This study analyzed the changes in sodium content across different types of kimchi over various storage periods, distinguishing between solids and seasoning (liquid), to better estimate actual sodium intake and improve the food composition databases. Six types (baechu-kimchi, oi-sobagi, buchu-kimchi, baek-kimchi, dongchimi, and nabak-kimchi) were analyzed using ICP-AES. The results were compared with salinometer readings, food composition databases, and nutrition labels from commercial products. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test (=0.05). The findings showed that the seasoning had significantly higher sodium content than the solids and, except for baechu-kimchi and nabak-kimchi, accounted for more than 50% of the total sodium content. Sodium content varied across kimchi types and changed over storage time. Additionally, sodium content measured by ICP-AES significantly differed from those in the food composition databases and commercial nutrition labels, which often over or under-estimated values. Moreover, sodium content in commercial kimchi products exhibited up to a 581-fold difference between the minimum and maximum values. These results suggest that current databases and labeling systems, which do not distinguish between solids and seasoning, may misrepresent the actual sodium intake. Further research and regulatory measures are needed to improve sodium estimation and consumer guidance.

This study examines the volatilization of alkali elements on the surfaces of ceramic targets and in the deposited films during the deposition of potassium sodium niobate (KNN) thin films using a ceramic target with the nominal composition K0.55Na0.55NbO3 via a RF magnetron sputtering process. Under a 100 W RF power condition, significant volatilization of alkali elements occurred on the surface of the ceramic target, resulting in the inevitable formation of a Nb-rich secondary phase in the thin films. However, perovskite-phase KNN thin films with excellent reproducibility and without secondary phases were obtained under 50 W RF power and a substrate temperature of 600 °C. When the RF power was reduced to 20 W or the substrate temperature was lowered to 500 °C under 50 W RF power, no crystalline thin films could be obtained. Additionally, when the substrate temperature was raised to 700 °C under 50 W RF power, the niobium-rich secondary phase appeared in the thin films due to the volatilization of alkali elements. The conditions of 50 W RF power and a substrate temperature of 600 °C were found to be optimal for depositing perovskite-phase KNN thin films. However, complete suppression of potassium volatilization from the thin films was not achievable. Consequently, the resulting films had a sodium-rich composition compared to K0.5Na0.5NbO3 and exhibited lower dielectric constants along with relaxor ferroelectric characteristics. This study highlights the importance of monitoring the compositional changes in ceramic targets during the RF sputtering process to ensure high reproducibility in KNN thin film fabrication.

본 연구에서는 하수처리 과정에서 분리된 항생제 내성균(Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, ARB)을 제거하기 위해 박테리오파지와 차아염소산 나트륨(NaClO)을 결합한 병용 처리 기술을 응용하였다. ARB를 감염시키는 용균성 박테리오파지는 폐수 샘플에서 성공적으로 분리되었다. 이러한 박테리오파지와 NaClO를 순차적으로 적용한 결과, 5시간 이내에 ARB를 상당히 감소시킬 수 있었다. 환경 안정성 평가에서는 분리된 박테리오파지가 온도, pH, 독성 물질에 대한 노출 등 다양한 조건에서도 효과를 유지하는 것으로 나타냈다. 또한, 실험실 규모의 반응기 실험을 통해 단독 염소 소독과 비교했을 때, 결합 처리가 ARB를 효과적으로 억제하는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 박테리오파지와 차아염소산 병용 처리는 유기물, 질소(N), 인(P)과 같은 영양소 제거 효율에 영향을 미치지 않았다. 이러한 결과는 박테리오파지를 기반으로 한 생물학적 제어법과 기존의 소독 방식을 결합하여 폐수 처리 공정(Wastewater treatment plant, WWTP)에서 효과적인 항생제 내성 박테리아 제어 방안을 제시할 가능성을 시사한다.

