• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.23-43
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• 2021

In this study, we selected two essential oils, Citrus unshiu and Cinnamomum cassia with superior antioxidant effects from the essential oils of 7 wild plants in South Korea and examined their antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, which causes dermatitis to identify the antimicrobial components in the essential oils. As a result of measuring DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, SC50 value of the Citrus unshiu essential oil was 0.010 mg/mL, while for the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil, SC50 value was 0.09 mg/mL. In addition, when ABTS (2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity was measured, SC50 value of the Citrus unshiu essential oil was 0.09 mg/mL, while for the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil, it was 0.06 mg/mL, exhibiting high antioxidant activity. For the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the essential oil of Cinnamomum cassia was 1.25 mg/mL and that of Citrus unshiu was 5 mg/mL, demonstrating a high antimicrobial activity of the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil. Through the thin layer chromatography (TLC) bioassay, we assessed the antimicrobial activity against C. albicans according to the fraction components of the two essential oils. Also, by using preparative TLC (prep. TLC), we obtained the active fractions, and by performing GC/MS analysis of the components with the same Rf value, we identified the antimicrobial-active components. As a result, the main components having antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were cinnamyl acetate, eucalyptol, linalool, and citral of the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil and linalool from the Citrus unshiu essential oil. Also, based on the analysis of the fractional components that showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in both of the two essential oils, it was found that linalool has antioxidant activity, while cinnamyl acetate, eucalyptol, citral, and geranyl acetate have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.35-48
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• 2021

In this study, the assessment of field applicability of in-situ remediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater located in Yesan-gun was performed. Zero-valent iron/bio composite media injected PRB (Permeable Reactive Barrier) and monitoring well were installed in the contaminated groundwater site and monitored main remediation indicators during the PRB operation. Nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, Fe ion, TOC, and turbidity were analyzed and the diversity and population of microorganism in the PRB installed site were investigated for the verification of effect of injected PRB. In the study site where is an agricultural area, a river flows from west to east that forms a river boundary and the southern area has an impermeable sector. It was found that nitrate flows into the river, which is similar as groundwater flow. Simulation result for the fate of nitrate in groundwater showed steady state of nitrate arrived after 3~5 years passed. However, it is just to consider current conditions with no additional input of contaminant source, if additional input of contaminant source occurs contamination dispersion and time for steady state are expected to be increased. The monitoring results showed that Fe ion, TOC and turbidity in groundwater were not clearly changed in concentration after PRB installation, which indicates adaptability of the injected PRB for remediation of groundwater with no additional harmful effect to water quality. The concentration of nitrate maintained less than 5mg/L until 42 days after PRB installation and recovered its initial concentration after 84 days passed and showed termination of reactivity of injected zero-valent iron/bio composite media for removal nitrate. Nitrite and ammonia ions found after installation of PRB indicates reductive removal of nitrate. And the outstanding increase of microorganism diversity and population of Betaproteobacteria Class which includes denitrification microorganism explains biologically reductive removal of nitrate in injected PRB.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.60-67
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• 2021

In this study we investigated pesticide residues on herbs and spices disrtibuted in the Incheon Metropolitan area. A total of 112 samples were purchased from off-line and on-line markets from January to October 2020. In accordance with the implementation of the Positive List System (PLS), the proper usage of pesticides is now being enforced. It is assumed that unregistered pesticides are being used on herbs and spices due to the low number of registered pesticides in the agricultural industry. Pesticide residue levels were not detected in 99 samples but 11 kinds of pesticides in 6 samples (13 times) exceeded the MRLs. The pesticides that were used in accordance with the PLS were Diazinon, Diethofencarb and Pyridalyl. However, unregistered pesticides were on the herbs and spices. Therefore, it is necessary to educate producers of herbs and spices on the appropriate use of pesticides. It is also necessary to establish MRLs on herbs and spices.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.126-134
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs for return-to-work support of cancer survivors and related factors in patients with cancer and their caregivers. Methods : 182 patients and 114 caregivers were recruited. Distress Thermometer and Problem List and scale ranging 0~10 measuring the degree of needs for return-to-work support were utilized. The needs for return-to-work support between the patient group and caregiver group (patient's needs evaluated by the caregiver) were compared, and related factors were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results : 34.6% and 28.1% of patients and caregivers reported return-to-work support of cancer survivors is "very necessary". The degree of needs was 6.60±3.365 points in the patient group and 6.17±3.454 points in the caregiver group, with no significant difference (p=0.282). The needs for return-to-work support evaluated by patients was high when they underwent surgery (OR=2.592, p=0.007), has fertility problems (OR=6.137, p=0.025), has appearance problems (OR=2.081, p=0.041), or has fatigue (OR=2.330, p=0.020). The needs for return-to-work support of patients evaluated by caregivers was high when patients treated with breast cancer (vs respiratory cancer, OR=13.038, p=0.022 ; vs leukemia/lymphoma, OR=4.517, p=0.025 ; vs other cancer, OR=13.102, p=0.019), has work/school problems (OR=4.578, p=0.005), or has depression (OR=3.213, p=0.022). Conclusions : The degree of needs for return-to-work support of cancer survivors was high, and factors related to the needs were different between the two groups. This suggests that return-to-work support of cancer survivors is required, and clinical characteristics, the distress of patients, and differences between patients and their caregivers should be considered in establishing a support plan.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.345-353
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• 2022

A wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is a major gateway for the engineered nano-particles (ENPs) entering the water bodies. However existing studies have reported that many WWTPs exceed the No Observed Effective Concentration (NOEC) for ENPs in the effluent and thus they need to be designed or operated to more effectively control ENPs. Understanding and predicting ENPs behaviors in the unit and \the whole process of a WWTP should be the key first step to develop strategies for controlling ENPs using a WWTP. This study aims to provide a modeling tool for predicting behaviors and removal efficiencies of ENPs in a WWTP associated with process characteristics and major operating conditions. In the developed model, four unit processes for water treatment (primary clarifier, bioreactor, secondary clarifier, and tertiary treatment unit) were considered. Additionally the model simulates the sludge treatment system as a single process that integrates multiple unit processes including thickeners, digesters, and dewatering units. The simulated ENP was nano-sized TiO₂, (nano-TiO₂) assuming that its behavior in a WWTP is dominated by the attachment with suspendid solids (SS), while dissolution and transformation are insignificant. The attachment mechanism of nano-TiO₂ to SS was incorporated into the model equations using the apparent solid-liquid partition coefficient (Kd) under the equilibrium assumption between solid and liquid phase, and a steady state condition of nano-TiO₂ was assumed. Furthermore, an MS Excel-based user interface was developed to provide user-friendly environment for the nano-TiO₂ removal efficiency calculations. Using the developed model, a preliminary simulation was conducted to examine how the solid retention time (SRT), a major operating variable affects the removal efficiency of nano-TiO₂ particles in a WWTP.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.224-255
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• 2022

This study was carried out to examine the changes in vascular flora in the first and second surveys targeting 32 outstanding forest wetlands in Jeonnam area including Gwangju metropolitan city, and based on this, establish a future monitoring system and effectively manage the excellent forest wetlands. The survey investigated the area seasonally every 4-5 years from 2015 to 2021. The change of flora of 32 excellent forest wetlands in Jeollanam-do increased from 103 families, 311 genera, 496 species, 16 subspecies, 38 varieties, 6 varieties, 556 taxa, to 111 families, 362 genera, 599 species, 16 subspecies, 51 varieties, 8 varieties, 674 taxa. Remarkable plants such as Red list and plants endemic to the Korean Peninsula increased also. However, Nepeta cataria and the like are exterminated locally, so an in situ and ex situ conservation strategy must be established. In the case of plants categorized according to wetland preference, the distribution ratio of such wetland plants slightly decreased and the distribution ratio of such terrestrial plants lightly increased for absolute wetland plants. It is necessary to prepare countermeasures for the terrestrialization of forest wetlands and to develop research techniques that can distinguish boundaries. In addition, the forest wetland should be systematically managed and supervised by designating it as a Forest Genetic Resources Reserve that can effectively conserve it.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.55-71
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• 2022

Recently, the domestic department store industry is growing into a complex shopping cultural space, which is advanced and differentiated by changes in consumption patterns. In addition, competition is intensifying across 70 places operated by five large companies. This study investigates the determinants of the visits to department stores using the big data concept's automatic vehicle access system (pos) and proposes how to strengthen the competitiveness of the department store industry. We use a negative binomial regression test to predict the frequency of visits to 67 branches, except for three branches whose annual sales were incomplete due to the new opening in 2021. The results show that the demand for visiting department stores is positively associated with airport, terminal, and train stations, land areas, parking lots, VIP lounge numbers, luxury store ratio, F&B store numbers, non-commercial areas, and hotels. We suggest four strategies to enhance the competitiveness of domestic department stores. First, department store consumers have a high preference for luxury brands. Therefore, department stores need to form their own overseas buyer teams to discover and attract new luxury brands and attract customers who have a high demand for luxury brands. In addition, to attract consumers with high purchasing power and loyalty, it is necessary to provide more differentiated products and services for VIP customers than before. Second, it is desirable to focus on transportation hub areas such as train stations, airports, and terminals in Gyeonggi and Incheon. Third, department stores should attract tenants who can satisfy customers, given that key tenants are an important component of advanced shopping centers for department stores. Finally, the department store, a top-end shopping center, should be developed as a space with differentiated shopping, culture, dining out, and leisure services, such as "The Hyundai", which opened in 2021, to ensure future growth potential.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.109 no.4
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• pp.413-420
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• 2020

