• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.443-450
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• 2012

Recently, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)-mediated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was proposed to accelerate adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cell. We have previously shown that Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) extract significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation via downregulation of $PPAR{\gamma}$ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) gene expression. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanism(s) of NOX4, G6PDH (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and antioxidant enzymes in anti-oxidative activities of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results indicate that Cheonnyuncho extracts markedly inhibits ROS production during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Cheonnyuncho extracts suppressed the mRNA expression of the pro-oxidant enzyme such as NOX4 and the NADPH-producing G6PDH enzyme. In addition, treatment with Cheonnyuncho extract was found to upregulate mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes such as Mn-SOD (manganese-superoxide dismutase), Cu/Zn-SOD (copper/zinc-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathion reductase (GR), and catalase, all of which are important for endogenous antioxidant responses. These data suggest that Cheonnyuncho extract may be effective in preventing the rise of oxidative stress during adipocyte differentiation through mechanism(s) that involves direct down regulation of NOX4 and G6PDH gene expression or via upregulation of endogenous antioxidant responses.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2018

This study was conducted to compare the composition and antioxidant activity of 1- and 2-year-old Poria cocos Wolf cultivated at a mortuary and cemetery. An elemental analyzer test showed oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur to be present at concentrations of 45~46%, 39~41%, 6.06~6.1%, 0.21~0.22%, and 0%, respectively. No differences in composition were observed among samples. Eleven minerals (S, Ca, Mg, P, As, Se, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, and Cd) found in P. cocos cultivated at the mortuary and cemetery were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP). The levels of S, Fe, Mg, and Zn in P. cocos were higher in cemetery-cultivated samples than in mortuary-cultivated samples. A 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay for antioxidant activity revealed half-maximal inhibitory concentration ($IC_{50}$)values of P. cocos to be 8.601 mg/mL (mortuary, 1 year old), 12.85 mg/mL (cemetery, 1 year old), 1.23 mg/mL (mortuary, 2 years old), and 1.18 mg/mL (landfill, 1 year old). A 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay revealed $IC_{50}$ values of 15.85 mg/mL (mortuary, 1 year old),14.59 mg/mL(cemetery, 1 year old), 3.9 mg/mL (mortuary, 2 years old), and 14.92 mg/mL (cemetery, 1 year old). The results showed a concentration-dependent effect. Two-year-old mortuary-cultivated P. cocos had the highest antioxidant activity among samples. Ultrastructure analysis with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) showed no obvious differences among samples.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.120-128
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• 2013

The concentration and composition of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere can directly reflect the environmental pollution. The atmospheric pollution in some Cameroonian cities is increasing with the industrial development and urbanization. Air pollution is inherently complex, containing PM of varied size and composition. This PM exists as a dynamic cloud interacting with sunlight and is modified by the meteorology. The reflectometer and the EDXRF spectrometry are applied to determine the concentration of some specific elements at four sites in the city of Yaound$\acute{e}$. The particular aim of the present work is to put in place data base on air pollution in urban area and elaborate regulations on the emissions issued to industrial and vehicle activities. This study provides an overview of the concentration of black carbon and some specific elements in the air, which have impacts on human health. The measurement was done by distinguishing the size of particle. So that, the particle with aerodynamic diameter between $2.5-10{\mu}m$ (so-called coarse particle) and aerodynamic diameter < $2.5{\mu}m$ (so-called fine particle) were considered to obtain more information about levels of the inhalable fraction of the location. The results obtained in four locations of the city of Yaound$\acute{e}$ show that the black carbon concentration is very considerable, the element sulfur is a major pollutant and the concentration of fine particle is very greater. The results obtained of fine and coarse filters range from $5-17{\mu}g/m^3$ and $10-18{\mu}g/m^3$ for the black carbon. S, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Se and Hg are the specific findings of this work. The pollutants with a greater concentration are S, Pb, and Zn. These later seem to be non-uniformly, non-regular in some location and high compared to other countries. This work allows us to make a potential relation between pollutants and emission sources. In this framework, some suggestions have been proposed to reduce emissions for an improvement of the air quality in the environment and thus, the one of the city of Yaound$\acute{e}$.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.155-165
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• 2017

As interest in the public display of art and outdoor sculptures is increasing, the conservation and treatment of these sculptures is becoming increasingly crucial. Long-term exposure to the natural elements and atmospheric pollution can cause corrosion and deterioration in outdoor sculptures. In the case of Kim Chan Shik's "Feeling", which was exhibited in the outdoor sculpture park at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), the patina of the sculpture was damaged during a long outdoor exhibition. Therefore, the treatment process was as follows: recording of condition, sanding, repatination, and wax coating. Consequently, the sculpture was restored similar to the original. Chemical analysis revealed that the sculpture was crafted from bronze and was cast from a quaternary alloy of Cu-Pb-Sn-Zn. The welding is lower in Zn, Sn, and Pb content than the metal used in the sculpture itself. Bright strains contain about 13.0 wt% Sn and 10.5 wt% Pb. The strains are higher in Sn and Pb content than the rest of the metal in the sculpture (7.0 wt% Sn and 4.4 wt% Pb). As a result of component analysis and microstructure observation, the material is estimated to have been made by casting without artificial treatment.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.2691-2696
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• 2009

