Background : The licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is one of the Mongolian traditional useful medicinal plants. The roots and rhizomes are rich in triterpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides. It is have been employed clinically for their antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antimicrobial and anxiolytic activities. In this study, we was undertaken to explore the phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content of G.uralensis. Methods and Results : In vitro culture related greenhouse, field growing G. uralensis and the wild type roots were dried in shade and grind in mechanical grinder. 1 g of powdered roots were extracted in 25 ㎖ of methanol with concentration of 40 ㎎/㎖. The antioxidant activity and total flavonoid contents were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and aluminium trichloride method, respectively. The production of glycyrrhizic acid determined by thin layer chromatography. In the phytochemical screening showed presence of secondary metabolites flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids and tannin. The extract possessed potent antioxidant activity having IC50 value 2,000 ㎍/㎖ (59.97 ± 2.55) in wild type and 1,000 ㎍/㎖ (68.73 ± 3.99) in greenhouse samples. Field grown G.uralensis roots extract gave highest total flavonoid content with 30.21% compared with wild type and greenhouse grown samples (16.71% and 10.71%). Conclusion : Based on the results of investigations, G. uralensis is a potent source of novel bioactive compounds. Further investigations regarding more biological activities by high sensitive techniques such as HPLC and GC-MS need to be conducted.

Background : The purpose of this study is to select potential genetic resources from safflower germplasm collected from India based on their oil compositions and agronomic characteristics. Methods and Results : The agronomic characteristics were measured during the growing period of the safflower. Total oil contents were recovered by Soxhlet extraction and the fatty acid compositions were analyzed by using gas chromatography. The mean of plant height, leaf length and leaf width were 100.19 ㎝, 20.49 ㎝, and 7.29 ㎝, respectively. The percentage of leaf margin with serration was 95%, and 2% of the total resources didn’t have spines on the involucral bract. K185681 had no spines on the involucral bract and the plant height was the smallest. 73% of the flower of safflower was yellow. 68% of safflower germplasm changed flower color from yellow to red. Total oil contents of 267 safflower accessions showed a significant variability among the entire domain of collections and ranged from 5.81 to 38.91%. Palmitic and stearic acid were ranged from 4.98 to 6.65%, and 1.82 to 2.73%, respectively. Oleic and linoleic acid showed a wide variation which ranged from 10.53 to 22.27%, and 69.46 to 81.26%, respectively. Linolenic acid was ranged from 0.06 to 0.13%. K185639 and K185639 had the highest total oil contents and linoleic acid, respectively. Cluster analysis based on oil composition and agronomic characteristics data divided the germplasm collections into three groups. Group Ⅲ having 114 accessions contained accessions with taller plant height than the other groups. Group Ⅱ having 68 accessions, the main color of flower was white but the other groups were yellow. Oleic acid showed a strong negative correlation (r = -0.9691**) with linoleic acid. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the oil compositions and agronomic characteristics data revealed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) together explained 36.28% total variation. Conclusion : These results showed that K185681, K185639 and K185639 could be useful to develop breeding and functional food.

Background : To select potential plant resources as natural antioxidants and functional materials, e valuation of N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin (CS) and N-feruloylserotonin (FS) in 43 safflower accessions collected from South Asia was conducted. Method and Results : CS and FS were analyzed by using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activities were estimated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power (RP). The mean CS content was 32.74 ㎎/g dried extract (DE) with a range from 3.44 to 83.30 ㎎/g DE, and the FS content ranged from 1.43 to 34.53 ㎎/g·DE with a mean of 12.69 ㎎/g DE. The mean of TPC of 43 safflower accessions was 55.22 ㎍ GAE/㎎·DE. The average values of antioxidant activities based on DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and RP assay showed 48.77 ㎍ ASC eq/㎎ DE, 97.62 ㎍ ASC eq/㎎ DE, 70.22 ㎍ ASC eq/㎎ DE, and 50.01 ㎍ ASC eq/㎎ DE, respectively. The 43 safflower accessions were classified into two groups based on the complete linkage cluster analysis using their CS, FS, TPC, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and RP. Group Ⅱ showed higher CS, FS and antioxidant activity than Group Ⅰ (p < 0.05). K185245 and K185247 were included in Group Ⅱ, K185245 had the highest CS and FS, and K185247 was the highest in TPC, DPPH, and ABTS. CS had significant positive correlation with FS (r = 0.849**). Significantly high correlation coefficients were recorded between TPC and antioxidant assays including DPPH, ABTS, and RP. The first two principal components had accounted for the 80.46 % of the total variance. Conclusion : These results showed that K185245 and K185247 could be used as a source of valuable natural antioxidant materials and could be useful to develop new functional materials.

