• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 2024

The intracellular parasite Babesia microti is among the most significant species causing human babesiosis and is an emerging threat to human health worldwide. Unravelling the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of babesiosis is crucial in developing new diagnostic and preventive methods. This study assessed how priming with B. microti surface antigen 1 (BHSA 1) and seroreactive antigen 5-1-1 (BHSA 5-1-1) mediate protection against B. microti infection. The results showed that 500 ㎍/ml rBMSA1 and rBMSA5-1-1 partially inhibited the invasion of B. microti in vitro by 42.0±3.0%, and 48.0±2.1%, respectively. Blood smears revealed that peak infection at 7 days post-infection (dpi) was 19.6%, 24.7%, and 46.7% in the rBMSA1, rBmSA5-1-1, compared to the control groups (healthy mice infected with B. microti only), respectively. Routine blood tests showed higher white blood cell, red blood cell counts, and haemoglobin levels in the 2 groups (BMSA1 and BMSA5 5-1-1) than in the infection control group at 0-28 dpi. Moreover, the 2 groups had higher serum interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and Interleukin-17A levels, and lower IL-10 levels than the infection control group throughout the study. These 2 potential vaccine candidate proteins partially inhibit in vitro and in vivo B. microti infection and enhance host immunological response against B. microti infection.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.299-304
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• 2024

Beyond the first nuclear age, which pitted the United States and the Soviet Union against each other, we are now in the second nuclear age, in which the decision-makers of nuclear weapons are diversified among countries large and small. India and Pakistan, two such countries, are antagonistic toward each other and possess nuclear weapons, but their nuclear posture and nuclear strategies are different. The examples of these two countries can provide clues to the future nuclear posture of North Korea, which faces South Korea. In particular, Pakistan's chosen posture of pre-emptive deterrence is a highly offensive nuclear posture that threatens to use nuclear weapons against an adversary to deter aggression. This is an option that can be accomplished even with a small nuclear arsenal that can be used as a first strike, so it seems to be the optimal posture for a nuclear-powered Pakistan to choose in response to an Indian threat. North Korea, which is outgunned by the United States and South Korea, is likely to continue to threaten to use nuclear weapons preemptively like Pakistan. However, it is expected to be defensive and quite conservative, like India, until it actually uses them to maintain its regime.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.184-193
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• 2024

Harbor and Fishery Design Criteria defines that ship routing should be designed to ensure safe ship navigation and easy maneuvering. The design of the channel width is one of the critical conditions in routeing of ships. For the criteria of the channel width, qualitative evaluation criteria are used in South Korea, whereas quantitative evaluation criteria are used in other countries. Environmental factors, such as winds, tidal currents, and waves directly or indirectly affect ship resistance when sailing. Depending on their strength the environmental factors may pose a threat to the safe navigation of ships. Thus, vessel traffic control was regulated in South Korea according to the Beaufort scale. In order to design the channel width to reflect the environmental factors closely related to the safe navigation of ships, quantitative evaluation criteria reflected with environmental factors were presented in other countries, however, these external factors were not considered in South Korea. This study analyzed the relationship between the channel width actually used by ships and environmental factors by using the trajectories of ships entering and leaving Mokpo Port. This study also suggested the required channel width according to tidal currents and compared it with the channel width design criteria of other countries.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.400-405
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• 2024

When cavitation noise occurs in ship propellers, the level of underwater radiated noise abruptly increases, which can be a critical threat factor as it increases the probability of detection, particularly in the case of naval vessels. Therefore, accurately and promptly assessing cavitation signals is crucial for improving the survivability of submarines. Traditionally, techniques for determining cavitation occurrence have mainly relied on assessing acoustic/vibration levels measured by sensors above a certain threshold, or using the Detection of Envelop Modulation On Noise (DEMON) method. However, technologies related to this rely on a physical understanding of cavitation phenomena and subjective criteria based on user experience, involving multiple procedures, thus necessitating the development of techniques for early automatic recognition of cavitation signals. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that automatically detects cavitation occurrence based on simple statistical features reflecting cavitation characteristics extracted from acoustic signals measured by sensors attached to the hull. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated depending on the number of sensors and model test conditions. It was confirmed that by sufficiently training the characteristics of cavitation reflected in signals measured by a single sensor, the occurrence of cavitation signals can be determined.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.483-494
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• 2024

