• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.453-460
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• 2020

Bolboschoenus planiculmis is an important prey species for winter migratory birds in the Nakdong River Estuary region, but its population has declined in the last decade due to a physio-chemical shift. To identify the growth and development characteristics of B. planiculmis, we carried out an experimental survey on the aboveground and belowground sections of B. planiculmis specimens in the Eulsuk tidal flat from April to September 2019. We divided the belowground area into two groups: a vegetation group in which B. planiculmis exists and a non-vegetation group in which B. planiculmis does not exist and measured the rate of tubers. We observed a 45% appearance frequency in the vegetation group and only a 5% frequency in the non-vegetation group, indicating that there were no supplies for plant growth. The mean density, length, and biomass of B. planiculmis aboveground were 166.90±149.62 n m^-2, 44.39±5.45 cm, and 67.63±54.46 g DW m^-2, respectively, which was approximately half of those obtained from the study in the Eulsuk tidal flat in 2002. Tuber number was the highest in the 15~25 cm deep layer(41.50%). The mean number of total tubers belowground was related to different sediment conditions(FS: flat surface, DS: disturbed surface) 251.75±16.86 n pot^-1 for FS and 171.00±25.18 n pot^-1 for DS, which was significantly different(total tubers: p<0.005). The mean biomass of B. planiculmis above-ground was 21.11±1.60 g DW pot^-1 for FS and 15.41±1.38 g DW pot^-1 for DS, which was significantly different(p<0.05). This research provides primary materials for the restoration of the Nakdong River Estuary, wintering sites for migratory birds, and protection of B. planiculmis.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.173-181
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to reduce dose while maintaining image quality during digital radiographic examination of paranasal sinus by using the automatic exposure control (AEC) system. The tube voltage was set as six stages that increased by about 10 kVp to 70 kVp, 81 kVp, 90 kVp, 102 kVp, 109 kVp and 117 kVp. And then the AEC system conditions were consisted of 9 setting environments, that change mode of the sensitivity (S200, S400, S800) and the density (+2.5, 0, -2.5). We measured automatically exposed tube current (mAs) under 54 conditions with combined these, and assessed SNR and PSNR through the acquired images. In addition, four radiologists performed a qualitative assessment of the acquired images for each combination on a five-point scale of the Likert. As a result, the lowest dose and the highest values of SNR and PSNR in images with a qualitative assessment more than 4 point were the AEC control factors of 90 kVp, S800, D2.5. We applied this condition to the clinical trial, it showed an effect of 83.1% reduction in exposure radiation dose (mR). Therefore, AEC system could be used as dose reduction technology if it understood and used related regulatory factors and physical characteristics.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.498-509
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• 2021

Background: A wide range of environmental factors, such as diseases, nutritional deficiencies, ageing, hormonal imbalances, stress, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, may affect the structure and function of the skin that covers the entire surface of the human body. In this study, we investigated roles of red ginseng oil (RGO) in enhancing skin functions, including hair growth and skin protection, using mouse models. Methods: For hair growth experiment, shaved dorsal skins of C57BL/6 mice were topically applied with vehicle, RGO, RGO's major compounds, or minoxidil for consecutive 21 days and skin tissues were examined the hair growth promoting capacity. For skin protection experiment, SKH-1 hairless mice were topically applied with vehicle or RGO twice a day for three days prior to exposure to UVC radiation at 20 kJ/cm². Skin tissues were collected to evaluate skin protective effects of RGO. Results: Topical application of RGO to C57BL/6 mice effectively promoted hair regeneration by inducing early telogen-to-anagen transition and significantly increasing the density and bulb diameter of hair follicles. Major compounds, including linoleic acids and β-sitosterol, contributed to RGO-promoted hair growth. Treatment with RGO as well as its major components upregulated expression of hair growth-related proteins. Furthermore, in SKH-1 hairless mice, RGO had a protective effect against UVC-induced skin damage by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, as well as inducing cytoprotective systems. Conclusion: These data suggest that RGO may be a potent agent for improving skin health and thereby preventing and/or treating hair loss and protecting skin against UV radiation.

• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.189-208
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• 2021

Public library usage is closely related to the accessibility to library facilities. Therefore, public library planning and development authorities should consider the policies for improving the library accessibility of community, for releasing disparities of the spatial accessibility and for increasing location efficiency of public libraries. In this regard, this study strives to analyze the spatial distribution of public libraries in Busan and to derive the regions that lack public libraries by identifying main characteristics using geographical information systems (GIS): identify the blind spot for public library service, analyze the hot and cold spot for the supply of libraries, and identify the vulnerable areas of library based on population density. The result of the study will contribute to understand the spatial distribution of public libraries in Busan and to prioritize sites where public library should be constructed in order to improve the accessibility to public library services.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.819-824
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• 2021

As technologies related to image processing such as autonomous driving and CCTV develop, fog removal algorithms using a single image are being studied to improve the problem of image distortion. As a method of predicting fog density, there is a method of estimating the depth of an image by generating a depth map, and various fog features may be used as training data of the depth map. In addition, it is essential to implement a hardware capable of processing high-definition images in real time in order to apply the fog removal algorithm to actual technologies. In this paper, we implement NLCV (Normalize Local Coefficient of Variation), a feature of fog based on coefficient of variation, in hardware. The proposed hardware is an FPGA implementation of Xilinx's xczu7ev-2ffvc1156 as a target device. As a result of synthesis through the Vivado program, it has a maximum operating frequency of 479.616MHz and shows that real-time processing is possible in 4K UHD environment.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.117-122
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• 2021

