• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fermented Laminaria japonica (FL), a type sea tangle used as a functional food ingredient, has been reported to possess cognitive improving properties that may aid in the treatment of common neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia. MATERIALS/METHODS: We examined the effects of FL on scopolamine (Sco)- and ethanol (EtOH)-induced hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, using the Passive avoidance (PA) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. To examine the underlying mechanisms associated with neuroprotective effects, we analyzed acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, brain tissue expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and immunohistochemical analysis, in the hippocampus of mice, compared to current drug therapy intervention. Biochemical blood analysis was carried out to determine the effects of FL on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. 7 groups (n = 10) consisted of a control (CON), 3 Sco-induced dementia and 3 EtOH-induced dementia groups, with both dementia group types containing an untreated group (Sco and EtOH); a positive control, orally administered donepezil (Dpz) (4mg/kg) (Sco + Dpz and EtOH + Dpz); and an FL (50 mg/kg) treatment group (Sco + FL50 and EtOH + FL50), orally administered over the 4-week experimental period. RESULTS: FL50 significantly reduced EtOH-induced increase in AST and ALT levels. FL50 treatment reduced EtOH-impaired step-through latency time in the PA test, and Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia escape latency times in the MWM test. Moreover, anticholinergic effects of Sco and EtOH on the brain were reversed by FL50, through the attenuation of AChE activity and elevation of ACh concentration. FL50 elevated ERK1/2 protein expression and increased p-CREB (ser133) in hippocampus brain tissue, according to Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that FL may be considered an efficacious intervention for Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia, in terms of reversing cognitive impairment and neuroplastic dysfunction.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1636-1648
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• 2006

There are detailed descriptions of the clinical experiences and prescriptions of asthma in traditional Korean medicine. Zedoariae rhizoma is one of the Korean herbal medicines used to treat bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis for centuries. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of this medication are still far from clear, In this study, a house-dust-mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [Der p])-sensitized murine model of asthma was used to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Zedoariae rhizoma on the allergen-induced airway inflammation in asthma. Three different protocols were designed to evaluate the treatment and/or long-term prophylacitic effect of Zedoariae rhizoma in Der p-sensitized mice. Cellular infiltration and T-cell subsets in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)of allergen-challenged mice were analyzed. Intrapulmonary lymphocytes were also isolated to evaluate their response to allergen stimulation. When Zedoariae rhizoma was administered to the sensitized mice before AC (groups A and C), it suppressed airway inflammation by decreasing the number of total cells and eosinophil infiltration in the BALF, and downregulated the allergen- or mitogen-induced intrapulmonary lymphocyte response of sensitized mice as compared to those of controls. This immunomodulatory effect of Zedoariae rhizoma may be exerted through the regulation of T-cell subsets by elevation or activation of the CD8+ and double-negative T-cell population in the lung. However, the administration of Zedoariae rhizoma to sensitized mice 24 h after AC (group B) did not have the same inhibitory effect on the airway inflammation as Zedoariae rhizoma given before AC. Thus, the administration of Zedoariae rhizoma before AC has the immunomodulatory effect of reducing bronchial inflammation in the allergen-sensitized mice. On the other hand, to determine the potentiality of prophylactic and/or therapeutic approaches using a traditional herbal medicine, Zedoariae rhizoma, for the control of allergic disease, we examined the effects of oral administration of Zedoariae rhizoma on a murine model of asthma allergic responses. When oral administration of Zedoariae rhizoma was begun at the induction phase immediately after OVA sensitization, eosinophilia and Th2-type cytokine production in the airway were reduced in OVA-sensitized mice following OVA inhalation. These results suggest that the oral administration of Zedoariae rhizoma dichotomously modulates allergic inflammation in murine model for asthma, thus offering a different approach for the treatment of allergic disorders.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.78-85
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• 2005

This study, combining geophysical and environmental approaches, was undertaken to investigate the causes of secondary salinity in the Goondoola basin, in southwestern Queensland. Airborne radiometric, electromagnetic and ground electromagnetic datasets were acquired, along with data on soils and subsurface materials and groundwater. Relationships established between radiometric, elevation data, and measured material properties allowed us to generate predictive maps of surface materials and recharge potential. Greatest recharge to the groundwater is predicted to occur on the weathered bedrock rises surrounding the basin. Electromagnetic data (airborne, ground, and downhote), used in conjunction with soil and drillhole measurements, were used to quantify regolith salt store and to define the subsurface architecture. Conductivity measurements reflect soil salt distribution. However, deeper in the regolith, where the salt content is relatively constant, the AEM signal is influenced by changes in porosity or material type. This allowed the lateral distribution of bedrock weathering zones to be mapped. Salinisation in this area occurs because of local-andintermediate-scale processes, controlled strongly by regolith architecture. The present surface outbreak is the result of evaporative concentration above shallow saline groundwater, discharging at break of slope. The integration of surficial and subsurface datasets allowed the identification of similar landscape settings that are most at risk of developing salinity with groundwater rise. This information is now being used by local land managers to refine management choices that prevent excess recharge and further salt mobilisation.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.12 no.12
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• pp.145-151
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• 2021