This study is a study on influencing factors to derive considerations when establishing a large drone integrated protection system targeting important national facilities. Currently, drone protection is implemented by piecemeal installation of drone protection equipment developed on the market in response to the needs of government agencies, the military, and national important facilities. For this reason, there is a waste of resources, such as duplicate installation or overlapping operation of equipment, and institutional and legal problems between operations are emerging. Accordingly, we sought to identify factors influencing the establishment of an efficient and systematic anti-drone protection system targeting national important facilities. Considering the research purpose and scope, this study derived 3 influencing factors and 12 detailed influencing factors through case analysis, protection theory research, and analysis of related laws. If the results of this study are used as considerations when building an integrated anti-drone protection system in the future, all national defense elements will be integrated and systematic integrated anti-drone protection will be possible according to their respective roles. In addition, it will provide a theoretical foundation for building an integrated anti-drone protection system. The results of this study are valuable in that they present logical and systematic influencing factors for establishing an integrated anti-drone protection system.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.59-72
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• 2009

In order to utilize sewage sludge as a heat source of energy, it goes without saying that the fuel should be clean and pose no threat to the environment. As a consequent, it should not contain even minute quantities of heavy metals / impurities. The SOCA (Sludge-Oil-Coal- Agglomerates) fuel can meet all these requirements. SOCA being a solid fuel can be gasified for the production of clean energy. Wet catalytic gasification is the most appropriate process for SOCA containing nearly 60% water. It is important to note that the SOCA thus obtained inherits ca. 40~50% of sulfur from the coal used. It can poison the catalyst during catalytic gasification process. Consequently, it becomes important to choose a proper catalyst for the gasification. Calcium was found to be ideal choice as a catalyst for the gasification of SOCA. The optimal gasification was performed at $850^{\circ}C$ with water vapor. The role of fuel-N is of utmost importance in the gasification of SOCA. The gasification should be controlled to reduce the production of HCN to a minimum and enhance its conversion to $N_2$ and/or $NH_3$.

• Atmosphere
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.305-317
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• 2024

The study examines the effects of parameters that define the characteristics of raindrops on the simulated precipitation during the summer season over Korea using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Double-Moment 6-class (WDM6) cloud microphysics scheme. Prescribed parameters, defining the characteristics of hydrometeors in the WDM6 scheme such as a_R, b_R, and f_R in the fall velocity (V_R) - diameter (D_R) relationship and shape parameter (𝜇_R) in the number concentration (N_R) - D_R relationship, presents different values compared to the observed data from Two-Dimensional Video Disdrometer (2DVD) at Boseong standard meteorological observatory during 2018~2019. Three experiments were designed for the heavy rainfall event on August 8, 2022 using WRF version 4.3. These include the control (CNTL) experiment with original parameters in the WDM6 scheme; the MUR experiment, adopting the 50th percentile observation value for 𝜇_R; and the MEDI experiment, which uses the same 𝜇_R as MUR, but also includes fitted values for a_R, b_R, and f_R from the 50th percentile of the observed V_R - D_R relationship. Both sensitivity experiments show improved precipitation simulation compared to the CNTL by reducing the bias and increasing the probability of detection and equitable threat scores. In these experiments, the raindrop mixing ratio increases and its number concentration decreases in the lower atmosphere. The microphysics budget analysis shows that the increase in the rain mixing ratio is due to enhanced source processes such as graupel melting, vapor condensation, and accretion between cloud water and rain. Our study also emphasizes that applying the solely observed 𝜇_R produces more positive impact in the precipitation simulation.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.122-127
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• 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the market potential of 'Hwanggeumsantari', a new oyster mushroom variety developed in Gyeonggi Province in 2019, and to derive effective market entry strategies. To objectively assess the marketability of 'Hwanggeumsantari' from various perspectives, a panel of 50 consumers was formed, and surveys and interviews were conducted. Additionally, two Focus Group Interviews were held with distributors in the agri-food sector. The results showed that potential consumers were positive about the color and texture of 'Hwanggeumsantari', but expressed relatively less satisfaction with its shelf life and aroma. Distributors, through tow Focus Group Interviews, evaluated that the product had sufficient market competitiveness, but called for efforts to improve cultivation techniques and enhance price competitiveness. Based on the results of market evaluations by consumers and distributors, a SWOT analysis was conducted. The main strengths identified were its outstanding color and texture, while the main weakness was its freshness issue. Meanwhile, the growing demand for healthy foods and various online sales channels could provide market entry opportunities for 'Hwanggeumsantari', but high sensitivity to price in the case of premium pricing could pose a threat. Consequently, a market entry strategy for 'Hwanggeumsantari' was proposed using a 4P mix approach based on the SWOT analysis results. The product strategy emphasized premium positioning, small packaging, and the development of packaging technology to maintain freshness. The price strategy proposed premium pricing and the operation of incentive programs. The distribution strategy suggested channel diversification, direct stores, or direct sales, while the promotion strategy emphasized storytelling and collaboration with influencers.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.227-236
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• 1998