Background : Carotenoids are pigments that are found in plants, fruits, bacteria, and fungi. β -carotene and canthaxanthin are orange pigments among thousands of carotenoids that possess potent antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to determine β-carotene and cantaxanthin in 55 Kimchi cabbage germplasm using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. Method and Results : 55 Kimchi cabbage accessions were sown in plug trays in the end of August, 2016. All the tissue samples were freeze-dried for 1 week and ground into fine powder and stored at -20℃ until analysis. Crude carotenoids from freeze-dried materials (100 mg) were extracted using 1 ㎖ of 100% (v/v) hexane in 10 minutes by using sonication bath followed by centrifugation. The average β-carotene contents was 1.43 ㎎·㎏-1 and ranged from 0.76 (IT 120045) to 2.25 ㎎·㎏-1 (IT 100378). The average canthaxanthin content in the entire domain of sample was 0.59 ㎎·㎏-1 with a range between 0.36 (IT 32746) and 1.08 ㎎․㎏-1 (IT 100386). Canthaxanthin content was significantly positively correlated with β-carotene (r = 0.65**) and leaf length (r = 0.63**). However, canthaxanthin was negatively correlated with cotyledon color (r = -0.41**). Principal component analysis results of the first two components (PC1 and PC2) explained 44.53% of the point variability. Conclusion : The resources with the highest β-carotene and canthaxanthin content are IT 100378, 100386, 100391, and 110828. This study could be useful to select a potential sources of health beneficial carotenoids (β-carotene and canthaxanthin) in Kimchi cabbage germplasm in nutraceutical formulations and for further applications as a breeding material and other research activities.

Background : Alpha-linolenic acid is a type of omega-3 fatty acid and has been reported to be found at a remarkably high content in seeds of perilla (Perilla frutescens). The purpose of this study was to investigate the fatty acid compositions in 45 perilla accessions collected from Russia and recommend the potential genetic resources related to their fatty acid compositions. Methods and Results : The 45 accessions of perilla seeds which were collected from Russia were used for the study. Perilla seed oil was recovered using hexane in a soxhlet extraction method. The fatty acid compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography. The total oil content was ranged between 28.39 and 46.89%. The compositions of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid ranged from 5.57 to 7.09%, 1.16 to 2.27%, 11.83 to 19.55%, 11.92 to 16.71%, and 59.19 to 67.28%, respectively. Cultivars 'Dayu', 'Daeyu' and 'Anyu' showed lower linolenic acid composition compared to the average value of linoleic acid in perilla germplasms collected from Russia. Cluster analysis based on the fatty acid composition of the 45 perilla accessions segregated into three groups. Group Ⅰ characterized as higher palmitic, stearic and oleic acid compositions compared to other groups. Group Ⅱ which contained 12 accessions had high total oil and linoleic acid composition. Group Ⅲ characterized as a higher linolenic acid composition compared to other groups (p < 0.001). Oleic acid showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.825) with linolenic acid. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first two principal components together explained 74.4% total variation. Conclusion : Our results indicated that accessions IT235818, IT235820, IT226739 which exhibited high linolenic acid composition could be useful to develop new functional vegetable oil materials.

Background : Sclerotinia rot, caused by a fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the serious and unpredictable yield losses in perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf production in Korea. Screening disease resistant genetic resources is necessary to develop disease-resistant cultivars and conduct related research. Methods and Results : A Total of 150 perilla accessions, including 123 Korean landraces and 27 cultivars developed in Korea, were evaluated for resistance to Sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) using detached leaf inoculation technique. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum isolate KACC40457 was inoculated at the seedling stage (five to six leaves). For detached leaf method, a mycelial plug was placed fungus-side down on the main leaf vain and incubated at 22 ± 1℃ on moistened paper towel in a plastic box. Three Korean landraces, including IT117036, IT117106, and IT117110, and cultivar IT229431 showed 100% of resistance ratio (no. of plants showed below 1 ㎝ of lesion size/total evaluated plants × 100). Seven accessions including five landraces, IT117080, IT117107, IT117048, 117042, 117029, and two cultivaers, IT276225 and IT213781, showed high level of resistance that is higher than 80% of resistance ratio Conclusion : 11 accessions which showed strong and moderate level of resistance to Sclerotinia rot could be possibly used by breeders, farmers, and researchers to produce new disease resistant cultivars and use them commercially. However, research related to the exploration of appropriate materials (accessions) for breeding cultivars with good quality, high functional components, high consumer acceptability, etc. should be continued, considering pathogenicity test was conducted in young stage.

