• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2021

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant activities of subfractions of Peucedanum insolens Kitagawa root in various organic solvents and their anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. First, P. insolens Kitagawa roots were dried at room temperature for one week, chopped, and extracted with 70% ethanol. The resulting extracts were successively sub-fractionated with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. The antioxidant potential of the fractions was evaluated using a DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and by measuring total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. The anti-inflammatory potency of the fractions was evaluated by measuring the inhibition levels of the expressions of inflammatory-mediated genes and proteins (e.g., iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6) in RAW264.7 cells. The results clearly showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of the P. insolens Kitagawa root contained relatively high total flavonoid (34.08±1.68 ㎍ of quercetin equivalents per mg) and total polyphenol (154.1±3.2 ㎍ of gallic acid equivalents per mg) contents. The DPPH assay results showed that the P. insolens Kitagawa root possessed strong free radical scavenging activity in the ethyl acetate fraction. Both the ethyl acetate and hexane fractions showed strong inhibitory potencies to nitric oxide production induced by lipopolysaccharide (1 ㎍/ml) treatment for 24 hr in RAW264.7 cells. The results also showed that both the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of the P. insolens Kitagawa root strongly inhibited mRNA levels of iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6, which were overexpressed by LPS treatment for 24 hr in the RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that P. insolens Kitagawa root may contain compounds that possess strong potency for anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies are needed to discover more detailed modes of action of P. insolens Kitagawa root fractions against inflammation modulation, such as the regulation of cytokine signaling and inflammatory signaling pathways.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.194-201
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• 2021

Induced polarization (IP) effect is known to be caused by electrochemical phenomena at interface between minerals and pore water. Spectral induced polarization (SIP) method is an electrical survey to localize subsurface IP anomalies while injecting alternating currents of multiple frequencies into the ground. This method was effectively applied to mineral exploration of various ore deposits. Titanomagnetite ores were being produced by a mining company located in Gonamsan area, Gwanin-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Because the ores contain more than 0.4 w% vanadium, the ore deposit is called as Gwanin vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) deposit. The vanadium is the most important of materials in production of vanadium redox flow batteries, which can be appropriately used for large-scale energy storage system. Systematic mineral exploration was conducted to identify presence of hidden VTM orebodies and estimate their potential resources. In geophysical exploration, laboratory geophysical measurement of rock samples is helpful to generate reliable property models from field survey data. Therefore, we performed laboratory SIP data of the rocks from the Gwanin VTM deposit to understand SIP characteristics between ores and host rocks and then demonstrate the applicability of this method for the mineral exploration. Both phase and resistivity spectra of the ores sampled from underground outcrop and drilling cores were different of those of the host rocks consisting of monzodiorite and quartz monzodiorite. Because the phase and resistivity at frequencies below 100 Hz are mainly dependent on the SIP characteristics of the rocks, we calculated mean values of the ores and the host rocks. The average phase values at 0.1 Hz were ores: -369 mrad and host rocks: -39 mrad. The average resistivity values at 0.1 Hz were ores: 16 Ωm and host rocks: 2,623 Ωm. Because the SIP characteristics of the ores were different of those of the host rocks, we considered that the SIP survey is effective for the mineral exploration in vanadiferous titanomagnetite deposits and the SIP characteristics are useful for interpreting field survey data.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.69-79
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• 2020

In this study, the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of hot-water extracts from 10 kinds of macroalgae in Korea were investigated. It was selected materials in consideration of biological activity and industrial potential as follows: Caulerpa okamurae; Codium fragile; Ulva australis; Ishige foliacea; Saccharina japonica; Sargassum horneri; Undaria pinnatifida; Gloiopeltis tenax; Gracilaria verrucosa; Porphyra tenera. Results showed that S. japonica and G. tenax significantly decreased NO productionn in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells at concentrations of 100, 1000 ㎍/mL and 1000 ㎍/mL, respectively. However, most of the other macroalgae used in the experiment did not affect NO production. It was observed that all macroalgae extracts except for the highest concentration (1000 ㎍/mL) treatment group of P. tenera did not affect the viability in Raw 264.7 cells. In addition, there was not significant decrease in cell viability by macroalgae extracts treatment in HINAE cells. These results suggest that S. japonica and G. tenax could be used as potential safe natural anti-inflammatory agents for food and feed additives. Also, the results of this study are expected to be used as basic data for the development of functional materials for 10 kinds of macroalgae resources in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.207-216
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• 2021

