• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.157-166
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• 2021

The probiotic market is constantly continuing to grow, concomitantly with a widening in the range and diversity of probiotic products. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that provide a benefit to the host when consumed at a proper dose; the viability of a probiotic is therefore of crucial importance for its efficacy. Many products undergo lyophilization for maintaining their shelf-life. Unfortunately, this procedure may damage the integrity of the cells due to stress conditions during both the freezing and (vacuum-) drying process, thereby impacting their functionality. We propose a lysine-based mixture for rehydration of freeze-dried probiotics for improving their viability during in vitro simulated gastric and duodenum stress conditions. Measurement of the zeta potential served as an indicator of cell integrity and efficacy of this mixture, while functionality was estimated by adhesion to a human enterocyte-like Caco-2 cell-line. The freeze-dried bacteria exhibited a significantly different zeta potential compared to fresh cultures; however, this condition could be restored by rehydration with the lysine mixture. Recovery of the surface charge was found to influence adhesion ability to the Caco-2 cell-line. The optimum lysine concentration of the formulation, designated "Zeta-bio", was found to be 0.03 M for improving the viability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-115 by up to 13.86% and a 7-strain mixture (400B) to 41.99% compared to the control rehydrated with distilled water. In addition, the lysine Zeta-bio formulation notably increased the adherence ability of lyophilized Lp-115 to the Caco-2 cell-line after subjected to the in vitro stress conditions of the simulated gastrointestinal tract passage.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.28-42
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• 2023

Seed dispersal supports community structure, maintains genetic connectivity across fragmented landscapes, and influences vegetation assemblages. In the Philippines, only two seed dispersal studies have compared different dispersal agents. We examined the seed dispersal patterns of water, wind, birds, and bats in the Caliraya Watershed, Philippines. We aimed to determine the floral species that were dispersed and how the forest characteristics influenced seed dispersal. By running seed rain traps and drift litter collection from March to June 2022, we analyzed 14,090 seeds in a privately owned study site within the watershed. Water did not exclusively disperse any species and acted as a secondary disperser. Seed density (seeds/trap) was significantly higher for bird-dispersed (n=166) and bat-dispersed (n=145) seeds than for wind-dispersed (n=79) seeds (One-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]: F_2,87=16.21, P<0.0001). Species number (species/trap) was significantly higher for bird-dispersed (n=3.7) and bat-dispersed (n=3.9) seeds than for wind-dispersed (n=0.2) seeds (One-way ANOVA: F_2,87 =16.67, P<0.0001). Birds dispersed more species because they are more diverse and access a wider variety of fruits, unlike bats. Birds and bats target different fruits and provide separate seed dispersal services. Generalized linear model analyses revealed that the number and basal area of fleshy fruit trees most strongly influenced the bird seed dispersal patterns. Therefore, we recommend a three-way approach to restoration efforts in the Caliraya Watershed: (1) ensure the presence of fleshy fruit trees in restoration zones, (2) assist the establishment of mid-successional and wind-dispersed trees, and (3) intensify the conservation efforts for both flora and faunal diversity.

• Educational Technology International
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.257-281
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• 2012

This study aims to examine individual perceptions and lived experiences of the Net generation of student teachers and the previous generation of teachers about their technology use in education. The participants of this study include 106 pre-service teachers and 50 in-service teachers from one teacher education university in Korea. Employing a mixed methodology, we first empirically examined the participants' perceptions toward multiple variables related to technology use in education, namely (a) past ICT experiences in schools, (b) personal computer use, (c) constructivist belief, (d) computer efficacy, (e) attitude toward computer in education, and (f) prospective computer use. In addition, we conducted face-to-face interviews with selected participants for the in-depth investigation of their lived experiences about technology use, beliefs, and attitude. Results indicate that there are significant differences between in-service and pre-service teachers in their prior experiences with technology in schools. However, the pre-service and in-service teachers did not differ significantly in their beliefs, attitude and other technology-related variables, which may indicate the danger of generational determinism in the Net Generation debate. The analysis of interview narratives revealed two major themes about the interplay of one's agency and structural changes in the participants' lived experiences with technology use in education: (a) transition from negative past experiences to opportunities for positive computer use, and (b) attitudes formation and change through apprenticeship experiences and structural influences. In conclusion, this study suggests that the Net Generation debate should move beyond dichotomous or techno-centric thinking. There is a critical need to pay more attention to develop deeper understandings of the fundamental diversity existing within the generation itself. Implications for teacher education are also discussed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.139-145
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• 2024

