• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.449-455
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• 2013

Human skin is constantly exposed to environmental conditions such as UV rays, polluted air, and chemical products. UV rays, in particular, affect skin in many ways causing wrinkles, fine wrinkles, rough skin, and xeroderma through a skin aging process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-wrinkling effect of Juniperus rigida Sieb., derived from a common cedar tree found the world over. Measuring the elastase to investigate wrinkling efficacy, it was shown that at a concentration level of $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ of the two extracts, the water extract exhibited a lower than 10% inhibition activity, while the ethanol extract exhibited a 68.5% inhibition activity. Collagenase inhibition activity in the water extract and ethanol extract were 44.9% in the former and 97.2% in the latter extract, which in the case of the ethanol extract, is similar to ascorbic acid (99.6%). Moreover, measuring the biosynthesis of collagen by fibroblast, a concentration level of $50{\mu}g/ml$ of ethanol extract produced 151.52% of biosynthetic promotion, proving that the ethanol extract acts as a superb anti-wrinkling agent. The result of an investigation conducted on the influence of the ethanol extract on MMP-1 caused by UVA showed that at a concentration level of $1,00{\mu}g/ml$ of the ethanol extract of J. rigida Sieb a 67.1% inhibition activity was noted. At a concentration level of $50{\mu}g/ml$ of the ethanol extract of J. rigida Sieb a 35% and 39% inhibition ratio to MMP-1 protein and mRNA were observed respectively, thereby restraining the appearance of the collagen breakdown enzyme MMP-1 and wrinkle creation by skin photo-aging.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.37 no.4 s.109
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• pp.436-447
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• 2004

Wetland plants have evolved specialized adaptations to survive in the low-oxygen conditions associated with prolonged flooding. The development of internal gas space by means of aerenchyma is crucial for wetland plants to transport $O_2$ from the atmosphere into the roots and rhizome. The formation of tissue with high porosity depends on the species and environmental condition, which can control the depth of root penetration and the duration of root tolerance in the flooded sediments. The oxygen in the internal gas space of plants can be delivered from the atmosphere to the root and rhizome by both passive molecular diffusion and convective throughflow. The release of $O_2$ from the roots supplies oxygen demand for root respiration, microbial respiration, and chemical oxidation processes and stimulates aerobic decomposition of organic matter. Another essential mechanism of wetland plants is downward water movement across the root zone induced by water uptake. Natural and constructed wetlands sediments have low hydraulic conductivity due to the relatively fine particle sizes in the litter layer and, therefore, negligible water movement. Under such condition, the water uptake by wetland plants creates a water potential difference in the rhizosphere which acts as a driving force to draw water and dissolved solutes into the sediments. A large number of anatomical, morphological and physiological studies have been conducted to investigate the specialized adaptations of wetland plants that enable them to tolerate water saturated environment and to support their biochemical activities. Despite this, there is little knowledge regarding how the combined effects of wetland plants influence the biogeochemistry of wetland sediments. A further investigation of how the Presence of plants and their growth cycle affects the biogeochemistry of sediments will be of particular importance to understand the role of wetland in the ecological environment.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.217-224
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• 2009

The pig slurry is one of important fertilizer source for production of crops in recent years, but it has many controversial points of utilization such as offensive odor, lack of spread equipment and farmland possession, respectively. This study was carried out in order to remove water pollutants and malodor of pig slurry using biofiltration system. The biofiltration system consists of pig slurry separator, mixing shift and attached blade for sawdust or ricehull, air injection nozzle and outlet for pig slurry and sawdust or ricehull. The characteristics pH, $BOD_5$ (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), $COD_{Mn}$ (Chemical Oxygen Demand), SS (Suspended Solid), T-N (Total Nitrogen), T-P (Total Phosphorus) of the untreated pig slurry used in this study were 7.2, 34,450, 24,604, 71,000, 4,194, $1,631\;ml/{\ell}$, respectively. The $NH_3$ (Ammonia) and $H_2S$(Hydrogen Sulfide) concentration were 70.0, 9.6 ppm, respectively. The initial total microorganisms of pig slurry were $5.0{\times}10^3\;cfu/ml$, and Salmonella, Bacillus were $5.8{\times}10^2$, $1.1{\times}10^3\;cfu/ml$, respectively. The filtration system was very effective on removal of water pollutants of pig slurry. The removal efficiency of the offensive odor of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in sawdust was higher than those of ricehull. The total microorganisms and bacillus of pig slurry are on the increase by sawdust and ricehull, but Salmonella showed a tendency to decrease in number after that time. Accordingly, the filtration system was very effective to produce a good quality pig slurry.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.19 no.1 s.19
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• pp.31-44
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• 1986

