• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.389-406
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• 2011

As part of a feasibility study for introducing carbon labeling of fruit products in Korea, we explore the use of carbon footprints for Korean kiwifruit from Gyeongnam region as a case study. In Korea, the Korean Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) is responsible for the carbon footprint labeling certification, and has two types of certification programs: one program focuses on climate change response (carbon footprint labeling analysis) and the other on low-carbon products (reduction of carbon footprints analysis). Currently agricultural products have not yet been included in the program. Carbon labeling could soon be a prerequisite for the international trading of agricultural products. In general the carbon footprints of various agricultural products from New Zealand followed the methodology described in the ISO standards and conformed to the PAS 2050. The carbon footprint assessment focuses on a supply chain, and considers the foreground and the background systems. The basic scheme consists of four phases, which are the 'goal', 'scope', 'inventory analysis', and 'interpretation' phases. In the case of the carbon footprint of New Zealand kiwifruit the study tried to understand each phase's contribution to total GHG emissions. According to the results, shipping, orchard, and coolstore operation are the main life cycle stages that contribute to the carbon footprint of the kiwifruit supply chain stretching from the orchard in New Zealand to the consumer in the UK. The carbon emission of long-distance transportation such as shipping can be a hot-spot of GHG emissions, but can be balanced out by minimizing the carbon footprint of other life cycle phases. For this reason it is important that orchard and coolstore operations reduce the GHG-intensive inputs such as fuel or electricity to minimize GHG emissions and consequently facilitate the industry to compete in international markets. The carbon footprint labeling guided by international standards should be introduced for fruit products in Korea as soon as possible. The already established LCA methodology of NZ kiwifruit can be applied for fruit products as a case study.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.211-220
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• 2016

This study was to develop the analytical reference material of green-pepper for multi-residue analysis of pesticides. According to the ISO Guide 35, ISO Guide 13528 and EURL-PT protocol, the homogeneity, stability, assigned value and uncertainty were calculated to assess if it was suitable to be used as the proficiency test or quality control. The values of the within-bottle standard variation ($s_{wb}$) and the between-bottle standard variation ($s_{bb}$) were 1.7~3.7% of assigned value according to the requirement of the ISO guide 35. And, the uncertainty ($u^*{_{bb}}$) due to inhomogeneity was 0.8~1.1% for all pesticides. The storage stabilities of ten-pesticides at various conditions were assessed. For all target pesticides, the slop ($b_1$) values were smaller than the corresponding values of $[t_{0.95,n-2}{\times}s(b_1)]$ specified by the ISO guide 35, indicating that there were no statistically significant decreases in the concentration of the target pesticides when the analytical reference material was stored at room temperature ($20{\sim}30^{\circ}C$) for 7 days, freezing ($-20^{\circ}C$) for 30 days and deep freezer ($-80^{\circ}C$. except for bifenthrin, fenpropathrin) for 245 days. For proficiency test by using it developed by Korea Institute of Toxicology, inter-lab test was performed with eight organization performing the residual pesticide analysis. We found that there were some different results among them. Some were assessed as questionable or unacceptable for two pesticides and one organization didn't analyze the six pesticides. From these results, this green-pepper analytical reference material containing ten-pesticides could be used as a tool for the proficiency test to improve the reliability or consistency for pesticide residue's results.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate the changes of oral diet intake during the admission period and identify the factors related with nutritional status in discharging of leukemia patients. This is a retrospective cross sectional study on 46 leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy at the Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from July to September 2009. The patients' charts were surveyed on the general characteristics and factors relating chemotherapy. The calorie count method was used to investigate diet intake during admission period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify possible confounding factors. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age was $42.8\;{\pm}\;14.6$ years and the average length of stay was $30.4\;{\pm}\;7.0$ days. The incidence of malnourished patients was 60.9% in discharging. There was a significant difference in chemotherapy sessions and chemotherapy period between well-nourished and malnourished patients. The average energy intake was 1,525.9 kcal in well-nourished patients and 1,143 kcal in malnourished patients, which was significant different. From repeated measures ANOVA test, the changes of oral intake during admission period were significant by groups. In addition, there were significant differences in oral intake according to each period between well-nourished and malnourished patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, both the ratio of total oral energy intake to recommended energy intake and chemotherapy sessions were significantly associated with nutritional status in discharging. The results of this study could be used to establish a protocol of nutritional management for leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2010

