• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.341-348
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• 2013

Maintenance of adequate soil tension or content during the period of crop growth is necessary to support optimum plant growth and yields. A better understanding of soil tension and content for precision irrigation would allow optimal soil water condition to crops and minimize the adverse effects of water stress on crop growth and development. This research reports on a comparison of soil water tension and content variations in differently textured soils over time under drip irrigation using two different water management methods, i.e. pulse time and required water irrigation methods. The pulse time-based irrigation was performed by turning the solenoid valve on and off for preset times to allow the wetting front to disperse in root zone before additional water was applied. The required water estimation method was a new water control logic designed by Rural Development Administration that applies the amount of water required based on a conversion of the measured water tension into water content. The use of the pulse time irrigation method under drip irrigation at a high tension of -20 kPa and high temperatures over $30^{\circ}C$ was not successful at maintaining moisture tensions within an appropriate range of 5 kPa because the preset irrigation times used for water control could not compensate for the change in evapotranspiration during day and night. The response time and pattern of water contents for all of the tested soils measured with capacitance-based sensor probes were faster and more direct than those of water tensions measured with porous and ceramic cup-based tensiometers when water was applied, indicating water content would be a better control variable for automatic irrigation. The required water estimation-based irrigation method provided relatively stable control of moisture tension, even though somewhat lower tension values were obtained as compared to the target tension of -20 kPa, indicating that growers could expect to be effective in controlling low tensions ranging from -10 to -20 kPa with the required water estimation system.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2017

GenesWell$^{TM}$ BCT is a 12-gene test suggesting the prognostic risk score (BCT Score) for distant metastasis within the first 10 years in early breast cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, and pN0~1 tumors. In this study, we validated the analytical performance of GenesWell$^{TM}$ BCT. Gene expression values were measured by a one-step, real-time qPCR, using RNA extracted from FFPE specimens of early breast cancer patients. Limit of Blank, Limit of Detection, and dynamic range for each of the 12 genes were assessed by serially diluted RNA pools. The analytical precision and specificity were evaluated by three different RNA samples representing low risk group, high risk group, and near-cutoff group in accordance with their BCT Scores. GenesWell$^{TM}$ BCT could detect gene expression of each of the 12 genes from less than $1ng/{\mu}L$ of RNA. Repeatability and reproducibility across multiple testing sites resulted in 100% and 98.3% consistencies of risk classification, respectively. Moreover, it was confirmed that the potential interference substances does not affect the risk classification of the test. The findings demonstrate that GenesWell$^{TM}$ BCT have high analytical performance with over 95% consistency for risk classification.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.266-271
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• 2018

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is amending its test methods for health-functional foods (dietary food supplements) to establish regulatory standards and specifications in Korea. In this regard, we continue our research on developing analytical methods for the items. Octacosanol is the major component of polycosanol and is a high-molecular-mass primary fatty alcohol, obtained from sugar cane wax. Previous researchers have shown that octacosanol can lower cholesterol and has antiaggregatory properties, cytoprotective uses, and ergogenic properties for human health. Recently, octacosanol products have been actively introduced into the domestic market because of their functional biological activity. We have developed a sensitive and selective test method for octacosanol that the TMS derivatives by means of gas-chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The trimethylsilyl ether derivative of the target analyte showed excellent chromatographic properties. The procedure was validated in the range of $12.5{\sim}200{\mu}g/L$. Standard calibration curves presented linearity with the correlation coefficient ($r^2$) > 0.999, and the limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantitation (LOQ) were $4.5{\mu}g/L$ and $13.8{\mu}g/L$, respectively. The high recoveries (92.5 to 108.8%) and precision (1.8 to 2.4%) obtained are in accordance with the established validation criteria. Our research can provide scientific evidence to amend the octacosanol test method for the Health-Functional Food Code.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.170-175
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• 2009

The extract of Platycarya strobilacea is known to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer properties. We have reported that the ethyl acetate fraction of Platycarya strobilacea (PS-ET fraction) has high potential as an antioxidant agent (J. Soc. Cosmet. Scientists Korea 34(4) 275, 2008). In this study, antibacterial activity of the fraction and stability of the cream containing 0.2% PS-ET fraction were investigated for the application to cosmetics. Antibacterial activity of PS-ET fraction against various skin pathogenic bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pityrosporum ovale) was measured by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). MIC values of PS-ET fraction on P. acnes, S. aureus, and P. ovale were 0.13%, 0.06% and 0.25%, respectively. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of the fraction was the highest in the S. aureus. For the stability evaluation, pH and viscosity of the cream containing 0.2% PS-ET fraction were measured. The results showed that pH changes of the cream containing PS-ET fraction was lower than the control cream without PS-ET fraction. And the PS-ET fraction could repress the decrease of viscosity of the cream against sunlight treatment. These results suggest that the fraction of Platycarya strobilacea has high potential as bactericide against the skin pathogenic bacteria and could be added to improve the stability of cosmetic products.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.16 no.1 s.47
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• pp.69-83
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• 2006

