• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.47-55
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the factors associated with electronic cigarette use by Korean adults. To accomplish this, data collected from 228,477 individuals during a community health survey conducted by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015 were analyzed by descriptive analysis, the Chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis. The lifetime prevalence of electronic cigarette smoking was 11.1% for men and 0.8% for women. The current prevalence for electronic cigarettes smoking was 24.2% for men and 26.1% for women among lifetime users of electronic cigarettes. The lifetime experience rate of electronic cigarette smoking was significantly associated with age, educational attainment, occupation, income status and current smoking status, respectively. The current universal smoking e-cigarette is significantly related to the current smoking status, which shows a significantly higher number of current smokers than groups that have smoked in the past. The preference for electronic cigarette smoking was high. E-cigarettes were perceived by those who aimed to quit smoking as having a smoking cessation effect compared to regular cigarettes while also providing the pleasure of smoking and addressing the addiction. Therefore, e-cigarettes were highly favored because they were reflected as a solution to the dilemma of smoking. In 2014, electronic cigarette imports tripled from the previous year, and interest in electronic cigarettes is increasing worldwide. Accordingly, measures related to the prevention and discontinuation of e-cigarettes should be considered. Strengthening anti-smoking education and active promotion of anti-smoking risks is needed to improve smokers' wrong perception of smoking-related health. The WHO also reports that there is a lack of grounds to ensure or acknowledge that e-cigarettes are effective. Accordingly, it is important to identify environmental factors influencing the use of electronic cigarettes and explore the relationship between electronic cigarette recognition and use.

• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2017

This study was carried out to investigate antimicrobial activity and characteristics of Asparagus cochinchinenesis which was steamed and fermented with lactic acid bacteria. A. cochinchinensis was prepared to steaming process which was washed and freeze dried. A. cochinchinensis was steamed at $95^{\circ}C$ for 12 h and dried by hot air at $50^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. After steaming process, A. cochinchinensis was fermented with lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides 4395, Lactobacillus sakei 383 and Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11322). Ethyl acetate extracts of fermented A. cochinchinensis had antimicrobial activities for the respiratory disease bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). A. cochinchinensis had highest antimicrobial activity for the P. aeruginosa which fermented with L. mesenteroides 4395. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of A. cochinchinensis fermented with L. mesenteroides 4395 was 10 mg/mL for S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and 5 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa. The MIC of A. cochinchinensis fermented with L. sakei 383 and A. cochinchinensis fermented with L. plantarum KCCM 11322 were the same. Total sugar was decreased from $863.33{\pm}17.47mg/mL$ to $722.67{\pm}5.51mg/mL$ during the steaming process. But reducing sugar was increased from $99.36{\pm}1.32mg/mL$ to $109.29{\pm}2.71mg/mL$ during the steaming process. Total sugar was decreased to 301.50-361.42 mg/mL and reducing sugar was decreased to 27.39-62.20 mg/mL during the fermentation process.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

The health benefits associated with consumption of fresh produce have been clearly demonstrated and encouraged by international nutrition and health authorities. However, since fresh produce is usually minimally processed, increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has also led to a simultaneous escalation of foodborne illness cases. According to the report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 10 people suffer from foodborne diseases and 420,000 die every year globally. In comparison to other processed foods, fresh produce can be easily contaminated by various routes at different points in the supply chain from farm to fork. This review is focused on the identification and characterization of possible sources of foodborne illnesses from chemical, biological, and physical hazards and the applicable methodologies to detect potential contaminants. Agro-chemicals (pesticides, fungicides and herbicides), natural toxins (mycotoxins and plant toxins), and heavy metals (mercury and cadmium) are the main sources of chemical hazards, which can be detected by several methods including chromatography and nano-techniques based on nanostructured materials such as noble metal nanoparticles (NMPs), quantum dots (QDs) and magnetic nanoparticles or nanotube. However, the diversity of chemical structures complicates the establishment of one standard method to differentiate the variety of chemical compounds. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables contain high nutrient contents and moisture, which promote the growth of unwanted microorganisms including bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli O157: H7, Shigella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus) and non-bacterial pathogens (norovirus and parasites). In order to detect specific pathogens in fresh produce, methods based on molecular biology such as PCR and immunology are commonly used. Finally, physical hazards including contamination by glass, metal, and gravel in food can cause serious injuries to customers. In order to decrease physical hazards, vision systems such as X-ray inspection have been adopted to detect physical contaminants in food, while exceptional handling skills by food production employees are required to prevent additional contamination.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1507-1515
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• 2018

