• Proceedings of the Korean Quaternary Association Conference
• /
• 2005.10a
• /
• pp.48-54
• /
• 2005

Terrace morphology is so conspicuous in the south eastern coastal areas. Coastal terraces can be divided into 5 main surfaces, including beach and coastal alluvial plain(AP, $4{\sim}5m$), Low Terrace(LT, 8 $^{\sim}$ 25m), Middle Terrace(MT, 36 $^{\sim}$ 55m), High Terrace(HT, 63 $^{\sim}$ 86m) and upper High Terrace(uHT, above 90m). Among them Lower Terrace Formation is distributed between 8m and 20m in altitude. Both Tephra deposited of LT2 formation and OSL datings of sand layers in LT 2 and LT 3 Formations support the age of the LT 2 formation is MIS 5d or 5e, most probably 5e. The age of LT 3 is interpreted MIS 5a, based on tephra production in organic mud layers and OSL dating of sand deposits just above the beach pebbles of the LT 3. Particularly the transgression, possibly equivalent to the well-known Monastirrian episode in the Mediterranean Sea.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.9-17
• /
• 2002

Human activities greatly affect the environment causing its degradation. Urban development and road networks construction cause main impacts on ecosystems and particularly on vegetation cover: road constructions induce complete degradation of the vegetation cover and often leaves a hare land, sometimes without even a soil cover. Reconstitution of vegetation cover is necessary to limit superficial erosion and land slipping on the road, towards a reintegration of the site in the neighbouring landscape. Many approaches have been studied over the last 30 years aiming at this reconstitution of vegetation cover. At frost, the main purpose of land reclamation was to create a new ecosystem. At this time, the environment created was rather a "garden" with a new soil adapted to the plantation of "decorative" species. Then, in early 90′s many studies on the restoration ecology concept rather focused on adapting the vegetation to the existing conditions on the site, as in a side road embankment for example. Nowadays, we notice a large tendency towards the use of such adapted native species instead of industrially produced seeds. In southern France, our team have led research on the potentials of those local species for their use in revegetation processes with hydro-seeding. We therefore developed an approach combining the use of different types of species: Industrially produced, native and wild cultivated species. This method integrates the benefits of using available low costing seeds that are already used on large scale projects with better adapted species, issued form the cultivation of native species and seed production for their use on smaller scale and more costly but more effective results. The use of wild cultivated species seeds was developed in order to limit the cost and reduce harsh natural seed withdrawal in the natural environment In the case of the use of native species. Besides, the use of such seeds allowed a larger geographical scale of use than with local native seeds. In addition, our team began two years ago a research project in Lebanon aiming at the Introduction and development of the revegetation techniques in Lebanon. In fact, this country bared since 20 years the consequences of urban pressure on its environment especially by the development of quarries and road networks. Therefore, pioneer work is necessary to aim at the adaptation of these techniques to the local environment.

• Smart Structures and Systems
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.221-232
• /
• 2008