This study aimed to investigate the efficient conduct of HA coating on Ti Gr4 for the practical use of medical device. Ti Gr4 alloy specimens measuring 𝜱 25mm × 1mm were sprayed with hydroxyapatite using thermal spray according to ASTM F1185-88. The surface was evaluated at #120, #400, #1,000 sandpaper and barrel finishing. Each coating properties was analyzed using SEM, UTS 20,000psi cap. and in vitro cytotoxicity. Surface morphology consists of well molten particles with very little resolidified or unmolten areas. The average Ca/P ratio is 1.74 which is in good agreement with theoretical value of 1.67. The average roughness Ra is very representative of roughness of specimen. The coatings are dense and well adhered to the substrate. The average bond strength was 61.74 MPa with a standard deviation of 4.06 which indicates fairly reliable results for ASTM 633 type tests. Variations in results from jig design, epoxy used, crosshead speeds etc. in vitro cytotoxicity result had a Grade 3. The results of the study are expected to be helpful in osseointegration and plasma-spray HA coated Ti Gr4 are more satisfactory in HA coating thickness elevation which is preferable to any other system.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.145-157
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• 2018

Mountainous areas are 64% in Korea and are allowed to be used by the permission standards of the "Mountainous Districts Management Act". In the act, slope and elevation criteria are defined to regulate the use of vulnerable land parcels to disaster. However, the standards cannot represent topographical variation in a land parcel such as terrain relief. Therefore, the applicability of slope type standard as a permission standard was tested using Catena in this study. Based on the theoretical grounds, two slope types were analyzed as 'risky slope' with disaster risk. The slope types of landslides in Namwon City were analyzed that 'risky slope' types were distributed about 57%. This study analyzed the forestland parcels that could be used when applying the current permission standards and the parcels that were already used in Namwon City. The ratio of the 'risky slope' in the parcels was more than 50%. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the mountain development in 'risky slope' by establishing permission standard related to slope types. In addition, this study suggested the ratio of 'risky slope' in the parcel for the permission standard for forestland use conversion.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.82-89
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• 2019

In this study observation records of the National Natural Environment Survey (2008-2012, 2014-2017) and the Korean Natural History Research Information System (KNHRIS) for the common kestrel (2013-2016) were consulted to determine the correlation of the distribution of kestrels in an area and the area's land use type. Distribution characteristics were studied based on data collected over the last 10 years (2008-2017). Findings show that the common kestrel is widely distributed between 4,407 sites registered in KNHRIS in the period of 2008-2012, 3,899 sites in 2014-2017, and 508 sites in 2013-2016. Relationship analysis was conducted for the altitude and urban planning factors of statistics based on a 2017 GIS check to determine the distribution characteristics. The birds' altitude was confirmed to range from 0 to 1,200 metersck but was most commonly observed at less than 100 meters. Above 200 meters, the rate of occurrence decreased rapidly. The rate of occurrence of the common kestrel was highest in Chungcheongnam-do province, followed by Gyeongsangbuk-do, Kyonggi-do, Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do. As urban areas, green areas, commercial areas, and industrial areas the presence of swere positively correlated with the presence of kestrels, the rate of occurrence of the kestrel was higher in those regions. However, there was no significant relationship between the incidence of kestrels and housing construction or residential areas.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.608-616
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• 2021

Purpose: Safety inspections by existing personnel have been limited in evaluation and data securing due to concerns about the safety of technicians or difficulty in accessing them, and are becoming a bigger problem as the number of maintenance targets increases due to the aging of facilities. As drone technology develops, it is possible to ensure the safety of personnel, secure visual data, and diagnose quickly, and use it is increasing as safety inspection of facilities by drones was introduced recently. In order to further enhance utilization, it is considered necessary to base a consideration standard for facility appearance investigation by drones, and in this paper, research was conducted on dams. Method: To calculate the quality, existing domestic safety inspection and drone-related consideration standards were investigated, and procedures related to safety inspection using drones were compared and analyzed to review work procedures and construction types. In addition, empirical data were collected through drone photography and elevation image production for the actual dam. Result: Work types for safety inspection of facilities using drones were derived, and empirical survey results were collected for two dams according to work types. The existing guidelines were applied for the adjustment ratios for each structural type and standard of the facility, and if a meteorological reference point survey was necessary, the unmanned aerial vehicle survey of the construction work standard was applied. Conclusion: The finer the GSD in appearance investigation using drones, the greater the number of photographs taken, and the concept of adjustment cost was applied as a correction to calculate the consideration standard. In addition, it was found that the problem of maximum GSD indicating limitations should be considered in order to maintain the safe distance.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.3
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• pp.345-356
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• 2022

