• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.95-101
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• 2024

In this study, we investigated the migration level of items specified in the Korean Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers, and Packages (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Notification) for 50 utensils and hygiene products made of biodegradable resins. Our results revealed that one Polylactide (PLA) baby tableware contained 20 mg/L in consumption of potassium permanganate, exceeding the standard of 10 mg/L or less. In all other samples, formaldehyde, lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) levels could be considered very safe and remained below the standard. Moreover, we tested the PLA baby tablewares (n = 21) for migration into a food simulant (4% v/v acetic acid) upon repeated elution at 100℃ for 30 min or UV irradiation for 2 h. We detected increased formaldehyde and As amounts at the repeated 100℃ treatment for 30 min compared to those upon repeated UV irradiation. However, the migration level was markedly low under both conditions. Furthermore, the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) calculated on an infant-to-child basis from the formaldehyde and As migration at 100℃ for 30 min in the PLA sample was at the maximum value, i.e., 6.0×10^-4 mg/kg b.w./day and 1.3×10^-1 ㎍/kg b.w./day, corresponding to 0.40% and 10.42% of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI, 0.15 mg/kg b.w./day) and Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI, 9.0 ㎍/kg b.w./week), respectively. Therefore, in this study, we confirmed that biodegradable synthetic resins are safe to use for food.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.293-300
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• 2024

On October 31, 2023, the revision of the Medical Technologist Act made it mandatory to complete field training courses in order to obtain a license as a radiologic technologist. Therefore, we would like to survey the actual situation of field training in medical institutions to inform the revised Medical Technologist Act and propose improvement measures to increase the effectiveness of field training. A survey was conducted from March to April, 2023, among radiologic technologists working in medical institutions. The questionnaire was sent through a form on a domestic portal site, Company N, and 120 respondents completed it. Eighty-two respondents, or 68.3 percent, had experience in educating on-the-job training students. 58% of the respondents were aware of the fact that the amendment to the Act on Medical Technologist etc. made field training mandatory to obtain a radiologic technologist license. In accordance with Article 9 of the Medical Technologist Act, which prohibits unlicensed persons from practicing, 50% of the respondents were aware that those who are in training to complete an education course equivalent to the license they are seeking to obtain at a university or other institution are allowed to practice as medical Technologists. When asked what is currently taught during fieldwork, 6% of respondents said that they are required to perform radiation-generating activities in addition to observing, guiding patients, and positioning and moving patients. When asked about the future direction of education as fieldwork becomes mandatory for licensure, 77% of respondents said that they will teach more than they currently do. When asked about the appropriate total length of fieldwork, 35% said 12 weeks and 480 hours, 33% said 8 weeks and 320 hours, and 27% said 16 weeks and 640 hours. It can be seen that the current on-the-job training is inadequate according to various regulations, and students' satisfaction is low. However, with the revision of the Act on Medical Technologists, field training has become mandatory to obtain a license as a radiologist, and it is necessary to improve the educational conditions of field training. Therefore, it is necessary to comply with the Nuclear Safety Act and the Rules on the Safety Management of Diagnostic Radiation Generating Devices, introduce standardized training objectives and evaluation systems, designate training hospitals and radiologists in charge of training, and introduce extended training periods and simulation exercises to internalize field training.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.583-603
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• 2023

Recently, the advancement of mechanical tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology and the characteristics of subsea railway tunnels subjected to hydrostatic pressure have led to the widespread application of shield TBM methods in the design and construction of subsea railway tunnels. Subsea railway tunnels are exposed in a constant pore water pressure and are influenced by the amplification of seismic waves during earthquake. In particular, seismic loads acting on subsea railway tunnels under various ground conditions such as soft ground, soft soil-rock composite ground, and fractured zones can cause significant changes in tunnel displacement and stress, thereby affecting tunnel safety. Additionally, the dynamic response of the ground and tunnel varies based on seismic load parameters such as frequency characteristics, seismic waveform, and peak acceleration, adding complexity to the behavior of the ground-tunnel structure system. In this study, a finite difference method is employed to model the entire ground-tunnel structure system, considering hydrostatic pressure, for the investigation of dynamic behavior of subsea railway tunnel during earthquake. Since the key factors influencing the dynamic behavior during seismic events are ground conditions and seismic waves, six analysis cases are established based on virtual ground conditions: Case-1 with weathered soil, Case-2 with hard rock, Case-3 with a composite ground of soil and hard rock in the tunnel longitudinal direction, Case-4 with the tunnel passing through a narrow fault zone, Case-5 with a composite ground of soft soil and hard rock in the tunnel longitudinal direction, and Case-6 with the tunnel passing through a wide fractured zone. As a result, horizontal displacements due to earthquakes tend to increase with an increase in ground stiffness, however, the displacements tend to be restrained due to the confining effects of the ground and the rigid shield segments. On the contrary, peak compressive stress of segment significantly increases with weaker ground stiffness and the effects of displacement restrain contribute the increase of peak compressive stress of segment.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.69 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2024