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional quality of two newly-developed native chicken strains, compared to the commercial Korean native chicken. A total of 600 chickens (CON: Hanhyup No. 3, CL1: candidate line C, CL2: candidate line D) raised under the same conditions were slaughtered at either 5 or 12 weeks. Leg meat was then obtained and analyzed for its physicochemical properties. The results showed that regardless of the growing period, there was no variation in proximate composition (P>0.05), except for crude protein, between strains. Water holding capacity did not differ between strains at either slaughter age; however, it was significantly lower in the 12-week group than in the 5-week group (P≤0.05). For both skin and muscle color, a^* and b^* values were lower at 12 weeks than at 5 weeks (P≤0.05). DPPH radical-scavenging activity tended to be lower at 12 weeks than at 5 weeks (P≤0.05). Furthermore, all chickens slaughtered at 5 weeks were found to have greater contents of linoleic acid (18:2) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices than those slaughtered at 12 weeks (P≤0.05). However, anserine, betaine, and glucose were more concentrated among the lines at 12 weeks than at 5 weeks (P≤0.05). In conclusion, the quality traits of native chickens were distinct by different production stages rather than chicken lines.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.287-298
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• 2022

This study evaluated the efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) as an oxidant to reduce malodor emission from chicken feces. Two experiments were performed with the following four treatments in parallel: 1) fresh chicken feces with only distilled water added as a control, 2) a commercial germicide as a positive control, and 3) 2,000 or 4) 3,000 ppm of ClO₂ supplementation. Aluminum gas bags containing chicken feces sealed with a silicone plug were used in both experiments, and each treatment was tested in triplicate. In Experiment 1, 10 mL of each additive was added on the first day of incubation, and malodor emissions were then assessed after 10 days of incubation. In Experiment 2, 1 mL of each additive was added daily during a 14-day incubation period. At the end of the incubation, gas production, malodor-causing substances (H₂S and NH₃ gases), dry matter, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and microbial enumeration were analyzed. Supplementing ClO₂ at 2,000 and 3,000 ppm significantly reduced the pH and the ammonia-N, total VFA, H₂S, and ammonia gas concentrations in chicken feces compared with the control feces (P<0.05). Additionally, microbial analysis indicated that the number of coliform bacteria was decrease after ClO₂ treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, ClO₂ at 2,000 and 3,000 ppm was effective at reducing malodor emission from chicken feces. However, further studies are warranted to examine the effects of ClO₂ at various concentrations and the effects on malodor emission from a poultry farm.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 2023

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants use surplus CO₂ generated by cooling and heating at night when ventilation is not needed in a greenhouse. Schlumbergera truncata 'Pink Dew' is a multi-flowering cactus that needs more phylloclades for high-quality production. This study examined photosynthetic characteristics by the phylloclade levels of S. truncata in a growth chamber and a greenhouse for use of night CO₂ enrichment. The CO₂ uptake rate of the S. truncata's top phylloclade in a growth chamber exhibited a C₃ pattern, and the second phylloclade exhibited a C₃-CAM pattern. The CO₂ uptake rate of the top phylloclade in a greenhouse showed a negative value both day and night, but those of the second phylloclade exhibited a CAM pattern. The stomatal conductance and water-use efficiency (WUE) of S. truncata at both the top and second phylloclades were higher in a growth chamber than in a greenhouse. The WUE of S. truncata in a growth chamber and a greenhouse was higher at the second phylloclade, which is a CAM pattern compared with those of the top phylloclade. The daily total net CO₂ uptake of S. truncata was higher in a growth chamber than in a greenhouse. The daily total net CO₂ uptake of S. truncata at the second phylloclade had the highest value of 155 mmol·m^-2·d^-1 in a growth chamber. The night total CO₂ uptake of S. truncate at the second phylloclade was 3-fold higher in a growth chamber than in a greenhouse. S. truncata's second phylloclade exhibited a CAM pattern that uptake CO₂ at night, and the second phylloclade, was more mature than the top phylloclade. A multi-flowering cactus S. truncata 'Pink Dew' efficiently uptake night surplus CO₂ in the proper environmental condition with matured phylloclade.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.1209-1215
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• 2022

The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is known as a very efficient method to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the catalyst performs reduction from nitrogen oxides (NOx) to nitrogen (N₂) and water vapor (H2O). The catalyst, which is one of the factors determining the performance of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) ruduction method, is known to increase catalyst efficiency as cell density increases. In this study, the reduction characteristics of nitrogen oxides (NOx) under various engine loads investigated. A 100CPSI(60Cell) catalysts was studied through a laboratory-sized simulating device that can simulate the exhaust gas conditions from the power generation engine installed in the training ship SEGERO. The effect of 100CPSI(60Cell) cell density was compared with that of 25.8CPSI(30Cell) cell density that already had NOx reduction data from the SCR manufacturing. The experimental catalysts were honeycomb type and its compositions and materials of V₂O₅-WO₃-TiO₂ were retained, with only change on cell density. As a result, the NOx concentration reduction rate from 100CPSI(60Cell) catalyst was 88.5%, and IMO specific NOx emission was 0.99g/kwh satisfying the IMO Tier III NOx emission requirement. The NOx concentration reduction rate from 25.8CPSI(30Cell) was 78%, and IMO specific NOx emission was 2.00g/kwh. Comparing the NOx concentration reduction rate and emission of 100CPSI(60Cell) and 25.8CPSI(30Cell) catalysts, notably, the NOx concentration reduction rate of 100CPSI(60Cell) catalyst was 10.5% higher and its IMO specific NOx emission was about twice less than that of the 25.8CPSI(30Cell) catalysts. Therefore, an efficient NOx reduction effect can be expected by increasing the cell density of catalysts. In other words, effects to production cost reduction, efficient arrangement of engine room and cargo space can be estimated from the reduced catalyst volume.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.605-614
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• 2022

