This paper defines the common features of synbiotics based on the definition of probiotics and prebiotics, and reviews the effectiveness of synbiotic food. The concept of synbiotics is defined as ‘a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics that have a beneficial effect on the host, as a dietary supplement that alters living organisms in the gastrointestinal tract and improves their survival.’ Synbiotic food contains ingredients with beneficial microbes that are expected to improve interactions between microbial and useful substances. Synbiotic foods may have anti-cancer and immune system-boosting effects. Improved digestion, healthier bowel movements, and overall increased intestinal health has been reported were reported after increasing the healthy microorganisms within the intestinal tract. In addition, depending on the type of food containing the symbiotic ingredients, more consistent weight control, improvement of cardiovascular health, and lower blood glucose levels may also be expected. Unlike previous studies, this review of synbiotics has shown that it is necessary for synergistic effects to take place among microorganisms and components to be further studied. Further research is needed on the safety and ingestion of microorganisms contained in synbiotics.

Development and fecundity of the foxglove aphid, Aulacorthum solani (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were investigated at ten constant temperatures (photoperiod: 15L:9D) from 2.5 to 30℃ on soybean (Glycine max) leaves. The nymphs couldn’t emerge to adults at 2.5 and 30℃. The lower development temperature threshold and thermal constant of development completion estimated with a linear development model in nymph were 5.02℃ and 131.2 degree-days. The lethal temperatures were estimated as 33.9 and 32.5℃ with Lactin 2 and Logan 6 non-linear models, respectively. Mean generation time (from 78.4 to 11.8 d) decreased with increasing temperatures (from 7.5 to 27.5℃). The highest net reproductive rate (77.4) was observed at 20℃. The highest intrinsic rates of population increase (0.282) and shortest population doubling times (2.07 d) were recorded at 25℃.

As information and communication technologies (ICTs) become more advanced, consumers are able to experience retailing activities such as searching for products and services in online retail shops and for Internet-exclusive branded contents. Specifically, fashion retailers are facing the need to develop more novel experiential design than one another to maximize customers’ experience in Internet websites and secure sustainable competency. Confirming methods of organic integration of experiential and visual features of both online and mobile channels is an important aspect of the study of extended consumers’ interfaces of retail channels. Mehrabian and Russell’s stimulusorganism- response (S-O-R) paradigm and Sugiyama and Andree’s attention, interest, search, action, and share (AISAS) model were used for this research. Specifically, the present study considered the effect of e-commerce website features on consumers’ emotional reactions (pleasure and arousal) and the consequent impact on online consumer behaviors (search, action, and share). Hence, plus the self-reported survey methods, each subject’s psychophysiological indicators (i.e., pleasure and arousal) were measured to obtain more objective and reliable data and to redeem the results of the self-reported survey. Findings revealed the implications of the e-commerce website feature by comprehending the S-O-R paradigm and AISAS model and extending the understanding of the role of variables associated with comprehended frameworks based on psychophysiological data.

Probiotics may be defined as microbial agents that can benefit humans and have been used primarily by mankind in fermented foods. A representative of probiotics is lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which has received attention recently due to its perceived health benefits. We reviewed research papers about Bifidobacerium and Lactobacillus, which are two of the most known of the LAB. Bifidobacerium alleviates diarrhea from various causes by improving intestinal microflora, and it has been reported that it reduces Helicobacter pylori bacteria known as the cause of gastric ulcer and stomach cancer. Bifidobacerium has also reported to be effective on immunization and allergy, reduce blood cholesterol, cancer, lactose intolerance. Lactobacillus alleviates diarrhea but has not fully demonstrated its effectiveness relative to other health issues. Several lactic acid bacteria and yeast are expected to act as probiotics, so, in the future, more research on the health benefits of lactic acid bacteria is needed.