This experiment was conducted at the affiliated farm of the Suncheon University from 2022 to 2023 to investigate the growth, yield, and quality characteristics of soybeans based on the treatment method of Methyl Sulfony Methane (MSM) for the establishment of stable production practices. In the initial investigation of growth characteristics in 2022, an increasing trend in characteristics such as plant height, stem thickness, and branching index was observed as the treatment concentration increased from 50% to 200%. Yield components also followed the same trend, with the basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 200% treatment showing the highest yield at 355 kg·10a^-1, with the highest number of pods. In the subsequent study to determine the optimal concentration exceeding 200% in 2023, growth characteristics showed a trend of 400% > 200% > 800%. The basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% treatment exhibited the longest plant height (106.7 cm) and the most branches (6). In terms of seed quality, this treatment also had the highest proportion (66.9%) of seeds with a diameter over 6.7 mm. Additionally, in yield components such as pods, seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight, the basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% treatment showed the highest values, resulting in a maximum yield of 374 kg·10a^-1, representing a 23.4% increase compared to the control. Therefore, for the optimal production of high-quality soybeans, it is recommended to apply the treatment of basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% concentration, with top dressing occurring at 30-day intervals before harvest.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.484-497
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• 2024

Neonicotinoid pesticides, widely used worldwide as potent insecticides, have been found to have detrimental effects on the environment and living organisms due to their persistent residues. This study aimed to investigate the neonicotinoid pesticides, imidacloprid, and clothianidin, focusing on their impact on honey bee toxicity and foliar residue levels. Alfalfa was selected as control crop while bell peppers, and cucumbers were chosen as representative application crops, respectively. The investigation involved comparing the toxicity and foliar residue levels resulting from soil and foliar treatments, with a focus on identifying potential shortcomings in conventional foliar residue toxicity testing methods. Imidacloprid and clothianidin were applied to crops or soil at recommended rates and through irrigation. The honey bee mortality rate (RT₂₅) over time was determined, and pesticide residues on leaves were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that foliar treatment with imidacloprid on alfalfa resulted in an RT₂₅ of less than 1 day, with residues ranging from 1.07 to 19.27 mg/kg. In contrast, application on bell peppers showed RT₂₅ within 9 days, with residues ranging from 1.00 to 45.10 mg/kg. Clothianidin foliar treatment displayed RT₂₅ within 10 days on alfalfa, with residues between 0.61 and 2.57 mg/kg. On bell peppers, RT₂₅ was within 28 days, with residues ranging from 0.13 to 2.85 mg/kg. Soil treatment with imidacloprid and clothianidin in alfalfa exhibited minimal impact on honey bees and residues of 0.05 to 0.37 mg/kg. However, in applied crops, imidacloprid showed RT₂₅ within 28 days and residues ranging from 4.47 to 130.43 mg/kg, while clothianidin exhibited RT₂₅ within 35 days and residues between 5.96 and 42.32 mg/kg. In conclusion, when comparing honey bee toxicity and foliar residues among crops, application crops had a more significant impact on honey bee mortality and higher residue levels compared to control crops. Moreover, soil treatment for application crops resulted in higher RT₂₅ and residue levels compared to foliar treatment. Therefore, to ensure pesticide safety and environmental sustainability, diverse research approaches considering different crops and application methods are necessary for the safety assessment of imidacloprid and clothianidin.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2024

