Evaluation of a Compact Dry Method for Enumerating Bacteria in Contaminated Foods (식품 오염 미생물 분석을 위한 컴팩트 드라이법 평가)
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- Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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- v.39 no.4
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- pp.304-311
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- 2024
The present study aimed to compare the accuracy of the compact dry and culture plate methods for natural flora (yeasts/molds, coliforms, and total bacterial count) and artificial inoculum (Escherichia coli) in dosirak (meat-based), meal kits (seafood-based), and Doenjang (traditional food). Compact dry TC, EC, CF, and YMR were compared with culture plate methods using a suitable medium for each bacterium. The total bacterial count, coliforms, yeasts/molds, and E. coli were assessed with 3M Petrifilm (aerobic bacterial, coliform, yeast/mold, and E. coli count plates) using culture plate methods. Analysis of the recovery rates of target microorganisms in the three food samples showed that the compact dry method for total bacteria, coliforms, and E. coli exhibited recovery capabilities equivalent to those of the culture plate and Petrifilm methods, with no significant differences (P>0.05). Overall, compact dry TC, CF, and EC showed a good correlation between the methods used in this study, indicating rapid and convenient microbial enumeration by saving time and requiring less space.
Mineral composition used to identify the sedimentary environment can be obtained through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. However, due to time constraints for analyzing a large number of samples, a machine learning-based mineral composition analysis model was developed. This model demonstrated reasonable reliability for samples with usual compositions but showed poor performance for unusual samples. Consequently, a clustering model has recently been developed to classify the unusual samples, allowing experts to handle. The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of the clustering model, developed using XRD data from the Ulleung Basin in previous study, using samples from different regions. Research data consist of intensity profile from XRD experiment and its mineral composition analysis for a total of 54 sediment samples from the Korea Plateau, located northwest of the Ulleung Basin. Because the intensity of samples in the Korea Plateau comprises 7,420 values (3.005-64.996°), differing from 3,100 values (3.01-64.99°) of samples in the Ulleung Basin, linear interpolation was used to align the input feature. Then, min-max scaler was applied to intensity profile for each sample to preserve the trend and peak ratio of the intensity. Applying the clustering model to the 54 preprocessed intensity profiles, 35 samples and 19 samples were classified into expert and machine learning groups, respectively. For machine learning group, false positive was zero among the 19 samples. This means that the clustering model can increase reliability in when mineral composition from machine learning model because unusual sample did not belong to the machine learning group. For the 35 samples in expert group, the 31 samples were classified as false negative (FN). It means that although machine learning model can properly analyze these samples, they were assigned to expert group. However, when these FN samples were analyzed using machine learning based composition analysis model, a high mean absolute error of 2.94% was observed. Therefore, it is reasonable that the samples were assigned to expert group.
This study presents the synthesis and characterization of MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH)/rice husk hydrochar (RHH) nanocomposites (MgAl-LDH/RHHs) via an in situ one-pot hydrothermal route at 150 ℃, utilizing Mg:Al molar ratio of 2:1 for arsenic remediation. The formation of MgAl-LDH/RHHs and their physicochemical properties were evaluated under varying hydrothermal aging times systematically. Prolonging the aging period to 12 hrs significantly enhanced the crystallinity and crystal size of the LDHs, resulting in a 3D hierarchical structure with the highest specific surface area (27.98 m2/g) formed on the hydrochar surface. The hexagonal crystal structure (d003 = 0.8246 nm) was characterized by a rhombohedral unit cell with lattice parameters a = 0.3049 nm and c = 2.4738 nm, and a high positive charge density of 4.284 e/nm2. These properties were found to be favorable for the sorption of arsenic oxyanions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the potential of MgAl-LDH/RHHs-12h for the remediation of arsenic-contaminated soils. The original soil sample (CY) was mechanically sieved into fine-grained (CYF, < 75 ㎛) and coarse-grained (CYC, 75 ㎛-2 mm) fractions. When these soil samples were reacted with deionized water, arsenate was identified as the dissolved arsenic species, with concentrations of 2.85 mg/L for CY, 4.02 mg/L for CYF, and 2.55 mg/L for CYC, respectively. Kinetic sorption experiments, conducted at pH 5.0 and 8.0 in the presence and absence of 0.1 M NaCl as a background electrolyte, revealed that arsenic sorption onto MgAl-LDH/RHHs-12h was inhibited at pH 8 in the presence of NaCl. These findings suggest that effective arsenic sorption requires low pH conditions with minimal background electrolytes in soils.
