• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.217-224
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• 2009

This study investigated the effect of agrichemicals (A) and low-agrichemicals (LA) during cultivation on the quality characteristics of minimally processed lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) during storage at $4{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. After 10 days of storage, the sugar content analysis showed that LA-treated lettuce ($4.57^{\circ}Brix$) was higher than A-treated lettuce ($3.57^{\circ}Brix$). The major minerals were K, P and Na, and mineral contents were high in A-treated lettuce during 0, 5 and 10 days. However, the sample with LA treatment had higher chlorophyll and vitamin C contents compared with A-treated lettuce. The degree of color was more stable in samples kept at LA treatment than those kept at A treatment. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of the LA-treated lettuce was 475.90 unit/g, while the A-treated sample had almost 1.5-fold higher activity. The detection of 48 residual pesticides in samples were not detected on storage 0 day.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.139-143
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• 2015

In the present study, we investigated the oral toxicity of Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, (Zingiberaceae) extract in Balb/c mice (BALB, n=60) for 3 weeks. Balb/c mice (10 mice/group, 6 group, $20{\pm}2g$, 6 weeks) were orally administered for 21 days, with dosage of 250, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg/day. Ethanol extract of A. tsao-ko did not affect any significant change of mortality, clinical signs, organs and body weights. Also, there were not significantly difference from the naive group (control) in hematological and serum biochemical examination. Consequently, these findings indicate that 3-week treatment with the ethanol extract of A. tsao-ko was not any toxic effects in Balb/c mice and the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for oral toxicity was determined to be 2000 mg/kg/day under our experimental conditions.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.7
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• 2016

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding Korean rice wine residue (RWR) in total mixed ration (TMR) on in vitro ruminal fermentation and growth performance of growing Hanwoo steers. Methods: For in vitro fermentation, the experimental treatments were Control (Con: 0 % RWR + TMR), Treatment 1 (T1: 10 % RWR + TMR), and Treatment 2 (T2: 15 % RWR + TMR). The rumen fluid was collected from three Hanwoo steers and mixed with buffer solution, after which buffered rumen fluid was transferred into serum bottles containing 2 g dry matter (DM) of TMR added with or without RWR. The samples were then incubated for 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, or 48 h at $39^{\circ}C$ and 100 rpm. For the in vivo experiment, 27 Hanwoo steers (6 months old) with an average weight of $196{\pm}8.66kg$ were subjected to a 24-week feeding trial. The animals were randomly selected and equally distributed into three groups. After which the body weight, feed intake and blood characteristics of each group were investigated. Results: The pH of the treatments decreased significantly relative to the control during the 12 h of incubation. Total gas production and ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3-N$) was not affected by RWR addition. The total volatile fatty acid (VFA) was lower after 24 h of incubation but at other incubation times, the concentration was not affected by treatments. Feed cost was 8 % and 15 % lower in T1 and T2 compared to control. Blood alcohol was not detected and a significant increase in total weight gain and average daily gain were observed in Hanwoo steers fed with RWR. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study suggest that TMR amended with 15 % RWR can be used as an alternative feed resource for ruminants to reduce feed cost.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.401-418
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• 2000

1. Production of the artificial zeolite from coal ash Coal fly ash is mainly composed of several oxides including $SiO_2$ and $Al_2O_3$ derived from inorganic compounds remained after burning. As minor components, $Fe_2O_3$ and oxides of Mg, Ca, P, Ti (trace) are also contained in the ash. These components are presented as glass form resulting from fusion in the process of the combustion of coal. In other word, coal ash may refer to a kind of aluminosilicate glass that is known to easily change to zeolite-like materials by hydrothermal reaction. Lots of hot seawater is disposing near thermal power plants after cooling turbine generator periodically. Using seawater in the hydrothermal reaction caused to produce low price artificial zeolite by reduction of sodium hydroxide consumption, heating energy and water cost. As coal ash were reacted hydrothermally, peaks of quartz and mullite in the ash were weakened and disappeared, and new Na-Pl peaks were appeared strengthily. Si-O-Si bonding of the bituminous coal ash was changed to Si-O-Al (and $Fe^{3+}$) bonding by the reaction. Therefore the produced Na-Pl type zeolite had high CEC of 276.7 $cmol^+{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ and well developed molecular sieve structure with low concentration of heavy metals. 2. Utilization of the artificial zeolite in agro-environment The artificial zeolite(1g) could remove 123.5 mg of zinc, 164.7 mg copper, 184.4 mg cadmium and 350.6 mg lead in the synthetic wastewater. The removability is higher 2.8 times in zinc, 3.3 times in copper, 4.7 times in cadmium and 4.8 times in lead than natural zeolite and charcoal powder. When the heavy metals were treated at the ratio of 150 $kg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ to the rice plant, various growth inhibition were observed; brownish discoloration and death of leaf sheath, growth inhibition in culm length, number of panicles and grains, grain ripening and rice yield. But these growth inhibition was greatly alleviated by the application of artificial zeolite, therefore, rice yield increased $1.1{\sim}3.2$ times according to the metal kind. In addition, the concentration of heavy metals in the brown rice also lowered by $27{\sim}75%$. Artificial Granular Zeolites (AGZ) was developed for the purification of wastewater. Canon exchange capacity was 126.8 $cmol^+{\cdot}kg^{-1}$. AGZ had Na-Pl peaks mainly with some minor $C_3S$ peaks in X-ray diffractogram. In addition, AGZs had various pore structure that may be adhere the suspended solid and offer microbiological niche to decompose organic pollutants. AGZ could remove ammonium, orthophosphate and heavy metals simultaneously. Mixing ratio of artificial zeolite in AGZs was related positively with removal efficiency of $NH_4\;^+$ and negatively with that of $PO_4\;^{3-}$. Root growth of rice seedling was inhibited severely in the mine wastewater because of strong acidity and high concentration of heavy metals. As AGZ(1 kg) stayed in the wastewater(100L) for 4days, water quality turned into safely for agricultural usage and rice seedlings grew normally.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.179-191
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• 2017