This study aims to evaluate a complex groundwater flow system around the underground oil storage caverns using the concept of hydraulic compartment. For the hydrogeological analysis, the hydraulic testing data, the evolution of groundwater levels in 28 surface monitoring boreholes and pressure variation of 95 horizontal and 63 vertical water curtain holes in the caverns were utilized. At the cavern level, the Hydraulic Conductor Domains(fracture zones) are characterized one local major fracture zone(NE-1)and two local fracture zones between the FZ-1 and FZ-2 fracture zones. The Hydraulic Rock Domain(rock mass) is divided into four compartments by the above local fracture zones. Two Hydraulic Rock Domains(A, B) around the FZ-2 zone have a relatively high initial groundwater pressures up to $15kg/cm^2$ and the differences between the upper and lower groundwater levels, measured from the monitoring holes equipped with double completion, are in the range of 10 and 40 m throughout the construction stage, indicating relatively good hydraulic connection between the near surface and bedrock groundwater systems. On the other hand, two Hydraulic Rock Domains(C, D) adjacent to the FZ-1, the groundwater levels in the upper and lower zones are shown a great difference in the maximum of 120 m and the high water levels in the upper groundwater system were not varied during the construction stage. This might be resulted from the very low hydraulic conductivity$(7.2X10^{-10}m/sec)$ in the zone, six times lower than that of Domain C, D. Groundwater recharge rates obtained from the numerical modeling are 2% of the annual mean precipitation(1,356mm/year) for 20 years.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.41-53
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• 1997

Geochemical data of soil and water samples were presented in order to assess the environmental impart for drinking water sites. Microscopic observation of rock samples and physical and chemical analysis of soil and water samples were undertaken. The geology of study areas are classified into three groups such as granitic rocks, meta-sedimentary rocks and sedimentary rocks. Enrichment of heavy metals derived from those rocks is not found in this study areas. Soils were analyzed for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Cr using AAS extracted by HNO$_3$+HClO$_4$ and 0.1 N HCl. Heavy metal concentrations in soils are within the range of those in uncontaminated soils. In comparison of metal contents extracted by 0.1 N HCl and HNO$_3$+HC1O$_4$, less than 10% of the heavy metals are present in the exchangeable fraction. In particular, an pollution index has been proposed to assess the degree of soil contamination. Pollution index in soils are between 0.03 and 0.47 therefore, soils are not polluted with heavy metals. Deep groundwaters within granitic rocks have been evolved into Na$\^$＋/-HCO$_3$$\^$-/ type, whereas other deep groundwaters evolved into Ca$\^$2＋/-HCO$_3$$\^$-/ type. The predominance of Na$\^$＋/ over Ca$\^$2＋/ in deep groundwaters within granitic rocks is a result of dissolution of plagioclase, but for sedimentary and meta-sedimentary rocks, dissolution of calcite is a dominant factor for their hydrogeochemistry. The pH, conductivity and contents of the most dissolved ions in the water increase with depth. Shallow groundwaters, however, are highly susceptible to pollution owing to agricultural activities, considering the fact that high contents of nitrate, chloride and potassium, and high K/Na ratio are observed in some shallow groundwaters. In a thermodynamic approach, most natural water samples are plotted within the stability fields of kaolinite and smectite. Therefore, microcline and other feldspars will alter to form clay minerals, such as kaolinite and smectite. From the modelling for water-rock interactions based on mass balance equation, models accord well with behavior of the ions and results of thermodynamic studies are derived.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.37-48
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• 2009

