• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.313-321
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• 2023

Numerous studies have investigated the adsorptive sequestration of radioactive cesium in the natural environment. Among these studies, adsorption onto minerals and high-temperature treatment stand out as highly effective, as demonstrated by the use of zeolite. In this study, cesium was ion-exchanged with birnessite and subsequently underwent high-temperature treatment up to 1100℃ to investigate both mineral phase transformation and the leaching characteristics of cesium. Birnessite has a layered structure consisting of MnO₆ octahedrons that share edges, demonstrating excellent cation adsorption capacity. The high-temperature treatment of cesium-ion-exchanged birnessite resulted in changes in the mineral phase, progressing from cryptomelane, bixbyite, birnessite to hausmannite as the temperature increased. This differs from the phase transformation observed in the tunneled manganese oxide mineral todorokite ion-exchanged with cesium, which shows phase transformation only to birnessite and hausmannite. The leaching of cesium from cesium-ion-exchanged birnessite was estimated by varying the reaction time using both distilled water and a 1 M NaCl solution. The leaching quantity changed according to the treatment temperature, reaction time, and type of reaction solution. Specifically, the cesium leaching was higher in the sample reacted with 1 M NaCl compared to the sample with distilled water and also increased with longer reaction time. For the samples reacted with distilled water, the cesium leaching initially increased and then decreased, while in the NaCl solution, the leaching decreased, increased again, and finally nearly stopped like the sample in the distilled water for the sample treated at 1100℃. These changes in leaching are closely associated with the mineral phases formed at different temperatures. The phase transformation to cryptomelane and birnessite enhanced cesium leaching, whereas bixbyite and hausmannite hindered leaching. Notably, hausmannite, the most stable phase occurring at the highest temperature, demonstrated the greatest ability to inhibit cesium leaching. This results strongly suggest that high-temperature treatment of cesium-ion-exchanged birnessite effectively immobilizes and sequesters cesium.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.303-312
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• 2023

The determination of the oxidation states of metal elements in manganese nodules sheds light on the understanding of the formation mechanism of nodules, providing insights into the paleo-environmental conditions such as the redox potential of the aqueous system. This study aims to reveal the oxidation states and chemical bonding of manganese in the natural polymetallic nodules, utilizing conventional X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Specifically, shallow manganese nodules from the Siberian Arctic Sea, effectively recording mineralogical variations, were used in this study. Detailed analysis of XPS Mn 2p spectra showed changes in the manganese oxidation state from the center to the outer parts of the nodules. The central part of the nodules showed a higher Mn⁴⁺ content, approximately 67.9%, while the outermost part showed about 63% of Mn⁴⁺ due to an increase in the Mn³⁺+Mn²⁺. The decrease in the Mn oxidation state with the growth is consistent with the previously reported mineralogical variations from todorokite to birnessite with growth. Additionally, the O 1s spectra presented a predominance of Mn-O-H bonds in the outer layers compared to the center, suggesting hydration by water in the layered manganates of outer layers. The results of this study demonstrate that XPS can be directly applied to understand changes in paleo-environmental conditions such as the redox states during the growth of manganese nodules. Finally, future studies using high-resolution synchrotron-based XPS experiments could achieve details in oxidation states of manganese and trace metal elements.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.371-384
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• 2023

We investigated the occurrence of insect pests on street trees that were planted or naturally grew in a total of six urban and suburban parks (two sites in Iksan, one site in Gimje and three sites in Gwangju) in Honam region, South Korea from May to September, 2022. The six survey sites are divided into three characters, two 'nearby forest (NF)', two 'nearby river (NR)' and two 'nearby downtown (ND)' according to the created location of sites and the results on fauna of insect pests compared with street tree species for each character of survey sites. As results, we could discover 51 species of 49 genera in 27 families belonging to five insect orders from a total of 21 tree species belonging to 13 families in six survey sites. Among the insect taxa, hemipteran pests are most diverse with 22 species of 20 genera in 12 families and it is confirmed that Prunus × yedoensis Matsum. (Rosaceae) is damaged by most diverse 25 insect pests. With regard to character of survey sites, trees in 'nearby river' were affected by most diverse 34 insect pests, even though tree species were few compare to sites of 'nearby forest' and 'nearby downtown. Among the affected area of tree parts, leaf-feeding insect pests are most diverse with 22 species. From the present study, we provided a checklist of insect pests from the street trees and selected six most concerned species. Indeed, it is needed to conduct sustainable surveys and monitoring on occurrence of insect pests from street trees in urban and suburban parks because the species of planted street trees in parks can be extremely diverse with occurrence of unexpected insect pests.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.726-740
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• 2023

