• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2006

The purposes of this study were firstly to identify the microbial species on gutta-percha (GP) cones exposed at outpatient clinics using polymerase chain reaction, and secondly to evaluate the rapid sterilization effect of two chemical disinfectants at chair side. It also evaluated the alteration of surface texture of GP cones after 5-min soaking into two chemical disinfectants. A total of 100 GP cones from two endodontic departments were randomly selected for microbial detection using PCR assay with universal primer. After inoculation on the sterilized GP cones with the same microorganism identified by PCR assay, they were soaked in two chemical disinfectants: 5% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine for 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes. The sterilization effect was evaluated by turbidity and subculture. The change of surface textures using a scanning electron microscope was also examined after 5 min-soaking in two chemical disinfectants. Results showed that four bacterial species were detected in 17 GP cones, and all the species belonged to the genus Staphylococcus. Two chemical disinfectants were effective in sterilization with just 1 minute soaking. On the SEM picture of NaOCl-soaked GP cone, a cluster of cuboidal crystals was seen on the cone surface. Present data demonstrate that two chemical disinfectants are useful for rapid sterilization of GP cone just before obturation at chair side, while CHX-soaked GP cone has cleaner surface without crystal precipitation than that of NaOCl-treated cone.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.8
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• pp.951-960
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• 2010

Sediment works as a resource for electric cells. This paper was designed in order to verify how sediment cells work with anodic material such as metal and carbon fiber. As known quite well, sediment under sea, rivers or streams provides a furbished environment for generating electrons via some electron transfer mechanism within specific microbial population or corrosive oxidation on the metal surfaces in the presence of oxygen or water molecules. We experimented with one type of sediment cell using different anodic material so as to attain prolonged, maximum electric power. Iron, Zinc, aluminum, copper, zinc/copper, and graphite felt were tested for anodes. Also, combined type of anodes-metal embedded in the graphite fiber matrix-was experimented for better performances. The results show that the combined type of anodes exhibited sustainable electricity production for ca. 600 h with max. $0.57\;W/m^2$ Al/Graphite. Meanwhile, graphite-only electrodes produced max. $0.11\;W/m^2$ along with quite stationary electric output, and for a zinc electrode, in which the electricity generated was not stable with time, therefore resulting in relatively sharp drop in that after 100 h or so, the maximum power density was $0.64\;W/m^2$. It was observed that the corrosive reaction rates in the metal electrodes might be varied, so that strength and stability in the electric performances(voltage and current density) could be affected by them. In addition to that, COD(chemical oxygen demand) of the sediment of the cell system was reduced by 17.5~36.7% in 600 h, which implied that the organic matter in the sediment would be partially converted into non-COD substances, that is, would suggest a way for decontamination of the aged, anaerobic sediment as well. The pH reduction for all electrodes could be a sign of organic acid production due to complicated chemical changes in the sediment.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.259-268
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• 2006

We investigated food preservation hurdles used for Korean traditional side dishes. As a first step of the research preparation and cooking recipes of the side dishes were surveyed, which are commonly used in Korean households. As next step, compositional and microbial quality attributes were measured onto the samples collected from the market. Antimicrobial ingredient added in the preparation are reasoned to work as important hurdles based on the scientific principles. Heating processes such as blanching, boiling, braising, hard-boiling and frying help to keep the produce decontamination or water activity adjustment. Measured salt contents of most side dishes were in the range of 1-5% with those of salt-preserved vegetables being higher. pH values were 4.7-6.4 with those of salt-preserved vegetables being lower and those of hard boiled fishes being higher. Soluble solids of braised or hard-boiled dishes were usually above $40^{\circ}Brix$, while those of blanched and seasoned vegetables had lower values. Water activity values were 0.93-0.95 for seasoned vegetables and 0.77-0.88 for hard-boiled or semi dried beans and seafoods. Product with processing steps of braising or blanching showed lower bacterial load of 102-104 cfu/g, while seasoned or salt-preserved vegetables and seafoods had aerobic bacterial count above 106 cfu/g. Korean traditional side dishes were found to apply the appropriate combinations of heating preparation process, water activity and pH adjustment and salting, providing the required preservation properties.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.315-320
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• 2014

