• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.158-168
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• 2023

Natural products have been used to mitigate the effects of cancer and infectious diseases, as they feature diverse bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Here, we chose 10 natural products that are well-known as pulmonary enhancers and investigated their bactericidal effects on Streptococcus pneumoniae. In the disk diffusion assay, the growth of S. pneumoniae was significantly regulated by G. fructus treatment regardless of extraction method used. We first adopted spraying as a novel delivery method for G. fructus. Interestingly, mice exposed to G. fructus three times a day for 2 weeks were resistant to S. pneumoniae intranasal infection (shown both through body weight loss and survival rates compared to the control group). Moreover, we confirmed that exposure to G. fructus regulated the colonization of the bacteria despite the sustained inflammation in the lung after exposure to S. pneumoniae, indicating that migrated inflammatory immune cells may involve a host defense mechanism against pulmonary infectious diseases. While a similar number of granulocytes (CD11b⁺Ly6C⁺Ly6G⁺), neutrophils (CD11b⁺Ly6C^intLy6G⁺), and monocytes (CD11b⁺Ly6C^intLy6G^-) were found between groups, a significantly increased number of alveolar macrophages (CD11b⁺CD11c^hiF4/80⁺) was detected in BAL fluids of mice pre-exposed to G. fructus at 5 days after S. pneumonia infection. Taken together, our data suggest that this usage of G. fructus can induce protective immunity against bacterial infection, indicating that facial spray may be helpful in enhancing the defense mechanism against pulmonary inflammation and in evaluating the efficacy of natural products as immune enhancers against respiratory diseases.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.116-121
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• 2023

In this paper, we develop a deep learning structure for a complex microbial incubator that applies deep learning prediction result information. The proposed complex microbial incubator consists of pre-processing of complex microbial data, conversion of complex microbial data structure, design of deep learning network, learning of the designed deep learning network, and GUI development applied to the prototype. In the complex microbial data preprocessing, one-hot encoding is performed on the amount of molasses, nutrients, plant extract, salt, etc. required for microbial culture, and the maximum-minimum normalization method for the pH concentration measured as a result of the culture and the number of microbial cells to preprocess the data. In the complex microbial data structure conversion, the preprocessed data is converted into a graph structure by connecting the water temperature and the number of microbial cells, and then expressed as an adjacency matrix and attribute information to be used as input data for a deep learning network. In deep learning network design, complex microbial data is learned by designing a graph convolutional network specialized for graph structures. The designed deep learning network uses a cosine loss function to proceed with learning in the direction of minimizing the error that occurs during learning. GUI development applied to the prototype shows the target pH concentration (3.8 or less) and the number of cells (10⁸ or more) of complex microorganisms in an order suitable for culturing according to the water temperature selected by the user. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed microbial incubator, the results of experiments conducted by authorized testing institutes showed that the average pH was 3.7 and the number of cells of complex microorganisms was 1.7 × 10⁸. Therefore, the effectiveness of the deep learning structure for the complex microbial incubator applying the deep learning prediction result information proposed in this paper was proven.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.112 no.1
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• pp.57-70
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• 2023

In recent years, the frequency of warnings about particulate matter (PM) has gradually increased in Korea, along with an increase in its intensity. Because of their vast surface area, reactivity to external particles, and characteristics of their leaves, urban trees can act as biofilters, reducing PM pollution. However, the air pollutant PM can cause various types of damage not only to human health but also to vegetation. Studies performed to date on the responses of trees to PM are still insufficient. Here, we analyzed the correlation between PM adsorption and physiological and biochemical responses of four major street tree species, namely, Abies holophylla, Acer buergerianum, Pinus densiflora, and Quercus variabilis, under conditions of approximately 300 ㎍ m^-3 of fly ash emissions using a phytotron. The results showed that the physiological and biochemical responses and PM adsorption differed depending on the tree species. In correlation analysis, it was confirmed that there were positive correlations between physiological factors, and PM adsorption on adaxial leaf surfaces negatively impacted the physiological characteristics. This study provides fundamental information for selecting tree species to reduce PM pollution and develop sustainable urban forests.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.639-650
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• 2022