Purpose: Nuclear medicine manufacturers provide various softwares which shorten imaging time using their own image processing techniques such as UlatraSPECT, ASTONISH, Flash3D, Evolution, and nSPEED. Seoul National University Hospital has introduced softwares from Siemens and Philips, but it was still hard to understand algorithm difference between those two softwares. Thus, the purpose of this study was to figure out the difference of two softwares in planar images and research the possibility of application to images produced with high energy isotopes. Materials and Methods: First, a phantom study was performed to understand the difference of softwares in static studies. Various amounts of count were acquired and the images were analyzed quantitatively after application of PIXON, Siemens and ASTONISH, Philips, respectively. Then, we applied them to some applicable static studies and searched for merits and demerits. And also, they have been applied to images produced with high energy isotopes. Finally, A blind test was conducted by nuclear medicine doctors except phantom images. Results: There was nearly no difference between pre and post processing image with PIXON for FWHM test using capillary source whereas ASTONISH was improved. But, both of standard deviation(SD) and variance were decreased for PIXON while ASTONISH was highly increased. And in background variability comparison test using IEC phantom, PIXON has been decreased over all while ASTONISH has shown to be somewhat increased. Contrast ratio in each spheres has also been increased for both methods. For image scale, window width has been increased for 4~5 times after processing with PIXON while ASTONISH showed nearly no difference. After phantom test analysis, ASTONISH seemed to be applicable for some studies which needs quantitative analysis or high contrast, and PIXON seemed to be applicable for insufficient counts studies or long time studies. Conclusion: Quantitative values used for usual analysis were generally improved after application of the two softwares, however it seems that it's hard to maintain the consistency for all of nuclear medicine studies because result images can not be the same due to the difference of algorithm characteristic rather than the difference of gamma cameras. And also, it's hard to expect high image quality with the time shortening method such as whole body scan. But it will be possible to apply to static studies considering the algorithm characteristic or we can expect a change of image quality through application to high energy isotope images.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.836-844
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• 2010

This study was carried out to investigate plant characteristics and nutritional components of the genetically modified (GM) Chinese cabbage and its control line grown in the central and northern parts of Korea in order to establish the evaluating protocol and standard assessment. The GM and non-GM Chinese cabbage was planted with normal and concentrated density at two locations in spring and fall of 2008 and 2009. From the statistic analysis on plant characteristics and nutritional components, there were not many significant differences between GM and non-GM Chinese cabbage. Only few differences in the plant characteristics were found between the dense and normal planting. In the dense planting, there was no significant difference between GM and non-GM Chinese cabbages except for three out of 18 plant traits, such as leaf shape, hairiness and midrib length. On the other hand, nine plant traits including leaf length, leaf width, leaf color, leaf shape, fresh weigh of ground part, number of leaf, midrib length, midrib width and root diameter were slightly different between GM and non-GM Chinese cabbage in the normal planting. In case of leaf length, midrib length, midrib width and fresh weigh of ground part, there were significantly differences not only between two lines, but also between two locations. From nutritional component analysis, only five fatty acids were identified in the Chinese cabbage: palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Except linoleic acid, four fatty acids in one gram of dried sample from GM line were little higher than those from non-GM line. However, there were no significant differences in total contents of fatty acids not only between GM and non-GM Chinese cabbage line, but also between northern and central cultivating areas in the normal and dense planting. According to the composition of inorganic elements identified in the samples from both lines, there were six macro-elements, such as N, P, Ca, K, Mg and Na, and four micro-elements, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Based on the result from PCA analysis, specific clusters were not found between GM Chinese cabbage and the control line, but found between two regions.

