• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.421-433
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• 2023

The final disposal of spent nuclear fuel(SNF) from nuclear power plants takes place in a deep geological repository. The metal canister encasing the SNF is made of cast iron and copper, and is engineered to effectively isolate radioactive isotopes for a long period of time. The SNF is further shielded by a multi-barrier disposal system comprising both engineering and natural barriers. The deep disposal environment gradually changes to an anaerobic reducing environment. In this environment, sulfide is one of the most probable substances to induce corrosion of copper canister. Stress-corrosion cracking(SCC) triggered by sulfide can carry substantial implications for the integrity of the copper canister, potentially posing a significant threat to the long-term safety of the deep disposal repository. Sulfate can exist in various forms within the deep disposal environment or be introduced from the geosphere. Sulfate has the potential to be transformed into sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB), and this converted sulfide can contribute to the corrosion of the copper canister. Bentonite, which is considered as a potential material for buffering and backfilling, contains oxidized sulfate minerals such as gypsum(CaSO4). If there is sufficient space for microorganisms to thrive in the deep disposal environment and if electron donors such as organic carbon are adequately supplied, sulfate can be converted to sulfide through microbial activity. However, the majority of the sulfides generated in the deep disposal system or introduced from the geosphere will be intercepted by the buffer, with only a small amount reaching the metal canister. Pyrite, one of the potential sulfide minerals present in the deep disposal environment, can generate sulfates during the dissolution process, thereby contributing to the corrosion of the copper canister. However, the quantity of oxidation byproducts from pyrite is anticipated to be minimal due to its extremely low solubility. Moreover, the migration of these oxidized byproducts to the metal canister will be restricted by the low hydraulic conductivity of saturated bentonite. We have comprehensively analyzed and summarized key research cases related to the presence of sulfates, reduction processes, and the formation and behavior characteristics of sulfides and pyrite in the deep disposal environment. Our objective was to gain an understanding of the impact of sulfates and sulfides on the long-term safety of high-level radioactive waste disposal repository.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.449-456
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• 2023

In this study, we developed Rapid Enrichment Broth for Vibrio parahaemolyticus (REB-V), a broth capable enriching V. parahaemolyticus from 10⁰ CFU/mL to 10⁶ CFU/mL within 6 hours, which greatly facilitates the rapid detection of V. parahaemolyticus. Using a modified Gompertz model and response surface methodology, we optimized supplement sources to rapidly enrich V. parahaemolyticus. The addition of 0.003 g/10 mL of D-(+)-mannose, 0.002 g/10 mL of L-valine, and 0.002 g/10 mL of magnesium sulfate to 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW was the most effective combination of V. parahaemolyticus enrichment. Optimal V. parahaemolyticus culture conditions using REB-V were at pH 7.84 and 37℃. To confirm REB-V culture efficiency compared to 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, we assessed the amount of enrichment achieved in 7 hours in each medium and extracted DNA samples from each culture every hour. Real-time PCR was performed using the extracted DNA to verify the applicability of this REB-V culture method to molecular diagnosis. V. parahaemolyticus was enriched to 5.452±0.151 Log CFU/mL in 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW in 7 hours, while in REB-V, it reached 7.831±0.323 Log CFU/mL. This confirmed that REB-V enriched V. parahaemolyticus to more than 10⁶ CFU/mL within 6 hours. The enrichment rate of REB-V was faster than that of 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, and the amount of enrichment within the same time was greater than that of 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, indicating that REB-V exhibits excellent enrichment efficiency.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.464-477
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• 2013

