• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.125-132
• /
• 2010

Rice is the staple food of more than 50% of the worlds population. Cultivated rice has the AA genome (diploid, 2n=24) and small genome size of only 430 megabase (haploid genome). As the sequencing of rice genome was completed by the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP), many researchers in the world have been working to explore the gene function on rice genome. Insertional mutagenesis has been a powerful strategy for assessing gene function. In maize, well characterized transposable elements have traditionally been used to clone genes for which only phenotypic information is available. In rice endogenous mobile elements such as MITE and Tos (Hirochika. 1997) have been used to generate gene-tagged populations. To date T-DNA and maize transposable element systems has been utilized as main insertional mutagens in rice. A main drawback of a T-DNA scheme is that Agrobacteria-mediated transformation in rice requires extensive facilities, time, and labor. In contrast, the Ac/Ds system offers the advantage of generating new mutants by secondary transposition from a single tagged gene. Revertants can be utilized to correlate phenotype with genotype. To enhance the efficiency of gene detection, advanced gene-tagging systems (i.e. activation, gene or enhancer trap) have been employed for functional genomic studies in rice. Internationally, there have been many projects to develop large scales of insertionally mutagenized populations and databases of insertion sites has been established. Ultimate goals of these projects are to supply genetic materials and informations essential for functional analysis of rice genes and for breeding using agronomically important genes. In this report, we summarize the current status of Ac/Ds-mediated gene tagging systems that has been launched by collaborative works from 2001 in Korea.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.264-271
• /
• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of whole crop rice based TMR on the meat quality of Korean Native Cattle (Hanwoo). Sixteen Hanwoo steers (average 8 months old) were divided into the control group (commercially marketed TMR) and the WCR-TMR group (whole crop rice based TMR). Feeding trials were carried out up to 30 months of age, and after slaughter, the strip loin were collected and analyzed for meat quality. There were no significant differences in proximate compositions of Hanwoo (P>0.05), and crude protein, crude fat and crude ash were 19.51~20.23 %, 11.53~11.35 % and 1.10~1.12 %, respectively. There was no significant difference in water holding capacity and cooking loss between treatments (P>0.05), but it was slightly lower in the control group. Among the various functional components in meat, β-carotene was not detected, but α-tocopherol was significantly higher in WCR-TMR group and vitamin A content in control (P<0.05). The a^⁎-value in the meat color index decreased significantly with longer storage period in the control group, whereas the WCR-TMR fed group showed no significant difference (P>0.05) according to the storage period. There were no difference between the treatments in the TBARS (2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) value used as an indicator of lipid oxidation and in fatty acid content. But the control group had high myristic acid content, whereas the WCR-TMR supplemented group showed higher oleic acid and linoleic acid content. In conclusion, feeding of WCR based-TMR increased the α-tocopherol content, which is a functional ingredient in meat, and the other components were not significantly different from the control. Therefore, it was judged that there was no significant difference between WCR based and conventional TMR in meat quality characteristics.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.325-335
• /
• 1985

Biogas production from agricultural wastes were summarized as follows: 1. Biogas Generation Characteristics of Various Manures and Residues a. Gas yield from crop residues like rice straw, rice hull, corn stalk and coconut husk can be improved by addition of animal manures. b. Gas yield from coconut husk can be improved through aerobic fermentation for at least one week before loading in the digester. c. Gas yield from fresh rice straw is better than from pre-fermented one, whether alone or in combination with animal manures. d. Initial study has shown that fresh azolla can be substituted for animal manures in manurerice straw combinations and gas yield derived based on unit volatile solids loaded is actually better than for manure-residue combinations. e. Gas production is highly sensitive to substrate pH and becomes almost nil at a pH of below 6. 2. Effect of ambient conditions and other factors on biogas production in a house hold-size digester. a. Results showed that compaction of rice straw in straw-manure combination can reduce gas yield compared with loosely mixed straw. b. The effective gas production period extended to 70 days using freshly threshed rice straw and fresh cattle manure as feed material. c. Underground and above ground digesters with shade have relatively more stable substrate temperature than aboveground exposed digesters. This relative temperature instability may likely be the reason for lower gas yield for the exposed aboveground digester loaded with loose straw-cattle manure substrate, compared with the underground digester with the same substrate. 3. Economic Analysis a. Based on prevailing costs of fuel, materials, and labor in the Philippines, biogas produced from the household size system is cheaper than either LPG or kerosene. b. If other benefits like organic fertilizer, pollution control and convenience are considered, biogas will surely be the best alternative fuel source.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.419-433
• /
• 2014

