• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.105 no.4
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• pp.401-413
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• 2016

Forest resources utilization and variable disturbance history have been affected the rarity and conservation value of forest relict trees, which served as habitat for forest biodiversity, important carbon stock and cultural role include human and natural history in South Korea. This study was conducted to establish the baseline data for forest resources conservation by clarifying species diversity, spatial distribution and ecological characteristics (individual and habitat) of forest relict trees (DBH > 300 cm) based on the data getting from mountain trail, high resolution aerial photos and field professionals and field survey. As results, 54 taxa (18 family 32 genus 48 species 1 subspecies 3 variety and 2 form) as about 22% of tree species in Korea was identified in the field. 837 individuals of forest relict trees were observed and the majority of the trees was in Pinaceae, deciduous Fagaceae and Rosaceae, which families are abundant in population diversity. High elevation area was important to relict trees as mean altitudinal distribution was 1,200 m a.s.l as likely affected by human activity gradients and mid-steep slope and North aspect was important environment for the trees remain. Many individuals exhibited 'damage larger branch' (55.6%) and consequent relatively lower mean canopy coverages (below 80%). Synthetically, present diversity and abundance of relict forest trees in South Korea were the result of complex process among climate variation, local weather and biological factors and the trees of big and old were estimated to important forest biodiversity elements. In the future, clarifying the role and function of relict trees in forest ecosystem, in- and ex- situ programmes for important trees and habitat, and activities for building the background of conservation policy such as "Guideline for identifying and measurement of forest relict trees".

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.961-969
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• 2015

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main catechin in green tea, has been shown to have some beneficial effects against various human diseases, including diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease and obesity. To investigate the mechanism of the suppressive effects of EGCG on inflammatory response in macrophages, alterations on the levels of nitric oxide (NO) regulatory factors and inflammatory cytokines were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells. No significant toxicity was detected in RAW264.7 cells treated with 100–400 μM EGCG. Moreover, the optimal concentration of LPS was determined to be 1 μg/ml based on the results of cell viability assay, NO assay and IL-6 enzyme-linked immunsorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, NO levels decreased significantly by 68.2% in the 400 μM EGCG/LPS treated group, while the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression decreased by 12-17% in the 200 and 400 μM EGCG/LPS treated group. A significant decrease in transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) was also detected in the EGCG/LPS treated group. However, IL-6 transcript and protein was maintained at a constant level when in the LPS treated group relative to the EGCG/LPS treated group. Overall, these results suggest that the differential regulation of inflammatory cytokines is an important factor influencing the suppressive effects of EGCG against LPS-activated inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.169-179
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• 1999

The present study was undertaken to classify and describe the spring naturalized plant communities in old-Andong city by the methodology of the ZM school of phytosociology. As a result, the vegetation was classified into the six communities and two subcommunities: A. Bromus tectorum community A-a. Bromus japonicus subcommunity, A-b. Melica onoei subcommunity; B. Poa pratensis community; C. Rumex crispus community; D. Oenothera lamarckiana community; E. Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. eiatior community; F. Rumex conglomeratus community. The total taxa of the naturalized plant communities consisted of 31 families, 86 genera, 114 species and 13 varieties. Of which the taxa of the naturalized plant species consisted of 8 families, 21 genera, 25 species and 1 variety. The result of Bray-Curtis ordination revealed that the plots suveyed were arranged according largely to the vegetation units of' the communities. Also the interspecific affinity was examined by an analysis of interspecific association and the main component species in the communities were divided into two groups. The naturalized rate was higher in the communitise affected by strong human impacts, while was lower in the communities affected relatively less by human impacts. On the other hand the seasonal changes of the communities and the naturalized rate between the spring and the autumn were investigated. Many naturalized communities present in Spring were replaced by the other native ruderal communitues in the Autumn. The naturalized rate based on the dominance was largely decreased over from the spring to the Autumn.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.545-558
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• 2007

