• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.59-72
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of heavy metal concentrations in the blood and urine of the general population. This research had been conducted from April to December 2008, studying 545 residents of Daejeon and Chungcheong Province. Through the concentrations of heavy metals(Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Mn) in the biota samples and questionnaires, the residents heavy metal exposure level and the influential factors according to personal characteristics or lifestyle were evaluated. As to the heavy metal concentration in the blood and urine of the comparing region, were As and Mn statistically significant(p<0.01, p<0.05). Blood lead and urinary mercury concentrations were higher in males than females. The heavy metal concentration for each age group increased blood mercury. The concentration of all heavy metals were higher in the drinkers than in the non-drinkers. Blood lead and mercury concentrations were higher in the smokers than in the non-smokers, but the urinary cadmium, arsenic and blood manganese was higher in the non-smokers than in the smokers. As to the blood lead and urinary cadmium concentration according to the food preference fish showed high concentration. To clarify the factors affecting the heavy metal concentration in biota among subjects multiple regression analysis was conducted. As a results, it turned out that as to lead content in blood, sex, age and smoking have influence on the subjects with explanatory adequacy of 14.0 %. These results demonstrated that the factors affected the concentrations of heavy metals in blood and urine. The results of this study could be used as the foundational data for setting the health risk assessment.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.509-520
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether a mobile health (mHealth) application can instigate healthy behavioral changes and improvements in metabolic disorders in individuals with metabolic abnormalities. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Participants were divided into an mHealth intervention group (IG), which used a mobile app for 24 weeks, and a conventional IG. All mobile apps featured activity monitors, with blood pressure and glucose monitors, and body-composition measuring devices. The two groups were compared after 24 weeks in terms of health-behavior practice rate and changes in the proportion of people with health risks, and health behaviors performed by the IG that contributed to reductions in more than one health risk factor were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Preference for low-sodium diet, reading nutritional facts, having breakfast, and performing moderate physical activity significantly increased in the mHealth IG. Furthermore, the mHealth IG showed a significant increase of eight items in the mini-dietary assessment; particularly, the items "I eat at least two types of vegetables of various colors at every meal" and "I consume dairies, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, every day." The proportion of people with health risks, with the exception of fasting glucose, significantly decreased in the mHealth IG, while only the proportion of people with at-risk triglycerides and waist circumference of females significantly decreased in the control group. Finally, compared to those who did not show improvements of health risks, those who showed improvements of health risks in the mHealth IG had an odds ratio of 1.61 for moderate to vigorous physical activity, 1.65 for "I do not add more salt or soy sauce in my food," and 1.77 for "I remove fat in my meat before eating." CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the additional use of a community-based mHealth service through a mobile application is effective for improving health behaviors and lowering metabolic risks in Koreans.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.552-560
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• 2023

Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

• Journal of Information Management
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.97-117
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to present the design of search interface of mobile catalog of University libraries by identifying the current situation of search interface of mobile catalog of domestic and overseas academic libraries and users' preferences derived by survey, and reflecting the combined results. The investigation on current situation of search interface of mobile catalog of domestic University libraries was carried out by using checklist for functional assessment targeting 82 mobile catalogs. For overseas examples, contents and functional elements about 15 mobile catalog search interface of academic libraries in England and US were examined and analyzed. In addition, three domestic University libraries's mobile catalogs were selected as research targets and the survey was carried out to identify the situation of use of mobile catalog and preference on search interface.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.385-390
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• 2009

This study was conducted to develop the unique native local foods of Namwon and to provide basic data needed to reinvigoratethe tourist industry and local economy. Perception and satisfaction with native local foods of Namwon were surveyed in 483 tourists (246 men and 237 women 53% visiting Namwon for the first time). Of the participants, 41.2% did not stay or eat in Namwon. Most tourists visited with other family members and spent approximately 20,000 won per capita on food. Of the foods sampled for the first time, preferred foods were (in order of preference and intention to order again) Chueo-tang, Hanjeongsik, wild edible greens-jeongsik, and black pork. The degree of food satisfaction was relatively favorable (3.54${\pm}$0.08 points on a 5-point satisfaction scale), with taste being the most important factor affecting the degree of satisfaction for 92.9% of the subjects. However, willingness to revisit Namwon on the basis of the local foods was not as high as the degree of satisfaction with the foods. Insufficient information and publicity concerning Namwon local foods were cited as impediments, and suggested improvements included taste, sanitation and food-based tourism. The degree of satisfaction was higher in men than in women. Age, residence, and occupation were not related to the degree of satisfaction. But, the willingness to revisit Namwon to sample local foods was related with gender (men more willing) and occupation (public service personnel, business owners, salaried employees, professionals, and housewives more willing, in order). Women in general and housewives in particular were most critical in food assessment.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.539-547
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• 2015

This study investigated elementary school students' perception and recognition of soybean foods and assessed their intake levels of isoflavones. A survey was administered to 300 sixth grade students in Daegu. The amount of isoflavones consumed by students was estimated by food intake frequency and the 24-hour recall method based on their general dietary habits and perception of soybean foods. Subjects' mean height was 152.2 cm, mean weight was 45.2 kg, and body mass index was $19.4kg/m^2$. All subjects had knowledge of soybeans and most preferred bean-paste pot stew of all soybean-based foods. Students typically ingested isoflavones two or three times per week in the forms of tofu, bean-paste pot stew, and bean sprouts. The average amount of isoflavones consumed from soy foods was 26.43 mg/day (daidzein 9.27 mg/day and genistein 17.16 mg/day) as assessed by food frequency questionnaire and 30.83 mg/day (daidzein 13.63 mg/day and genistein 16.40 mg/day) by the 24-hour recall method, showing that the 24-hour recall method assessment amount was 4.4 mg higher than that of the food frequency questionnaire. The major food sources of isoflavones were soybean paste and soybeans. Those who were especially knowledgeable about soybean foods expressed the view that these sources were a good or affordable enriched source of isoflavones.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.153-159
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• 2015

