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The effectiveness of the phase change material (PCM) application method was measured in three identical test huts using a shape-stabilized phase-change material (SSPCM) sheet made of paraffin-based PCM. Based on these results, the accuracy was verified by comparing the measured values with the calculated values using each PCM model in EnergyPlus and ExTLA (Excel-based Thermal Load Analysis) software. Annual loads were simulated under various conditions to optimize the efficiency of the SSPCM sheets. A similar reduction in heating load was observed, regardless of the installation area until the capacity of the SSPCM sheet reached a certain value. However, above this value, the efficiency increased or decreased depending on the installation area. This shows that there is an optimum capacity according to the installation area of the PCM. To evaluate the performance of the PCM according to the shape of the building, a target building and climate were selected using the ASHRAE standard (90.1 and 169), and the heating load was simulated under the same conditions. When the volume of the building and the size of the window receiving solar radiation were constant, it was confirmed that the shape of the building did not significantly affect the heating load compared to the installed capacity and area of the PCM. However, depending on the installation area, there was a difference in annual heating loads up to approximately 12%. This study confirmed that there are optimum installation capacities and areas that maximize the efficiencies of PCMs.

In recent years, the use of the air-based solar heating systems, which heat outdoor air and use it for heating and hot water, has increased in Japan. Air-based solar heating systems do not require special equipment for heating by direct use of air heated via convective heating, and they can be used for the hot water supply through heat exchange when the room temperature is high. However, because solar energy is only available during the daytime, and because of heat loss to the ground from the foundation concrete (which is a thermal storage body storing the collected heat), the load reduction effect is much less than the amount of the heat that is collected by solar heating. In this study, a simulation model was developed to understand the annual thermal load performance of an air-based solar heating system. The models of the solar collector, hot water tank and thermal storage were verified by comparison with experimental results. In order to improve the thermal performance of conventional systems, the solar collector, indoor air circulation, insulation under the foundation concrete, and additional thermal storage were examined. In particular, this study examined the effect of solar heat using water bottles that can achieve a large thermal storage effect at low cost. Simulation results show that the proposed system reduces annual heating and hot water load by 17.9% compared to conventional systems.

Through a comprehensive evaluation of the spaces of 25 railway stations, where power-saving operations are being conducted due to an earthquake, the effects of various components of the space on users’ psychology were reviewed. For the platforms of railway stations, which are divided into ‘island platforms’ and ‘side platforms’ the ‘physical quantity measurement’ and ‘impression evaluation’ were assessed. When a simple power-saving method, such as partial lighting up is adopted, it has been shown that there is a negative effect on the users, both physically and psychologically. In particular, in the case of outdoor platforms, there is a concern that glare and anxiety due to contrast may increase, therefore, it is necessary to utilize the reflective surfaces effectively. Floor illuminance is fundamental to lighting design. However, some areas cannot be evaluated by floor illuminance alone. The difference in the results of the impression evaluation in five areas with floor illuminance around 50 lx was widely distributed, and it was found that the shape and material of the space affected the results. If platform screen doors are installed, a lighting method that can evenly illuminate the interior of the space is necessary. By reviewing each factor that determines the visual impression, it was revealed that the lighting location and lighting method were significantly affected.

A shape-stabilized phase-change material (SSPCM) was installed on the floor, walls, and ceiling of various buildings, and its effects on indoor room temperature stabilization and heating load reduction were examined using experiments and simulations. The PCM model was developed based on the specific heat capacity of the SSPCM sheets measured using a thermostatic chamber and simulations results were obtained using EnergyPlus. The validity of the PCM model was examined by comparing the simulation and experimental results, which showed similar temperature tendency. The model was then examined to determine the applicability of PCM to the various climates in Japan through annual heating load simulations. The target buildings were classified as Type A (no PCM, reference), Type B (only the floor contained PCM), and Type C (the floor, walls, and ceiling contained PCM) using a standard Japanese house. Types B and C had the same amount of PCM. The simulation was run for 21 cases, with one being run for each type of building in seven Japanese climates. In addition, if the installation area of the PCM was expanded, the absorption area of solar radiation also increased; thus, the melting and solidification times of the PCM decreased and its heat storage increased. Thereby, diurnal temperature swing decreased and the efficiency of the PCM increased. The heat-storage performance changed depending on the installation area and position, even when the same amount of PCM was installed in the building. Therefore, when using PCMs in buildings, the installation area and position should be considered alongside the amount of PCMs.

