• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: It is very important to monitor the residual characteristics of pesticides in pre-harvest fresh ginseng to ensure consumer safety. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-eight fresh ginseng samples were collected from 8 ginseng-growing fields 10 days before harvest and pesticide residues in fresh ginseng with and without rhizome (head of ginseng) and rhizome were analyzed for 320 pesticides by using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. As a result of the pesticide residue analysis, the number of pesticides detected from the fresh ginseng with rhizome, that without rhizome and rhizome were 26, 25, and 40, respectively, indicating that high number of pesticides found in rhizome, compared with the other parts. Pyraclostrobin was detected with the highest frequency in all samples, reaching to 21.2% in fresh ginseng with rhizome, 16.8% in that without rhizome, and 14.8% in rhizome. CONCLUSION: The residue levels of pesticides detected did not exceed their maximum residue limits, in spite of residual data in fresh ginseng before harvest. The amounts of the estimated daily intakes of all the detected pesticides were found to be from 0.018 to 1.818% of their acceptable daily intakes, indicating that concentrations of pesticides detected from fresh ginseng with and without rhizome collected before harvest do not pose the immediate health risks.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.306-315
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• 2021

Purpose: Obesity is defined as the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat over acceptable limits. Leptin is a metabolic hormone present in the circulation in amounts proportional to fat mass. Leptin reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure, thus regulating body weight and homeostasis. Various polymorphisms are present in the leptin gene and its receptor. These polymorphisms may be associated with obesity. This study aimed to show the association of leptin (+19) AG, leptin (2548) GA, and Gln223Arg leptin receptor polymorphisms with obesity and metabolic syndrome in Turkish children aged 6-17 years, and to conduct further investigations regarding the genetic etiology of obesity. Methods: A total of 174 patients diagnosed with obesity and 150 healthy children who were treated at Tokat Gaziosmanpasa Medical School Hospital between September 2014 and March 2015 were included in this study. The ages of the children were between 6 and 17 years, and anthropometric and laboratory results were recorded. Genotyping of leptin (+19) AG, leptin (2548) GA, and leptin receptor Gln223Arg polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: An association between leptin receptor Gln223Arg gene polymorphism and obesity was detected. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to determine the role of genetic etiologies and to indicate the role of leptin signal transmission impairment in the pathogenesis of obesity. We hope that gene therapy can soon provide a solution for obesity.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 2021

Objectives: Non-traditional materials are used for mask construction to address personal protective equipment shortages during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Reusable masks made from surgical sterilization wrap represent such an innovative approach with social media frequently referring to them as "N95 alternatives." This material was tested for particle filtration efficiency and breathability to clarify what role they might have in infection prevention and control. Methods: A heavyweight, double layer sterilization wrap was tested when new and after 2, 4, 6, and 10 autoclave sterilizing cycles and compared with an approved N95 respirator and a surgical mask via testing procedures using a sodium chloride aerosol for N95 efficiency testing similar to 42 CFR 84.181. Pressure testing to indicate breathability was also conducted. Results: The particle filtration efficiency for the sterilization wrap ranged between 58% to 66%, with similar performance when new and after sterilizing cycles. The N95 respirator and surgical mask performed at 95% and 68% respectively. Pressure drops for the sterilization wrap, N95 and surgical mask were 10.4 mmH2O, 5.9 mmH2O, and 5.1 mmH2O, respectively, well below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health limits of 35 mmH2O during initial inhalation and 25 mmH2O during initial exhalation. Conclusions: The sterilization wrap's particle filtration efficiency is much lower than a N95 respirator, but falls within the range of a surgical mask, with acceptable breathability. Performance testing of non-traditional mask materials is crucial to determine potential protection efficacy and for correcting misinterpretation propagated through popular media.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.368-374
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• 2020