Background Applying into plastic surgery (PS) is competitive. Lacking a home residency program (HRP) is another barrier. Our goal is to characterize challenges faced by PS applicants without HRPs and identify solutions. Methods Surveys were designed for current integrated PS residents and applicants in the 2022 Match without HRPs. Surveys were distributed electronically. Only U.S. allopathic graduate responses were included. Results Of 182 individuals surveyed, 74 responded (39%, 33 residents, 41 applicants). Sixty-six percent reported feeling disadvantaged due to lack of an HRP. Seventy-six percent of applicants successfully matched. Of these, 48% felt they required academic time off (research year) versus 10% of unmatched applicants. Ninety-seven percent of matched applicants identified a mentor versus 40% of unmatched applicants (p < 0.05). Matched applicants identified mentors through research (29%) and cold calling/emailing (25%). Matched versus unmatched applicants utilized the following resources: senior students (74 vs. 10%, p < 0.05) and social media (52 vs. 10%, p < 0.05). Among residents, 16 had PS divisions (48%). Thirty-six percent with divisions felt they had opportunities to explore PS, compared with 12% without divisions. Residents without divisions felt disadvantaged in finding research (94 vs. 65%, p < 0.05), delayed in deciding on PS (50 vs. 28%), and obtaining mentors (44 vs. 35%) and letters of recommendation (31 vs. 24%). Conclusion PS residents and applicants without HRPs reported feeling disadvantaged when matching. The data suggest that access to departments or divisions assists in matching. We identified that external outreach and research were successful strategies to obtain mentorship. To increase awareness for unaffiliated applicants, we should increase networking opportunities during local, regional, and national meetings.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.365-371
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• 2014

In the present study, we investigated the biological activities of Xylosma congesta leaf ethanol extract (XCO) using a variety of in vitro and cell culture model systems for anti-melanogenic, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. First, XCO markedly inhibited ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells. Secondly, XCO marginally induced procollagen synthesis in CCD-986SK cells. Thirdly, XCO dose-dependently suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. XCO did not affect cell viability at different concentrations used in this study, indicating that XCO-mediated inhibition of melanin, procollagen and NO synthesis is not mediated by cytotoxicity. Finally, XCO was found to exert anti-oxidant effect. Taken together, these findings demonstrate for the first time that XCO possesses anti-melanogenic, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, and suggest further evaluation and development of XCO as a functional supplement or cosmetic that may be useful for whitening skin, reducing wrinkles and treating inflammatory responses.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.690-700
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• 2012