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by prostatic hypertrophy mainly in the elderly. Corni Fructus is reportedly effective in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, but its efficacy on BPH has not been previously studied. In the present study, we investigated whether or not a Corni Fructus water extract (CF) could prevent testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. To induce BPH, castrated rats were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate (TP). CF was administered daily by oral gavage, along with the TP injections, and finasteride, a selective inhibitor of $5{\alpha}$-reductase type 2, was used as a positive control. The results show that CF significantly reduces prostate weight and histopathologic changes while also decreasing levels of serum dihydrotestosterone, similar to the finasteride-treated group. CF also suppresses TP-induced $5{\alpha}$-reductase expression and concentration in prostate tissue and serum, respectively. Furthermore, CF markedly inhibited TP-induced expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and the steroid receptor coactivator 1, an AR coactivator, which was associated with a decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels in both serum and prostate tissue. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that CF weakens BPH status by inactivation of $5{\alpha}$-reductase and AR.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.354-361
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• 2019

The red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetables in traditional Korean food, containing vitamins A, C, and E, polyphenol, and flavonoids. In addition, red peppers have high anti-oxidant ability and are known to be effective in preventing obesity, diabetes, hypertension, digestive disorders, stress, and aging. In this study, we investigated the effects against obesity and diabetes of both fermented and non-fermented red pepper. C57BL/6N mice with induced obesity from an eight-week 45% high fat diet (HFD) were then fed either an HFD or diets containing 2.5% non-fermented red pepper marc (NRM), 1.25% fermented red pepper marc (FRM), or 2.5% FRM for a further eight weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed seven weeks after dietary intake, and body weight, liver, epididymal fat weight, serum insulin level, and HOMA-IR were measured and a lipid content test performed at eight weeks. The results show that the 2.5% FRM diet reduced body and tissue weight, lipid content, serum insulin levels, and HOMA-IR compared to the 2.5% NRM and HFD diets. These results suggest that fermented red pepper is effective against obesity and diabetes. We will use this information as the basic data for the development of health food materials using red pepper.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.260-267
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: In this study, shoots of Aralia elata and Kalopanax pictus which belong to the Araliaceae family were analyzed using UPLC-DAD-ESI(+)-QToF/MS to characterize of individual phenolic acids. METHODS AND RESULTS: Total thirteen phenolic acids were identified, and nine hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives have been identified for the first time in shoots of Aralia elata and Kalopanax pictus. For total phenolic acid content (mg/100g dry weight), shoots of Aralia elata and Kalopanax pictus showed 754.8 and 845.3 mg/100g, respectively. 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (49%) and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (44%) were found as major phenolic acids in Aralia elata, while 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (91%) was a major component in Kalopanax pictus. CONCLUSION: On comparing the two plants, it was considered that the biosynthesis of 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid can be affected by 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid in Aralia elata.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.94-99
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• 2019

The objective of this study is to establish the shelf life of non-pasteurized whole egg, egg yolk and egg white liquid. Each sample was stored for two weeks at $5^{\circ}C$, $10^{\circ}C$, $15^{\circ}C$, and $25^{\circ}C$, and then sensory, microbial, and physicochemical tests were performed periodically. The estimation of shelf life was based on the microbial standards of total viable counts and coliforms. The chemical properties highly correlated with the sensory evaluation were also used. Our results showed that the shelf life was the most influenced by microbial properties. Exceptionally, however, whole egg and white liquid stored at $5^{\circ}C$ and $10^{\circ}C$ with limited bacterial growth were affected by chemical property. The shelf life of the three non-pasteurized liquids was calculated to be less than one day at over $15^{\circ}C$. At $5^{\circ}C$ and $10^{\circ}C$, the shelf life was calculated to be 5 d and 1 d for egg yolk liquid, 5 d and 5 d for egg white, and 7 d and 5 d for whole egg, respectively. Therefore, it is advisable to establish reasonable shelf life in the more specific manner based on consideration of these findings.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.182-195
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• 2011

