• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.184-192
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• 2020

This study presents a gait analysis method (including time series analysis) using a smart insole as an objective and quantitative evaluating method after lumbar scoliosis surgery. The participant is a degenerative lumbar scoliosis patient. She took 3-min-gait-test four times(before and 8, 16, and 204-days after surgery) and 6-min-gait-test once(204-days after surgery) with smart-insoles in her shoes. Each insole has 8-pressure sensors, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. The measured values were used to compare the characteristics of gait before and after surgery. The analysis showed that all of the patient's gait parameters improved after surgery. And after 6 months, the gait was more stable. However, after long walk, the swing duration of one leg was slightly shorter than that of the other again. It was a preclinical problem that could not be found in the visual examination by the practitioner. With this analysis method we could evaluate the improvement of patient quantitatively and objectively. And we could find a preclinical problem. This analysis method will lead to the studies that define and distinguish gait patterns of certain diseases, helping to determine appropriate treatments.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.3-20
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• 2014

Due to habitat damage associated with climate change and human activities, biodiversity has decreased all over the world. In order to prevent further reduction in biodiversity, the international community has endeavored to establish a cooperative system, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Until now, most biodiversity strategic planning has been led by the national government. However, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is conservative and its strategic plan is vague. Therefore, we propose a method for managing local biological resources called the Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. In order to provide the strategic plans and detailed plans for the Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the report has examined several cases including Convention on Biological Diversity, Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and the biodiversity strategies and action plans of the Republic of Korea and several other countries. As a result, the report demonstrates the survey and protection of bio-species, the designation and monitoring of conservation region, the management of the integrated eco-network, the establishment of biodiversity organizations and capacity building, the methods to promote networking and traditional knowledge, and the strategy for development in bioindustry. Consequently, the implementation of biodiversity management strategies by local governments will play a significant role in preserving and increasing biodiversity by realizing the goals of Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.42-45
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• 2014

Even though to discard the waste FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) is urgent and problematic, the way to do it has not been efficient. In our project team the FRP have been splitted into some layers which have different physical properties; mat and roving layers. Among those, the roving layer woven like a basket by bundles of glass fibers has been cut into reusable fibers called 'F-fiber'. F-fiber is 1 mm or 3 mm in width and 3 cm in length. It is used in fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) with 0.5%, 0.7%, 1.0%, or 1.5% of volume ratio. Produced FRC was tested in compressive, tensile, and bending stress in contrast to the without-fiber (standard) concrete and 0.1% polypropylene reinforced concrete (PP-FRC). The tensile and bending stresses are more or less those of PP-FRC. The compressive stress, however, is similar (with 3 mm F-fiber) to or lower (with 1 mm F-fiber) than that of standard concrete. Conclusively the usage of the waste FRC in concrete is advised to be limited to the one where the compressive stress is not much critical.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.482-489
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• 2021

Background: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). Methods: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. Results: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways. Conclusion: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.433-441
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• 2021

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are primarily characterized as dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Ginsenoside-Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng extract (Rg3-KRGE) is known to exert neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects on neurological disorders. However, effects of Rg3-KRGE in EAE remain unclear. Methods: Here, we investigated whether Rg3-KRGE may improve the symptoms and pathological features of myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein (MOG)_35-55 peptide - induced chronic EAE mice through improving the integrity of the BBB. Results: Rg3-KRGE decreased EAE score and spinal demyelination. Rg3-KRGE inhibited Evan's blue dye leakage in spinal cord, suppressed increases of adhesion molecule platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, extracellular matrix proteins fibronection, and matrix metallopeptidase-9, and prevented decreases of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, claudin-3, and claudin-5 in spinal cord following EAE induction. Rg3-KRGE repressed increases of proinflammatory transcripts cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but enhanced expression levels of anti-inflammatory transcripts arginase-1 and IL-10 in the spinal cord following EAE induction. Rg3-KRGE inhibited the expression of oxidative stress markers (MitoSOX and 4-hydroxynonenal), the enhancement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2) and NOX4, and NADPH activity in the spinal cord of chronic EAE mice. Furthermore, apocynin, a NOX inhibitor, mimicked beneficial effects of Rg3-KRGE in chronic EAE mice. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Rg3-KRGE might alleviate behavioral symptoms and pathological features of MS by improving BBB integrity through modulation of NOX2/4 expression.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.236-246
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• 2023

