• 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.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.474-485
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• 2024

The purposes of this study were to isolate the potential Lacticaseibacillus spp. from the feces of infants before weaning, to investigate the safety of antibiotics resistance and beta-haemolysis, and to evaluate the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects between the selected strains and Oenanthe javanica (Oj) fermented by them. As a result of analyzing the intestinal microbial community among the stools of four infants, the genus Bifidobacterium was the most dominant, but Lacticaseibacillus (L.) rhamnosus was the most frequently isolated because of the easy culture. Nine test strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG (ATCC 53103) as the positive control, were sensitive against 8 kinds of antibiotics without vancomycin in comparison with the cut-off values at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and there was no hemolysis. In the antibacterial activity experiment, the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L22-FR28 (L28, KACC 92513P) strain and Oj+L28 ferment showed significantly (p<0.05) higher activities than LGG against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, these decreased the activity of the NF-kB/AP-1 transcription factor and inhibited the nitric oxide and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) produced in macrophage RAW cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Consequently, the L. rhamnosus L28 strain and Oenanthe javanica+L. rhamnosus L28 (Oj+L28) ferment selected with the high anti-inflammatory effect will improve health functionality after more research, such as the verification of animal level and identification of mechanism on an anti-inflammatory.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.277-292
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• 2024

In order to manage large-scale forest fires concentrated in Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do with severe topographical heterogeneity, a decision-making process through efficient and rapid damage assessment using satellite images is essential. Accordingly, this study targets a large-scale forest fire that ignited in Gangneung and the Donghae, Gangwon-do on March 5, 2022, and was extinguished around 19:00 on March 8, to estimate the fire severity using dNBR and derive environmental factors that affect the grade. As environmental factors, we quantified the regular vegetation index representing vegetation or fuel type, the forest index that classifies tree species, the regular moisture index representing moisture content, and DEM in relation to topography, and then analyzed the correlation with the fire severity. In terms of fire severity, the widest range was 'Unbured' at 52.4%, followed by low severity at 42.9%, medium-low severity at 4.3%, and medium-high severity at 0.4%. Environmental factors showed a negative correlation with dNDVI and dNDWI, and a positive correlation with slope. Regarding vegetation, the differences between coniferous, broad-leaved, and other groups in dNDVI, dNIWI, and slope, which were analyzed to affect the fire severity, were analyzed to be significant with p-value < 2.2e-16. In particular, the difference between coniferous and broad-leaved forests was clear, and it was confirmed that coniferous forest suffered more damage than broad-leaved forest due to the higher fire severity in the Gangwon-do region, including Pinus densiflora, which are dominant species, as well as P. koraiensis, P. rigida and P. thunbergii.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.293-309
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• 2024

This study was conducted to provide basic data on the structure of the Carpinus turczaninowii community and the characteristics of the habitat environment for ex situ conservation. To identify the current ecological environment, 27 plots (each measuring 100m²) were selected for analyzing the detailed structure of plant communities in Anmyondo Isl.(Jungjangri San 14-217), Hwanggumsan Mt., Gayasan Mt.(Wonhyobong) and Palbongsan Mt.. The research methodology employed in this study was qualitative analysis. The TWINSPAN classification yielded a total of seven distinct communities. Group I represents the C. turczaninowii - Quercus mongolica community, Group II represents the C. turczaninowii - Pinus densiflora community, Group III represents the C. turczaninowii - P. densiflora community, Group IV represents the C. turczaninowii - Q. mongolica community, Group V represents the C. turczaninowii - Q. variabilis community, Group VI represents the C. turczaninowii - Prunus serrulata Lindl. var. pubescens community, and Group VII represents the C. turczaninowii - Styrax japonicus community. The species diversity ranged from 0.8056 to 1.1568, the importance value ranged from 0.1214 to 0.3024, and the similarity index ranged from 9.37% to 36.36%. Based on the correlation analysis of six environmental factors for the seven communities using RDA ordination, the results indicate that on the first axis, Altitude, Crown density, Bare rock, and Slope exhibited a positive correlation. In the C. turczaninowii - P. densiflora community (Group III) and C. turczaninowii - Q. mongolica community (Group IV), altitude, bare rock, and slope were analyzed as factors influencing vegetation distribution. In the C. turczaninowii - Q. variabilis community (Group V), C. turczaninowii - P. serrulata Lindl. var. pubescens community (Group VI), and C. turczaninowii - S. japonicus community (Group VII), crown density was analyzed as a factor influencing vegetation distribution.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.637-656
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• 2023