The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity investigated plains at Meridiani Planum, where laminated sedimentary rocks are present. The Opportunity rover's Athena morphological investigation showed microstructures organized in intertwined filaments of microspherules: a texture we have also found on samples of terrestrial (biogenic) stromatolites and other microbialites. We performed a quantitative image analysis to compare images (n=45) of microbialites with the images (n=30) photographed by the rover (corresponding, approximately, to 25,000/15,000 microstructures). Contours were extracted and morphometric indexes were obtained: geometric and algorithmic complexities, entropy, tortuosity, minimum and maximum diameters. Terrestrial and Martian textures present a multifractal aspect. Mean values and confidence intervals from the Martian images overlapped perfectly with those from the terrestrial samples. The probability of this occurring by chance is $1/2^8$, less than p<0.004. Terrestrial abiogenic pseudostromatolites showed a simple fractal structure and different morphometric values from those of the terrestrial biogenic stromatolite images or Martian images with a less ordered texture (p<0.001). Our work shows the presumptive evidence of microbialites in the Martian outcroppings: i.e., the presence of unicellular life on the ancient Mars.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.76-91
• /
• 2017

Background: Agricultural work is physically demanding and is associated with a high frequency of musculoskeletal disorders. It is challenging to comprehensively understand the present status of work-related diseases and injuries among farmers in underdeveloped countries. Objects: This study aimed to elucidate the current status of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in local farmers in Tigray, Ethiopia, and identify the agricultural factors associated work-related musculoskeletal pain (AFWMP) and healthy living and healthy behavior factors associated work-related musculoskeletal pain (HFWMP). Methods: The Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development at Yonsei University conducted a survey of 126 households in Tigray, Ethiopia in 2014. A total of 116 individuals (73 men, 43 women) representing each household answered the questionnaires. Results: 1) Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP) most commonly occurred when performing heavy lifting and most frequently occurred in the lower back. 2) Age, self-perceived labor intensity, and months of farming work were significantly higher in the pain group than those in the non-pain group. 3) Overall work-related musculoskeletal pain intensity (WPI) showed positive and negative correlations with years of farming experience and self-perceived health status, respectively. 4) In binary logistic regression, the occurrence of WMSP showed significant associations with self-perceived labor intensity. 5) On multiple linear regression analysis, age, months of farming work, and self-perceived health status had a significant impact on overall WPI. Conclusion: The WMSP of farmers in Tigray, Ethiopia was related to the characteristics of farm working and health status. Furthermore, HFWMP and AFWMP were the chief factors affecting the occurrence of WMSP in farmers in Tigray. Therefore, both HFWMP and AFWMP should be considered for clinical health assessments of farmers with WMSP in underdeveloped African countries.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.28 no.9
• /
• pp.737-749
• /
• 2019

In this study, the sensitivity analysis of hydraulic conductivity and separation distance (distance between injection well and pumping well) was analyzed by establishing a conceptual model considering the hydrogeologic characteristics of facility agricultural complex in Korea. In the conceptual model, natural characteristics (topography and geology, precipitation, hydraulic conductivity, etc.) and artificial characteristics (separation distance from injection well to pumping well, injection rate and pumping rate, etc.) is entered, and sensitivity analysis was performed 12 scenarios using a combination of hydraulic conductivity ($10^{-1}cm/sec$, $10^{-2}cm/sec$, $10^{-3}cm/sec$, $10^{-4}cm/sec$) and separation distance (10 m, 50 m, 100 m). Groundwater drawdown at the monitoring well was increased as the hydraulic conductivity decreased and the separation distance increased. From the regression analysis of groundwater drawdown as a hydraulic conductivity at the same separation distance, it was found that the groundwater level fluctuation of artificial recharge aquifer was dominantly influenced by hydraulic conductivity. In the condition that the hydraulic conductivity of artificial recharge aquifer was $10^{-2}cm/sec$ or more, the radius of influence of groundwater level was within 20 m, but In the condition that the hydraulic conductivity is $10^{-3}cm/sec$ or less, it is confirmed that the radius of influence of groundwater increases sharply as the separation distance increases.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.29-35
• /
• 2010

