• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.27 no.spc
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• pp.51-63
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• 2022

In this study, the TPH(Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon) contamination and microbial ecological characteristics in petroleum-contaminated site were investigated through the correlation among the vertical TPH contamination distribution of the site, the geochemical characteristics, and the indigenous microbial ecology. The high TPH concentration showed in the vicinity of 3~4 m or less which is thought to be affected by vertical movement due to the impervious clay layer. In addition, the TPH concentration was found to have a positive correlation with Fe²⁺, TOC concentration, and the number of petroleum-degrading bacteria, and a negative correlation with the microbial community diversity. The microbial community according to the vertical distribution of TPH showed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level were dominant in this study area as a whole, and they competed with each other. In particular, it was confirmed that the difference in the microbial community was different due to the difference in the degree of vertical TPH contamination. In addition, the genera Acidovorax, Leptolinea, Rugoshibacter, and Smithella appeared dominant in the samples in which TPH was detected, which is considered to be the microorganisms involved in the degradation of TPH in this study area. It is expected that this study can be used as an important data to understand the contamination characteristics and biogeochemical and microbial characteristics of these TPH-contaminated sites.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.277-302
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• 2022

This study aims to establish the floristic data and identify the useful plant resources of Mt. Ilimsan and its adjacent areas. The survey was conducted 27 times from March 31, 2020 to August 22, 2021. It identified 500 taxa consisting of 101 families, 304 genera, 444 species, 11 subspecies, 42 varieties, and 3 formas. A total of 853 plant specimens were collected. There were 16 taxa designated as endemic plants and 7 taxa designated as the rare plants by the Korea Forest Service, and 5 taxa designated as the red list plants by the Ministry of Environment. Moreover, the floristic target species by the Ministry of the Environment found in this mountain were 69 taxa, including 49 taxa for floristic degree I, 7 for floristic degree II, 11 for floristic degree III, and 2 for floristic degree IV. Biological resources subject to export approval by the Ministry of Environment were 159 taxa. The alien plants were 49 taxa, of which 5.6 percent were naturalized, and the urbanization index was 7.9 percent. Ecosystem-disturbing invasive alien plants designated by the Ministry of Environment were 6 taxa.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.289-316
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• 2022

This study was investigated to elucidate the distribution of vascular plants and their usefulness of Seondalsan Mountain (1,236 m) in Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The surveys were carried out 20 times from April in 2014 to October in 2020. The vascular plants of Seondalsan Mountain was consisted a total of 638 taxa based on the voucher specimens; 96 families, 341 genera, 562 species, 18 subspecies, 53 varieties, 5 forms. 20 taxa of the Korean endemic plants were recorded and 1 taxa of Critically Endangered (CR), 3 taxa of Vulnerable (VU) and 9 taxa of Least Concern (LC), designated by Korean Forest Service as rare plants, were investigated in this region. Furthermore, V, IV and III degrees of floristic regional indicator plants, designated by the National Institute of Ecology, were included 1 taxa, 11 taxa and 28 taxa, respectively. Among them, edible, medicinal, fragrant, industrial, ornamental, ecological restoration, forage/compost plants were included 440 taxa, 505 taxa, 19 taxa, 234 taxa, 335 taxa, 214 taxa and 269 taxa respectively. In addition, 30 taxa of naturalized plants were observed.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.71-99
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the vascular flora of Masan, located in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, and to comprehend the distribution of remarkable plants such as rare and Korea endemic plants and invasive alien plants. The survey was carried out the distribution of vascular plants 11 times per season from 2010 to 2018. A total of 619 taxa in 93 families, 328 genera, 529 species, 6 subspecies, 78 varieties and 6 forms were identified on mt. Masan. Among them, Korean endemic plants are 21 taxa including Saussurea diamantica Nakai and are plants designated by the Korea Forest Service are 20 taxa counting Saxifraga octopetala Nakai. Invasive alien plants were classified a total of 35 taxa inclusive of Trifolium pratense L. (WS), Aster pilosus Willd. (SS), Coreopsis lanceolata L. (SR), Rumex obtusifolius L. (SC) and Lindernia dubia (L.) Pennell (CS). The naturalization rate was 5% and the urbanization index was 10.0%, respectively. Although this study identified the diverse distribution of major plants such as rare and endemic plants around Masan, it was confirmed that invasive alien plants, which pose a great threat to forest biodiversity conservation and promotion, spread and distributed in a specific section Therefore, it is urgent to establish a conservation strategy and countermeasures.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.317-345
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• 2022

