• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.844-861
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• 2019

Over the last few years, marine environment was found to be a source of surplus natural products and microorganisms with new bioactive secondary metabolites of interest which can divulge nutritional and biological impact on the host. This study aims to assess the possible, inherent and functional probiotic properties of a novel probiotic strain Enterococcus durans F3 (E. durans F3) isolated from the gut of fresh water fish Catla catla. Parameters for evaluating and describing the probiotics described in FAD/WHO guidelines were followed. E. durans F3 demonstrated affirmative results including simulated bile, acid and gastric juice tolerance with exhibited significant bactericidal effect against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This can be due to the enterocin produced by E. durans F3 strain, which was resolute by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel with amplification of the anticipated fragment of a structural gene; enterocin A, followed by antibiotic susceptibility assessment. Effective antioxidant potentiality against ${\alpha}$-diphenyl-${\alpha}$-picrylhydrazyl free radicals including lipase, bile salt hydrolase activity with auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity was similarly observed. Results are proving the potentiality of E. durans F3, which can also be used as probiotic starter culture in dairy industries for manufacturing new products that imparts health benefits to the host. Finding the potent and novel probiotic strains will also satisfy the current developing market demand for probiotics.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate sub-health status (SHS) of people living in China during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection-induced acute infectious disease, which is featured by universal susceptibility and strong infectivity, and SHS (a status of low quality health) refers to a status of low-quality health. COVID-19 has gradually developed into a global pandemic, making the public in a high stress situation in physiological, psychological and social states in the short term. Methods: From March 6 to 11, 2020, a large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted by convenient sampling, and SHS assessment scale was used in the questionnaire. The ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting SHS. Results: In this study, 17,078 questionnaires were delivered with 16,820 effective questionnaires collected, and 10,715 subjects (63.7%) were found with SHS, with moderate SHS primarily. Physiological sub-scale scored the highest, followed by psychological and social sub-scales. Ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that man, only-child, workers and farmers were risk factors of SHS. Protective factors of SHS included living in rural areas and townships, laid-off retirees and education degree. Conclusion: It shows many people in China place in a poor health status during COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary that relevant departments pay more attention to people with poor health such as men, only-child, urban people, workers and farmers, and groups with high education degree during and after pandemic stabilization.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.439-452
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• 2022

A forecast of slope behavior during catastrophic events, such as earthquakes is crucial to recognize the risk of slope failure. This paper endeavors to eliminate the significant supposition of predefined slip surfaces in the slope stability analysis, which questions the relevance of simple conventional methods under seismic conditions. To overcome such limitations, a methodology dependent on the slip line hypothesis, which permits an automatic generation of slip surfaces, is embraced to trace the extreme slope face under static and seismic conditions. The effect of earthquakes is considered using the pseudo-static approach. The current outcomes developed from a parametric study endorse a non-linear slope surface as the extreme profile, which is in accordance with the geomorphological aspect of slopes. The proposed methodology is compared with the finite element limit analysis to ensure credibility. Through the design charts obtained from the current investigation, the stability of slopes can be assessed under seismic conditions. It can be observed that the extreme slope profile demands a flat configuration to endure the condition of the limiting equilibrium at a higher level of seismicity. However, a concurrent enhancement in the shear strength of the slope medium suppresses this tendency by offering greater resistance to the seismic inertial forces induced in the medium. Unlike the traditional linear slopes, the extreme slope profiles mostly exhibit a steeper layout over a significant part of the slope height, thus ensuring a more optimized solution to the slope stability problem. Further, the susceptibility of the Longnan slope failure in the Huining-Wudu seismic belt is predicted using the current plasticity approach, which is found to be in close agreement with a case study reported in the literature. Finally, the concept of equivalent single or multi-tiered planar slopes is explored through an example problem, which exhibits the appropriateness of the proposed non-linear slope geometry under actual field conditions.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.344-354
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• 2022

BACKGROUND: Although antibiotics have contributed to treatment of bacterial infection, the antibiotic abuse can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria. Impact of human activities on distribution of antibiotic resistance has been intensively issued and occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in contaminated environments would not be a surprise. Nonetheless, anthropogenic contamination with the dissemination of antibiotic resistance along uncontaminated environments has been less considered. The aim of this study is to investigate antibiotic resistant bacteria across Ulleungdo, known as antibiotic resistance free and anthropogenic pollution free environment in Rep. of Korea. METHODS AND RESULTS: Antibiotic resistant bacteria in coastal seawater of Ulleungdo were investigated in July 2021. Antibiotic susceptibility test using the disk diffusion method was applied with six drugs according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline. Total 43 bacterial isolates were tested and 20 isolates among of them showed multidrug resistance. Particularly, the number and ratio of resistant bacteria were relatively high in a densely populated area of Ulleungdo. The bacterial communities were investigated using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding approach in the coastal seawater and soils of Ulleungdo. In the bacterial communities, Firmicutes were selectively distributed only in seawater, suggesting the possibility of anthropogenic contamination in coastal seawater of Ulleungdo. CONCLUSION(S): We found antibiotic resistant bacteria in a populated area of Ulleungdo. The occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Ulleungdo seems to result from the recent anthropogenic impact. Consistent monitoring of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the uncontaminated environment needs to considered for future risk assessment of antibiotics.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.1537-1546
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• 2021