River estuaries are dynamic and productive ecosystems with high regional biodiversity. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has become a useful approach to assessing biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. This study was conducted to investigate fish community characteristics and species diversity in two river estuary ecosystems, the Taehwa River and Changwon Stream. We further compared conventional and eDNA metabarcoding analyses of the fish communities. The conventional survey was performed in May, July, and October 2022, while the eDNA analysis was conducted only in May. We observed various fish species with different life histories, including carp, goby, and marine fish. We also found that migratory fish, such as dace Tribolodon hakonensis, sweetfish Plecoglossus altivelis, and eel Auguilla japonica, occurred in the Taehwa River, suggesting high river connectivity. Marine fish species were predominant in the Changwon Stream, as this river is located close to the sea. The diversity indices showed that the Taehwa River generally had higher species richness, evenness, and diversity values than the Changwon Stream. A total of 9-19 species were detected in the conventional survey for the three sites, whereas 11-18 species were found from eDNA analysis. The findings indicate that the sensitivity of eDNA was similar to or higher than that of the conventional method. Our study findings suggest the efficiency and efficacy of eDNA-based fish community monitoring, although with some shortcomings in applying the genetic marker to Korean fish, including no clear-cut distinction for Korean endemic species and/or genetically closely related species groups.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.75
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• pp.83-102
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• 2023

Purpose of Research: The purpose of this study is to emphasize that the understanding of the elderly must change to a more positive one as a way to resolve social problems caused by aging. And this study proposes understanding and education about the human rights of the elderly as one of the measures. Research Contents and Methods: The research aims to achieve its purpose through the following contents and methods. First, this study examines the issue of elder abuse that occurs in old age to understand the importance of human rights for the elderly in the context of aging. One of the causes of elder abuse is the lack of understanding of the human rights of the elderly. What are the rights of the elderly? To this end, the text explains the understanding of the human rights of the elderly according to UNESCO, as well as the policy on the human rights of the elderly in Korea. Based on this, the importance of human rights education for the elderly was argued. This is because an increase in awareness has a significant impact on improving the human rights of the elderly. In particular, this study argues that the church is also affected by the aging phenomenon. Therefore, it is argued that the church should also take an interest in the human rights of the elderly. And it was emphasized that human rights education for the elderly should be approached from a Christian perspective. Results/Conclusions: In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of protecting the human rights of the elderly and proposes three aspects of christian human rights for the elderly. First, there is a need for self-dignity education for the elderly. Second, it is necessary to learn about and empathize with the lives of the elderly in order to recognize and respect their rights across different generations. Third, education on mutual respect was proposed as a means to alleviate conflicts between the elderly and other generations, and to promote harmony and respect for rights. It is believed that this will play an important role in bridging the generation gap caused by aging. Unfortunately, this study has a limitation in that it does not address methodological approaches and education, as it primarily focuses on theoretical proposals. Therefore, it is hoped that further studies will continue to be conducted to develop specific alternatives aimed at enhancing the human rights of the elderly.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.57 no.8
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• pp.509-518
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• 2024

Flash drought is a rapid-onset drought that occurs rapidly over a short period due to abrupt changes in meteorological and environmental factors. In this study, we utilized satellite-based soil moisture product from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-2(AMSR2) ascending X-band to calculate the weekly Flash Drought Intensity Index (FDII). We also analyzed the characteristics of flash droughts on the Korean Peninsula over a 10-year period from 2013 to 2022. The analysis of monthly spatial distribution patterns of the irrigation period across the Korean Peninsula revealed significant variations. In North Korea (NK), a substantial increase in the rate of intensification (FD_INT) was observed due to the rapid depletion of soil moisture, whereas South Korea (SK) experienced a significant increase in drought severity (DRO_SEV). Additionally, regional time series analysis revealed that both FD_INT and DRO_SEV were significantly high in the Gangwon province of both NK and SK. The estimation of probability density by region revealed a clear difference in FD_INT between NK and SK, with SK showing a higher probability of severe drought occurrence primarily due to the high values of DRO_SEV. As a result, it is inferred that the occurrence frequency and damage of flash droughts in NK are higher than those in SK, as indicated by the higher density of large FDII values in the NK region. We analyzed the correlation between DRO_SEV and the Evaporative Stress Index (ESI) across the Korean Peninsula and confirmed a positive correlation ranging from 0.4 to 0.6. It is concluded that analyzing overall drought conditions through the average drought severity holds high utility. These findings are expected to contribute to understanding the characteristics of flash droughts on the Korean Peninsula and formulating post-event response plans.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.504-510
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• 2024