For many years, $NO_2$ has been regarded as one of the elements among indoor air pollutants of urban homes, leading to increased public concerns on this gas. For the purpose of preparing the fundamental data for the evaluation and control of health effect relevant to $NO_2$ levels, authors measured the indoor (kitchen, living room, bed room) and outdoor $NO_2$ levels categorized by the type of house(apartment, detached dwelling) and cooking fuel(L.P.G., briquette) in the winter and summer, and surveyed the variables(kitchen ventilation, family size, parental smoking) may effect the indoor $NO_2$ levels. The level of $NO_2$ was measured by Palmes tube, and this survey was carried out at 110 homes in the Pusan area from October 1984 to September 1985. The obtained results were as follows: 1) The mean indoor and outdoor $NO_2$ level in winter and summer, respectively, was $0.029{\pm}0.012$ ppm and $0.022{\pm}0.012$ ppm in the kitchen, $0.022{\pm}0.009$ ppm and $0.018{\pm}0.010$ ppm in the living room, $0.017{\pm}0.008$ ppm and $0.016{\pm}0.010$ ppm in the bed room, and $0.021{\pm}0.007$ ppm and $0.016{\pm}0.007$ ppm outdoors. 2) In the category of the type of house and cooking fuel, the highest mean indoor and outdoor $NO_2$ level in the winter was in apartments using briquettes, and in the summer. the highest level was in apartments using L.P.G. 3) In the category of the type of house, the mean indoor and outdoor $NO_2$ level in the winter and summer was higher in the apartment group compared to detached dwelling. 4) In the category of the type of cooking fuel, the mean indoor and outdoor $NO_2$ level in the winter was higher in the briquette group, and in the summer, the L.P.G. group was higher. 5) In the category of the kitchen ventilation, family size, parental smoking and asthma attack history of children, there was an insignificant difference in the indoor $NO_2$ levels.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2009

Hot tub lung has been described as a pulmonary illness associated with exposure to nontuberculous mycobacteria,mainly hot bathtub water contaminated with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and hence the name. Although not entirely clear, its etiology has been thought to involve either an infection or a hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to MAC. Herein, we describe 2 female patients (60 and 53 years old) admitted to our hospital with hot tub lung, and both of whom worked in a public bath. Both women were initially admitted following several months of exertional dyspnea and cough. The patients had been working as body-scrubbers in a public bath for several years. Their chest CT scans showed bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities with multifocal air-trappings and poorly defined centrilobular nodules in both lungs. Pathological findings from lung specimens revealed small non-necrotizing granuloma in the lung parenchyme with relatively normal-looking adjacent alveoli. Discontinuation of working in the public bath led to an improvement in symptoms and radiographic abnormalities, without antimycobacterial therapy.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.51-59
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• 2002

The seasonal variation in species composition and abundance distribution of zooplankton was studied in the Seomjin river estuary along the salinity gradients. In this estuary, marine taxa predominated in all seasons and very limited number of freshwater species appeared. The total abundances showed a seasonal fluctuation. The highest total abundance appeared in spring with over 3,000 individuals/m$^3$. In summer, the high abundance was sustained although it decreased a little. The abundance was minimal in fall with about 500 individuals/m$^3$. When the study area was divided into three salinity regimes, oligohaline (salinity less than 5 psu), mesohaline (5${\sim}$18 psu), and polyhaline zone (over 18 psu), the zone of high abundance as well as the composition of zooplankton community in each salinity regime changed seasonally. In fall, marine copepods predominated in oligohaline zone while marine species other than crustaceans dominated in polyhaline zone. However, in winter copepods predominated in all area. In spring and summer, holozoic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans dominated in higher salinity regimes. We listed major copepod species of each salinity regime for each season with the ranges of water temperatures (T) and salinities (S) of their occurrence. T, S's of maximum abundances of those major copepod species were also reported. The observed very wide tolerance ranges of major copepod species for salinity suggested that the concept of 'indicator species' should be used in quantitative context rather than qualitative.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 2008

Purpose: Radio-isotopes (RI) use has been steadily developing due to industrial and technical development in the modern medical society. Particularly, popularization of domestic cyclotrons dramatically enable hospitals to produce and use diagnostic radio-isotopes. Generally, only specific facilities such as hospitals, research institutes, nuclear power plants and universities can use radio-isotopes, they are also responsible for ventilation system. The strength of radioactivity in the air is strongly regulated and controlled by korea atomic energy law in Korea Institue of Nuclear Safety (KINS), so that air radioactivity exposure can lead to environmental pollution surrounding places. In this study, we'd like to find out the investigation and the present condition of the controlled ventilation system in domestic hospitals by an emission standard from KINS, and try to reach an agreement about how to use the ventilation system. Result: Definition of filters, features and structures of pre-filters, hepa-filters, charcol filters, filter exchange procedures and precautions are explained. RI deflation concentration and filter exchange cycle have been presented as a standard prescribed in the rules of KINS. The Radiation Control Management System (RCMS) introduced by Seoul National University Bundang Hospital linking to digital pressure gauge with computer controller in another medical facilities were described in details. Conclusions: The system of medical facilities using RI has been remarkably developing in 21 century. Especially, radiation safety control system has also been grown rapidly into the subdivision, specialization, advanced technology along with international technical improvement. However, As far as current RI ventilation system is concerned, it has nothing better than doing in the past. Preferentially, to reinforce this, more sophisticated system with strict periodic filter exchange and exhaust air control guidance should be introduced by applying brilliant domestic information technology for RCMS and digital gauge method. From personal point of view as a radiation safety manager, I have provide with present problems and improvements. Futhermore, more improved guidance should be conducted.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1718-1721
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• 2008