• 한국체육학회지인문사회과학편
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.373-382
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to predict VO₂max with body index and submaximal metabolic responses. The subjects are consisted of 250 male aging from 18 to 34 and we separated them into two groups randomly; 179 for a sample, 71 for a cross-validation group. They went through maximal exercise testing with Bruce protocol, and we measured the metabolic responses in the end of the first(3 minute) and second stage(6 minute). To predict VO₂max, we applied multiple regression analysis to the sample with stepwise method. Model 1's variables are weight, 6 minute HR and 6 minute VO₂(R=0.64, SEE=4.74, CV=11.7%, p<.01), and the equation is VO₂max(ml/kg/min)= 72.256-0.340(Weight)-0.220(6minHR)+0.013(6minVO₂). Model 2's variables are weight, 6 minute HR, 6 minute VO₂, and 6 minute VCO₂(R=0.67, SEE=4.59, CV=11.3%, p<.01), and the equation is VO₂max(ml/kg/min)= 68.699-0.277(Weight) -0.206(6minHR)+0.020(6minVO₂)-0.009(6minVCO₂). And the result did not show multicolinearity for both models. Model 2 demonstrated more correlation compared to Model 1. However, when we conducted cross-validation of those models with 71 men, measured VO₂max and estimated VO₂ Max had statistical significance with correlation (R=0.53, 0.56, P<.01). Although both models are functional with validity considering their simplicity and utility, Model 2 has more accuracy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.311-323
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• 1998

Purpose : Prospective, single arm, Phase I/II clinical trial was performed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of the concurrent chemotherapy and definitive radiotherapy (RT) in patients with previously untreated locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Methods and Materials : From Mar 1992 to January 1997, a total of 73 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma were entered on the protocol but 5 patients were excluded in analysis because of patients' refusal of treatment. Their ages ranged from 31 to 77 years, median 58 years. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage distribution was as follows: IIB 46, IIIA 2, IIIB 15 and IVA 5. RT consisted of external beam irradiation to 4,140-5,040 cGy/23-28 fractions plus high dose rate intracavitary treatments to deliver a dose of 30-35 Gy to point A in 6-7 fractions. During the intracavitary treatments parametrial boost was delivered for point B dose of 60 Gy in stage IIB and 65 Gy in stage IIIB. Two cycles of concurrent 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (FP) chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil 1,000 mg/$m^2$/day continuous infusion for 4 days, day 1-4, 29-32 and cisplatin 20 mg/$m^2$/day intravenous bolus for 3 days day 1-3, 29-31) administered starting on day 1 of RT. Results : The median follow-up was 24 months (range 4-68+). Sixty-four patients were evaluable for survival rate in this protocol: The 5-year actuarial and disease-free survival rate were 52$\%$ and 64$\%$, respectively. The 5-rear actuarial survival for stage IIB and III+IVA patients were 58$\%$ and 36$\%$, respectively The 5-year disease-free survival rate for stage IIB and III+IVA patients were 71$\%$ and 40$\%$, respectively. Of the 68 patients evaluated for patterns of failure, overall recurrence rate was 27.9$\%$ (19/68) : local failure in 5.9$\%$ (4/68), distant metastasis in 10.3$\%$ (7/68) and both in 11.8$\%$ (8/68). Of the 64 patients evaluated for response at one month after the completion of treatment the complete response rate was 78$\%$ (50/64). Concurrent chemoradiation appear to be a well-tolerated regimen but there were two treatment-related deaths. Conclusion : Concurrent chemotherapy of FP with high-dose definitive RT in locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix is feasible and effective with acceptable toxicities. This chemoradiation regimen may offer a modest survival benefit for advanced stage. Further follow-up of these patients will evaluate the impact of this regimen on the long-term local control and their survival.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.99-103
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• 2011

Purpose: Head movement during brain perfusion SPECT (Diamox) scan is a one of important issues which decreases image quality. It also causes repeated scans. This study was designed to evaluate variable factors causing scan failures. Materials and Methods: 676 patients (359 men, 317 women, age average $54.5{\pm}18.4$) for brain perfusion SPECT (Diamox) scan from March, 2010 to Feb. 2011 were used as a subject. Age data and the kind of disease(Moyamoya disease (MMD), None moyamoya disease (NMMD), Cerebral infarction (CI)), test performance outcome (success,failure) were collected. The head movement factors(gender, disease, age, head fixation device) were evaluated by chi-square test and logistic regression analysis Results: The result showed that men had higher scan failure rate than women. Seniors in seventies(men 3.4%, women 1.5%) showed the most highest failure rate. Using head fixation device increased scan success rate up to 94.4~97.7%. The scan success rate is dependent upon gender, head fixation device by chi-square test(${\chi}^2$=3.8 (df=1, p<0.05), ${\chi}^2$=10.4 (df=1, p<0.001)) Gender, disease(CI), head fixation device showed very effective result in logistic regression analysis.(Wald=3.3 (p<0.07), Wald=3.7 (p<0.05), Wald=9.3 (p<0.05) Conclusion: It is demonstrated that gender, disease, using head fixation device is statistically very useful factors. Especially, head fixation device is a main key minimizing repeated scan.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2005