There is a great need to develop a training program proven to change behavior and improve knowledge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate employee hygiene knowledge, hygiene practice, and cleanliness, before and after HACCP system implementation at one small-size restaurant. The efficiency of the system was analyzed using time-temperature control after implementation of u-HACCP$^{(R)}$. The employee hygiene knowledge and practices showed a significant improvement (p<0.05) after HACCP system implementation. In non-heating processes, such as seasoned lettuce, controlling the sanitation of the cooking facility and the chlorination of raw ingredients were identified as the significant CCP. Sanitizing was an important CCP because total bacteria were reduced 2~4 log CFU/g after implementation of HACCP. In bean sprouts, microbial levels decreased from 4.20 logCFU/g to 3.26 logCFU/g. There were significant correlations between hygiene knowledge, practice, and microbiological contamination. First, personnel hygiene had a significant correlation with 'total food hygiene knowledge' scores (p<0.05). Second, total food hygiene practice scores had a significant correlation (p<0.05) with improved microbiological qualities of lettuce salad. Third, concerning the assessment of microbiological quality after 1 month, there were significant (p<0.05) improvements in times of heating, and the washing and division process. On the other hand, after 2 months, microbiological was maintained, although only two categories (division process and kitchen floor) were improved. This study also investigated time-temperature control by using ubiquitous sensor networks (USN) consisting of an ubi reader (CCP thermometer), an ubi manager (tablet PC), and application software (HACCP monitoring system). The result of the temperature control before and after USN showed better thermal management (accuracy, efficiency, consistency of time control). Based on the results, strict time-temperature control could be an effective method to prevent foodborne illness.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.1114-1119
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• 2012

This study was conducted to assess the microbial toxicity of ionic silver solution ($Ag^+N$) and silver nanoparticle suspension ($Ag^0NP$) based on the Microtox bioassay. In this test, the light inhibition of luminescent bacteria was measured after 15 and 30 min exposure to aqueous solutions and soils spiked with a dilution series of $Ag^+N$ and $Ag^0NP$. The resulting dose-response curves were used to derive effective concentration (EC25, $EC_{50}$, EC75) and effective dose ($ED_{25}$, $ED_{50}$, $ED_{75}$) that caused a 25, 50 and 75% inhibition of luminescence. In aqueous solutions, $EC_{50}$ value of $Ag^+N$ after 15 min exposure was determined to be < $2mg\;L^{-1}$ and remarkably lower than $EC_{50}$ value of $Ag^0NP$ with $251mg\;L^{-1}$. This revealed that $Ag^+N$ was more toxic to luminescent bacteria than $Ag^0NP$. In soil extracts, however, $ED_{50}$ value of $Ag^+N$ with 196 mg kg-1 was higher than $ED_{50}$ value of $Ag^0NP$ with $104mg\;kg^{-1}$, indicating less toxicity of $Ag^+N$ in soils. The reduced toxicity of $Ag^+N$ in soils can be attributed to a partial adsorption of ionic $Ag^+$ on soil colloids and humic acid as well as a partial formation of insoluble AgCl with NaCl of Microtox diluent. This resulted in lower concentration of active Ag in soil extracts obtained after 1 hour shaking with $Ag^+N$ than that spiked with $Ag^0NP$. With longer exposure time, EC and ED values of both $Ag^+N$ and $Ag^0NP$ decreased, so their toxicity increased. The toxic characteristics of silver nanomaterials were different depending on existing form of Ag ($Ag^+$, $Ag^0$), reaction medium (aqueous solution, soil), and exposure time.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.578-586
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• 2009

This study was conducted to determine the effects of alkaline electrolyzed water (AIEW), acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW), 1% citric acid, and 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite, either alone or in combination with citric acid, in reducing the populations of spoilage bacteria and foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7) on lettuce at various exposure times (3, 5, and 10 min) with different dipping temperatures (1, 20, 40, and $50^{\circ}C$). In addition, the inhibitory effect of alkaline electrolyzed water combined with citric acid on the browning reaction during storage at $4^{\circ}C$ for 15 days was investigated. Compared to the untreated control, electrolyzed water more effectively reduced the number of total bacteria, mold, and yeast than 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite under the same treatment conditions. All treatments exposed for 5 min significantly reduced the numbers of total bacteria, yeast, and mold on head lettuce. The inactivation effect of each treatment on head lettuce was enhanced as the dipping temperature increased from 1 to $50^{\circ}C$, but there was no significantly difference at temperatures greater than $40^{\circ}C$ (p<0.05). The total counts of yeast and mold in head lettuce were completely eliminated when a combination of 1% citric acid and AlEW treatment was used at temperatures greater than $40^{\circ}C$. However, decreased reduction in L. monocytogenes (2.81 log CFU/g), and E. coli O157:H7 (2.93 log CFU/g) on head lettuce was observed under these treatment conditions. In addition, enhanced anti-browning effect was observed when the samples were subjected to both 1% citric acid and AlEW treatment at temperatures greater than $40^{\circ}C$ compared to when single treatments alone were used. Thus, this combined treatment might be considered a potentially beneficial sanitizing method for improving the quality and safety of head lettuce.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.171-182
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• 2018

