• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.800-805
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• 2016

Rapid growth in nanotechnologies promises novel benefits through the exploitation of their unique industrial applications. However, as the production volume of nanomaterials increases, their unintentional exposure to the environment has been occured. Potential impacts of nanoproducts on the environment can be evaluated in the life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA is the systematic analysis of the resource usages and emissions over the life time from the primary resources to the moment of disposal. In this study, we performed LCA for fabrication processes of superhydrophilic oil/water separator using nano-$TiO_2$. $TOTAL^{TM}$ freeware was used to analyze for all fabrication processes, and 6-environmental impact factors (resource depletion, climate change, ozone depletion, acidification, eutropication, and photochemical oxidation) were introduced. In addition, the use of nano-$TiO_2$ in the fabrication of superhydrophilic oil/water separator was actively contributed to the environmental impact factors, compared to the bulk-$TiO_2$.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.45-45
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• 2017

The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, is one of the most important pests of stored food in the food processing industry worldwide. To control the Indian meal moth, methyl bromide, phosphine, high carbon dioxide, sulfuryl fluoride and plant essential oil fumigation have been considered. However, these treatments have disadvantages. For example, depleting the ozone layer, showing resistance in insect, low control efficacy or need high cost for treatment. Chlorine dioxide ($ClO_2$) is strong disinfectant and insecticide. The gas caused a malfunction in enzymes. The oxidative stress induced by $ClO_2$ gas treatment damaged to a physiological system and all life stages of P. interpunctella. The gaseous $ClO_2$ is a convincing alternative to methyl bromide for controlling P. interpunctella. The gaseous $ClO_2$ was generated by a chlorine dioxide generator (PurgoFarm Co., Ltd., Hwasung, Korea). It generated highly pure $ClO_2$ gas and the gas blown out through a vent into a test chamber. Gas entry to the chamber was automatically controlled and monitored by a PortaSene II gas leak detector (Analytical Technology, Collegeville, PA, USA). The properly prepared eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of P. interpunctella were used in this experiment. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. Percentage data were statistically analyzed after arcsine-root transformation. Analysis of variance was performed using general linear model, and means were separated by the least significant difference test at P < 0.05. Fumigation is an effective management technique for controlling all stages of P. interpunctella. We found that $ClO_2$ gas treatment directly effects on egg, larvae, pupae and adults of P. interpunctella. The gas treatment with proper concentration for over a day achieved 100 % mortality in all stages of P. interpunctella and short time treatment or low concentration gas treatment results showed that the egg hatchability, pupation rate, and adult emergency rate were lowered compare with untreated control. Also, abnormal pupae or adult rate were increased. Gaseous $ClO_2$ treatment induced insecticidal reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it resulted in fatal oxidative stress in P. interpunctella. Taken together, these results showed that exposure proper concentration and time of the gas control all stages of P. interpunctella by inducing fatal oxidative stress. Further studies will be required to apply the gas treatment under real-world condition and to understanding physiological reaction in P. interpunctella caused by oxidative stress.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.111-116
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• 2018

In cosmetics market, anti-pollution products recently come up with new solution for skin health. Environmental oxidation mechanisms are realized as bio-marker of atmospheric pollution upon skin by environmental pollutant such as ozone, UV rays, particulate matter (PM) as well as cigarette smoke. The exposure of cigarette smoke directly or indirectly causes the oxidation of the stratum corneum skin lipids, resulting in the conversion of squalene to squalene monohydroperoxide and/or generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a product of lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study is to see whether new cosmetics product containing red beet has anti-oxidation effect on skin exposed by cigarette smoke. So as to determine oxidative damage to human skin at biochemical level, each unit area of volar forearms was exposed to cigarette smoke through device (3.3 cm, diameter) for fifteen minutes, then measured MDA using standardized TBARS assay kit. Compared to negative control (untreated and unexposed area), the level of MDA was significantly increased at positive control (untreated and exposed area) more than 3.7 times, indicating the pollutant induced-oxidative damage on the skin barrier. Whereas, the pre-applied area with the cosmetics products containing red beet revealed a decrease of 25% compared with positive control. As reports, these data demonstrated that cigarette smoke induce peroxidation of stratum corneum skin lipids. Conclusively, we suggest that anti-pollution effect of the cosmetics product containing red beet is beneficial to prevent the oxidation of skin lipids by atmospheric pollution.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.61-79
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• 2018

