• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2022

Natural products have gained increasing attention due to their advantage of long-term safety and low toxicity for a very long time. Torreya nucifera is widespread in southern Korea and Jeju Island and its seeds are commonly used as edible food. Oriental ingredients have often been reported for their insecticidal, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, but there have not yet been any studies on their antidiabetic effect. In this study, we investigated several biological activities of T. nucifera pericarp (TNP) and seeds (TNS) extracts and proceeded to characterize the antidiabetic compounds of TNS. The initial results suggested that TNS extract at 15 and 10 ㎍/ml concentration has inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, that is 14.5 and 4.35 times higher than TNP, respectively. Thus, the stronger antidiabetic TNS was selected for the subsequent experiments to characterize its active compounds. Ultrafiltration was used to determine the apparent molecular weight of the active compounds, showing 300 kDa or more. Finally the mixture was then partially purified using Diaion HP-20 column chromatography by eluting with 50~100% methanol. Therefore we concluded that the active compounds of TNS have potential as therapeutic agents in functional food or supplemental treatment to improve diabetic diseases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.227-239
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• 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of water-soluble mulberry leaf extract (ME) on hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via the regulation of hepatic microRNA (miR)-221/222 and inflammation. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 7 each) and fed with 10 kcal% low-fat diet (LF), 45 kcal% high-fat diet (HF), or HF + 0.8% ME for 14 weeks. Lipid profiles and cytokine levels of the liver and serum were measured using commercial enzymatic colorimetric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and miR levels in liver tissue were assayed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Supplementation of ME reduces body weight and improves the liver and serum lipid profiles as compared to the HF group. The mRNA levels of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and fatty acid translocase, which are genes involved in lipid metabolism, were significantly downregulated in the ME group compared to the HF group. In contrast, the mRNA level of hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (involved in fatty acid oxidation) was upregulated by ME supplementation. Furthermore, administration of ME significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators such as hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide were also significantly reduced in ME group compared to the HF group. Expression of hepatic miR-221 and miR-222, which increase in the inflammatory state of the liver, were also significantly inhibited in the ME group compared to the HF group. Conclusion: These results indicate that ME has the potential to improve hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via modulation of inflammatory mediators and hepatic miR-221/222 expressions.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.87-102
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• 2022

To clarify the spatial distribution pattern of macrozoobenthos in Korean coastal waters in the summer season and investigate the relationship between community structure and benthic environmental factors, field surveys on community structure and benthic environmental factors were conducted at 117 stations in August 2017. A total of 613 macrobenthic species were identified, with the mean density of 1,228 ind./m² and the mean biomass (wet weight) of 110.9 g WW/m². Rich biodiversity was found at stations near Wando and along the coast of the East Sea, and there is a trend that stations with greater biodiversity also showed higher mean density as well. The dominant species in all the coastal areas in Korea was Heteromastus filiformis, which were found at most of the stations during the survey. The relatively deep areas in the East Sea were dominated by Magelona johnsoni and Maldane cristata, which were the third and ninth dominant species in the study areas, respectively. Pseudopolydora kempi and Rhynchospio sp. were observed only at the station located in the Nakdong River estuary. From the cluster analysis the stations could be clustered into three station groups with more similar faunal composition. Group A was located in the eastern coast, characterized with deep water depth and low levels of sand contents, while Group B was located in the southern coast, characterized by shallow depth of water and high content of mud and organic matter. Lastly, Group C was in the western coast, demonstrating low levels of mud content and organic matters. The biodiversity of macrobenthic species in the study area showed high positive correlation coefficients with benthic environmental factors such as sorting, clay, silt, and contents of organic matter in sediments, but negatively correlated with the sand contents. Major dominant species, Theora lata and Eriopisella sechellensis, both showed negative correlation coefficients with the sand contents, but a relatively high positive correlation with the levels of organic contents.It can be concluded that the spatial distribution patterns of macrobenthic organisms in Korean coastal waters are affected by depth, sediment type, and contents of organic matters.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.606-612
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• 2022

Relatively high indoor CO₂ concentration (>1,000 ppm) has a negative impact on human health. In this work, indoor CO₂ adsorbent was developed by impregnating KOH or K₂CO₃ on commercial activated carbon, named as KOH/AC and K₂CO₃/AC. Commercial activated carbon (AC) showed relatively high BET surface area (929 m²/g) whereas KOH/AC and K₂CO₃/AC presented lower BET surface area of 13.6 m²/g and 289 m²/g. Two experimental methods of TGA (2,000 ppmCO₂, weight basis) and chamber test (initial concentration: 2,000 ppmCO₂, CO₂ IR analyzer) were used to investigate the adsorption capacity. KOH/AC and K₂CO₃/AC exhibited similar adsorption capacities (145~150 mg_CO2/g), higher than K₂CO₃/Al+Si supports adsorbent (84.1 mg_CO2/g_sample). Similarly, chamber test also showed similar trend. Both KOH/AC and K₂CO₃/AC represented higher adsorption capacities (KOH/AC: 93.5 mg_CO2/g K₂CO₃/AC: 94.5 mg_CO2/g_sample) K₂CO₃/Al+Si supports. This is due to the KOH or K₂CO₃ impregnation increased alkaline active sites (chemical adsorption), which is beneficial for CO₂ adsorption. In addition, the regeneration test results showed both K-based adsorbents pose a good regeneration and reusability. Finally, the current study suggested that both KOH/AC and K₂CO₃/AC have a great potential to be used as CO₂ adsorbent for indoor CO₂ adsorption.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.444-451
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• 2022