Effects of representative group II and transition metal ions on the stability of the $poly(dA){\cdot}[poly(dT)]_2$ triplex were investigated by the van’t Hoff plot constructed from a thermal melting curve. The transition, $poly(dA){\cdot}[poly(dT)]_2\;{\rightarrow}\;poly(dA){\cdot}poly(dT)\;+\;poly(dT)$, was non-spontaneous with a positive Gibb’s free energy, endothermic (${\Delta}H^{\circ}$ > 0), and had a favorable entropy change (${\Delta}S^{\circ}$ > 0), as seen from the negative slope and positive y-intercept in the van’t Hoff plot. Therefore, the transition is driven by entropy change. The $Mg^{2+}$ ion was the most effective at stabilization of the triplex, with the effect decreasing in the order of $Mg^{2+}\;>\;Ca^{2+}\;>\;Sr^{2+}\;>\;Ba^{2+}$. A similar stabilization effect was found for the duplex to single strand transition: $poly(dA){\cdot}poly(dT)\;+\;poly(dT)\;→\;poly(dA)\;+\;2poly(dT)$, with a larger positive free energy. The transition metal ions, namely $Ni_{2+},\;Cu_{2+},\;and\;Zn_{2+}$, did not exhibit any effect on triplex stabilization, while showing little effect on duplex stabilization. The different effects on triplex stabilization between group II metal ions and the transition metal ions may be attributed to their difference in binding to DNA; transition metals are known to coordinate with DNA components, including phosphate groups, while group II metal ions conceivably bind DNA via electrostatic interactions. The $Cd_{2+}$ ion was an exception, effectively stabilizing the triplex and melting temperature of the third strand dissociation was higher than that observed in the presence of $Mg_{2+}$, even though it is in the same group with $Zn_{2+}$. The detailed behavior of the $Cd_{2+}$ ion is currently under investigation.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.192-203
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• 2019

A study was conducted to determine the influence of feed form and microbial enzyme supplementation on energy utilization, bone quality, and amino acid and mineral digestibility of broiler chickens. Four hundred and eighty Ross 308, day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to eight diets formulated from commonly used ingredients in Tanzania. A 2 (pellet or mash) ${\times}$ 4 (control, Axtra XB, Quantum Blue (QB) and Axtra XB + QB enzyme) factorial array in a completely randomized design having six replicates per treatment (10 birds per replicate) was used. Birds were raised in climate-controlled rooms in a 3-phase; starter (0-10 days), grower (11-24 days) and finisher (25-35 days). Apparent metabolizable energy (AME), metabolizable energy intake, net energy of production, energy retained as protein (REp), and efficiency of metabolizable energy use for energy and protein retention were higher (p < 0.05) in birds fed pelleted diets. The AME and REp was higher (p < 0.05) with enzyme supplementation. Ash content, weight, length, width and breaking strength of tibia bones were highest (p < 0.05) in birds on pelleted diets. Tibia bone traits were improved (p < 0.05) when enzymes were included, particularly in a combination of QB and Axtra XB. However, potassium, magnesium, and zinc contents were highest (p < 0.05) when QB was supplemented. Digestibility of all amino acids was higher (p < 0.05) in birds supplied with pellets and with enzyme supplementation for most amino acids, except for serine. There was a positive interaction (p < 0.05) between feed form and enzymes on lysine and phenylalanine digestibility. Digestibility of Ca, P, K, S, Zn, and Fe was higher (p < 0.05) in birds fed pelleted diets, while those on mashed diets had higher (p < 0.05) digestibility of Cu and B. The digestibility of P, K, and Zn was highest (p < 0.001) when QB was added, while Ca, P, S, and B digestibility was highest when a combination of Axtra XB + QB was applied. Pelleted diets with or without enzymes improved energy utilization, digestibility of amino acids, and minerals, and increased bone strength in broiler chickens.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.45-56
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• 2024

Heavy metals emitted from urban development do not decompose in the soil and remain for long periods, continually impacting the environment. Since the mid-1990s, there has been increasing societal concern in South Korea regarding soil contamination, prompting various legislative revisions to reduce pollution. This study utilizes the Environmental Impact Assessment Support System (EIASS) to investigate projects in the metropolitan area that have exceeded the Ministry of Environment's soil contamination concern levels from 1989 to 2022 and to examine improvements in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. The results reveal that the average concentrations of nine contaminants-cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and fluoride (F)-have all increased over the years. Among these, Zn had the highest relative proportion, with 37.5% of the 40 sites exceeding environmental concern levels. Investigation of 19 specific projects at these exceedance sites showed that only 7 had documented analyses of contamination causes and remediation plans, and just one had contracted additional remediation services, though results from these efforts were found to be lacking. Furthermore, since 2019, a significant proportion of these sites were involved in residential developments, likely due to government initiatives in new city development and extensive housing supply plans. This research emphasizes the importance of public disclosure of the processes and outcomes of remediation efforts on historically contaminated soils prior to project development. It discusses improvements to the EIA by reviewing current legislation and international examples. The findings of this study are expected to heighten public awareness about heavy metal contamination and enhance transparency in soil remediation efforts, contributing to sustainable environmental management and development.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2012