Objective: To assess the role of arterial spin-labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI in identifying cerebral perfusion changes after indirect revascularization in children with moyamoya disease. Materials and Methods: We included pre- and postoperative perfusion MRI data of 30 children with moyamoya disease (13 boys and 17 girls; mean age ± standard deviation, 6.3± 3.0 years) who underwent indirect revascularization between June 2016 and August 2017. Relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and qualitative perfusion scores for arterial transit time (ATT) effects were evaluated in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory on ASL perfusion MRI. The rCBF and relative time-to-peak (rTTP) values were also measured using dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI. Each perfusion change on ASL and DSC perfusion MRI was analyzed using the paired t test. We analyzed the correlation between perfusion changes on ASL and DSC images using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: The ASL rCBF values improved at both the ganglionic and supraganglionic levels of the MCA territory after surgery (p = 0.040 and p = 0.003, respectively). The ATT perfusion scores also improved at both levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The rCBF and rTTP values on DSC MRI showed significant improvement at both levels of the MCA territory of the operated side (all p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the improvements in rCBF values on the two perfusion images (r = 0.195, p = 0.303); however, there was a correlation between the change in perfusion scores on ASL and rTTP on DSC MRI (r = 0.701, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Recognizing the effects of ATT on ASL perfusion MRI may help monitor cerebral perfusion changes and complement quantitative rCBF assessment using ASL perfusion MRI in patients with moyamoya disease after indirect revascularization.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.49-56
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• 2024

Purpose: The aims were to investigate potential differences in clinical assessments among acute pain-related temporomandibular disorder (TMD) with different concordance value (CV) between number of self-reported painful site (NSP) and number of painful sites on palpation (NPP), and if it makes sense to treat them differently. Methods: A total of 61 patients were divided into three groups according to CV: 10 patients (concordance poor [CP]), 19 patients (concordance moderate [CM]), and 32 patients (concordance high [CH]). Clinical assessments were conducted using a standardized method in diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD). We compared collected information including sex, diagnosis, numerical rating scale (NRS), NPP, NSP, sleep duration, DC/TMD Axis II questionnaire, and perceived stress scale among three groups. Results: Among the clinical assessment, NRS, sleep duration, NPP, NSP, total scores of Oral Behaviors Checklist, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-15, PHQ-9 showed significant differences among 3 groups. NRS, NPP, NSP, PHQ-15, and PHQ-9 were higher in the CP group than in the CM and CH groups. Sleep duration was positively and NPP, NRS were negatively correlated with CV. Conclusions: While previous studies suggested differences between chronic and acute TMD in DC/TMD items, our findings propose the CV might be a key factor that could predict the severity and susceptibility of acute-TMD patients. However, Additional studies are required to determine whether their long-term prognosis was similar to that of chronic pain patients and what the response to treatment was among the three groups.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.68-74
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• 2009

Purpose : We assessed about the measles elimination in Korea according to analyzing national data on measles cases for 2002-2007. Methods : We estimated the effective reproduction number according to the proportion of imported cases and outbreak size. Results : Eleven cases, thirteen cases, six cases, six cases, 25 cases (60.0% were linked to 1 outbreak of 15 cases), and 180 cases (55.6% were linked 11 outbreaks of 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 5, 9, 9, 12, 50 cases) were reported in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. In 2002-2007, R is 0.95 by imported case and 0.43 by outbreak sizes. In 2007, multiple chains of transmission occurred in hospital. Most of cases were below 4 ages and unvaccinated. We didn't find most of the infection source. Conclusion : We should prevent outbreak of susceptibility pocket like nosocomial infection, conduct reliable routine surveillance and epidemiological investigation to solve a problem of the measles elimination.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.179-196
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• 2009

