• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.333-346
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• 2024

High-resolution medium-range streamflow prediction is crucial for sustainable water quality and aquatic ecosystem management. For reliable medium-range streamflow predictions, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of forcings and to effectively utilize weather forecast data with low spatio-temporal resolutions. In this study, we presented a comparative analysis of medium-range streamflow predictions using the distributed hydrological model, WRF-Hydro, and the numerical weather forecast Global Data Assimilation and Prediction System (GDAPS) in the Geumho River basin, Korea. Multiple forcings, ground observations (AWS&ASOS), numerical weather forecast (GDAPS), and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), were ingested to investigate the performance of streamflow predictions with highresolution WRF-Hydro configuration. In terms of the mean areal accumulated rainfall, GDAPS was overestimated by 36% to 234%, and GLDAS reanalysis data were overestimated by 80% to 153% compared to AWS&ASOS. The performance of streamflow predictions using AWS&ASOS resulted in KGE and NSE values of 0.6 or higher at the Kangchang station. Meanwhile, GDAPS-based streamflow predictions showed high variability, with KGE values ranging from 0.871 to -0.131 depending on the rainfall events. Although the peak flow error of GDAPS was larger or similar to that of GLDAS, the peak flow timing error of GDAPS was smaller than that of GLDAS. The average timing errors of AWS&ASOS, GDAPS, and GLDAS were 3.7 hours, 8.4 hours, and 70.1 hours, respectively. Medium-range streamflow predictions using GDAPS and high-resolution WRF-Hydro may provide useful information for water resources management especially in terms of occurrence and timing of peak flow albeit high uncertainty in flood magnitude.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.465-473
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• 2023

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the bioconversion ability of single (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CBT LP3, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CBT SL6, Streptococcus thermophilus CBT ST3) and multi-strain probiotics to convert rutin to quercetin in roasted tartary buckwheat, and to assess their biological activities. To evaluate the bioconversion efficiency, each strain was cultured for 24 h in MRS media with 5% roasted tartary buckwheat 'Hwangguem-Miso' powder. After then, rutin and quercetin contents were determined by HPLC. Additionally, the biological activities were compared before and after bioconversion of an ingredient. Anti-oxidant effects were measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. Anti-inflammatory effects were determined by measuring NO production, and levels of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-4 using an LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cell model. The bioconversion rate under the combination of three species of probiotics significantly increased more than single species. Antioxidant efficacy results showed the highest activity when the combination of three species of probiotics cultured. The pro-inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide, iNOS, TNF-a, and IL-6 were significantly decreased when the three types of probiotics were combined than single strain was cultured. In addition, level in the anti-inflammatory factor IL-4 was increased. The multi-strain probiotics showed increased bioconversion efficiency, effects of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compared to the single strain. These findings suggest that the fermentation of tartary buckwheat by probiotics may be a valuable candidate for developing functional foods with anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.1
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• pp.185-196
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• 2023

Purpose This study aimed to investigate radiomics analysis of ultrasonographic images to develop a potential biomarker for predicting lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. Materials and Methods This study included 431 PTC patients from August 2013 to May 2014 and classified them into the training and validation sets. A total of 730 radiomics features, including texture matrices of gray-level co-occurrence matrix and gray-level run-length matrix and single-level discrete two-dimensional wavelet transform and other functions, were obtained. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method was used for selecting the most predictive features in the training data set. Results Lymph node metastasis was associated with the radiomics score (p < 0.001). It was also associated with other clinical variables such as young age (p = 0.007) and large tumor size (p = 0.007). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.687 (95% confidence interval: 0.616-0.759) for the training set and 0.650 (95% confidence interval: 0.575-0.726) for the validation set. Conclusion This study showed the potential of ultrasonography-based radiomics to predict cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC; thus, ultrasonography-based radiomics can act as a biomarker for PTC.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.49-58
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• 2024