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the crops widely planted in tropical and subtropical areas. The papaya fruit has low calories and are plentiful in vitamins A and C and in minerals. A major problem in papaya production is a plant disease caused by the papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). The first PRSV-resistant GM papaya expressing a PRSV coat protein gene was developed by USA scientists in 1992. The first commercial GM papaya cultivars derived from the event was approved by the US government in 1997. Development of transgenic papayas has been focused on vaccine production and limited agricultural traits, including insect and pathogen resistance, long shelf life, and aluminum and herbicide tolerance. Approximately 17 countries, including the USA and China, produced transgenic papayas and/or commercialized them, which provoked studies on biosafety assessment and development of GM-detection technologies. For the biosafety assessment of potential effects on human health, effects of long-term feeding to model animals have been studied in terms of toxicity and allergenicity. Studies on environmental safety assessment include influence on soil-microbial biodiversity and transfer to soil bacteria of GM selection markers. Many countries, such as Korea, the European Union, and Japan, that have strict regulations for GM crops have serious concerns about unintended introduction of GM cultivars and food commodities using unauthorized GM crops. Transgene- and/or GM event-specific molecular markers and technologies for genomics-based detection of unauthorized GM papaya have been developed and have resulted in the robust detection of GM papayas.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.535-542
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• 2012

This study was carried out from 2011 to 2012 in order to analyze the cultivation technology system by six organic rice cultivation types in the southern provinces for the purpose of utilizing organic rice farming guidelines. This surveys were conducted by site visit on 8 counties and 115 farms in southern area. Cultivation technology system by six organic rice cultivation types were cultivated by the principle of minimum input or non-input. cropping systems, a mixture of barley and rice, or rice green manure crops were grown. Cultivars were mixture of the local cultivars and Japanese varieties. Soil were managed by a self-manufactured compost, indigenous microorganisms and barley straw without any fertilization. Pest control was mainly practied by purchased eco-friendly organic materials or herbal medication residue and indigenous microbial self-manufactured. Weed was controled by snails and barley straw. In addition, considering the restore of a longtail pitching shrimp and grasshoppers, the fuction of environmental ecology of six organic rice cultivation type proved to be excellent all. Meanwhile, the productivity of the organic farming per 10a were the order of Life and environment > Natural circulation > Stevia > Ji jang > Art and nature > Taepyoung of Farming Methods, but the farmers received prices showed the opposite tendency. Simple profitablity did not show a big difference. But, the productivity of all type of the organic farming were lower then the conventional farming. Finally, If we want to conduct safety and easy farming, we can suggest stevia farming, Natural circulation farming and life and environmental farming out of 6 organic rice cultivation types.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Poultry Science Conference
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• 2003.07b
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• pp.37-54
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• 2003

