• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.418-424
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• 2021

Skin inflammation (dermatitis) is caused by varying skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation and microbial infection. Currently prescribed drugs for dermatitis include anti-histamine and steroid drug classes that soothe inflammation. However, incorrect or prolonged use of steroids can cause weakening of skin barriers as well as osteoporosis. Therefore, treating dermatitis with a drug that has minimal side effects is important. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been widely treated for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of statins in both experimental and clinical models for of osteoarthritis. This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which are crucial components of skin barriers. Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-1β increased the expression of the COX2 protein, a major player of inflammatory responses. However, this induction of the COX2 protein was downregulated by pretreatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin. Treatment with IL-1ß-induced the upregulation of other inflammatory genes (such as iNOS and MMP-1) and these expressions were similarly lowered by these two statin drug treatments. Taken together, these results indicated that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, the findings suggest that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can be potential modulators for ameliorating skin inflammation.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2021

Because active interactions occur among vegetation, hydrology, and geomorphology in riparian systems, any changes in one of these factors can significantly affect the other two. In this study, we evaluated these interactions at four sites (two in Gajeong and two in Hahan) along the Seomjin-gang River that was substantially devastated by an extreme flood in 2020. We examined the relationship between the riparian vegetation and the hydraulic characteristics of the flood using remote sensing, hydraulic modeling, and field surveys combined. The evaluation results showed that the floods caused a record-breaking rise of up to 43.1 m above sea level at the Yeseong-bridge stage gauge station (zero elevation 27.4 m) located between the Gajeong and Hahan sites, with the shear stress being four times higher in Hahan than in Gajeong. Additionally, the water level during the flood was estimated to be a maximum of 1 m higher depending on the location in the presence of riparian plants. Furthermore, both sites underwent extensive biological damage due to the flood, with 78-80% loss in vegetation, with preferential damage observed in large willow species, compared to Quercus acutissima. The above findings imply that all plant species exhibit different vulnerabilities towards extreme floods and do not induce similar behavior towards events causing a disturbance. In conclusion, we developed strategies for effectively managing riparian trees by minimizing flood hazards that could inevitably cause damage.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.179-193
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• 2021

This study examines the use of satellite images for river classification and determination of stream reach, which is the first priority in the river environment assessment system. In the river environment assessment system used in South Korea, it is proposed to set a stream reach by using 10 or 25 times the width of the river based on the result of river classification. First, river classification for the main stream section of Cheongmi stream was performed using various river-related data. The maximum likelihood method was applied for land cover classification. In this study, Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, which is an open data technology with a resolution of 10 m, was used. A total of four satellite images from 2018 was used to consider various flow conditions: February 2 (daily discharge = 2.39 m³/s), May 23 (daily discharge = 15.51 m³/s), June 2 (daily discharge = 3.88 m³/s), and July 7 (daily discharge = 33.61 m³/s). The river widths were estimated from the result of land cover classification to determine stream reach. The results of the assessment reach classification were evaluated using indicators of stream physical environments, including pool diversity, channel sinuosity, and river crossing shape and structure. It is concluded that appropriate flow conditions need to be considered when using satellite images to set up assessment segments for the river environment assessment system.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.259-268
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• 2022

In this study, seeds of Festuca ovina var. coreana growing in waste coal landfills exposed to heavy metal contamination for a long time were collected, and growth characteristics and heavy metal accumulation capacity were evaluated through greenhouse cultivation experiments with germinated seedlings, and was conducted for the applicability of phytoremediation technology. Concentration gradients of arsenic-treated artificial soil were 25, 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg, respectively, lead concentrations were 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg, and cadmium concentrations were 15, 30, 60, and 100 mg/kg, respectively In the arsenic, lead, and cadmium-treated experimental groups, the number of leaves of F. ovina var. coreana decreased in all compared to the control group except for the lead-treated groups (200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). Length growth of the shoot part was increased in all of the arsenic treatment groups compared to the control group, but decreased in all of the root parts. In the 1000 and 2000 mg/kg lead treatment groups, lengths increased compared to the control group, but in the other treatments, they were shorter than the control group. In the case of the cadmium treatment group, all of the shoot parts were increased compared to the control group, and all of the root parts were decreased. In the case of arsenic treatment, the biomass was decreased at all parts and all concentrations compared to the control group. The 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg lead treatments showed larger biomass than the control group in both shoot and root parts. In the cadmium treatment group, the biomass of both shoot and root parts decreased compared to the control group. As the concentration of heavy metal treatment increased, both the number of leaves and the biomass by plant parts tended to decrease, and the length growth of the shoot part tended to increase slightly, but the root part tended to decrease slightly. The arsenic accumulation concentrations of the shoot and root parts of the 62.5 mg/kg arsenic treatment area were 9.4 mg/kg and 253.3 mg/kg, respectively. While the shoot part of the 250 mg/kg arsenic treatment area withered away, the arsenic accumulation concentration in the root part was analyzed to be 859.1 mg/kg, In the 2,000 mg/kg lead treatment area, the shoot and root parts accumulated 10,308.1 and 11,012.0 mg/kg, which were 1.1 times higher than the root parts. At 100 mg/kg cadmium treatment, the shoot and root parts were 176.0 and 287.2 mg/kg, and the root part accumulated 1.6 times higher than the shoot part. As a result of tolerance evaluation of F. ovina var. coreana, multi-tolerance to three heavy metals was confirmed by maintaining growth without dying in all treatment groups of arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Plant extraction (phytoextraction) of F. ovina var. coreana was verified as a species that can be applied up to 2,000 mg/kg of soil lead contamination.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.430-437
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• 2022

