• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.96-110
• /
• 2021

Korea is faced with the challenge of adapting to the world's fastest - growing low birthrate, aging society, and low growth with low interest rate era. With low fertility and aging population, the factors of financial income of health insurance are decreasing, and the increase of public interest in health, high cost medical technology and the development of medicine are leading to increase expenditure of health insurance. In this study, I will examine the strengthen protection of health insurance, financial stabilization, and fairness of medical care. First, the present status and limitations of health insurance were identified through domestic policy report, domestic and foreign literature, and precedent research. Second, the foreign health insurance policy measures to stabilize the finances were examined separately. Based on this study, in order to maintain sustainable health insurance through reinforcement and financial stabilization of health insurance, the current financial income structure of health insurance must be renovated. It will be necessary to expand government subsidies and discover new tax revenues. In addition, a policy to save finances by reorganizing the medical bill payment system and medical delivery system will also be needed.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.379-389
• /
• 2022

This study analyzed 10,352 married women to find the correlation between marital equality felt by married women and additional childbirth intentions. Frequency analysis and chi-square test analysis were performed to analyze the general characteristics of the investigator, and studies were conducted through binary logistic regression analysis and interaction analysis to analyze the relevance between each variable and additional childbirth. As a result, the 4-point group based on the 0-point group that lowest marital equality had 2.01 times higher willingness to additional birth. And, the 3-point group and the 2-point group were 1.46 times and 1.41 times higher than 0-point group with marital equality and additional childbirth intentions. In addition, intention of additional childbirth was increased when the higher the number of children, if they own a house, and if wives are non-regular or unemployed. This study analyzed the relationship between married women's intention to give birth additionally, focusing on marital equality. It is suggested that specific and reasonable policies at the macro level are required to improve the fertility rate.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.226-234
• /
• 2022

The study aims are to examine the characteristics of artificial and natural hybrids between Viola albida var. albida (= albida, from below) and V. albida var. chaerophylloides (= chaerophylloides, from below), and to confirm if hybrids could be fertile and make populations in their native habitats. The 1st filial (= F₁, from below) leaf shape produced by artificial crossing between albida and chaerophylloides was the same as that of V. albida var. takahashii (= takahashii, from below), and F₁ bore also both chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers. F₁ seed number was 9.6 per cleistogamous pods, which was remarkably less than the average of 38.2 for albida and chaerophylloides, but the germination rate was all similar. The leaf type of self-crossed 2nd offsprings (= F₂, from below) showed all leaf types found in the Viola albida complex, but the ratio of chaerophylloides leaf type was relatively low. Individuals whose F₂ leaf type was restored to albida produced an average of 31.4 seeds per capsule, meaning that fertility was restored. On the other hand, individuals of F₂ takahashii leaf type come to fruition a low average of 10.4 seeds per capsule, which is similar to that of takahashii. The results of crossbreeding experiment, where is their native habitats, were similar to that of laboratory. Both albida and chaerophylloids in Mt. Bulmyeong distribute extensively, but takahashii make a small population only in places where albida and chaerophylloides grow together. Summarizing the above results is suggesting that the speciation of takahashii was done by hybrid between albida and chaerophylloides, and these have been maintained with relatively small population by cleistogamous capsules.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.935-944
• /
• 2021

It has been suggested that bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, interferes with the endocrine system, causing reproductive dysfunction. Recently, BPA has been found in waste water due to incomplete sewage purification, possibly threatening health through its ingestion via tap water. In this study, young male mice (6 - 7 weeks old) were administered water containing BPA (50 mg·kg^-1) for four weeks, while control mice consumed water without BPA. Serum, epididymal spermatozoa and testicular sections were assessed after sacrificing the mice on day 28. No significant differences were obtained between the groups in the body, testis and seminal vesicle weights. However, the epididymal sperm motility and count levels were significantly reduced in BPA-fed mice. Significantly higher hepatotoxicity levels were also observed in mice ingesting BPA as compared to the control mice. The level of serum testosterone was reduced, and testicular sections revealed incomplete and irregular spermatogenesis in BPA-ingested mice. The sperm proteasomal-proteolytic activity level has been implicated in sperm function and is measured in motile spermatozoa using fluorometric substrates. High ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase activity levels were observed in the control mice without BPA. During a mating trial, a low pregnancy rate (71.4%) was observed in females mated with males who had consumed BPA (100% in the control mice). Overall, BPA adversely affected spermatogenesis and quality, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, concentration and serum testosterone levels, resulting in reduced fertility competence.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.4
• /
• pp.285-291
• /
• 2023

