• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.257-261
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• 2011

Biodegradable plastics were developed using biodegradable pellets made of corn stalk and rice husk and their safety as food packages and their biodegradability against light (ultraviolet (UV)), heat, and fungi were evaluated. Four kinds of 50-${\mu}m$ biodegradable plastics were produced by extruding the mixtures of the biodegradable pellets, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) with different compositions. Developed biodegradable plastics were safe to be used as food packages. The initial tensile strength and percentage elongation of the plastics were similar to those of LDPE, but the values decreased with increased their exposure time to UV and heat. The fungal biodegradability of the biodegradable plastics was higher than that of LDPE. The biodegradability of the biodegradable plastics shows the potential for them to be used as sustainable food packages.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.699-709
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• 2011

The uses of multi-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality models are increasing to support a sustainable management of large dam reservoirs in Korea. Any modeling study requires selection of a proper spatial dimension of the model based on the characteristics of spatial variability of concerned simulation variables. For example, a laterally averaged two-dimensional (2D) model, which has been widely used in many large dam reservoirs in Korea, assumes that the lateral variations of hydrodynamic and water quality variables are negligible. However, there has been limited studies to give a justification of the assumption. The objectives of this study were to present the characteristics of spatial variations of water quality variables through intensive field monitoring in Daechung Reservoir, and provide information on a proper spatial dimension for different water quality parameters. The monitoring results showed that the lateral variations of water temperature are marginal, but those of DO, pH, and conductivity could be significant depending on the hydrological conditions and local algal biomass. In particular, the phytoplankton (Chl-a) and nutrient concentrations showed a significant lateral variation at R2 (Daejeongri) during low flow periods in 2008 possibly because of slow lateral mixing of tributary inflow from So-oak Stream and wind driven patchiness.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.168-180
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• 2023

H₂ generation from renewable sources is crucial for ensuring sustainable production of energy. One approach to achieve this goal is biohydrogen production by utilizing renewable resources such as biomass and microorganisms. In contrast to commercial methods, biohydrogen production needs ambient temperature and pressure, thereby requiring less energy and cost. Biohydrogen production can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, it is also associated with significant challenges, including low hydrogen yields, hydrodynamic issues in bioreactors, and the need for H₂ separation and purification methods to obtain high-purity H₂. Various technologies have been developed for hydrogen separation and purification, including cryogenic distillation, pressure-swing adsorption, absorption, and membrane technology. This review addresses important experimental developments in dense polymeric membranes for biohydrogen purification.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.466-485
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• 2023

Crop productivity can be obstructed by various biotic and abiotic stresses and thus these stresses are a threat to universal food security. The information on the use of viruses providing efficacy to plants facing growth challenges owing to stress is lacking. The role of induction of pathogen-related genes by microbes is also colossal in drought-endurance acquisition. Studies put forward the importance of viruses as sustainable means for defending plants against dual stress. A fundamental part of research focuses on a positive interplay between viruses and plants. Notably, the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) possess the capacity to safeguard tomato host plants against severe drought conditions. This study aims to explore the combined effects of TYLCV, ToCV, and drought stress on two tomato cultivars, Money Maker (MK, UK) and Shalala (SH, Azerbaijan). The expression of pathogen-related four cellulose synthase gene families (CesA/Csl) which have been implicated in drought and virus resistance based on gene expression analysis, was assessed using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The molecular tests revealed significant upregulation of Ces-A2, Csl-D3,2, and Csl-D3,1 genes in TYLCV and ToCV-infected tomato plants. CesA/Csl genes, responsible for biosynthesis within the MK and SH tomato cultivars, play a role in defending against TYLCV and ToCV. Additionally, physiological parameters such as "relative water content," "specific leaf weight," "leaf area," and "dry biomass" were measured in dual-stressed tomatoes. Using these features, it might be possible to cultivate TYLCV-resistant plants during seasons characterized by water scarcity.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.221-225
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• 2023