This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of major prebiotics and the related studies, and to provide basic data for future research. Prebiotics are defined as ‘nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improve host health’. Well-known prebiotics are inulin, oligofructose, and galacto-oligosaccharide. Prebiotics assist in the health activity of lactic acid bacteria by acting as a substrate for lactic acid bacteria, with their unique physical and chemical properties. Bifidobacteria are known to be beneficial bacteria that prevent intestinal inflammation, maintain intestinal microflora balance, inhibit carcinogenesis, reduce cholesterol, and enhance immunity. However, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Weissella are also found in animal-based fermented foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and salted fish. Prebiotics can act as a substrate for lactic acid bacteria, helping the activity of lactic acid bacteria and improving health. Therefore, the authors suggest that investigation into the category and effectiveness of prebiotics should be extended in the future through research.

We performed a survey for flavivirus infection and distribution of Aedes albopictus that known as Zika and Dengue virus vector using black–light trap and BG-sentinel trap around urban area in Korea. Mosquitoes were collected in 27 cities during March to November (twice a month) year 2016. Total numbers of mosquitoes collected 102,102 including 19 species 8 genera during collecting period. Total 21,467 Ae. albopictus was collected that 20,961(24.3%) by BG-sentinel trap and 506 (3.2%) by Black-light trap in urban area. Trap index(trap/night) of Ae. albopictus was showed highest in Hamyang (TI:992.3) and lowest in Taebaek (TI:0.3) there was only collected by Black-light trap. A total of 894 pools from all collecting Ae. albopictus were performed a Flavivirus detection. Flavivirus was not detected during study period. This study may provide basic information for surveillance of imported diseases (include Zika virus) and vectors in Korea.

The purpose of this study is to present theoretical and experimental evidence for a niche strategy for small and medium online shopping malls to run business against large famous shopping malls prevailing the E-commerce market. For this, the present study demonstrates how chronic construal levels of consumers may affect their alternative choice for online shopping via various contexts (Experiment 1-3) and categories (Experiment 3-5). This series of experiments suggests that consumers with high construal level can be defined as a group that is relatively less susceptible to reputation of the shopping malls. Thus, strategically targeting this group of consumers will help small and medium-sized online malls lacking store reputation to mitigate their competitive disadvantage. Based on both existing literature and the experimental results as above, this research discusses possible methods for small and medium-sized online shopping malls to target high-construal segmentation.

Although expression of foreign genes in a crop species has been target techniques for powerful protection against insect pests, classical breeding programs using varietal resistance of a crop are still being processed. It is, however, frequently difficult to find key products expressed from resistance-related genes in the variety, and those action mechanism. Here, an unterminated story about seed of a mungbean (Vigna radiata) variety with high resistance against the adzuki bean weevil and the bean bug is introduced. The two insects cannot survive on seeds of the variety, although they well develop on susceptible ones. Molecular markers linked to the resistance were selected through BAC library screening and near isogenic lines, and finally a bruchid resistance gene was suggested after map-based cloning approaches. Starvation and chemicals were suggested for a resistant mechanism and a related factor through feeding and behavior experiments, respectively. The seed flour was extracted with organic solvents, and isolated into several fractions on chromatography. Several peaks on HPLC in a fraction were related with the high mortality of the bean bug. A partial structure in an isolated chemical was observed before full identification.

Taurine is an abundant amino acid in many animals, including humans. Relatively large amounts of taurine are found in leukocytes, heart, muscles, retinas, kidneys, bones, and liver. Taurine has antioxidant effects; it reacts with hydrogen peroxide to prevent oxidation of the cell membrane. Taurine enhances the effects of anticancer drugs, while also reducing side effects, and taurolidine, a taurine derivative, has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects without notable side effects in several types of cancer. Taurine aids in cholesterol metabolism by increasing the rate of synthesis of bile acids, and, thus, reduces triglyceride levels. In addition, taurine is involved in the growth and differentiation of nerve cells and is associated with some neurological disorders. Taurine aids in bone formation and prevents bone dissolution. Moreover, taurine prevents liver damage from a variety of drugs and, thus, protects the liver. Taurine is involved in the development and function of the retina and lens. It also has anti-atherosclerotic and anti-thrombotic effects that protect against cardiovascular disease. Taurine may have additional physiological functions, and warrants further investigation.