This study aimed to compare the acoustic measurements of speech samples recorded from individuals with normal voices using various devices: the Computerized Speech Lab (CSL), a unidirectional wired pin-microphone (WIRED) suitable for smartphones, the built-in omnidirectional microphone (SMART) of smartphones, and Bluetooth-connected wireless earphones, specifically the Galaxy Buds2 Pro (WIRELESS). This study included 40 normal adults (12 males and 28 females) who had not visited an otolaryngologist for respiratory diseases within the past three months. Participants performed sustained vowel /a/ phonation for four seconds and reading tasks with sentences ("Walk") and paragraphs ("Autumn") in a sound-treated booth. Recordings were simultaneously conducted using the four different devices and synchronized based on the CSL-recorded samples for analysis using the MDVP, ADSV, and VOXplot programs. Compared with CSL, the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID_V, CSID_S) and Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) values were lower in the WIRED and higher in the SMART. The opposite trend was observed for the L/H spectral ratios (SR_V and SR_S), and the WIRELESS demonstrated task-specific discrepancies. Furthermore, both the fundamental frequency (F0) and the cepstral peak prominence of the vowel samples (CPP_V) had intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values above 0.9, indicating high reliability. These variables, F0 and CPP_V were considered highly reliable for voice recordings across different microphone types. However, caution should be exercised when analyzing and interpreting variables such as the SR, CSID, and AVQI, which may be influenced by the type of microphone used.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 2024

The experiment was conducted to determine the changes in seed productivity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) according to nitrogen fertilization levels in the southern region of Korea. Italian ryegrass (IRG) variety 'Green Call' was sown in the fall of 2021 in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. The experiment consisted of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (100, 120, and 140 N kg/ha) with three replications using a randomized complete block design. Harvesting was done approximately 30 days after heading on May 18th. There was no difference in heading date among treatments, which occurred on April 18th. The longest IRG was observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment, but there was no significant difference. No significant differences were observed in lodging, disease resistance, and cold tolerance among treatments, but lodging was severe in all treatments. The length of the spike averaged 44.95 cm, with no difference among treatments, and the number of seeds per spike was highest in the 120 N kg/ha treatment. Seed yield increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels, averaging 3,707 kg/ha (as-fed basis). DM content of seed and straw averaged 76.95% and 62.19%, respectively, with no significant differences among treatments. The remaining straw after harvesting averaged 6,525 kg/ha on a dry matter basis, with the highest value observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment. Overall, considering the results, the optimal nitrogen fertilizer application rate for seed production of Italian ryegrass in the southern region when sown in autumn was found to be 120 N kg/ha.

• 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.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.519-529
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• 2024

Vehicle toll discounts on private roads are categorized into two types: non-sunset and sunset. Sunset types refer to provisions in which all or part of a law loses its effect upon a specific legislator-set deadline. Vehicles eligible for 'sunset' discounts include cargo vehicles operating late at night and eco-friendly vehicles powered by electricity or hydrogen. Korean government has subsidized all reduced toll fees for vehicles classified as non-sunset types on private roads to operators, but no subsidies have been provided for toll reductions on sunset vehicles. The rapid increase in electric hydrogen vehicles escalates the burden of reduced toll revenue on private road operators. This study analyzed traffic volume and toll reduction data from eight private road operators nationwide as of the end of 2023 to propose the necessity and method of supporting sunset-type toll reduction subsidies. In 2022, the subsidy for non-sunset types amounted to 87.5 billion won, or 18.6 % of total traffic revenue. The toll exemption and reduction ratio under the concession agreement ranged from 4.0 % to 5.65 % of total traffic volume for each operator. Although the proportion of vehicles exempted from sunset traffic increased from 0.85 % in 2017 to 2.79 % in 2022, the reduction amount ratio reached 4.2 % (KRW 25.5 billion) of total traffic revenue in 2022. The escalating number of registered eco-friendly vehicles is gradually causing operating profit losses on private roads. In alignment with the government's policy to expand eco-friendly vehicles, it is imperative to consider including vehicles eligible for toll reductions listed under the sunset category for subsidy payments. The study established a minimum ratio for toll reduction assistance at 4.0 %, agreed upon between the road authorities and private operators. Three policy alternatives were proposed to ensure preservation of amounts exceeding this threshold for sustaining adequate toll revenue for private road operators.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.77
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• pp.29-46
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• 2024

