• 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.592-602
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• 2022

This study aimed to check habitat distribution and analyze influencing factors by analyzing the mating calls of Auritibicen intermedius inhabiting limited locations in South Korea by applying bioacoustic detection techniques. The study sites were 20 protection areas nationwide. The mating call analysis period was 4 years from 2017 to 2021, excluding 2020. The bioacoustic recording system installed at each study site collected recordings of mating calls every day for 1 minute per hour. Climate data received from the Meteorological Agency, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, cloudiness, and sunshine, were analyzed. The results of this study identified A. intermedius habitat only in four national parks in the highlands of Gangwon Province (Mt. Seorak, Mt. Odae, Mt. Chiak, and Mt. Taebak) out of 20 study sites. During the four years of study, the mating call period of A. intermedius was between August 5 and September 28, and the duration of the mating call was 31 to 52 days. The temperature analysis during the appearance period of A. intermedius showed that A. intermedius mainly produced mating calls at temperatures between 13.1℃ and 35.3℃, and the average temperature during the circadian cycle of mating calls (09:00 to 16:00) was 24.4 to 24.9℃. The analysis of the circadian cycle of mating calls at four study sites where A. intermedius appeared in 2019 showed that A. intermedius produced mating calls from 06:00 to 16:00 and that they peaked around 11:00 to 12:00. During the appearance period of A. intermedius, four species appeared in common: Hyalessa maculaticollis, Meimuna opalifera, Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata, and Suisha coreana. A logistic regression analysis confirmed that sunlight was the environmental factor affecting the mating call of A. intermedius. Regarding interspecific influence, it was confirmed that A. intermedius exchanged interspecific influence with 4 other common species (H. maculaticollis, M. opalifera, G. nigrofuscata, and S. coreana). The above results confirmed that A. intermedius habitats were limited in the highlands of Gangwon Province highlands in Korea and produced mating calls at a lower temperature compared to other species. These results can be used as basic data for future research on A. intermedius in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.112 no.2
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• pp.173-187
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• 2023

The forest protection policies implemented in South Korea have resulted in the significant accumulation of forest. Moreover, the associated public interest has also been closely evaluated. As forests mature, there arises a need for forest management (FM) practices, such as thinning and harvesting. It is therefore essential to perform a scientific analysis of the long-term effects of FM. In this study, conducted in Mt. Gariwang, the effect of FM on forest succession and wood production (WP) were evaluated based on changes in aboveground biomass (AGB) using the LANDIS-II model. The FM consists of three scenarios (Selection, Shelterwood, and Two-stories), characterized based on the harvest intensity, frequency, and period. The model was applied to changes in the forest over 200 years. All scenarios show that the total AGB decreased immediately after thinning and harvesting. However, AGB recovery time differed among scenarios, with recovery to preharvest level occurring from 15 to 50 years after harvest; further, after 200 years, harvested forests had a greater total AGB than forests without FMs In particular, the changes in AGB of each species was different depending on its shade tolerance. The AGB of currently dominant shade-intolerant and mid-tolerant species decreased dramatically after harvesting. However, shade-tolerant species, dominant in the understory, continued to grow but were not harvested due to their small size. The cumulative WP for each scenario was estimated at 545.6, 141.6, and 299.9 tons/ha in Selection, Shelterwood, and Two-stories, respectively. The composition of WP differed according to harvest intensity and period. Most WP originated from shade-intolerant and mid-tolerant species in the early period. Later, most WP was from shade-tolerant species, which became dominant. The modeling approach used in this study is capable of analyzing the long-term effects of FM on changes in forests and WP. This study can contribute to decision making to guide FM methods for a variety of purposes, including WP and controlling forest composition and structure.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.69-78
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of enzymatically modified stevia (EMS) on C2C12 cell-based model of dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy to provide baseline data for utilizing EMS in functional health products. C2C12 cells with DEX-induced muscle atrophy were treated with EMS (10, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL) for 24 h. C2C12 cells were treated with EMS and DEX to test their effects on cell viability and myotube formation (myotube diameter and fusion index), and analyze the expression of muscle strengthening or degrading protein markers. Schisandra chinensis Extract, a common functional ingredient, was used as a positive control. EMS did not show any cytotoxic effect at all treatment concentrations. Moreover, it exerted protective effects on C2C12 cell-based model of DEX-induced muscle atrophy at all concentrations. In addition, the positive effect of EMS on myotube formation was confirmed based on the measurement and comparison of the fusion index and myotube diameter when compared with myotubes treated with DEX alone. EMS treatment reduced the expression of muscle cell degradation-related proteins Fbx32 and MuRF1, and increased the expression of muscle strengthening and synthesis related proteins SIRT1 and pAkt/Akt. Thus, EMS is a potential ingredient for developing functional health foods and should be further evaluated in preclinical models.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.455-463
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• 2022

