• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.267-274
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• 2022

This paper is a result of research conducted on the 800,000 m³/d capacity of A Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and 400,000 m³/d capacity of B WTP plant in operation in the Nakdong River region. We evaluated the effect of algae broom on the WTP operation based on the running data of both WTP and the data on the pre-oxidation process field test for algae control using sodium permanganate (SPM) at the B WTP. The study results showed that during the algal bloom period, the coagulant dose increased by 102% in A WTP and 58% in B WTP, respectively, and the chlorine dose also increased by 38% and 29%, respectively, which may affect Total trihalomethane (THM) production. Data such as algal populations and Chl-a, residual chlorine and THM, algal populations, and ozone dose appeared also highly correlated, confirming that algal broom affects WTP operations, including water quality and chemical dosage. As a result of the field test of B WTP, THMs appeared lower than that of the control, suggesting the possibility of the SPM pre-oxidation process as an alternative to algae-related water quality management. Furthermore, in terms of GHG emissions due to energy consumption, it was observed that the pre-oxidation process using SPM was approximately 10.8%, which is a very low ratio compared to the pre-ozonation process. Therefore, these results suggest that the SPM pre-oxidation process can be recommended as an alternative to low-carbon water purification technology.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1706-1727
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• 2023

Under Water Sensor Networks (UWSN) has gained attraction among various communities for its potential applications like acoustic monitoring, 3D mapping, tsunami detection, oil spill monitoring, and target tracking. Unlike terrestrial sensor networks, it performs an acoustic mode of communication to carry out collaborative tasks. Typically, surface sink nodes are deployed for aggregating acoustic phenomena collected from the underwater sensors through the multi-hop path. In this context, UWSN is constrained by factors such as lower bandwidth, high propagation delay, and limited battery power. Also, the vulnerabilities to compromise the aquatic environment are in growing numbers. The paper proposes an Energy-Efficient standalone Intrusion Detection System (EEIDS) to entail the acoustic environment against malicious attacks and improve the network lifetime. In EEIDS, attributes such as node ID, residual energy, and depth value are verified for forwarding the data packets in a secured path and stabilizing the nodes' energy levels. Initially, for each node, three agents are modeled to perform the assigned responsibilities. For instance, ID agent verifies the node's authentication of the node, EN agent checks for the residual energy of the node, and D agent substantiates the depth value of each node. Next, the classification of normal and malevolent nodes is performed by determining the score for each node. Furthermore, the proposed system utilizes the sheep-flock heredity algorithm to validate the input attributes using the optimized probability values stored in the training dataset. This assists in finding out the best-fit motes in the UWSN. Significantly, the proposed system detects and isolates the malicious nodes with tampered credentials and nodes with lower residual energy in minimal time. The parameters such as the time taken for malicious node detection, network lifetime, energy consumption, and delivery ratio are investigated using simulation tools. Comparison results show that the proposed EEIDS outperforms the existing acoustic security systems.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.479-489
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• 2023

Livestock production depends on the utilization of nutrients, and when this is accomplished, there is accelerated momentum toward growth with a low cost-to-feed ratio. Public concern over the consumption of pork with antibiotic residues in animals fed antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) has paved the way for using other natural additives to antibiotics, such as herbs and their products, probiotics, prebiotics, etc. Numerous feed additives are trending to achieve this goal, and a classic example is vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals represent a relatively small percentage of the diet, but they are critical to animal health, well-being, and performance; both play a well-defined role in metabolism, and their requirements can vary depending on the physiological stage of the animals. At the same time, the absence of these vitamins and minerals in animal feed can impair the growth and development of muscles and bones. Most commercial feeds contain vitamins and trace minerals that meet nutrient requirements recommended by National Research Council and animal feeding standards. However, the potential variability and bioavailability of vitamins and trace elements in animal feeds remain controversial because daily feed intake varies, and vitamins are degraded by transportation, storage, and processing. Accordingly, the requirement for vitamins and minerals may need to be adjusted to reflect increased production levels, yet the information presented on this topic is still limited. Therefore, this review focuses on the role and function of different sources of minerals, the mode of action, the general need for micro and macro minerals in non-ruminant diets, and how they improve animal performance.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.32 no.11
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• pp.745-756
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• 2023