The experiment was conducted by in vitro fermentation and bacterial community analysis to investigate the reduction of odorous compounds in response to the use of feed additives (FA) during carbohydrate overload in growing pigs. Soluble starch at 1% (control) and various FA at 0.1% Ginseng meal (FA1); Persimmon leaf (FA2); Gingko nut (FA3) and Oregano lippia (FA4) were added to fecal slurry and incubated anaerobically for 12 and 24 h. In vitro parameters and microbial diversity of the dominant bacteria following fermentation were analyzed using Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), band cloning and sequencing of the V3 region. Results showed that total gas production increased with the advancement of incubation (p<0.05). pH values of FAs and control groups were decreased except the FA4 group which increased somewhat from 12 to 24 h (p<0.05). Ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3$-N) and $H_2S$ gas concentrations were comparatively lower in both stages in FA4 treatment than in the other groups (p<0.05). Hence, $NH_3$-N concentrations in liquid phases were increased (p<0.05) from 12 to 24 h, but the trend was lowest in FA4 than in the other groups at both stages. The total VFA production was comparatively lower and butyrate levels were moderate in FA4 group than in the the other groups during both stages (p<0.05). Indirect odor-reducing compounds such as $NO_2$, $NO_3$ and $SO_4$ concentrations were higher in the FA4 and FA3 than in the other groups at 24 h (p<0.05). After fermentation, ten dominant bands appeared, six of which appeared in all samples and four in only the FA4 treated group. The total number of DGGE bands and diversity was higher in the FA4-group compared to other groups. Additionally, similarity indices were lowest (71%) in the FA4, which represented a different bacterial community compared with the other groups. These findings indicate that $NH_3$-N, $H_2S$ and VFA production was minimal, and pH was also better in the FA4 group than in the other groups. Furthermore, the conversion of odor-reducing indirect compounds or their intermediates was higher in the FA4 group in compared to the other groups. FA4 group generated less odorous products and more indirect products by in vitro fermentation at 24 h, and their microbial pattern appeared to differ from that of the other groups. These findings suggest that this particular FA could change the microbial population, which may have a beneficial effect on odor reduction. It is recommended that the oregano lippia may be supplied to growing pigs as FA along with excess carbohydrate sources to reduce the production of odorous compounds.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.223-232
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• 2016

Drought is one of important environmental stress for plant. Drought has deleterious effect to plant growth including maize (Zea mays L.) such as vegetative and/or reproductive growth, root extension, photosynthesis efficiency, flowering, anthesis-silking interval (ASI), fertilization, and grain filling. In this study, we screened drought tolerant maize in 21 cultivars from different sources, sixteen NAM parent lines (B73, CML103, CML228, CML247, CML277, CML322, CML333, CML69, Ki11, Ki3, Ky21, M37W, Mo18w, NC350, Oh43 and Tx303), four Korean hybrids (Cheongdaok, Gangdaok, Kwangpyeongok and Pyeonganok) and one Southeast Asian genotype (DK9955). Drought stress (DS) index was evaluated with leaf rolling score at seedling stage and ASI at silking date. The leaf rolling scoring of CML228, DK9955 and Ki11 were determined 1.28, 1.85, 1.86, respectively. However, M37W, Kwangpyeongok, B73 and NC350 were determined over the 3. ASI analysis revealed that CML228, CML103, Cheongdaok, NC350, B73, CML322, Kwangpyeongok and Ki11 are represented less than 5 days under DS and less than 3 days of difference between DS and well-watered (WW), but CML69, Ki3, Pyeonganok, M37W, Mo18w and Gangdaok were represented more than 10 days under DS and more than 8 days of difference between DS and WW. Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis determined CML228, Ki11, and CML322 were regarded as drought tolerance cultivars. Eventually, Ki11 showed genetic similarity with Korean cultivars by QTL analysis and MDS analysis. Ki11 has a potential for development of drought tolerance maize with Korean cultivars.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.35-48
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• 2021

In this study, the assessment of field applicability of in-situ remediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater located in Yesan-gun was performed. Zero-valent iron/bio composite media injected PRB (Permeable Reactive Barrier) and monitoring well were installed in the contaminated groundwater site and monitored main remediation indicators during the PRB operation. Nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, Fe ion, TOC, and turbidity were analyzed and the diversity and population of microorganism in the PRB installed site were investigated for the verification of effect of injected PRB. In the study site where is an agricultural area, a river flows from west to east that forms a river boundary and the southern area has an impermeable sector. It was found that nitrate flows into the river, which is similar as groundwater flow. Simulation result for the fate of nitrate in groundwater showed steady state of nitrate arrived after 3~5 years passed. However, it is just to consider current conditions with no additional input of contaminant source, if additional input of contaminant source occurs contamination dispersion and time for steady state are expected to be increased. The monitoring results showed that Fe ion, TOC and turbidity in groundwater were not clearly changed in concentration after PRB installation, which indicates adaptability of the injected PRB for remediation of groundwater with no additional harmful effect to water quality. The concentration of nitrate maintained less than 5mg/L until 42 days after PRB installation and recovered its initial concentration after 84 days passed and showed termination of reactivity of injected zero-valent iron/bio composite media for removal nitrate. Nitrite and ammonia ions found after installation of PRB indicates reductive removal of nitrate. And the outstanding increase of microorganism diversity and population of Betaproteobacteria Class which includes denitrification microorganism explains biologically reductive removal of nitrate in injected PRB.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.205-216
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• 1990