Celluloses are naturally occurring polymers that can be easily obtained from various natural sources. Nanocellulose, a form of cellulose, can be derived from regular cellulose and has unique properties that make it ideal for multiple industrial applications. Nanocellulose is a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly composite material with exceptional mechanical properties and thermal stability, surpassing metal and ceramic composites. As a result, nanocelluloses are being extensively studied for their potential applications, including fillers, packaging, energy, medicine, and coatings. This review aims to summarize the current research on nanocelluloses and their applications.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Sciences Society Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.134-134
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• 2019

Utilization of organic waste as a renewable energy source is promising for sustainability and mitigation of climate change. Pyrolysis converts organic waste to gas, oil, and biochar by incomplete biomass combustion. Biochar is widely used as a soil conditioner and adsorbent. Biochar adsorbs/desorbs metals and ions depending on the soil environment and condition to act as a nutrient buffer in soils. Biochar is also regarded as a carbon storage by fixation of organic carbon. Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are strictly controlled in many wastewater treatment plants because it causes eutrophication in water bodies. P and N is removed by biological and chemical methods in wastewater treatment plants and transferred to sludge for disposal. On the other hand, P is an irreplaceable essential element for all living organisms and its resource (phosphate rock) is estimated about 100 years of economical mining. Therefore, P and N recovery from waste and wastewater is a critical issue for sustainable human society. For the purpose, intensive researches have been carried out to remove and recover P and N from waste and wastewater. Previous studies have shown that biochars can adsorb and desorbed phosphates implying that biochars could be a complementary fertilizer. However, most of the conventional biochar have limited capacity to adsorb phosphates and nitrate. Recent studies have focused on biochar impregnated with metal salts to improve phosphates and nitrate adsorption by synthesizing biochars with novel structures and surface properties. Metal salts and metal oxides have been used for the surface modification of biochars. If P removal is the only concern, P adsorption kinetics and capacity are the only important factors. If both of P and N removal and the application of recovery are concerned, however, P and N desorption characteristics and bioavailability are also critical factors to be considered. Most of the researches on impregnated biochars have focused on P removal efficiency and kinetics. In this study, coffee waste is thermally treated to produce biochar and it was impregnated with Mg/Al to enhance phosphates and nitrate adsorption/desorption and P bioavailability to increase its value as a fertilizer. Kinetics of phosphates and nitrate adsorption/desorption and bioavailability analysis were carried out to estimate its potential as a P and N removal adsorbent in wasewater and a fertilizer in soil.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.45-56
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• 2024

Faced with aging populations, declining resources, and limited agricultural productivity, rural areas in South Korea require innovative solutions. This study investigated the potential of drone-based vegetation indices (VIs) to analyze soybean growth patterns in open-field smart agriculture in Goesan-gun, Chungbuk Province, South Korea. We monitored multi-seasonal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the normalized difference red edge (NDRE) data for three soybean lots with different irrigation methods (subsurface drainage, conventional, subsurface drip irrigation) using drone remote sensing. Combining NDVI (photosynthetically active biomass, PAB) and NDRE (chlorophyll) offered a comprehensive analysis of soybean growth, capturing both overall health and stress responses. Our analysis revealed distinct growth patterns for each lot. LotA(subsurface drainage) displayed early vigor and efficient resource utilization (peaking at NDVI 0.971 and NDRE 0.686), likely due to the drainage system. Lot B (conventional cultivation) showed slower growth and potential limitations (peaking at NDVI 0.963 and NDRE 0.681), suggesting resource constraints or stress. Lot C (subsurface drip irrigation) exhibited rapid initial growth but faced later resource limitations(peaking at NDVI 0.970 and NDRE 0.695). By monitoring NDVI and NDRE variations, farmers can gain valuable insights to optimize resource allocation (reducing costs and environmental impact), improve crop yield and quality (maximizing yield potential), and address rural challenges in South Korea. This study demonstrates the promise of drone-based VIs for revitalizing open-field agriculture, boosting farm income, and attracting young talent, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for rural communities. Further research integrating additional data and investigating physiological mechanisms can lead to even more effective management strategies and a deeper understanding of VI variations for optimized crop performance.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.257-267
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• 2023