BACKGROUND: The residual analysis of polar pesticides has remained a challenge. It is even more difficult to simultaneously analyze multiple polar pesticides. Diquat, paraquat, and chlormequat are typical examples of highly polar pesticides. The existing methods for the analysis of diquat, paraquat and chlormequat are complex and time consuming. Therefore, a simple, quick and effective method was developed in the represent study for simultaneous analysis of diquat, paraquat and chlormequat in animal products, meat and fat using UPLC-MS/MS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sample extraction was carried out using acidified acetonitrile and water and re- extracted with acidified acetonitrile and combine the extracts followed by centrifugation. The extract was then cleaned up with a HLB cartridge after reconstitution with acidic acetonitrile and water. The method was validated in quintuplicate at three different concentrations. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.0015 and 0.005 mg/L, respectively. Matrix suppression effect was observed for all of the analytes. A seven point matrix matched calibration curve was constructed for each of the compound resulted excellent linearity with determination coefficients (R2) ≥ 0.991. Accuracy and precision of the method was calculated from the recovery and repeatability and ranged from 62.4 to 119.7% with relative standard deviation less than 18.8%. CONCLUSION: The recovery and repeatability of the developed method were in the acceptable range according to the Codex Alimentarius guideline. The developed method can be applied for the routine monitoring of diquat, paraquat, and chlormequat in animal products, meat and fat.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.270-277
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• 2020

This study analyzed mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, fumonisin B1, B2, ochratoxin A and zearalenone, using LC-MS/MS and conducted risk assessment on 54 samples of seeds distributed in SeoulYangnyeongsi and the management status of extramural herbal dispensary facility. The matched calibration showed a good linearity as observed in 6 concentration levels(r2>0.999) as a result of method validation applied with Arecae semen. Limits of detection(LOD) and quantification(LOQ) were in the range of 0.02-0.11 ㎍/kg and 0.08-0.34 ㎍/kg, respectively. Recoveries also estimated, ranging from 65.1-99.7% with relative standard deviation(RSD) 0.5-6.3%. As a result of the method on 54 samples, mycotoxins were detected in 16 samples. Among them, two Thujae semen showed a degree of concentration that exceeded the aflatoxin specification. In the risk assessment, the human exposure safety standard values were calculated as ADI(Acceptable Daily Intake) for aflatoxin B1, fumonisin and zearalenone. Ochratoxin A was calculated as PTWI(Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake). The MOE(Margine of Exposure) of aflatoxin B1 was in the range of 40.36-3536.88. And no items exceeded 100% in %TDI(Tolerable Daily Intake) and %TWI(Tolerable Weekly Intake) of fumonisin, zearalenone and ochratoxin A.

• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.107-128
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• 2021

It has been recognized that implementing the marginal price mechanism to CBP is not acceptable due to the lack of revenue of the marginal generators. This study shows that it is not the problem of marginal price mechanism but the structural problems originated by the suspension of restructuring, the technical limits of RSC program and inaccuracy of the generation cost estimation method. This study explains the method to calculate the cost function in operating modes of the CC generators and proposes the modeling for the CC generators in RSC program. To implementing the cost function in operating modes could give an opportunity to change the price setting mechanism from average to marginal cost. The price setting mechanism based on the marginal cost will be one of the main points to provide the right price signals and to introduce a real-time and A/S markets to prepare the energy transition era.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.663-673
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• 2021

Normally, allowable mean overtopping discharge is used as a design parameter for coastal structures. The crest elevation of a structure must ensure wave overtopping discharge within acceptable limits for structural safety and the safety of pedestrians, vehicles, operations, and so on. Some researchers have alternatively proposed using the maximum individual wave overtopping volumes as design criteria during a design storm, since these can provide a better design measure than the mean overtopping rate. This study contributes to the knowledge on maximum individual overtopping volumes in Rayleigh-distributed wave conditions. Two-dimensional physical model tests on typical rubble mound structure geometries were performed, and the new measurement method for individual overtopping was adopted. An empirical formula was proposed to predict the maximum individual overtopping volumes based on the mean overtopping rate, and the reduction effects by the armor crest width on the mean wave overtopping discharge were assessed.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.373-384
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• 2021

