• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.265-271
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• 2021

Intertidal mud crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus) is an organism with a hard chitinous exoskeleton and has function for an osmotic control in response to the salinity gradient of seawater. Crustacean exoskeletons change in their natural state in response to environmental factors, such as changes in the pH and water temperature, and the presence of pollutant substances and pathogen infection. In this study, the ecotoxicological effects of irgarol exposure and heavy metal distribution were presented by analyzing the surface roughness of the crab exoskeleton. The exoskeleton surface roughness and variation reduced in M. japonicus exposed to irgarol. In addition, it was confirmed that the surface roughness and variation were changed in the field M. japonicus crab according to the distribution of toxic heavy metals(Cd, Pb, Hg) in marine sediments. This change in the surface roughness of the exoskeleton represents a new end-point of the biological response of the crab according to external environmental stressors. This suggests that it may affect the functional aspects of exoskeleton protection, support, and transport. This approach can be utilized as a useful method for monitoring the aquatic environment as an integrated technology of mechanical engineering and biology.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.248-256
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• 2023

ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, becomes a keyword in managing a company as it becomes an "indicator" that judge companies. Since the environment has suffered so much damage for economic development, it is now to reflect the enormous environmental costs of the future in the management standard rather than the immediate financial benefits at the expense of the environment. Compared to the days when corporate social responsibility (CSR) was discussed, ESG management has improved significantly as it requires practice beyond the declarative level, but the level of consideration for the environmental field is still not high. There may be many backgrounds, but the biggest problem may be the lack of understanding for other fields. Accordingly, this study aims to inform corporates of the need for investment in the environmental field by explaining ESG reviewed in the environmental field and ESG management required in the environmental field. Furthermore, another purpose is to inform them that ESG management is a win-win strategy that can have a meaningful effect not only in the environmental field where investment is received but also in terms of companies by explaining the benefits that companies can gain through this. To reach this goal, this study proposed a method of restoring a damaged ecosystem based on corporate investment, evaluating its effects based on carbon absorption capacity, and using it as a means of carbon neutrality practice as well as ESG management performance of a company.

• 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.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.271-275
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• 2012

The average annual and winter ambient air temperatures in Korea have risen by $0.7^{\circ}C$ and $1.4^{\circ}C$, respectively, during the last 30 years. The continuous rise in temperature presents a challenge in growing certain horticultural crops. Chinese cabbage, one most important cool season crop, may well be used as a model to study the influence of climate change on plant growth, because it is more adversely affected by elevated temperatures than warm season crops. This study examined the influence of transplanting time, nitrogen fertilizer level and climate parameters, including air temperature and growing degree days (GDD), on the performance of a Chinese cabbage cultivar (Chunkwang) during the spring growing season to estimate crop yield under the unfavorable environmental conditions. The chinese cabbage plants were transplanted from Apr. 8 to May 13, 2011 when 3~4 leaves were occurred, at internals of 7 days and cultivated with 3 levels of nitrogen fertilization. The data from plants transplanted on Apr. 22 and 29, 2012 were used for the prediction of yield as affected by planting date and nitrogen fertilization for spring production. In our study, plant dry weight was higher when the seedlings were transplanted on 15th (168 g) than on 22nd (139 g) of April. There was no significant difference in the yield when plants were grown with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer. The values of correlation coefficient ($R^2$) between GDD and number of leaves, and between GDD and dry weight of the above-ground plant parts were 0.9818 and 0.9584, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer did not provide a good correlation with the plant growth. Results of this study suggest that the GDD values can be used as a good indicator in predicting the top biomass yield of Chinese cabbage.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.825-832
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• 2020

The detection of estrus is very important for the successful reproductive efficiency of cattle. This has prompted the development of electronic estrus detection techniques by using the characterization of estrus behavior. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in physical activity, mounting behavior and vocalization during estrus in Hanwoo (Korean native cattle). Bio-telemetry devices were attached to 4 multiparous Hanwoo and physical activity was compared, namely mounting behavior and vocalization for 6 days (from 2 days before the day of estrus to 3 days after the day of estrus). Physical activity rapidly increased on the day of estrus (p<0.001) and was frequently observed at night time. Mounting behavior gradually increased, starting from 2 days before the day of estrus and reached its highest level on the day of estrus (p<0.01). The circadian rhythm showed irregularities during this entire period (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in vocalization during the experiment period (p>0.05). In conclusion, we assumed that mounting behavior is an early indicator to detect estrus in Hanwoo and if both mounting behavior and physical activity are considered together it would be possible to detect estrus with a higher probability. Further studies with more information from different sources regarding the measuring of estrus in Hanwoo are needed.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.699-707
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• 2015