The potential polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-producing bacteria, Bacillus megaterium PP-10, was successfully isolated and studied its feasibility for utilization of pineapple peel waste (PPW) as a cheap carbon substrate. The PPW was pretreated with 1% (v/v) H₂SO₄ under steam sterilization and about 26.4 g/l of total reducing sugar (TRS) in pineapple peel hydrolysate (PPH) was generated and main fermentable sugars were glucose and fructose. A maximum cell growth and PHA concentration of 3.63 ± 0.07 g/l and 1.98 ± 0.09 g/l (about 54.58 ± 2.39%DCW) were received in only 12 h when grown in PPH. Interestingly, PHA productivity and biomass yield (Y_x/s) in PPH was about 4 times and 1.5 times higher than in glucose. To achieve the highest DCW and PHA production, the optimal culture conditions e.g. carbon to nitrogen ratios of 40 mole/mole, incubation temperature at 35℃ and shaking speed of 200 rpm were performed and a maximum DCW up to 4.24 ± 0.04 g/l and PHA concentration of 2.68 ± 0.02 g/l (61% DCW) were obtained. The produced PHA was further examined its monomer composition and found to contain only 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB). This finding corresponded with the presence of class IV PHA synthase gene. Finally, certain thermal properties of the produced PHA i.e. the melting temperature (T_m) and the glass transition temperature (T_g) were about 176℃ and -4℃, respectively whereas the M_w was about 1.07 KDa ; therefore, the newly isolated B. megaterium PP-10 is a promising bacterial candidate for the efficient conversion of low-cost PPH to PHA.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.182-195
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• 2024

Background: Invasive alien plant species (IAP) significantly threaten Nepal's protected areas and local communities. Understanding their distribution, impact, management, and utilization is essential for developing effective management strategies and sustainable utilization practices. The systematic literature review of publications from 2010 to 2023. The search was conducted through the database Nepal Journal online database (NepJOL) and Google Scholar, yielding an initial pool of 4,304 publication. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria; we meticulously reviewed 43 articles for data extraction. Results: Seventeen IAP are found in protected area, Nepal with the highest prevalence observed in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, followed by Chitwan and Sukhlaphanta National Park. The most problematic species in terrestrial ecosystems are Mikania micrantha, Lantana camara, and Chromolaena odorata. The grassland ecosystems of wildlife habitats, primarily in the Terai and Siwalik regions, are the most invaded. Various management approaches are employed to mitigate the spread and impact of IAP, including mechanical methods such as uprooting, burning, and cutting. However, these methods are costly, and context-specific interventions are needed. The study also explores the potential use of IAP for economic, ecological, or cultural purposes, such as medicinal properties, energy production potential, and economic viability. Local communities utilize these plants for animal bedding, mulching, green manure, briquette, and charcoal production. Conclusions: Applying silvicultural practices alongside mechanical management is recommended to maintain a healthy terrestrial ecosystem and utilize the removed biomass for valuable products, thereby reducing removal costs and increasing income sources, potentially benefitting both local communities and wildlife in protected areas.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.282-290
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• 1992

Based on surplus production models using fishery data for the last 20 years, a stock assessment was conducted for the small yellow croaker in Korean waters. The maximum sustainable yields (MSY) from the Schaefer and Fox models were estimated to be 37,000 metric tons (mt) and 33,450 mt. Zhang's model using time-series biomass with instantaneous coefficients of fishing mortality (F) and using time-series biomass and catch yielded MSY estimates of 45,328 mt and 40,160 mt, respectively. A yield-per-recruit analysis showed that the current yield per recruit of about 20g with F= 1.11 $yr^{-l}$, where the age at first capture $(t_c)$ is 0.604, was much lower than the maximum possible yield per recruit of 43g. Fixing $t_c$ at the current level and reducing fishing intensity (F) from 1.11 $yr^{-l}$ to 0.4 $yr^{-l}$ yielded only a small increase in predicted yield per recruit, from 20 to 25g. However, estimated yield per recruit increased to 43g by increasing $(t_c)$ from the current age (0.604) to age three with F fixed at the current level. This age at first capture corresponded to the optimal length which was obtained from the $F_{0.1}$ method. According to the analysis of stock recovery strategies employing the Zhang model, the optimum equilibrium biomass $(B^*_{MSY})$ which produces the maximum yield could be achieved after approximately five years at the lower fishing intensity (F=0.5).