The Gaetaesajiseokbulibsang (Treasure No. 219) consists of light gray and coarse to medium-grained granodiorite with feldspar phenocrysts in part. Magnetic susceptibility of the rock material was measured as 12.06(${\times}10^{-3}$ SI unit), being different from the granite($0.19{\times}10^{-3}$ SI unit) in the Mt. Cheonho. This indicates the raw material has been supplied from the outside. As a result of deterioration assessment, exfoliation of the Right Buddha, cement and dust of the Main Buddha were estimated as 35.2%, 21.1% and 25.0%. The ultrasonic velocity was measured as 2850.2m/s(Main Buddha), 2648.4m/s(Left Buddha) and 2644.5m/s(Right Buddha). The compressive strength calculated from the velocity showed low in the Right Buddha among three and the all pedestal parts which corresponds to the result of deterioration assessment. The indoor mean temperature and relative humidity of the shelter were $13.7^{\circ}C$ and 79.0%. It is evaluated that the indoor microclimate was stable and the shelter functioned to reduce climatic fluctuation of the outdoor. However, water condensation was occurred on the surface of the pedestal part during spring and summer, and freezing in winter season might also be done. These factors were probable to be a main cause of the surface exfoliation of the Triad Buddha Statues. Therefore, dehumidification and heating system in the shelter should be applied to prevent further deterioration.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.705-720
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• 2024

Analyzing the collapse behavior of thin-walled steel structures holds significant importance in ensuring their safety and longevity. Geometric imperfections present on the surface of metal materials can diminish both the durability and mechanical integrity of steel shells. These imperfections, encompassing local geometric irregularities and deformations such as holes, cavities, notches, and cracks localized in specific regions of the shell surface, play a pivotal role in the assessment. They can induce stress concentration within the structure, thereby influencing its susceptibility to buckling. The intricate relationship between the buckling behavior of these structures and such imperfections is multifaceted, contingent upon a variety of factors. The buckling analysis of thin-walled steel shell structures, similar to other steel structures, commonly involves the determination of crucial material properties, including elastic modulus, shear modulus, tensile strength, and fracture toughness. An established method involves the emulation of distributed geometric imperfections, utilizing real test specimen data as a basis. This approach allows for the accurate representation and assessment of the diversity and distribution of imperfections encountered in real-world scenarios. Utilizing defect data obtained from actual test samples enhances the model's realism and applicability. The sizes and configurations of these defects are employed as inputs in the modeling process, aiding in the prediction of structural behavior. It's worth noting that there is a dearth of experimental studies addressing the influence of geometric defects on the buckling behavior of cylindrical steel shells. In this particular study, samples featuring geometric imperfections were subjected to experimental buckling tests. These same samples were also modeled using Finite Element Analysis (FEM), with results corroborating the experimental findings. Furthermore, the initial geometrical imperfections were measured using digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. In this way, the response of the test specimens can be estimated accurately by applying the initial imperfections to FE models. After validation of the test results with FEA, a numerical parametric study was conducted to develop more generalized design recommendations for the stainless-steel shell structures with the initial geometric imperfection. While the load-carrying capacity of samples with perfect surfaces was up to 140 kN, the load-carrying capacity of samples with 4 mm defects was around 130 kN. Likewise, while the load carrying capacity of samples with 10 mm defects was around 125 kN, the load carrying capacity of samples with 14 mm defects was measured around 120 kN.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.325-331
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• 1996

Purpose : To assess the functional change of salivary gland, recovery of salivary destruction, difference of susceptibility to irradiation between the parotid and sub-mandibular gland, correlation between the xerostomia and excretory rate by irradiation in salivary scan using $^{99m}Tc$-pertechnetate in patients with head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods : We evaluated 19 patients with head and neck cancer who had taken $^{99m}Tc$-pertechnetate salivary gland scan before, during and after radiotherapy. We measured the uptake of radioactivity every 5 minutes for 60 minutes after injection of $^{99m}Tc$-pertechnetate(370MBq). We also evaluated the first excretory function stimulated by 5% citric acid at 30 minutes after injection of $^{99m}Tc$-pertechnetate and then the second excretory function stimulated by 10% citric acid at 45 minutes. Results : The mean uptake curves showed a sharp increase at the 1st week of radiotherapy and then showed a gradual decrease afterwards during radiotherapy. And the mean uptake curves after radiotherapy Persistently decreased on follow up scans without being recovered. The excretory rates decreased gradually as radiation dose increased and were not recovered after radiotherapy. Our study was not satisfactory enough to show the difference of susceptibility to irradiation between the parotid and salivary gland and the correlation between the symptom of xerostomia and the change of the excretory rates. Conclusion : The parotid and submandibular gland scans using $^{99m}Tc$-pertechnetate are useful in the assessment of the functional change of the salivary gland by radiotherapy and predicted the functional change of the salivary gland until 1 year-follow up scan.