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai, a rare plant with distylous characteristics, is native to certain parts of the Korean Peninsula. It is registered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as a globally endangered plant. This study was conducted to establish an appropriate local conservation management plan suitable for future A. distichum populations by comparing and analyzing the flowering characteristics and population size according to distyly based on the results of quantitative surveys in 14 regions, including 8 areas with native populations of A. distichum and 6 natural monument populations. The number of individuals appearing in each population group was surveyed, and the flowering individuals were identified by style as being either pin or thrum flower types as they were being examined and recorded on the site. In total, 13,130 individuals of A. distichum (7,003 flowering and 6,127 non-flowering individuals) were recorded, but the balance of the number of pin- and thrum-flowered individuals in each population was not significant (p<0.05), indicating an imbalanced state. In particular, the Yeongdong (YD) population was very disproportionate compared to other populations, suggesting that its genetic diversity was low and the possibility of inbreeding was high. The average flowering and fruiting rates by management unit were much higher in the natural monument populations (89.2% and 55.3%, respectively) than in the natural habitat populations (39.0% and 8.5%, respectively). It may be due to a difference in reproductive growth resulting from light inflow into the forest caused by the upper crown closure. The area of occupation (AOO) of A. distichum on the Korean Peninsula covered an area of 23,224.5 m². Although the natural monument population was smaller than the natural habitat population, its density was higher, likely as a result of the periodic management of natural monument populations, where the installation of protective facilities in certain areas restricts population spread. Conservation of A. distichum populations requires removing the natural monument populations suspected of anthropogenic and genetic disturbances and expanding the conservation priority population by designating new protected areas. Although the habitats of natural monument populations are managed by the Cultural Heritage Administration and local governments, there are no agencies that are responsible for managing natural habitat populations. Therefore, institutional improvement in the overall management of A. distichum should be prioritized.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.360-367
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• 1995

The relative toxicity of abamectin was assessed to the predatory mite Amblyseius womersleyi Schicha and to dicofol-resistant and -susceptible twospotted spider mite (TSM) Tetranychus urticae Koch in the laboratory. Abamectin was much les toxic to the predator than to the spider mite. At 0.12 and 0.6 ppm, all TSM adult females of the tow strains were killed within 48 h after dipping n the solutions. The lower concentrations (0.06 and 0.012 ppm) killed more than 77% of TSM female adults of the two strains at 120 h after treatment. However, abmectin did not significantly affect the survival and mobility of A. womersleyi female adults at a concentration of 0.12 ppm but the mortality was slightly increased up to 20~23% at 0.6 and 6 ppm. Abamectin did not significantly affect hatchability of one-day old TSM eggs at 0.06~0.6 ppm. The Four-day old eggs were much more susceptible to abamectin than one-day old eggs were. Within 0.006-6 ppm, abamectin did not affect the hatchability of A. womersleyi eggs and the development of resulting immature predators. When the predator female adults were dipped in 0.6 and 0.12 ppm solution, their reproduction was not affected, but at 6 ppm it was decreased by 35%. However, the reproduction of TSM reduced significantly at concentrations between 0.006 and 0.6 ppm. The differential toxicity of abamectin between TSM and the predator could be of practical importance in managing spider mite populations in the field. Abamectin at selective sublethal concentrations (i.e., 0.012~0.06 ppm) could be of value in adjusting predator/prey ratios in integrated management of spider mites.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.112 no.2
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• pp.157-172
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• 2023

Controlled pollination (CP) is an important method in tree breeding programs because CP quickly generates desirable genotypes and rapidly maximizes genetic gains. However, few studies have evaluated the efficiency and success rate of CP in the breeding program of Pinus densiflora. To evaluate CP and the management of control pollinated progenies, we used 159 individuals in CB2 × KW40 or KW40 × CB2 populations that were established in 2015. After genotyping microsatellite loci, we estimated whether the number of primers was sufficient or not. Then, we performed pedigree analysis. The result showed that the number of primers was sufficient. By pedigree analysis, we found out that 60 of 159 individuals had been generated by the mating between CB2 and KW40. In the maternity analysis, there was evidence to indicate the possibility of management problems. Therefore, we excluded 54 individuals and repeated the pedigree analysis. In the second analysis, 47 of 105 individuals were generated by the mating between CB2 and KW40. To increase the efficiency of CP in tree breeding programs, several precautions are required. It is necessary to identify the exact clone names of the mother and father trees. In addition, CP processes should be performed properly, including deciding on the schedule of CP and the isolation of female strobili or flowers. Finally, the monitoring of hybrid progenies management after mating is important. Molecular markers should be used to identify the clone names of the mother and father trees and for monitoring post hoc management. This study provides a reference for tree breeding programs for the future control pollination of pine species.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.439-450
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• 2023

