• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.267-280
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• 2023

This study investigated the contents of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg for 4333 samples with 2 09 types of herbal medicines distributed in Seoul area from 2019 to 2021, and evaluated risk assessment according to medicinal part used and origin. The contents of heavy metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and mercury analyzer. The average contents (mg/kg) of heavy metals by medicinal parts were 0.123 to 1.290 for Pb, 0.018 to 0.131 for Cd, 0.034 to 0.290 for As, and 0.003 to 0.015 for Hg. The contents of Pb were higher in Leaves and Whole Herbs (above-ground part) than underground part (Radix & Rhizoma) (ANOVA-test, p < 0.05). The contents of Cd were high in Leaves, Radix & Rhizoma, and Stems & Woods (ANOVA-test, p <0 .05), and exceeded regulatory limits in various types. Levels of Pb, Cd concentrations exceeding regulatory limits were observed in 8, 22 samples (8, 14 types). No sample exceeded regulatory limits of As and Hg. In the comparison between countries of origin, the contents of Cd, As, and Hg were high in imported herbal medicines (t-test, p < 0.05). As a result of the risk assessment, except for Thujae Orientalis Folium and Spirodelae Herba, the MOE values of Pb were all 1 or more, and most samples were safe. The Hazard Index (HI) for Cd, As, and Hg were evaluated to be less than 100 % even if the risk (%) of each heavy metal was added, and the risk from taking herbal medicines was evaluated to be safe.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.3
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• pp.188-196
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• 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important crop in Korea, with a per capita consumption of 31.6 kg in 2019. In the southern region, wheat is grown after paddy rice, and it is harvested during the rainy season in mid-June. This timing, in combination with high humidity and untimely rainfall, activates the enzyme alpha-amylase, which breaks down starch in the wheat grains. As a result, sprouted grains have lower quality and value for flour. However, seeds that absorb water before sprouting are expected to maintain better quality. The aim of the study was to identify the critical period during wheat maturation when rainfall has the greatest impact on grain quality, to prevent price declines due to quality deterioration. Two wheat cultivars, Jokyoung and Hwanggeumal, were grown in a speed breeding room, and artificial rainfall was applied at different times after heading (30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 days). The proportion of vitreous grains decreased from 40 to 55 days after heading (DAH). Both cultivars had chalky grain sections from 35 DAH, with Hwanggeumal having a higher proportion of vitreous grains. Starch degradation was observed using FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope) at 40 DAH for Jokyoung and 50 DAH for Hwanggeumal. Color measurements indicated increased L and E values from 40 DAH, with rain treatment at 55 DAH leading to a significant increase in L values for both cultivars. Ash content increased at 45 DAH, whereas SDSS decreased at 35 DAH. Overall, grain quality from 40 DAH until harvest was found to be affected to the greatest extent by direct exposure of the spikes to moisture. Red wheat showed better quality than white wheat. These findings have implications for the cultivation of high-quality wheat and can guide future research efforts in this area.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.822-832
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• 2023

This study investigates the effectiveness of CA (controlled atmosphere) containers in maintaining the freshness of exported melons. The melons were harvested on June 5, 2023, in the Yeongam area of Jeollanam-do, Korea. The CA container was loaded with melon samples packed in an export box. The temperature inside the container was set at 4℃, while the gas composition was set at 5% oxygen, 12% carbon dioxide, and 83% nintrogen. Following two weeks of simulated transportation, quality analysis was conducted at 10℃. The melons were inoculated with spore suspensions, and the decay rate was determined to investigate the effect of the gas composition inside the CA container on suppressing the occurrence of Penicillium oxalicum in melons. The results were compared with a Reefer container set at the same temperature. The samples transported in the CA container exhibited lower weight loss. The melon pulp softening, respiration rate, and ethylene production were slower using the CA container. Moreover, the decay rate during the distribution period in the CA container was lower than in the Reefer container. In contrast, the firmness of melons transported in the Reefer container decreased significantly (from 9.03N to 5.18N) immediately after transportation. The soluble solid content (SSC) of melons transported in the Reefer container also decreased rapidly. The results suggested that the CA container is the optimal export container for maintaining the freshness of melons.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.136-152
