• Food Science and Industry
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.188-202
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• 2022

In the insect industry, as the scope of application of insects is expanded from pet insects and natural enemies to feed, edible and medicinal insects, the demand for quality control of insect raw materials is increasing, and interest in securing the safety of insect products is increasing. In the process of expanding the industrial scale, controlling the temperature and humidity and air quality in the insect breeding room and preventing the spread of pathogens and other pollutants are important success factors. It requires a controlled environment under the operating system. European commercial insect breeding facilities have attracted considerable investor interest, and insect companies are building large-scale production facilities, which became possible after the EU approved the use of insect protein as feedstock for fish farming in July 2017. Other fields, such as food and medicine, have also accelerated the application of cutting-edge technology. In the future, the global insect industry will purchase eggs or small larvae from suppliers and a system that focuses on the larval fattening, i.e., production raw material, until the insects mature, and a system that handles the entire production process from egg laying, harvesting, and initial pre-treatment of larvae., increasingly subdivided into large-scale production systems that cover all stages of insect larvae production and further processing steps such as milling, fat removal and protein or fat fractionation. In Korea, research and development of insect smart factory farms using artificial intelligence and ICT is accelerating, so insects can be used as carbon-free materials in secondary industries such as natural plastics or natural molding materials as well as existing feed and food. A Korean-style customized breeding system for shortening the breeding period or enhancing functionality is expected to be developed soon.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.361-368
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• 2021

The objective of this study was to establish technology for removing bacteria with human- and eco-friendly material. Staphylococcus aureus as an important component for balanced equilibrium among microbiomes, was cultured under various concentrations of phosphate. Experimental observation relating to physical properties was performed in an addition of phosphate buffer. Statistically minimum value of size and hardness using atomic force microscope was observed on the matured biofilm at 5 mM concentration of phosphate. As a result of absorbance for the biofilm tagged with dye, concentration of biofilm was reduced with phophate, too. To identify whether this reduction by phosphate at the 5 mM is caused by counter ion or not, sodium chloride was treated to the biofilm under the same condition. To elucidate components of the biofilm counting analysis of the biofilm using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry was employed. The secondary ions from the biofilm revealed that alteration of physical properties is consistent to the change of extracellular polymeric substrate (EPS) for the biofilm. Viscoelastic characterization of the biofilm using a controlled shear stress rheometer, where internal change of physical properties could be detected, exhibited a static viscosity and a reduction of elastic modulus at the 5 mM concentration of phosphate. Accordingly, bacteria at the 5 mM concentration of phosphate are attributed to removing the EPS through a reduction of elastic modulus for bacteria. We suggest that the reduction of concentration of biofilm induces dispersion which assists to easily spread its dormitory. In conclusion, it is elucidated that an addition of phosphate causes removal of EPS, and that causes a function of antibiotic.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.87-96
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• 2022

Recently, the purchase of fresh-cut produce and meal kits has increased. Ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut products have potentially hazard of cross-contamination of various microorganisms in the processes of peeling, slicing, dicing, and shredding. There are frequent cases of protozoa food poisoning, such as Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium, caused by fresh-cut products. The objective of the study is to investigate the microbiological qualities of various types of RTE fresh-cut products in the domestic on/offline markets. RTE fresh-cut fruits cup (n=100), fresh-cut vegetables (n=50), and vegetables in meal kits (Vietnamese spring rolls and white radish rolls kits, n=50) were seasonally analyzed. The contamination levels of hygienic indicator organisms, yeast and mold (YM), and foodborne pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7) were monitored. Overall, the lowest microbiological qualities of meal kits vegetables were observed, followed by RTE fresh-cut fruits cup and fresh-cut vegetables. Contamination levels of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and YM in meal kits vegetables were 5.91, 3.90, and 4.71 logs CFU/g, respectively. From the qualitative analysis, 6 out of 200 RTE fresh-cut products (3%) returned positive result for S. aureus. From the quantitative analysis, the contamination levels of S. aureus in purple cabbage from a meal-kit and fresh-cut pineapple were below the acceptable limit (100 CFU/g). Staphylococcus enterotoxin seg and sei genes were detected in RTE fresh-cut celery and red cabbage from meal-kits, respectively. S. aureus contamination must be carefully controlled during the manufacturing processes of RTE fresh-cut products. Neither Cyclospora cayetanensis nor Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in the samples of RTE fresh-cut products and vegetables from meal-kits from the Korean retail markets.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.101-109
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• 2022