This paper represents the final results of a research program sponsored by the European Commission through project WIND-CHIME ($\underline{W}$ide Range Non-$\underline{IN}$trusive $\underline{D}$evices toward $\underline{C}$onservation of $\underline{HI}$storical Monuments in the $\underline{ME}$diterranean Area), in which the possibility of using advanced seismic protection technologies to preserve historical monuments in the Mediterranean area is investigated. In the current research, the dynamic characteristics of two outstanding Mamluk-Style minarets, which similar minarets were reported to experience extensive damage during Dahshur 1992 earthquake, are investigated. The first minaret is the Qusun minaret (1337 A.D, 736 Hijri Date (H.D)) located in El-Suyuti cemetery on the southern side of the Salah El-Din citadel. The minaret is currently separated from the surrounding building and is directly resting on the ground (no vaults underneath). The total height of the minaret is 40.28 meters with a base rectangular shaft of about 5.42 ${\times}$ 5.20 m. The second minaret is the southern minaret of Al-Sultaniya (1340 A.D, 739 H.D). It is located about 30.0 meters from Qusun minaret, and it is now standing alone but it seems that it used to be attached to a huge unidentified structure. The style of the minaret and its size attribute it to the first half of the fourteenth century. The minaret total height is 36.69 meters and has a 4.48 ${\times}$ 4.48 m rectangular base. Field investigations were conducted to obtain: (a) geometrical description of the minarets, (b) material properties of the minarets' stones, and (c) soil conditions at the minarets' location. Ambient vibration tests were performed to determine the modal parameters of the minarets such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. A $1/16^{th}$ scale model of Qusun minaret was constructed at Cairo University Concrete Research Laboratory and tested under free vibration with and without SMA wire dampers. The contribution of SMA wire dampers to the structural damping coefficient was evaluated under different vertical loads and vibration amplitudes. Experimental results were used along with the field investigation data to develop a realistic 3-D finite element model that can be used for seismic risk evaluation of the minarets. Examining the updated finite element models under different seismic excitations indicated the vulnerability of such structures to earthquakes with medium to high a/v ratio. The use of SMA wire dampers was found feasible for reducing the seismic risk for this type of structures.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.9
• /
• pp.1367-1373
• /
• 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the feeding value to sheep of Acacia saligna grown under temperate conditions. Pen trials were undertaken to determine the effects of feeding A. saligna, which had been grown in a Mediterranean environment, on feed intake, nitrogen balance and rumen metabolism in sheep. Sheep were given ad libitum access to A. saligna with or without supplementation with PEG 4,000 or PEG 6,000. PEG 4000 appears to be the major detannification agent used in trials involving high tannin feed despite the fact that PEG 6000 has been shown to be more effective, in vitro. For this reason it was of interest to compare the two, in vivo. Dry matter intake was greater (p<0.05) in sheep supplemented with either PEG 4,000 or PEG 6,000 compared to the control. There was no difference, however, in intake between those supplemented with either PEG 4,000 or 6,000. Although animals were not weighed throughout the trial, a loss in body condition was obvious, in particular in the control group. Intake of N was greater (p<0.05) in sheep supplemented with either PEG 4,000 or PEG 6,000 than in the control. There was no difference in N intake between those supplemented with either PEG 4,000 or PEG 6,000. There were no significant differences in either the faecal or urinary N output between any of the treatment groups and all treatment groups were in negative N balance. Neither the average nor maximum pH of ruminal fluid of the control group was different to those supplemented with PEG. The minimum pH for the control group, however, was significantly higher (p<0.05) than for either of the PEG treatments. The average and the maximum ammonia levels were lower (p<0.05) in the control group compared with those in either of the PEG treatment groups. For all dietary treatments ruminal ammonia levels were well below the threshold for maximal microbial growth. Feeding A. saligna, without PEG, had a definite defaunating effect on the rumen. For all dietary treatments ruminal ammonia levels were well below the threshold for maximal microbial growth. It was concluded that A. saligna was inadequate as the sole source of nutrients for sheep, even with the addition of PEG 4,000 or PEG 6,000. The anti-nutritional effects on the animals were largely attributed to the excessive biological activity of the phenolics in the A. saligna leaves. There is a need to determine other supplements that may be complimentary with PEG to enhance the nutritive value of A. saligna to maintain a minimum of animal maintenance.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.75-82
• /
• 2008