Growing stringent global regulations in Korea poses a threat to corporate sustainability. Companies must respond strategically to navigate these regulations and avoid greenwashing. Objective of this research was to analyze how Korean companies are responding to the global trend of reducing plastic use and propose improved management strategies. Seven indicators were developed to assess companies' post-plastic strategies and applied to analyze the sustainability reports of Amore Pacific and LG Household & HealthCare. These indicators included, 1) disclosure of plastic raw materials used by weight or volume, 2) disclosure of recycled plastic raw materials used by weight or volume, 3) disclosure of waste recycling, reuse amounts, and disposal using waste treatment method 4) strategies to reduce environmental impact of plastics, 5) plastic packaging, reduce, recycle, reuse, and composting (in the real environment), 6) plastic management roadmap for the circular economy, and 7) education for sustainable plastic management. Based on the review of considered companies, we propose in-listed sustainable plastics management strategies: disclosing the ratio of plastic raw materials and recycled raw materials for all products, considering recycling rate throughout the product value chain, and not only for the production phase, reviewing carbon dioxide emissions based on life cycle assessment rather than reducing plastic consumption, studying the biodegradability of biodegradable plastics in natural environment such as soil, considering the consumer's perspective.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.463-470
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• 2023

This study aimed to identify the recent risk factors for Opisthorchis viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) to improve disease prevention. The participants were divided into the following 3 groups based on their health status: healthy control (nonOV and nonCCA), those with O. viverrini infection (OV), and those with CCA. A questionnaire was used to explore their lifestyle and behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression and backward elimination were used to identify the significant risk factors. The results showed that the significant risk factors for both O. viverrini infection and CCA were age>50 years (odd ratio (OR)=8.44, P<0.001, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.98-23.90 and OR=43.47, P=0.001, 95% CI 14.71-128.45, respectively) and raw fish consumption (OR=8.48, P<0.001, 95% CI 3.18-22.63 and OR=3.15, P=0.048, 95% CI 1.01-9.86, respectively). A history of O. viverrini infection was identified as an additional risk factor for CCA (OR=20.93, P=0.011, 95% CI 2.04-215.10). This study provided an update on the risk factors for O. viverrini infection and CCA. Asymptomatic patients with O. viverrini infection, particularly those>50 years old, should be carefully monitored to prevent CCA.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.984-996
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Prior studies, mostly conducted in Western countries, have suggested that the low cost of energy-dense foods is associated with an increased risk of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association between food costs and obesity risk among Koreans who may have different food cost and dietary patterns than those of Western populations. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We used baseline data from a cohort of 45,193 men and 83,172 women aged 40-79 years (in 2006-2013). Dietary intake information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Prudent and Western dietary patterns extracted via principal component analysis. Food cost was calculated based on Korean government data and market prices. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of daily total, prudent, and Western food cost per calorie with obesity. RESULTS: Men in the highest total food cost quintile had 15% higher odds of obesity, after adjusting for demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.22; P-trend < 0.001); however, this association was not clear in women (P-trend = 0.765). While both men and women showed positive associations between prudent food cost and obesity (P-trends < 0.001), the association between Western food cost and obesity was only significant in men (P-trend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In countries in which consumption of Western foods is associated with higher food costs, higher food costs are associated with an increased risk of obesity; however, this association differs between men and women.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.77-86
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• 2024

To investigate the seismic performance of steel pipe-aeolian sand recycled concrete columns, this study designed and produced five specimens. Low-cycle repeated load tests were conducted while maintaining a constant axial compression ratio. The experiment aimed to examine the impact of different aeolian sand replacement rates on the seismic performance of these columns. The test results revealed that the mechanical failure modes of the steel pipe-recycled concrete column and the steel pipe-aeolian sand recycled concrete column were similar. Plastic hinges formed and developed at the column foot, and severe local buckling occurred at the bottom of the steel pipe. Interestingly, the bulging height of the damaged steel pipe was reduced for the specimen mixed with an appropriate amount of wind-deposited sand under the same lateral displacement. The hysteresis curves of all five specimens tested were relatively full, with no significant pinching phenomenon observed. Moreover, compared to steel tube-recycled concrete columns, the steel tube-aeolian sand recycled concrete columns exhibited improved seismic energy dissipation capacity and ductility. However, it was noted that as the aeolian sand replacement rate increased, the bearing capacity of the specimen increased first and then decreased. The seismic performance of the specimen was relatively optimal when the aeolian sand replacement rate was 30%. Upon analysis and comparison, the damage analysis model based on stiffness and energy consumption showed good agreement with the test results and proved suitable for evaluating the damage degree of steel pipe-wind-sand recycled concrete structures.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.66 no.3
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• pp.39-51
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• 2024