Maintaining constant thermal conditions in building interiors requires substantial energy. Using phase-change materials (PCMs) with construction materials can improve thermal performance without increasing energy expenditure. Herein, shape-stabilized PCMs (SSPCMs) were used. We measured the thermal performance of a PCM sheet and established the melting- and solidification-temperature ranges at 19–26 °C. Three identical huts were examined using varying PCM levels under natural and heating conditions. In Hut A, no SSPCM sheets were applied; in Hut B, four layers of SSPCM sheets were applied to the floor; in Hut C, one layer of SSPCM was applied to the floor, walls, and ceilings. The results demonstrated that the application of SSPCM sheets improves thermal performance. For an equal number of SSPCM sheet layers applied on each side, the floor directly exposed to solar radiation showed the highest indoor temperature stabilization effect, followed by the walls and ceilings. Compared with Hut A, which served as the reference, the total power consumption using a heater decreased by 9.2% and 18.4% in Huts B and C, respectively. The effect of reducing heating power doubled when the applied area was expanded from the floor to the entire surface. Hence, effective PCM usage can entail large-scale application of SSPCM sheets to building surfaces.

The data in this article are the experimental results of three identical huts (Hut A, B and C), which were examined by using varying shape-stabilized PCMs (SSPCMs) sheet levels under natural and heating conditions in winter of Chiba prefecture where Japanese temperate climate. The SSPCMs sheet established the melting and solidification-temperature ranged at 19–26 °C were used. In Hut A, no SSPCM sheets were applied; in Hut B, four layers of SSPCM sheets were applied to the floor; in Hut C, one layer of SSPCM was applied to the floor, walls, and ceilings. The data provide information on the application of SSPCM sheets to improve indoor stabilization and the heating load reduction effects.

The accuracy of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) used in the dynamic method, which is the method most widely used to measure the thermal performance of existing phase-change materials (PCMs), is limited when measuring the phase-change range and peak temperature of PCMs combined with building materials. Therefore, we measured the thermal performance in a thermochamber, the samples were a sheet of shape-stabilized phase-change material (SSPCM) and a microencapsulated PCM-impregnated gypsum board fabricated by combining PCM building materials with paraffin. Then, we investigated ways to improve the measurement accuracy. We confirmed the setting time of the thermochamber temperature change based on the internal temperature of the PCM and the effect of the PCM capacity on its thermal performance using the dynamic method. The temperature was increased or decreased in uniform steps at regular time intervals. The error of the heat absorption and release was less than 2% when a stabilization time of at least 4 h elapsed before the start of the heating or cooling process. Overall trends in the specific heat and enthalpy, such as the phase-change section and peak temperature of the PCM, were similar regardless of the setting time. Thus, it was confirmed that the latent heat performance did not increase proportionally with the increase in the PCM capacity. The proposed approach can be used to measure the specific heat and enthalpy of various types of PCMs and building materials.

The improvement of the heating load reduction effect through indoor temperature stabilization and the possibility of applying phase change materials (PCMs) in various climates were examined. The indoor temperature and heat flow of each wall are measured in three identical test huts using a shape-stabilized phase-change material sheet made of a paraffin-based PCM. The results obtained are compared with calculated results using a PCM model fabricated basing a specific heat to verify the accuracy. The annual heating load reduction is confirmed by conducting simulations of 429 cases in various conditions of PCM capacity, building shape, and installation area for representative cities in each climate zone of ASHRAE standard 169–2013. In addition with this result, the relationship among the PCM installation method, building form, and climate factors are analyzed to obtain a correlation equation for annual heating load reduction. Comparing the simulation results and correlation equation results of the annual heating load reduction rate, it is confirmed that the error of the two results is below 2.7%, and the coefficient of determination is above 0.8. This correlation equation can be a measure of the approximate heating load reduction effect due to the PCM installation and the performance of indoor application methods without complex simulations early in the design or before the construction of the PCM.