Objectives: This review investigated the research on warm herbal foot bath therapy (WHFT) for insomnia. Methods: A search was conducted on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database to collect relevant studies published up to August 29, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing WHFT and sleeping pills in patients with insomnia were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. The results of the meta-analysis were presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 11 RCTs were included. WHFT as monotherapy resulted in a significantly higher total effective rate (TER) (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.36; I²=25%) and an improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global sore (MD, -3.10; 95% CI, -4.24 to -1.95; I²=73%) compared to benzodiazepines. Additionally, WHFT as a combined therapy with benzodiazepines resulted in a significantly higher TER (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.27; I²=0%) and an improved PSQI global score (MD, -2.23; 95% CI, -4.09 to -0.38; I²=80%) compared to benzodiazepines alone. In network analysis visualizing the components of HWFT, four clusters were discovered, and Polygoni Multiflori Ramuls and Ziziphi Spinosae Semen were the key herbs used in WHFT. Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies was poor. Conclusions: There was limited evidence that WHFT as a monotherapy or combined therapy was effective in improving insomnia. The findings can be used as basic data for future WHFT research in South Korea.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.753-760
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• 2023

In this study, quality improvement of beef was attempted according to the low temperature treatment and aging period of grade 1 compared to grade 1⁺⁺ beef. The fat content and shear force of beef grade 1⁺⁺ were 13.03% and 114.26N, but beef grade 1 was 3.21% and 149.67N. Meanwhile, after low-temperature treatment of grade 1 beef at -26℃ for 12 hours and low-temperature aging at 0 ℃ for 14 days, the shear force was greatly reduced to 87.85N, improving overall preference, softness, dripping gravy, flavor, and chewing texture. The essential free amino acid content was as low as 22.17mg/100g in grade 1⁺⁺ beef, but the contents were high at 41.31~45.11mg/100g in three samples of grade 1, and there was no change in content according to cold treatment conditions. As a specific component of beef, Taurine was 30.94~34.41mg/100g, and the difference in content was small according to beef grade, but Anserine and Creatine were low at 19.68mg/100g and 70.01mg/100g in beef grade 1⁺⁺ and high at 26.38~31.23mg/100g and 154.09~167.26mg/10g in beef grade 1. The content ratio of oleic acid (c18:1)/stearic acid (c18:0) as an monounsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio was low at 5.29 for grade 1⁺⁺ beef, but high at 6.13~6.78 for grade 1 beef. In addition, there was no trend in the content ratio of these fatty acids according to the low-temperature treatment conditions and aging period in beef grade 1. As a result of this study, it was possible to improve the quality of beef grade 1 by low-temperature treatment at -26 ℃ for 12 hours and then aging at 0 ℃ for 14 days.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.149-160
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• 2023

This study develops a time-varying system-based noncontact fabric sensor that can measure cerebral blood-flow signals to explore the possibility of brain blood-signal detection and emotional evaluation. The textile sensor was implemented as a coil-type sensor by combining 30 silver threads of 40 deniers and then embroidering it with the computer machine. For the cerebral blood-flow measurement experiment, subjects were asked to attach a coil-type sensor to the carotid artery area, wear an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode and a respiration (RSP) measurement belt. In addition, Doppler ultrasonography was performed using an ultrasonic diagnostic device to measure the speed of blood flow. The subject was asked to wear Meta Quest 2, measure the blood-flow change signal when viewing the manipulated image visual stimulus, and fill out an emotional-evaluation questionnaire. The measurement results show that the textile-sensor-measured signal also changes with a change in the blood-flow rate signal measured using the Doppler ultrasonography. These findings verify that the cerebral blood-flow signal can be measured using a coil-type textile sensor. In addition, the HRV extracted from ECG and PLL signals (textile sensor signals) are calculated and compared for emotional evaluation. The comparison results show that for the change in the ratio because of the activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems due to visual stimulation, the values calculated using the textile sensor and ECG signals tend to be similar. In conclusion, a the proposed time-varying system-based coil-type textile sensor can be used to study changes in the cerebral blood flow and monitor emotions.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.158-171
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• 2023

Pottery filled with organic materials was excavated from the G-2 building site of Yongjangseong Fortress, Jingo, a relic of the Goryeo Dynasty. In this study, the characteristics of organic material were confirmed by a scientific analysis of organic material in pottery found at the palace in Yongjangseong, Jindo. In addition, it was intended to review the analysis method to identify the natural resin and to secure characteristic components(biomarkers) for each natural resin and use them as basic data in the future. The organic materials in the pottery were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FTIR) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The infrared spectral characteristics were estimated to be natural resin, and biomarkers of organic materials were identified as sesquiterpene-based compounds(C₁₅H₂₄, MW 204) and derivatives. The lacquer(T.vemicifluum) is composed mainly of alkenes, alkanes, and catechol. Pine resin(P.densiflora), on the other hand, is primarily composed of diterpenoid(abietic acid, pimaric acid) and Whangchil(yellow lacquer) is identified to have sesquiterpenes(such as selinene, muurolene, calamenene) as its main components. So, the organic material in the pottery can be identified as Whangchil by comparing their compounds with modern resin materials from Dendropanax. morbifera that correspond with the results. Whangchil, which is exuded from the Dendropanax. morbifera, has been used as a natural coating materials since ancient times, and it has been confirmed that the characteristic components are well preserved even 700 years later. It can be assumed that the interior Whangchil was stored not for use as a coating, but rather for ritual purposes when the building was constructed, because the pottery was found near the cornerstone. Furthermore, based on simplified sample preparation using pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry(Py-GC-MS), the thermal decomposition products were found to be similar to the characteristic components, suggesting that this method can be applied to the identification of natural resins used in historic artifacts.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.52-58
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• 2023

