are rare, and the selection of an optimal targeted therapy is challenging. Here, EGFR-TKI appeared to yield better outcomes than ALK-TKI in patients with NSCLC who harbored EGFR/ALK co-alterations.

Background: Rapid response systems identify deteriorating hospitalized patients and prevent unexpected mortality by providing immediate interventions. But there are also difficulties in costs and human resources for clinical implementation. Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. We try to develop a machine learning based early warning system to predict intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using vital signs and laboratory values. Methods: The training set was composed of all patients admitted to a cancer hospital named Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital for two years (event group 277 vs. non-event group 3576 cases), and the test set was made from all patients admitted to non-cancer hospital named Chonnam National University Hospital for four months (event group 61 vs. non-event group 2334 cases). The time point at which the patient's clinical deterioration was recognized in the ward was defined as ‘detection time’, and the time point at which the patient suffered airway intubation or CPR was defined as ‘event time’. The algorithm is developed using five vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation) and laboratory values. We compared the efficacy of developed models which were ensemble model, recurrent neural network (RNN), low gradient boosting (LGB), extreme gradient boosting (XGB) and random forest with established modified early warning score (MEWS) using receiver operating characteristic area under curve (ROC AUC) and precision recall AUC (PR AUC) analyses. Results: The ROC AUC value of the ensemble model using five vital signs was 0.9219 and the PR AUC was 0.0732. After adding laboratory values, the ROC AUC values of the ensemble, RNN, LGB, XGB, random forest improved to 0.9964, 0.9814, 0.9950, 0.9862 and 0.9962. The PR AUC values were also increased to 0.2326, 0.2140, 0.3252, 0.2095 and 0.1985, respectively. The developed models showed higher performance than MEWS (ROC AUC: 0.7253, PR AUC: 0.0468) Conclusion: Machine learning based early warning system using vital signs and laboratory results was feasible. And the performance was better than traditional MEWS model because the ensemble model showed highest value in ROC AUC and LGB showed highest value in PR AUC. Citation Format: Bo-Gun Kho, Min-Seok Kim, Tae-Ok Kim, Cheol-Kyu Park, Young-Chul Kim, Soo-Hyung Kim, In-Jae Oh. Development of machine learning based early warning for rapid response system in a single cancer center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Diagnosis, and Imaging; 2021 Jan 13-14. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(5_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-054.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate hypersensitivity reactions to anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. Methods We retrospectively compared the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of single and multiple drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs). Results Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with anti-TB DHRs using oral drug provocation tests. Of these 28 patients, 17 patients (60.7%) had DHRs to a single drug and 11 (39.3%) had multiple DHRs. The median age of patients was 57.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 39.2–73.2). Of the total patients, 18 patients (64.3%) were men. The median number of anti-TB drugs causing multiple DHRs was 2.0 (IQR 2.0–3.0). Rifampin was the most common drug that caused DHRs in both the single and multiple DHR groups (n = 8 [47.1%] and n = 9 [52.9%], respectively). The treatment success rate was lower in the multiple DHR group than in the single DHR group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (81.8% vs. 94.1%; P = 0.543). Conclusions Multiple anti-TB DHRs were common in all patients who experienced DHRs, and rifampin was the most common causative drug. The treatment outcomes appeared to be poorer in patients with multiple DHRs than in those with single DHRs.

Rational Hemocoagulase, a hemostatic, is used in patients with trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, or pulmonary hemorrhage or those undergoing surgery. However, paradoxical bleeding after hemocoagulase administration is not considered a clinically significant adverse effect. Here, we report a case of paradoxical pulmonary hemorrhage associated with hypofibrinogenemia after administration of the hemocoagulase batroxobin in a patient with hemoptysis. Patient concerns An 86-year-old woman complained of hemoptysis during hospitalization with organophosphate poisoning. Hemocoagulase was administered to manage bleeding; however, bleeding signs, such as hemoptysis, massive epistaxis, and ecchymosis, recurred. Diagnoses The patient was diagnosed with acquired hypofibrinogenemia on the basis of the reduced plasma fibrinogen level after hemocoagulase administration and lack of other causes of bleeding. Intervention Hemocoagulase administration was discontinued, and fibrinogen-containing plasma products were administered. Outcomes The plasma fibrinogen level normalized and bleeding signs did not recur. Lessons It is necessary to measure plasma fibrinogen levels regularly in patients undergoing hemocoagulase administration and discontinue its administration when acquired hypofibrinogenemia is detected.

Nowadays, a number of sensors which are placed in industrial complex are monitoring areas involving chemical leak and other faults. However, even in the presence of the sensors, chemical leaks, sometimes involving huge amount of chemicals, continuously led to big losses in the industrial complex. In most industries, sensor installation has been performed using past experience or using senor manufacturers` guideline; which leads to poor performance of the installed sensor grid. Therefore, we investigate an optimal placement methodology of point sensors for rapid detention and response when chemical leaks happen. This research suggests a generalized formulation suitable for the optimized decision making of minimizing number of sensors to be placed and increasing the fraction of covered scenarios under assumption of negligible effect of other structures. The proposed method has been verified for suitable performance for simple leak scenario simulations, by achieving the safety objectives and guaranteeing safe process operations.

Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) is a rare benign neoplasm that predominantly affects middle‐aged Asian women. PSP is often asymptomatic and demonstrates a solitary pulmonary nodule on radiologic examination. We report a case of PSP initially misdiagnosed as lung cancer because of strong 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake revealed by 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography‐computed tomography scan. After surgery, pathology revealed that the tumor cells were immunopositive for epithelial membrane antigen and thyroid transcription factor‐1. The patient has been followed up without complication or recurrence.

Rationale Influenza is an infection caused by the influenza virus, and its symptoms are mostly mild and self-limiting. However, influenza can cause severe or fatal complications in high-risk patients. Although tracheobronchitis is one of the common complications of influenza, necrotizing tracheobronchitis is very rare. Herein, we describe a case of necrotizing tracheobronchitis causing airway obstruction complicated by pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza. Patient concerns A 60-year-old man presented with fever and dyspnea. On arrival at the emergency room (ER), the patient received oxygen 4 L/minute via a nasal prolong owing to mild hypoxemia. And invasive mechanical ventilation was needed 5 hours after arrival at the ER due to progressive hypoxemia. Diagnoses Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed owing to bloody secretion in the endotracheal tube and revealed diffuse tracheobronchitis with necrotic and hemorrhagic materials obstructing the trachea and bronchus. The pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza virus was detected from the bronchial washing sample; no other microorganism was detected. Intervention He received peramivir plus oseltamivir and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Outcomes The bloody secretion continued. He developed cardiac arrest due to airway obstruction on the 6th day of admission. After cardiac arrest, his condition progressed to multi-organ failure, and the patient died on the 10th day of admission. Lessons We suggest that necrotizing tracheobronchitis be considered in patients with influenza who present with unexplained hypoxemia.

In this study, we cloned and sequenced the 15,204-bp DNA region containing the gene cluster for urease production from the chromosome of the environmental Photobacterium sp. strain HA-2. We identified 15 open reading frames (ORFs) and the G+C content was 40.3%. The urease gene cluster of Photobacterium sp. strain HA-2 consisted of seven genes, namely, ureDABCEF and ureG. There were five ORFs of urease genes in the opposite direction, which were homologous to the nickel transport operons (nik) of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Escherichia coli. The genetic organization and sequences of the urease genes of Photobacterium sp. strain HA-2 resembled those found in Vibrio fischeri and V. parahaemolyticus.

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infests citrus orchards, causing sooty mold damage to the fruits. This study was conducted to investigate the colonizing route of A. gossypii in citrus orchards in a non-heating plastic-film house during the early season. The overwintering eggs of the aphids are frequently found on summer shoots of the citrus trees. The eggs were mostly those of Aphis citricola, without any A. gossypii when hatched. The colonization of citrus trees by alate A. gossypii in non-heating plastic-film houses was mainly observed twice, with advanced flight in late April and delayed flight in late May. The delayed flight was synchronized with the timing of the emergence of alate A. gossypii from the fundatrix generation in the holocyclic life cycle. During advanced flight in closed citrus orchards, alate A. gossypii were caught in yellow water traps installed in the fields, and the populations were found to originate from the surviving populations of the anholocyclic life cycle. Consequently, we concluded that citrus tree colonization with A. gossypii occurred during the advanced flight of the anholocyclic and the delayed flight of the holocyclic life cycle.

Looking at the large and small fire, explosion, or release accidents that occurred recently, we can see that the accident of subcontractor workers has been increased in the contractor workplace while a harmful or dangerous maintenance works. In this study, the actual status of subcontractor's safety management was examined by using the questionnaire to the contractor who submitted the process safety report. In order to improve the safety management of subcontractors, the responsibility and rational role-sharing between the contractors and subcontractors were reviewed. Also, Providing safety and health information and worker protection measures during maintenance were investigated. The results of this study can be used to help strengthen and improvement safety management of the subcontractor at the time of a hazardous or dangerous works. In addition, it will be utilized to reduce industrial accidents and to build mutual cooperation relationship between contractor and subcontractor.

To introduce an oyster rack culture in tidal flat of Wando-gun, Korea, we investigated sanitary conditions from 2012 April to 2013 March in oyster growing waters and adjacent area in Wando. Average seawater temperature and salinity ranged and 26.2-33.6 psu, respectively. The coliform group and fecal coliform of seawater ranged

We investigate optimal call admission control (CAC) policy for multicast streaming services (MSS) in 3rd generation (3G) and beyond wireless mobile networks. Several MSS sessions are supported simultaneously in a bandwidth-limited network. Active sessions are those that are currently serving some users, and inactive sessions are those that are currently not serving any users. An admission decision in MSS is required only when an inactive session is requested, unlike in unicasting. For this reason, if a user request for an inactive MSS session arrives, we should make an admission decision in anticipation of ( i ) the possible reward earned based on users served during a session active time generated by accepting it, and ( ii ) the influence of the session active time upon the future status of network bandwidth and admission decisions. Our objective is to determine when to admit or block a user asking an inactive MSS session to achieve the optimality in rewards. We formulate this problem as a semi-Markov decision process (SMDP), and a value iteration algorithm is used to obtain an optimal stationary deterministic policy. We also derive the user blocking probability of the optimal policy by analyzing an embedded Markov chain induced by it.