Background: This study helps to evaluate the Ovarian potential of Cameroonian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) slaughtered in Etoudi - Yaoundé for implementing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). The aim was to enhance the productivity of the cattle sub-sector in Cameroon while conserving local genetic resources. Methods: A total of 144 cows, including 94 cycled cows and 50 pregnant cows, were included in the study. Live weights were determined by measuring the thoracic perimeter of each cow using a Rondo measuring tape. Age was determined postmortem through examination of dentition and horns, while the uterus and ovaries were removed, weighed, and classified based on physiological status (pregnant or nonpregnant). Follicles were counted, and their diameters were measured and categorized into small (Ø < 3 mm), medium (Ø 3-8 mm), and large (Ø > 8 mm). Results: The results revealed an average follicular population of 32.02 ± 9.31 per cow, with 22.43 ± 8.45 small follicles, 8.42 ± 3.87 medium follicles, and 0.76 ± 0.34 large follicles. The weight of the right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left ovary (p < 0.05), and cows aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a higher number of follicles compared to other age groups. Cows with medium (BCS = 3) and large (BCS = 4-5) body reserves had the heaviest ovaries. Additionally, pregnant cows had heavier uteri compared to non-pregnant cows, and cows with a body condition score of 3 or higher had higher uterine weights than lean cows (BCS = 1-2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that age, body condition score, and pregnancy status influence ovarian weight. Body Condition Score serves as a reliable indicator of cow nutritional status, and cows with BCS of 3-5 are excellent candidates for in vitro production of embryos.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 2011

We investigated quality characteristics of Seoktanju (one of the Korean traditional rice wine) which was fermented using five kinds of Korean commercial Nuruks. The purpose of this study was to research what effects on the quality of Seoktanju by using different Nuruks. We analyzed general component such as each mash's temperature change patterns, pH, titrable acidities, reducing sugar contents, volatile acids, and sugar contents during fermentation periods and studied sensory evaluation of produced Seoktanju (10 days). On the whole, temperature change patterns in the each mashes were depend on room temperature. All Seoktanju's pH was reduced rapidly up to three days after first mashing (pH 3.13-3.57) and after that was increased gradually. The end of fermentation pH was pH 3.6-4.05. Mostly, acidities were indicated high(0.59%) and Nuruk-B was showed highest acid value. These results seems to be different as occasion organic acids producing activity depend on the number of yeast, material contents, optimal temperature in the each mashes by fungi and lactic acid bacteria in Nuruks. In reducing sugar contents and sugar contents, Nuruk-C treatment were showed the highest value with 5.36%, $23^{\circ}brix$, respectively and alcohol content was lowest with 8.6%. In the five kinds of reproduced Seoktanju, alcohol content was the highest in the treated Nuruk-A group. Volatile acid value was the highest with 132.6~263.7 ppm at the 3 day after first mashing day but as the fermentation time goes on, it was reduced sharply by 5.25~5.94 ppm. Sensory evaluation was performed with 5 point scale, the Seoktanju using Nuruk-D was presented by 4 point, while Nuruk-A was presented lowest by 2.77 point on overall acceptability.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2012

We produced Hwanggiju (added 0.5~2.0% of ground Astragali Radix compared to starch contents) and investigated the physicochemical characteristics, DPPH free radical scavenging activities, polyphenol contents, and sensory evaluation. For all treatments, the initial pH was 3.9~4.1 and gradually decreased for 6 days from the 1st mashing day, and then rapidly increased to 4.67. As the fermentation proceeded, total acid contents increased in most of the treatments, reduced temporarily after the 2nd mashing time because of the addition of starch material and water, and then slightly rose again. There were little changes in pH and total acid contents followed by adding ground Astragali Radix (AR) to the fermentation periods. Amino acidities of all treatments showed patterns of which consistently rose as the fermentation proceeded and slightly reduced followed by increasing the addition rate of ground AR to the mashes. Soluble solid and alcohol contents also increased continuously and there were few differences among the treatments followed by adding to the ground AR rate. In color, there was no differences in L value, but a and b value showed significant differences by adding ground AR rate. In DPPH free radical scavenging activities, the control (no AR added) showed 53.6% and when grinded AR added, there were improving effects of the activities (0.52~6.9%). In polyphenol contents, the control was 1.05 mg/mL and the ground AR added treatments increased slightly. In the sensory evaluation, the control received a relatively high score ($5.0{\pm}1.0$), and the treatments which added 0.5% ground AR during the 2nd mashing time were also well received ($4.5{\pm}1.3$).

• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.648-661
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• 2018

Purpose: Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy in pollinosis patients caused by raw fruits and vegetables and is the most common food allergy in adults. However, there has been no nationwide study on PFAS in Korea. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PFAS in Korea. Methods: Twenty-two investigators participated in this study, in which patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma with pollen allergy were enrolled. The questionnaires included demographic characteristics, a list of fruits and vegetables, and clinical manifestations of food allergy. Pollen allergy was diagnosed by skin prick test and/or measurement of the serum level of specific IgE. Results: A total of 648 pollinosis patients were enrolled. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7% (n = 270). PFAS patients exhibited cutaneous (43.0%), respiratory (20.0%), cardiovascular (3.7%) or neurologic symptoms (4.8%) in addition to oropharyngeal symptoms. Anaphylaxis was noted in 8.9% of the PFAS patients. Seventy types of foods were linked to PFAS; e.g., peach (48.5%), apple (46.7%), kiwi (30.4%), peanut (17.4%), plum (16.3%), chestnut (14.8%), pineapple (13.7%), walnut (14.1%), Korean melon (12.6%), tomato (11.9%), melon (11.5%) and apricot (10.7%). Korean foods such as taro/taro stem (8.9%), ginseong (8.2%), perilla leaf (4.4%), bellflower root (4.4%), crown daisy (3.0%), deodeok (3.3%), kudzu root (3.0%) and lotus root (2.6%) were also linked to PFAS. Conclusions: This was the first nationwide study of PFAS in Korea. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7%, and 8.9% of the PFAS patients had anaphylaxis. These results will provide clinically useful information to physicians.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.210-220
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• 2019

Population growth and the increase of energy consumption due to civilization caused global warming. Temperature on the Earth rose about $0.7^{\circ}C$ for the last 100 years, the rate is accelerated since 2000. Temperature is a factor, which determines physiological action, growth and development, survival, etc. of the plant together with light intensity and precipitation. Therefore, it is expected that global warming would affect broadly geographic distribution of the plant as well as structure and function ecosystem. In order to understand the effect of global warming on the ecosystem, a study about the effect of temperature rise on germination and growth in the plant is required necessarily. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of experimental warming on the germination and growth of two oak species(Quercus mongolica and Q. serrata) in temperature gradient chamber(TGC). This study was conducted in control, medium warming treatment($+1.7^{\circ}C$; Tm), and high warming treatment ($+3.2^{\circ}C$; Th) conditions. The final germination percentage, mean germination time and germination rate of two oak species increased by the warming treatment, and the increase in Q. serrata was higher than that in Q. mongolica. Root collar diameter, seedling height, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, root dry weight, and total biomass were the highest in Tm treatment. Butthey were not significantly different in the Th treatment. In the Th treatment, Q. serrata had significantly higher H/D ratio, S/R ratio, and low root mass ratio (RMR) compared with control plot. Q. mongolica had lower RMR and higher S/R ratio in the Tm and Th treatments compared with control plot. Therefore, growth of Q. mongolica are expected to be more vulnerable to warming than that of Q. serrata. The main findings of this study, species-specific responses to experimental warming, could be applied to predict ecosystem changes from global warming. From the result of this study, we could deduce that temperature rise would increase germination of Q. serrata and Q. mongolica and consequently contribute to increase establishment rate in the early growth stage of the plants. But we have to consider diverse variables to understand properly the effects that global warming influences germination in natural condition. Treatment of global warming in the medium level increased the growth and the biomass of both Q. serrata and Q. mongolica. But the result of treatment in the high level showed different aspects. In particular, Q. mongolica, which grows in cooler zones of higher elevation on mountains or northward in latitude, responded more sensitively. Synthesized the results mentioned above, continuous global warming would function in stable establishment of both plants unfavorably. Compared the responses of both sample plants on temperature rise, Q. serrata increased germination rate more than Q. mongolica and Q. mongolica responded more sensitively than Q. serrata in biomass allocation with the increase of temperature. It was estimated that these results would due to a difference of microclimate originated from the spatial distribution of both plants.