It has been recognized that the hen. like its mammalian counterparts. provides young chicks with antibodies as protection against hostile invaders. This system facilitates the transfer of specific antibodies from serum to egg yolk. and provides a supply of antibodies called immunoglobulin Y(IgY) to the developing embryo and the hatched chick. The protection against pathogens that the relatively immuno-incompetent newly hatched chick has. is through transmission of antibodies from the mother via the egg. Egg yolk. therefore. can be loaded with a large amount of IgY against pathogens which can immobilize the existing or invading pathogens during the embryo development or in day-old chicks. Thus. the immunization of laying hens to various pathogens results in production of different antigen-specific IgY in eggs. Egg yolk contains 8~20 mg of immunoglobulins (IgY) per $m\ell$ or 136~340 mg per yolk suggesting that more than 30 g of IgY can be obtained from one immunized hen in a year. By immunizing laying hens with antigens and collecting IgY from egg yolk. low cost antibodies at less than ＄10 per g compared to more than ＄20.000 per g of mammalian IgG can be obtained. This IgY technology opens new potential market applications in medicine. public health veterinary medicine and food safety. A broader use of IgY technology could be applied as biological or diagnostic tool. nut-raceutical or functional food development. oral-supplementation for prophylaxis. and as pathogen-specific antimicrobial agents for infectious disease control. This paper has emphasized that when IgY-loaded chicken eggs are produced and consumed. the specific antibody binds. immobilizes and consequently reduces or inhibits the growth or colony forming abilities of microbial pathogens. This concept could serve as an alternative agent to replace the use of antibiotics. since today. more and more antibiotics are less effective in the treatment of infections. due to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.435-444
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• 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of natural preservatives (G3, G3-1, F3, and F3-1) using Cordyceps militaris on improvement of food quality and safety of noodle during storage. Wheat flour noodle were prepared using three different concentrations of natural preservatives (0.100, 0.200, and 0.400%). Changes in microbial populations, pH value, titratable acidity, and sensory evaluation were measured during storage at $12{\pm}2^{\circ}C$ for 3 days. Overall, use of natural preservatives resulted in lower levels of total mesophilic bacteria, coliform, yeast and mold in noodle compared to the control. In particular, natural preservatives using $2{\times}$ MIC concentrations (0.400%) of F3 and F3-1 were effective at maintaining levels of total mesophilic bacteria for noodle during storage. The pH values of noodle made with F3 and F3-1 were higher than the others. The titratable acidity of noodle with natural preservatives did not significantly change during storage. In sensory evaluation, appearance, color, and overall acceptability of noodle with F3 and F3-1 were preferred than the control. These results could provide useful information for developing an alternative preservation method to improve food quality and shelf-life of noodle using natural preservatives.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.154-157
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• 2003

To examine the quality changes of three typical fishes under usual storage conditions during marketing, we determined the total bacterial counts and pH values during storage of mackerel, croaker, and saury. Mackerels were stored at 0$^{\circ}C$ and on ice at 19$^{\circ}C$, which is the usual storage condition in a local market and croakers and saury were stored at 0$^{\circ}C$ and 4$^{\circ}C$. Total bacterial counts of mackerel, croaker, and saury were 3,2${\times}$10$^3$, 2.9${\times}$10$^3$, and 2.8 x 10$^4$CFU/g at the time of storage respectively. Total bacterial counts of mackerel stored on ice at 19$^{\circ}C$ increased during storage and reached to 8.4 x 10$\^$6/ CFU/g at day 6, while those stored at 0$^{\circ}C$ decreased up to 2 days of storage and increased to 5.6 ${\times}$ 10$^4$CFU/g. For croaker and saury, total bacterial counts at 0$^{\circ}C$ were 2.5 ${\times}$ 10$\^$5/ and 2.1 x 10$\^$5/ CFU/g at day 6, respectively, while those stored at 4$^{\circ}C$ had 3.6 x 10$\^$6/ and 2.6 ${\times}$ 10$\^$5/ CFU/g. the pH value or mackerel was 5.56 at the time or storage, yet it increased to 6.04. The pH changes of croaker and saury had a similar pattern with that of mackerel, which increased with time of storage. These results suggest that storage of fishes at 0$^{\circ}C$ should be better than those at 4$^{\circ}C$ or on ice at 19$^{\circ}C$ in terms of microbial safety as well as quality and shelf-life of fishes.