• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.66-75
• /
• 2021

Microalgae are unicellular microorganisms inhabiting various ecosystems of the world, including marine and freshwater systems and extreme environments. Only a few species have been actively used as food. Microalgae are attracting attention as a means of biological CO2 reduction because they play an important role in absorbing atmospheric CO2 through their rapid growth by photosynthesis in water. Besides, microalgae are considered to be an eco-friendly energy source because they can rapidly produce biomass containing a large quantum of lipids that can be converted into biodiesel. Several microalgae, such as Chlorella spp., Spirulina spp. and Haematococcus spp. have already been commercialized as functional health supplements because they contain diverse nutrients including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and functional substances such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), β-glucan, phycocyanin, astaxanthin, etc. Moreover, they have the potential to be used as food materials that can address the protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) which may occur in the future due to population growth. They can be added to various foods in the form of powder or liquid extract for enhancing the quality characteristics of the foods. In this review, we analyzed several microalgae which can be used as food additives and summarized their characteristics and functions that suggest the possibility of a role for microalgae as future food.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.580-595
• /
• 2021

Although late blight is an important disease in ecofriendly potato cultivation in Korea, it is highly dependent on the use of eco-friendly agricultural materials and the development of biological control technology is low. It is a necessary to develop an effective biocontrol agent to inactivate late blight in the field. AFB2-2 strain is a gram-positive with peritrichous flagella. It can utilize 20 types of carbon sources, like L-arabinose, and D-trehalose at 35℃. The optimal growth temperature of the strain is 37℃. It can survive at 20-50℃ in tryptic soy broth. The maximum salt concentration tolerated by AFB2-2 strain is 7.5% NaCl. AFB2-2 strain inhibited the mycelial growth of seven plant pathogens by an average inhibitory zone of 10.2 mm or more. Among the concentrations of AFB2-2, 10⁷ cfu/ml showed the highest control value of 85.7% in the greenhouse. Among the three concentrations of AFB2-2, the disease incidence and severity of potato late blight at 10⁷ cfu/ml was lowest at 0.07 and 6.7, respectively. The nucleotide sequences of AFB2-2 strain were searched in the NCBI GenBank; Bacillus siamensis strain KCTC 13613, Bacillus velezensis strain CR-502, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain DSM7 were found to have a genetic similarity of 99.7%, 99.7%, and 99.5%, respectively. The AFB2-2 strain was found to harbor the biosynthetic genes for bacillomycin D, iturin, and surfactin. Obtained data recommended that the B. velezensis AFB2-2 strain could be considered as a promising biocontrol agent for P. infestans in the field.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.50-57
• /
• 2022

Background: There are several proton therapy facilities in operation or planned in Taiwan, and these facilities are anticipated to not only treat cancer but also provide beam services to the industry or academia. The simplified approach based on the Monte Carlo-based data sets (source terms and attenuation lengths) with the point-source line-of-sight approximation is friendly in the design stage of the proton therapy facilities because it is intuitive and easy to use. The purpose of this study is to expand the Monte Carlo-based data sets to allow the simplified approach to cover the application of proton beams more widely. Materials and Methods: In this work, the MCNP6 Monte Carlo code was used in three simulations to achieve the purpose, including the neutron yield calculation, Monte Carlo-based data sets generation, and dose assessment in simple cases to demonstrate the effectiveness of the generated data sets. Results and Discussion: The consistent comparison of the simplified approach and Monte Carlo simulation results show the effectiveness and advantage of applying the data set to a quick shielding design and conservative dose assessment for proton therapy facilities. Conclusion: This study has expanded the existing Monte Carlo-based data set to allow the simplified approach method to be used for dose assessment or shielding design for beam services in proton therapy facilities. It should be noted that the default model of the MCNP6 is no longer the Bertini model but the CEM (cascade-exciton model), therefore, the results of the simplified approach will be more conservative when it was used to do the double confirmation of the final shielding design.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.175-180
• /
• 2021