This study was conducted to develop food for the elderly, which are well-shaped and easy to chew and swallow. The amounts of water and gelatin were adjusted to facilitate breaking down of the food with the tongue. In the aging society, it is necessary to support the development of a variety of products that can ease the intake functions of swallowing and chewing, while complementing with the essential nutrients supplements; such products can be actively commercialized in the elderly industry. Various types of food, for elderly with difficulties in chewing and swallowing, were used for sensory assessment. Sensory panel consisted of 10 dietitians (10 women) in nursing care facilities. The sensory optimal composite recipes were determined by central composite design (CCD). The sensory measurements were significantly different in the appearance (p<0.01), saltiness (p<0.01) and overall quality (p<0.01). The optimum formulation of pan fried flat fish, calculated by numerical and graphical method, was 8.54 g of salt and 6.34 g of olive oil. Moisture content, hardness, and adhesiveness of pan fried flat fish were 84.77%, 250, and -1.20, respectively. The result showed that easily chewable and swallowable pan fried flat fish for the elderly will have sufficient competitiveness, considering its safety, taste, and preference. This study may provide the basic materials for the development of easily chewable and swallowable foods for elderly.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.274-288
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• 2018

Quantitative data of 50 non-polar organic compounds constituting $PM_{2.5}$ were continuously collected and analyzed from June 2016 to October 2017 (approximately 17 months) at Ichihara, one of the largest industrial areas in Japan. Target non-polar organic compounds including 21 species of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 24 species of n-alkanes and 5 species of phthalate esters(PAEs) were simultaneously measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Basically, the average concentrations of the total PAHs, n-alkanes and PAEs in each season remained nearly level, and seasonal variations were little throughout the study period. These results suggest that the emission sources, which are not influenced by the seasons, are the dominant inputs for the target organic compounds. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs, assessment of n-alkane homologue distributions, carbon preference index, and the contribution of wax n-alkanes from plants were used to estimate source apportionments. These results indicate that anthropogenic sources were the main contributor for most PAHs and n-alkanes throughout the study period. The concentrations of PAEs selected in this study were low because emission amounts of these chemicals were little within the source areas of the sampling site. To our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to simultaneously measure a high number of non-polar organic compounds in $PM_{2.5}$ collected from the ambient air of Japan, and the resultant data will provide valuable data and information for environmental researchers.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.27 no.spc
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• pp.609-624
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• 2016

Korean's intake of Han-Sik (Korean food) has gradually decreased. The aim of this study was to assess needs for a dietary education program focused on increasing Han-Sik intake (Han-Sik program) in children and adolescents according to education level. A total of 2,858 child and adolescents (elementary students 30.1%; middle school students 34.8%; high school students 35.1%) were recruited in 2015 and 2016, and questionnaires were conducted by self-administration. There were significant differences in diet and health information sources, Han-Sik proportion in school meals, experience of Han-Sik nutritional program, and preference for program composition by education level (p<0.001). The Han-Sik proportion in school meals was 87.4% of the total, which was significantly lower in high school students than in elementary students (p<0.001). The percentage of high school students with Han-Sik nutritional program experience (25.1%) was twice as low than that of elementary students (55.7%) (p<0.001). In addition, the percentage of students with Han-Sik nutritional program experience who responded "The Han-sik program is needed" was significantly higher than those who responded "It is not needed" (p<0.001). The most preferred content was 'Han-Sik cooking training' in all students. In conclusion, differences in needs for Han-Sik program by education level should be considered to develop the Han-Sik program for all education levels to increase Han-Sik consumption and formation of healthy eating habits.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.312-319
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• 2008

The principal objective of was to assess the effects of herb extracts on the antioxidant activity and quality characteristics of Maejakgwa. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be the highest by a significant degree in the rosemary, lavender, thyme, lemon balm and olive samples, in order. With regard to electron donating ability, increasing concentrations of added herbs resulted in a more significant rise in the DPPH radical scavenging effect in a range of concentrations of between $100{\sim}1000{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. In particular, the rosemary, lavender, and thyme samples were shown to be lower in antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, but higher than a-tocopherol, thus the antioxidant activities detected in the rosemary, lavender, and thyme samples were considered to be excellent. With regard to reducing ability, increases in the concentration of added herb extract resulted in significant growth. However, the anti-oxidative activity detected in the rosemary extract was indicated to be superior even to that of $\alpha$-tocopherol when added to concentrations of $500{\sim}1,000{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. In our assessment of external appearance, color, flavor, texture, and overall quality, the highest preference was seen in the control group and in the group with 2% added rosemary extract. The lowest score was earned in the group with a 5% addition of rosemary. The functional ingredients and antioxidant activities of the samples were excellent. Our results appear to indicate that rosemary has some value as a natural antioxidant that can prevent oxidation in food.