Smilax china is known for its excellent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a foundational study for applying the functionality of Smilax china extracts to cosmetics, it is necessory to investigate the concentration-dependent skin permation characteristics of the flavonoids in the extract, namely quercetin, catechin, and naringenin. Therefore, it serves as a crucial method for conducting this basic research on the functional aspects fo Smilax china extracts for cosmetic applications. This investigation focused on examining the percutaneous permeability characteristics of flavonoids originating from Smilax china. Applying Marzulli's definition, the Kp value of quercetin was categorized as "fast" at 0.1 mg/mL and "moderate" at 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL. Notably, the permeation rate exhibited a decline with increasing concentration. For naringenin, Flux values were 0.69, 1.07, and 1.42 ㎍/hr/cm² at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding Kp values of 6.95, 5.34, and 3.56. Naringenin's Kp value fell into the "moderate" category across all concentrations, and as observed with quercetin, the permeation rate decreased with higher concentrations. Likewise, for catechin, Flux values were 0.75, 1.09, and 1.66 ㎍/hr/cm², and corresponding Kp values were 7.55, 5.46, and 4.16. Catechin's Kp value was consistently classified as "moderate" across all concentrations. The efficacy of quercetin, catechin, and naringenin, active ingredients in high-performance and anti-inflammatory Smilax china extracts, was found to exhibit skin penetration properties above the average. This confirms their suitability as excellent natural materials for use in functional cosmetics, given their outstanding capabilities in preventing acne and reducing inflammation.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.371-382
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• 2023

This study aimed to estimate optimal treatment for enhancing the germination rate and disinfections effect of organic wheat varieties, Jokyung, Geumgang, Saegumgang, and Baekgang using hot water treatment and lime sulfur mixture. Before disinfection, the germination rates of the seeds averaged 86.3±2.5% to 87.5±2.9%, while the infection levels caused by fungi and bacteria were observed to be 22.5±2.9% to 38.3±2.5% and 18.8±4.8% to 23.8±2.5%, respectively. The germination rates of four wheat varieties under hot water treatments were either the same or higher compared to untreated seeds. As the temperature and treatment time of hot water treatment increased, the contamination levels of fungi and bacteria decreased. The optimal hot water treatment for the seeds was observed at 55℃ for 10 minutes, resulting in germination rates averaging 90.0±0.0% to 97.5±2.9%, which were either the same or higher than untreated seeds. The disinfection effectiveness against fungi and bacteria was high, averaging 83.3~93.5% and 100%, respectively. Additionally, an investigation was conducted on the germination rates and microbial disinfection efficacy of 0.2% and 0.4% lime-sulfur mixture with varying treatment times, 3 to10 minutes for each wheat variety. As the treatment time elapsed, no significant differences in germination rates were observed among four wheat varieties. However, the germination rates were higher compared to the untreated group (86.3~87.5%), and the optimal treatment time was found to be 7 minutes or 10 minutes, resulting in an average reduction of 90.0~96.0% in contamination levels of fungi and bacteria. Therefore, the germination rates and disinfection effects varied depending on the treatment conditions of hot water treatment and lime-sulfur mixture applied for the disinfection of the four varieties of organic wheat seeds. However, it is considered that treating the seeds with hot water treatment at 55℃ for 10 minutes or with 0.2% or 0.4% lime-sulfur compound for 10 minutes enhances germination rates and reduces the contamination rate of fungi and bacteria compared to untreated seeds. Thus, these environmentally friendly seed disinfection technologies are likely to be highly useful in agricultural fields.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.422-430
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• 2023