We conducted a study on the whitening activity of Abies nephrolepis MAX. extracts. The electron-donating ability of 70% ethanol extracts from A. nephrolepis MAX. Stem (AN-S) and A. nephrolepis MAX. Leaf (AN-L) were found to be 89.4% and 90.9% at 1,000 ㎍/ml concentration, respectively. Their ABTS⁺ radical scavenging abilities were found to be 88.8% and 96% 500 ㎍/ml concentration, respectively. Their tyrosinase inhibitory effects were found to be 48.5% and 31.1% at 500 ㎍/ml concentration, respectively. Cell survival rates measured in B16F10 were examined with the AN-S and AN-L extracts. Results showed cell viabilities of 98.3% and 94.4% at 500 ㎍/ml concentration, respectively. The protein and mRNA expression inhibitory effects of AN-S and AN-L extracts were measured by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively, at 25, 50 and 100 ㎍/ml concentrations. The results of western blotting showed that the AN-S extract at 100 ㎍/ml concentration decreased the TRP-1 protein expression rate by 46%. The results of Western blotting also showed that the AN-L extract at 100 ㎍/ml concentration decreased the MITF protein expression rate was by 54.6%. Consequently, in the case of MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, and tyrosinase, the amount of mRNA expressed decreased as the concentration of the extracts increased. Our results suggested that A. nephrolepis MAX. extracts can be used as a functional cosmetic material by confirming that they can be used as a whitening material.

• Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.283-301
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• 2021

In order to satisfy the intellectual curiosity of mankind to explore the unknown, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States and European Space Agency (ESA) in Europe are embarking on various R&D under the motto of the grand dream of pioneering space into a safe and sustainable environment. In the 2020s and 30s, it is expected that advanced giant observation equipment will be in operation, such as the development of a 10-meter-class telescope in space. In Korea, following the development of the 0.15 m Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (NISS), Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) is also participating a 0.2 m Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) as an international cooperation partner in small exploration telescope. However, domestic experience in the development and operation of the space telescopes is still insufficient, and there is no plan with long-term prospects for constructing telescopes. In order to answer questions about the unknown world that mankind has not experienced using our own equipment, planning and preparation for the construction of a space telescope through close cooperation among industry-university-institute-government is urgently needed. In this paper, the necessity, background, development goals, and expected effects of the development of the Korean Space Telescope are summarized conceptually, and a working group (WG) is also proposed. In the WG activities, Korea shall take the lead in establishing the Korean-style space telescope development plan, and will start a valuable step to establish the national direction in the field of space astronomy and related technologies. We hope that the WG will be another milestone in Korea's space development.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.204-211
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• 2022

To produce a high quality crop, light is an essential environmental factor in greenhouse cultivation. In the winter season, solar radiation is weak than other season. Therefore, using supplemental light during a low radiation period can increase the crop growth and yield. This study was conducted to select the economical supplemental light source for greenhouse cultivation in pepper during the low radiation period. The green pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Super Cheongyang') was transplanted on 5 September 2019. Supplemental lighting treatment was conducted from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020. RB LED (red and blue LED, red:blue = 7:3), W LED (white LED, R:G:B = 5:3:2), and HPS (high-pressure sodium lamp) were used as the supplemental light source. Non-treatment was used as the control. The plant height, SPAD, and number of nodes of pepper plants have no significant differences by supplemental light sources. However, the number of ramifications plants was the greatest in RB LED light source. Moreover, supplemental lighting increased photosynthesis of the pepper plant, and especially, the RB LED had the highest photosynthesis rate during supplemental lighting period. Also, the yield of pepper increased in the supplemental lighting treatment than in the control, and the RB LED had the greatest yield than other light sources. The electricity consumption was the highest in W LED and the lowest in HPS light. Through the economic analysis, the RB LED had high economic efficiency. In conclusion, these results suggest that using RB LED for supplemental light source during low radiation in pepper greenhouse increase the yield and economic feasibility.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.423-431
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• 2022