This study carried out a survey to utilize basic data for the conservation of northern lineage plants that are vulnerable to climate change, targeting algific talus slope of a specific forest biodiversity region in Yeotan-ri, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. The survey was conducted by dividing the wind hole into 625 m² inside and 6,925 m² outside based on the wind hole. The vascular flora were identified as 84 families, 203 genera, 296 species, 6 subs., 27 var., 2 for., and a total of 331 taxa. This was found to be about 7% of 4,724 species of vascular plants in Korea. Plants endemic to the Korean peninsula were identified as 19 taxa, including Syringa fauriei, and 11 taxa for rare plants designated by IUCN. Critically endangered grade (CR) was Paeonia obovata 1 taxa, Endangered grade (EN) was Forsythia saxatilis and Prunus choreiana 2 taxa. A total of 78 taxa were florisitc target species, and 19 taxa were classified for indicator plants in the limestone area. As for alien plants, 20 taxa such as Taraxacum officinale were identified, and the naturalization rate was 6.04% and the urbanization rate was 5.33%. Geographical plants of the study area are 2 taxa of Syringa fauriei and Syringa villosa subsp. wolfii.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.44-70
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• 2022

This study was carried out to investigate the distribution and characteristics of vascular plants resources in Palbongsan Mt., to compare with previous study and to provide basic information for management and preservation of vegetation. We surveyed eleven times by dividing routes from April of 2018 to May of 2021. The result of this survey revealed a total of 450 taxa, consisting of 101 families, 298 genera, 405 species, 11 subspecies, 28 varieties and 6 forms. Among them, the Korean endemic plants were 8 taxa and the rare plants were 4 taxa. The floristic target species were 30 taxa including 2 taxa of grade IV, 6 taxa of grade III, 7 taxa of grade II, and 15 taxa of grade I. The naturalized plants were 39 taxa, the percent of naturalized plant species was calculated to be 8.67% and urbanization index was 12.15%. Ecosystem disturbance wild plants were 5 taxa. It is considered continuous monitoring and periodic vegetation management of the distribution status of naturalized plants and ecosystem disturbance wild plants found at the edges of forests, fields and forests would be carried out.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.282-289
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• 2022

Background: Airborne fungi are ubiquitous in the air and exposure to an airborne fungus can be a significant risk factor. The composition of fungi has been potentially important for human health, especially for respiratory diseases like asthma and atopic dermatitis. Therefore, we attempted to ascertain what kind of airborne fungi affect human health at a nationwide level. Objectives: This study was carried out to provide information on indoor fungi distribution at multi-use facilities throughout South Korea. Methods: We classified our data by region and public facility after collection, cultivation, and identification via the sequencing of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region. We investigated whether or not the proliferation of HaCaT cells was affected by the identified airborne fungi. Results: In our data, the most isolated airborne fungi by region were Penicillium spp (Seoul, Daegu), Periconia sp (Gyeonggi-do), Iprex sp (Gangwon-do), Phanerochaete sp (Busan), Bjerkandera sp (Gwangju), and Aspergillus sp (Jeju-do). In the public facilities, the most detected fungi were Cladosporium sp (public transport), Penicillium sp (apartment house, retail market, financial institution, karaoke room), Bjerokandera sp (underground parking lot, public toilet, medical institution), Periconia sp (retail store), and Fusarium sp (general restaurant). Next, we selected twenty airborne fungi to examine their cytotoxicity and proliferation of human skin cells. In this experiment, the proliferation of the cells was influenced by most of the identified fungi. In case of the cytotoxicity test, most genera except for Rhodotorula sp and Moesziomyces sp showed cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. Conclusions: The distribution of mold in the indoor air in multi-use facilities in South Korea differs from region to region, and this is an indicator that should be considered in future health impact studies. In addition, as a result of culturing about 20 types of bacteria dominant in indoor air, it was found that most (90%) inhibit the growth of skin cells, which can be harmful to health. An in-depth study of the health effects of floating fungi is needed.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.1698-1710
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• 2022