This study was conducted to establish a range of sodium reduction acceptable to consumers through collaboration between food and nutrition experts and franchise restaurants to reduce sodium in franchise restaurants. This study was conducted sequentially in 2018 using focus group interview and in-depth interview with experts, development of low-sodium pizza. Sodium content of low-sodium pizza was then analyzed along with preference evaluation of low-sodium pizza. Results of expert interviews showed that gradual sodium reduction was desirable. Sodium-reduced pizzas were manufactured using sauces and toppings that gradually reduced refined salt and soy sauce. Results of physicochemical analysis showed that sodium contents of pizzas were reduced by 5.3%, 7.9%, and 12.7% in the experimental groups P1, P2, and P3, respectively, compared to the control group (487.43 mg/100g). As a result of evaluating the intensity of pizza taste, saltiness and greasiness were lower in sodium-reduced pizza group, while sweetness and spiciness were higher. The preference and willingness to recommend sodium-reduced pizza were the highest for pizza with a 12.7% reduction. A 7-12% reduction in sodium in currently commercially available pizzas had no effect on taste preference. It is viewed positively by consumers. Thus, such reduction can be applied at a realistic level in franchise restaurants.

Iron selenides with high capacity and excellent chemical properties have been considered as outstanding anodes for alkali metal-ion batteries. However, its further development is hindered by sluggish kinetics and fading capacity caused by volume expansion. Herein, a series of FeSe2 nanoparticles (NPs)-encapsulated carbon composites were successfully synthesized by tailoring the amount of Fe species through facile plasma engineering and followed by a simple selenization transformation process. Such a stable structure can effectively mitigate volume changes and accelerate kinetics, leading to excellent electrochemical performance. The optimized electrode ( FeSe2@C2) exhibits outstanding reversible capacity of 853.1 mAh g− 1 after 150 cycles and exceptional rate capacity of 444.9 mAh g− 1 at 5.0 A g− 1 for Li+ storage. In Na+ batteries, it possesses a relatively high capacity of 433.7 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 A g− 1 as well as good cycle stability. The plasma-engineered FeSe2@ C2 composite, which profits from synergistic effect of small FeSe2 NPs and carbon framework with large specific surface area, exhibits remarkable ions/electrons transportation abilities during various kinetic analyses and unveils the energy storage mechanism dominated by surface-mediated capacitive behavior. This novel cost-efficient synthesis strategy might offer valuable guidance for developing transition metal-based composites towards energy storage materials.

Na4MnV(PO4)3 (NMVP) cathode materials have attracted significant attention as potential candidates for grid applications due to their distinctive structure and high theoretical capacity. However, their inadequate electronic conductivity compromises both cycling stability and rate capability, presenting a challenge for practical implementation. To address this issue, we employed a strategy involving Zr4+ doping and dual-carbon coating to enhance the electrochemical performance of NMVP. The resulting Na3.8MnV0.8Zr0.2( PO4)3/C/rGO composite demonstrated markedly improved rate capability (71.9 mAh g− 1 at 60 °C) and sustained cyclic stability (84.8% retention at 2 C after 1000 cycles), as validated through comprehensive kinetics assessments. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the expanded Na-ion pathways facilitated by large size ion doping and the improved electronic conductivity enabled by the dual-layer coating.

Drought is one of the environmental factors inhibiting plant productivity and growth, leading to oxidative damage. This study aims to identify the role of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) as a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor in drought stress tolerance in Brassica napus. Drought-induced stress symptoms appeared eight days after treatment, showing wilted leaves and a significant reduction of leaf water potential. Drought-induced increase of lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced by NaHS application. NaHS-treated plants mitigated stress symptoms under drought conditions by reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, confirmed with H2O2 localization in situ. Furthermore, NaHS promotes photosynthetic activity by maintaining chlorophyll and carotenoid content, thereby supporting plant growth under drought conditions. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate and proline contents were significantly increased by drought but further enhanced by NaHS treatment, indicating the important roles of proline accumulation in drought stress tolerance. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight into the roles of NaHS in alleviating drought stress by reducing oxidative stress and promoting proline accumulation. Therefore, NaHS may serve as an effective strategy to enhance crop production under drought-stress conditions.