Purpose – This paper explores the contribution lean makes to service levels by addressing lean thinking application in logistics process improvement within a MNC soft drinks manufacturer situated in the United Arab Emirates, and identifies the most significant sources of wastes and their interdependence and highlights key attributes of successful lean implementation. Research design, data, and methodology - This case study examines key logistics employees’ perceptions on lean methodology. Results - The results highlight the most significant types of wastes in logistical processes and illustrates ways to eliminate wastes and streamline process flow. The importance of the human role within lean methodology is also identified. Findings suggest that managers should follow both a micro and macro approach when implementing lean practices, as focusing on one waste often leads to ignoring the significance of other wastes. Conclusions - This study highlights the importance of implementing lean at both micro and macro levels and shows how staff involvement increases the efficacy of lean thinking. It offers guidance towards the efficiency of creating value stream mapping processes in situ, which considers different wastes and their interdependence. Managers with limited resources are encouraged to implement lean methodology taking cognizance of these factors.

본 연구는 고지방 식이로 유발된 내당능 장애 모델의 학습 및 기억력 장애에 대한 스피룰리나 섭취의 개선 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 당부하 검사(IPGTT)를 통하여 고지방식이를 통한 내당능 장애가 유발되었음을 확인하였고, SP는 HFD 대비 약 20%의 당 내성 개선효과를 나타내는 것으로 나타났다. 고지방 식이로 인지 기능 손상을 유발시킨 동물모델의 Y-maze 및 Morris water maze 시험을 진행한 결과는 SP에서 CND 대비 학습 및 장·단기기억력 장애가 유의한 수준으로 개선됨을 확인하였다. 실험동물의 혈청분석 결과는 스피룰리나 섭취가 일반식이로 전환한 것과 비교하였을 때, HFD 대비 LDLC 감소 및 HTR(HDLC의 비율) 증가를 통한 혈중 콜레스테롤 개선에 효과를 나타냈다. 적출된 뇌와 간 조직을 대상으로 SOD 활성, oxidized GSH 함량 및 MDA 함량을 측정한 결과 스피룰리나 섭취가 뇌조직뿐만 아니라 간 조직에서 항산화 활성을 향상시켜 주는 것도 역시 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 결과는 고지방 식이를 통한 혈당 상승 및 이로 인한 기억능력 저하에서 스피룰리나 섭취는 CND 수준으로의 개선 효과를 유도할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 또한, 스피룰리나 섭취는 뇌 기능과 직접적으로 연관된 콜린성 시스템 손상에도 CND 대비 AChE 활성에 더 높은 저해효과를 나타냄을 확인하였다. 따라서 본 연구는 스피룰리나가 고지방 식이로 유도된 내당능 장애 모델에서 발생될 수 있는 뇌기능 저하에서 혈중 콜레스테롤 개선 효과, 항산화 효과 및 AChE 저해효과를 통하여, 비만으로 유도될 수 있는 대사성 인지 장애에 대한 개선 소재로의 잠재적인 가능성을 갖는 것으로 판단된다.

We investigate the effect of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor treatment during parthenogenetic activation of oocytes on the ER stress generation, apoptosis, and in vitro development of parthenogenetic porcine embryos. Porcine in vitro matured oocytes were activated by 1) electric stimulus (E) or 2) E+10 μM Ca-ionophore (A23187) treatment (EC). Oocytes were then treated by ER stress inhibitors such as salubrinal (200 nM) and tauroursodeoxychloic acid (TUDCA, 100 μM) for 3 h prior to in vitro culture. Parthenogenetic embryos were sampled to analyze ER stress and apoptosis at the 1-cell and blastocyst stages. The x-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1) mRNA and ER stress-associated genes were analyzed by RT-PCR or RT-qPCR. Apoptotic gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR. At the 1-cell stage, although no difference was observed in Xbp1 splicing among treatments, BiP transcription level in the E group was significantly reduced by salubrinal treatment, and GRP94 and ATF4 transcription levels in EC group were significantly reduced by all treatments (p<0.05) compared to control. In the EC group, both apoptotic genes were reduced by ER stress inhibitor treatments compared to control (p<0.05) except Caspase-3 gene by TUDCA treatment. These results suggest that the treatment of ER stress inhibitor during parthenogenetic activation can reduce ER stress, and thereby reduce apoptosis and promote in vitro development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos.

