• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.1023-1029
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• 2023

Biosurfactants reduce surface and interfacial tension due to their amphiphilic properties and are an eco-friendly alternative for chemical surfactants. In this study, a new yeast strain JAF-11 that produces a biosurfactant was selected using drop collapse method, and the properties of the extracts were investigated. The nucleotide sequences of the strain were compared with closely related strains and identified based on the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Neodothiora populina CPC 39399^T, the closest species with strain JAF-11, showed a sequence similarity of 97.75% for LSU and 94.27% for ITS, respectively. The result suggests that the strain JAF-11 represents a distinct species that cannot be assigned to any existing genus or species in the family Dothideaceae. Strain JAF-11 produced a biosurfactant reducing the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to 34.5 mN/m on the sixth day of culture and the result of measuring the critical micelle concentration (CMC) by extracting the crude biosurfactant was found to be 24 mg/l. The molecular weight 502 of the purified biosurfactant was confirmed by measuring the fast atom bombardment mass spectrum. The chemical structure was analyzed by measuring ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ¹³C NMR, and two-dimensional NMRs of the compound. The molecular formula was C₂₆H₄₆O₉, and it was composed of one octanoyl group and two hexanoyl groups to myo-inositol moiety. The new biosurfactant is the first report of a compound produced by a new yeast strain, JAF-11.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.765-779
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• 2023

The Daum Vent Field (DVF) was newly discovered in the Central Indian Ridge during the hydrothermal expedition by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) in 2021. In this paper, we describe the detailed mineralogy and geochemistry of hydrothermal chimney and mound to understand the nature of hydrothermal mineralization in the DVF. The mineral assemblages (pyrite±sphalerite±chalcopyrite) of dominant sulfides, FeS contents (mostly <20 mole %) of sphalerite, and (Cu+Zn)/Fe values (0.001-0.22) of bulk compositions indicate that the DVF has an strong affinity with basaltic-hosted seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposit along the oceanic ridge. Combined with the predominance of colloform and/or dendritic-textured pyrite and relatively Fe-poor sphalerite in chimneys, the fluid-temperature dependency of trace element systematics (Co, Mn, and Tl) between chimney and mound indicates that the formation of mound was controlled by relatively reducing and high-temperature fluids compared to chimney. The δ³⁴S values (+8.31 to +10.52‰) of pyrite reflect that sulfur and metals were mainly leached from the associated basement rocks (50.6-61.3%) with a contribution from reduced seawater sulfur (38.7-49.4%). This suggests that the fluid-rock interaction, with little effect of magmatic volatile influx, is an important metal source for the sulfide mineralization in the DVF.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.287-296
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• 2023

Mushroom consumption is gradually growing annually worldwide for many centuries. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), and enokitake (Flammulina filiformis) are mainly consumed in Korea. However, mushrooms can be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes, because antibacterial treatment during mushroom cultivation and processing is insufficient. Therefore, many cases of mushroom contamination-related foodborne illnesses and food recalls have been reported. Three representative treatments are used to prevent microbial contamination in mushrooms: chemical, physical, and combination treatments. Among the chemical treatments, chlorine compounds, peroxyacetic acid, and quaternary ammonium compounds are commercially used and ozone and electrolyzed water has recently been used. Additionally, physical treatments, including ultrasound, irradiation, and cold plasma, are being developed. Combination techniques include ultraviolet/chlorine compounds, ozone/organic acid, and ultrasound/organic acid. This review describes the domestically consumed mushroom types and their characteristics, and investigates the mushroom contamination levels. Additionally, effective antibacterial technologies for reducing microbial contamination in mushrooms are also discussed.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.61-73
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• 2023

Suction buckets are feasible options for offshore foundations to support subsea structures in deep water, enabling suction-induced installation by pumps. Recently, hybrid suction bucket foundations that combine single or multiple suction buckets with a mat foundation have been considered. The foundations effectively increase the load capacity while reducing construction costs. However, there is still insufficient experimental validation of hybrid suction bucket foundations regarding their bearing capacity. Furthermore, research on the horizontal load capacity under low vertical and moment loads is inadequate. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using a hybrid suction bucket foundation for subsea installations in clay. We considered two types of hybrid suction bucket foundations: a circular mat with a single suction bucket and a square mat with multiple buckets. Centrifuge tests were performed to understand the hybrid suction bucket foundation characteristics under horizontal loads and their corresponding bearing capacity. Particularly, we verified the effect of the mat foundation and bucket embedment depth on the horizontal bearing mechanism and capacities. Results confirmed that the hybrid suction bucket foundation outperforms the single suction bucket.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.57-69
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• 2024