In the present study, a novel pH-sensitive hydrogel composite of pectin-grafted-poly (acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid)/MWCNTs- COOH was prepared by using graft copolymerization of acrylic acid and itaconic acid on pectin backbone with incorporation of MWCNTS- COOH. The prepared hydrogel composite has been employed for the adsorption and controlled release of the diclofenac sodium (DS) drug. The hydrogel composite was characterized by the analysis methods: FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA to analyze structural characteristics before and after DS drug adsorption. The swelling ratio of the hydrogel composite was investigated at different pH values from pH 1.2 to 10. According to the results, the swelling ratio of the hydrogel composite was found 4195% at pH 7.4. Adsorption process parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and temperature were investigated and found to have a significant influence on DS drug adsorption. The maximum DS drug loading through adsorption of 91% was obtained at pH 3, adsorbent dose of 0.05 g, contact time of 150 min, and temperature of 15 °C. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic results were well-fitted to Freundlich and second-order models. Thermodynamic parameters including changes in Gibb’s free energy, enthalpy, and entropy suggested that the adsorption of DS drug onto hydrogel composite was a spontaneous and exothermic process. The in vitro drug release experiment showed that the cumulative release of DS drug from hydrogel composite after 35 h was significantly higher in simulated intestinal fluid at pH 7.4 than in simulated gastric fluid at pH 1.2.

This study aimed to provide an accurate estimate of sodium intake from jangajji by examining the changes in sodium content according to the type of jangajji and the length of storage period, specifically differentiating between the solid ingredients and the seasoning liquid. It focused on six types of jangajji: chili pepper, perilla leaf, onion, radish, garlic scape, and cucumber. The sodium content in the solid ingredients and the seasoning was measured using a salinometer and ICP-AES. The results indicated that across all types of jangajji, the seasoning liquid consistently contained significantly higher levels of sodium than the solid ingredients. When comparing the sodium content measured by ICP-AES with that from a salinometer, the salinometer readings were significantly lower for both the solid ingredients and the seasoning liquid in all types of jangajji. Additionally, when comparing the sodium content of the solid ingredients with that listed in the nation’s representative nutritional databases, a substantial discrepancy was noted, with some cases potentially overstating the actual sodium intake from jangajji. Overall, this study suggests that an urgent review should be conducted to identify and resolve the causes of such discrepancies and accurately estimate the actual sodium intake from jangajji.

PURPOSES : Snow-removal performance is performed in this study to assess the feasibility of replacing calcium-chloride solution with sodium chloride solution at the minimum temperature of -5 ℃ during snowfall. METHODS : The atmospheric temperature distribution in Seoul was analyzed. The manufacturing, storage, and indoor melting performance of calcium-chloride and sodium-chloride solutions were evaluated, and on-site snow-removal performance was evaluated based on the solution type. RESULTS : According to the results of the melting performance test at -5°C, the melting capacity of the sodium chloride solution was expressed at a level exceeding 90% of that of the calcium chloride solution, indicating a similar melting performance between the two solutions. Additionally, based on the snow removal performance test using aqueous solutions, the snow removal performance of the sodium chloride solution was found to be approximately 96% compared to that of the calcium chloride solution, indicating minimal differences in snow removal performance due to changes in the type of solution. CONCLUSIONS : Similar snow-removal performance was achieved when the sodium chloride solution was used instead of calciumchloride aqueous solution at temperatures exceeding -5 ℃.