This paper investigates the complex history of the taekwondo sport uniform. Although the uniform is an outward symbol of South Korea’s most popular martial art and national sport, few researchers have elucidated the uniform’s history. From studies into martial art uniforms, and the taekwondo uniform in particular, it is discovered that the tradition of wearing white trousers and jacket began with judo in the nineteenth century. This tradition was carried over to karate and other Japanese martial arts in the early twentieth century. After the liberation of the Korean peninsula from Japan, the taekwondo uniform began to evolve from its Japanese progenitors. The first important changes to the taekwondo uniform were implemented by Hwang Gi, who altered it to meet a traditional Korean clothing style. The 1970s saw the second important transformation to the uniform, whereby it became exclusively regarded as sports attire. However, since the 1970s, the taekwondo uniform did not account for traditional Ko...

This study aims to reveal the effectiveness of energy efficiency advice in the residential sector by using the push notification function of a smartphone app. The app was provided to approximately 1,700 households, who were recruited by an opt-in method, in the Kanto region where the temperate climate in eastern Japan. We conducted randomized controlled trials to evaluate the impact of push notifications with energy efficiency advice. The proposed energy efficiency advice used the data of electricity consumption and attributes as well as behavioral science’s “nudge” approach. The results indicate that the energy efficiency advice reduced electricity consumption by 1.3%, which is statistically significant. Furthermore, the implementation rates had increased for some of the energy-efficiency behaviors that were mentioned in the advice. Additionally, the opening ratios of the push notifications were improved 1.2 and 1.3 times using personalized sentences and adjusting the timing of the push notifications, respectively. These results indicated that personalization of the push notifications could increase the number of users who check the advice. An increase in the energy efficiency rate was observed among households who checked the advice on the standby screen of the smartphone and the dialog and notification list screen in the app. Although this study used relatively simple logic to deliver personalized energy efficiency advice, the results suggest that utilizing smartphones and various data, as well as making communication more interactive between the users and service providers, could effectively induce energy-efficient behavior.

This study compared nutritional intake, body composition, bone mineral density, and isokinetic strength by dance type in collegiate female dancers. The study subjects included Korean dancers (n=12), ballet dancers (n=13), contemporary dancers (n=8), and controls (n=12). Nutritional intake was estimated using the Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program. Body composition and bone mineral density were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Isokinetic knee joint strength was measured by Cybex 770-NORM. All statistical analyses were performed by SAS 9.2. Means and standard deviations were calculated using descriptive statistics. One-way analysis of variance was applied to evaluate nutritional intake, body composition, bone mineral density, and isokinetic strength differences. Duncan multiple range test was used for post hoc testing. A level of significance was set at P

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals, and several findings suggest that dietary Se intake may be necessary for bone health. Accumulating evidence indicates that Se compounds possess anticancer properties. Se is specifically incorporated into proteins in the form of selenocysteine and non-specifically incorporated as selenomethionine in place of methionine. This study evaluated protection by Se in the bone repair process in ovariectomized rats after irradiation. For such purpose, 80 ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: ovariectomized (Ov), Ov/Se, Ov/irradiated (Irr) and Ov/ Se/Irr. A bone defect was created on the tibia of all animals 40 days after ovariectomy. Two days after surgery, only the Ov/Se and Ov/Se/Irr rats received 0.8 mg Se/kg. Three days after surgery, only the Ov/Irr and Ov/Se/Irr rats received 10 Gy of X-rays on the lower limb region. The animals were euthanized at 7, 15, 22 and 29 days after surgery to assess the repair process, which was evaluated by analysis of trabecular bone number (Masson Trichrome) and birefringence analysis (Picrosirius). It was possible to observe a delay in the bone repair process in the ovariectomized/irradiated group and similarity between the ovariectomized, Ov/ Se and Ov/Se/Irr groups. Our findings suggest that sodium selenite may influence a radioprotective effect in the bone repair of tibia of ovariectomized rats without toxicity.