Background: As a physiological function of body, immunity can maintain health by identifying itself and excluding others. With economic development and increasingly fierce social competition, the number of sub-healthy population is gradually increasing, and the most basic problem exposed is human hypoimmunity. Hypoimmunity can be manifested as often feeling tired, catching colds, mental depression, etc. In order to enhance immunity, eating healthy foods with the effect of enhancing immunity may become an effective choice. KRG has pharmacological effects of enhancing immunity. Because the screening and evaluation method of immune population are not unified, there are relatively few KRG immunity tests for sub-health population. It is of great significance to study the effect of KRG on people with hypoimmunity to improve sub-health status. Methods: This was a 180-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. According to the trial scheme design, 119 qualified subjects were included and randomly divided into the test group taking KRG and the placebo control group. Subjects need to check safety indicators (blood pressure and heart rate, blood routine, liver and kidney function, urine routine and stool routine) and efficacy indicators (main and secondary) inspection at baseline, efficacy indicators inspection during the mid-term of the test (90th days of administration), safety and efficacy indicators inspection after the test (180th days of administration). Results: After the test, the safety indicators of placebo control group and KRG test group were basically within the normal range, and there is no significant difference in fireness score between the two groups. Through follow-up interviews, it was found that the subjects in the test group and the control group had no adverse reactions and allergic reactions such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain during the test period. Self-comparison of the test group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were significantly improved in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) CD3 and CD4/CD8 increased significantly after the test (P < 0.05), (3) IgG, IgA, IgM and WBC increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) TNF-α decreased significantly in the midterm (P < 0.05), IFN-γ decreased significantly in the mid-term (P < 0.01), (2) NK increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), (3) monocyte increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01). Inter-group comparison of the test group and the control group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) IgA of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) WBC of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05); (2) monocytes of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), neutrophils of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Taking KRG has no adverse effects on the health of the subjects. According to the standard of clinical trial scheme, the immune related health scores and IgA in the main efficacy indicators were positive, which shows that KRG is helpful in enhancing human immunity.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.49
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• pp.187-227
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• 2024

The purpose of this article is to examine the prospects of the religious cultural experience program of Daesoon Jinrihoe by referring to the current status of Korea's Buddhist temple stays, which began with the 2002 World Cup and have become a regular program for the general public with the establishment of the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism in 2004. The motivation for Korean participation is mainly rest, while foreigners tend to be more interested in Korean traditional culture. During the experience, the perceived value felt by the participants led to satisfaction and an intention to revisit. Temple stays have contributed to the globalization of Korean Buddhism. The temple stay of Daesoon Jinrihoe is a religious cultural experience program for the public. If it became a regular program, the target could be expanded to include foreigners who wish to experience Korean culture. The activities such as wearing Hanbok, taking a Dojang Tour, praying, and dialogue over tea can be allocated to the program. As a result, the perceived value by participants could be taken as a cognitive value. For instance, they could learn about Sangje's Reordering of the Universe that transformed the order of Sanggeuk (Mutual Contention) into the order of Sangsaeng (Mutual Beneficence). They way that they live their lives could change as a result of these new understandings. The emotional value of the experience would come from experiencing traditional Korean religious culture. The prospect of implementing such a program is twofold: firstly, there are the tasks of proper preparation, and secondly, there are the positive effects. The tasks would first involve creating a systematic and organized center point. Next there would be the matter of preparing spaces for the temple stay, and lastly, an online platform for advertisement, recruitment, and application would also be greatly beneficial. This is a vision that could contribute to the improving public image of the order, its globalization, and to the overall improvement of the facilities and management that would produce a more socially friendly environment.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2024

Background: This study aims to determine the association between the number of remaining teeth and oral health-related quality of life according to economic activity status in elderly. Methods: Data from the 9th Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) were used to analyze 6,004 older adults aged 59 years and older. The number of remaining teeth was categorized as less than 20 and more than 20, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used to measured the oral health-related quality of life of the elderly. Independent t-tests were performed to compare demographic, economic, sociodemographic, and health characteristics, as well as GOHAI scores, between economically active and inactive individuals. In the case of ANOVA analysis, Scheffe's post hoc analysis was performed to confirm statistical significance between groups. Linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of the number of remaining teeth on GOHAI according to economic activity status. Results: Among the study population, 33.9% were economically active, which is approximately half the proportion of those were not economically active. The mean GOHAI scores were 43.32 and 40.15 for economically active and economically inactive individuals with 20 or more residual teeth, respectively (p<0.001). Simple linear regression analysis revealed that having more than 20 remaining teeth was associated with a statistically significant increase in GOHAI by approximately 4.56 times and 4.92 times compared to having fewer than 20 teeth for economically active and non-economically active individuals, respectively (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis, adjusted for demographic, economic, sociodemographic, and health characteristics, showed that having more than 20 remaining teeth was associated with a statistically significant increase in GOHAI by approximately 3.62 and 2.97 times compared to having fewer than 20 teeth in economically active and non-economically active individuals, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study explored economic activity status as one of several approaches to enhance the oral health-related quality of life of the elderly. By using the number of remaining teeth as an indicator of oral health status. supporting economic activity could potentially improve both oral health and overall quality of life for older individuals. Such interventions may have positive effects on policy outcomes, including reducing economic inequality by promoting economic engagement among the elderly.