This study was carried out to investigate the composition and the distribution of the polychaete community in Kwangyang Bay during 1987-1988, and to deduce causal factors of temporal changes in community by the comparison with the results of 1982 (Choi, 1984). In the present study, the Polychaetes comprised a total of 79 species, and had a mean density of 520 ind. $.$m/SUP -2/. They showed high abundance and species diversity in the main tidal channel and the north channel of Myodo. The most abundant polychaete was Lumbrineris longifolia (28.2%), and followed by Nephtys polybranchia (16.3%) and Stermaspis scutata (8.3%). Comparing the polychaete community in summer of 1987 with that in summer of 1982, Lagis bocki and Chone teres, the most dominant species in 1982, disappeared in 1987, while Lumbrineris longifolia, Nephtys polybranchia, Terebellides horikoshii, and Sternapis scutata experienced above twice increases in densities. the community in the north channel was distinguished from those in other regions by the high abundance of L. bocki in 1982, but was similar to that of the main channel by the disappearance of L. bocki in 1987. The community in the western inner bay was similar to that of the main channel in 1982, but became to be distinguished by the disappearance of l. longifolia and the high densities of S. scutata and Tharyx sp. in 1987. The temporal change in species composition and regional difference might be induced by the combined effects in the changes of hydrologic and sedimentary environments owing to the reclamation on the delta of Seomjing River and the dredging of the north chnnel.L.bocki in the north chnnel vanished after the habitat disturbance by the reclamation and dredging.S.scutata and Tharyxsp.dominated in the western inner bay because of the accumulationfo fine sediments through weakenend durrent flow by the obstruction of a new bank constructed on the delta.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.487-497
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• 2013

This study was conducted to suggest vegetation management plan for Gugok landscape maintenance and improvement by deducing the vegetation landscape factors inherent in Yongha Gugok and understanding vegetation structure through the investigate of existing vegetation and plant community structure of Yongha valley in Woraksan National Park. There were broad and flat rocks, natural layered stones, clear water, light stones, stream, valleys, waterfalls, Pinus densiflora and Acer pseudosieboldianum as a result of deducing natural factors on poetry. There were P. densiflora and A. pseudosieboldianum appeared as one of main vegetation landscape elements. The actual vegetation analysis results were as followed. The natural vegetation occupied 67.5% and it was classified as P. densiflora community, Quercus variabilis community, Q. variabilis-P. densiflora community, Q. variabilis-Q. serrata community, Q. serrata community, Q. mongolica community, Q. mongolica-P. densiflora community, Deciduous broad-leaved tree community. The artificial vegetation(18.7%) was classified as Q. serrata community-Larix kaempferi community, Q. mongolica- Castanea crenata community, L. kaempferi community, L. kaempferi-C. crenata community, fruticeta, L. kaempferi-Q. mongolica community. The grassland area(2.0%) was classified as Miscanthus sinensis community, Phragmites communis community, and other areas were classified as landscape tree planting area, farm, orchard, residential area. The representative vegetation were P. densiflora community, Q. variabilis-Q. serrata community, L. kaempferi community, Deciduous broad-leaved tree community in Yongha Gugok. The species diversity index of Shannon was 0.6274~0.9908 on the whole. Yongha Gugok, as a symbol of succession on confucianism and reverence for nature, should be preserved natural valley landscape being clean and wijungchuksa at the end of Joseon Dynasty and Japanese Colonial era. In this historical and cultural Gugok, vegetation landscape management plan is needed to landscape maintenance with P. densiflora community, density control with L. kaempferi community. And it is considered when natural disasters and artificial damages happened, P. densiflora-oriented vegetation restoration plan should be applied in order to restore.