The current study deals with the effect of urban growth and urbanization on temperature trends over Lahore city of Pakistan. This research was conducted using mean monthly temperature data for the period of 1950-2017. The urban population growth, urban expansion, the increase of vehicles and factories as well as the expansion of built up area have influenced on the change of temperature in Lahore city. The annual trends of temperatures have been analyzed, and their statistical significances are calculated by the linear regression method. It has been deduced that there is a close relation between temperature change and urban growth. The findings are as follows; the mean minimum temperature rises greater than the maximum temperature at urban station and rural station. However, the maximum temperature is not rising positively and thus significantly at both stations. The findings show the fact that mean minimum temperature increasing more quickly after the 1995 due to the increase of urban development in Lahore city in which the built up area has increased from 66 km² to 740 km² since 1950. A massive increase in the numbers of vehicles have also influenced on the change of temperature in the city. However, the mean maximum temperature at rural station of Lahore has significant effect during 1973-1997.

Purpose – In this study, we consider and examine relationships between reasons for business switch or liquidation (BSL), and the demographics of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Korea. The related five variables are occupations, administrative districts, age of employer, firm age and foundation motivation. In addition, eleven levels in association with reasons for BSL visualize the corresponding demographics by measuring their similarity on the dimensional planes assuming that the association exists between variables under consideration. Research design, data, and methodology - This study is done by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in 2016 and examines 20,307 small and medium enterprises. For examining the distinct relationships among variables under consideration, both chi-squared test and correspondence analysis as main statistical tools are used. Results - The results show that among levels of reasons for BSL the three levels –weakening profitability, poor sales and economic depression- are main ones for the five demographics variables mentioned above, and we can obtain the detailed associations between attributes of corresponding variables by inspecting the two dimensional plane. Conclusions - This study suggests reasons for BSL are closely associated with the five different demographics variables – Administrative districts, Firm age, Occupations, Age of employer and Foundation motivation-by looking over results.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in the center of pressure (COP) by arousal regulation during static stability control task using various olfactory stimulating inhalant (ammonia, lavender and citrus). Methods: 11 healthy male adults (Mage = 28.55 years, SD = ±3.67) were recruited for the study. A biometric shirt was utilized to measure the heart rate while force plate (AMTI force-platform) was used to determine changes in COP area. The tasks were differentiated based on visual and ground proprioception (eyes open or close & presence of absence of memory foam). Results: The results of this study were as follows. First, for ammonia inhalant condition, average COP area lower than control condition. EO, EOC conditions had statistically significant lower value. Second, for lavender inhalant condition, average COP area higher than control condition. EC condition had statistically significant higher value. Third, for citrus inhalant condition, average COP area lower than control condition. EO, EC, and EOM conditions had statistically significant lower value. Lastly, there was significant differences in heart rate change in lavender inhalant, only. Conclusion: This study implies that the arousal regulation through olfactory inhalant affects the level of static stability. These results suggest that arousal regulation through olfactory inhalant may affect task performance and may contribute to improvement in performance of athletes.

Purpose: This study conducted a cross-cultural examination of behavioral activation/inhibition in physical education between Korean and Chinese middle school students. Methods: Korean participants were 494 students and Chinese participants were 447 students. We surveyed the BAS/BIS questionnaire for physical education. The data were analyzed by frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, a reliability analysis and independent t-test with confidence interval. Results: The following findings were obtained. First, the students’ BAS/BIS score were differentiated by country, gender and grade variable. Second, generally, Korean males tended to have higher positive teachers’ action-attitude scores than Chinese male students. Third, Korean female and male students showed higher BIS score including incompetence and negative teachers’ action than Chinese students. Fourth, there were also grade difference on positive teachers’ action-attitude and negative teachers’ action in both countries. Conclusion: We found some of the cultural background between Korean and Chinese middle school students and its psychological properties and suggested the cross cultural research in Nothern East Asian countries including China, Korea and Japan.

The objective of this study was to identify the anti-oxidation, astringent, and inhibition effects of wild Ligularia fischeri on hyaluronidase and angiotensin conerting enzyme (ACE). In order to identify the total phenolic compound (TPC), various solvents were used for extraction showing hot water extract with the highest value of 14.42 GAE mg/g. In addition, ABTS radical scavenging activity measurements revealed an anti-oxdiation effect of 98.64-99.84% a hot water extract concentration of 50-200 μg/mL and a radical scavenging activity of 95.14-98.96% at a 60% ethanol extract content. If expressed in antioxidant protection factors (PF), the hot water extract showed 0.59-1.02 PF and the 60% ethanol sample displayed 0.30-0.74 PF. To identify the bio-activity effect, the hyaluronidase inhibition effect was determined as 4.66-35.00% in a 50-200 μg/mL hot water extract. Considering ACE inhibition effect, the hot water extract and 60% ethanol sample showed 0-64.24% and 46.12-69.64% inhibition effect, respectively. Lastly, when taking into account the astringent effect, the hot water extract with 50-200 μg/mL TPC concentration showed 15.68-26.92% and the 60% ethanol sample with an equal concentration exhibited 49.48-86.84%, which indicates the possibility to apply this product as a cosmetic source for pore contraction. Therefore, wild Ligularia fischeri extract can be used for anti-inflammation, high-blood pressure prevention, and as a source for health functional food with anti-oxidative properties.