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) plasma on decontamination of Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and Escherichia coli(E. coli) as common pathogens. Methods: This experiment was carried out in a chamber($0.64m^3$)designed by the authors. The plasma was continuously generated by a non-thermal DBD plasma generator(Model TB-300, Shinyoung Air tech, Korea). Suspensions of S. aureus and E. coli of 0.5 McFarland standard($1.5{\times}10^8CFU/mL$) were prepared using a Densi-Check photometer(bio $M{\acute{e}}rieux$, France). The suspensions were diluted1:1000 in sterile PBS solutions(approximately$10^{4-5}CFU/mL$) and inoculated on tryptic soy agar(TSA) in Petri dishes. The Petri dishes(80mm internal diameter)were exposed to the non -thermal DBD plasma in the chamber. Results: The results showed that 95% of S. aureus colonies were killed after a six-hour exposure to the DBD plasma. In the case of E. coli, it took two hours to kill 100% of the colonies. The gram-negative E. coli had a greater reduction than the gram-positive S. aureus. This difference may be due to the structure of their cell membranes. The thickness of gram-positive bacteria is greater than that of gram-negative bacteria. The S. aureus is more resistant to DBD plasma exposures than is E. coli. It should be noted that average concentrations of ozone, a byproduct of the DBD plasma generator, were monitored throughout the experiment and the results were well below the criteria, 50 ppb, recommended by the Korean Ministry of the Environment. Thus, non-thermal DBD plasma is deemed safe for use in hospital and public facilities. Conclusions: There was evidence that non-thermal DBD plasma can effectively kill S. aureus and E. coli. The results indicate that DBD plasma technology can greatly contribute to the control of infections in hospitals and other public and private facilities.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.417-421
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• 2018

Ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic waves with a shorter wavelength than visible light, and ultraviolet rays that pass through the ozone layer are the main cause of skin aging. Chronic exposure of skin tissue to ultraviolet light activates the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in human keratinocytes, resulting in increased production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, we investigated the herbal extracts from Jeju Island on the anti-aging effect in human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) by ultraviolet stimulation. We examined that herb extract from Jeju Island were decreased in anti-aging activity on measuring the level of MMP-1 gene and protein expression in ultraviolet-induced keratinocytes. As a result, it was confirmed that Thymus quinquecostatus extract (TQE) significantly reduced the expression of MMP-1 in a dose-dependent manner by UV irradiated HaCaTs. According to our data, TQE significantly attenuated UV-induced phosphorylation of the MAPKs signaling elements ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 proteins. These results suggest that the MAPKs pathway may contribute to the inhibitory effect of TQE on UV-induced MMP-1 production in human keratinocytes. Our results suggest that TQE may be a protective agent against skin aging by preventing UV-induced MMP-1 production.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.55-65
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• 2013

Sterilization of Neurospora crassa has been investigated in this research by using a surface air plasma with dielectric barrier discharged (DBD) structure under atmospheric pressure. The sinusoidal alternating current has been used in this experiment with discharge voltage of 1.4~2.3 kV. The phase difference between the voltage and current signals are found to be almost 80 degree due to the capacitive property of dielectric barrier. Temperature on the biomaterials has been minimized by radiating the heat with the air cooling system. It is noted that the substrate temperature remains under 37 degree for plasma exposure time of 10 minutes with operation of cooler system. It is found that the ozone, $O_3$, has been measured to be about 25~30 ppm within 1 cm region and to be about 5 ppm at the 150 cm downstream region away from the suface plasma. It is also noted that the nitric oxide, NO, and nitric dioxide, $NO_2$, are not nearly detected. Germination rate and mitochodrial activity of Neurospora crassa immersed in the deionized water have been found to be drastically decreased as the plasma treatment time and its electrical power are increased in this experiment. Here, the mitochondrial activity has been analyzed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethy lthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. However, sterilization of Neurospora crassa immersed in the Vogel's minimal media has been found to be low by plasma treatment, which is caused by surrounding background solution. This research shows the sterilization possibility of Neurospora crassa by using the noncontated surface DBD plasma, which is different from the plasma jet. This is mainly attibuted to the reactive species generated by the surface plasma, since they play a major role for inhibition of micobes such as Neurospora crassa.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.560-569
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• 2003

