• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.304-312
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• 2024

This study was conducted to characterize strain Y10, isolated from discarded chicken feathers. Strain Y10 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens through phenotypic and 16S rRNA gene analysis. B. amyloliquefaciens Y10 exhibited plant growth-promoting activities, including the production of fungal cell-degrading enzymes (cellulase, lipase, protease, and pectinase), siderophores, ammonia, and indoleacetic acid. Furthermore, strain Y10 was able to inhibit the mycelial growth of several phytopathogenic fungi. When 0.1% sucrose as a carbon source and 0.05% casein as a nitrogen source were added to the basal medium, adjusted to pH 10, and cultured at 35℃, the degradation rate of chicken feathers by strain Y10 was about two times higher than that of the basal medium, with the feathers almost completely degraded in four days. Strain Y10 also degraded various keratin substrates, including duck feathers, wool, and human nails. It was confirmed that the feather hydrolyzates prepared using strain Y10 exhibited antioxidant activities, such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 0.38 mg/ml) and superoxide dismutase-like activity (EC₅₀ = 183.7 mg/ml). These results suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens Y10 is a potential candidate for the development of bioinoculants and feed additives applicable to the agricultural and livestock industries, as well as the microbiological treatment of keratin waste.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.46-54
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal status of end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis and referred for intraoral evaluation prior to renal transplantation surgery with those having normal kidney function. Materials and Methods: Patients who had been undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease and been referred to the Dental Clinic Center by the Department of Nephrology at University Hospital for intraoral evaluation prior to kidney transplantation surgery. For comparison of periodontal status, subjects without abnormalities in kidney function were matched with the patients by age and gender and selected as healthy controls. The patients' age, gender, comorbidities, type of dialysis received, and duration of dialysis were investigated by reference to their medical records, and data on their periodontal status were analyzed via the relevant periodontal records. Results: A total of 102 patients, including 51 dialyzed patients and 51 healthy control group subjects, participated in this study. In the patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis with periodontal probing depth of 5 mm or more, percentage of sites with clinical attachment level of 4 mm or more, percentage of teeth with bleeding on probing, number of missing teeth, and ratio of moderate to severe periodontitis were all significantly greater than in the healthy controls. Conclusion: The periodontal status of end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis and referred for intraoral evaluation prior to kidney transplantation was worse than that of healthy controls.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.153-161
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• 2023

The worldwide effects of COVID-19 have led to a surge in online shopping and contactless services. The consumption pattern has caused the issues such as the environmental pollution together with the increase of plastic waste. Reducing the reliance on the petroleum based plastic use for the package and replacing it with environmentally friendly material are the simple ways in order to solve those problems. Paper is an eco-friendly product with high recyclability as the food packaging materials but has still poor barrier properties. A barrier coating on surface of the paper can be achieved with the proper packaging materials featuring water, gas and grease barrier. Polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) coatings which are generally laminated or coated to paper are widely used in food packaging applications to protect products from moisture and provide water or grease resistance. However, recycling of packaging containing PE or PP matrix is limited and costly because those films are difficult to degrade in the environment. This study investigated the recyclability of modified acrylic emulsion coating papers compared to PE and PP polymer matrixes as well as their mechanical and gas barrier properties. The results showed that PE or modified acrylic emulsion coated papers had better mechanical properties compared to the uncoated paper as a control. PE or PP coating papers showed strong oil resistance property, achieving a kit rating of 12. Those papers also had a significantly higher percentage of screen reject during the recycling process than modified acrylic coated paper which had a screen rejection rate of 6.25%. In addition an uncoated paper had similar value of a screen rejection rate. It may suggest that modified acrylic emulsion coating paper can be more easily recycled than PE or PP coating papers. The overall results of the study found that modified acrylic emulsion coating paper would be a viable alternative to suggest a possible solution to an environmental problem as well as enhancing the weak mechanical and poor gas barrier properties of the paper against moisture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2024