In vivo and in vitro digestibility of 6 diets with a forage to concentrate ratio (F/C) ranging from 100 to 50:50 (diet 1: all hay, diet 2: 90:10, diet 3: 80:20, diet 4: 70:30, diet 5: 60:40, diet 6: 50:50) were investigated using 6 buffaloes in a $6{\times}6$ Latin square design. For the in vivo trial, the individual faeces of buffaloes were collected 3 times per day for 7 days. Individual pooled faeces and samples of each diet were analysed for chemical composition and insoluble acid ash (AIA) contents in order to estimate the coefficient of apparent digestibility (ADC). On the last day of the in vivo trial a sample of faeces was collected from each animal and used as inoculum for the in vitro test, using the gas production technique (IVGPT). The in vivo organic matter digestibility (ADC) rose as the percentage of concentrate increased up to the 70:30 (F/C) diet (67.01, 73.03, 78.06 and 79.05, respectively for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4); the other two diets (60:40 and 50:50 F/C) unexpectedly did not follow this trend (75.11 and 79.06, respectively for diet 5 and 6). However, these data agree with the results of the in vitro trial. The ADC was positively correlated with the dOM (p<0.001), but not with the gas production at different times; cumulative gas production recorded at the end of incubation (OMCV) showed an irregular trend and was not closely correlated to degraded OM. Estimation of in vivo digestibility from in vitro fermentation data was acceptable, despite leaving room for improvement.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.61-72
• /
• 2009

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is a resin produced from the stem and leaves of Pistiacia lentiscus L var chia, a plant which grows only on Chios Island in Greece. CGM has been used for many centuries as a dietary supplement and folk medicine for stomach and duodenal ulcers in many Mediterranean countries and is known also to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in some cancer cells. In this study, we further investigated the induction and mechanisms underlying the apoptotic response to CGM treatment in the SCC25 human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line. The viability of SCC25 cells, human normal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 cells), and the growth inhibition of SCC25 cells were assessed by MTT assay and clonogenic assay, respectively. Staining with Hoechst and hemacolor dyes and TUNEL assays were employed to detect SCC25 cells undergoing apoptosis. SCC25 cells were treated with CGM, and this was followed by western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FACScan flow cytometry, MMP activity and proteasome activity analyses. CGM treatment of SCC25 cells was found to result in a time- and dosedependent decrease in cell viability, a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, and apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, CGM showed a remarkable level of cytotoxicity in SCC25 cells but not in normal cells. Tested SCC25 cells also showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation. Taken together, our present findings demonstrate that CGM strongly inhibits cell proliferation by modulating the expression of G1 cell cycle-related proteins and induces apoptosis via the proteasome, mitochondria and caspase cascades in SCC25 cells.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.316-326
• /
• 2018

The effect of simulated climate changes by applying different temperatures and $CO_2$ levels was investigated in the Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici/wheat pathosystem. Healthy and inoculated plants were exposed in single phytotrons to six $CO_2$+temperature combinations: (1) 450 ppm $CO_2/18-22^{\circ}C$ (ambient $CO_2$ and low temperature), (2) 850 ppm $CO_2/18-22^{\circ}C$ (elevated $CO_2$ and low temperature), (3) 450 ppm $CO_2/22-26^{\circ}C$ (ambient $CO_2$ and medium temperature), (4) 850 ppm $CO_2/22-26^{\circ}C$ (elevated $CO_2$ and medium temperature), (5) 450 ppm $CO_2/26-30^{\circ}C$ (ambient $CO_2$ and high temperature), and (6) 850 ppm $CO_2/26-30^{\circ}C$ (elevated $CO_2$ and high temperature). Powdery mildew disease index, fungal DNA quantity, plant death incidence, plant expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, plant growth parameters, carbohydrate and chlorophyll content were evaluated. Both $CO_2$ and temperature, and their interaction significantly influenced powdery mildew development. The most advantageous conditions for the progress of powdery mildew on wheat were low temperature and ambient $CO_2$. High temperatures inhibited pathogen growth independent of $CO_2$ conditions, and no typical powdery mildew symptoms were observed. Elevated $CO_2$ did not stimulate powdery mildew development, but was detrimental for plant vitality. Similar abundance of three PR transcripts was found, and the level of their expression was different between six phytotron conditions. Real time PCR quantification of Bgt was in line with the disease index results, but this technique succeeded to detect the pathogen also in asymptomatic plants. Overall, future global warming scenarios may limit the development of powdery mildew on wheat in Mediterranean area, unless the pathogen will adapt to higher temperatures.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.217-229
• /
• 2016