Recently, long-term cultivation is becoming more common with the increase in tomato hydroponics. In hydroponics, it is very important to supply an appropriate nutrient solution considering the nutrient and moisture requirements of crops, in terms of productivity, resource use, and environmental conservation. Since seasonal environmental changes appear severely in long-term cultivation, it is so critical to manage irrigation control considering these changes. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of irrigation volume on growth and yield in tomato long-term cultivation using coir substrate. The irrigation volume was adjusted at 4 levels (high, medium high, medium low and low) by different irrigation frequency. Irrigation scheduling (frequency) was controlled based on solar radiation which measured by radiation sensor installed outside the greenhouse and performed whenever accumulated solar radiation energy reached set value. Set value of integrated solar radiation was changed by the growing season. The results revealed that the higher irrigation volume caused the higher drainage rate, which could prevent the EC of drainage from rising excessively. As the cultivation period elapsed, the EC of the drainage increased. And the lower irrigation volume supplied, the more the increase in EC of the drainage. Plant length was shorter in the low irrigation volume treatment compared to the other treatments. But irrigation volume did not affect the number of nodes and fruit clusters. The number of fruit settings was not significantly affected by the irrigation volume in general, but high irrigation volume significantly decreased fruit setting and yield of the 12-15th cluster developed during low temperature period. Blossom-end rot occurred early with a high incidence rate in the low irrigation volume treatment group. The highest weight fruits was obtained from the high irrigation treatment group, while the medium high treatment group had the highest total yield. As a result of the experiment, it could be confirmed the effect of irrigation amount on the nutrient and moisture stabilization in the root zone and yield, in addition to the importance of proper irrigation control when cultivating tomato plants hydroponically using coir substrate. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the research on this topic, as it is judged that the precise irrigation control algorithm based on root zone-information applied to the integrated environmental control system, will contribute to the improvement of crop productivity as well as the development of hydroponics control techniques.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.255-264
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• 2022

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with ginseng by-products on growth, organ development, blood biochemical profiles, immune response, and stress parameter of broilers reared in high ambient temperatures. One hundred one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308) were used. At week two, the birds were randomly allocated into five dietary groups; control (CON), 0.5% ginseng berry (GB1), 1.0% ginseng berry (GB2), 0.5% ginseng leaves and stems (GLS1), and 1.0% ginseng leaves and stems (GLS2). The temperature was maintained at 32±1℃from 9 AM to 5 PM. Growth, serum immunoglobulins and corticosterone levels were monitored and analyzed. No significant differences among groups were observed in growth. However, during the finisher period (21~35d) and overall period (7~35 d), body weight gain in all supplemented groups tended higher than CON group. Blood biochemical profiles did not significantly differ among treatment groups except in bilirubin level. Serum immunoglobulins and corticosterone level showed no significant differences among groups. IgM and IgG levels were numerically higher in GLS1 than in other groups, but the difference was not significant. Corticosterone level also tended lower in all supplemented groups than in CON group, and larger decreases were observed in groups with higher ginseng by-product concentration. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ginseng by-products shows potential to reduce heat stress in growing broilers with no negative effect on productivity.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.4
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• pp.548-556
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• 2022

In this study, basic data were obtained to determine the optimal cultivation method to achieve stable fruiting and yield increase in "Cheonhwang" jujube trees. Accordingly, thefructification, fruit characteristics, and yield according to tree age were analyzed. The mean (and range of) tree height, crown area, stem diameter near the root, clear stem length, number of main branches, and distance between main branches were 235.6 (217.4-253.8) cm, 3.5 (3.1-4.1) m², 5.5 (4.0-7.1) cm, 70.6 (66.2-72.7) cm, 9.7 (8.6-10.5), and 10.4 (7.9-14.2) cm, respectively. Correlationanalysis results indicated that tree age was positively correlated with crown area, stem diameter near the root, and clear stem length but not with the number of main branches. The mean number (and range) of fruit per fruit-bearing mother shoot and tree were 18.3 (16.7-18.3) and 170.7 (157.9-178.3), respectively. Tree age was not significantlycorrelated with fruiting characteristics (i.e., the numbers of fruit-bearing mother shoots per main branch, fruit-bearing shoots per fruit-bearing mother shoot, fruit per fruit-bearing shoot, and fruit per tree). Given that the shape of jujube trees is constantly managed according to the growing area and greenhouse type, the tree growth characteristics were more affected by tree management techniques than by tree age. The mean (and range of) fruit weight, fruit hardness, and soluble solid content were 28.6 (27.7-30.3) g, 29.4 (28.5-30.4) N, and 20.4 (19.3-21.0) °brix, respectively, and these fruit characteristics were not significantly correlated with tree age.The average yield per tree of the 'Cheonhwang' jujube cultivar was 4.9 (4.8-5.0) kg, which was not significantly correlated with tree age.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.63-73
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• 2022