To improve the utilization of the domestic plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), this study investigated changes in the physicochemical qualities of Danshen extracts obtained from low-temperature extraction using the enzymes amylase, cellulase, pectinase, and protease. Changes in the yield, pH, sugar content, and chromaticity were investigated. The changes were found to be highest in the amylase-treated extract with the following values: yield, 58.3%; pH, 6.04; sugar content, $5.97^{\circ}Brix$. With regard to antioxidant properties, Danshen extracts treated with amylase showed the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities of 84.25% and 74.11% at 55 ppm. The total phenolic compound content was highest in the group subjected to enzyme treatment at $60^{\circ}C$. The salvianolic acid B level of the Danshen extract was the highest in the amylase-treated group, with a value of 3,002.6 mg/100 g. Cryptotanshinone level was the highest in the amylase- and protease-treated group with a value of 3.8 mg/100 g. Tanshinone I was the highest in the protease-treated group, with a value of 14.2 mg/100 g. The results showed that the indicator components of Danshen were detected as stable in the extracts after using amylase for low-temperature extraction; therefore, it would be possible to use Danshen industrially as a functional ingredient through mass production. Furthermore, the enzyme-treatment extraction could be utilized for a variety of natural products.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.131-138
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• 2019

Carbonylated proteins (CPs) are synthesized by the chemical reaction of basic amino acid residues in proteins with aldehyde compounds yielded by lipid peroxidation. CPs are excited by a range of light from UVA to blue light, and resulted in the generation of superoxide anion radicals ($^{\cdot}O_2{^-}$) by photosensitizing reaction. Then, they CPs induce new protein carbonylation in stratum corneum through ROS generation. Furthermore, the superoxide anion radicals produce CPs in the stratum corneum (SC) through lipid peroxidation and finally affects skin conditions including color and moisture functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the production of stratum corneum carbonylated protein (SCCP) and the skin elasticity. 46 healthy female Koream at the ages of 30 ~ 50 years old were participated in this study for 8 weeks. The skin test was experiment conducted into two groups; placebo group (N = 23) used cream that did not contain active ingredients, and the other group (N = 23) used cream containing the elasticity improving ingredients. Test areas were the crow 's feet and the cheek. Various non-invasive methods were carried out to measure biophysical parameters on human skin indicating that dermis density and skin wrinkle were measured by using DUB scanner and Primos premium, respectively. Skin elasticity were measured using dermal torque meter (DTM310) and balistometer (BLS780). SCCP was assessed in a simple and non-invasive method using skin surface biopsy on the cheek of the subject. The amount of SCCP was determined using image analysis. All measurements were taken at 0, 4 and 8 8week. Results revealed that the amount of CP in SC was reduced when the skin wrinkle and skin elasticity related parameters were improved. This indicates that the correlation between the elasticity improvement and the amount of CP can be used as a anti-aging indicator and applicable to the skin clinical test for the measurement of skin aging in the future.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.497-503
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the horticultural media + decomposed granite + reused rock wool in the following mixing ratio: Control = 100:0, M1 = 80:0:20, M2 = 60:30:10, M3 = 40:30:30, M4 = 30:40:30, M5 = 0:50:50 (reused rockwool : decomposed granite : horticultural media) and develop the physicochemical properties and the growth of 'Sulhyang' strawberry runner plant. In the physical aspect of the horticultural media, statistical differences were recognized that the bulk density and particle density were lower in the control and M1. But the bulk density and particle density were high in the M3, M4, and M5, because it had high mixing ratio between recycled rock wool and decomposed granite. EAW and WBC showed a similar tendency. The air porosity and total porosity were higher in control and M1 than M3, M4, M5. Exchangeable cation (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺) and base replacement capacity (CEC) were higher in control and M1, than M2, M3, M4, and M5. As a result of the cultivation of 'Sulhyang' runner plant, the plant length was long in M2, 32.1 cm and smaller than M5 to 28.4 cm. However, if the crown diameter, which is the growth indicator of the runner plant, all 6 treatments were formed 11.23 mm-12.03 mm, which is considered to be suitable for the growth of the runner plant. There wasn't a statistical difference between the weight and dry weight of the root. As a result, the growth difference of the seedlings by the horticulture media was similar. Therefore, considering the physical properties of the horticultural media, it was judged that the air porosity and total porosity would be improved when the recycled rock wool and the decomposed granite were properly mixed rather than the use of the horticultural media as a single medium, which would be advantageous for irrigation management.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.159-169
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• 2007