Purpose: Quantitative analysis through count measurement in nuclear medicine planar images is limited by analysis techniques that are useful for obtaining various clinical information or by organ overlap or artifacts in actual clinical practice. On the other hand, the use of SPECT tomography images is quantitative analysis using volume rather than planar, which is not only free from problems such as projection overlap, but also has excellent quantitative accuracy. In the use of developing SPECT quantitative analysis technology, this study aims to compare the accuracy of quantitative analysis between ROI of the conventional planar images and VOI of the SPECT tomographic images in evaluating the count change happened by the volume change of the source. Materials and Methods: A ^99mTcO₄^- source(200.17 MBq) was filled with sterilized water in the syringe to create a phantom with an inner diameter volume of 60 cc, and a planar image and a SPECT image were obtained by reducing the volume by 15 cc (25%) respectively. ROI and VOI(threshold: 1~45%, 5% interval) were set for each image obtained to estimate true count and measure the total count, and compared with the preseted volumetric change rate(%). Results: When volume changes of 25%, 50%, and 75% occurred in the initial volume of 60 cc(100%) of the phantom, the average count changes of the measured planar image were 26.8%, 53.2%, 77.5%, and the average count changes of the SPECT image were 24.4%, 50.9%, and 76.8%. In this case, the VOI size(cm³) set showed an average change rate of 25.4%, 51.1%, and 76.6%. The highest threshold value for the accuracy of radioactive concentration by VOI size (average error -1.03%) was 35%, and the VOI size of the same threshold had an error of -17.1% on average compared to the actual volume. Conclusion: On average, the count-based volumetric change rate in nuclear medicine images was able to track changes more accurately using VOI than ROI, but there was no significant difference with relatively similar value. However, the accuracy of radioactive concentration according to individual VOI sizes did not match, but it is considered that a relatively accurate quantitative analysis can be expected when the size of VOI is set smaller than the actual volume.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.296-303
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• 2024

Vinegar is a fermented food product created by fermenting various sugar- and starch-containing ingredients with microorganisms. It contains a variety of organic acids, sugars, amino acids, esters, and other compounds that contribute to its unique sensory properties. Vinegar is known for its potential benefits, including aiding digestion, lowering blood sugar levels, anti-obesity effects, and antioxidant properties. It is also believed to contribute to improving alkaline body conditions. This study was conducted to develop functional dried vinegar powder from naturally fermented vinegars. Unripe apple, brown rice, and black chokeberry (aronia) were fermented using Gluconacetobacter xylinus for 90-180 days. The filtrate vinegar was spray dried with 37.46% maltodextrin, 5% glucose, 1% citric acid, and 0.04% vitamin C. Analysis of the acidity, color difference, water and soluble solid content, and heat stability of dried vinegar (DV) confirmed that spray drying is a suitable method for powder production. Moreover, the DVs exhibited excellent sensory attributes and solubility. Among the DVs, aronia-DV showed the highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl and 2,2-azobis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical scavenging activity (36.7% and 75.3%) and reducing power (0.334) at 0.5 mg/ml concentration, respectively. The nitrite scavenging activity was highest in brown unripe apple-DV, followed by aronia-DV and brown rice-DV. In the anti-thrombosis activity assay, aronia-DV showed the highest prothrombin inhibition. The brown rice-DV exhibited lipid accumulation inhibitory activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without cell cytotoxicity. Our results suggest the potential for commercialization of dried vinegar, highlighting its diverse benefits and applications.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Construction Safety
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2024