Recently, Metaverse technology has emerged as an important topic in various fields. Metaverse refers to a three-dimensional virtual space in which social and economic activities similar to the real world are possible. Among the 235 third-year students who applied the Metaversity app in the radiology department of this university from September to December 2023, 200 participated in a survey to determine the difference in student response and satisfaction when applying the Metaversity app. analyzed. First, the most satisfactory VOD viewing method was viewing through the Metaversity app, followed by viewing through the LMS. Second, 'I think online videos are appropriate for holiday reinforcement.' showed the highest score at 4.35±0.60, 'I want face-to-face classes and online classes to be held simultaneously.' was 4.25±0.87, and 'I think meta. 'I watched it well through the Metaversity app' was the lowest at 4.10±0.30, and 'VOD viewing through the Metaversity app was used appropriately in class' was the lowest at 3.99±0.75. Also, there was no significant difference in the response to the teaching method (p>0.05). Third, in terms of satisfaction with VOD viewing using the Metaversity app, 'Applying the Metaversity app was interesting and fun' ranked the highest at 4.24±0.88. The score was high, with 'Better improvement is needed to actively utilize the metaversity app' at 4.00±0.45, and 'I hope the metaversity app is implemented in other remote classes' at 3.77±0.88. appear. 'VOD classes through the Metaversity app are better than the existing LMS method.' was found to be 3.44±0.66. Additionally, there was no significant difference in satisfaction with classes according to age and gender (p>0.05). The correlation between response and satisfaction with the metaversity app is 0.601, which can be considered very significant (p>0.001). As a limitation of this study, although we surveyed students' satisfaction with using the Metaversity app, we were unable to investigate the satisfaction of instructors who interact with students. In the future, we did not consider the instructor's satisfaction in classes using the Metaversity app. Research must be conducted, and universities must have institutional support and continued interest until metaversity apps are selected and used to prepare for distance learning.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.272-286
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• 2023

Garlic sprouts can provide data on functional and food processing materials. This study compared the leaves, bulbs, and roots of garlic sprouts grown on smart farms during two growth periods (20 and 25 days). In addition, data for garlic bulbs grown in open fields were presented as reference materials. All garlic sprouts' total free sugar content decreased as the growth period increased. All plant parts' total organic acid content decreased as the growth period progressed, except for the root section. Potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur content increased during growth in all parts of the garlic sprouts. Alliin content decreased in all parts of the plant over time, whereas thiosulfinate content increased in the roots but decreased in the leaves and bulbs. Total polyphenol content increased in all parts of the plant during the growth period, except for the bulb, whereas the flavonoid content did not change significantly over time. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylben-zothiazoline 6-sulfonate) (ABTS) free radical scavenging activities, as well as the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of garlic sprouts were 37.45-65.47%, 59.12-89.81%, and 89.52-98.59%, respectively. These activities tend to decrease during the growth period. Here, we showed that garlic sprouts have higher levels of functional substances and physiological activities than general garlic sprouts. It was also determined that a growth period of 20 days was suitable for garlic sprouts. Data for research on functional and food-processing materials can be obtained by analyzing garlic sprouts produced by smart farms.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2024

Most wetlands worldwide have suffered from extensive human exploitation. Unfortunately they have been less explored compared to river and lake ecosystems despite their ecological importance and economic values. This is the same case in Korea. This study was aimed to estimate the assemblage attributes and distribution characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates for fifty wetlands distributed throughout subtropical Jeju Island in 2021. A total of 133 taxa were identified during survey periods belonging to 53 families, 19 orders, 5 classes and 3 phyla. Taxa richness ranged from 4 to 31 taxa per wetland with an average of 17.5 taxa. Taxa richness and abundance of predatory insect groups such as Odonata, Hemiptera and Coleoptera respectively accounted for 67.7% and 68.2% of the total. Among them Coleoptera were the most diverse and abundant. Taxa richness and abundance did not significantly differ from each wetland type classified in accordance with the National Wetland Classification System. There were three endangered species (Clithon retropictum, Lethocerus deyrolli and Cybister (Cybister) chinensis) and several restrictively distributed species only in Jeju Island. Cluster analysis based on the similarity in the benthic macroinvertebrate composition largely classified 50 wetlands into two major clusters: small wetlands located in lowland areas and medium-sized wetlands in middle mountainous regions. All cluster groups displayed significant differences in wetland area, long axis, percentage of fine particles and macrophyte composition ratio. Indicator Species Analysis selected 19 important indicators with the highest indicator value of Ceriagrion melanurum at 63%, followed by Noterus japonicus (59%) and Polypylis hemisphaerula (58%). Our results are expected to provide fundamental information on the biodiversity and habitat environments for benthic macroinvertebrates in wetland ecosystems, consequently helping to establish conservation and restoration plans for small wetlands relatively vulnerable to human disturbance.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2024