Objectives：Conduct disorder is one of the most frequent diagnosis in outpatient and inpatient mental health facilities for children and adolescents. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with conduct disorder. Methods：The study employed a retrospective review of 45 inpatients diagnosed with conduct disorder by DSM-IV criteria at SNUH Child Psychiatric Unit from 1993, March to 1998, September. Results：The results were as follows：1) The sex ratio was 2：1, male dominant. Mean age on admission was $12.8{\pm}2.4$ years old(male：$12.2{\pm}2.3$, female：$14.1{\pm}2.1$). The mean age of male subjects was significantly lower than that of female subjects(p<.05). 2) We classified all subjects according to child- or adolescent-onset type by DSM-Ⅳ. Childhoodonset type was 42.2%, and adolescent-onset, 57.8%. The onset of male subjects were significantly earlier than that of female subjects(p<.05). 3) The most common complaint was 'serious violation of rules'(77.8%) by DSM-Ⅳ dimensions, while the most common single symtom was 'run away from home overnight at least twice while living in parental or parental surrogate home'(48.9%). 4) The comorbid psychopathology of the subjects were frequently described as follows, in order of frequency：substance use(42.2%), ADHD(35.6%), depression(20.0%), tic disorder(11.1%), bipolar disorder(4.4%). 5) On MMPI, both Pd and Ma subscales got the highest scores. The mean of total IQ by KEDIWISC was $100.0{\pm}15.1$. Female subjects' IQ was higher than that of male subjects. 6) Regarding the number of visits to the OPD after discharge, many subjects(33.3%) had visited OPD fewer than four times. Conclusions：In this study, the male to female ratio of adolescent type showed a decreasing trend. An interesting finding was the fact that socio-economic circumstances, as well as the level of education among patients, were higher than those of previous studies. The subjects' problem were also principally self contered and posed no threat to others.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.41-48
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• 1995

In former times the protection of our environment didn't play an important role due to the fact that emissions and effluents were not considered as serious impacts. However, opinions and scientific measurements meanwhile confirmed that the impacts are more serious than expected. Thus measures to protect our earth has to be taken into consideration. A part of these measures in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). One of the most important parts of the EIA is the collection of basic datas and the following evaluation. Experience out of the daily business of Gerling Consulting Group shows that the content of the EIA has to be revised and enlarged in certain fields. The historical development demonstrated that in areas in which the population and the industrial activities reached high concentration there is a high necessity to develop strict environmental laws and regulations. Maximum values of the concentration of hazardous materials were fixed concerning the emission into and water. Companies not following these regulations were punished. The total amount of environmental offences increased rapidly during the last decade, at least in Germany. During this development the public consciousness concerning environmental affairs increased as well in the industrialized countries. But it could clearly be seen that the development in the field of environmental protection went into the wrong direction. The technologies to protect the environment became more and more sophisticated and terms as: "state of the art" guided more and more to lower emissions, Filtertechnologies and wastewater treatment for example reached a high technical level-but all these sophisticated technologies has one and the same characteristic: they were end-of-the pipe solutions. A second effect was that this kind of environmental protection costs a lot of money. High investments are necessary to reduce the dust emission by another ppm! Could this be the correct way? In Germany the discussion started that the environmental laws reduce the attractivity to invest or to enlarge existing investments within the country. Other countries seem to be not so strict with controlling the environmental laws which means it's simply cheaper to produce in Portugal or Greece. Everybody however knows that this is not the correct way and does not solve the environmental problems. Meanwhile the general picture changes a little bit and we think it changes into the correct direction "End-of-the-pipe" solutions are still necessary but this word received a real negative touch and nobody wants to be brought into connection with this word received a real negative touch and nobody wants to be brought into connection with this word especially in connection with environmental management and safety. Modern actual environmental management starts in a different way. Thoughts about emissions start in the very beginning of the production, they start with the design of the product and modification of traditional modes of production. Basis of these ideas are detailed analyses of products and processes. Due to the above mentioned facts that the public environmental consciousness changed dramatically a continous environmental improvement of each single production plant has to be guarantied. This question is already an important question of the EIA. But it was never really checked in a wholistic approach. Environmental risks have to be taken into considerations during the execution of an EIA. This means that the environmental risks have to be reduced down to a capable risk-level. Environmental risks have to be considered within the phase of planning, during the operation of a plant and after shut down. The experience shows that most of the environmental relevant accidents were and caused by human fault. Even in highly protected plants the human risk-factor can not be excluded during evaluation of the risk-potential. Thus the approach of an EIA has to regard technical evaluations as well as organizational thoughts and the human factor. An environmental risk is a threat to the environment. An analysis of the risk concerning the organizational and human aspect however never was properly executed during an EIA. A possible solution could be to use an instrument as the actual EMAS (Environmental Management System) of the EC for more accurate evaluation of the impact to the environment during an EIA. Organizations or investors could demonstrate by an approved EMAS or even by showing their installment of EMAS that not only the technical level of the planned investment meets the requested standards but as well the actual or planned management is able to reduce the environmental impact down to a bearable level.