• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.768-775
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• 2016

Heavy metal pollution in arable field is an critical problem due to crop safety. For this reason, national survey of heavy metal pollution in the arable field near at the industrial area has been conducted from 1999 in Korea. The main purpose of this research was to monitor heavy metal pollution in Chungnam/chungbuk province and to evaluate pollution index (PI) in soil. Total of 15 sampling locations were examined and average concentration of each heavy metals were following: As - $2.99{\pm}2.63$, Cd - $0.23{\pm}0.07$, Cu - $9.35{\pm}6.48$, Ni - $9.26{\pm}8.03$, Pb - $10.18{\pm}3.32$, Zn - $52.9{\pm}17.18$. No sampling site was exceeded threshold level of each heavy metals. Calculated PI in soil was ranged between 0.03 - 0.27 indicating that also no heavy metal pollution is occurred in examined sampling locations. Although, no heavy metal pollution was observed in the examined sites but monitoring of heavy metal pollution should be continued for possible accidental pollution in arable field near at the industrial area.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2021.04a
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• pp.45-45
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• 2021

This study aimed to explore research on bibliometric features of cannabis by applying scientometric analysis method, and to approach experimental research evaluation based on it. A total of 30,352 articles on cannabis published since 2001 from SCOPUS were analyzed using KnowledgeMatrix Plus and VOSviewer software. Results showed differences in research activities in countries where cannabis is legalized (Canada, the United States, the Netherlands) and Asian countries where its use is illegal. Related to medical cannabis, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of studies on pain, epilepsy, seizures and brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In the field of basic research, the number of pharmacological studies of cannabis on the cannabinoid type 1 receptor signaling pathway and inflammation and obesity has increased significantly. Subsequent experimental studies have compared the anti-inflammatory effects of four parts of Korean cannabis such as root, stem, leaf, and bark. Consistent with the predicted results of the scientometric analysis, all parts of C. sativa showed inhibitory effects on COX-2, NO/iNOS and TNF-α expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These attempts provide an experimental research approach based on scientometric assessment.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.114-117
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• 2024

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that uses the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy and is the predominant battery type in many industrial and consumer electronics. The lithium-ion batteries are essential to ensure they operate safely. We conducted an exposure assessment five days after a fire in a battery-testing facility. We assessed some of the potentially hazardous materials after a lithium-ion battery fire.We sampled total suspended particles, hydrogen fluoride, and lithium with real-time monitoring of particulate matter (PM) 1, 2.5, and 10 micrometers (㎛). The area sampling results indicated that primary potential hazardous materials such as dust, hydrogen fluoride, and lithium were below the recommended limits suggested by the Korean Ministry of Labor and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values. Based on our assessment, workers were allowed to return to work.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.275-282
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: There is intense interest in soy isoflavone as a hormone replacement therapy for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. A new kind of isoflavone-enriched whole soy milk powder (I-WSM) containing more isoflavones than conventional whole soy milk powder was recently developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of I-WSM on bone metabolism in ovariectomized mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Sixty female ICR mice individually underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or a sham operation, and were randomized into six groups of 10 animals each as follows: Sham, OVX, OVX with 2% I-WSM diet, OVX with 10% I-WSM diet, OVX with 20% I-WSM diet, and OVX with 20% WSM diet. After an 8-week treatment period, bone mineral density (BMD), calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5b, osteocalcin (OC), procollagen 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and osteoprotegenin (OPG) were analyzed. RESULTS: BMD was significantly lower in the OVX group compared to the Sham group but was significantly higher in OVX + 10% I-WSM and OVX + 20% I-WSM groups compared to the OVX group (P < 0.05). Serum calcium concentration significantly increased in the OVX + 10% and 20% I-WSM groups. Serum ALP levels were significantly lower in the OVX + 10% and 20% I-WSM groups compared to the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). OC was significantly reduced in the OVX group compared to the Sham group (P < 0.05), but a dose-dependent increase was observed in the OVX groups supplemented with I-WSM. P1NP and OPG levels were significantly reduced, while TRAP 5b level was significantly elevated in the OVX group compared with the Sham group, which was not affected by I-WSM (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that I-WSM supplementation in OVX mice has the effect of preventing BMD reduction and promoting bone formation. Therefore, I-WSM can be used as an effective alternative to postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2020

In manufacturing operations, oil plays a crucial role in reducing friction and wear among interacting surfaces at varying velocities, loads, and temperature. Hydrocarbon oil is considered the origin of lubrication oils. However, this base oil has been limited in its use as it is a principal cause of pollution. This research focuses on identifying a biodegradable base oil lubricant that possesses a stable coefficient of friction and viscosity with temperature. Friction analysis is conducted by employing a pin on a disk tribotester with a fixed load of 10 N at varying sliding speeds ranging from 0.06 m/s to 0.34 m/s. Oil viscosity analysis is perfomed at room temperature by using a rotary viscometer. Tests are performed using canola oil and paraffin oil as lubricants. The results indicate that the viscosity of canola oil is more efficient than paraffin oil. The non-dimensional characteristic number according to the Stribeck curve reveals an elastohydrodynamic lubrication regime with canola oil lubrication. A comparison of both lubricants reveals that, the friction efficiency of canola oil and paraffin oil does not differ considerably. However, the friction in canola oil is observed to decrease more than that in paraffin oil at an elevated sliding speed. The tests confirm that canola oil is potent in minimizing the friction coefficient of SCM440 bodies interacting with one another as well as acted upon by load.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.81-85
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• 2015