We analyzed the growth characteristics of each cell line and acclimating substrate of Larix kaempferi plantlets regenerated from somatic embryos, with the goal of increasing the survival rate during the acclimation phase. Somatic embryos from three embryogenic cell lines (L14-66, L16-18, and L17-B4) were used, and the acclimating substrates were commercial soils for Larix species (Larix-Soil) and horticultural corps (Hort-Soil), Elle-pot, and Peat-plug. The average initial shoot and root length was shortest in L14-66 and longest in L17-B4. The average survival rate by cell line was highest (87.0%) in L17-B4 and lowest (64.3%) for L14-66. Survival rates by substrate were highest in Elle-pot (88.5%) and Peat-plug (88.9%). The initial shoot length of the L14-66 plantlets was highly correlated with survival rates in the Larix-Soil (r = 0.852), Hort-Soil (r = 0.692), and Elle-pot (r = 0.867) substrates, but not in Peat-plug with high total nitrogen content. The initial shoot length of the L17-B4 plantlets was not correlated with the survival rate in any of the substrates. The initial root length of the L14-66 plantlets was highly related to survival rates in the Larix-Soil (r = 0.986), Elle-pot (r = 0.846), and Peat-plug (r = 0.802) substrates, and the survival rate of the plantlets was higher as the initial root length was longer. The initial root length of the L17-B4 plantlets was related to survival rate only in the Larix-Soil (r = 0.896) and Elle-pot (r = 0.696) substrates. In conclusion, to increase the survival rate of plantlets, root length should be considered over shoot length, and it is recommended to use substrates with high nitrogen content, such as Peat-plug, or to add fertilizer, during the acclimating process. In addition, in order to increase the survival rate, lines with high initial growth should be developed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.109 no.4
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• pp.512-520
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• 2020

We assessed the nectar source potential of a prospective honey plant, Idesia polycarpa, by analyzing nectar volume, free sugar content, and free amino acid content. Idesia polycarpa is a dioecious tree; the males bloom approximately four days earlier than females, and the blooming period is approximately 17 days-from March 14th to March 30th. Upon investigating the patterns of nectar secretion, it was found that male flowers peak on the third day of blooming at 5.0 ± 2.5 μL, and female flowers peak on the second day of blooming, at 1.1 ± 0.4 μL. There was a significant difference between males and females in the total nectar volume (9.7 ± 2.9 μL for males and 1.7 ± 0.5 μL for females) and the dried nectar volume (2.2 ± 0.6 μL for males, 0.8 ± 0.3 μL for females) during the blooming period. The free sugar content of floral nectar was 54.6 ± 15.4 ㎍/μL for males and 20.5 ± 4.9 ㎍/μL for females, and the sugar content per flower was higher in males (170.7 ± 15.4 ㎍) than in females (24.9 ± 5.5 ㎍). Our analysis of the amino acid content showed that 20.4 ± 3.9 mg/L (comprised of 19 amino acids) is produced in male flowers and 3.2 ± 0.1 mg/L (11 amino acids) in female flowers. In the male flower, the main amino acid was glutamine, followed by asparagine and proline, whereas in the female nectar, asparagine was the main amino acid, followed by glutamic acid and glutamine. Idesia polycarpa blooms after the blooming period of a major honey plant, Robinia pseudoacacia, and its nectar volume and nectar characteristics, such as free sugar content and amino acid content, make it a viable honey plant.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.209-218
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• 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract in the order of leaf development on the shoot (L0, L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5). The leaves at the apex of a Cudrania tricuspidata shoot were classified as L0; the next leaves of the apex were classified as L1, L2, L3, and L4 from highest to lowest; and the lowest leaf was classified as L5. A series of 70% ethyl alcohol leaf extracts were screened for the inhibitory effects of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. We found that the apical leaf extract of Cudrania tricuspidata (CTL0) was the most effective. Next, a study was conducted on the inhibitory action mechanism of CTL0. Treatment with CTL0 significantly suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by the decrease in lipid droplet content observed with Oil Red O staining. Treatment with 12.5 ㎍/ml, 25 ㎍/ml, and 50 ㎍/ml of CTL0 significantly reduced the lipid droplet content. Glucose and cellular triglyceride concentrations were reduced in the 3T3-L1 cells on the CTL0-treated medium compared to the differentiation medium (DM control, DMEM + insulin + dexamethasone + rosiglitazone). Compared with DM, CTL0 significantly inhibited the expression of key pro-adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), LPL, A-FABP, and Glut4. These findings show that CTL0 extract has potent anti-obesity effects.