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• 2024

Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation item was developed to assess adolescent dietary habits and nutritional practices, considering food intake, eating behaviors, and food culture, such as social support and food environment. Methods: The 59 candidate items of the evaluation checklist were obtained based on the results of the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, Korea Dietary Reference Intakes, dietary guidelines for adolescents, Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, national nutrition policies and dietary guidelines, and literature reviews. Four hundred and three middle and high school students residing in metropolitan areas participated in a survey using the 58-item checklist, which was selected through expert evaluation and content validity ratio analysis. The construct validity of the assessment tool for the quality of adolescent diets was assessed by exploratory factor analyses to determine if the checklist items were organized properly and whether the responses to each item were distributed adequately. Results: The Bartlett sphericity test was significant for each area (p <0.001), and the eigen values were greater than one. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and cumulative proportions by areas were food intake (0.765 and 56.8%, respectively), eating behaviors (0.544 and 64.8%, respectively), and food environment (0.699 and 62.4%, respectively). Twenty-two checklists were determined for the final evaluation items for the adolescents' dietary habits and nutritional practices and were categorized into three distinct factors: food intake (10 items), eating behaviors (4 items), and food environment (8 items). Conclusion: The evaluation items for adolescent dietary habits and nutritional practices is a useful checklist for easily and quickly assessing the dietary qualities and reflecting Korean adolescents and their food environmental factors related to a sustainable diet.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.1
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• pp.88-96
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• 2024

This study was conducted to determine the optimal light conditions for the in situ and ex situ conservation and restoration of Osmanthus insularis, a rare plant species in South Korea. Evaluations included the growth performance, leaf morphological features, photosynthetic characteristics, and photosynthetic pigment contents of seedlings grown from April to November under different light conditions (100%, 55%, 20%, and 10% relative light intensity). The shoot lengths and root collar diameters did not differ significantly with relative light intensity. The dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots and the leaf number were highest at 55% relative light intensity. The leaf shape showed morphological acclimation to light intensity, with leaf area decreasing and thickness increasing as the relative light intensity increased. Several leaf parameters, including photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance at light saturation point, net apparent quantum yield, and dark respiration, as well as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents, were all highest at 55% relative light intensity. Under full light conditions, the leaves were the smallest and thickest, but the chlorophyll content was lower than at 55% relative light intensity, resulting in lower photosynthetic ability. Plants grown at 10% and 20% relative light intensity showed lower chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents, as well as decreased photosynthetic and dark respiration rates. In conclusion, O. insularis seedlings exhibited morphological adaptations in response to light intensity; however, no physiological responses indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency in shade were evident. The most favorable light condition for vigorous photosynthesis and maximum biomass production in O. insularis seedlings appeared to be 55% relative light intensity. Therefore, shading to approximately 55% of full light is suggested for the growth of O. insularis seedlings.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.213-228
