• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.55-63
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of an 810-nm infrared diode laser with indocyanine green (ICG) against Staphylococcus aureus on sandblasted, large grit, and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surfaces, comparing its effectiveness with alternative chemical decontamination modalities. Materials and Methods: Biofilms of S. aureus ATCC 25923 were cultured on SLA titanium disks for 48 hours. The biofilms were divided into five treatment groups: control, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), tetracycline (TC), ICG, and 810-nm infrared diode laser with ICG (ICG-PDT). After treatment, colony-forming units were quantified to assess surviving bacteria, and viability was confirmed through confocal laser-scanning microscope (CLSM) imaging. Results: All treated groups exhibited a statistically significant reduction in S. aureus (P < 0.05), with notable efficacy in the CHX, TC, and ICG-PDT groups (P < 0.01). While no statistical difference was observed between TC and CHX, the ICG-PDT group demonstrated superior bacterial reduction. CLSM images revealed a higher proportion of dead bacteria stained in red within the ICG-PDT groups. Conclusion: Within the limitations, ICG-PDT effectively reduced S. aureus biofilms on SLA titanium surfaces. Further investigations into alternative decontamination methods and the clinical impact of ICG-PDT on peri-implant diseases are warranted.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.13-28
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• 2023

This study assessed the biochemical methane potential (B_u-P) of three grass species-Poa pratensis (PP), Zoysia japonica (ZJ), and Agrostis stolonifera (AS). B_u-P values were determined as 0.330 Nm³/kg-VS_added for PP, 0.297 Nm³/kg-VS_added for ZJ, and 0.261 Nm³/kg-VS_added for AS. Notably, PP exhibited superior suitability for methane production. The investigation also examined the impact of silage storage duration on PP grass clippings, revealing a 19% decline in B_u-P from an initial value of 0.269 Nm³/kg-VS_added on day 0 to 0.217 Nm³/kg-VS_added on day 180. Throughout the storage period, there were significant increases in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP) contents, rising from 67.59%, 39.68%, and 3.02% on day 0 to 77.12%, 54.65%, and 6.24% on day 180, respectively. These findings highlight the influence of storage duration on the anaerobic digestibility of PP grass clippings. To effectively utilize grass clippings as a renewable resource for methane production, further studies considering factors such as initial moisture content, pretreatment methods, and potential effects of residual pesticides are necessary to optimize anaerobic digestion efficiency for herbaceous biomass.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.217-226
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• 2024

This study aimed to investigate the influence of anions in the air on the purification of fine dust (PM10 and PM2.5) and to evaluate the effects of plants on the generation of anions in the air and the purification of fine dust. Subsequently, the fine dust reduction models were compared according to each factor and plant volume. The characteristics of anion generation by each factor were observed to be in the order of Type N.I (negative ion generator; 204,133.33 ea/cm³) > Type P₃₀ (plant vol. 30%; 362.55 ea/cm³) > Type C (control; 46.22 ea/cm³), indicating that the amount of anion generation in the anion generator treatment group and the plant arrangement group were approximately 4,417 times and 7 times higher, respectively, than that in the untreated group. Consequently, the fine dust reduction characteristics by anion generation source showed that for PM10, Type NI had a purification efficiency 2.52 times higher than Type C, and Type P₃₀ was 1.46 times higher, while for PM2.5, Type NI had a purification efficiency 2.26 times higher than Type C, and Type P₃₀ was 1.31 times higher. The efficiency of fine dust purification by plant volume was in the order of Type P₂₀ (84.60 minutes) > Type P₃₀ (106.50 minutes) = Type P₂₅ (115.50 minutes) = Type P₁₅ (117.60 minutes) > Type P₅ (125.25 minutes) = Type P₁₀ (129.75 minutes), and for ultrafine dust, Type P₂₀ (104.00 minutes) > Type P₃₀ (133.20 minutes) = Type P₂₅ (144.00 minutes) = Type P₁₅ (147.60 minutes) > Type P₅ (161.25 minutes) = Type P₁₀ (168.00 minutes). Thus, a quantitative analysis of the anions and plants for purifying fine dust and suggested matters to be considered for future green space planning and plant planting considering fine dust purification.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.189-203
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• 2024