This study was performed to assess the sodium intakes of Korean adults using a 24-hr urine analysis and dish frequency questionnaire (DFQ) according to each dish group and the regional area. The subjects of this study were comprised of 522 adults (male : 267, female : 285), aged 20-59yr residing in the metropolitan area (N=200), Chungcheng-Do (N=117), Jeolla-Do(N=117), and Gueongsang-Do provinces (N=118). The subjects were recruited from the residents who once participated or are participating in the various health programs offered by the public health center. The number of subjects who completed the 24-hr urine collection was 205 (male : 110, female : 95). The mean age and BMI of the subjects were $39.0{\pm}$11.7y and $23.1{\pm}2.9 kg/m^2$, respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was $119.5{\pm}15.4 mmHg$, and $77.1{\pm}11.1 mmHg$, respectively. Eighteen percent of the subjects responded that they are currently smoking, 36% drinking and 50.4% exercising. Twenty point six percent of the subjects were assessed as having hypertension according to their systolic or diastolic blood pressure($SBP{\ge}140mmHg$ or $DBP{\ge}90mmHg$) measurements in the present study. Salt intake of the subjects estimated with 24-hr sodium excretion was 12.7g/d (male : 13.4g/d, female : 12.1g/d) based on the sodium excretion rate as 82%. Salt intake estimated with DFQ was 14.7g/d (male : 16.2g/d, female : 13.4g/d), 2 g more than the salt intake estimated with 24-hr urine analysis. The four dish groups that contributed most to the sodium intake in order were kimchi (11571.4mg), soup and stew (1260.5mg), fish and shellfish(706.3mg) and noodle and ramyeon(644.3mg). Salt intake estimated with DFQ was the highest in the subjects of Gueongsang-Do(17.0g/d), second highest Chungcheong-Do (16.4g/d) and the lowest in the metropolitan area (13.0g/d). Subjects of Gueongsang-Do showed the highest sodium intakes in most of the dish group, whereas subjects of the metropolitan area showed the lowest. Residents of Chungcheong-Do revealed the highest sodium intake with kimchi and of Jeolla-Do the higher sodium intake with main dish (meat, fish and beans). The highest salt percentage of kimchi ($3.0{\pm}0.8%$) and soybean paste ($14.5{\pm}5.1%$) were observed in Gueongsang-Do, whereas individuals of the metropolitan area were observed as having kimchi ($1.6{\pm}0.5%$) and soybean paste ($7.4{\pm}1.6%$) with the lowest salt percenage. Men were observed as having more salty kimchi ($2.4{\pm}0.1%$) than women ($2.1{\pm}0.1%$).

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.113-123
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• 2018

The purpose of this research is to develop evaluation indicators forperformance improvement of horticultural therapy garden. In order to achieve a therapeutic purpose, the gardening activity held by the trained horticultural therapist. Moreover, horticultural therapy is 'a medical model' for the treatment and basic premise of the research was set, as horticultural therapy garden is characterized area to support activities of patients and horticultural therapist functionally and efficiently. For this study, three times of Delphi and AHP techniques were proceeded to export panels who were recruited by purposive sampling. Through these techniques, it was possible to deduct the evaluation indicator which maximizes the performance of the horticultural therapy garden. The evaluation items were prioritized by typing and stratification of the indicator. The results and discussions were stated as followings. Firstly, a questionnaire of experts was conducted to horticultural therapists and civil servants who were in charge of horticultural therapy. As results(horticultural therapists: 87.8%, civil servants: 75.2%), It is possible to conclude that both positions have the high recognition and agreed on the necessity of horticultural therapy. Secondly, Delphi investigation was conducted three times in order to develop the evaluation indicator for performance evaluation. After Delphi analysis, total 34 of evaluation elements to improve the performance of the horticultural therapy garden by reliability and validity analysis results. Thirdly, AHP analysis of each evaluation indicator was conducted on the relative importance and weighting. Moreover, the results showed 'interaction between nature and human' as the most important element, and in order of 'plan of the program', 'social interaction', 'sustainable environmental', and 'universal design rule', respectively. On the other hand, the exports from the university and research institute evaluated the importance of 'interaction between nature and human', while horticultural therapists chose 'plan of the program' as the most important element. Fourthly, the total weight was used to develop weight applied evaluation indicator for the performance evaluation of the horticultural therapy garden. The weight applying to evaluation index is generally calculated multiply the evaluation scores and the total weight using AHP analysis. Finally, 'the evaluation indicator and evaluation score sheet for performance improvement of the horticultural therapy garden' was finally stated based on the relative order of priority between evaluation indicators and analyzing the weight. If it was deducted the improvement points for the efficiency of already established horticultural therapy garden using the 'weight applied evaluation sheet', it is possible to expand it by judging the importance with the decision of the priority because the item importance decided by experts was reflected. Moreover, in the condition of new garden establishment, it is expected to be helpful in suggesting ways for performance improvement and in setting the guidelines by understanding the major indicators of performance improvement in horticultural therapy activity.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.417-426
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• 2018