Background : A large number of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ozone influence on the body. These pollutants put a burden on the lung and the sequelae resulting from the oxidative stress are thought to contribute to the development of fibrotic lung disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. Also, carbon monoxide generated from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds is an important component of air pollution caused by traffic exhaust fumes and has the toxic effect of tissue hypoxia and produce various systemic and neurologic complications. The objective of this study is to compare the difference of pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin(CO-Hb) level between the traffic policemen and clerk policemen. Method : Three hundred and twenty-nine of traffic policemen, and one hundred and thirty clerk policemen were included between 2001 May and 2002 August. The policemen who took part in this study were asked to fill out a questionnaire which included questions on age, smoking, drinking, years of working, work-related symptoms and past medical history. The serum CO-Hb level was measured by using carboxyoximeter. Pulmonary function test was done by using automated spirometer. Additional tests, such as elecrocardiogram, urinalysis, chest radiography, blood chemistry, and CBC, were also done. Results : $FEV_1(%)$ was $97.1{\pm}0.85%$, and $105.7{\pm}1.21%$(p<0.05). FVC(%) was $94.6{\pm}0.67%$, and $102.1{\pm}1.09%$, respectively(p<0.05). Serum CO-Hb level was $2.4{\pm}0.06%$, and $1.8{\pm}0.08%$(p<0.05). After correction of confounding factors (age, smoking), significant variables were FVC(%), $FEV_1(%)$ and serum CO-Hb level(%)(p<0.05). Conclusion : Long exposure to air pollution may influence the pulmonary function and serum CO-Hb level. But, further prospective cohort study will be needed to elucidate detailed influences of specific pollutants on pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin level.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1972.03a
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• pp.6-7
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• 1972

The air pollutants can be classified into the irritant gas and the asphixation gas, and the irritant gas is closely related to the otorhinolaryngological diseases. The common irritant gases are nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen carbon compounds, and the potent and irritating PAN (peroxy acyl nitrate) which is secondarily liberated from photosynthesis. Those gases adhers to the mucous membrane to result in ulceration and secondary infection due to their potent oxidizing power. 1. Sulfur dioxide gas Sulfur dioxide gas has the typical characteristics of the air pollutants. Because of its high solubility it gets easily absorbed in the respiratory tract, when the symptoms and signs by irritation become manifested initially and later the resistance in the respiratory tract brings central about pulmonary edema and respiratory paralysis of origin. Chronic exposure to the gas leads to rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and olfactory or gustatory disturbances. 2. Carbon monoxide Toxicity of carbon monoxide is due to its deprivation of the oxygen carrying capacity of the hemoglobin. The degree of the carbon monoxide intoxication varies according to its concentration and the duration of inhalation. It starts with headache, vertigo, nausea, vomiting and tinnitus, which can progress to respiratory difficulty, muscular laxity, syncope, and coma leading to death. 3. Nitrogen dioxide Nitrogen dioxide causes respiratory disturbances by formation of methemoglobin. In acute poisoning, it can cause pulmonary congestion, pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and pneumonia due to its strong irritation on the eyes and the nose. In chronic poisoning, it causes chronic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary edema. 4. Ozone It has offending irritating odor, and causes dryness of na sopharyngolaryngeal mucosa, headache and depressed pulmonary function which may eventually lead to pulmonary congestion or edema. 5. Smog The most outstanding incident of the smog occurred in London from December 5 through 8, 1952, because of which the mortality of the respiratory diseases increased fourfold. The smog was thought to be due to the smoke produced by incomplete combustion and its byproduct the sulfur oxides, and the dust was thought to play the secondary role. In new sense, hazardous is the photochemical smog which is produced by combination of light energy and the hydrocarbons and oxidant in the air. The Yonsei University Institute for Environmental :pollution Research launched a project to determine the relationship between the pollution and the medical, ophthalmological and rhinopharyngological disorders. The students (469) of the "S" Technical School in the most heavily polluted area in Pusan (Uham Dong district) were compared with those (345) of "K" High School in the less polluted area. The investigated group had those with subjective symptoms twice as much as the control group, 22.6% (106) in investigated group and 11.3% (39) in the control group. Among those symptomatic students of the investigated group. There were 29 with respiratory symptoms (29%), 22 with eye symptoms (21%), 50 with stuffy nose and rhinorrhea (47%), and 5 with sore thorat (5%), which revealed that more than half the students (52%) had subjective symptoms of the rhinopharyngological aspects. Physical examination revealed that the investigated group had more number of students with signs than those of the control group by 10%, 180 (38.4%) versus 99 (28.8%). Among the preceding 180 students of the investigated group, there were 8 with eye diseases (44%), 1 with respiratory disease (0.6%), 97 with rhinitis (54%), and 74 with pharyngotonsillitis (41%) which means that 95% of them had rharygoical diseases. The preceding data revealed that the otolaryngological diseases are conspicuously outnumbered in the heavily polluted area, and that there must be very close relationship between the air pollution and the otolaryngological diseases, and the anti-pollution measure is urgently needed.