Goat milk production and processing is a dynamic and growing industry that is fundamental to the health of hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is recognized as an important contributor to many national economies. Goat milk has contributed significantly to the economic and nutritional quality of life in developing countries, particularly in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Goat milk has played an important role in the health and nutrition of infants and the elderly, and is also known to be beneficial and therapeutic for people with milk allergies. The potential and value of the nutritional, health, and therapeutic effects of goat milk and specialized goat milk products are now attracting attention. Various products can be made from goat milk based on its chemical properties. In addition, special products such as hair, skin care, products, and cosmetics produced using goat milk have garnered more attention in recent years. Nevertheless, high quality products can only be made from good quality goat milk. Advanced technical treatments are necessary to produce high quality goat milk that meets consumer expectation of nutritional, hygienic, and good sensory products. Good taste has been a critical criterion when deciding to buy and consume goat milk and associated products. However, it may be possible to produce more value-added products that cater to the new trends in consumer needs and thus maintain economic sustainability of goat milk industry.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition Conference
• /
• 2001.12a
• /
• pp.95-109
• /
• 2001

The traditional (European) Mediterranean diet is characterized by an abundance of plant foods such as bread, pasta, vegetables, salad, legumes, fruit, nuts; olive oil as the principal source of fat; low to moderate amounts offish, poultry, dairy products and eggs; only small amounts of red meat; low to moderate amounts of wine, normally consumed with meals. This diet is low in saturated fatty acids, rich in carbohydrate and fibre, and has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). These are primarily derived from olive oil. Despite a wealth of general knowledge concerning the major classes of compounds present in olives and olive oil, detailed knowledge of the phenolic antioxidant content has been lacking. Therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate the phenolic antioxidant content in a range of olive and seed oils. While seed oils were devoid, on average, the olive oils contained $196{\pm}19mg/kg$ total phenolics as judged by HPLC analysis, but the value for extravirgin ($232{\pm}15 mg/kg$) was significantly higher than that of refined virgin olive oil ($62{\pm}12mg/kg$; P<0.0001). Appreciable quantities of simple phenols (hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) were detected in olive oils, with significant differences between extravirgin ($41.87{\pm}6.17$) and refined virgin olive oils ($4.72{\pm}2.15$; P<0.01). The major linked phenols were secoiridoids and lignans. Although extravirgin contained higher concentrations of secoiridoids ($27.72{\pm}6.84$) than refined olive oils ($9.30{\pm}3.81$) this difference was not significant. On the other hand the concentration of lignans was significantly higher (P<0.001) in extravirgin ($41.53{\pm}3.93$) compared to refined virgin olive oils ($7.29{\pm}2.56$). All classes of phenolics were shown to be potent antioxidants. In future epidemiolgic studies, both the nature and source of olive oil consumed should be differentiated in ascertaining cancer risk.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.183-190
• /
• 2017

Ficus carica L. (common fig), one of the first plants cultivated by humans, originated in the Mediterranean basin and currently grows worldwide, including southwest Asia and South Korea. It has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases as well as hemorrhoids and skin infections. Its pharmacological properties have recently been studied in detail, but research on the anti-cancer effect of its latex has been only been studied on a limited basis on several cell lines, such prostate cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of the latex of Ficus carica L.and its underlying mechanism in FaDu human hypopharynx squamous carcinoma cells. (See Ed. note above) We confirmed through SDS-PAGE analysis and gelatinolytic activity analysis that the latex of Ficus carica contains cysteine protease ficin. Our data showed that the latex inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the latex treatment markedly induced apoptosis in FaDu cells as determined by FACS analysis, elevated expression level of cleaved caspase-9, -3 and PARP (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase), and. increased the expression of Bax (pro-apoptotic factor) while decreasing the expression of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic factor). Taken together, these results suggested that latex containing the ficin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis by caspase and the Bcl-2 family signaling pathway in FaDu human hypopharynx squamous carcinoma cells. These findings point to the potential of latex of Ficus carica to provide a novel chemotherapeutic drug due to its growth inhibition effects and induction of apoptosis in human oral cancer cells.