Objective: Infertility can result from a diminished ovarian reserve, but a potential remedy exists in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration. This treatment involves both biological factors and tissue trauma mechanisms, which stimulate folliculogenesis, making it a promising and effective strategy. We assessed the impact of direct PRP injections into the ovaries on the fertility outcomes of women classified as poor responders. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from April 2021 to December 2022, focusing on patients classified as POSEIDON grade 3 or 4. PRP injections were administered into both ovaries. After 3 months, data were collected on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, and the numbers of oocytes, mature oocytes, and good-quality embryos following ovarian stimulation. We then compared the data from before and after PRP injection. Results: This study included 50 women, with a mean of 39 years (interquartile range [IQR], 35 to 43) and 4 years (IQR, 2 to 6) for age and infertility duration, respectively. FSH levels decreased after treatment, while AMH levels and the numbers of oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, and high-quality embryos increased. However, only the increase in high-quality embryos was significant. The pregnancy and spontaneous pregnancy rates were 20% and 14%, respectively. Notably, women with secondary infertility exhibited a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those with primary infertility. Conclusion: Ample evidence suggests that PRP can enhance ovarian function. However, further studies are needed to identify the appropriate candidates for this procedure, establish the optimal PRP preparation method, and standardize the procedure for its adjuvant use in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.295-303
• /
• 1997

To investigate the transformation characteristics of nitrogen and carbon from cow manure compost amended in soil under different moisture conditions, dynamics of nitrogen and carbon were determined periodically for 15 weeks of aerobic incubation at room temperature during July${\sim}$November, 1996. Cow manure compost matured with mixing saw dust was amended with the 4 ratios (0, 2, 4, 6%(wt/wt)) in Ap horizon soil, which collected from green house in Yesan, Chungnam. Moisture was controlled with 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 of mass water conte nt (${\theta}$m) to air dried soil, and water loss was compensated at every sampling. During incubation, soil pH was decreased continuously, that was caused by hydrogen generated from nitrification of ammonium nitrogen. And pH became higher with inclining cow manure compost amendment and water treatment, that meaned the increase of mineralization of organic-N to $NH_4\;^+-N$. Total nitrogen was reduced with increasing water content, but total carbon showed the contrast tendency with that of nitrogen. Therefore, C/N ratio slightly decreased in the low water condition (${\theta}$m 0.2) during incubation, but increased continuously in high water condition over ${\theta}$m 0.4. As a result, it was assumed that soil fertility is able to be reduced in the high water content over available water content. Nitrate transformation rate increased lasting in the low water content less than ${\theta}$m 0.3. Itdropped significantly in the first $2{\sim}3$ weeks of incubation over ${\theta}$m 0.4. In particular, nitrate was not detected in ${\theta}$m 0.5 of water content after the first $2{\sim}3$ weeks. In contrast, ammonium transformation was inclined with increasing water treatment. Nitrogen mineralization rate, which calculated with percentage ratio of (the sum of ex.$NH_4\;^+-N$ and $NO_3\;^--N$)/total nitrogen, was continuously increased in the low water content of ${\theta}$m 0.2 and 0.3. But it saw the different patterns in high water content over ${\theta}$m 0.4 that was drastically declined in the initial stage and then gradually inclined . From the above results, nitrogen transformation patterns differentiated decisively in water content between ${\theta}$m 0.3 and 0.4 in soil. Thus, it is very important for the maintain of suitable soil water content to enhance fertility of soil amended with manure compost. However, excess treatment of manure compost might enhance the possibility of contamination of small watershed and ground water around agricultural area.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.89-97
• /
• 2020

This experiment was conducted at Sancheong from 2013 to 2015. The objective of this study was to establish the seeding rate, and to clarify the optimum nitrogen fertilizer level for rye seed production in the southern area of Korea. We employed Korean rye cultivar 'Gogu' in this test. The experimental design was a split-plot design with three replications. A split-plot design was used with three seeding levels (3, 5, and 7 kg 10 a^-1) on the main plots and other treatments fully randomized in sub-plots. A factorial arrangement of treatments included three different nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 3, 6, and 9 kg 10 a^-1). The grain yields of rye affected by increasing the seeding rate. The number of spike per m² and immature grain weight was increasing, while the fertility rate and the number of grain per spike were decreased as seeding rate were increased from 3 kg 10 a^-1 to 7 kg 10 a^-1. The percentage of a productive tiller, 1-liter weight, and 1000-grain weight also decrease by increasing seeding but the grain yields of rye had less effect. There was an increase in the number of spike per m², the number of grain per spike, and grain yields as nitrogen fertilizer level was increased from 0 kg 10 a^-1 to 9 kg 10 a^-1 and followed a delaying heading and an increasing lodging of the plant. But grain yields did not affected by the interaction of seeding rate × nitrogen fertilizer levels. The best seeding rate and nitrogen fertilizer level for rye seed production were 5 kg and 3 kg 10 a^-1, respectively, considering seed and fertilizer reduction and the prevention of pollution by excess fertilization.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.898-908
• /
• 1998