Many pronuclear stage eggs were used to generate transgenic mice (Tg) by microinjection. In this study, we used in vitro fertilized mouse eggs, followed by ultrarapid freezing to establish a simple procedure for production of Tg mice. We produced in vitro fertilized mouse eggs and cryopreserved them by ultrarapid freezing method. A total of 139 cryopreserved-thawed pronuclear eggs, of which 101 (72.6%) were survived following microinjection of chicken b-actin promoter-driven firefly improved luciferase cDNA (β-act/luc+) and were transferred into 5 recipients. All recipients became pregnant and gave birth to a total of 15 (14.8%) pups. As a control, same DNA construction (β- act/luc+) was also injected into 450 in vitro fertilized eggs, of which 338 (75.1%) were survived and then were transferred into 14 recipients. Eleven (78%) mice became pregnant and littered a total of 54 (19.1%) pups. Southern blotting analysis of Tg mice indicated that one (1/15, 6.6%) and three (3/54, 5.5%) transgenic mice were production from cryopreserved and in vitro fertilized eggs, respectively. All Tg mice produced from both eggs showed the expression of improved luciferase gene. These results indicated that efficiency of produced of Tg mice from cryopreserved eggs was comparable to that from in vitro fertilized eggs. Furthermore, it is suggested that microinjection of transgene into in vitro fertilized eggs cryopreserved by ultrarapid freezing is an easy and conveniently method for production of Tg mice.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicities of permeable cryoprotectants and finally to establish the cryopreservation method of surplus embryos obtained during assisted reproductive technology (ART). Toxicities of permeable cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), Glycerol, and 1,2-PROH were investigated using a murine embryo model. Female F-1 mice were stimulated with gonadotropin, induced ovulation with hCG and mated. Two cell embryos were collected and cultured after exposure to among DMSO, EG, Glycerol, and 1,2-PROH. Embryo development was evaluated up to the blastocyst stage. The total cell count of blastocysts that were treated with DMSO and Glycerol at the 2-cell stage was significantly lower than that were treated with EG (81.1±15.1), 1,2-PROH (88.0±21.1) or the control (99.9±21.3) (p

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks pre-season training on body composition, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, and isokinetic strength in collegiate taekwondo athletes. Thirty-four collegiate athletes (male: 22, female: 12) participated. Body composition, bone mineral density, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, and isokinetic muscle strength were tested. After statistical analysis was performed the results indicated that there were significant decreases in body weight, percent body fat, and fat tissue after 8 weeks of pre-season training. Bone mineral density increased significantly only in males. There were significant improvements in the 50 m shuttle run and 20 m multistage endurance run in both males and females. The sit & reach test and standing long jump were not significantly changed after 8 weeks. Relative peak power and anaerobic capacity were significantly improved in males. Significant increases in angular velocity were observed for knee extension at both % BW 60°/sec and 180°/sec in both males and females. A significant increase in angular velocity was seen for right knee flexion at % BW 60°/sec for males, but it decreased at % BW 180°/sec for both males and females. In conclusion, this study suggests that 8 weeks of pre-season training has a positive effect on body composition, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, isokinetic muscular strength, and endurance. Nevertheless, an exercise approach with the goal of increasing lean tissue, and improving power in knee flexors and flexibility of athletes, should be included in the training program.

Sloan-Kettering virus gene, a product of a cellular protooncogene c-Ski is a unique nuclear pro-oncoprotein and belongs to the Ski/Sno proto-oncogene family. The aim of the present study was to locate Ski protein in rat ovaries in order to find insights into the possible involvement of Ski in follicular development and atresia. Ovaries obtained on the day of estrus were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for Ski and PCNA in combination with TUNEL. Ski was expressed in granulosa cells that were positive for TUNEL, but negative for PCNA, regardless of the shape and size of the follicles. Expression of Ski in (TUNEL)-positive granulosa cells, but not in (PCNA)-positive granulosa cells, was verified in immature hypophysectomized rats having a single generation of developing and atretic follicles by treatment with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). These results indicate that Ski is profoundly expressed in the granulosa cells of atretic follicles, but not in growing follicles. Based on the present findings, Ski has maybe played plays a role in apoptosis of granulosa cells during follicular atresia.