The skin of human is constantly being exposed to environmental irritants such as ultraviolet, smoke and chemicals. These irritants cause free radicals and reactive oxygen species which leave serious damages on the cells of skin. The water and ethanol extracts of Cambodian Phellinus linteus were investigated for the activities of anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-wrinkle effects to apply as a functional ingredient for cosmetic products. As the result of evaluation of liquid oxidation rate by add $Fe^{2+}$ and $Cu^{2+}$ to Cambodian Phellinus linteus extracts, Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extracts were higher than Cambodian Phellinus linteus water extracts in the chealting ability of $Fe^{2+}$ and $Cu^{2+}$. The Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extracts exhibited that anti-lipid peroxidation higher than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at the concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml. Cambodian Phellinus linteus water and ethanol extracts showed a higher inhibitory effect on $Fe^{2+}$-induced lipid peroxidation compared to $Cu^{2+}$-induced lipid peroxidation. In the case of anti-wrinkle effect, the elastase inhibition activity of Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extracts was 50.7%, and it is higher than urosolic acid at the concentration of 0.01 mg/ml. Also, in collagenase inhibition activity, Cambodian Phellinus linteus water extract showed low effect, but Cambodian Phellinus linteus ethanol extract was about 50% at a 0.1 mg/ml. concentration. These results proved that Cambodian Phellinus linteus had anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-wrinkle effect. Therefore, Cambodian Phellinus linteus could be useful as an anti-wrinkle cosmetic ingredient.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.183-200
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• 2019

In this study, the characteristics of seasonal $PM_{2.5}$ behavior in South Korea and other Northeast Asian regions were analyzed by using the $PM_{2.5}$ ground measurement data, weather data, WRF and CMAQ models. Analysis of seasonal $PM_{2.5}$ behavior in Northeast Asia showed that $PM_{2.5}$ concentration at 6 IMS sites in South Korea was increased by long-distance transport and atmospheric congestion, or decreased by clean air inflow due to seasonal weather characteristics. As a result of analysis by applying BFM to air quality model, the contribution from foreign countries dominantly influenced the $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations of Baengnyeongdo due to the low self-emission and geographical location. In the case of urban areas with high self-emissions such as Seoul and Ulsan, the $PM_{2.5}$ contribution from overseas was relatively low compared to other regions, but the standard deviation of the season was relatively high. This study is expected to improve the understanding of the air pollutant phenomenon by analyzing the characteristics of $PM_{2.5}$ behavior in Northeast Asia according to the seasonal weather condition change. At the same time, this study can be used to establish the air quality policy in the future, knowing that the contribution of $PM_{2.5}$ concentration to the domestic and overseas can be different depending on the regional emission characteristics.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.129-142
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• 2023

This study analyzed the ratio of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), CO and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) for cities and regionsin Korea and China using column-averaged carbon dioxide dry-air mole fraction (XCO₂) of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2/3, CO and NO₂ vertical column density (named XCO, XNO₂ in thisstudy) of TROPOspheric monitoring instrument from April 2018 to April 2022, and presented the relationship between socioeconomic indicators (population, number of vehicles, Gross Regional Domestic Product) and ratio, and differences in characteristics between Korea and China. First, CO₂ and CO were analyzed after calculating ΔXCO₂ and ΔXCO removing the background value and trend line due to the difference in atmospheric residence time of three gaseous substances (CO₂, CO, and NO₂). Comparing the three values by regions, ΔXCO and ΔXCO₂ were relatively higher in China and XNO₂ were higher in Korea and the ratio of both values (ΔXCO/ΔXCO₂, ΔXCO/XNO₂) was higher in China than in Korea. ΔXCO/ΔXCO₂, ΔXCO/XNO₂ and socioeconomic indicators have a positive correlation suggesting that the concentration of air pollutants and greenhouse gases is higher as the city is large and the economic activity is active. Regarding the differences in the ratio characteristics of Korea and China, the relationship between ΔXCO and ΔXCO₂ showed a negative correlation in Korea and a positive correlation in China. When the relationship between ΔXCO and XNO₂ was examined for summer and winter, the change of ΔXCO by season was not significant in Korea, whereasthe change of ΔXCO and XNO₂ by season waslarge in China resulting in the relationship between two countries appeared differently. These results suggest that seasonal variability and national emission characteristics should be considered in the process of analyzing the ratio of greenhouse gases to air pollutants.