To understand functional changes of forest ecosystems due to climate change, correlation between decomposition rate of leaf litter, an important function of forest ecosystems, and microclimatic factors was analyzed. After 48 months elapsed, percent remaining weight of Quercus mongolica leaf litter was 27.1% in the east aspect and 37.0% in the west aspects. Decay constant of Q. mongolica leaf litter was 0.33 in the east aspect and 0.25 in the west aspect after 48 months elapsed. Initial C/N ratio of Q. mongolica leaf litter was 38.5. After 48 months elapsed, C/N ratio of decomposing Q. mongolica leaf litter decreased to 13.43 in the east aspect and 16.72 in the west aspect. Average air temperature and soil temperature during the investigation period of the research site were 8.2±9.0 and 9.1±9.3 in the east and 8.5±7.4 and 9.3±7.3℃ in the west aspect, respectively, with the west aspect showing higher air and soil temperatures. Soil moisture showed no significant difference between east and west aspects (average soil moisture: 19.4±11.0% vs. 20.5±5.7%). However, as a result of analyzing the correlation between decomposition rate and microclimatic factors, it was found that the decomposition rate and soil moisture has a positive correlation(r=0.426) in the east aspect but not in the west aspect. Our study shows that the correlation between decomposition rate and microclimatic factors can be significantly different depending on the direction of the aspect.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.267-274
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• 2022

Excess nitrogen (N) flowing from livestock manure to water systems poses a serious threat to the natural environment. Thus, livestock wastewater management has recently drawn attention to this related field. This study first attempted to obtain the optimal conditions for the further volatilization of NH₃ gas generated from pig wastewater by adjusting the amount of injected magnesia (MgO). At 0.8 wt.% of MgO (by pig wastewater weight), the volatility rate of NH₃ increased to 75.5% after a day of aeration compared to untreated samples (pig wastewater itself). This phenomenon was attributed to increases in the pH of pig wastewater as MgO dissolved in it, increasing the volatilization efficiency of NH₃. The initial pH of pig wastewater was 8.4, and the pH was 9.2 when MgO was added up to 0.8 wt.%. Second, the residual ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) in pig wastewater was removed by precipitation in the form of struvite (NH₄MgPO₄·6H₂O) by adjusting the pH after adding MgO and H₃PO₄. Struvite produced in the pig wastewater was identified by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. White precipitates began to form at pH 6, and the higher the pH, the lower the concentration of NH₄⁺-N in pig wastewater. Of the total 86.1% of NH₄⁺-N removed, 62.4% was achieved at pH 6, which was the highest removal rate. Furthermore, how struvite changes with pH was investigated. Under conditions of pH 11 or higher, the synthesized struvite was completely decomposed. The yield of struvite in the precipitate was determined to be between 68% and 84% through a variety of analyses.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.34
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• pp.51-60
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose is to evaluate dosimetric performance and delivery efficiency of VMAT with Halcyon LINAC for double target spine SBRT Materials and Methods: 12 patients with spine oligometastases were retrospectively studied. Single-isocenter spine SBRT plans was established using Halcyon® with Dual Layer MLC and Truebeam® with High Definition MLC. All patients' plans were created in Eclipse TPS through the identical conditions and optimization. C.I, H.I, G.I (Gradient Index), maximal and volumetric doses to spinal cord and low dose area were evaluated for comparison of both plans. Also, total MU and BOT(Beam On Time) were evaluated. Results: Halcyon plans was no Statistical differences in C.I and H.I. However, the average of G.I was 4.64 for Halcyon, which decreased to 5.5% compared to Truebeam (P<0.001). Halcyon plans demonstrated statistically significant reduced G.I. The average of 50% and 25% isodose volume was 487.56 cc (-3.82%, P<0.001), 1859.45 cc (-4.75%, P<0.001) in Halcyon, respectively. Significantly reduced low dose spill were observed in Halcyon plans. In the evaluation of the spinal cord, the average of Dmean and V10 of Halcyon plans in the sample group with an overlap volume of less than 1 cc was 6.802 Gy (-3.504%, P=0.067), 5.766±1.683 cc (-8.199%, P=0.002), respectively. Halcyon plans demonstrated statistically significant reduced D_mean and V10. For delivery efficiency, MU and BOT(maximum dose rate for each machine), on average, increased in Halcyon plans. However, the average of BOT(800MU/min for each machine) was 648.33 sec for Halcyon (-1.74%, P<0.001). Conclusion: Halcyon plan for double-target spine SBRT demonstrated advantages in the low dose area with a steep dose gradient, while having dosimetrically equivalent target dose distribution and spinal cord protective effect. As a result, Halcyon LINAC produced a dosimetrically improved plan for double-target spine SBRT.