Although it has recently been regulated for use as an eco-friendly policy in Korea, the use of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) cooling boxes, which are used as cold chain delivery insulation boxes for fresh agricultural and livestock products, is also increasing rapidly as e-commerce logistics such as delivery have increased rapidly due to COVID-19. Studies were conducted to optimize the EPS cooling container through internal air heat flow of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis and FEM (Finite Element Method) random vibration analysis using domestic PSD (Power Spectral Density) profile of the EPS cooling box to which the refrigerant is applied in this study. In the analysis of the internal air heat flow by the refrigerant in the EPS cooling box, the application of vertical protrusions inside was excellent in volume heat flow and internal air temperature distribution. In addition, as a result of random vibration analysis, the internal vertical protrusion gives the rigid effect of the cooling box, so that displacement and stress generation due to vibration during transport are smaller than that of a general cooling container without protrusion. By utilizing the resonance point (frequency) of the EPS cooling box derived by the Model analysis of ANSYS Software, it can be applied to the insulation and cushion packaging design of the EPS product line, which is widely used as insulation and cushion materials.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.21-26
• /
• 2022

Zinc is emerging as a environment-friendly plating material to replace cadmium, which is harmful to the human body, to prevent hydrogen gas penetration or release from metal materials. Electroplating of Zn and Zn alloys, which is usually performed in an aqueous acidic atmosphere, has disadvantages such as low coulombic efficiency, corrosion, and hydrogen release, resulting in industrial use difficult. In this study, a deep-eutectic solvent was synthesized using choline chloride and ethylene glycol. Using this as a solvent, an electrolyte for Zn plating was prepared, and then zinc was plated on the STS 304 substrate. The surface microstructure and roughness were observed using SEM and AFM. The crystal structure of the electro-plated film was analyzed using XRD. Finally, the preventing effects of hydrogen release through Zn-based deep-eutectic plating on the STS 304 substrate were compared with the uncoated substrate.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.423-432
• /
• 2020

Background and objective: Traditional farming is winning recognition as a sustainable alternative farming method. As urban farming increases in South Korea, it is crucial to develop more sustainable farming techniques. Gyeonjongbeop is the traditional farming method introduced in the Joseon period. This study was conducted to propose a productive garden model suitable for urban farming through the interpretation of traditional farming methods contained in Imwongyeongjeji Bolliji and to test the model on an actual field. Methods: Using the design and cropping system of Gyeonjongbeop as the research materials, we reviewed its tillage and cultivation and examined the applicability. We proposed a modified method by extracting parts applicable to urban farming. According to the methods, we created a garden with ridges and furrows, cultivated proper vegetables, and evaluated their growth. Results: Raphanus sativus, Allium fistulosum L., Brassica juncea, and Spinacia oleracea grown on ridges showed higher growth than those grown on a conventional flat field. The growth of Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichon and Triticum aestivum L. on furrows was also slightly higher. This proved that the method could make up for the deficiencies of barley and wheat that are weak against winds and cold and are easily destroyed by the spring rains. Conclusion: Ridge and furrow cultivation derived from Gyeonjongbeop can be an efficient urban farming system compared to the conventional cultivation in flat fields. The system can use fallow lands in winter for year-round urban farming. In addition, the application of the traditional farming system can enhance the humanistic value of urban farming.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.260-266
• /
• 2022

Cellulose fiber is a material used in various fields. It is the most used type of fiber because of its excellent hygroscopicity and dyeability. Recently, as natural fiber materials have been highlighted due to the influence of eco-friendliness and well-being, bamboo fiber has become a commonly used eco-friendly fiber. Cellulose fibers are part of the -OH hydroxyl group, which means they are more chemically reactive than synthetic fibers. In this study, the cationization properties of bamboo-cotton blended fabrics cationized using CHPTAC (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) in the PDC (padding-drying-curing) method were investigated. Various characteristics according to cationization were studied through elemental analysis, FT-IR (fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, TGA (thermogravimetric) analysis, and SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis. The nitrogen content of the cationized bamboo-cotton blended fabric increased with an increase in the concentration of the cationizing agent CHPTAC, and it was seen to be highly bound to cellulose molecules. As a result of the FT-IR analysis, both 100% pure cotton fabrics and CHPTAC-0 and CHPTAC-150 fabrics were seen to be typical cellulose. As a result of the X-ray diffraction analysis, both 100% pure cotton fabrics and CHPTAC-0 and CHPTAC-150 fabrics showed typical cellulose I structures. As a result of the X-ray diffraction analysis, both 100% pure cotton fabrics and CHPTAC-0 and CHPTAC-150 fabrics showed typical cellulose I structures. As the cationization progressed, micropores appeared on the surface of the blended fabric.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.32 no.9
• /
• pp.1146-1153
• /
• 2022