To overcome the low mechanical strength and corrosion behavior of a carbon steel canister at high temperature condition of a deep borehole, SiC ceramics were studied as an alternative material for the disposal canister. In this paper, a design concept for a SiC canister, along with an outer stainless steel container, was proposed, and its manufacturing feasibility was tested by fabricating several 1/3 scale canisters. The proposed canister can contain one PWR assembly. The outer container was also prepared for the string formation of SiC canisters. Thermal conductivity was measured for the SiC canister. The canister had a good thermal conductivity of above 70 W·m-1·K-1 at 100℃. The structural stability was checked under KURT environment, and it was found that the SiC ceramics did not exhibit any change for the 3 year corrosion test at 70℃. Therefore, it was concluded that SiC ceramics could be a good alternative to carbon steel in application to deep borehole disposal canisters.

In this study, we investigated the effect of the extracts from Vaccinium oldhamii on cell proliferation and the regulatory mechanisms of cyclin D1 protein level in human cancer cells. The branch extracts from Vaccinium oldhamii (VOB) showed higher inhibitor effect against the cell growth than leave extracts (VOL) and fruit extracts (VOF) in human colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-small lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer cells. In addition, VOB decreased cyclin D1 level at both protein and mRNA level. MG132 treatment attenuated VOB-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation. A point mutation of threonine-286 to alanine attenuated cyclin D1 degradation by VOB. In addition, the inhibition of nuclear export by leptomycin B (LMB) attenuated cyclin D1 degradation by VOB. But, the treatment of PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), LiCl (GSK3β inhibitor), LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) or BAY 11-7082 (IκK inhibitor) did not affect VOB-induced cyclin D1 degradation. In conclusion, VOB induced cyclin D1 degradation through redistribution of cyclin D1 from the nucleus to cytoplasm via T286 phosphorylation of cyclin D1, which resulted in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation.

Hibiscus syriacus (H. syriacus) as the national flower of Korea has been used as the herbal medicine in Asia. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of 70% ethanol extracts from the root of Hibiscus syriacus (RHS-E70) and elucidated the potential signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. RHS-E70 dose-dependently suppressed NO production by inhibiting iNOS and IL-β expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. RHS-E70 inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, which contributed to the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, RHS-E70 suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, which results in the inhibition of ATF2 phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear accumulation. These results indicate that RHS-E70 may exert antiinflammatory activity by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK/ATF2 signaling. From these findings, RHS-E70 has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

The aim of study is to contribute to this knowledge-base by investigating the respiratory function, the metabolic rate and the difference of physiological responses un-der low water temperature (20℃→15℃) stress be-tween diploid and triploid far eastern catfish, Silurus asotus. During the 48 hrs of water temperature stress exposure time, the respiratory frequencies, CO₂ and NH₄+ concentrations of diploid had higher values than those of triploid (p<0.05). However, pH of triploid was higher than those of diploid (p<0.05), and oxygen consumption rate was not different between diploid and triploid (p>0.05). The level of plasma cortisol and plasma glucose of triploid was lower than those of the diploid (p<0.05). However, in case of lactic acid, there were not significant between triploid and diploid (p>0.05). These results suggest that diploid was more sensitive for low water temperature stress response than triploid in this species.

The changes in extreme daily rainfall totals in Punjab Province, Pakistan, during the period (1981- 2014) are examined in this study. The analysis was focused on the extreme annual and monthly rainfall events, by processing the exceeding of the daily rainfall over various thresholds, which are indicators for the incidence of extreme rainfall events. To analyze the changes in extreme rainfall events and trends of the time series of the annual number of extreme rainfall days (%) the thresholds of 30mm and 50mm has been estimated. Evidence from the twelve stations considered shows that there is an increase in annual number of extreme rainfall days (%) in dataset. These changes of heavy and extreme rainfall events pronounce significant environmental consequences which cause considerable impact on society.