This study investigates various ionospheric and thermospheric disturbances around the Korean Peninsula during the G5 geomagnetic storm occurred on May 10, 2024. This level of storm was the first of its magnitude in 21 years, resulting in auroras visible even in South Korea and severe space weather worldwide. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute has been providing ionospheric information over Korea through total electron content (TEC) measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and monitoring the impact of ionospheric disturbances on GNSS signals by operating five GNSS scintillation stations in Korea and other countries. During this storm period, large amplitudes of TEC variations were observed over South Korea, along with anomalous TEC enhancements accompanied by strong scintillations at night and persistent TEC depletion on the dayside during the storm's recovery phase. Such daytime TEC depletion disturbances are quite rare, typically occurring only a few times throughout the 11-year solar cycle. While the association of persistent TEC depletion during the daytime with neutral composition disturbances was identified through observations, the causes of TEC enhancement and strong scintillation at night remain unclear. We speculate that the uplift of the ionosphere by storm-induced electric fields is responsible for the TEC enhancement and scintillation, but this hypothesis requires validation based on additional observational data.
This study investigated the ecological characteristics of Fraxinus chiisanensis Nakai, one of the endemic and rare plant species in Korea, based on its distribution status, characteristics of the growth environment, and species composition. A vegetation survey that analyzed the correlation between species distribution patterns and environmental variables, along with the traits of the emergent plant species, was performed according to the explanation of environmental growth conditions and phytosociological method for the location where F. chiisanensis is found. A total of 19 dominant locations and 9 non-dominant locations of F. chiisanensis were observed in 28 study sites in 12 regions, and a total of 155 taxa were observed. According to the vegetation climate of Korea, the growth environment of the study site where F. chiisanensis is located is characterized as cold and is primarily situated within the northern temperate deciduous broadleaf forest zone. The average elevation was 859m above sea level, with an average rock exposure of 60.4%, soil exposure of 24.7%, and an average slope of 18.7°. The taxa belonging to the top P-NCD(Percentage of Net Contribution Degree) among the emergent species were mostly designated as the taxa emerging in valley vegetation. The correlation analysis of environmental variables revealed that altitude had the strongest correlation, with rock exposure showing the second highest correlation. The ongoing dynamics of the F. chiisanensis forest are anticipated to persist due to the high P-NCD values exhibited by the F. chiisanensis within the shrub and herbaceous layers among the taxa associated with tree species. Most F. chiisanensis habitats are currently situated within protected regions such as national parks, provincial parks, and county parks, where there are relatively minimal human-induced disturbances. However, there is potential for damage in areas not designated as protected, such as forest tending operation sites or new hiking trails. Concerns about declining habitat quality have prompted suggestions for management strategies such as establishing Forest Genetic Resource Reserves in these locations. In addition, follow-up and further research should be conducted to identify possible sites for distribution and establish candidate conservation areas based on various environmental conditions of F. chiisanensis.
Background: Self-gravity acupressure (SGA), which complements the limitations of conventional manual therapies, is expected to have a positive effect on mood, closely related to reduction in stress. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate changes in mood states by SGA and to discuss its effects on stress relief and immunity. Methods: For 118 subjects (21 males and 97 females) who experienced the SGA program for 75 minutes, their mood states were assessed before and after the SGA session on 5 scales (0-4 points) using K-POMS consisting a total of 65 items grouped in six factors. For calculating the total mood disturbance score (iTMDs), the scores of the items in the only positive mood factor 'vigor-comfort' were reversed to have iTMDS increase the degree of the positive correlation with negative mood states. Results: The iTMDS decreased by 11.50% from 1.09±0.54 before SGA to 0.63±0.40 after SGA (p<0.001). The average score of the only positive factor 'vigor-comfort' increased by 10.78%, from 1.93±1.17 before SGA to 2.38±1.31 after SGA (p<0.001). On the other hand, the factor 'fatigue-inertia' of the 5 negative factors decreased most significantly in its average score by 16.73%, from 1.19±1.24 before SGA to 0.40±0.58 after SGA (p<0.001). The remaining 4 negative factors (depressed state, anxiety-fear, anger-hostility, and uncertainty-helplessness) decreased by within the range of 7.75% to 11.33% (p<0.001). Conclusions: Changes in K-POMS scores observed in this study indicate that the SGA program improves significantly mood. Since a mood state is closely related to stress and immunity, SGA is expected to have effects on stress relief and immunity enhancement (p<0.001). Continued studies are suggested to further validate the present results and to enhance the clinical utility, which include physiological signal measurements and clinical pathological examinations to test the effetcs of SGA on stress management and immunity enhancement.