With the increasing awareness of the importance of carbon neutrality in response to global climate change, the utilization of hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel source is also growing. Hydrogen is commonly used in fuel cells (FC), but it can also be utilized in internal combustion engines (ICE) that are based on combustion. Particularly, ICEs that already have established infrastructure for production and supply can greatly contribute to the expansion of hydrogen energy utilization when it becomes difficult to rely solely on fuel cells or expand their infrastructure. However, a disadvantage of utilizing hydrogen through combustion is the potential generation of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful emissions formed when nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen at high temperatures. In particular, for the EURO-7 exhaust regulation, which includes cold start operation, efforts to reduce exhaust emissions during the warm-up process are required. Therefore, in this study, the characteristics of nitrogen oxides and fuel consumption were investigated during the warm-up process of cooling water from room temperature to 88℃ using a 2-liter direct injection spark ignition (SI) engine fueled with hydrogen. One advantage of hydrogen, compared to conventional fuels like gasoline, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is its wide flammable range, which allows for sparser control of the excessive air ratio. In this study, the excessive air ratio was varied as 1.6/1.8/2.0 during the warm-up process, and the results were analyzed. The experimental results show that as the excessive air ratio becomes sparser during warm-up, the emission of nitrogen oxides per unit time decreases, and the thermal efficiency relatively increases. However, as the time required to reach the final temperature becomes longer, the cumulative emissions and fuel consumption may worsen.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.254-260
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• 2023

The characteristics and spore production of Gonji7ho, Bunhong, and Sunjung fruiting bodies were assessed at different growth stages. The shape of the Pleurotus species fruiting body starts out short and small, then takes on a typical mushroom shape as it grows. Gonji7ho has a long stalk, Bunhong has a short stalk and a wide cap, and Sunjung's cap and stalk dimensions are intermediate. Each variety displayed deep color at the beginning of growth but became steadily lighter with continued growth. The shape of the linkage between the mushroom stalk and cap changed from an initial central position to a lateral position after the growing stage. Gonji7ho cap diameter increased 7-fold from 15.5 mm (5 days of growth) to 37.9 mm (9 days of growth). Growth rates for each growth day measured using the growth percentage of the previous day were 285.5% (5 → 6th day), 182.2% (6 → 7th day), 129.4% (7 → 8th day), and 103.8% (8 → 9th day). This trend was also observed in Bunhong and Sunjung, but Bunhong's growth rate was more rapid (4.9 fold on day 6, 2.7 fold on day 7) and continued to increase through day 9. Harvest yield, which is of greatest interest to farmers, displayed a similar trend spanning the growth period, as did cap diameter. Gonji7ho harvest yield increased rapidly until day 7 of growth (more than 177%), then growth slowed down beginning around day 8, and further decreased on day 9 (98%). Similar trends were observed in Bunhong and Sunjung. Bunhong showed characteristic rapid growth in harvest yield (4.9 fold compared to the previous day on day 6 and 2.7 fold on day 7), and the increase continued through day 9. A decrease in mushroom harvest yield commonly seen in the late growth stage is thought to be due to the death of some mushrooms and decomposition of cap tissue. Basidiospore content increased with number of growth days but decreased after day 8. Gonji7ho yielded the highest production on day 7 of growth, coinciding with harvest time, with 209,000,000 spores. This trend was also observed in Bunhong and Sunjung. These results will provide researchers with basal data and guide farmers in selecting the optimal harvest day.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.293-302
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• 2023

This study evaluated the acute toxicity induced by oxolinic acid (OA), neomycin-oxytetracycline combination (NEO-OTC) and florfenicol (FF) administered to guppy (Poecilia reticulata) by comparing standard formulations with commercial preparations (COOaqua curinpotion, COOaqua terafinpotion and COOaqua profenpotion, respectively) for ornamental fish at concentrations of 2-4%. NEO-OTC exhibited the highest acute toxicity in guppy, with no difference observed between the pstandard formulation and commercial preparation (LC₅₀ = 126.08 mg/L and 112.44 mg/L, respectively). OA acute toxicity was assessed in the form of sodium salt, with an LC₅₀ of 504.61 mg/L for the standard formulation and a slightly increased toxicity of 316.11 mg/L for the commercial preparation. In contrast, no mortality was observed during the 96-hour exposure period with the standard formulation in the form of oxolinic acid. The acute toxicity of FF was measured to be above 1,000 mg/L for the standard formulation; however, the commercial preparation significantly increased to 158.53 mg/L. These results indicate that toxicity can significantly increase in commercial formulations, especially those with low levels of active ingredients. This is presumed to be attributed to the organic solvents or solubilizing agents present in the commercial preparations, which may enhance toxicity. Additionally, guppy infected with Aeromonas salmonicida were effectively protected against mortality by administering OA, NEO-OTC and FF at concentrations of 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 15 mg/L, respectively, for 2 hours and at half the dose for 24 hours. This result indicates that liquid formulations containing low concentrations of antibiotics may partially increase toxicity, but there is no problem in effectively treating diseases in ornamental fish.