To investigate the effect of aircraft traffic emissions on soil pollution, metal levels were analyzed for 8 metals (Fe, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn and Cd) from the vicinity of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi, India. The texture of the airport soil was observed to be sandy. Among the metals, Cd showed minimum concentration ($2.07{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$), while Fe showed maximum concentration ($4379{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$). The highest metal accumulation was observed at the landing site. Significant correlations were observed between metals and different textures (sand, silt, and clay) as well as with organic carbon (OC). The results indicate that grain size play a major role in OC retention in soil and subsequently helps in adsorption of metals in soil. M$\ddot{u}$ller's geoaccumulation index (I-geo) showed that airport soil was contaminated due to Cd and Pb with the pollution class 2 and 1, respectively. Pollution load index of the airport site was 1.34-3 times higher than the background site. The results of factor analysis suggested that source of the soil metal is mainly from natural weathering of soil, aircraft exhaust, and automobile exhaust from near by area. With respect to Dutch target values, the airport soils showed ~3 times higher Cd concentration. The study highlighted the future risk of enhanced metal pollution with respect to Cd and Pb due to aircraft trafficking.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.228-241
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• 2017

Hematological, chemical and functional characteristics of porcine, chicken and duck blood were evaluated. A porcine blood sample showed the most abundant red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and plasma protein content as well as its freeze-dried blood possessed the highest contents of protein, fat, Cu and Cr with the highest percentage of heme iron (p<0.05). Unlike porcine blood, chicken blood showed a well balance in some essential amino acids, specifically for a higher isoleucine content (p<0.05). Furthermore, it possessed the highest contents of carbohydrate, Zn and non-heme iron (p<0.05). The most rapid response to form a strong gel, especially at $70^{\circ}C$ and $80^{\circ}C$, was found in chicken blood, followed by duck and porcine blood, respectively. The result of emulsion activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI) at the low protein concentration indicated that chicken blood had the most superior emulsion properties (p<0.05). Regarding duck blood, it exhibited the highest content of Mg and Mn (p<0.05). Moreover, duck blood had similar foaming properties to porcine blood in which they showed higher values than chicken blood (p<0.05). Specific characteristics of blood were therefore diminished by animal species in which this information could be used as food supplementation or product development based on their potential applications.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2015.08a
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• pp.245-245
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• 2015

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) 박막 태양전지는 높은 효율과 낮은 제조비용, 높은 신뢰성으로 인해 박막 태양전지 중 가장 각광받고 있다. 특히 유리기판 대신 가볍고 유연한 철강소재나 플라스틱 소재를 이용하여 발전분야 외에 건물일체형, 수송용, 휴대용등 다양한 분야에 적용이 가능하다. 이러한 유연 기판을 이용한 CIGS 태양전지의 개발을 위해서는 기판의 특성에 따른 다양한 공정개발이 선행되어야 한다. 특히 CIGS 태양전지에서는 Na의 역할이 매우 중요한데 유연기판의 경우 이러한 Na이 없을 뿐만 아니라 철강기판의 경우 Fe, Ni, Cr등의 불순물이 확산되어 흡수층의 특성을 저하시켜 효율을 감소시킨다. 따라서 이러한 철강 기판의 경우 불순물의 확산을 방지하는 확산방지막이 필수적이다. 또한 플라스틱기판의 경우 내열성이 낮아 저온에서 공정을 진행해야하는 단점이 있다. 이러한 유연기판의 특성을 고려하여 본 연구에서는 유연기판으로 STS 430 stainless steel과 poly-imide를 이용하여 특성 개선을 진행하였다. 먼저 stainless steel과 Poly-imide, soda-lime glass, coning glass의 기판을 이용하여 기판에 따른 흡수층의 특성을 비교 분석하였으며 stainless steel 기판을 이용하여 확산 방지막의 유무 및 두께에 따른 흡수층 및 소자의 특성을 분석하였다. 이때 확산 방지막은 기존 TCO 공정에서 사용되는 i-ZnO를 사용하였으며 RF sputter를 이용하여 50~200nm로 두께를 달리하며 특성 비교를 실시하였다. 이때 효율은 확산방지막을 적용하지 않았을 때 약 5.9%에서 확산 방지막 적용시 약 10.6%로 증가하였다. 또한 poly-imide 기판을 이용하여 $400^{\circ}C$이하에서 흡수층을 제조하여 특성평가를 진행하였으며 소자 제조 후 효율은 약 12.2%를 달성하였다. 모든 흡수층은 Co-Evaporation 방법을 이용하여 제조하였으며 제조된 흡수층은 SEM, XRF, XRD, GD-OES, PL, Raman등을 이용하여 분석하였으며 그 외 일반적인 방법을 이용하여 Mo, CdS, TCO, Al grid를 제조하였다. AR 코팅은 제외 하였으며 제조된 소자는 솔라 시뮬레이터를 이용하여 효율 특성 분석을 실시하였으며 Q.E. 분석을 실시하였다.