Taurine is one of the most abundant free β-amino acids in the human body that accounts for 0.1% of the human body weight. It has a sulfonic acid group in place of the more common carboxylic acid group. Mollusks and meat are the major dietary source of taurine, and mother`s milks also include high levels of this amino acid. The leukocytes, heart, muscle, retina, kidney, bone, and brain contain more taurine than other organs. Furthermore, taurine can be synthesized in the brain and liver from cysteine. There are no side effects of excessive taurine intake in humans; however, in case of taurine deficiency, retinal abnormalities, reduced plasma taurine concentration, and other abnormalities may occur. Taurine enters the cell via a cell membrane receptor. It is excreted in the urine (approximately 95%) and feces (approximately 5%). Taurine has a number of features and functions, including conjugation with bile acid, reduction of blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, promotion of neuron cell differentiation and growth, antioxidant effects, maintenance of cell membrane stability, retinal development, energy generation, depressant effects, regulation of calcium level, muscle contraction and relaxation, bone formation, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-cancer and anti-atherogenic effects, and osmotic pressure control. However, the properties, functions, and effects of taurine require further studies in future.

Flowering responses under night interruption (NI) condition were determined in Doritaenopsis ‘Fuller’s Sunset ’, ‘Green Beer’, ‘Little Gem Stripes’, and ‘Queen Beer’ during their reproductive stages. Plants were grown under 10/14 h ambient light/dark (control), 10 h ambient light with night interruption (22 : 00-02 : 00 HR) at low light intensity of 3-7 μmol • m−2 • s−1 (LNI) and 10 h ambient light with NI at high light intensity of 120 μmol • m−2 • s−1 (HNI) conditions after flower spike emergence. Time to visible bud and flowering decreased more in the plants grown under HNI than those grown under LNI or control conditions. The number of buds or flowers increased in the plants grown under both LNI and HNI conditions compared to those grown under control condition for all cultivars. The tallest plants at flowering were in the HNI group in ‘Queen Beer’, ‘Green Beer’, and ‘Fuller’s Sunset’, however, the plant height was not significantly different among the treatments in ‘Little Gem Stripes’. NI with low light intensity or high light intensity can be used effectively to promote flower opening, but not with low light intensity at flower development stage. To obtain early flowering with high quality plants using NI treatment during their reproductive stage, high light intensity strategies could be suggested in Doritaenopsis cultivation.

Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that inhibits the growth of oral streptococci, including Streptococcus mutans. In this study, we tested xylitol sensitivity among the oral streptococci. We also compared nucleotide homology of putative fructose phosphotransferase system (PTS) and xylitol sensitivity, since xylitol is transported via the fructose PTS. Among the tested Streptococci, S. pneumonia showed the highest resistance to xylitol while S. gordonii and S. sanguinis showed the most sensitive growth inhibition. These streptococci could be grouped according to their xylitol sensitivity. S. mutans and S. salivarius showed similar bacterial growth inhibition by xylitol. S. mitis, S. oralis, S. pneumonia, S. intermedius and S. anginosus showed relatively low sensitivity to xylitol. When the genetic homologies of five fructose PTSs were compared among the tested streptococci, closely related streptococci showed similar sensitivity to xylitol. Taken together, fructose PTSs may mediate the sensitivity to xylitol in oral streptococci.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica complex (OF) on the lipid metabolism, bile acid in feces, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, aspatate aminotransferase (AST) activity, composition of urine and expression of cholesterol related mRNA in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into non-diabetic control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic OF of 2% (OF-2) and diabetic OF of 5% (OF-5), then each group was fed for 3 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were decreased significantly (p<0.05) in OF-5 group compared to DC, but high density lipoprotein (HDL) was not changed. AST and ALT were also reduced and bile acid excretion was improved. Composition of urine in OF-5 was almost same in NC. The expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA-R), Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) mRNA indicated that feeding OF have the effects of cholesterol decreation in plasma by synthesis of bile acid from cholesterol. These results provide experimental evidence about improved lipid metabolism of the OF feeding in the STZ-induced diabetic rats.