Telomeres consisting of (TTAGGG)n tandem repeat DNA sequences and associated proteins are essential for chromosome stability and related with cell senescence, apoptosis and cancer. The telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein which act as a template for the synthesis of telomeric DNA. This study was carried out to identify the distribution of telomeres on mouse chromosomes and also to analyze the amount of telomeres and telomerase activity of mouse embryos at early embryonic stages. Germ cells and early embryos from 1 cell to blastocyst stage were analyzed. The amount of telomeres was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization technique(Q-FISH) using a human telomeric DNA probe, and telomerase activity was measured by telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay(TRAP). In results, the telomeres on mouse chromosomes were distributed at the ends of all autosomes and sex chromosomes. Although the quantity of telomeres varied among chromosomes, most of chromosomes had higher amount in q-arm telomeres than in p-arm telomeres. The results of Q-FISH indicated that the relative amount of telomeres of mouse embryos in each embryonic stage was approximately the same except the higher amount in blastocysts. Using TRAP assay on mouse embryos, telomerase activity was detected in all preimplantation stages from mature oocytes to blastocysts. Especially the telomerase activity was significantly increased at the morula and blastocyst stage. In conclusion, there may be a close association between the amount of telomeres and telomerase activity in early embryonic stages, and analysis of telomere quantity and telomerase activity on early development will be helpful for the investigation of embryogenesis and embryonic cell differentiation in mice.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.607-618
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• 2015

Five years have passed since the first set of environmental samples was taken in 2011 to represent various ecosystems which would help future generations lead back to the past environment. Those samples have been preserved cryogenically in the National Environmental Specimen Bank(NESB) at the National Institute of Environmental Research. Even though there is a strict regulation (SOP, standard operating procedure) that rules over the whole sampling procedure to ensure each sample to represent the sampling area, it has not been put to the test for the validation. The question needs to be answered to clear any doubts on the representativeness and the quality of the samples. In order to address the question and ensure the sampling practice set in the SOP, many steps to the measurement of the sample, that is, from sampling in the field and the chemical analysis in the lab are broken down to evaluate the uncertainty at each level. Of the 8 species currently taken for the cryogenic preservation in the NESB, pine tree samples from two different sites were selected for this study. Duplicate samples were taken from each site according to the sampling protocol followed by the duplicate analyses which were carried out for each discrete sample. The uncertainties were evaluated by Robust ANOVA; two levels of uncertainty, one is the uncertainty from the sampling practice, and the other from the analytical process, were then compiled to give the measurement uncertainty on a measured concentration of the measurand. As a result, it was confirmed that it is the sampling practice not the analytical process that accounts for the most of the measurement uncertainty. Based on the top-down approach for the measurement uncertainty, the efficient way to ensure the representativeness of the sample was to increase the quantity of each discrete sample for the making of a composite sample, than to increase the number of the discrete samples across the site. Furthermore, the cost-effective approach to enhance the confidence level on the measurement can be expected from the efforts to lower the sampling uncertainty, not the analytical uncertainty. To test the representativeness of a composite sample of a sampling area, the variance within the site should be less than the difference from duplicate sampling. For that, a criterion, ${i.e.s^2}_{geochem}$(across the site variance) <${s^2}_{samp}$(variance at the sampling location) was proposed. In light of the criterion, the two representative samples for the two study areas passed the requirement. In contrast, whenever the variance of among the sampling locations (i.e. across the site) is larger than the sampling variance, more sampling increments need to be added within the sampling area until the requirement for the representativeness is achieved.