The mobility and transport of radioactive cesium are crucial factors to consider for the safety assessment of high-level radioactive waste disposal sites in granite. The retardation of radionuclides in the fractured crystalline rock is mainly controlled by the hydrochemical condition of groundwater and surface reactions with minerals present in the fractures. This paper reports the experimental results of cesium sorption to the Wonju Granite, a typical Mesozoic granite in Korea, performed in an anaerobic chamber that mimics the anoxic environment of a deep disposal site. We measured the rates and amounts of cesium (¹³³Cs) removed by crushed granite samples in different electrolyte (NaCl, KCl, and CaCl₂) solutions and a synthetic groundwater solution, with variations in the initial cesium concentration (10^-5, 5×10^-6, 10^-6, 5×10^-7 M). The cesium sorption kinetic and isotherm data were successfully simulated by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (r²= 0.99) and the Freundlich isotherm model (r²= 0.99), respectively. The sorption distribution coefficient of granite increased almost linearly with increasing biotite content in granite samples, indicating that biotite is an effective cesium scavenger. The cesium removal was minimal in KCl solution compared to that in NaCl or CaCl₂ solution, regardless of the ionic strength and initial cesium concentration that we examined, showing that K⁺ is the most competitive ion against cesium in sorption to granite. Because it is the main source mineral of K⁺ in fracture fluids, biotite may also hinder the sorption of cesium, which warrants further research.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.250-258
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• 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding systems on feed intake, weight gain, and fawn performance (Cervus canadensis) and estimation of grazing intensity in Elk doe at pasture. A sixteen Elk doe about 236.2 kg were randomly assigned to two feeding treatments. The treatment consisted of a barn feeding system (BF) and grazing at pasture (GR), and pasture was mainly composed of tall fescue, orchard grass, and Kentucky bluegrass. The moisture content of pasture was 19.51~22.61%, which was similar during experimental periods. The crude protein content was significantly higher from June to July (p<0.05). The contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber ranged 53.65~60.18%, and 26.08~29.10%, respectively. There were no significant differences between feeding systems on supplementary feed intake, but the roughage and total dry matter intake showed significant differences between treatment groups (p<0.05), except for May. In August, roughage intake was dramatically decreased in the GR group due to summer environmental changes. On the other hand, the higher intake of roughage in September might be related to nutrient intake for mammals. There was no difference in body weight between treatment groups, but the fawn performance was significantly higher in the GR group (p<0.05). These results might be suggested that grazing elk doe might positively affect fawn growth. However, it is considered that BF might increase the deer weaning rate during the parturition period, since the lower weaning rate in the GR group compared to the BF group. The grazing intensity of Elk doe was increased from May to July and decreased in August, which was influenced by pasture productivity. The average grazing intensity of Elk doe was found to be 15 heads/ha, which might be controlled by supplementary feeding. Further studies needed that mixed sowing methods and fertilization management in old grazing pastures for improved pasture productivity.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.401-408
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• 2022

As research on a controlled environment system based on crop growth environment sensing for sustainable production of horticultural crops and its industrial use has been important, research on how to properly utilize soil moisture sensors for outdoor cultivation is being actively conducted. This experiment was conducted to suggest the proper method of utilizing the TEROS 12, an FDR (frequency domain reflectometry) sensor, which is frequently used in industry and research fields, for each orchard soil in three regions in Korea. We collected soils from each orchard where fruit trees were grown, investigated the soil characteristics and soil water retention curve, and compared TEROS 12 sensor calibration equations to correlate the sensor output to the corresponding soil volumetric water content through linear and cubic regressions for each soil sample. The estimated value from the calibration equation provided by the manufacturer was also compared. The soil collected from all three orchards showed different soil characteristics and volumetric water content values by each soil water retention level across the soil samples. In addition, the cubic calibration equation for TEROS 12 sensor showed the highest coefficient of determination higher than 0.95, and the lowest RMSE for all soil samples. When estimating volumetric water contents from TEROS 12 sensor output using the calibration equation provided by the manufacturer, their calculated volumetric water contents were lower than the actual volumetric water contents, with the difference up to 0.09-0.17 m³·m^-3 depending on the soil samples, indicating an appropriate calibration for each soil should be preceded before FDR sensor utilization. Also, there was a difference in the range of soil volumetric water content corresponding to the soil water retention levels across the soil samples, suggesting that the soil water retention information should be required to properly interpret the volumetric water content value of the soil. Moreover, soil with a high content of sand had a relatively narrow range of volumetric water contents for irrigation, thus reducing the accuracy of an FDR sensor measurement. In conclusion, analyzing soil water retention characteristics of the target soil and the soil-specific calibration would be necessary to properly quantify the soil water status and determine their adequate irrigation point using an FDR sensor.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2022

