• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
• /
• 2020.06a
• /
• pp.30-30
• /
• 2020

본 연구에서는 여름철에 농업용수(벼농사용)로서 집중적으로 지하수를 사용하는 지역에서 시기별 지하수 사용에 따른 지하수 수질변화를 평가하기 위해 수행되었다. 연구지역은 충남 홍성군 양곡리와 신곡리 일부를 포함하는 면적 2.83 ㎢(283.3 ha)에 해당하는 지역이다. 연구지역 지하수 수질의 공간적 분포 및 시간적 변화 특성 평가를 위하여 2019년 2회(7월, 10월)에 걸쳐 지하수 관정(21개소)에 대하여 조사 및 분석을 수행하였다. 지하수 샘플은 현장에서 온도(T), pH, 용존산소(DO) 및 전기전도도(EC), 산화환원전위(Eh) 등을 측정하였고, 실험실에서 주요 양이온 및 미량원소(Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si, Sr), 음이온(F, Cl, Br, NO₂, NO₃, PO₄, SO₄), 알칼리도, 용존 유기탄소(DOC)와 용존 유기물(DOM) 등을 분석하였다. 지하수 수질조사 결과, 전체의 14~15개소(67~71%)가 Ca-HCO₃ 유형으로 분류되었으며, 다음으로는 Ca-Cl 유형이 4~5개소(19~24%)가 관찰되었다. 얕은 심도의 관정에서 상대적으로 심도가 깊은 관정보다 대부분 성분(TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO₄, HCO₃, DOC)에서 높은 농도를 나타내었다. 지하수의 수질자료를 이용하여 다변량통계분석법인 주성분분석(PCA: Principal Components Analysis)과 계층적 군집분석(HCA: Hierachical Cluster Anlaysis)를 수행한 결과, 초기 3개 주요 고유성분(eigenvalue)는 PC1 54.0%, PC2 14.2%, PC3 12.3%로 전체 분산의 88.3%를 설명할 수 있었다. PC1은 Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO₄, DOC가 주요한 영향 인자였으며 PC2는 HCO₃, NO₃, DO에 영향 받음을 확인하였다. 계층적 군집분석 결과, 연구지역 지하수는 Na-Cl 유형의 C-3 관정을 제외하고는 크게 두 그룹으로 구분되어 졌다. 다변량통계분석의 결과에서도 수리지화학, 동위원소, 용존유기물 등의 특성에서 나타나는 것과 유사한 연구지역의 수질특성을 확인할 수 있었다. 연구지역은 차시기 동안 수질변화는 일부 관정을 제외하고는 유의할 만한 수준으로 관찰되지는 않았고, 지하수 사용에 따른 지하수위 회복도 빠르게 진행되고 있는 것으로 나타났다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
• /
• 2020.07a
• /
• pp.575-576
• /
• 2020

본 논문은 근래에 식용곤충 식품에 대한 수요 및 국민적 관심이 증가하여 관련 산업이 급격히 성장하고 있는 가운데, 건강기능성 효과가 널리 알려진 흰점박이꽃무지 유충의 안정적인 생산량 확보를 위한 스마트 사육사를 제작하고 그 성능을 평가한 결과이다. 사육사는 L6m×W3m×H2.8m 크기로 제작하였으며, 안정적인 사육환경을 위하여 사육실과 공조실을 분리하여 설계하였다. 공시재료는 생후 15일이 경과된 흰점박이꽃 무지 유충 1령이며, 스마트 사육사 내 사육환경은 온도 25±2℃, 습도 65±5%로 제어하였다. 사육조사는 매주 1회, 유충의 체중, 길이, 두께를 측정하였으며, 스마트 사육사의 성능평가를 위해 일반 사육농가(전북 소재)와 비교·분석하였다. 사육 4주 후 조사 결과, 스마트 사육사에서 사육한 유충의 체중과 길이는 각각 평균 1.97g/마리와 3.75cm로, 일반농가의 1.58g/마리와 3.55cm에 비해 비교적 높은 것으로 나타났다. 하지만, 두께의 경우 2주 차까지 일반농가에서 대체로 높은 것으로 나타났으며, 이후 3~4주 차에서는 큰 차이를 보이지 않았다. 따라서 본 연구를 통해 개발한 흰점박이꽃무지 유충 스마트 사육사는 일반농가와 비교해 사육이 비교적 빠르고 생산량을 더 많이 확보할 수 있는 시스템으로 농가소득 증대에 유용할 것으로 판단되며, 장소 및 시간에 상관없이 생육환경 제어가 가능하여 개발된 시제품의 보급 확대가 필요하다.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
• /
• v.33 no.11
• /
• pp.465-474
• /
• 2023