Due to increase of interest in 'carbon neutrality', attempts at agricultural use of CO₂ are increasing. In this study, we used the dry-ice made by CO₂ as by-product in thermoelectric power plant on CO₂ fertilization for production of leafy vegetable in greenhouses. The dry-ice was supplied on three leafy vegetable farms (Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng, Aster scaber, and Oenanthe stolonifera DC.) located in Hadong, Gyeongsangnamdo. Two greenhouses were used in each leaf vegetable crops, one greenhouse used as the control (non-treatment), other greenhouse used as supplied CO₂. For CO₂ fertilization, a gas sublimated from dry ice was supplied to the greenhouse using a specially designed prototype supply machine. A. tuberosum greenhouse has no difference of CO₂ concentration between the control, and CO₂ fertilization and shown high CO₂ concentration both greenhouses. However, the CO₂ concentrations in A. scaber and O. stolonifera greenhouses were increased in CO₂ fertilization treatment. The growth of A. scaber and O. stolonifera were increased in CO₂ fertilization, and the yield also increased to 36% and 25% than the control, respectively. As a result of economic analysis, the A. scaber has increase of income rate, however A. tuberosum and O. stolonifera has decreased income rate. Thus, the use of the dry-ice made by CO₂ as by-product in thermoelectric power plant has possibility to increase productivity of the leafy vegetable in greenhouse and have agricultural use value.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.97-109
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the risk indicators contributing to implant failure, and analyze the relationship between risk indicators and marginal bone loss (MBL) through long-term follow-up over 3 years. Materials and Methods: From 2003 to 2017, patients' medical charts with a history of dental implant surgery at Chonnam National University Dental Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The patient's demographic variables, and clinical variables were recorded. Periapical radiographs were used to evaluated the changes in MBL around implants. And we analyzed implant survival rates. Multiple regression analysis with backward elimination was conducted to correlate the patient's clinical variables and implant failure and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to the correlated between implant long-term survival rates and MBL and initial stability. Results: In multiple regression analysis, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between abutment connection type (β = -.189, P < .05), with or without SPT (β = -.163, P < .05), diabetes (β = -.164, P < .05), osteoporosis (β = -.211, P < .05) and MBL. Anticoagulant medication influenced the long-term success rate of implants. PTV values at the second implant surgery showed a statistically significant negative correlation with long-term implant survival (P < .05). Conclusion: For the long-term success of the implant, the appropriate abutment connection type must be selected and the periodic SPT is recommended. Systemic diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis and anticoagulant medication should be considered. Furthermore, since high PTV at the second implant surgery correlated with the long-term survival rates of the implant, initial stability should be carefully considered before undergoing the prosthetic procedure.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2022

The total maximum daily load (TMDL) implemented in Korea mainly manages the mainstream considering a single common pollutant and river discharge, and the river system is divided into unit watersheds. Changes in the water quality of managed rivers owing to the water quality management in tributaries and unit watersheds are not considered when implementing the TMDL. In addition, it is difficult to consider the difference in the load of pollutants generated in the tributary depending on the conditions of the water quality change in each unit watershed, even if the target water quality was maintained in the managed water system. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce the total maximum load management at tributaries to manage the pollution load of tributaries with a high degree of pollution. In this study, the HSPF model, a watershed runoff model, was applied to the target areas consisting of 53 sub-watersheds to analyze the effect of water quality changes the in tributaries on the mainstream. Sub-watersheds were selected from the three major areas of the Paldang water system, including the drainage basins of the downstream of the South Han-River, Gyeongan stream, and North Han-River. As a result, BOD ranged from 0.17 mg/L to 4.30 mg/L, and was generally high in tributaries and decreased in the downstream watershed. TP ranged from 0.02 mg/L - 0.22 mg/L, and the watersheds that had a large impact on urbanization and livestock industry were high, and the North Han-River basin was generally low. In addition, a pollution source reduction scenario was selected to analyze the change in water quality by the amount of pollution load discharged at each unit watershed. The reduction rate of BOD and TP according to the scenario changes was simulated higher in the watershed of the downstream of the North Han-River and downstream and midstream of the Gyeongan stream. It was found that the benefits of water quality reduction from each sub-watershed efforts to improve water quality are greatest in the middle and downstream of each main stream, and it is judged that it can be served as basic data for the management of total tributaries.