Objective: Raw potato starch (RPS) is resistant to digestion, escapes absorption, and is metabolized by intestinal microflora in the large intestine and acts as their energy source. In this study, we compared the effect of different concentrations of RPS on the intestinal bacterial community of weaned piglets. Methods: Male weaned piglets (25-days-old, 7.03±0.49 kg) were either fed a corn/soybean-based control diet (CON, n = 6) or two treatment diets supplemented with 5% RPS (RPS5, n = 4) or 10% RPS (RPS10, n = 4) for 20 days and their fecal samples were collected. The day 0 and 20 samples were analyzed using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology, followed by total genomic DNA extraction, library construction, and high-throughput sequencing. After statistical analysis, five phyla and 45 genera accounting for over 0.5% of the reads in any of the three groups were further analyzed. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the day 20 fecal samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: Significant changes were not observed in the bacterial composition at the phylum level even after 20 d post feeding (dpf); however, the abundance of Intestinimonas and Barnesiella decreased in both RPS treatment groups compared to the CON group. Consumption of 5% RPS increased the abundance of Roseburia (p<0.05) and decreased the abundance of Clostridium (p<0.01) and Mediterraneibacter (p< 0.05). In contrast, consumption of 10% RPS increased the abundance of Olsenella (p<0.05) and decreased the abundance of Campylobacter (p<0.05), Kineothrix (p<0.05), Paraprevotella (p<0.05), and Vallitalea (p<0.05). Additionally, acetate (p<0.01), butyrate (p<0.05), valerate (p = 0.01), and total SCFAs (p = 0.01) were upregulated in the RPS5 treatment group Conclusion: Feeding 5% RPS altered bacterial community composition and promoted gut health in weaned piglets. Thus, resistant starch as a feed additive may prevent diarrhea in piglets during weaning.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.20-30
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify the ecological characteristics of Namhan Mountain Fortress Walls vascular plants through investigation and analysis of Namhan Mountain Fortress Walls and to provide basic data when establishing a plan for conservation and management of Namhansanseong Fortress Wall vascular plants. The result of this survey revealed 249 taxa composed of 77 families, 169 genera, 222 species, 5 subspecies, 19 varieties and 3 forms. In terms of life form of Namhan Mountain Fortress Walls, the appearance rate of Hemicryptophytes(H) was high. Rare plants was 1 taxa and Korea endemic plants was 5 taxa. The total number of floristic regional indicator plants was 15 taxa, gradeI 9 taxa, gradeII 2 taxa, gradeIII 3 taxa, gradeIV 1 taxa. Among them, Polygala tatarinowii Regel is considered to the most important(gradeIV), and it is first description because in Gyeonggi-do, as no additional forms have been confirmed other than this site. Plants identified as rock vegetation were found in 21 taxa. Invasive alien plants were identified 20 taxa. Plants distributed on the walls of Namhan Mountain Fortress, such as Aconitum longecassidatum Nakai, Clematis heracleifolia DC. var. tubulosa (Turcz.) Kuntze, Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H.Ohba and Polygala tatarinowii Regel etc, are feared to decrease the number of species and individuals due to the loss of walls, the spread of invasive alien plant and human interference, so conservation and management measures are needed.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.1466-1478
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• 2021

Objective: Ruminants are completely dependent on their microbiota for rumen fermentation, feed digestion, and consequently, their metabolism for productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the rumen bacteria of lactating yaks with different milk protein yields, using high-throughput sequencing technology, in order to understand the influence of these bacteria on milk production. Methods: Yaks with similar high milk protein yield (high milk yield and high milk protein content, HH; n = 12) and low milk protein yield (low milk yield and low milk protein content, LL; n = 12) were randomly selected from 57 mid-lactation yaks. Ruminal contents were collected using an oral stomach tube from the 24 yaks selected. High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used. Results: Ruminal ammonia N, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and isobutyrate concentrations were found to be higher in HH than LL yaks. Community richness (Chao 1 index) and diversity indices (Shannon index) of rumen microbiota were higher in LL than HH yaks. Relative abundances of the Bacteroidetes and Tenericutes phyla in the rumen fluid were significantly increased in HH than LL yaks, but significantly decreased for Firmicutes. Relative abundances of the Succiniclasticum, Butyrivibrio 2, Prevotella 1, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001 genera in the rumen fluid of HH yaks was significantly increased, but significantly decreased for Christensenellaceae R-7 group and Coprococcus 1. Principal coordinates analysis on unweighted UniFrac distances revealed that the bacterial community structure of rumen differed between yaks with high and low milk protein yields. Furthermore, rumen microbiota were functionally enriched in relation to transporters, ABC transporters, ribosome, and urine metabolism, and also significantly altered in HH and LL yaks. Conclusion: We observed significant differences in the composition, diversity, fermentation product concentrations, and function of ruminal microorganisms between yaks with high and low milk protein yields, suggesting the potential influence of rumen microbiota on milk protein yield in yaks. A deeper understanding of this process may allow future modulation of the rumen microbiome for improved agricultural yield through bacterial community design.