The effects of La³⁺ substitution for Sr²⁺-site on the crystal structure and the dielectric properties of (Ba_0.7Sr_0.3-3x/2La_x) (Ti_0.9Zr_0.1)O₃ (BSLTZ) (0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.02) ceramics were investigated. The structural characteristics of the BSLTZ ceramics were quantitatively evaluated using the Rietveld refinement method from X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. For the specimens sintered at 1,550 ℃ for 6 h, a single phase with a perovskite structure and homogeneous microstructure were observed for the entire range of compositions. With increasing La³⁺ substitution (x), the unit cell volume decreased because the ionic size of La³⁺ (1.36 Å) ions is smaller than that of Sr²⁺ (1.44 Å) ions. With increasing La³⁺ substitution (x), the tetragonal phase fraction increased due to the A-site cation size mismatch effect. Dielectric constant (ε_r) increased with the La³⁺ substitution (x) due to the increase in tetragonality (c/a) and the average B-site bond valence of the ABO₃ perovskite. The BSLTZ ceramics showed a higher dielectric loss due to the smaller grain size than that of (Ba_0.7Sr_0.3)(Ti_0.9Zr_0.1)O₃ ceramics. BSLTZ (x = 0.02) ceramics met the X7R specification proposed by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA).

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.251-261
• /
• 2023

Background: This paper deals with the study of natural radioactivity in rocks from Ogun State in Southwestern Nigeria. The aim is to determine radiation emissions from rocks in order to estimate radiation hazard indices. Objectives: The following objectives were targeted: 1. To determine radiation emissions from each type of rocks; 2. To estimate radiation hazard indices based on the rocks; 3. To correlate the activity concentrations of radionuclides with major oxides. Methods: The samples were analyzed using a NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectrometric detector and PerkinElmer AAnalyst 400 AAS spectrometer. Results: The activity of ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³²Th were found in order of decreasing magnitude from pegmatite>granite>migmatite. In contrast, lower concentrations were found in shale, phosphate, clay stone, sandstone and limestone. The mean absorbed doses were 125±23 nGyh^-1 (migmatite), 74±13 nGy/h (granite), 72±13 nGyh^-1 (pegmatite), 64±09 nGyh^-1 (quartzite), 45±16 nGyh^-1 (shale), 41±09 nGyh^-1 (limestone), 41±11 nGyh^-1 (clay stone), 24±03 nGyh^-1 (phosphate), and 21±10 nGyh^-1 (sandstone). The outdoor effective dose rates in all rock samples were slightly higher than the world average dose value of 0.34 mSvy^-1. The percentage composition of SiO₂ in the rock samples was above 50 wt% except for in the limestone, shale and phosphate. Al₂O₃ ranged from 4.10~21.24 wt%, Fe₂O₃ from 0.39~7.5 wt%, and CaO from 0.09-46.6 wt%. In addition, Na₂O and K₂O were present in at least 5 wt%. Other major oxides, including TiO₂, P₂O₅, K₂O, MnO, MgO and Na₂O were depleted. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Ogun State may be described as a region with elevated background radiation. It is recommended that houses should be constructed with good cross ventilation and residences should use home radiation monitoring instruments to monitor radon emanating from walls.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.111-127
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga) is increasingly used in nuclear medicine imaging for various conditions such as lymphoma and neuroendocrine tumors by labeling tracers like Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) and DOTA-TOC. However, compared to Fluorine-18 (¹⁸F) used in conventional nuclear medicine imaging, ⁶⁸Ga has lower spatial resolution and relatively higher Signal to Background Ratio (SBR). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the optimized parameters and reconstruction methods for PET/CT imaging using the ⁶⁸Ga radiotracer through model-based image evaluation. Materials and Methods: Based on clinical images of ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT, a NEMA/IEC 2008 PET phantom model was prepared with a Hot vs Background (H/B) ratio of 10:1. Images were acquired for 9 minutes in list mode using DMIDR (GE, Milwaukee WI, USA). Subsequently, reconstructions were performed for 1 to 8 minutes using OS-EM (Ordered Subset Expectation Maximization) + TOF (Time of Flight) + Sharp IR (VPFX-S), and BSREM (Block Sequential Regularized Expectation Maximization) + TOF + Sharp IR (QCFX-S-400), followed by comparative evaluation. Based on the previous experimental results, images were reconstructed for BSREM + TOF + Sharp IR / 2 minutes (QCFX-S-2min) with varying β-strength values from 100 to 700. The image quality was evaluated using AMIDE (freeware, Ver.1.0.1) and Advanced Workstation (GE, USA). Results: Images reconstructed with QCFX-S-400 showed relatively higher values for SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), CNR (Contrast to Noise Ratio), count, RC (Recovery Coefficient), and SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) compared to VPFX-S. SNR, CNR, and SUV exhibited the highest values at 2 minutes/bed acquisition time. RC showed the highest values for a 10 mm sphere at 2 minutes/bed acquisition time. For small spheres of 10 mm and 13 mm, an inverse relationship between β-strength increase and count was observed. SNR and CNR peaked at β-strength 400 and then decreased, while SUV and RC exhibited a normal distribution based on sphere size for β-strength values of 400 and above. Conclusion: Based on the experiments, PET/CT imaging using the ⁶⁸Ga radiotracer yielded the most favorable quantitative and qualitative results with a 2 minutes/bed acquisition time and BSREM reconstruction, particularly when applying β-strength 400. The application of BSREM can enhance accurate quantification and image quality in ⁶⁸Ga PET/CT imaging, and an optimization process tailored to each institution's imaging objectives appears necessary.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.202-210
• /
• 2024