The standardization of marketing has been one of the most focused research topics in international marketing. The term "global marketing" was often used to mean an internationally standardized marketing strategy based on similarities between foreign markets. Marketing standardization was discussed only within the context of traditional physical marketplaces. Since then, the digital "marketspace" of the Internet had emerged in the 90's, and it became one of the most important drivers of the globalization process opening new opportunities for the standardization of global marketing activities. On the other hand, the opinion that a greater adoption of the Internet by customers may lead to a higher degree of customization and differentiation of products rather than standardization is also quite popular. Considering this disagreement, it is notable that comprehensive studies which focus upon the marketing standardization especially in the context of global e-commerce are missing to a high degree. On this background, the two basic research questions being addressed in this study are: (1) To what extent do companies standardize their marketing in international e-commerce? (2) Is there an impact of marketing standardization on the performance (or success) of these companies? Following research hypotheses were generated based upon literature review: H 1: Internationally engaged e-commerce firms show a growing readiness for marketing standardization. H 2: Marketing standardization exerts positive effects on the success of companies in international e-commerce. H 3: In international e-commerce, marketing mix standardization exerts a stronger positive effect on the economic as well as the non-economic success of companies than marketing process standardization. H 4: The higher the non-economic success in international e-commerce firms, the higher the economic success. The data for this research were obtained from a questionnaire survey conducted from February to April 2005. The international e-commerce companies of various industries in Germany and all subsidiaries or headquarters of foreign e-commerce companies based in Germany were included in the survey. 118 out of 801 companies responded to the questionnaire. For structural equation modelling (SEM), the Partial-Least. Squares (PLS) approach in the version PLS-Graph 3.0 was applied (Chin 1998a; 2001). All of four research hypotheses were supported by result of data analysis. The results show that companies engaged in international e-commerce standardize in particular brand name, web page design, product positioning, and the product program to a high degree. The companies intend to intensify their efforts for marketing mix standardization in the future. In addition they want to standardize their marketing processes also to a higher degree, especially within the range of information systems, corporate language and online marketing control procedures. In this study, marketing standardization exerts a positive overall impact on company performance in international e-commerce. Standardization of marketing mix exerts a stronger positive impact on the non-economic success than standardization of marketing processes, which in turn contributes slightly stronger to the economic success. Furthermore, our findings give clear support to the assumption that the non-economic success is highly relevant to the economic success of the firm in international e-commerce. The empirical findings indicate that marketing standardization is relevant to the companies' success in international e-commerce. But marketing mix and marketing process standardization contribute to the firms' economic and non-economic success in different ways. The findings indicate that companies do standardize numerous elements of their marketing mix on the Internet. This practice is in part contrary to the popular concept of a "differentiated standardization" which argues that some elements of the marketing mix should be adapted locally and others should be standardized internationally. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the overall standardization of marketing -rather than the standardization of one particular marketing mix element - is what brings about a positive overall impact on success.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.110-127
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• 1997

The aim of this study is to present the basic datum for the promotion of effectiveness and improvement of nursery tasks, by grasping the situation of operating room nurses tasks and the degree of their fatigue. For these researches, 70 nurses out of the operating rooms of 3 university-affiliated hospitals-two in Seoul and one in Pusan, were chosen at random by a non-probability sampling method. These researches were done from April 14 to April 26 in 1997 by questionairing method. The questionaire was composed of 30 items, which asks the examinees of their physical, mental, and neurosensory symptoms, with 10 items respectively. The reliability of the research instrument was turned out very high with Cronbach's ${\alpha}=.9376$. The datum were electronically processed using Statistics Program for Social Sciences(SPSS). The analysis of datum in this study has a general character, in which the demosociological character and the special ex-officio character was calculated by frequency and percentage. The situation of tasks in operating rooms was calculated by frequency and percentage. The fatigue of operating room nurses was calculated by average and standard deviation. To compare the fatigue with regard to the character of operating room nurse's tasks, t-test and F-test(ANOVA) were used after the character of variations, and the variations at the level of P<.05 which might have some meaning was verified after the fact with Duncan's Multiple Range(DMR). The results of this research are as follows : 1) The nurses working in operating rooms show their fatigue in three fields-in Group I physical symptoms 3.28, in Group III neurosensory symptoms 2.85, and in Group II mental symptoms 2.73, which shows I Dominant type (general type). 2) They complain, in Group I they are "feeling the heavy legs," 3.28 and in Group II they "occasionally forget soon what to do," 3.09. and in Group III, they "feel lumbago," 3.47, which is the highest rate of the three. The highest rate results from the character of their tasks, in which they have to move rapidly the heavy appliances and do their jobs standing many hours, especially wearing heavy radiation protector. 3) As to transportation, subway using group feel the greatest fatigue, 3.18(F=4.315, P=.008). 4) As to department, nurses in the orthopedic's surgery part feel the greatest fatigue, 3.26(F=2.040, P=.050). 5) As to the change of physical symptoms, the group answering that they found physical abnormality after working in operating rooms show the greatest fatigue, 3.12(t=-3.13, P=.003). 6) At to the general circumstances, the group answering that they receive insufficient consideration on their physical abnormality in their department, show the greatest fatigue, 3.10(F=3.200, P=0.47). 7) As to the relation with superior officers, the group answering that their superior officer has an impetuous temperament, show great fatigue, 3.11(F=4.855, P=.011). 8) As to the time of feeling fatigue, the fatigue reaches the highest point 1~2 hours after operations, 3.04(F=2.703, P=.046). 9) When they feel fatigue after scrub nurse duties, they feel the greatest fatigue 2 hours after the duties, 3.09( F=2.841, P=.038). 10) As to the operation instruments, when they use complex instruments borrowing from the outside in addition to the basic instruments, their fatigue becomes the greatest, 3.09(F=7.831, P=.000). 11) As to the kind of operation, when they participate in orthopedic's surgery operations, they feel the greatest fatigue, 3.18(F=4.362, P=.000). With the above results, it is proved that the degree of operating room nurses' fatigue is considerably high. So it may be concluded that the measure for lessening the fatigue should be find immediately, not on the level of personal matters but on the level of hospital nursing administration.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.1732-1739
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• 2016