This study conducted a survey two times at 20 points from April to June and from August to October 2022 to characterize the fish community and reveal the health of the Anyang stream. The survey collected 3,186 individuals belonging to 5 orders, 10 families and 34 species. The dominant species was Zacco platypus (43.4%), followed by Carassius auratus (10.1%), Cyprinus carpio (7.6%), Zacco koreanus (6.2%), Pungtungia herzi (5.2%), Oryzias sinensis (5.1%), Pseudorasbora parva (4.7%), Squalidus gracilis majimae (4.4%), Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (3.5%), Hemiculter eigenmanni (3.3%), Rhodeus ocellatus (1.4%), and Chelon haematocheilus (1.0%). Among the emerged species, 5 species (14.7%), including Rhodeus uyekii, Squalidus japonicus coreanus, and Odontobutis interrupta, were endemic to Korea, and 4 species (11.8%), including Cyprinus carpio (Israeli type), Lepomis macrochirus, Micropterus salmoides, and Poecilia reticulata, were exotic. The fish community analysis showed that the dominance was higher at the upper reaches of the Anyang stream and decreased downstream, and diversity, richness, and evenness were higher in tributary than mainstream. Stream health (fish assessment index, FAI) was generally poor, as it was rated as moderate (C) at seven sites, poor (D) at eight sites, and very poor (E) at five sites. Water quality was evaluated at eight sites, and it was rated as poor (V) at two sites, slightly poor (IV) at one site, moderate (III) at four sites, and slightly good (II) at one site, indicating that the overall water quality was poor and that the water quality had a significant impact on river health and fish habitat. Moreover, it was found that many weirs without fishways were constructed in the Anyang stream and became an obstacle to fish migration. Therefore, a systematic management plan to improve water quality and add fishways is necessary to improve the stream's health and conserve stable fish habitat.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.219-232
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• 2024

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of body mass index (BMI) and drumming exercise on autonomic nervous system function in adult women. Ten adult women (aged 30-50) were divided into two groups based on their BMI: a normal BMI group (Low BMI, LBMI < 23 kg/m²) and an overweight BMI group (High BMI, HBMI > 23 kg/m²). Both groups participated in a drumming exercise program, consisting of 50-minute sessions, three times a week, for a duration of 8 weeks. Body composition and heart rate variability were assessed before and after the 8-week exercise period. Heart rate variability was evaluated using linear analysis in the time domain and frequency domain. Additionally, non-linear analysis was conducted using a Poincaré plot. The autonomic nervous system index was determined by measuring parasympathetic nervous system index and sympathetic nervous system index. Following the 8-week intervention, the HBMI group exhibited a significant decrease in weight (p=0.034), BMI (p=0.044), body fat mass (p=0.032), and waist circumference (p=0.013) compared to the LBMI group. Furthermore, the HBMI group demonstrated significant increases in RMSSD (p=0.018) and TP (p=0.033) in linear analysis, as well as SD1 (p=0.018) in non-linear analysis and PNS Index (p=0.040) compared to the LBMI group. RMSSD, SD1, and PNS Index serve as indicators of parasympathetic nervous system activity in linear and non-linear analyses, respectively. These findings indicate that drumming exercise significantly enhances autonomic nervous system function in overweight women.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2024

This study analyzed the effect of warming on PM_2.5 aerosol production in mid-latitude East Asia during June 2020 using PM_2.5 aerosol anomalies, which were identified by incorporating meteorological and climate data into the Weather Research Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model. The decadal temperature change trend over a 30-year period (1991-2020) in East Asia showed that recent warming has been greater in summer than in winter. Summer warming in East Asia generated low and high pressure in the lower and upper troposphere, respectively, over China. The boundary between the lower tropospheric low and upper tropospheric high pressure sloped along the terrain from the Tibetan Plateau to Korea. The eastern China, Yellow Sea, and Korean regions experienced a convergence of warm and humid southwesterly airflows originating from the East China Sea with the development of a northwesterly Pacific high pressure. In June 2020, the highest temperatures were observed since 1973 in Korea. Meanwhile, enhanced warming in East Asia increased the production of PM_2.5 aerosols that travelled long distances from eastern China to Korea. PM_2.5 anomalies, which were derived solely by inputting meteorological and climatic data (1991-2020) into the WRF-Chem model and excluding emission variations, showed a positive distribution extending from eastern China to South Korea across the Yellow Sea as well as over the Pacific Northwest. Thus, the contribution of warming to PM_2.5 aerosols in East Asia during June 2020 was more than 50%. In particular, PM_2.5 aerosols were transported from eastern China to Korea through the Yellow Sea, where the warm and humid southwesterly airflows implied wet scavenging of sulfate but promoted nitrate production.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.335-342
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• 2023