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• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate spatio-temporal changes in macrobenthic community structure and benthic environmental conditions in Geoje-Hansa Bay, which is the greatest oyster producing site in Korea. Field survey for benthic environment and macrobenthos was seasonally carried out at 15 stations covering oyster farming sites and non-farming sites from February to November, 2008. The grain size of surface sediments was dominated by very fine silt with the mean phi of about $9\;{\Phi}$ and TOC was 1.9% on average. Mean dissolved oxygen content was 8.1 mg/L and lowest in August corresponding to the 2nd degree in seawater quality criteria. Total species number was 351 and mean density was $3,675\;ind./m^2$, both of which were dominated by polychaete worms. Spatio-temporal variation in above two biological variables was great with higher values seasonally in spring and spatially in channels rather than inner bay. Dominant species were Lumbrineris longifolia (21.3%), Aphelochaeta monilaris (17.8%) and Ericthonius pugnax(6.1%), all of which are typical species of organically enriched area. From the multivariate analyses, the whole macrobenthic community was distinguished into two groups of channel and inner bay group. Spatio-temporal changes of macrobenthic community in Geoje-Hansan Bay were related to those of TOC and acid volatile sulfide (AVS). Our results showed that Geoje-Hansan Bay should be intermediately affected by organic pollution, and that such organic enrichment was more remarkable at farming stations in the inner bay.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.147-160
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• 2015

In 2014, on 31 August and 1 September, the emissions of $CH_4$, $CO_2$, and $O_2$ gases were measured six times using the closed chamber method from exposed tidal flat sediments in the same position relative to the low point of the tidal cycle in the Eoeun-ri, Taean-gun, on the Mid-western Coast of Korea. The concentrations of $CH_4$ in the air sample collected in the chamber were measured using gas chromatography with an EG analyzer, model GS-23, within 6 hours of collection, and the other gases were measured in real time using a multi-gas monitor. The gas emission fluxes (source (+), and sink (-)) were calculated from a simple linear regression analysis of the changes in the concentrations over time. In order to see the surrounding parameters (water content, temperature, total organic carbon, average mean size of sediments, and the temperature of the inner chamber) were measured at the study site. On the first day, across three measurements during 5 hours 20 minutes, the observed $CO_2$ flux absorption was -137.00 to $-81.73mg/m^2/hr$, and the $O_2$ absorption, measured simultaneously, was -0.03 to $0.00mg/m^2/hr$. On the second day using an identical number of measurements, the $CO_2$ absorption was -20.43 to $-2.11mg/m^2/hr$, and the $O_2$ absorption -0.18 to $-0.14mg/m^2/hr$. The $CH_4$ absorption before low tide was $-0.02mg/m^2/hr$ (first day, Pearson correlation coefficient using the SPSS statistical analysis is -0.555(n=5, p=0.332, pronounced negative linear relationship)), and $-0.15mg/m^2/hr$ (second day, -0.915(n=5, p=0.030, strong negative linear relationship)) on both measurement days. The emitted flux after low tide on both measurement days reached a minimum of $+0.00mg/m^2/hr$ (+0.713(n=5, p=0.176, linear relationship which can be almost ignored)), and a maximum of $+0.03mg/m^2/hr$ (+0.194(n=5, p=0.754, weak positive linear relationship)) after low tide. However, the absolute values of the $CH_4$ fluxes were analyzed at different times. These results suggest that rate for $CH_4$ fluxes, even the same time and area, were influenced by changes in the tidal cycle characteristics of surface sediments for understanding their correlation with these gas emissions, and surrounding parameters such as physiochemical sediments conditions.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.22-32
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• 1985

Optimum pasture management during the summer season is an important factor to maintain good regrowth and persistence of pasture in Korea. This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of the cutting management on the dead plant, weed appearance, regrowth and carbohydrate reserves in stubble, and dry matter yield of tall fescue dominated pasture during the mid summer season. For the test, a split plot design with 4 replications was treated with 2 different the third cutting times (July 12 and Aug. 4) as the mainplots, and 3 different cutting heights (3, 6 and 9 cm) at the third cut as the subplots, and the experiment was done at the experimental field of the Livestock Experiment Station, in Suweon, 1984. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Considering the meteorological conditions during the experimental period, the temperature was a little higher by $2^{\circ}C$ than that of average year, especially the first and second decade of August were high. And the precipitation of 1984 tended to be low when compared with the average year. 2. Temperature of soil surface and underground tended to increase by $1-3^{\circ}C$ as the stubble height was low during the summer season. 3. Regrowth leaf length and leaf area after the third cut increased significantly with the high cutting height at the third cut. 4. A significant higher total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) content in stubble after the third cut was observed in the high stubble cut on July 12. The results indicate that the high stubble height reserves more carbohydrates for early regrowth stage after the third cut when compared with the low stubble. On Aug. 4, however, the recovery of TNC contents after the third cut was not effective due to high temperature and rainfall. 