Ethylene glycol (EG) has been successfully used as a cryoprotectant for vitrification of mammalian embryos (including human embryos) due to its low formula weight and high permeation into cells compared with other cryoprotectants, including propylene glycol (PROH). Cryopreservation is able to store the surplus pre-embryos for freezing and furthermore thawing and transfer in a subsequent cycle. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of embryonic stage, cryoprotectant, and freezing-thawing method on the rates of survival and development of the cryopreserved mouse early embryo and finally to establish the cryopreservation method of surplus embryos obtained during assisted reproductive technology (ART). Female ICR mice (6~8 weeks old) were induced to superovulate by sequential intraperitoneal injection of 5 IU PMSG and 5 IU hCG 48 h apart. Mouse embryos were collected according to its developmental stage after the injection of hCG. Embryos were cryopreserved not only during cryoprotectant step (1~4 step) but also in a variety of media (HTF, IVF medium, D-PBS) and cell stage. The results were as follows : There is no clear advantage in these freezing media of rapid method, but 4 cell and 8 cell of slow method (2, 3 and 4 step) have advantage in D-PBS. The development of embryos according to cell stage become greater in 8 cell stage. In the treatment steps of cryopreservation, the development of embryo to blastocyst was similar among rapid method, but the development of 4 cell and 8 cell embryos to blastocyst according to slow method was better than rapid method.

Two transversely isotropic plasticity-based models for wood, derived from the standard compression properties and the embedment properties were investigated for suitability of application for bolted connections. It was found that the conventional connection models involving the compression properties were incapable of simulating the real behaviour of the connections because the compression properties provided too stiff foundation to represent embedding behaviour of wood under the bolt. However, wood foundation-based connection model that was newly developed using the bolt embedment properties showed good agreement with the actual behaviour of bolted connections.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of embryonic stage, cryoprotectant, and freezing-thawing method on the rates of survival and development of the cryopreserved mouse early embryo and finally to establish the cryopreservation method of surplus embryos obtained during assisted reproductive technology (ART). Two to eight cell embryos were obtained from oviducts of mated F1 hybrid female mice superovulated by PMSG and hCG. Two-step EG, DMSO and 4-step EG, DMSO were used as cryoprotectant and dehydration and rehydration method of embryos, and slow-cooling or rapid-cooling method was used as frozen program. The survival rates of embryos were measured after thawing and rehydration, and the developmental rates of embryos were compared and observed during culturing embryos for 24, 48, 72, 96 hrs. As for the survival and development rates of embryos according to embryonic stage, the survival rate of 2 cell stage in EG and DMSO was significantly higher than 4~8 cell (65.4% versus 61.2%, 81.1% versus 72.5%) (p

Aquatic ecosystems are threatened by increasing variability in the hydrologic responses. In particular, the health of river ecosystems in steeply sloping watersheds is aggravated due to soil erosion and stream depletion during dry periods. This study suggested and assessed a method to improve the adaptation ability of a river system in a steep watershed. For this, this study calibrated soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) for runoff and sediment, and quantified the changes in hydrologic responses such as groundwater recharge rate soil erosion and baseflow according to two scenarios for adjustment of the watershed slope (steep to mild). Here, one scenario was set by three measured slopes, and the other was set by fixing the entire watershed slopes with 5 %. Moreover, SWAT and web-based hydrograph analysis tool (WHAT) models were applied to estimate groundwater recharge, soil erosion, and baseflow in the Haean-myeon watershed in South Korea. The results show that the reduction of watershed slope increased groundwater recharge and baseflow, and decreased sediment. Specifically, groundwater recharge rate was increased from 257.10 to 364.60 mm, baseflow was increased from 0.86 to 1.19 m3/s, and sediment was decreased from 194.6 to 58.1 kg/km2. Based on these results, the suggested method will positively contribute to aquatic ecosystems and farming environments in a steeply sloping watershed due to improvements in the quantity and quality of river water.