The aim of this experiments were to assess the time-interval change of motional characteristics in frozen-thawed semen of Korean native cattle (KNC) by using computer aided semen analysis (CASA) technology. Twenty-six KNC frozen semen straws were obtained from Korean KNC improvement department, livestock improvement main division, national livestock cooperatives federation in Korea. Specimens were allowed to thaw at $37^{\circ}C$ for 30 sec in water bath. Semen analysis was performed on semen image analysis system (SIAS, Medical supply, Korea) adjusted to the gate settings and used the semen droplet ($5{\mu}l$) placed on Makler counting chamber (Sefi medical instrument, Israel) prewarmed at $37^{\circ}C$. The same person used the same micropipette to fill the Makler counting chamber. A total of 150 or more of sperms were analysed in each specimen by a single trained person by scanning at least 5 to 10 fields. The measurement parameters in SIAS were as follows ; frame rate = 30 frames per sec, image capture = 1 sec, minimum motile speed = $10{\mu}m/s$, maximum countable sperm number = 400. Statistical analysis was done by Student t-test with use of the Sigma plot program on a IBM personal computer. The dancemean(DNM) and hyperactivated sperm(HYP) of frozen-thawed KNC semen kinematics were significantly decreased(p < 0.05) after 10 min of incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ water bath. But, wobble(WOB) of same sample semen was significantly increased(p < 0.05) after 10 min of incubation and significantly decrease(p < 0.05) after 60 min of same incubation. And, after 30 mim of incubation, significantly differences were found most of motion kinematics, motifity(MOT), curvilinear velocity(VCL), straight line velocity(VSL), average path velocity(VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement(ALH), beat cross frequency(BCF), mean angular displacement(MAD), dance(DNC), on same sample semen. The DNM of KNC semen sample was variable kinematics after 30 min of incubation. Also, the linearity(LIN) and straightness(STR) was significantly decreased(p < 0.05) from 60 min of incubation. In conclusion, the AI within 30 min after thawing of frozen semen can be an effective method for obtaining high fertility rate in KNC reproductive program.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.30 no.6
• /
• pp.828-833
• /
• 2017

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different methionine (Met) sources on production performance, reproduction performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices in broiler breeders. Methods: After receiving a basal diet (containing 0.25% Met) for a 2-wk pretreatment period, a total of 360 39-wk-old Lingnan yellow broiler breeders were randomly allocated to four treatments with six replicates each (15 birds per replicate). Breeders were fed with basal diets (control) or diets supplemented with DL-methionine (DLM), DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butytric calcium (MHA-Ca) and coated DL-Met (CME) respectively. Results: The results showed that CME supplementation promoted laying rate and decreased feed-to-egg ratio (F/E) (p<0.05), DLM and MHA-Ca supplementation decreased F/E (p<0.05) when compared with control group. The rate of fertility, hatchability and birthrate were higher (p<0.05) in DLM, MHA-Ca, and CME groups than control group. Compared with control group, CME increased the eggshell thickness (p<0.05); MHA-Ca improved the eggshell thickness, shell ratio and eggshell strength (p<0.05). Results also showed that CME elevated the concentration of total protein in serum (p<0.05); MHA-Ca improved the concentration of calcium in serum (p<0.05). The concentration of serum uric acid in DLM, MHA-Ca, and CME groups was lower than that in control group (p<0.05). Besides, CME had higher concentrations of serum taurine, cysteine and cystanthionine (p<0.05) while MHA-Ca and DLM promoted the serum taurine concentration (p<0.05) compared with control group. Conclusion: Based on the results, it was concluded that Met supplementation could enhance the production and reproduction performance as well as the antioxidant status and egg quality of broiler breeders. In terms of improving the production performance, reproduction performance and antioxidant performance, CME was superior to DLM and MHA-Ca; but in regard to the enhancement of eggshell quality and serum Ca concentration, MHA-Ca was superior to DLM and CME.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.603-620
• /
• 2015

The National Pension of Korea is a public social security system designed to alleviate social risks and poverty that has had a major impact on the quality of life for the aging population. However, a rapidly aging population and low fertility threaten the sustainability of national pension in Korea. The National Pension Research Institute publishes a nancial projection every ve years; consequently, the government has lowered the entitlements for the sustainability of national pension based on the projection results. The current reform of the pension system that arbitrarily reduces the entitlements might detract from the income security role of the national pension for pensioners without accounting for the highest elderly poverty rate in the OECD countries. We first discuss methods for the financial projection of the national pension in terms of population, subscribers, and pensioner projections in order to estimate the pension reserve fund and the financial depletion year. We also conduct a sensitivity analysis for population variables, institutional variables, and economic variables based on pension reserves and the financial depletion year. We evaluate intergenerational fairness between the income hierarchy by conducting a money's worth analysis. Finally, we investigate the possibility of the sustainability of national pension by adjusting pension contributions and entitlements (income replacement rate). A new dependency ratio shows that a simple reform of the national pension does not secure the sustainability of the national pension without adapting a pay-as-you-go system.