Background: Panax ginseng Meyer polysaccharides exhibit various biological functions, like antagonizing galectin-3-mediated cell adhesion and migration. Galectin-8 (Gal-8), with its linker-joined N- and C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), is also crucial to these biological processes, and thus plays a role in various pathological disorders. Yet the effect of ginseng-derived polysaccharides in modulating Gal-8 function has remained unclear. Methods: P. ginseng-derived pectin was chromatographically isolated and enzymatically digested to obtain a series of polysaccharides. Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) quantified their binding affinity to Gal-8, and their inhibitory effects on Gal-8 was assessed by hemagglutination, cell migration and T-cell apoptosis. Results: Our ginseng-derived pectin polysaccharides consist mostly of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) and homogalacturonan (HG). BLI shows that Gal-8 binding rests primarily in RG-I and its β-1,4-galactan side chains, with sub-micromolar K_D values. Both N- and C-terminal Gal-8 CRDs bind RG-I, with binding correlated with Gal-8-mediated function. Conclusion: P. ginseng RG-I pectin β-1,4-galactan side chains are crucial to binding Gal-8 and antagonizing its function. This study enhances our understanding of galectin-sugar interactions, information that may be used in the development of pharmaceutical agents targeting Gal-8.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.1-18
• /
• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in adipose tissue causes an inflammatory response and leads to metabolic diseases. However, the association between vitamin D and adipose ER stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) alleviates ER stress in adipocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were treated with different concentrations (i.e., 10-100 nM) of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ after or during differentiation (i.e., on day 0-7, 3-7, or 7). They were then incubated with thapsigargin (TG, 500 nM) for an additional 24 h to induce ER stress. Next, we measured the mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in unfold protein response (UPR) and adipogenesis using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting and quantified the secreted protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the mRNA levels of UPR pathway genes were measured in adipocytes transfected with siRNA-targeting Vdr. RESULTS: Treatment with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ during various stages of adipocyte differentiation significantly inhibited ER stress induced by TG. In fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment suppressed mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 and decreased the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, downregulation of the mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 following 1,25(OH)₂D₃ administration was not observed in Vdr-knockdown adipocytes. In addition, exposure of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ inhibited transcription of Ddit3, sXbp1, Atf4, Bip, and Atf6 and reduced the p-alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)/eIF2α and p-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)/PERK protein ratios. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment before adipocyte differentiation reduced adipogenesis and the mRNA levels of adipogenic genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ prevents TG-induced ER stress and inflammatory responses in mature adipocytes by downregulating UPR signaling via binding with Vdr. In addition, the inhibition of adipogenesis by vitamin D may contribute to the reduction of ER stress in adipocytes.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.54 no.1
• /
• pp.71-79
• /
• 2003