High-rise, large-scale, and diversification of buildings are possible, and the reduction of concrete cross-sections reduces the weight of the structure, thereby increasing or decreasing the height of the floor, securing a large number of floors at the same height, securing a large effective space, and reducing the amount of materials, rebar, and concrete used for designating the foundation floor. In terms of site construction and quality, a low water binder ratio can reduce the occurrence of dry shrinkage and minimize bleeding on the concrete surface. It has the advantage of securing self-fulfilling properties by improving fluidity by using high-performance sensitizers, making it easier to construct the site, and shortening the mold removal period by expressing early strength of concrete. In particular, with the rapid development of concrete-related construction technology in recent years, the application of ultra-high-strength concrete with a design standard strength of 100 MPa or higher is expanding in high-rise buildings. However, although high-rise buildings with more than 120 stories have recently been ordered or scheduled in Korea, the research results of developing ultra-high-strength concrete with more than 130 MPa class considering field applicability and testing and evaluating the actual applicability in the field are insufficient. In this study, in order to confirm the applicability of ultra-high-strength concrete in the field, a preliminary experiment for the member of a reduced simulation was conducted to find the optimal mixing ratio studied through various indoor basic experiments. After that, 130 MPa-class ultra-high-strength concrete was produced in a ready-mixed concrete factory in a mock member similar to the life size, and the flow characteristics, strength characteristics, and hydration heat of concrete were experimentally studied through on-site pump pressing.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.192-203
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• 2024

The advancement of commercially viable gas separation membranes plays a pivotal role in improving CO₂ separation efficiency. High-molecular-weight poly(ethylene oxide) (high-Mw PEO) emerges as a promising option due to its high CO₂ solubility, affordability, and robust mechanical attributes. However, the crystalline nature of high-Mw PEO hinders its application in gas separation membranes. This study proposes a straightforward blending approach by incorporating various polymeric additives into high-Mw PEO to address this challenge. Four commercially available, water-soluble polymers, i.e. poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) are examined as additives to enhance membrane performance by improving miscibility and reducing PEO crystallinity. Contrary to expectations, PEG and PPG fail to inhibit the crystalline structure of PEO and result in membrane flaws. Conversely, PAA and PVP demonstrate greater success in altering the crystal structure of PEO, yielding defect-free membranes. A thorough investigation delves into the correlation between changes in the crystalline structure of high-Mw PEO blend membranes and their gas separation performance. Drawing from our findings and previously documented outcomes, we offer insights into designing and selecting additive polymers for high-Mw PEO, aiming at the creation of cost-effective, commercially viable CO₂ separation membranes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Disaster and Security
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

Most reservoirs in South Korea are earthen dams, mainly because they are cost-effective and easy to construct. However, earthen dams are highly vulnerable to seepage and overtopping, making them prone to sudden failure during excessive flooding. Such sudden failures can lead to a rapid increase in flood discharge, causing significant damage to downstream rivers and inhabited areas. This study investigates the effect of riprap placement on the slopes of earthen dams in delaying dam failure. Delaying the failure time is crucial as it allows more time for evacuation, significantly reducing potential casualties, which is essential from a disaster response perspective. Hydraulic experiments were conducted in a straight channel, using two different sizes of riprap for protection. Unlike previous studies, these experiments were performed under unsteady flow conditions to reflect the impact of rising water levels inside the dam. The target dam for the study was a cofferdam installed in a diversion tunnel. Experimental results indicated that the presence of riprap protection effectively prevented slope failure under the tested conditions. Without riprap protection, increasing the size of the riprap delayed the failure time. This delay can reduce peak discharge, mitigating damage downstream of the dam. Furthermore, these findings can serve as critical reference material for establishing emergency action plans (EAP) for reservoir failure.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.173-182
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• 2024

In recent, there has been a trend toward primarily utilizing data-driven models employing artificial intelligence technologies, such as machine learning, for flood prediction. These data-driven models offer the advantage of utilizing pre-training results, significantly reducing the required simulation time. However, it remains that a considerable amount of flood data is necessary for the pre-training in data-driven models, while the available observed data for application is often insufficient. As an alternative, validated simulation results from physically-based models are being employed as pre-training data alongside observed data. In this context, we developed a flood mapping accelerator to generate flood maps for pre-training. The proposed accelerator automates the entire process of flood mapping, i.e., estimating flood discharge using HEC-1, calculating water surface levels using HEC-RAS, simulating channel overflow and generating flood maps using RAS Mapper. With the accelerator, users can easily prepare a database for pre-training of data-driven models from hundreds to tens of thousands of rainfall scenarios. It includes various convenient menus containing a Graphic User Interface(GUI), and its practical applicability has been validated across 26 test-beds.