This study evaluated the effects of a gamma ray (GR), electron beam (EB), and X-ray (XR) to improve the safety of black pepper powder. The black pepper powder was irradiated by GR, EB, and XR at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kGy. The results of the total bacterial populations in the black pepper power sample showed a similar effect on microbial decontamination for radiation sources. Radiation sensitivity ($D_{10}$ value) on the initial bacteria loads in the sample was 2.24 kGy in GR, 2.37 kGy in EB, and 2.75 kGy in XR. In addition, there were no differences among the radiation sources. The color values, such as L (lightness), a (redness), and b (yellowness), were not changed significantly. The sensory characteristics of GR, EB, and XR irradiated black pepper powder were decreased when the radiation dose increased, but there was no significant changes among the radiation sources. The results can be applied to investigate the effects of radiation sources on the microbiological and sensory characteristics of black pepper powder.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 1990

The microbial populations of exportable ginseng leaf tea were $3.6{\times}10^{5}/g$ in mesophilic aerobic bacteria, $2.1{\times}10^{3}/g$ in mesophilic aerobic spores, $1.6{\times}10^{4}/g$ in yeast, $1.9{\times}10^{4}/g$ in molds and $1.2{\times}10^{4}/g$ in coliforms, respectively, which are higher levels than the legaJIy permissible loads of microorganisms for ginseng powders in Korea. In a comparative study of the decontaminating effects on microorganisms, ethylene oxide fumigation and 5 kGy irradiation could decrease microorganisms below the detectable level. And there is no growth of microorgllnisms after three months of storage at $30{\pm}1^{circ}C$. The decimal reduction doses (Dw value) for microorganisms contaminated were 0.70 kGy in coliforms, 0.75 kGy in total bacteria, 0.85 kGy in molds. and 0.95 kGy in yeast, respectively. In the organoleptic test for ginseng leaf tea, the irradiated samples showed no significant difference from the control group in overall flavor, taste, color and acceptability. However the extracts of ethylene oxide fumigated sample were significantly different in color and taste from other groups even after three months storage.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.431-436
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• 2004

Associated with microbial decontamination and quarantine treatment of dried red pepper, the samples was gamma-irradiated (5, 10 kGy) and fumigated (methyl bromide/MeBr, phosphine/$PH_3$) to compare their Hunter's color (L, a, b, ${\Delta}E$) and sensory properties by types (whole, powder, pericarp, seed) during storage under room conditions($18{\pm}12^{\circ}C$). Whole pepper maintained higher lightness (L value) than other groups, while powdered pepper showed higher redness (a value) during storage. Immediately after treatments there was little difference in the overall color difference (${\Delta}E$) among the groups. After 8 months, a higher redness was observed in $PH_3$ group of whole pepper and 5 kGy group of powdered pepper, respectively(p<0.05). Redness of irradiated pericarps was apparently reduced following 8 months of storage and a similar pattern was found in fumigated samples. The yellowness (b value) of pepper seed was lowest in 10 kGy sample (p<0.05), but insignificant difference was observed among treatment groups with storage time. Sensory properties of whole and powdered peppery were little changed by both treatments under commercial conditions. Sensory scores of irradiated or fumigated samples were higher than that of non-treated control with storage time, which was more significant in the powdered than in the whole samples.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.486-491
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• 2016

Efficacy of dielectric barrier discharge-cold plasma treatment (DBD-CPT) for microbial decontamination of onion powder was evaluated. Onion powder, inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Enteritidis, or Listeria monocytogenes, was treated with helium DBD-CPT. DBD-CPT (9 kV, 20 min) inhibited E. coli O157:H7, S. Enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes by $1.4{\pm}0.5$, $2.3{\pm}0.3$, and $1.2{\pm}0.0log\;CFU/cm^2$, respectively. The inactivation levels of E. coli O157:H7, S. Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes increased by $2.2{\pm}0.1$, $2.5{\pm}0.1$ and $1.9{\pm}0.3log\;CFU/cm^2$, respectively, as water activity increased from 0.4 to 0.8, and increased by $2.3{\pm}0.4$, $2.1{\pm}0.1$ and $1.6{\pm}0.1log\;CFU/cm^2$, respectively, as the particle size increased from 0.3 to $1.0cm^2$. Neither the ascorbic acid and quercetin concentrations nor the color of onion powder was changed by DBD-CPT (p>0.05). These results demonstrate the potential for application of DBD-CPT in improving microbiological safety of onion powder while preserving the physicochemical properties.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.233-239
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• 1988