Background : A bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) is useful in diagnosing the etiology of bilateral pulmonary infiltrations, but may worsen the oxygenation and clinical status in severely hypoxemic patients. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of the continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) using a conventional mechanical ventilator via a face mask as a tool for maintaining the oxygenation level during BAL. Methods : Seven consecutive patients with the bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and severe hypoxemia ($PaO_2/FIO_2$ ratio ${\leq}200$ on oxygen 10 L/min via mask with reservoir bag) were enrolled. The CPAP 5-6 $cmH_2O(F_IO_2\;1.0)$ was delivered through an inflatable face mask using a conventional mechanical ventilator. The CPAP began 10 min before starting the BAL and continued for 30 min after the procedure was completed. A bronchoscope was passed through a T-adapter and advanced through the mouth. BAL was performed using the conventional method. The vital signs, pulse oxymetry values, and arterial blood gases were monitored during the study. Results : (1) Median age was 56 years(male:female=4:3). (2) The baseline $PaO_2$ was $78{\pm}16mmHg$, which increased significantly to $269{\pm}116mmHg$(p=0.018) with CPAP. After the BAL, the $PaO_2$ did not decrease significantly but returned to the baseline level after the CPAP was discontinued. The $SpO_2$ showed a similar trend with the $PaO_2$ and did not decrease to below 90 % during the duration of the study. (3) The $PaCO_2$ increased and the pH decreased significantly after the BAL but returned to the baseline level within 30 min after the BAL. (5) No complications directly related to the BAL procedure were encountered. However, intubation was necessary in 3 patients(43 %) due to the progression of the underlying diseases. Conclusion : In severe hypoxemic patients, CPAP using a face mask and conventional mechanical ventilator during a BAL might allow minimal alterations in oxygenation and prevent subsequent respiratory failure.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.327-343
• /
• 2013

The aim of this study is to perform community analysis and biological assessment of water quality using benthic macroinvertebrate from Wangpi-cheon watershed which is defined as conservation areas of ecosystem and landscape by ministry of environment in Korea. Field survey of the study area was carried out 2 times from June to September in 2012. As a result of the field survey, total 155 species of benthic macroinvertebrates in 74 families, 15 orders, 7 classes and 5 phyla were collected. The findings of community analysis using the classified species and individuals showed relatively low DI(Dominant Index) value of 0.22 and very high value of average H'(Diversity index) as 4.24. And the analyzed results of SI(Similarity Index) according to habitat types using functional feeding groups showed higher values of 94.51% and 93.19% respectively to tributary and main stream after the designation of conservation areas of ecosystem and landscape. These results infer that various species and lots of individual are widely distributed at Wangpi-cheon watershed and stream ecosystem of the study area is healthy and well maintained after the designation of conservation areas. And also, the calculated EPT value was 62.9% as high enough to explain the cleanness of Wangpi-cheon watershed. We evaluated environmental condition and biological water quality by using ESB(Ecological Score of Benthic macroinvertebrate community) and KSI(Korean Saprobic Index). The average evaluated ESB shows very high value of 208.2, therefore Wangpi-cheon watershed is designated as 'First priority protection waters' area and the value of KSI is 0.32 which meets the saprobic water quality standard as 'First class'.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.75-85
• /
• 2017

A method to estimate hourly temperature profiles on calm and clear nights was developed based on temporal changes of inversion height and strength. A meteorological temperature profiler (Model MTP5H, Kipp and Zonen) was installed on the rooftop of the Highland Agriculture Research Institute, located in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. The hourly vertical distribution of air temperature was measured up to 600 m at intervals of 50 m from May 2007 to March 2008. Temperature and relative humidity data loggers (HOBO U23 Pro v2, Onset Computer Corporation, USA) were installed in the Jungdae-ri Valley, located between Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do and Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do. These loggers were used to archive measurements of weather data 1.5 m above the surface from October 3, 2014, to November 23, 2015. The inversion strength was determined using the difference between the temperature at the inversion height, which is the highest temperature in the profile, and the temperature at 100 m from the surface. Empirical equations for the changes of inversion height and strength were derived to express the development of temperature inversion on calm and clear nights. To estimate air temperature near the ground on a slope exposed to crops, the equation's parameters were modified using temperature distribution of the mountain slope obtained from the data loggers. Estimated hourly temperatures using the method were compared with observed temperatures at 19 weather sites located within three watersheds in the southern Jiri-mountain in 2015. The mean error (ME) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the hourly temperatures were $-0.69^{\circ}C$ and $1.61^{\circ}C$, respectively. Hourly temperatures were often underestimated from 2000 to 0100 LST the next day. When temperatures were estimated at 0600 LST using the existing model, ME and RMSE were $-0.86^{\circ}C$ and $1.72^{\circ}C$, respectively. The method proposed in this study resulted in a smaller error, e.g., ME of $-0.12^{\circ}C$ and RMSE of $1.34^{\circ}C$. The method could be improved further taking into account various weather conditions, which could reduce the estimation error.