• Journal of the Korean Society for information Management
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.257-280
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• 2022

In this study, we analyzed comments on news articles of representative companies of the three industries (i.e., semiconductor, secondary battery, and bio industries) that had been listed as national strategic technology projects of South Korea to identify public opinions towards them. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between changes in public opinion and stock price. 'Samsung Electronics' and 'SK Hynix' in the semiconductor industry, 'Samsung SDI' and 'LG Chem' in the secondary battery industry, and 'Samsung Biologics' and 'Celltrion' in the bio-industry were selected as the representative companies and 47,452 comments of news articles about the companies that had been published from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, were collected from Naver News. The comments were grouped into positive, neutral, and negative emotions, and the dynamic topics of comments over time in each group were analyzed to identify the trends of public opinion in each industry. As a result, in the case of the semiconductor industry, investment, COVID-19 related issues, trust in large companies such as Samsung Electronics, and mention of the damage caused by changes in government policy were the topics. In the case of secondary battery industries, references to investment, battery, and corporate issues were the topics. In the case of bio-industries, references to investment, COVID-19 related issues, and corporate issues were the topics. Next, to understand whether the sentiment of the comments is related to the actual stock price, for each company, the changes in the stock price and the sentiment values of the comments were compared and analyzed using visual analytics. As a result, we found a clear relationship between the changes in the sentiment value of public opinion and the stock price through the similar patterns shown in the change graphs. This study analyzed comments on news articles that are highly related to stock price, identified changes in public opinion trends in the COVID-19 era, and provided objective feedback to government agencies' policymaking.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.1
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• pp.125-135
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• 2022

In this study, growth changes of the diameter at breast height (DBH), height, basal area, volume, and biomass of Korean white pine (Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.) on a plantation were examined via long-term monitoring. In addition, this study was performed to provide the basic data for timber production in line with DBH class by comparing the growth of the relative DBH size. Growth characteristics according to DBH class were analyzed by categorizing trees into five classes based on sorted DBH rankings: class I (1%-20%; upper 20%), class II (21%-40%), class III (41%-60%), class IV (61%-80%), class V (81%-100%; lower 20%). A total class (0%-100%) was also used. Total increment and mean annual increment (MAI) were calculated using data from nine measurements taken over 39 years. Tree characteristics based on average values and stand characteristics based on unit area per hectare were examined. According to the total increments of variables, the differences in DBH, basal area, volume, and biomass among classes I-V increased over time, whereas the height difference did not continually increase. According to MAI, the maximum DBH value was 0.92 cm·yr^-1 at age 23 in class I, whereas the maximum value in all trees was 0.69 cm·yr^-1 at age 17. The maximum value of height MAI for class I was 0.52 m·yr^-1 at age 23, whereas that for all trees was 0.49 m·yr^-1 at age 20. In terms of basal area, volume, and biomass growth at tree-and stand-level, the maximum MAI of class I and all trees was not observed during the measurement period. Therefore, additional long-term monitoring data are required to determine the maximum MAI of the variables.

• Korea Science and Art Forum
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• v.28
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• pp.105-116
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• 2017

This study is a basic research to suggest user-centered general hospital environmental design guidelines, which aims to analyze user's behavior characteristics across generation in general hospital. For this purpose, this study constructed an analysis tool through the literature review with regard to generation and behavior characteristics in general hospital. Besides, an online survey regarding user's behavior in general hospital was conducted targeting from 20s to 60s, 300 persons for each group, total 1,500 persons for about 3 weeks since September 1, 2016. The results of this study are as follows: (1) Based on the generation, there were significant differences in relevant categories of their visiting frequency, visiting purpose, visiting hour, transportation, companion, behavior during the wait and selection of a general hospital. (2) In all generation, they responded that they have visited once or twice per year. People in 20s and 30s responded that their visit for the hospital is to receive specific treatment, while other people in 40s, 50s and 60s visit the hospital majorly for routine check-ups. Therefore, it is imperative for a health check-up center to design an environmental plan that reflects the characteristics of elders in 40s, 50s and 60s. (3) People in 40s, 50s and 60s usually visit a general hospital in the mornings of weekdays, while generations in 20s and 30s responded that they mostly visit the hospital in the mornings of weekend. (4) When they visit a general hospital, people in their 20s are usually using public transportations, while people in their 30s to 60s are using their own vehicle. (5) People in their 20s majorly visited 'lobby'. In older generations, they tend to visit 'outpatient clinic'. Therefore, it is necessary to build an outpatient clinic environment that considers the elderly. (6) Patients majorly responded that they are using their cell phone, while waiting for their clinic call. In elder generations, they responded that they are more likely watching TVs, reading books/magazines or doing nothing. Therefore, it is essential to provide cell-phone related services and environmental supports. Visually attractive media can be utilized for this purpose.