Global warming is increasing the variability of climate change and intensifying hydrologic cycle components including precipitation, infiltration, evapotranspiration, and runoff. These changes increase the chance of more severe and frequent natural conditions, and limit ecosystem function and human activities. Adaptation to climate change requires assessment of the potential disaster risk. The objectives of this study were to estimate the flood risk index (FRI) considering regional flood characteristics at the national level and to prioritize the factors affecting flood risk through principal component analysis. FRI was estimated based on the Delphi survey results from 50 water resources experts in South Korea. The potential risk analysis was conducted for 229 local governments in South Korea. The results showed that natural and social factors were more influential flood risk factors to South Korea than administrative and economic and facility factors. Specifically, natural, social, administrative and economic, and facility factors were, respectively, highest at Jindo-Gun in Jennam-Do, Gumi-Si in Kyongsanbuk-Do, Dong-Gu in Incheon-Si, and Suwon-Si, Kyonggi-Do. Overall, the highest FRI is shown in Anyang-Si, Kyongggi-Do. The spatial distribution of the FRI was high in the southeastern coastal region and basins of the two biggest rivers in South Korea, and normalized flood frequency followed spatial patterns similar to FRIs. This study provided information on the relative flood risk index among administrative units for investment prioritization in flood risk management. In this regard, the suggested FRI is expected to significantly contribute to methodical and economic improvements in budget allocations for flood risk management.

Energy consumption statistics in 2005 from the Korea Energy Management Corporation show that building energy usage was about 24.2% of total domestic energy consumption, and 64% of total building energy usage was consumed by residential buildings. Thus, about 10% of total domestic energy consumption is due to the heating of residential buildings. Building energy can be calculated by the configuration of the building envelope and the rate of infiltration (the volume of the infiltration of outdoor air and the leakage of indoor air), and by doing so, the annual energy usage for heating and cooling. Therefore, air-tightness is an important factor in building energy conservation. This investigate air infiltration and various factors that decrease it in timber frame buildings and suggest ways to improve air-tightness for several structural types. Timber frame buildings can be classified into light frame, post and beam, and log house. Post and beam includes Han-ok (a Korean traditional building). Six light frame buildings, three post and beam buildings, one Korean traditional Han-ok and a log house were selected as specimens. Blower door tests were performed following ASTM E779-03. The light frame buildings showed the highest air-tightness, followed by post and beam structures, and last, log houses.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on athletic performance in Taekwondo athletes. METHODS Thirty-three male and female collegiate Taekwondo athletes were randomly divided into a HIIT group (N.=16) or a high-intensity continuous running (HICR) group (N.=17). The HIIT group undertook training of high-intensity sprints interspersed with active rest periods whilst the HICR group participated in high-intensity running for a continuous period. Both groups completed 11 sessions over 4 weeks. Physique, body composition, Wingate anaerobic test and VO2max test were measured. The vertical jump test, agility T-test and sit-ups were used to assess physical fitness. Repeated measures ANCOVAs with sex as a covariate were applied and significant level was set at 0.05. RESULTS Following 11 sessions of training, significant improvements in anaerobic peak power (P