PURPOSE. This study aimed to compare the marginal and internal fit of 3-unit monolithic zirconia restorations that were designed by using the data obtained with the aid of intraoral and laboratory scanners. MATERIALS AND METHODS. For the fabrication of 3-unit monolithic zirconia restorations using impressions taken from the maxillary master cast, plaster cast was created and scanned in laboratory scanners (InEos X5 and D900L). The main cast was also scanned with different intraoral scanners (Omnicam [OMNI], Primescan [PS], Trios 3 [T3], Trios 4 [T4]) (n = 12 per group). Zirconia fixed partial dentures were virtually designed, produced from presintered block, and subsequently sintered. Marginal and internal discrepancy values (in ㎛) were measured by using silicone replica method under stereomicroscope. Data were statistically analyzed by using 1-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests (P<.05). RESULTS. In terms of marginal adaptation, the measurements on the canine tooth indicated better performance with intraoral scanners than those in laboratory scanners, but there was no difference among intraoral scanners (P<.05). In the premolar tooth, PS had the lowest marginal (86.9 ± 19.2 ㎛) and axial (92.4 ± 14.8 ㎛), and T4 had the lowest axio-occlusal (89.4 ± 15.6 ㎛) and occlusal (89.1 ± 13.9 ㎛) discrepancy value. In both canine and premolar teeth, the D900L was found to be the most marginally and internally inconsistent scanner. CONCLUSION. Within the limits of the study, marginal and internal discrepancy values were generally lower in intraoral scanners than in laboratory scanners. Marginal discrepancy values of scanners were clinically acceptable (< 120 ㎛), except D900L.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2022

This study discusses the effect of using ²³²Th instead of ²³⁸U on the neutronic characteristics and the main operating parameters of the pressurized water reactor (PWR). MCNPX version 2.7 was used to compare the neutronic characteristics of UO₂ with (Th, ²³⁵U)O₂ and (Th, ²³³U) O₂. Firstly, the infinity multiplication factor (K_inf), thermal neutron flux, and power distribution have been studied for the investigated fuel types. Secondly, the effect of Gd₂O₃ and Er₂O₃ on the K_inf and on the radial thermal neutron flux and thermal power has been investigated to distinguish which of them is more suitable than the other in reactivity management. Thirdly, to illustrate the effectiveness of ²³²Th in decreasing the inventory of both the actinides and non-actinides, the concentration of plutonium (Pu) isotopes and minor actinides (MAs) has been simulated with the fuel burnup. Besides, due to their large thermal neutron absorption cross-section, the concentrations of ¹³⁵Xe, ¹⁴⁹Sm, and ¹⁵¹Sm with the fuel burnup have been investigated. Finally, the main safety parameters such as the reactivity worth of the control rods (ρ_CR), the effective delayed neutron fraction β_eff, and the Doppler reactivity coefficient (DRC) were calculated to determine to which extent these fuel types achieve the acceptable limits.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.80 no.6
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• pp.701-709
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• 2021

The paper aims at improving the understanding and mitigating the effects of tunnel fires that may breakout due to the burning fuel and/or explosion within the tunnel. This study particularly focuses on the behavior of the commonly used horse shoe geometry of tunnel systems. The problem has been obtained using an adequate well-established program incorporating the Lagrangian approach. A transient-thermo-coupled static structural analysis is carried out. The effects of radiation and convection to the outer walls of the tunnel is studied. The paper also presents the impact of the hazard on the structural integrity of the tunnel. A methodology is proposed to study the tunnel fire using a model which uses equivalent steel sheet to represent the presence of reinforcements to improve the computational efficiency with adequate validation. A parametric study has been carried out and the effect of suitable lining property for mitigating the fire hazard is arrived at. Detailed analysis is done for the threshold limits of the properties of the lining material to check if it is acceptable in all aspects for the integrity of the tunnel. The study may prove useful for developing insights for ensuring tunnel fire safety. To conduct such studies experimentally are tremendously costly but are required to gain confidence. But, scaled models, as well as loading and testing conditions, cannot be studied by many trials experimentally as the cost will shoot up sharply. In this context, the results obtained from such computational studies with a feasible variation of various combinations of parameters may act as a set of guidelines to freeze the adequate combination of various parameters to conduct one or two costly experiments for confidence building.