The aim of this study was to cluster according to the bone age of elementary school students in order to analyze the physique, physical fitness, and skeletal maturation of each cluter group and to provide basic data for the balanced development of elementary school students through data analysis. The subjects of this study were 2243 students aged 8 to 13 years, and the skeletal maturation were calculated by applying them to the TW3 method score conversion table after the X-ray films were taken. A total of 2 components in physique were measured using a stadiometer(Hanebio, Korea, 2021) and the Inbody 270(Biospace, Korea, 2019), and a total of 7 components in physical fitness, which included muscular strength(Hand Grip Strength), balance(Bass Stick Test), agility(Plate Tapping), power(Standing Long Jump), flexibility(Sit&Reach), muscular endurance(Sit-Up), and cardiovascular endurance(Shuttle Run) were measured as well. K-Means clustering method, cross-tabulation analysis, and one-way variable analysis(ANOVA) were conducted for data processing using the SPSS PC/Program(Version 26.0) and Bristics Studio Tool, and it was considered significant at the level of p< .05. The results of this study may be summarized as follow. First, as a result of clustering using three components of skeletal maturation: retarded, normal, and advanced, cluster 1(Retarded) showed excellence in muscular strength, balance, and agility. cluster 2(Normal) showed poor flexibility, whereas cluster 3(Advanced) showed excellence in muscular strength. Second, as a result of analyzing the differences in physique according to the clustering of elementary school students by their individual characteristics, cluster 3(Advanced) showed excellence in height, weight, and body fat percentage. Third, as a result of analyzing the differences in physical fitness according to the clustering of elementary school students by their individual characteristics, cluster 3(Advanced) showed excellence in Hand Grip Strength(Left, Right), whereas cluster 1(Retarded) showed excellence in Bass Stick Test, and cluster 3(Advanced) showed excellence in Standing Long Jump.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.166-180
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• 2022

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a non-face-to-face obesity management program, implemented during the pandemic. Methods: The non-face-to-face obesity management program used the Intervention mapping protocol (IMP). The program was put into effect over the course of eight weeks, from September 14 to November 13, 2020 in 48 overweight and obese adults, who applied to participate through the Daegu Citizen Health Support Center. Results: IMP was first a needs assessment was conducted; second, goal setting for behavior change was established; third, evidence-based selection of arbitration method and performance strategy was performed; fourth, program design and validation; fifth, the program was run; and sixth, the results were evaluated. The average weight after participation in the program was reduced by 1.2kg, average WC decreased by 3cm, and average BMI decreased by 0.8kg/m² (p<0.05). The results of the health behavior survey showed a positive improvement in lifestyle factors, including average daily intake calories, fruit intake, and time spent in walking exercise before and after participation in the program. A statistically significant difference was seen (p<0.05). The satisfaction level for program process evaluation was high, at 4.57±0.63 point. Conclusion: The non-face-to-face obesity management program was useful for obesity management for adults in communities, as it enables individual counseling by experts and active participation through self-body measurement and recording without restriction by time and place. However, the program had some restrictions on participation that may relate to the age of the subject, such as skill and comfort in using a mobile app.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.67-76
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• 2022

The furniture industry has a high possibility to create value-added and a high potential to create new occupations due to the characteristics of the industry, which mainly consists of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the used furniture, which has sufficient reuse value, is also crushed and used as solid refuse fuel (SRF) recently. Besides, the number of waste treatment companies continues to decrease, and it occurs congestion of wood waste. As a way to solve the issue, a business model development of remanufacturing used furniture can be suggested as an alternative due to its high circular economic efficiency. Remanufacturing business including furniture industry creates positive effects in various aspects such as economic, environmental and job creation. In other words, remanufacturing is an effective recycling way to reduce input resources and energy in the production process. The results of economic analysis show that the expected annual revenue from the single worker furniture remanufacturing site was 104 million won which is 3.11 times more than the average income of a single-worker household in Korea and its B/C ratio was estimated about 30 which means high business feasibility. Revenue through furniture remanufacturing also showed 320 times higher than that of SRF production from the perspective of weight. In addition, it is shown that the GHGs reduction from the furniture remanufacturing is 2.2 ton CO₂-eq. per year, which is similar to the amount of GHGs absorption effect of 937 pine trees or 622 Korean oak trees annually. Thus the results of this study demonstrate that it is important to adopt an appropriate recycling method considering the economic and environmental effects at the end-of-life stage.