Purpose: When conducting fire inspections in Korea, there are objects that violate the fire protection regulations that require a straight line distance of more than 5m between the air inlet and the discharge section if the floor area is less than 400m2, and this paper analyzes the reasons and conducts a model experimental study to support the need for related fire protection regulations. Method: Domestic firefighting objects were investigated and confirmed, domestic and foreign papers, policies, and laws and regulations were examined, and spaces with a straight line distance of less than 5m and more than 5m between the air inlet and discharge section were selected and analyzed through model experiments in a living room of less than 400m² . Result: When examining the domestic fire protection regulations (NFPCNational Fire Perpormance Code), the separation distance between the air inlet and the outlet is more than 5m when the floor area is less than 400m² , but as a result of the actual investigation, it was confirmed that there are firefighting objects that cannot keep the separation distance. In addition, when a paper review of overseas fire protection regulations for a straight line distance of more than 5m showed that there was no regulation on the straight line distance between the air inlet and the discharge section, the model experiment showed that the discharge speed was better when the straight line distance between the air inlet and the discharge section was more than 5m than when it was less than 5m. Conclusions: In this study, when examining overseas fire laws and regulations by comparing the performance of the fire protection ratio for the straight line distance between the air inlet and the exhaust section, there is no mandatory regulation for the straight line distance, but the domestic fire protection regulations (NFPCNational Fire Perpormance Code) require more than 5m. It is hoped that this will be reflected in the design stage in the future, and a foundation will be laid to reduce the responsibility and burden of fire superintendents.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.19-30
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• 2010

Bentonite-based grout has been widely used to seal a borehole constructed for a closed-loop vertical ground heat exchanger in a geothermal heat pump system (GHP) because of its high swelling potential and low hydraulic conductivity. Three types of bentonites were compared one another in terms of viscosity and thermal conductivity in this paper. The viscosity and thermal conductivity of the grouts with bentonite contents of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% by weight were examined to take into account a variable water content of bentonite grout depending on field conditions. To evaluate the effect of salinity (i.e., concentration of NaCl : 0.1M, 0.25M, and 0.5M) on swelling potential of the bentonite-based grouts, a series of volume reduction tests were performed. In addition, if the viscosity of bentonite-water mixture is relatively low, particle segregation can occur. To examine the segregation phenomenon, the degree of segregation has been evaluated for the bentonite grouts especially in case of relatively low viscosity. From the experimental results, it is found that (1) the viscosity of the bentonite mixture increased with time and/or with increasing the mixing ratio. However, the thermal conductivity of the bentonite mixture did not increase with time but increased with increasing the mixing ratio; (2) If bentonite grout has a relatively high swelling index, the volume reduction ratio in the saline condition will be low; (3) The additive, such as a silica sand, can settle down on the bottom of the borehole if the bentonite has a very low viscosity. Consequently, the thermal conductivity of the upper portion of the ground heat exchanger will be much smaller than that of the lower portion.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.5-16
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• 2007

The simple linear elastic-perfectly plastic model with soil parameters $s_u,\;E_u$ and n of undrained condition is usually applied to predict the displacement of a constructed diaphragm wall(DW) on soft soils during excavation. However, the application of this soil model for finite element analysis could not interpret the continued increment of the lateral displacement of the DW for the large and deep excavation area both during the elapsed time without activity of excavation and after finishing excavation. To study the characteristic behaviors of soil behind the DW during the periods without excavation, a series of tests on soft Bangkok clay samples are simulated in the same manner as stress condition of soil elements happening behind diaphragm wall by triaxial tests. Three kinds of triaxial tests are carried out in this research: $K_0$ consolidated undrained compression($CK_0U_C$) and $K_0$ consolidated drained/undrained unloading compression with periodic decrement of horizontal pressure($CK_0DUC$ and $CK_0UUC$). The study shows that the shear strength of series $CK_0DUC$ tests is equal to the residual strength of $CK_0UC$ tests. The Young's modulus determined at each decrement step of the horizontal pressure of soil specimen on $CK_0DUC$ tests decreases with increase in the deviator stress. In addition, the slope of Critical State Line of both $CK_0UC$ and $CK_0DUC$ tests is equal. Moreover, the axial and radial strain rates of each decrement of horizontal pressure step of $CK_0DUC$ tests are established with the function of time, a slope of critical state line and a ratio of deviator and mean effective stress. This study shows that the results of the unloading compression triaxial tests can be used to predict the diaphragm wall deflection during excavation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.305-314
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• 2023

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation causes skin diseases by inducing cellular oxidative stress, photoaging, and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of morin against UVB-induced oxidative stress in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Morin has been reported to be a potential therapeutic candidate for oxidative stress-mediated diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammation. Since morin has been identified as a potential antioxidant, we speculated that morin could alleviate UVB-induced apoptosis in NHDFs. Cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using the MTT assay, H2DCFDA, and the DHE staining method, respectively. Lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation were tested using ELISA kits. DNA fragmentation and comet assay were used to assess DNA damage. Apoptotic bodies were analyzed using Hoechst 33342 staining and TUNEL assay. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was examined using Western blot analysis. Morin showed a cyto-protective effect by scavenging UVB-induced ROS, increasing the expression of antioxidant-related proteins and inhibiting UVB-induced oxidative alterations such as lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA damage. Morin protects against UVB-induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-9, and caspase-3 expression, while increasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These effects of morin were conferred through decreased phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2. The results demonstrated that morin may be developed as a preventive/therapeutic drug to be used to prevent UVB-induced skin damage.