Food preservatives are very important food additives for the biological and chemical safety of processed foods. The purposes of this study were to investigate Korean consumer's perception and information needs on food preservatives, to develop an educational booklet as a risk communication material on food preservatives, and to assess the educational effect of the developed booklet. To understand perception on food preservatives, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted by 381 parents having elementary school students at Seoul and Geoynggi area in Korea. Based on the survey results, brain storming of the authors along with consultation from the professionals, we developed a risk communication booklet about food preservatives. It was exposed to 35 parents of elementary school children, and their evaluation was collected by using a questionnaire and analyzed statistically. Respondents considered food safety (44.8%) as the most important factor while purchasing processed foods. They still perceived food additives as the most hazardous one (41.5%), and among those, food preservatives were the most concerned (45.9%). Total 67.7% of the respondents considered the consumption of food preservatives as hazardous or very hazardous. However, 90.6% of respondents did not have any educational experience about food additives and food preservatives. Based on their information needs, a science-based booklet consisting of the definition, classification, safety, intake, and management of food preservatives was developed. When the booklet titled as 'Food preservatives, Just Know Them!' was exposed to the parents via elementary school teacher, their negative perceptions on food additives and food preservatives were changed positively by increasing the understanding level on preservatives from 18.9% to 90.9% and obtaining 72.7% positive answers on their safety. Therefore, it could be used as an effective risk communication material on food preservatives.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.121-140
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• 2015

The purposes of this study were to analyze the duplicated contents of 'Consumer life' area of Technology & Home Economics and other subject textbooks for the middle and high school students. It focused on textbooks compiled following the 2009 revised curriculum. To achieve the purposes of this study, "Technology & Home Economics I II", "Social studies I II", and "Ethics I II"textbooks for middle school and "Technology & Home Economics", "Social studies", and "Life & Ethics" textbooks for high school were analyzed based on the criteria for analyses of 'Consumer life' area. The results were as follows. First, the analysis of duplicated contents in Technology & Home Economics and other subjects (Ethics, Social studies) for middle school revealed that Technology & Home Economics textbook had the most proportion of 'Consumer Life' area, followed by Social studies and Ethics. The duplicated content elements in Technology & Home Economics, Ethics, and Social studies textbooks for middle school were 'consumer decision making', 'consumer information', 'economic impact of consumption', 'food life and sustainability', and 'consumption and sustainability'. Secondly, as a result of the content analysis of textbooks for high school Technology & Home Economics, Social studies, and Life & Ethics according to the criteria of analysis, it was found that Technology & Home Economics textbook had the most proportion of 'Consumer Life' area, followed by Life & Ethics and Social studies. The "content elements" 'food life management and consumption environment', 'desire of consumption', 'economic impact of consumption', 'changing factors and characteristics of consumer culture', and 'consumption and sustainability' were commonly found in all three textbooks. In this way, the 'Consumer life' area of Technology & Home Economics is thought to play a central role in teaching the 'Consumer Life' area because of its strength that contains detailed contents about consumer life for adolescent consumers who will apply it to everyday life. Based on the result of this research, it is needed to consider articulation of 'Consumer life' area of secondary schools for the future curriculum development of Technology & Home Economics to reduce the duplicated contents and to help the adolescents develop the ability to solve consumption problems they may encounter in real life and grow up to be rational adult consumers.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.518-531
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• 2020