The objective of this study is to observe growth pattern of grand rapids(lettuce) according to different experimental conditions for minimizing its growth period such as composition of nutrient, irradiation time of light source and cultivation mode. The culture of water spray type using seeds of grand rapids was performed during growth period of total 50 days. Experimental conditions consist of five compositions of nutrient (PW 0.5 mS/㎝, PW 1.0 mS/㎝, PY 0.5 mS/㎝, PY 1.0 mS/㎝, PW 2.0 mS/㎝) and three irradiation times of light source (12h(on) / 12h(off), 18h(on) / 06h(off), 24h(on) / 00h(off)). Illumination was adjusted to ratio of 7:1:1 of red, blue and white color, respectively. Indoor environmental condition for cultivating grand rapids is as follows: temperature (19-22℃), relative humidity (60-70%) and carbon dioxide (1,000-1,200 ppm). The data were obtained from five iteration tests. The maximum growth level was observed in the experimental condition of 18 hr(on) / 06 hr(off) and PY 1 mS/㎝ for 1st week of cultivation period, 24 hr(on) / 00 hr(off) and PY 1mS/㎝ for 2nd week of cultivation period, and 24 hr(on) / 00hr(off) and PW 1 mS/㎝ for 3rd week of cultivation period, respectively. On the contrary, the minimum growth level was observed in the experimental condition of 18 hr(on) / 06 hr(off) and PW 0.5 mS/cm for 1st week of cultivation period, 12 hr(on) / 12 hr(off) and PW 0.5 mS/㎝ for 2nd week of cultivation period, and 12 hr(on) / 12 hr(off) and PY 0.5 mS/㎝ for 3rd week of cultivation period, respectively. Based on the results obtained from this study, it is concluded that the growth level of grand rapids varied with different irradiation time of light source and composition ratio of nutrient according to cultivation period.

Han-green building is one of the modernized Korean traditional buildings developed by Korea Forest Research Institute. This building was developed to increase the competitiveness of Korean traditional building using state-of-art technologies; hence Han-green building has the inherent characteristics of tradi- tional building such as exposed wood frame in wall. Because of discontinuity in wall by the exposed wood frame, there is a concern on heat-air leaking in terms of energy performance. In this study, air-tightness of Han-green building was evaluated to investigate the influence of gaps between frames and in-fill walls. Blower door test was carried out to evaluate the air-tightness, and air-change rate (ACH50) was evaluated by averaging four set of pressurization and depressurization test. The air-change rate of Han-green house was 5.91 h -1 . To improve energy performance of Han-green house, thermal infrared images of Han-green house were taken in winter with heating to find out where the heat loss occurred. It was found that the building lost more heat through gaps between frames and in-fill walls rather than through other parts of this building. After covering all the gaps by taping, the blower door test was performed again, and the air-change rate was improved to 5.25 h -1 . From this analysis, it was concluded that the heated air can leak through the gaps between frames and walls. Therefore, when one designs the post and beam building with exposed frame, the detail design between frame and wall needs to be carefully dealt. However, Han-green building showed relatively high air-tightness comparing with other country research results.

Sloan-Kettering virus gene, a product of a cellular protooncogene c-Ski is a unique nuclear pro-oncoprotein and belongs to the Ski/Sno proto-oncogene family. The aim of the present study was to locate Ski protein in rat ovaries in order to find insights into the possible involvement of Ski in follicular development and atresia. Ovaries obtained on the day of estrus were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for Ski and PCNA in combination with TUNEL. Ski was expressed in granulosa cells that were positive for TUNEL, but negative for PCNA, regardless of the shape and size of the follicles. Expression of Ski in (TUNEL)-positive granulosa cells, but not in (PCNA)-positive granulosa cells, was verified in immature hypophysectomized rats having a single generation of developing and atretic follicles by treatment with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). These results indicate that Ski is profoundly expressed in the granulosa cells of atretic follicles, but not in growing follicles. Based on the present findings, Ski has maybe played plays a role in apoptosis of granulosa cells during follicular atresia.

Ski protein is implicated in proliferation/differentiation in a variety of cells. We had previously reported that Ski protein is present in granulosa cells of atretic follicles, but not in preovulatory follicles, suggesting that Ski has a role in apoptosis of granulosa cells. The alternative fate of granulosa cells other than apoptosis is to differentiate to luteal cells; however, it is unknown whether Ski is expressed and has a role in granulosa cells undergoing luteinization. Thus, the aim of the present study was to locate Ski protein in the rat ovary during luteinizationto predict the possible role of Ski. In order to examine the expression pattern of Ski protein along with the progress of luteinization, follicular growth was induced by administration of equine chorionic gonadtropin to immature female rats, and luteinization was induced by human chorionic gonadtropin treatment to mimic luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. While no Ski-positive granulosa cells were present in preovulatory follicle, Ski protein expression was induced in response to LH surge, and was maintained after the formation of the corpus luteum (CL). Though Ski protein is absent in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicle, its mRNA (c-Ski) was expressed and the level was unchanged even after LH surge. Taken together, these results demonstrated that Ski protein expression is induced in granulosa cells upon luteinization, and suggests that its expression is regulated post-transcriptionally.