Yokjido is a 15-km² inhabited island located at the tip of the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. Its forest is mostly composed of substitutional vegetation. Our aim was to provide basic information necessary for the conservation and management of the forest vegetation in Yokjido. We classified the types of existing vegetation using methods of the Zurich-Montpellier school of phytosociology. The resulting vegetation map shows the dominant tree species in the top canopy-layer. A total of 8 vegetation types were identified, which were arranged into a vegetation unit hierarchy of 2 communities, 4 sub-communities, 6 variants, and 2 subvariants. Evaluations of each type showed large and small differences in floristic composition, which reflect anthropogenic influences, site conditions, succession stages, and the establishment period. Moreover, vegetation types differed significantly in terms of species diversity indices; in particular, overall species richness, species diversity, and species evenness tended to increase significantly as the elevation increased. The herbaceous plant species showed the highest positive (+) correlation to x. These results were consistent with those of McCain, who reported that species diversity increases in mountainous areas with relatively low elevations due to the mid-domain effect. The forest succession in Yokjido will potentially enter a mixed-forest stage and then proceed to become an all-evergreen broad-leaved forest.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.96-109
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• 2024

Background: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government initiated the Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Project including regeneration and afforestation approaches. An effort was made to assess the distribution characteristics of afforested species under present and future climatic scenarios using ecological niche modelling. For sustainable forest management, landscape ecology can play a significant role. A significant change in the potential distribution of tree species is expected globally with changing climate. Ecological niche modeling provides the valuable information about the current and future distribution of species that can play crucial role in deciding the potential sites for afforestation which can be used by government institutes for afforestation programs. In this context, the potential distribution of 8 tree species, Cedrus deodara, Dalbergia sissoo, Juglans regia, Pinus wallichiana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Senegalia modesta, Populus ciliata, and Vachellia nilotica was modeled. Results: Maxent species distribution model was used to predict current and future distribution of tree species using bioclimatic variables along with soil type and elevation. Future climate scenarios, shared socio-economic pathways (SSP)2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 were considered for the years 2041-2060 and 2081-2100. The model predicted high risk of decreasing potential distribution under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate change scenarios for years 2041-2060 and 2081-2100, respectively. Recent afforestation conservation sites of these 8 tree species do not fall within their predicted potential habitat for SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios. Conclusions: Each tree species responded independently in terms of its potential habitat to future climatic conditions. Cedrus deodara and P. ciliata are predicted to migrate to higher altitude towards north in present and future climate scenarios. Habitat of D. sissoo, P. wallichiana, J. regia, and V. nilotica is practiced to be declined in future climate scenarios. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is expected to be expanded its suitability area in future with eastward shift. Senegalia modesta habitat increased in the middle of the century but decreased afterwards in later half of the century. The changing and shifting forests create challenges for sustainable landscapes. Therefore, the study is an attempt to provide management tools for monitoring the climate change-driven shifting of forest landscapes.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.393-407
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• 2012

This study focuses on the correction of topographic effects caused by a combination of solar elevation and azimuth, and topographic relief in single optical remote sensing imagery, and by a combination of changes in position of the sun and topographic relief in comparative analysis of multi-temporal imageries. For the Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, where Mt. Halla and various cinder cones are located, a Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery and ASTER GDEM data were used to normalize the topographic effects on the imagery, using two topographic normalization methods: cosine correction assuming a Lambertian condition and assuming a non-Lambertian c-correction, with kernel sizes of $3{\times}3$, $5{\times}5$, $7{\times}7$, and $9{\times}9$ pixels. The effects of each correction method and kernel size were then evaluated. The c-correction with a kernel size of $7{\times}7$ produced the best result in the case of a land area with various land-cover types. For a land-cover type of forest extracted from an unsupervised classification result using the ISODATA method, the c-correction with a kernel size of $9{\times}9$ produced the best result, and this topographic normalization for a single land cover type yielded better compensation for topographic effects than in the case of an area with various land-cover types. In applying the relative radiometric normalization to topographically normalized three multi-temporal imageries, more invariant spectral reflectance was obtained for infrared bands and the spectral reflectance patterns were preserved in visible bands, compared with un-normalized imageries. The results show that c-correction considering the remaining reflectance energy from adjacent topography or imperfect atmospheric correction yielded superior normalization results than cosine correction. The normalization results were also improved by increasing the kernel size to compensate for vertical and horizontal errors, and for displacement between satellite imagery and ASTER GDEM.