Old big tree transcends the simple meaning of trees as they are the natural monuments that embody the people's history and culture of this land. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea (CHA) defines and protects old big tree based not only on the size of the tree but also on its definitive cultural and natural factors such as value, implications, and originality. This research aims to identify and analyze the habitation and measurements, the soil conditions, as well as the protective facilities of 14 old big tree spread throughout the Gangwondo. The research examined the soundness of the arboreal form, the degree of damage on the bark, as well as the quantity of leafs levels to evaluate the overall condition of growth and development. Then, the tree height, the eastwest and south-north width of the crown, the sternum circumference, and the root circumference were recorded to identify the measurements of the selected old big tree. Also, the research analyzed 9 elements such as soil texture, pH levels, and organic contents in order to determine the scientific characteristics of soil upon which the trees draw nutrition. Finally, the research evaluated supporting pillars, lightning rods, iron pulling-facilities, as well as notice boards to study the protective facilities of old big tree. The research procedures revealed that 78.57% of the old big tree identified as natural monuments in the Gangwondo have average to above average habitation conditions. Also, the average tree height reaches 18.80m above ground while the average root circumference measures 7.34m. Moreover, the results of the scientific analyses conducted on the soil elements determined that most chemical values were within the defined levels, with the exception of phosphoric acid levels falling within the hyper-nutritious range. Finally, although most of the protective facilities did support the habitation of the Old big tree, there were some supporting pillars and iron pulling-facilities that actually damaged the trees. This research means to provide foundational reference data for the analysis of the habitation and management conditions of natural monument old big tree within the Gangwondo. A follow-up topic led by the results of this research is the identification and analysis of correlating environmental elements that affect the habitation of the old big tree.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.55-63
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• 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate animal welfare approved farms in three housing systems (open, windowless, and free-range). The survey was conducted in 25 animal welfare approved farms, and 10 farms were surveyed for distribution status. The main breed in all animal welfare approved farms of laying hens was Hy-Line Brown variety. In the case of open house, laying hens were bred in traditional and panel houses simultaneously; however, the ratio of panel house was 58.3%, which was higher than that of the traditional house. All the windowless houses were made of panels and more than 15,000 laying hens were housed in a single windowless house. In the case of free-range house, it was maintained on a small scale of less than 12,000 birds. Fifty-six percent of the surveyed farms were breeding at $7{\sim}8birds/m^2$. In terms of male and female ratios, most farms maintained 1 male:15 females, but there was a farmhouse that switched 17 or 20 females to 1 male. The daily dietary allowance was 110~170 g, and 32% of the surveyed farms provided feed of more than 150 g/day, which showed that forage feed was important. The age of at the first egg was 123 days, 122 days, and 120 days, and the peak percent was 91.8%, 94.9%, and 86.5% in open, windowless and free-range houses, respectively. The average egg production rate was 74.0%, 84.6%, and 72.7% in open, windowless, and free-range houses respectively, thus, there was no correlation between feed intake and hen-housed eggs. Distribution of welfare certified eggs was mainly a direct deal with the consumer or through contract production. The ratio of direct transactions between large-scale marts and eco-friendly specialty stores of welfare approved eggs was higher than that of conventional eggs. The rate of contract sales of eggs in both the barn and free-range systems was high, and the percentage of courier sales farms was also high. Excluding courier services, price of eggs in the barn system rose to more than 30 won/egg in the second half of 2017 (after AI). Price of eggs in the free-range system rose to more than 50 won/egg in the second half of 2017 (after AI). In the case of courier sales, the same price of 500 won was maintained before and after AI. In conclusion, the results of this study can be used as basic data for improving the animal welfare certification system for laying hens in Korea.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.699-709
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• 2021

Muscle mass improvement through lifestyle modification has been shown to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. This study examined the capacity of ethanol extracts of Scytosiphon lomentaria (SLE) to suppress the bioactivity of myostatin, a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, as well as the effect of SLE treatment on metabolic homeostasis in obese zebrafish induced by high feeding. A total of 10 ㎍/ml SLE completely blocked myostatin (1 nM/ml) signaling in the pGL3-(CAGA)₁₂ luciferase assay and suppressed myostatin-induced Smad2 phosphorylation in the Western blot analysis. In the zebrafish larvae analysis, the whole body glucose concentration of the high feeding control (HFC) group was significantly higher than that of the normal feeding control (NFC) group. However, the glucose levels of the high feeding group treated with 12.5 ug SLE and of the high feeding group treated with 18.75 ug SLE were similar to those of the NFC group. The mRNA expression level of the GLUT2 gene of the HFC group was significantly lower than that of the NFC group. SLE treatment restored the expression of the GLUT2 gene to a level that was close to that of the NFC group, indicating that SLE is capable of regulating glucose levels in zebrafish larvae. The current results highlight the potential of SLE as a natural MSTN inhibitor and supplement that can be used to facilitate the treatment of metabolic syndrome.