Molecular characterization technology in genetically modified organisms, in addition to how transgenic biotechnologies are developed now require full transparency to assess the risk to living modified and non-modified organisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) methodology is suggested as an effective means in genome characterization and detection of transgenic insertion locations. In the present study, we applied NGS to insert transgenic loci, specifically the epidermal growth factor (EGF) in genetically modified rice cells. A total of 29.3 Gb (${\sim}72{\times}coverage$) was sequenced with a $2{\times}150bp$ paired end method by Illumina HiSeq2500, which was consecutively mapped to the rice genome and T-vector sequence. The compatible pairs of reads were successfully mapped to 10 loci on the rice chromosome and vector sequences were validated to the insertion location by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The EGF transgenic site was confirmed only on chromosome 4 by PCR. Results of this study demonstrated the success of NGS data to characterize the rice genome. Bioinformatics analyses must be developed in association with NGS data to identify highly accurate transgenic sites.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.12
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• pp.211-222
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• 2021

Green economy, also known as sustainable economy, is a current development trend in which consumers prefer products that are wholly or partly derived from materials of biological origin since they have become more concerned about their health and the environment in which they live. This study aims to examine consumer behavior toward bio-based products with three key goals in mind. First, it helps to understand the perception of consumers toward Bio-based products. Second, it properly helps consumers be aware of products derived from materials of biological origin so that the consumer can make purchasing decisions to protect their health and contribute to the protection of the environment. Third, the study on consumer behavior towards bio-based products will provide a more accurate view and assessment to companies looking to develop Bio-based products. Based on that, the research is carried out through surveying, collecting data from consumers, and then using the deductive approach, descriptive statistics, and quantitative method analysis. The results demonstrated that a positive relationship and a direct impact are established between the variables of Attitude and Social Norms and the Purchase Intention toward Bio-based products. Furthermore, the findings reveal that customers have positive feelings towards bio-based products in terms of trust, knowledge, and the environment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.63-75
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• 2017

This study carried out for establishing the synthetic restoration plan to improve ecological quality of Mt. Mudeung National Park based on the results of conservation value assessment for yellow-throated marten habitats. Yellow-throated marten has significant implications as umbrella species for the wildlife habitats conservation, therefore, this species could be used to ecological restoration plan of the damaged forest ecosystem in Mt. Mudeung National Park. In this study, we diagnosed the quality of yellow-throated marten habitats in Mt. Mudeung National Park based on five natural and two artificial factors. In addition, we evaluated the integrity of each zone divided by trails quantitatively based on land use intensity. As a result, forest landscape quality in Mt. Mudeung National Park was influenced greatly by human activity and the degree was depended on the intensity of trails. Therefore, in this study, we suggested the closing of trails composed of the illegal and 36 legal trails. And then, we modeled the changes of habitats quality of Yellow-throated marten for each closing step. As a result the area of core habitats increased by two times and wildlife habitats quality improved in the whole area of the Mt. Mudeung National Park. As a result, the results of this study indicate that man-made linear landscape elements play a key role in the quality of habitats for predators, which require large habitats area like the Yellow-throated marten. Therefore, in order to establish an ecological restoration plan in the mountainous area, we recommend the concept of the linear landscape should be applied with the concept of area landscape.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 2019

Ethylhexyl dimethyl para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is an oily yellow liquid derivative of water-soluble PABA commonly used in sunscreen. Ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA is widely used as an ingredient in many cosmetics at an average concentration of 1.25% (0.5-2.0%) in Korea. Previous studies, including those involving animals, have demonstrated that ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA is toxic to the following four organs: testis, epididymis, spleen, and liver. In addition, experiments using human keratinocytes found that ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA inhibits cell growth and DNA synthesis at low concentrations, and halted the cell cycle of MM96L cells (human melanoma cell line) at the G1 phase. Despite limited clinical data in humans, many studies have confirmed increased mutagenicity of ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA following exposure to sunlight, which suggests that this molecule is likely to contribute to onset of sun-induced cancer despite protecting the skin through absorption of UVB. For risk assessment, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) chosen was 100 mg/kg bw/day in a 4 weeks oral toxicity study. Systemic exposure dosage (SED) was 0.588 mg/kg bw/day for maximum use of ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA in cosmetics. Based on the risk assessment and exposure scenarios conducted in this study, the margin of safety (MOS) was calculated to be 180.18 for a sunscreen containing 8% ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA, which is the maximum level allowed by the relevant domestic authorities.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.15-28
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• 2010

Because deterioration of air quality and urban heat island directly harm health of citizens, Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for urban development projects needs to conduct analysis of their impacts objectively. This study aims to review appropriate methods for assessment of air quality used at each stage of urban development and to investigate prediction and assessment methods of urban heat island. In addition, by evaluating impacts of climate change following supposed urban construction performed in the central area of Korea on public health, it examines usefulness of HIA for urban construction. When urban heat island prediction and HIA method suggested in this study are applied to an imaginary city, they predict urban heat island properly and the impacts of climate changes on public health inside the city could be determined clearly by calculating life-climate index and bio-climate index related with thermal environment from the model.