Research Purpose : This study originated from a request for education and counseling to reassess the role of middle-aged lay women in the church. The research purpose is to analyze the significance, transformation, and impact of learning participation by investigating how individuals' needs are addressed through a lifelong education program designed as a pilot course. The study aims to examine how middle-aged women who have actively participated in church activities, reflect on their faith, ministry, and life through the church's lifelong education program. Research content and method : The study examines the process in which middle-aged women who have actively collaborated in church activities reflect on their faith, ministry, and lives through church lifelong education programs. The research method involves qualitative research focused on observation journals and interviews. Participants are selected through preliminary interviews based on having over 13 years of church ministry experience and an interest in lifelong education. Data is collected primarily through stories experienced in ministry. The research results are categorized into motivation for participation, learning experiences, and the meaning of participation. Firstly, the motivation for participation was seeking better self through identity restoration and challenges. Secondly, learning experiences were moments of healing and restoration in redesigning oneself. Thirdly, the meaning of participation was relational restoration and expansion. Ultimately, it was found that coaching through church lifelong education facilitated the recovery and transformation of participants' faith and ministry. Conclusion and Recommendation : Church lifelong education through coaching restored and brought about change in the faith and ministry of the research participants. To summarize the meaning of the experience of participating in lifelong learning, it involves: first, 'recognizing the meaning and possibility of one's own development,' second, 'healing and restoration of self-esteem,' third, 'restoration and expansion of relationships,' and finally, 'the discovery of one's true self.' Middle-aged women who have lived a role-centered life rather than focusing on individual faith have a strong desire to live as their complete selves. Therefore, a program should be developed that provides time for individuals to reflect on and diagnose their lives, while also seeking new visions. Therefore, we propose follow-up research with the hope that a variety of coaching-related church lifelong education will be developed and provide practical assistance to numerous lay ministers.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.449-455
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• 2023

In this study, the effect of crown heating on the cultivation environment, budding, flowering and yields of strawberry was analyzed. In December, January, and February, when the outside temperature was low, the average strawberry crown temperature at daytime in the test zone was 1.3℃ higher than that in the control zone, and the average strawberry crown temperature at nighttime in the test zone was 2.7℃ higher than that in the control zone. The average bed temperature at daytime in test zone was 1.7℃ higher than that in the control zone, and the average bed temperature at nighttime in test zone was 2.4℃ higher than that in the control zone. As a result of performing correlation analysis and regression analysis on strawberry crown temperature and budding period, the correlation coefficient was -0.86, which tended to be shorter as the crown temperature was higher, and the determination coefficient was 0.74. The total yields of strawberry during test period were 392.6 g/plant for test greenhouse and 346.0 g/plant for control greenhouse respectively. As for the quality of strawberries, the ratio of 2L (very large) grades and L (large) grades was 62.4% in the test greenhouse and 58.5% in the control greenhouse, indicating that the proportion of high quality strawberries was higher in the test greenhouse.

• Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.210-219
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• 2024

This study investigates various ionospheric and thermospheric disturbances around the Korean Peninsula during the G5 geomagnetic storm occurred on May 10, 2024. This level of storm was the first of its magnitude in 21 years, resulting in auroras visible even in South Korea and severe space weather worldwide. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute has been providing ionospheric information over Korea through total electron content (TEC) measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and monitoring the impact of ionospheric disturbances on GNSS signals by operating five GNSS scintillation stations in Korea and other countries. During this storm period, large amplitudes of TEC variations were observed over South Korea, along with anomalous TEC enhancements accompanied by strong scintillations at night and persistent TEC depletion on the dayside during the storm's recovery phase. Such daytime TEC depletion disturbances are quite rare, typically occurring only a few times throughout the 11-year solar cycle. While the association of persistent TEC depletion during the daytime with neutral composition disturbances was identified through observations, the causes of TEC enhancement and strong scintillation at night remain unclear. We speculate that the uplift of the ionosphere by storm-induced electric fields is responsible for the TEC enhancement and scintillation, but this hypothesis requires validation based on additional observational data.