To compare the quality of manufactured goods distributed in the domestic markets, 6 isolates of Dongchongxiacao products, namely, 4 Paecilomyces tenuipes specimens (J2P, 901A, 901B, and 901C), 1 Cordyceps militaris specimen (901D), and 1 Cordyceps sinensis specimen (CI-1), were analyzed for their physicochemical properties and sequence-structure relationships. P. tenuipes (J2P), a kind of Dongchongxiacao, was successfully inoculated on silkworms by percutaneous infection of Rural Development AdminstraionNam et al., 1999); fruiting bodies were then formed on the complete surface of the pupa. Since P. tenuipes (J2P) from silkworm larva was also proved to have remarkable pharmacological activities, it has been produced in bulk and has been successfully sold to buyers in the Korean market. Additionally, imitation products such as 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, and CI-1 were sold simultaneously, resulting in deterioration of product quality. This research focuses on establishing quality standards to discriminate between the original and imitation products circulating in the market. The products obtained for the experiments included J2P, 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, and CI-1; proximate analysis was performed for these products. The hosts and methods of conidia inoculation for proliferation of mycelia differed among the products. P. tenuipes (J2P) was proliferated in live silkworm larvae, and dead silkworm pupae were used to produce 901A, 901B, and 901C. On the other hand, 901D was produced on hulled rice medium. Quality analysis of C. sinensis revealed that CI-1, which was imported from China, smelled bad and proved to be a counterfeit with the fruiting body glued to the insect by twigs. The results of the proximate analysis of 901A, 901B, 901C, and 901D were similar to those of J2P with respect to the moisture content. Otherwise, J2P contained higher crude protein than 901A, 901B, 901C, and 901D, but contained very low fat. C. militaris (901D) and C. sinensis (CI-1) had low crude protein content-12.79% and 9.78% respectively-as compared to that of J2P, which was 62.38%. In contrast to the crude ash content of 6.4% in J2P, the crude ash content of CI-1 was 18.51% and this specimen was found to contain many impurities. phylogenetic analysis of P. tenuipes revealed that the sequence similarity of J2P, 901B, and 901C was in the range of 92.3~92.7%. Additionally, differences in the sequences were found at the positions 65 bp, 436 bp, 441 bp, 463 bp, etc.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.12-22
• /
• 2018

The US government has enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in 2011, which is being phased in and planned. The final Rules of Produce Safety focus on biological hazards related to agricultural production, harvesting, packaging and storage, which are being phased in since 2017 depending on farm scale. As a result of comparison with the Korean-GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards, it is difficult to compare the two standards to be compared with each other by 1:1. However, many of the Korean-GAP standards are similar to FSMA Produce Safety rules. However, the Korean-GAP standards can be judged differently according to the evaluator as a comprehensive standard, so the details of the standards need to be reinforced. In terms of the provisions, the Korean-GAP standards are the most appropriate for the safety of workers (FSMA Subpart D), followed by livestock and wild animals (FSMA Subpart I), buildings, equipment and tools (FSMA Subpart L) and harvesting activities (FSMA Sub-part K). However, there are some weaknesses in the field of agricultural water management (FSMA Subpart E) and farm manager's qualifications and training (FSMA Subpart C), and the response to the biological soil amendments of animal origin and human waste (FSMA Subpart F) is weak. The FSMA regulation is not a certification standard, but it is expected that the marbling effect, which is the standard laid down by the United States leading the world food safety standards, is expected to be considerable. Therefore, we hope that the review of the Korean-GAP standards will help improve the quality of agricultural products and expand our exports, since the standard for responding to microbiological safety emphasized in the FSMA regulations is the Korean-GAP standard.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.87-94
• /
• 2009

KNI3126 which is the eco-friendly material made by plant extracts - neem and matrine - have been evaluated for efficacies against 6 main pests and toxicity on natural enemies. Insecticidal efficacies of KNI3126 against plant hopper were above 95% at 5 days after treatment (DAT), whereas pesticidal effects against the cotton aphid were above 95% at 3 DAT and slightly decreased at 5 DAT. Insecticidal efficacy against the palm thrips resulted in lower control value as 68.1% than that of chemical insecticides. KNI3126 showed more than 95% control value against diamond back moth, suggesting that it could suppress the population of pest hard to control as eco-friendly material. Mortalities against two-spotted spider mite were about 80% at 1 DAT and over 90% at 5 DAT, respectively. For evaluation of the toxicity on natural enemies, effect against predatory natural enemy was classified as moderate selective toxicity based on the criterion of International Organization of Bio-Control (IOBC), whereas against parasitic natural enemies was found to be relatively safe. Repellent effect was weak against plant hopper, but strong against two-spotted spider mite. In the toxicity test for safety, KNI3126 was classified as the lowest level at acute oral, acute dermal and fish toxicity test and did not induce the irritancy at skin irritation test and eye irritation test.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2015

Population growth and increasing consumption of resources in the process of the industrial development has caused environmental pollution, climate change, and resource exhaustion. Therefore 'sustainable development' has become the important issue for the future. The sustainable development aims at effective resource use, less environmental impacts, and higher social security. Generally the rural area including agricultural fields and forest has various and plentiful natural resources which could make future development sustainable. To develop potential rural resources, the values for energy, environment and economy should be assessed considering the life-cycle of resources. The purposes of this study are to suggest the E3 (Energy, Environment, and Economy) assessment model for rural biomass considering life-cycle of resource and to apply the model to rice, the major agricultural product. As the results of this study, it turned out through E3 assessment that economic gain of rice cultivation is 578,374 won/10a, carbon absorption is $1,530kgCO_2/10a$, carbon emission is $926.65kgCO_2/10a$, and bio-energy potential of by-product is 394,028 kcal/10a. When E3 assessment was applied to by province, the results varied by regions because of the amount of input during cultivation. These results would be useful to realize the rural biomass and design regional resources plan in integrated E3 perspective.