To achieve self-sufficiency in domestic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), an increase in high-quality wheat production is essential. Given Korea's limited land area, the utilization of cropping systems is imperative. Wheat is compatible with a double cropping system along with rice, soybeans, and corn. Data on alterations in wheat quality following summer crop cultivation is required. This study investigated the impact of cultivating preceding crops such as rice, soybeans, and corn in a wheat cropping system. The analysis focused on the influence of these preceding crops on wheat growth, quality, and soil characteristics, elucidating their interrelationships and impacts. While there were no differences in growth timing and quantity during wheat growth, a significant variance was observed in stem length. Protein content, a key quality attribute of wheat, displayed variations based on the intercropped crops, with the highest increase observed in wheat cultivated after soybeans. Soil moisture content also exhibited variations depending on the intercropping system. The wheat-rice intercropping system, which requires soil moisture retention, resulted in greater pore space saturation in comparison to other systems. Moreover, soil chemical properties, specifically phosphorus and calcium levels, were influenced by intercropping. The highest reduction in soil phosphorus content occurred with soybean cultivation. These findings suggest that intercropping wheat with soybeans can potentially enhance wheat quality in domestic varieties.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.45-57
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• 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of artificial menopause on the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer, and to provide basic data for cancer prevention and early diagnosis in women. Methods: Analysis was conducted using raw data from the 2011-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among the 79,262 people surveyed in the 2011-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 10,207 people were selected as the final research subjects, excluding men, those under 18 years old, those over 80 years old, those who did not participate in the health survey, those with missing data, and those who were not in menopause. Among them, 248 people were diagnosed with thyroid cancer (2.7%), 225 people were diagnosed with breast cancer (2.5%), and 143 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer (21.5%). Results: First, there appeared to be differences between the thyroid cancer diagnosed group and the non-diagnosed group depending on educational level, childbirth experience, and menopause type. Second, there appeared to be differences between the breast cancer diagnosis group and the non-diagnosis group depending on educational level, menopause age, pregnancy experience, childbirth experience, subjective health status, and menopause type. Third, there appeared to be differences between the cervical cancer diagnosis group and the non-diagnosis group depending on menopause age, subjective health status, and menopause type. Fourth, compared to natural menopause, in the case of artificial menopause, the diagnosis probability of women increased by 2.010 times for thyroid cancer, 3.872 times for breast cancer, and 14.902 times for cervical cancer. Conclusion: For thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer, the probability of cancer diagnosis increases in the case of artificial menopause compared to natural menopause, so it is considered important to avoid experiencing artificial menopause to prevent cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.6
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• pp.1309-1323
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• 2023

Purpose To assess the quality of four images obtained using single-breath-hold (SBH), single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) and multiple-breath-hold (MBH) SSFSE with and without deep-learning based reconstruction (DLR) in patients with Crohn's disease. Materials and Methods This study included 61 patients who underwent MR enterography (MRE) for Crohn's disease. The following images were compared: SBH-SSFSE with (SBH-DLR) and without (SBH-conventional reconstruction [CR]) DLR and MBH-SSFSE with (MBH-DLR) and without (MBH-CR) DLR. Two radiologists independently reviewed the overall image quality, artifacts, sharpness, and motion-related signal loss using a 5-point scale. Three inflammatory parameters were evaluated in the ileum, the terminal ileum, and the colon. Moreover, the presence of a spatial misalignment was evaluated. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated at two locations for each sequence. Results DLR significantly improved the image quality, artifacts, and sharpness of the SBH images. No significant differences in scores between MBH-CR and SBH-DLR were detected. SBH-DLR had the highest SNR (p < 0.001). The inter-reader agreement for inflammatory parameters was good to excellent (κ = 0.76-0.95) and the inter-sequence agreement was nearly perfect (κ = 0.92-0.94). Misalignment artifacts were observed more frequently in the MBH images than in the SBH images (p < 0.001). Conclusion SBH-DLR demonstrated equivalent quality and performance compared to MBH-CR. Furthermore, it can be acquired in less than half the time, without multiple BHs and reduce slice misalignments.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.3
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• pp.566-578
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• 2024

Purpose This study investigated whether the respiratory phase during pleural puncture in CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) affects complications. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 477 lung biopsy CT scans performed during free breathing. The respiratory phases during pleural puncture were determined based on the table position of the targeted nodule using CT scans obtained during free breathing. We compared the rates of complications among the inspiratory, mid-, and expiratory respiratory phases. Logistic regression analysis was performed to control confounding factors associated with pneumothorax. Results Among the 477 procedures, pleural puncture was performed during the expiratory phase in 227 (47.6%), during the mid-phase in 108 (22.6%), and during the inspiratory phase in 142 (29.8%). The incidence of pneumothorax was significantly lower in the expiratory puncture group (40/227, 17.6%; p = 0.035) and significantly higher in the mid-phase puncture group (31/108, 28.7%; p = 0.048). After controlling for confounding factors, expiratory-phase puncture was found to be an independent protective factor against pneumothorax (odds ratio = 0.571; 95% confidence interval = 0.360-0.906; p = 0.017). Conclusion Our findings suggest that pleural puncture during the expiratory phase may reduce the risk of pneumothorax during image guided PTNB.