This study aimed to determine the photosynthesis and growth characteristics of Peucedanum japonicum T. grown under aquaponics in a plant factory (AP) by comparing those grown under hydroponic cultivation system (HP). The AP system raised 30 fishes at a density of 10.6 kg·m^-3 in a 367.5 L tank, and at HP, nutrient solution was controlled with EC 1.3 dS·m^-1 and pH 6.5. The pH level ranged from 4.0 to 7.1 for the AP system and 4.0 to 7.4 for the HP system. The pH level in the AP began to decrease with an increase in nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) and lasted bellower than pH 5.5 for 15-67 DAT. It was found that ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N) continued to increase even under low pH conditions. EC was maintained at 1.3 to 1.5 dS·m^-1 in both systems. The concentration of major mineral elements in the fish tank was higher than that of the hydroponics, except for K and Mg. There was no significant difference in the photosynthesis characteristics, but the PIABS parameters were 30.4% lower in the AP compared to the HP at the 34DAT and 12.0% lower at the 74DAT. There was no significant difference in the growth characteristics, but the petiole length was 56% longer in the leaf grown under the AP system. While there was no significant difference in the fresh and dry weights of leaf and root, the leaf area ratio was 36.43% higher in the AP system. All the integrated results suggest that aquaponics is a highly-sustainable farming to safely produce food by recycling agricultural by-products, and to produce Peucedanum japonicum as much as hydroponics under a proper fish density and pH level.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.22-27
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• 2022

The attraction effects of light emitting diode (LED) trap to Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera litura adults were evaluated in greenhouse and compared with those of no light trap, which is typical used in commercial trap. At this time, in order to attract these two species of moths, sex pheromone traps were installed at the top side according to the degree of tomato growth inside the tomato cultivation greenhouse around the LED trap. In addition, two types of light-emitting traps (420 nm, 470 nm) were installed in the greenhouse at 1/40 m², respectively. Also two sex pheromone were installed inside of the greenhouse according to the height of the tomato plants. 10 days later, Blue-light trap(BLB, 470 nm wavelength) was 3.1-3.5 times more attractive than Violet-light trap(VLB, 420 nm wavelength) in S. exigua (105.6 ± 7.3) and S. litura (42.0 ± 3.1) respectively, whereas the no-light trap was little attractive to S. exigua (33.7 ± 2.8) and S. litura (12.0 ± 1.5). On the other hand, after the installation of the sex pheromone trap and the LED trap, there was no damage to S. litura (Fabricius) and S. exigua in the pesticide-free area, indicating a high possibility of control. At this time, the operating cost of the two types of LED traps was 80 won/m² per unit area, and it was confirmed that both types of moths could be controlled. In addition, as a result of confirming the number of two types of moths caught in the sexual pheromone trap and two types of LED traps after 4 months, it was judged that eco-friendly control was possible as more than 373 moths/trap were attracted to the two types of moths.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.259-266
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• 2021

Cannabis (Marijuana) is one of the most widely used drugs in the world, and its distribution has been controlled in South Korea since 1976. Identification of 11-nor-Δ⁹-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) in urine can provide important proof of cannabis use, and it is considered scientific evidence in the forensic field. In this study, we describe a simultaneous quantitative method for identifying THCCOOH and THCCOOH-glucuronide in urine, using simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). THCCOOH-D₃ and THCCOOH-glucuronide-D₃ were used as internal standards. Validation results of the matrix effect, as well as recovery, linearity, precision, accuracy, process efficiency, and stability were all satisfactory. No carryover, endogenous or exogenous interferences were observed. The limit of detection (LOD) of THCCOOH and THCCOOH-glucuronide were 0.3 and 0.2 ng/mL, respectively. The developed method was applied to 28 authentic human urine samples that tested positive in immunoassay screening and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) tests. The ranges of concentrations of THCCOOH and THCCOOH-glucuronide in the samples were less than LOQ~266.90 ng/mL and 6.43~2133.03 ng/mL, respectively. The concentrations of THCCOOH-glucuronide were higher than those of THCCOOH in all samples. This method can be effectively and successfully applied for the confirmation of cannabinoid use in human urine samples in the forensic field.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.13-22
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• 2022

In order to improve water quality of the water system contaminated with dyes, biochars prepared using discarded waste resources were applied in this study. Biochars with a large specific surface area were manufactured using street tree pruning products or waste wood, and were applied to remove an organic dye in synthetic water. Biochars were made by pyrolysis of typical street tree porch products (Platanas, Ginkgo, Aak) and waste wood under air-controlled conditions. Methylene blue (MB), which is widely used in phosphofibers, paper, leather, and cotton media, was selected in this study. The adsorption capacity of Platanas for MB was the highest and the q_max value obtained using the Langmuir model equation was 78.47 mg/g. In addition, the adsorption energy (E) (kJ/mol) of MB using the Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) model equation was 4.891 kJ/mol which was less than 8 kJ/mol (a criteria distinguishing physical adsorption from chemical adsorption). This result suggests a physical adsorption with weak interactions such as van der Waals force between the biochar and MB. In addition, the physical adsorption may resulted from that Platanas-based biohar has the largest specific surface area and pore volume. The ∆G value obtained through the adsorption experiment according to temperature variation was -3.67 to -7.68, which also suggests a physical adsorption. Considering these adsorption results, the adsorption of MB onto Platanas-based biochar seems to occur through physical adsorption. Overall, it was possible to suggest that adsorption capacity of the biochr prepared from this study was equal to or greater than that of commercial activated carbon reported in other studies.