The frequency of extreme weather events such as heavy and extreme rainfall has been increasing due to global climate change. Accordingly, it is essential to quantify hydrometeorological variables for efficient water resource management. Among the various hydro-meteorological variables, Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Evapotranspiration (ET) play key roles in understanding the interaction between the surface and the atmosphere. In Korea, LST and ET are mainly observed through ground-based stations, which also have limitation in obtaining data from ungauged watersheds, and thus, it hinders to estimate spatial behavior of LST and ET. Alternatively, remote sensing-based methods have been used to overcome the limitation of ground-based stations. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) LST and ET data estimated across Korea (from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022). For validation, we utilized NASA's MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data and eddy covariance flux tower observations managed by agencies under the Ministry of Environment of South Korea. Overall, results indicated that ECOSTRESS-based LSTs showed similar temporal trends (R: 0.47~0.73) to MODIS and ground-based observations. The index of agreement also showed a good agreement of ECOSTRESS-based LST with reference datasets (ranging from 0.82 to 0.91), although it also revealed distinctive uncertainties depending on the season. The ECOSTRESS-based ET demonstrated the capability to capture the temporal trends observed in MODIS and ground-based ET data, but higher Mean Absolute Error and Root Mean Square Error were also exhibited. This is likely due to the low acquisition rate of the ECOSTRESS data and environmental factors such as cooling effect of evapotranspiration, overestimation during the morning. This study suggests conducting additional validation of ECOSTRESS-based LST and ET, particularly in topographical and hydrological aspects. Such validation efforts could enhance the practical application of ECOSTRESS for estimating basin-scale LST and ET in Korea.
The fresh water prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergi(de Man) is a very common species in Indopacific region, which inhaits both fresh and brackish water in low land area, most of rivers and especially aboundant in the lower reaches which are influenced by sea water. It is one of the largest and commercial species of genus Macrobrachium, which is commonly larger than
The wall shear stress in the vicinity of end-to end anastomoses under steady flow conditions was measured using a flush-mounted hot-film anemometer(FMHFA) probe. The experimental measurements were in good agreement with numerical results except in flow with low Reynolds numbers. The wall shear stress increased proximal to the anastomosis in flow from the Penrose tubing (simulating an artery) to the PTFE: graft. In flow from the PTFE graft to the Penrose tubing, low wall shear stress was observed distal to the anastomosis. Abnormal distributions of wall shear stress in the vicinity of the anastomosis, resulting from the compliance mismatch between the graft and the host artery, might be an important factor of ANFH formation and the graft failure. The present study suggests a correlation between regions of the low wall shear stress and the development of anastomotic neointimal fibrous hyperplasia(ANPH) in end-to-end anastomoses. 30523 T00401030523 ^x Air pressure decay(APD) rate and ultrafiltration rate(UFR) tests were performed on new and saline rinsed dialyzers as well as those roused in patients several times. C-DAK 4000 (Cordis Dow) and CF IS-11 (Baxter Travenol) reused dialyzers obtained from the dialysis clinic were used in the present study. The new dialyzers exhibited a relatively flat APD, whereas saline rinsed and reused dialyzers showed considerable amount of decay. C-DAH dialyzers had a larger APD(11.70
The wall shear stress in the vicinity of end-to end anastomoses under steady flow conditions was measured using a flush-mounted hot-film anemometer(FMHFA) probe. The experimental measurements were in good agreement with numerical results except in flow with low Reynolds numbers. The wall shear stress increased proximal to the anastomosis in flow from the Penrose tubing (simulating an artery) to the PTFE: graft. In flow from the PTFE graft to the Penrose tubing, low wall shear stress was observed distal to the anastomosis. Abnormal distributions of wall shear stress in the vicinity of the anastomosis, resulting from the compliance mismatch between the graft and the host artery, might be an important factor of ANFH formation and the graft failure. The present study suggests a correlation between regions of the low wall shear stress and the development of anastomotic neointimal fibrous hyperplasia(ANPH) in end-to-end anastomoses. 30523 T00401030523 ^x Air pressure decay(APD) rate and ultrafiltration rate(UFR) tests were performed on new and saline rinsed dialyzers as well as those roused in patients several times. C-DAK 4000 (Cordis Dow) and CF IS-11 (Baxter Travenol) reused dialyzers obtained from the dialysis clinic were used in the present study. The new dialyzers exhibited a relatively flat APD, whereas saline rinsed and reused dialyzers showed considerable amount of decay. C-DAH dialyzers had a larger APD(11.70