Purpose: This study examined the association between fruit and vegetable intake and mental health in Korean adolescents. Methods: This study used the data from the 2014-2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a national cross-sectional survey on 137,101 boys and 130,806 girls aged 12-18. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed based on the frequency of consumption. The outcome variables were the perceived happiness, perceived stress, depressive symptom and suicidal ideation over the previous 12 months. Logistic regression models were used after adjusting for the demographic, life style and other dietary factors. Results: Only 34% and 29% of Korean adolescents consumed fruits more than 5 times/week and vegetables more than 2 times/day, respectively; whereas 37%, 25% and 12.2% of Korean adolescents had perceived stress, depressive symptom and suicidal ideation, respectively. After adjusting for the confounding variables, the greater consumption of fruit and vegetable were all associated with a higher odds of perceived happiness; the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) (95% CI) were 1.53 (1.46-1.60) in boys and 1.82 (1.73-1.90) in girls who consumed fruit ≥ 5 times/week, and 1.65 (1.54-1.76) in boys and 1.62 (1.51-1.72) in girls who consumed vegetable ≥ 2 times/day. In contrast, the consumption of fruit or vegetable were all significantly associated with a lower odds of perceived stress, depressive symptom, and suicidal ideation; the AOR (95% CI) were 0.70 (0.67-0.73), 0.88 (0.84-0.93), and 0.78 (0.73-0.83) in boys who consumed fruit 3-4 times/week, and 0.71 (0.67-0.76), 0.88 (0.81-0.94), and 0.68 (0.62-0.74) in boys who consumed vegetable 5-7 times/week. Similar associations of fruit or vegetable consumption with perceived stress, depressive symptom, or suicidal ideation were found in girls. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that increasing fruit and vegetable intake is important for better mental health among adolescents.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.35-56
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• 2017

The purposes of this study were to develop an instrument to examine the latent domains to measure H-PCK and verify the reliability and validity of the instrument. To accomplish these purposes, instrument item development, content validity, pilot study, and main study were conducted. The results were as follows. First, based on a review of extant literature, 29 items for H-PCK were developed. Seven items were deleted from the original instrument after determining content validity by 10 in-service Home Economics teachers, which resulted in the 22 items of 3 domains(Knowledge of perspective on Home Economics Education(KP), Knowledge of Home Economics curriculum(KC), Knowledge of Home Economics instructional strategies(KI)). Second, data were collected from 137 Home Economics teachers via mail survey for pilot study to establish reliabilities for each individual domain and across the domains based on Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ and item-total correlation. The result showed good reliabilities in the cut-off value of .7 and .5 for Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ and for item-total correlation respectively. Third, the main study was performed with 220 Home Economics teachers via e-mail survey and the reliability and validity tests were conducted. The reliability test results showed good reliabilities. The model for confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) provided a good fit to the data (e.g., CFI=.92, RMSEA=.06, SRMR=.05) to evaluate construct validity. The three domains of KP, KC, and KI demonstrated the acceptable convergent and discriminant validities in each individual domain and over domains. Thus, the instrument in this study may be utilized to measure H-PCK. Finally, criterion-related validity was performed to examine the extent to which the three domains are related to teacher efficacy with Pearson correlation (${\rho}$). It was relatively highly correlated at ${\rho}=.7$. In addition, the higher H-PCK the Home Economics teachers had, the higher teacher efficacy they had. The final instrument consisting of 22 items from 3 domains were determined through the entire procedure.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) can exist in both intracellular and extracellular forms in natural ecosystems. When targeting harmful cyanobacteria, extracellular eDNA indicates the presence of traces of cyanobacteria, while intracellular eDNA indicates the potential for cyanobacteria to occur. However, identifying the "actual" potential for harmful cyanobacteria to occur is difficult using the existing sediment eDNA analysis method, which uses silica beads and cannot distinguish between these two forms of eDNA. This study analyzes the applicability of a density gradient centrifugation method (Ludox method) that can selectively analyze intracellular eDNA in sediment to overcome the limitations of conventional sediment eDNA analysis. PCR was used to amplify the extracted eDNA based on the two different methods, and the relative amount of gene amplification was compared using electrophoresis and Image J application. While the conventional bead beating method uses sediment as it is to extract eDNA, it is unknown whether the mic gene amplified from eDNA exists in the cyanobacterial cell or only outside of the cell. However, since the Ludox method concentrates the intracellular eDNA of the sediment through filtration and density gradient, only the mic gene present in the cyanobacteria cells could be amplified. Furthermore, the bead beating method can analyze up to 1 g of sediment at a time, whereas the Ludox method can analyze 5 g to 30 g at a time. This gram of sediments makes it possible to search for even a small amount of mic gene that cannot be searched by conventional bead beating method. In this study, the Ludox method secured sufficient intracellular gene concentration and clearly distinguished intracellular and extracellular eDNA, enabling more accurate and detailed potential analysis. By using the Ludox method for environmental RNA expression and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of harmful cyanobacteria in the sediment, it will be possible to analyze the potential more realistically.