5. The percentage of dead plant after the third cut was found to be high with the low cutting height during the mid summer season (p<0.05). 6. With the low stubble height on July 12 cut, it was appeared that the percentage of weed was significantly increased (p<0.05), and main weeds appeared after the third cut were Echinochloa crusgalli>Digitaria sanguinalis>Cyperus iria>Rumex crispus, and so on. In case of cut on Aug. 4, weed appearance was no difference at three cutting heights. 7. Dry matter yield at the third cut was increased in the plot of cutting on Aug. 4 and stubble height (p<0.05). However, yields at the fourth and fifth cut were increased with high stubble height (p<0.05), regardless of harvest time. 8. In total dry matter yield after the third cut, there was no significant difference between the cutting time and forage yield. However, total yield on July 12 was increased with the high stubble height (p<0.05). 9. From the above results, it is suggested that the 9 cm cutting height during the mid summer season is the most effective for good regrowth, weed control and forage yield of tall fescue dominated pasture.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.3-57
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• 1985

This research was conducted to examine the feasibility of developing fire retardant particleboard and complyboard. Particleboard were manufactured using meranti particle(Shorea spp.)made with Pallmann chipper, and complyboard meranti particle and apitong veneer (Dipterocarpus spp.). Particles were passed through 4mm (6 mesh) and retained on 1mm (25 mesh). Urea formaldehyde resin was added 10 percent on ovendry weight of particle. Face veneer for complyboard was 0.9, 1.6 and 2.3mm in thickness and spread with 36 g/(30.48 cm)$^2$ glue on one side. Veneers were soaked with 10 percent solution of five fire retardant chemicals (diammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, Pyresote and Minalith), and particles with 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent solution of five chemicals. Particleboard and complyboard were evaluated on physical and mechanical properties, and fire retardancy. The results obtained were summarized as follows. 1. Among five fire retardant chemicals treated to particleboard and complyboard, the retention of ammonium sulfate in 5 percent solution showed the lowest as 1.39 kg/(30.48 cm)$^3$ exceeding the minimum retention of 1.125 kg/(30.48 cm)$^3$ recommended by Forest Products Laboratory and Koch. 2. Particleboard and complyboard treated with diammonium phosphate showed higher modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength and screw holding power than those with the other chemicals. 3. MOR and MOE of complyboard treated with fire retardant chemicals were greater than those of fire retardant particleboard. 4. Thickness swelling of fire retardant complyboard was lower than that of fire retardant particleboard. 5. The moisture content of the boards treated with Pyresote and Minalith increased and with monoammonium phosphate reduced. 6. Fire retardant particleboard showed no ignition, and fire retardant complyboard started ignition, but time required to ignite was prolonged comparing the controlboard. Complyboard with only shell veneer treated showed ignition and lingering flame, but lingering flame time was shorter than controlboard. Complyboard with treated both core and veneer showed ignition but not lingering flame. 7. Flame length, carbonized area and weight loss were smaller than controlboard but had no significant difference among chemicals treated. 8. Temperature of unexposed surface of fire retardant particleboard was lowered with the increasing concentration of five chemicals. 9. Temperature of unexposed surface of fire retardant particleboard was lowered with the highest in Pyresote and the lowest in Minalith. 10. Temperature of unexposed surface of fire retardant complyboard was lower than that of controlboard.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.269-277
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• 2010

Previous studies have shown that the most important factor affecting customer loyalty in the service industry is service quality. However, on the subject of whether service quality has a direct or indirect effect on customer loyalty, scholars' views apparently vary. Some studies suggest that service quality has a direct and fundamental influence on customer loyalty (Bai and Liu, 2002). However, others have shown that service quality not only directly affects customer loyalty, it also has an indirect impact on customer loyalty by influencing customer satisfaction and perceived value (Cronin, Brady, and Hult, 2000). Currently, there are few domestic articles that specifically address the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in the mobile communication industry. Moreover, research has studied customer loyalty as a whole variable, rather