The moth species and bugs are highly polyphagous that feed on a wide range of field and vegetables crops, including soybean in Korea. The monitoring study was conducted in soybean fields in Southern area Miryang from 2021-2023. Commercial funnel and rocket traps housing species-specific baiting with pheromone were used for monitoring of moth species (Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera litura, Agrotis ipsilon, Helicoverpa armigera, Ostrinia furncalis, Spodoptera exigua, and Mythimna separata) and bean bugs (Riptortus pedestris), respectively. The higher number of Spodoptera species (S. litura and S. exigua) were captured in August to September with several seasonal population peaks. The higher number of R. pedestris was captured in July to September. Climatic components were found as critical and influential factors in the population dynamics of moth species and bean bug. The population information of this study can be used to understand the spring emergence along with number of generations, and integrated into management programs of moths and bugs.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate a systematic design’s effectivity in remediating actual uranium-contaminated soil. The emphasis was placed on practical and engineering aspects, particularly in assessing the capabilities of a zero liquid discharge system in treating wastewater derived from soil washing. The research method involved a purification procedure for both the uranium-contaminated soil and its accompanying wastewater. Notably, the experimental outcomes demonstrated successful uranium separation from the contaminated soil. The treated soil could be self-disposed of, as its uranium concentration fell below 1.0 Bq·g−1, a level endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency for radionuclide clearance. The zero liquid discharge system’s significance lay in its distillation process, which not only facilitated the reuse of water from the separated filtrate but also allowed for the self-disposal of high-purity Na2SO4 within the residues of the distilled filtrate. Through a comparative economic analysis involving direct disposal and the application of a remediation process for uranium-contaminated soil, the comprehensive zero liquid discharge system emerged as a practical and viable choice. The successful demonstration of the design and practicality of the proposed zero liquid discharge system for treating wastewater originating from real uranium-contaminated soil is poised to have a lasting impact.

Spodoptera species (S. exigua and S. litura) are important pests of several crops and vegetables in Korea. We investigated development processes of Spodoptera species under constant temperatures (20, 25 and 30 oC) regimes and relative humidity (RH) (30-35, 50-55, 70-75, and 90-95%) conditions. We collected eggs of Spodoptera species by releasing them into a rectangular box inner walls covered with a sheet of white paper. Temperature and RH significantly impacted on oviposition, immature survival, adult emergence and longevity of Spodoptera species. Maximum number of eggs, shorter developmental time, higher adult emergence with longer longevity were reported in 70-75% at 30 oC. Minimal eggs and larval survival were recorded in 30-35% and 90-95% RH, respectively. This results suggest that temperature and RH had individual apparent effect on the developmental processes of Spodoptera species instead interactive effect. Therefore, there is chance to cause a significant damage to field crops and vegetables in 70-75% at 30 oC.

The fruit stalk of Hovenia dulcis (H.dulcis) is traditionally used to relieve hangovers in Korea. Theracurmin is a highly absorbable curcumin preparation which increases the bioavailability of curcumin. Curcumin is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the role of this combination in lowering alcohol levels in the body, thereby alleviating the severity of alcohol-induced hangover has not been investigated. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the eliminatory effects of a health drink containing the extract of the H. dulcis fruit stalk and theracurmin (theracurmin drink) on ethanol-induced hangover in rats. The theracurmin drink delivered orally to rats 30 mins before the administration of 40% ethanol (5 g/kg body weight), lowered the concentration of ethanol and acetaldehyde in the blood samples collected 1, 3, and 5 h after ethanol administration. Furthermore, the theracurmin drink increased the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes. The effectiveness of the theracurmin drink was thus superior to that of other health drink products, suggesting that its consumption may alleviate or prevent an alcohol-induced hangover.