This study was conducted to identify an insect species in Genus Ostrinia (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) that gave serious damage to the red bean, Vigna angularis. The species has ever been described as O. zaguliaevi in the previous presentation (Jung et al., 2010). Because, however, inconsistent information has been recognized for the species, we reviewed characteristics in morphological, molecular and sex pheromone levels, and host-range. Male genitalia had 3-lobed uncus and tibia of midleg showed massive type. The morphology indicated that the species might be one of O. zaguliaevi, O. scapulalis and O. zealis. Partial nucleotide sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit Ⅰ(COⅠ) and Ⅱ genes were not identical with those of the 3 species in GenBank, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of COⅠ was not identical with that of O. zealis. In the 23 analyses that sex pheromones were checked, (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, which was reported in the sex pheromone components of both O. zaguliaevi and O. zealis, was not detected at all. An intensive study in Japan has reported that the feeding habit of O. scapulalis is polyphagous, while that of O. zaguliaevi is monophagous (only in Petasites japonicus) (Ishikawa et al., 1999). After considering all these information, we concluded that it is reasonable to decide that the insect species in the red bean in Korea is O. scapulalis.

Ostrinia zaguliaevi (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) causes serious damage to pods and stems of the red bean, Vigna angularis, during the second half of the reproductive developmental stage. The temperature-dependent development studies of O. zaguliaevi were performed at several constant temperatures ranging from 7℃ to 36℃ in the laboratory, in the purpose of making temperature-dependent development models in the future. Eggs and larvae of O. zaguliaevi could not develop at lower temperatures of 7~13℃. As the temperature increased, the developmental period of the immature stage decreased. The number of larval instar was variable from 5 to 8, depending on temperature. The minimum number of larval instar was observed at only 25℃. Some larvae of colonies maintained at 16~22℃ showed highly longer developmental period. At relatively higher temperatures, 34℃ and 36℃, the larval developmental rates were not slowed down, and the larval survival rates was relatively high, above 60%. The egg mortality was relatively high at 36℃. Using these temperature-dependent development data of O. zaguliaevi, preliminary linear regression equations were estimated to look for a relationship between temperature and developmental rate in egg and larval stages.

The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) causes serious damage to some legume crops of genus Vigna and Sesbania in Korea. In the current study, laboratory studies on the temperature-dependent development of the insect were performed at 8 constant temperatures ranging from 13℃ to 34℃ at 3℃ intervals. Lower developmental threshold (LDT) for eggs, larvae, and pupae were calculated as 10.0, 12.5 and 13.3℃, respectively, using the linear-regression equations of the developmental rates. Degree-days required to complete a stage were estimated as 48, 187, and 94, for egg, larval, and pupal stages, respectively. The larvae couldn't survive at 13 and 16℃, and the larval survival rate was the highest at 28℃. The egg hatching rate was the lowest at 13℃. In the adult stage, the pre-oviposition period was the shortest at 22℃, and the total egg number was the most with ca. 500 at 25℃. Degree-days for the stages of 1st-4th larval instars, egg, and adult emergence-50% oviposition were calculated during the reproductive development season of red bean using single sine method and Suwon weather station data based on LDTs, respectively. Finally, the adult occurrence time was estimated after the degree-days were cumulated reversely from the distribution data of larval stages observed in a red bean field

Previous studies indicated that Matsumuraeses phaseoli and M. falcana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are separate species since a few differences were observed in genitalia morphology and female sex pheromone composition. A clear difference was detected in the DNA sequences of cytochrome oxidase I of the two species separately collected in different plants and regions. A hybridization test also showed that a post-zygotic reproductive isolation occurred between the species. In field monitoring, however, both species have been caught simultaneously and together in the separate sex pheromone traps installed for the two species around neighboring soybean and red bean fields. Molecular marker-assisted identification with several adults sampled from the trapped insects showed that only ca. 40% of M. phaseoli adults identified as the species by genitalia morphology was the M. phaseoli, while ca. 97% of M. falcana adults identified as the species was the M. falcana. The result indicated that the observation of genitalia did not make a decisive criterion for classification of the insects. Conclusively, it suggested that the sex pheromones of the two species should be studied more precisely although there is a possibility that the two species are hybridized in fields as in laboratory, and speciation is under process.