The importance of active sonar systems is emerging due to the quietness of underwater targets and the increase in ambient noise due to the increase in maritime traffic. However, the low signal-to-noise ratio of the echo signal due to multipath propagation of the signal, various clutter, ambient noise and reverberation makes it difficult to identify underwater targets using active sonar. Attempts have been made to apply data-based methods such as machine learning or deep learning to improve the performance of underwater target recognition systems, but it is difficult to collect enough data for training due to the nature of sonar datasets. Methods based on mathematical modeling have been mainly used to compensate for insufficient active sonar data. However, methodologies based on mathematical modeling have limitations in accurately simulating complex underwater phenomena. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a sonar signal synthesis method based on a deep neural network. In order to apply the neural network model to the field of sonar signal synthesis, the proposed method appropriately corrects the attention-based encoder and decoder to the sonar signal, which is the main module of the Tacotron model mainly used in the field of speech synthesis. It is possible to synthesize a signal more similar to the actual signal by training the proposed model using the dataset collected by arranging a simulated target in an actual marine environment. In order to verify the performance of the proposed method, Perceptual evaluation of audio quality test was conducted and within score difference -2.3 was shown compared to actual signal in a total of four different environments. These results prove that the active sonar signal generated by the proposed method approximates the actual signal.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.3
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• pp.618-630
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• 2024

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects. Results The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients. The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last followup. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.2
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• pp.398-408
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• 2023

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the radiological and clinical characteristics of benign adenomyoepitheliomas of the breast. Materials and Methods Over the last 20 years, 120 patients were histologically diagnosed with breast adenomyoepithelioma (AME) at our institution. We excluded 43 patients who were incidentally diagnosed during mastectomy for breast cancer, 28 who underwent percutaneous biopsy without further excision, and 8 who had biopsy-confirmed benign AME and were found to have another pathology after complete excision. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and radiological findings of the remaining 41 patients with histologically diagnosed benign breast AMEs after complete excision. Results All 41 patients underwent US; 38 underwent mammography (MG) and US; and 18 underwent MG, US, and MRI. MG detected 38 cases with a round or oval shape (56%), and mass (89%), were non-circumscribed (62%), hyperdense (53%), and without microcalcifications (95%). Breast US revealed suspicious masses (98%) with a non-circumscribed margin (66%), hypoechogenicity (43%), and intratumoral vascularity (63%). All lesions on breast MRI showed suspicious masses (100%) with ill-defined margins (61%), and 84% showed wash-out kinetics. Benign AMEs showed suspicious features of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4 or 5 in 83%-95% of the MG, US, and MRI. Sixteen of the 41 cases were misdiagnosed on the initial core needle biopsy and two were diagnosed as malignancy. Conclusion Benign breast AME often shows suspicious radiological features mimicking a malignant mass on MG, US, and MRI. Differentiating benign AME from other pathologies might be difficult on core needle biopsy, and complete excision is needed for a correct diagnosis.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.80-94
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• 2024

This study aimed to examine the morphological characteristics and variation in main traits by comparing the growth of individuals of Ecklonia cava Kjellman(Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) under an aquaculture environment. This survey was conducted from April 2018 to November 2019 at the aquafarm in Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do(South coast of Korea). To classify the morphology of individuals in the aquaculture farm of E. cava, we investigated fourteen morphological characteristics and calculated four ratios between the measured values. Juvenile individuals showed a simple or oblong lanceolate, and at 3-4 months, a short stipe and holdfast developed, along with a bladelet that developed into the secondary blade form. At 5-7 months, secondary blades were found to develop irregularly on the primary blade. At 8-10 months, the primary blade expanded and secondary blades elongated. At 11-12 months, the secondary blades became oblong. At 13-14 months, the thallus area expanded. At 15-16 months, tertiary blades were formed, the thallus became more complex, the stipe thickened, and the holdfast widened. At 17-18 months, secondary blades clearly developed along with lobes. At 19-20 months, tertiary blades developed and became similar to mature natural blades. In the principal component analysis (PCA), the monthly population of the first year(Q1) and that of the second year(Q2) of the cultured population were divided along PC1, which is related to secondary blade morphological characteristics and the holdfast width. Q2 and natural populations are distributed in descending order of volume in Jeju(J), East Coast(E), and South Coast(S) along PC2, which is related to primary blade and stipe morphological characteristics. The results of this study were judged to offer important criteria for the development of different varieties of E. cava.