Permanent magnet synchronous motors can secure high power density and efficiency, but have problems in that the materials required for manufacturing are expensive and design is somewhat more difficult than induction motors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an optimal motor that considers both efficiency and maintenance convenience and related control research. In addition, driving by a practical motor leads to a request to increase the highest efficiency in a narrow rated range, an increase in average efficiency in the entire electric driving range, and an increase in average output. Due to this movement, a reluctance motor that does not require a permanent magnet is being considered as an alternative. In this paper, in line with the issues of the times that require the development of future technology that can replace rare earth permanent magnet motors and the technological preemption of rare earth reduction motors and rare earth motors, switched reluctance motors without permanent magnet For motor, SRM), modeling through machine language (C language) and the characteristics of SRM accordingly are to be studied.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.459-467
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• 2021

In the majority of countries, the upper limit of buffer temperature in a repository is set to below 100℃ due to the possible illitization. This smectite-to-illite transformation is expected to be detrimental to the swelling functions of the buffer. However, if the upper limit is increased while preventing illitization, the disposal density and cost-effectiveness for the repository will dramatically increase. Thus, understanding the characteristics and creating a database related to the buffer under the elevated temperature conditions is crucial. In this study, a strategy to investigate the bentonite found in Korea under the elevated temperatures from a mineral transformation and radionuclides retardation perspective was proposed. Certain long-term hydrothermal reactions generated the bentonite samples that were utilized for the investigation of their mineral transformation and radionuclide retardation characteristics. The bentonite samples are expected to be studied using in-situ synchrotron-based X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique to determine the smectite-to-illite transformation. Simultaneously, the 'high-temperature and high-pressure mineral alteration measurement system' based on the Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) will control and provide the elevated temperature and pressure conditions during the measurements. The kinetic models, including the Huang and Cuadros model, are expected to predict the time and manner in which the illitization will become detrimental to the performance and safety of the repository. The sorption reactions planned for the bentonite samples to evaluate the effects on retardation will provide the information required to expand the current knowledge of repository optimization.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.376-386
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• 2022

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression by modulating synaptic structural remodeling and functional transmission. Previously, we have demonstrated that the ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) presents a novel antidepressant-like effect via BDNF-TrkB signaling in the hippocampus of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-exposed mice. However, the underlying mechanism through which Rb1 counteracts stress-induced aberrant hippocampal synaptic plasticity via BDNF-TrkB signaling remains elusive. Methods: We focused on hippocampal microRNAs (miRNAs) that could directly bind to BDNF and are regulated by Rb1 to explore the possible synaptic plasticity-dependent mechanism of Rb1, which affords protection against CUMS-induced depression-like effects. Results: Herein, we observed that brain-specific miRNA-134 (miR-134) could directly bind to BDNF 30 UTR and was markedly downregulated by Rb1 in the hippocampus of CUMS-exposed mice. Furthermore, the hippocampus-targeted miR-134 overexpression substantially blocked the antidepressant-like effects of Rb1 during behavioral tests, attenuating the effects on neuronal nuclei-immunoreactive neurons, the density of dendritic spines, synaptic ultrastructure, long-term potentiation, and expression of synapse-associated proteins and BDNF-TrkB signaling proteins in the hippocampus of CUMS-exposed mice. Conclusion: These data provide strong evidence that Rb1 rescued CUMS-induced depression-like effects by modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity via the miR-134-mediated BDNF signaling pathway.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.43-54
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• 2021

This study analysed changes in rural tourism between before and after COVID-19 using LDA topic analysis. In order to understand the changes in rural tourism, blog data including the keyword 'Gochang-gun travel' was used. As a result of LDA topic analysis with blog data retrieved, the study found nine topics in 2019 and 2020. 2019 and 2020 are, generally, consistent in topics, but the three topics related to rural experiential tourism that appeared in 2019 did not appear in 2020. In 2020, three new topics emerged: Beach vacations and campings. New travel activities of noncontact with other people(Untact tourism in Korean context) in the COVID-19 era, and The negative impacts on travel businesses and behaviours from COVID-19. Especially, the adverse effects of COVID-19 have made an enormous decline in rural experience tourism destinations and cancellation of local festivals. On the other hand, new tourism activities have emerged due to COVID-19. Those activities have included camping, drive-thru destinations, and cycling. Ecological and natural tourist sites such as Ungok Wetland, Seonunsan Mountain, Seonunsa Temple, and Gusipo Beach appeared. These tourist destinations have a quiet atmosphere and less density place noncontacting with other people when visiting. Also, because overseas travel has become difficult, long-term stay travel in rural areas has appeared. This study indicates that COVID-19 has less impacted rural tourism than other tourism destinations with these positive and negative impacts.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.266-271
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• 2021

Osteoporosis associated with pregnancy and lactation is a rare disease that can cause osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Patients usually complain of severe back pain, which is easily mistaken for pain due to pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation, making a rapid diagnosis and treatment difficult. The authors diagnosed OVCF related to pregnancy and lactation through a physical examination, simple radiography, whole-body bone scan, magnetic resonance image, bone marrow density, and blood tests in a 29-year-old female patient and a 31-year-old female patient who presented with low back pain. This paper reports two cases of symptom improvement through a teriparatide injection, wearing thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis and taking calcium and vitamin D with a review of the literature.