Many probiotic species have been used as a fermentation starter for manufacturing functional food materials. We have isolated Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LDTM 8102 from the feces of infants as a novel strain for fermentation. While Glycine max has been known to display various bioactivities including anti-oxidant, anti-skin aging, and anti-cancer effects, the immune-modulatory effect of Glycine max has not been reported. In the current study, we have discovered that the extract of Glycine max fermented with B. animalis subsp. lactis LDTM 8102 (GFB 8102), could exert immuno-modulatory properties. GFB 8102 treatment increased the production of immune-stimulatory cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages without any noticeable cytotoxicity. Analysis of the molecular mechanism revealed that GFB 8102 could upregulate MAPK2K and MAPK signaling pathways including ERK, p38, and JNK. GFB 8102 also increased the proliferation rate of splenocytes isolated from mice. In an animal study, administration of GFB 8102 partially recovered cyclophosphamide-mediated reduction in thymus and spleen weight. Moreover, splenocytes from the GFB 8102-treated group exhibited increased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production. Based on these findings, GFB 8102 could be a promising functional food material for enhancing immune function.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.30 no.6
• /
• pp.421-432
• /
• 2022

Recently, the interminable ozone depletion and the global warming concerns has led to construction industries to seek for construction materials which are eco-friendly. Regarding this, Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) is getting great interest from researchers and scientists, since it can operate by-product waste to replace cement which can lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission through its production. Also, compared to ordinary concrete, geopolymer concrete belongs improved mechanical and durability properties. In spite of its positive properties, the practical use of geopolymer concrete is currently limited. This is primarily owing to the scarce structural, design and application knowledge. This study investigates the Mechanical and Durability of Geopolymer Concrete Containing Fibers and Recycled Aggregate. Mixtures of elastoplastic fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete with partial replacement of recycled coarse aggregate in different proportions of 10, 20, 30, and 40% with natural aggregate were fabricated. On the other hand, geopolymer concrete of 100% natural aggregate was prepared as a control specimen. To consider both strength and durability properties and to evaluate the combined effect of recycled coarse aggregate and elastoplastic fiber, an elastoplastic fiber with the ratio of 0.4% and 0.8% were incorporated. The highest compressive strength achieved was 35 MPa when the incorporation of recycled aggregates was 10% with the inclusion of 0.4% elastoplastic fiber. From the result, it was noticed that incorporation of 10% recycled aggregate with 0.8% of the elastoplastic fiber is the perfect combination that can give a GPC having enhanced tensile strength. When specimens exposed to freezing-thawing condition, the physical appearance, compressive strength, weight loss, and ultrasonic pulse velocity of the samples was investigated. In general, all specimens tested performed resistance to freezing thawing. the obtained results indicated that combination of recycled aggregate and elastoplastic fiber up to some extent could be achieved a geopolymer concrete that can replace conventional concrete.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.99-111
• /
• 2022

In this study, deep learning and k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) models were used to estimate the sorptivity and freeze-thaw resistance of self-compacting mortars (SCMs) having binary and ternary blends of mineral admixtures. Twenty-five environment-friendly SCMs were designed as binary and ternary blends of fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) except for control mixture with only Portland cement (PC). The capillary water absorption and freeze-thaw resistance tests were conducted for 91 days. It was found that the use of SF with FA as ternary blends reduced sorptivity coefficient values compared to the use of FA as binary blends while the presence of FA with SF improved freeze-thaw resistance of SCMs with ternary blends. The input variables used the models for the estimation of sorptivity were defined as PC content, SF content, FA content, sand content, HRWRA, water/cementitious materials (W/C) and freeze-thaw cycles. The input variables used the models for the estimation of sorptivity were selected as PC content, SF content, FA content, sand content, HRWRA, W/C and predefined intervals of the sample in water. The deep learning and k-NN models estimated the durability factor of SCM with 94.43% and 92.55% accuracy and the sorptivity of SCM was estimated with 97.87% and 86.14% accuracy, respectively. This study found that deep learning model estimated the sorptivity and durability factor of SCMs having binary and ternary blends of mineral admixtures higher accuracy than k-NN model.