Pyrethroid resistance in cockroach populations has been a public health challenge since the 1950s. The pyrethroid resistance in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is primarily attributed to knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations (E434K, C764R, and L993F) in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel gene (vssc). In this study, the pyrethroid resistance state of the German cockroach in the Republic of Korea (ROK) was assessed by analyzing the frequencies of kdr mutations using one-step PCR with total RNA. The results revealed that among the 25 populations examined, 14 populations exhibited the L993F kdr mutation, while no other mutations were detected. Since other cockroach species are also commonly found in human dwellings in ROK, the vssc genes were cloned from four other species, including Blattella nipponica, Periplaneta americana, Periplaneta japonica, and Periplaneta fuliginosa. Based on the genomic DNA (gDNA) sequences obtained from the vssc cloning, primer sets were designed to amplify the vssc fragment spanning the L993F mutation for each species and used to monitor the development of pyrethroid resistance in cockroach populations in the ROK. The study will facilitate the implementation of a nationwide monitoring program to assess cockroach resistance and select suitable alternatives.

The development of biocomposites using renewable resources is a cost-effective and long-term solution to environmental and resource issues. Hydrogels [Poly Sodium Acrylate (PSA)] were created by variable percentages of crosslinker concentration, and banana–cellulose microfibril (CMF) was used as a filler in this study for better reinforcement. When the concentration of crosslinker is increased, the number of covalent crosslinks increases, limiting the movement of water molecules and lowering the diffusion coefficient, equilibrium water content, the initial rate of swelling, and the theoretical equilibrium swelling ratio. The swelling behaviour of reinforced PSA with high concentrations of CMF was unexpected; the hydrophilic OH groups of CMF increase the diffusion of water molecules from the swelling medium to inside the PSA, allowing for better mechanical behaviour of gels without sacrificing the swelling response. The swelling behaviour and swelling exponent of a hydrogel were determined at various temperatures, pH levels, and physiological fluid models. The swelling exponent's maximum value was discovered to be 0.5, which suggests that the hydrogel's water diffusion was non-Fickian in nature. The swelling ratio was found to rise with rising temperature and to have a lower value than that at room temperature. It was also proven that elevating the pH of the medium from 1 to 7 improved the PSA/CMF hydrogels' swelling response. The swelling behaviour of PSA/CMF hydrogels was also investigated as the concentration of CMF rose from 0.2 to 1%. The equilibrium water content, swelling kinetics, and water transport mechanisms were all investigated. The Flory–Rehner equation was applied to determine crosslinking density, polymer mesh size, and molecular weight between crosslinks.

This study investigated the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JSA22-fermented rice drinks on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Twenty-four mice were randomly assigned; No colitis (Con), colitis with tap water (DSS-only), colitis with unfermented rice (DSS-UFR), and colitis with fermented rice (DSS-FR). After inducing colitis with 2% DSS for 5 days, they were given Tap water, UFR drink, or FR drink for an additional 6 days. The DSS-FR group had significantly lower Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores compared to the DSS-only group, but no significant difference with the DSS-UFR group. Colon length was reduced in the DSS-only group. The DSS-only group had significantly higher IL-6 mRNA levels compared to the Con group, while the DSS-FR groups showed significantly lower IL-6 mRNA levels compared to the DSS-only group. These results suggest that rice drinks fermented with Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum JSA22 ameliorate the severity of DSS-colitis, by potentially reducing proinflammatory cytokines.

As a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), cobalt sulfide ( CoS2) has attracted extensive attention due to its high theoretical capacity, easy preparation, and superior electrochemical activity. However, its intrinsic low conductivity and large volume expansion result in poor cycling ability. Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon-coated CoS2 nanoparticles (N–C@ CoS2) were prepared by a C3N4 soft-template-assisted method. Carbon coating improves the conductivity and prevents the aggregation of CoS2 nanoparticles. In addition, the C3N4 template provides a porous graphene-like structure as a conductive framework, affording a fast and constant transport path for electrons and void space for buffering the volume change of CoS2 nanoparticles. Benefitting from the superiorities, the Na-storage properties of the N–C@CoS2 electrode are remarkably boosted. The advanced anode delivers a long-term capacity of 376.27 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 A g− 1 after 500 cycles. This method can also apply to preparing other metal sulfide materials for SIBs and provides the relevant experimental basis for the further development of energy storage materials.