To effectively implement the integrated water management policy outlined in the National Water Management Act, it is essential to analyze agricultural water supply and demand at both basin and water district levels. Currently, agricultural water is primarily distributed through open canal systems and controlled by floodgates, yet the utilization-to-supply ratio remains at a mere 48%. In the case of agricultural water, when analyzing water balance through existing national basin water resource models (K-WEAP, K-MODISM), distortion of supply and regression occurs due to calculation of regression rate based on the concept of net water consumption. In addition, by simplifying the complex and diverse agricultural water supply system within the basin into a single virtual reservoir, it is difficult to analyze the surplus or shortage of agricultural water for each field within the basin. There are limitations in reflecting the characteristics and actual sites of rural water areas, such as inconsistencies with river and reservoir supply priority sites. This study focuses on the development of a model aimed at improving the deficiencies of current water balance analysis methods. The developed model aims to provide standardized water balance analysis nationwide, with initial application to the Anseo standard watershed. Utilizing data from 32 facilities within the standard watershed, the study conducted water balance analysis through watershed linkage, highlighting differences and improvements compared to existing methods.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.218-228
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• 2023

Recent studies have evaluated the association between specific beverage intake and metabolic risks in adults. However, more evidence is needed to examine the association between the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and metabolic factors. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HBI and metabolic factors in adults. In this cross-sectional study, 338 overweight and obese individuals living in Tabriz, Iran were selected. Data on beverage consumption, demographics, physical activity, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using validated standard protocols. The predefined HBI was calculated based on previous studies. The mean value of HBI index among all of the participants was 59.76 ± 6.51. Those at the higher HBI scores had significantly lower waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and weight (p < 0.05). HBI and triglyceride scores also had a significant relationship. It has been shown that at higher HBI scores compared to lower scores, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increase while homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure decrease. HBI scores higher among Iranian adults were associated with a better chance of losing weight and weight loss and a better lipid profile, and lower blood pressure. Therefore, HBI can be a useful and helpful tool for assessing the overall quality of beverages adults consume. However, further studies are warranted to confirm the possible health effects of healthy beverage index.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.156-170
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between how often Korean adolescents watch Mukbang and Cookbang videos and their dietary habits. Methods: Data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2022 was analyzed for this study. The study included 51,850 middle and high school students and assessed various aspects, including demographics, frequency of watching Mukbang and Cookbang videos per week, dietary habits, health behaviors, and mental health factors. Results: Nearly a third (29.3%) of Korean adolescents watched Mukbang and Cookbang videos one to four times a week, while 13.5% watched them more than five times weekly. Females, those with lower academic achievement, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were significantly more likely to be frequent viewers (P < 0.001). Increased viewing frequency was associated with poorer dietary habits. Adolescents who watched more frequently were less likely to eat breakfast and consume fruits and milk, while their consumption of fast food, high-caffeine drinks, sugary drinks, and late-night snacks increased (P < 0.001). Higher viewing frequency correlated with increased feelings of stress, depression, and loneliness (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed these associations. More frequent viewers were significantly less likely to eat breakfast (odds ratio (OR), 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58-0.68), and more likely to consume fast food (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.69-2.02), high-caffeine drinks (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.30-1.56), sugary drinks (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.41-1.67), and late-night snacks (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.25-1.51). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that frequent exposure to Mukbang and Cookbang content is linked to unhealthy dietary habits in adolescents. Educational programs may be necessary to mitigate the potential for these videos to negatively influence dietary choices.