The nutrient-rich and climate-resilient finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a relatively new crop on the agricultural landscape. The present study explores the agronomic characteristics and antioxidant activities of grains and cookies produced from 'Finger1ho,' which was the first finger millet variety developed in South Korea. With heightened calcium content (314 mg/100 g) and polyphenol levels, 'Finger1ho' exhibited superior radical scavenging activities compared to other millets. The investigation assessed the impact of whole finger millet flour at varying concentrations (0, 10, 30, 50, and 100%) on cookie properties. Increasing the substitution of finger millet flour in the cookie formulation resulted in a notable rise in calcium content, ranging from 1.8 times at 10% to an impressive 10.8 times at 100%, surpassing the levels found in conventional wheat cookies. Conversely, the sodium (Na) levels in finger millet cookies demonstrated minimal variations, presenting a potentially favorable aspect in addressing the high Na intake prevalent in the South Korean diet. Notably, the antioxidant activity, assessed through ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays, exhibited a significant elevation compared to the control. This increase in antioxidant activity was directly proportional to the quantity of finger millet incorporated (p<0.001), indicating the potential health benefits associated with higher levels of finger millet in the cookie formulation. This study highlights finger millet's potential as a beneficial ingredient, enhancing both consumer acceptability and the functional attributes of cookies. Notably, cookies with 10% to 50% added finger millet exhibited significantly superior quality characteristics compared to controls, suggesting promising avenues for health-functional cookie development.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.127-139
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• 2024

Climate change has increased extreme weather events likewise heatwaves, heavy rain, and drought. Unlike other natural disaster, drought is a slowly developing phenomenon and thus drought damage increases as the drought continues. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the characteristics and mechanism of drought occurrence. Agricultural drought occurs when the water supply needed by crops becomes insufficient due to lack of soil water. Therefore, soil water is used as a key variable affecting agricultural drought. In this study, we examined the spatio-temporal distribution and trends of drought across the Korean Peninsula by determining the soil available water content (SAWC) through a model that integrated soil, meteorological, and crop data. Moreover, an investigation into the correlation between meteorological variables and the SAWC was conducted to assess how meteorological characteristics influence the nature of drought occurrences. During the soybean cultivation period, the average SAWC was lowest in 2018 at 88.6% and highest in 2021 at 103.2%. Analysis of the spatial distribution of SAWC by growth stage revealed that the lowest SAWC occurred during the flowering stage (S3) in 2018, during the leaf extension stage (S2) in 2019, during the seedling stage (S1) in 2020, again during the flowering stage (S3) in 2021, and during the seedling stage (S1) in 2022. Based on the average SAWC across different growth stages, the frequency of upland drought was the highest at 22 times during the S3 in 2018. The lowest SAWC was primarily influenced by a significant negative correlation with rainfall and evapotranspiration, whereas the highest SAWC showed a significant positive correlation with rainfall and relative humidity, and a significant negative correlation with reference evapotranspiration.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.230-245
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• 2024

Amphibians, sensitive to external environmental changes, serve as bioindicator species for assessing alterations or disturbances in local ecosystems. It is known that one-third of amphibian species within the order Anura are at risk of extinction due to anthropogenic threats such as habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by urbanization. To develop effective protection and conservation strategies for anuran amphibians, species surveys that account for population characteristics are essential. This study aimed to investigate the potential for citizen participation in ecological monitoring using the mating calls of anura species. We also proposed suitable quality control measures to mitigate errors and biases, ensuring the extraction of reliable species occurrence data. The Citizen Science project was carried out nationwide from April 1 to August 31, 2022, targeting 12 species of anura amphibians in Korea. Citizens voluntarily participated in voice signal monitoring, where they listened to anura species' mating calls and recorded them using a mobile application. Additionally, we established a quality control process to extract reliable species occurrence data, categorizing errors and biases from citizen-collected data into three levels: omission, commission, and incorrect identification. A total of 6,808 observations were collected during the citizen participation in anura species vocalization monitoring. Through the quality control process, errors and biases were identified in 1,944 (28.55%) of the 6,808 data. The most common type of error was omission, accounting for 922 cases (47.43%), followed by incorrect identification with 540 cases (27.78%), and commission with 482 cases (24.79%). During the Citizen Science project, we successfully recorded the mating calls of 10 out of the 12 anuran amphibian species in Korea, excluding the Asian toads (Bufo gargarizans Cantor), Korean brown frog (Rana coreana). Difficulties in collecting mating calls were primarily attributed to challenges in observing due to population decline or discrepancies between the breeding season of non-emergent individuals and the timing of the citizen science project. This study represents the first investigation of distribution status and species emergence data collection through mating calls of anura species in Korea based on citizen participation. It can serve as a foundation for designing future bioacoustic monitoring that incorporates citizen science and quality control measures for citizen science data.