We produced an activated carbon using sodium-lignosulfonate, in which we investigated how the sodium salt in lignin served as the activating agent during heat treatment. Our process resulted in a product with a high specific surface area of 1324 m2/ g at 800 °C and microporous structure. During the activation process, we observed the consumption of carbon due to the dehydration reaction of NaOH and the reduction of Na2CO3 to metallic Na, which created pores through oxidation/ reduction reactions. The intercalation of metallic Na between the lattices at high temperatures formed additional pores and increased the specific surface area. Our proposed mechanism holds promise for enhancing the control of the microstructure and porosity of activated carbons through the thermal treatment of biomass.

The effects of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP, nitric oxide donor) on the growth, yield, photosynthetic characteristics, and antioxidant enzyme activity of kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt) was studied under the low temperature conditions. Kimchi cabbages were treated with SNP of three concentrations (7.5, 15, 30 mg·L-1) for three times at four-day intervals and exposed to low temperature (16/7°C) stress for seven days. SNP treatment induced increases of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intracellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) under the stress condition with the highest level after the third treatment. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 were significantly lower in the treatment of SNP compared to the non-treated control. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased in treated plants by up to 38, 187, 24 and 175%, respectively compared to the non-treated control. SNP-treated and untreated plants had similar growth characteristics. Compared to the control group, SNP-treatment increased fresh weight and leaf area by 5%. Overall, our findings suggest that the application of sodium nitroprusside to the leaves contributes to reducing physiological damage and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, thereby improving low temperature stress tolerance in kimchi cabbage.

Transition metal chalcogenides are promising cathode materials for next-generation battery systems, particularly sodium-ion batteries. Ni3Co6S8-pitch-derived carbon composite microspheres with a yolk-shell structure (Ni3Co6S8@C-YS) were synthesized through a three-step process: spray pyrolysis, pitch coating, and post-heat treatment process. Ni3Co6S8@C-YS exhibited an impressive reversible capacity of 525.2 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1 over 50 cycles when employed as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries. However, Ni3Co6S8 yolk shell nanopowder (Ni3Co6S8-YS) without pitch-derived carbon demonstrated a continuous decrease in capacity during charging and discharging. The superior sodium-ion storage properties of Ni3Co6S8@C-YS were attributed to the pitchderived carbon, which effectively adjusted the size and distribution of nanocrystals. The carbon-coated yolk-shell microspheres proposed here hold potential for various metal chalcogenide compounds and can be applied to various fields, including the energy storage field.

Ethyl formate (EF) is a naturally occurring insecticidal compound and is used to control pests introduced from abroad, in quarantine, by a fumigation method. In particular, it is mainly used as a substitute for methyl bromide and is less toxic to humans and less harmful to plants. This study aimed to investigate the possible acute toxicity of EF to useful organisms, and how to reduce phytotoxicity in watermelon, zucchini, and oriental melon. After fumigation with EF for 2 h, the LC50 values for earthworms, honey bees, and silkworms were 39.9, 7.09, and 17.9 g m-3, respectively. The degree of susceptibility to EF was in the order of earthworms, silkworms, and honey bees based on the LC50 value, and EF fumigation induced stronger acute toxicity to honey bees. Phytotoxicity was observed in watermelon leaves treated with a concentration of 7.5 g m-3 EF, and when treated with a concentration of 10.0 g m-3, it was confirmed that the edges of watermelon leaves were charred and seemed to be damaged by acids. Zucchini and melon, and other cucurbits, showed strong damage to the leaves when treated with a concentration of 10 g m-3, and sodium silicate, at concentrations of 10% and 20%, was used to reduce phytotoxicity. Therefore, acute toxicity towards nontarget organisms and phytotoxicity during the fumigation of EF should be reduced for efficient agricultural pest control.