Excessive input of organic matters from fish cage farms to the coastal waters has been considered as one of the major factors disturbing their benthic ecosystem. Sediment samples were taken from around the two fish cage zones (A and B) in Tongyeong coast in June and August 2003, to evaluate the ecological impacts of fish cage farming activity on the macrobenthic polychaete communities. Polychaete accounted for $81{\sim}87%$ of the total macrofauna individuals from each of the sampling stations. The number of species, abundance, diversity and dominant species of polychaete were rapidly changed with the distance from the fish cages. Within 10 m from the fish cages, Capitella capitata, which is a bio-indicator for the highly enriched sediments, was a dominant species and the lowest diversity was recorded. In particular, the maximum density (${\sim}18,410\;ind.m^2$) of C. capitata was found at Farm A where fish cages were more densely established within a semi-enclosed bay system. The sampling zone between 10 m and 15 m showed a rapid decrease of C. capitata with a rapid increase of the numbers of species, implying that this zone may be an ecotone point from a highly to a slightly enriched area. In the sampling zone between 15 m and 60 m, a transitional zone, which represents slightly enriched condition before normal one, was observed with additional increase and maintenance of the number of species and density of polychaete. In addition, the potential bio-indicators of organic enrichment, such as Lumbrineris longifolia and Aphelochaeta monilaris were the predominant species in the sampling zone. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) ordination plots and k-dominance curves confirmed the above results on the gradual changes in the macrobenthic polychaete communities. Our findings suggest that the magnitude of impact of fish cage farming activity on polychaete communities is probably governed by a distance from fish cage, density of fish cage and geomorphological characteristics around fish cage farm.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.67-82
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• 2008

This study was performed to investigate changes in benthic environment and macrobenthic polychaete communities in Gamak Bay where various environmental quality improvement projects have been implemented in recent years. Field surveys were carried out in February, 2005 and February, 2006 and twenty stations were selected to explore whether or not there were between-year differences in biotic and abiotic variables. Of 10 environmental variables measured, only three variables including dissolved oxygen (DO), total ignition loss (IL), acid volatile sulfide (AVS) showed significant between-year differences. Specifically, IL and AVS were, on average, 1.5 and 3 times lower in 2006 compared to those in 2005, respectively, which was more pronounced in the northern part of the bay. A total of 95 polychaete species was sampled from the two sampling occasions. Between-year differences in the number of species, abundance, and diversity were varied from place to place. In the northern part of the bay, fewer species were found in 2006 rather than in 2005, but diversity increased in 2006 due to the reduction in dominance of a few species. On the contrary, in the central part of the bay, the number of species, abundance and diversity prominently increased in 2006. In the southern part of the bay, all the biological indices maintained similarly during the two years. Dominant species in 2005 were such opportunistic or organic pollution indicator species as Lumbrineris longifolia, Capitella capitata, Mediomastus californiensis, Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata, etc. and most of them were mainly distributed in the northern part of the bay and in the proximity of it. In 2006, however, Euchone alicaudata, L. longifolia, Paraprionospio pinnata, Flabelligeridae sp., etc. were dominant and distributed mainly in the central part of the bay. Multivariate analyses showed that the whole polychaete community could be divided into 5 groups reflecting the geographical positions of the sampling stations and temporal variation particularly in the northern part of the bay. According to the results of BIO-ENV procedure, TOC (${\rho}=0.52$) and AVS (${\rho}=0.49$) as a single variable best explained the polychaete community structure. The best combination was made by such variables as TOC, AVS, sorting coefficient, and water temperature (${\rho}=0.60$). In conclusion, between-year differences in biotic and abiotic variables imply that recent efforts for the environmental improvement produced positive influences on the benthic environment of Gamak Bay, particularly the northern part of the bay.