The general components and cyclitol compounds of ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) were analyzed to examine the possibility of using extracts as functional food materials, the antioxidant effects and antidiabetic activities of the extracts by solvent fraction were tested. Among the mineral contents, contents of K and Na were the largest ($1,213.33{\pm}2.52$ and $545.53{\pm}12.01mg/100g$, respectively), followed by S, Ca, P, and Mg in order of precedence. Among cyclitol compounds, content of D-pinitol was the largest ($4.04{\pm}0.08mg/g$) while contents of chiro-inositol and myo-inositol were relatively small ($2.82{\pm}0.01$ and $0.25{\pm}0.01mg/g$, respectively). Among total phenol contents by solvent fraction, contents of chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were large ($35.80{\pm}1.33$ and $23.70{\pm}0.62mg\;GAE/g$, respectively). Among antioxidant activity levels examined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and lipid/MA assays, the chloroform fraction commonly showed the highest level of activity while the ethyl acetate fraction showed relatively high levels of activity. The antioxidant activity levels were proportional to total phenol contents by solvent fraction. As for antidiabetic effects, all solvent fractions showed at least 50% ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activity levels while the ethyl acetate, butanol, and chloroform fractions showed high levels activity of $90.33{\pm}0.40$, $87.98{\pm}0.16$, and $86.38{\pm}0.51%$, respectively. The ${\alpha}-amylase$ inhibitory actively levels were in the range of $25.63{\pm}1.45{\sim}60.34{\pm}2.67%$, which was lower than the ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activity levels, but the inhibitory activity levels by solvent fraction were similar. Given the above study results, ice plant can be utilized as a natural material with antioxidative and antidiabetic functionality.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.95-111
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• 2012

This study investigated the relationship between the geochemical environment and the occurrence of natural radioactive materials (uranium and Rn-222) in borehole groundwater at an Icheon site. The drill core recovered from the study site consists mainly of biotite granite with basic dykes. The groundwater samples were collected at four different depths in the borehole using the double-packed system. The pH range of the groundwater was 6.5~8.6, and the chemical type was Ca-$HCO_3$. The ranges of uranium and Rn-222 concentrations in the groundwater were 8.81~1,101 ppb and 5,990~11,970 pCi/L, respectively, and concentrations varied greatly with depth and collection time. The ranges of uranium and thorium contents in drill core were 0.53~18.3 ppm and 6.66~17.5 ppm, respectively. Microscope observations and electron microprobe analyses revealed the presence of U and Th as substituted elements for major composition of monazite, ilmenite, and apatite within K-feldspar and biotite. Although the concentration of uranium and thorium in the drill core was not high, the groundwater contained a high level of natural radioactive materials. This finding indicates that physical factors, such as the degree of fracturing of an aquifer and the groundwater flow rate, have a greater influence on the dissolution of radioactive materials than does the geochemical condition of the groundwater and rock. The origin of Rn-222 can be determined indirectly, using an interrelationship diagram of noble gas isotopes ($^3He/^4He$ and $^4He/^{20}Ne$).