Objectives : Increased oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been suggested as a major cause of muscle fatigue. Although several studies have demonstrated the various biological properties of Sophora flavescens Aiton, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer and Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz, but the antioxidative potentials have not been clearly demonstrated. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of their water and ethanol extract mixtures (medicinal herbal mixtures, MHMIXs) on hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced cell damage and apoptosis in C2C12 myoblasts. Methods : Cytotoxicity was assessed by an MTT assay. Quantitative evaluation of apoptosis induction and ROS production was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Expression levels of apoptosis regulatory and DNA-damage proteins were detected by Western blotting. Result : The inhibition of $H_2O_2$-induced cell proliferation was effectively blocked in extracts of 3: 1: 1 (EMHMIXs-1) or 2: 2: 1 (EMHMIXs-2) of S. flavescens, G. uralensis and D. dasycarpus Turcz, ethanol extracts from various complex extracts in C2C12 myoblasts. EMHMIXs-1 and EMHMIXs-2 also effectively attenuated $H_2O_2$-induced C2C12 cell apoptosis, which was associated with the restoration of the upregulation of Bad and death receptor 4, and downregulation of XIAP and cIAP-1 induced by $H_2O_2$. In addition, these herbal mixtures significantly blocked the $H_2O_2$-induced ROS generation and phosphorylation of $p-{\gamma}H2A.X$, which suggests that they can prevent $H_2O_2$-induced cellular DNA damage. Conclusions : The results suggest that EMHMIXs-1 and EMHMIXs-2 could block the DAN damage and apoptosis of C2C12 myoblasts by oxidative stress through blocking ROS generation.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.11-20
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• 2016

Depletion of natural resources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are an important issue which we have to solve. The recycling of waste has emerged as a global concern. In Korea, the development of cost-effective treatment and recycling technologies also need to be improved. In this study, we compared and analyzed the cost per unit of treatment and recycling of organic waste, and presented an effective recycling scheme. We investigated the current status of treatment and costs for six types of organic wastes from 80 workplaces, including organic wastewater treatment sludge, processed organic sludge, and plant residues. In addition, environmental costs for greenhouse gas reduction were calculated. It's an economic way that organic waste is composted and used as cement additives. In particular, the economic analysis was done by realistic results of the survey target companies. In conclusion, in order for reliable processing and recycling of organic wastes, wastewater treatment sludge and sewage sludge need to be classified based on hazard characteristics. Finally, technical difficulties need to be further resolved such as odors, leachate, and debris on recycling organic wastes.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.1201-1209
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to isolate probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that produce bile salt hydrolase (BSH), and to evaluate its effects on serum cholesterol level. One-hundred-twenty bacterial colonies were initially isolated from human feces, and five strains were selected after screening based on their resistance to acids, tolerance against bile salts, and inhibitory activity on Escherichia coli. The Lactobacillus plantarum strain with the highest level of BSH activity was identified using 16S rRNA sequences, and was named L. plantarum CK 102. L. plantarum CK 102 at a level of 1.36$\times$10$^8$cfu/ml survived in pH 2 buffer for 6 h and exhibited excellent tolerance for bile salt. Coculturing the strain with E. coli in MRS broth resulted in strong inhibition against growth of E. coli at 18 h. Furthermore, the potential effect of CK 102 on serum cholesterol level was evaluated in rats. Thirty-two rats [Sprague-Dawley (SD) male, 129$\pm$l g, 5 weeks old] were divided into four groups of eight each. For six weeks, Group 1 was fed a normal diet (negative control); Group 2 was fed a cholesterol-enriched diet (positive control); Group 3 was fed a cholesterol-enriched diet plus L. plantarum CK 102 at 1.0$\times$10$^7$cfu/ml; and Group 4 was fed a cholesterol-enriched diet plus L. plantarum CK 102 at 5.0$\times$10$^7$cfu/ml. Blood samples were collected, serum lipids were analyzed, and weights of the organs were measured. Total blood cholesterol level, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, and free-cholesterol values were lower in rats that were fed 1. plantarum CK 102 than in those not fed L. plantarum CK 102. This cholesterol lowering effect implies that L. plantarum CK 102 could be utilized as an additive for health-assistance foods. In conclusion, these results suggest that the 1. plantarum CK 102 isolated could be used commercially as a probiotic.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.859-872
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• 2015