Two major problems currently threaten human survival on Earth: climate change and the rapid aging of the population in developed countries. Climate change is a result of the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere due to the increase in the use of fossil fuels owing to economic and transportation development. The rapid increase in the age of the population is a result of the rise in life expectancy due to the development of biomedical science and technology and the improvement of personal hygiene in developed countries. To avoid irreversible global climate change, it is necessary to quickly transition from the current fossil fuel-based economy to a zero-carbon renewable energy-based economy that does not emit GHGs. To achieve this goal, the dairy and livestock industry, which generates the most GHGs in the agricultural sector, must transition to using low-carbon emission production methods while simultaneously increasing consumers' preference for low-carbon diets. Although 77% of currently available arable land globally is used to produce livestock feed, only 37% and 18% of the proteins and calories that humans consume come from dairy and livestock farming and industry. Therefore, using edible insects as a protein source represents a good alternative, as it generates less GHG and reduces water consumption and breeding space while ensuring a higher feed conversion rate than that of livestock. Additionally, utilizing the functionality of medicinal insects, such as silkworms, which have been proven to have certain health enhancement effects, it is possible to develop functional foods that can prevent or delay the onset of currently incurable degenerative diseases that occur more frequently in the elderly. Insects are among the first animals to have appeared on Earth, and regardless of whether humans survive, they will continue to adapt, evolve, and thrive. Therefore, the use of various edible and medicinal insects, including silkworms, in industry will provide an important foundation for human survival and prosperity on Earth in the near future by resolving the current two major problems.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.398-403
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• 2023

Process-based K-cabbage model is based on physiological processes such as photosynthesis and phenology, making it possible to predict crop growth under different climate conditions that have never been experienced before. Current first-stage process-based models can be used to assess climate impact through yield prediction based on climate change scenarios, but no comparison has been performed between big data obtained from the main production area and model prediction so far. The aim of this study was to find out the direction of model improvement when using the current model for yield prediction. For this purpose, model performance evaluation was conducted based on data collected from farmers growing 'Chungwang' cabbage in Taebaek and Samcheok, the main producing areas of Chinese cabbage in highland region. The farms surveyed in this study had different cultivation methods in terms of planting date and soil water and nutrient management. The results showed that the potential biomass estimated using the K-cabbage model exceeded the observed values in all cases. Although predictions and observations at the time of harvest did not show a complete positive correlation due to limitations caused by the use of fresh weight in the model evaluation process (R²=0.74, RMSE=866.4), when fitting the model based on the values 2 weeks before harvest, the growth suitability index was different for each farm. These results are suggested to be due to differences in soil properties and management practices between farms. Therefore, to predict attainable yields taking into account differences in soil and management practices between farms, it is necessary to integrate dynamic soil nutrient and moisture modules into crop models, rather than using arbitrary growth suitability indices in current K-cabbage model.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.915-922
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• 2023

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widespread in a variety of environments including fermented dairy products, gastroinstetinal and urogenital tracts of human and animals, plant, soil and water. Leuconostoc mesenteroides DB3 was detected by the strongest antibacterial activities among 24 Leuconostoc strains isolated from Camellia japonica flowers. Acid tolerance of L. mesenteroides DB3 existed up to pH 2.5, but the resistance did not show at pH 2.0, which relatively excellent acid resistance existed. Bile acid tolerance was very stable within the test range to 1.2%. L. mesenteroides DB3 exhibited the optimal growth at 30℃, and showed a slight slow growth when compared with L. mesenteroides KCTC3505, which reached a stationary phase at 18 hr. The pH was changed along with the growth curve, but was maintained above pH 3.98. L. mesenteroides DB3 had higher initial antibacterial activities when compared to L. mesenteroides KCTC3505, but it showed similar activities with the standard strain after the latter part of the logarithmic growth phase. Although lactic acid production in L. mesenteroides DB3 was induced by lower amount in the initial part to the standard strain, it was exhibited by similar amounts after the late logarithmic growth phase. Muicin adhesion of L. mesenteroides DB-3 maintained superior to L. mesenteroides KCTC3505. Both strains showed excellent emulsification ability for kerosene. In summary, we evaluate that L. mesenteroides DB-3 has a high potential for application as probiotics owing to its excellent antibacterial activity, acid resistance, bile acid resistance, and muicin adhesion.