Vegetable mixed codiments, commercial products prepared using soybean,paste and natto, respectively as the ingredients, were used ina study to evaluate the efficacy of gamma irradiationas a means of decontamination and the emphasis was placed upon the determination of the effect of irradiation on the microbiological and some physicochemical properties of the samples. The number of microorganisms contaminated ranged from $10^{6}\;to\;10^{7}$ cells per gram in mesophilic total bacteria, which were composed of thermophilts and acid tolerant bacteria by over 90%. They were reduced by 3 to 4 log cycles with irradiation at 10 kGy. Gamma irradiation at 5 kGy could eliminate the microbial populations of yeasts and molds ($10^{2}\;to\;10^{3}$ cells per gram) and coliforms ($10^{6}\;to\;10^{6}$ cells per gram of natto condiments). However, total destruction of microorganisms in soybean-paste and natto condiments was shown to be possible at a dose-range more than 10 kGy. Irradiationup to 10 kGy was not detrimental to the physicochemical properties of the sample, such as pH. amino nitrogen, rancidity and color, even though some change was brought about in the content of sulfur-containing amino acids.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.265-270
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• 2000

White ginseng powder, permitted to be irradiated in Korea for the purpose of microbial decontamination, was treated with electron beam at doses of $0{\sim}15\;kGy$ for a detection trial whether it is irradiated or not by measuring photostimulated luminescence for whole samples first and then (TL) for the mineral adhering to the samples. PSL values were less than threshold value (700, $T_{1}$) and were negative for nonirradiated samples but more than 5000 $(T_2)$ and were positive for irradiated ones. After PSL measurement mineral was separated from the whole samples using density separation. Mineral of nonirradiated samples was characterized by glow curves which have low intensity and were situated at the high temperature region (about $300^{\circ}C$) by the low level of natural radioactivity. Glow curves of minerals for all irradiated samples were observed at about $200^{\circ}C$. TL ratio by normalization was 0.01 for nonirradiated sample and more than 0.78 for irradiated samples, and it was possible to detect whether white ginseng powders were irradiated or not.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.277-283
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• 2016

To improve the microbiological safety of wild vegetables after harvest, Aster scaber and Cirsium setidens Nakai were treated with combinations of 50 ppm aqueous chlorine dioxide ($ClO_2$)/0.5% citric acid or fumaric acid, and 50 ppm $ClO_2$/0.5% fumaric acid/blanching at $90^{\circ}C$ for 2 min. Combined treatment of 50 ppm $ClO_2$ and 0.5% citric acid reduced populations of total aerobic bacteria, yeast, and molds in Aster scaber and Cirsium setidens Nakai by 2.80~3.64 and 2.02~2.67 log CFU/g, respectively, compared to those of the control. Combined treatment of 50 ppm $ClO_2$ and 0.5% fumaric acid reduced total aerobic bacteria, yeast and molds populations by 3.62~3.82 and 2.47~3.02 log CFU/g, respectively. Based on the results, combined treatment of $ClO_2$ and fumaric acid was more effective in controlling microorganisms in the wild vegetables than either $ClO_2$ or citric acid. In addition, combined treatment of $ClO_2$/fumaric acid/blanching reduced the populations of total aerobic bacteria by 4.59~5.12 log CFU/g, and populations of yeast and molds were not detected by treatment. These results suggest that combined treatment of $ClO_2$/fumaric acid/blanching is the most effective method for improving microbiological safety of wild vegetables after harvest.