than breaking it down further into multiple dimensions. Based on this analysis, this paper summarizes previous study results, establishes an effect mechanism model among service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty in the mobile communication industry, and presents a statistical test on model assumptions by using customer investigation data from Heilongjiang Mobile Company. It provides theoretical guidance for mobile service management based on the discussion of the hypothesis test results. For data collection, the sample comprised mobile users in Harbin city, and the survey was taken by random sampling. Out of a total of 300 questionnaires, 276 (92.9%) were recovered. After excluding invalid questionnaires, 249 remained, for an effective rate of 82.6 percent for the study. Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ coefficient was adapted to assess the scale reliability, and validity testing was conducted on the questionnaire from three aspects: content validity, construct validity. and convergent validity. The study tested for goodness of fit mainly from the absolute and relative fit indexes. From the hypothesis testing results, overall, four assumptions have not been supported. The ultimate affective relationship of service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty is demonstrated in Figure 2. On the whole, the service quality of the communication industry not only has a direct positive significant effect on customer loyalty, it also has an indirect positive significant effect on customer loyalty through service quality; the affective mechanism and extent of customer loyalty are different, and are influenced by each dimension of service quality. This study used the questionnaires of existing literature from home and abroad and tested them in empirical research, with all questions adapted to seven-point Likert scales. With the SERVQUAL scale of Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988), or PZB, as a reference point, service quality was divided into five dimensions-tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy-and the questions were simplified down to nineteen. The measurement of customer satisfaction was based mainly on Fornell (1992) and Wang and Han (2003), ending up with four questions. Based on the study’s three indicators of price tolerance, first choice, and complaint reaction were used to measure attitudinal loyalty, while repurchase intention, recommendation, and reputation measured behavioral loyalty. The collection and collation of literature data produced a model of the relationship among service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty in mobile communications, and China Mobile in the city of Harbin in Heilongjiang province was used for conducting an empirical test of the model and obtaining some useful conclusions. First, service quality in mobile communication is formed by the five factors mentioned earlier: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. On the basis of PZB SERVQUAL, the study designed a measurement scale of service quality for the mobile communications industry, and obtained these five factors through exploratory factor analysis. The factors fit basically with the five elements, indicating the concept of five elements of service quality for the mobile communications industry. Second, service quality in mobile communications has both direct and indirect positive effects on attitudinal loyalty, with the indirect effect being produced through the intermediary variable, customer satisfaction. There are also both direct and indirect positive effects on behavioral loyalty, with the indirect effect produced through two intermediary variables: customer satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. This shows that better service quality and higher customer satisfaction will activate the attitudinal to service providers more active and show loyalty to service providers much easier. In addition, the effect mechanism of all dimensions of service quality on all dimensions of customer loyalty is different. Third, customer satisfaction plays a significant intermediary role among service quality and attitudinal and behavioral loyalty, indicating that improving service quality can boost customer satisfaction and make it easier for satisfied customers to become loyal customers. Moreover, attitudinal loyalty plays a significant intermediary role between service quality and behavioral loyalty, indicating that only attitudinally and behaviorally loyal customers are truly loyal customers. The research conclusions have some indications for Chinese telecom operators and others to upgrade their service quality. Two limitations to the study are also mentioned. First, all data were collected in the Heilongjiang area, so there might be a common method bias that skews the results. Second, the discussion addresses the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty, setting customer satisfaction as mediator, but does not consider other factors, like customer value and consumer features, This research will be continued in the future.