Pebble matrix filtration (PMF) is a water treatment technology that can remove suspended solids in highly turbid surface water during heavy storms. PMF typically uses sand and natural pebbles as filter media. Hand-made clay pebbles (balls) can be used as alternatives to natural pebbles in PMF treatment plants, where natural pebbles are not readily available. Since the high turbidity is a seasonal problem that occurs during heavy rains, the use of newly developed composite clay balls instead of pure clay balls have the advantage of removing other pollutants such as natural organic matter (NOM) during other times. Only the strength properties of composite clay balls are described here as the pollutant removal is beyond the scope of this paper. These new composite clay balls must be able to withstand dead and live loads under dry and saturated conditions in a filter assembly. Absence of a standard ball preparation process and expected strength properties of composite clay balls were the main reasons behind the present study. Five different raw materials from industry wastes: Red Mud (RM), Water Treatment Alum Sludge (S), Shredded Paper (SP), Saw Dust (SD), and Sugar Mulch (SM) were added to common clay brick mix (BM) in different proportions. In an effort to minimize costs, in this study clay balls were fired to $1100^{\circ}C$ at a local brick factory together with their bricks. A comprehensive experimental program was performed to evaluate crushing strength of composite hand-made clay balls, using uniaxial compression test to establish the best material combination on the basis of strength properties for designing sustainable filter media for water treatment plants. Performance at both construction and operating stages were considered by analyzing both strength properties under fully dry conditions and strength degradation after saturation in a water bath. The BM-75% as the main component produced optimum combination in terms of workability and strength. With the material combination of BM-75% and additives-25%, the use of Red Mud and water treatment sludge as additives produced the highest and lowest strength of composite clay balls, with a failure load of 5.4 kN and 1.4 kN respectively. However, this lower value of 1.4 kN is much higher than the effective load on each clay ball of 0.04 kN in a typical filter assembly (safety factor of 35), therefore, can still be used as a suitable filter material for enhanced pollutant removal.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.644-651
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• 2013

The fermented manure derivative known as Preparation 500 is traditionally used as a field spray in biodynamic agriculture for maintaining and increasing soil fertility. This work aimed at characterizing the product from a microbiological standpoint and at assaying its bioactive properties. The approach involved molecular taxonomical characterization of the culturable microbial community; ARISA fingerprints of the total bacteria and fungal communities; chemical elemental macronutrient analysis via a combustion analyzer; activity assays for six key enzymes; bioassays for bacterial quorum sensing and chitolipooligosaccharide production; and plant hormone-like activity. The material was found to harbor a bacterial community of $2.38{\times}10^8$ CFU/g dw dominated by Gram-positives with minor instances of Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. ARISA showed a coherence of bacterial assemblages in different preparation lots of the same year in spite of geographic origin. Enzymatic activities showed elevated values of ${\beta}$-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, chitinase, and esterase. The preparation had no quorum sensing-detectable signal, and no rhizobial nod gene-inducing properties, but displayed a strong auxin-like effect on plants. Enzymatic analyses indicated a bioactive potential in the fertility and nutrient cycling contexts. The IAA activity and microbial degradation products qualify for a possible activity as soil biostimulants. Quantitative details and possible modes of action are discussed.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.6
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• 2020

Background: As the cost of fishmeal continues to rise, there will be a need to optimize the diet by minimizing dietary fishmeal inclusion in aquafeed. In this study, a 7-week experiment was conducted to evaluate soybean meal, fermented soybean meal (soytide), and sesame meal as fishmeal replacers in whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Methods: A 30%-based fishmeal diet was considered as control (CON), six other diets were prepared by replacing 20% or 40% of fishmeal with soybean meal (SB₂₀ and SB₄₀), fermented soybean meal (ST₂₀ and ST₄₀), or sesame meal (SM₂₀ and SM₄₀) from the CON diet. Twenty shrimp with average initial weight of 0.65 ± 0.05 g (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into 21 tanks (45 L) and fed four times a day. Water temperature was controlled at 28 ± 1 ℃ and aeration was provided by air stones. Results: Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio of shrimp fed CON showed no significant differences compared to shrimp fed all the other diets. However, growth performance of shrimp fed ST₂₀ diet was significantly higher than those of shrimp fed the SM₂₀ and SM₄₀ diets (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) of shrimp fed CON, ST₂₀, and ST₄₀ diets was significantly higher than those of shrimp fed the SB₄₀ and SM₄₀ diets. But there were no significant differences among shrimp fed CON, SB₂₀, ST₂₀, ST₄₀, and SM₂₀ diets. Also, lysozyme activity of shrimp fed ST₂₀ diet was significantly higher than those of shrimp fed the SB₄₀ and SM₄₀ diets. Although, lysozyme activity of shrimp fed the CON diet was not significantly different compared to shrimp fed all the other experimental diets. Conclusions: Therefore, SB, ST, and SM could replace 40% of fishmeal based on growth performance and lysozyme. According to the SOD activity, SB and SM could replace 20% of fishmeal and ST could replace 40% of fishmeal in juvenile whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.