The Ski protein is implicated in the proliferation/differentiation of a variety of cells. We previously reported that the Ski protein is present in granulosa cells of atretic follicles, but not in preovulatory follicles, suggesting that Ski has a role in apoptosis of granulosa cells. However, granulosa cells cannot only undergo apoptosis but can alternatively differentiate into luteal cells. It is unknown whether Ski is expressed and has a role in granulosa cells undergoing luteinization. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the localization of the Ski protein in the rat ovary during luteinization to examine if Ski might play a role in this process. In order to examine the Ski protein expression during the progression of luteinization, follicular growth was induced in immature female rats by administration of equine chorionic gonadotropin, and luteinization was induced by human chorionic gonadotropin treatment to mimic the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. While no Ski-positive granulosa cells were present in the preovulatory follicle, Ski protein expression was induced in response to the LH surge and was maintained after formation of the corpus luteum (CL). Although the Ski protein is absent from the granulosa cells of the preovulatory follicle, its mRNA (c-ski) was expressed, and the level of c-ski mRNA was unchanged even after the LH surge. The combined results demonstrated that Ski protein expression is induced in granulosa cells upon luteinization, and suggested that its expression is regulated posttranscriptionally.

In this study, we determined the specificity of a low frequency taekwondo training programme on physical fitness levels in adolescent females who receive limited physical education instruction (i.e. 2 days per week). Major components of physical fitness assessed were: skeletal muscle fitness (hand grip strength, bent arm hang, standing long jump, and isokinetic strength), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), speed and agility (10 × 5-m shuttle run), and cardiovascular fitness (VO(2max) and 20-m shuttle run). Changes in body composition were also assessed (dual X-ray absorptiometry, DXA). Participants were divided into two groups, a taekwondo training group (n = 21), which trained 50 min a day, 2 days per week for 12 weeks, and a control group (n = 10). Taekwondo training improved isokinetic strength, standing long jump, and sit-and-reach performance. Body fat mass and percent body fat were reduced. No changes in grip strength, bent arm hang time, speed and agility, or cardiorespiratory fitness were observed. Results indicate that low frequency taekwondo training in adolescent females produces beneficial changes in skeletal muscle fitness, flexibility, and body composition in a relatively short period of time. Consequently, this specific type of training can be useful to female adolescents in structured school environments where physical education classes are limited and there is little free time for physical activity.

In recent years, the need and demand for the construction and utilization of light rail transit have been on the rise in Korea. As light rail transit construction projects have typically been promoted as Build–Transfer–Lease (BTL) projects, the private companies involved need to perform economic feasibility analysis by estimating life cycle cost (LCC) quickly and accurately. The success of a project greatly depends on the accurate analysis of the initial investment cost from the stages of design through construction, operating cost for the stages of operation and maintenance, and profits from operation. While such an LCC analysis requires a variety of experience with construction projects, a significant base of performance data and related expertise, Korean companies have no experience in the field of light rail transit construction, and the operating data is meager. With a lack of experience and data, the parties involved with light rail transit construction projects have come up with diverse costs estimates based on highly inaccurate data. Accordingly, it is urgent that there is a method to support the parties involved with light rail transit projects, particularly the private companies taking responsibility for investment in and operation of the light rail transit. This research aims to estimate the approximate construction cost of light rail transit structures (e.g. bridge, tunnel, etc.) and to develop an economic feasibility analysis system for light rail transit structures taking LCC into account based on the already calculated cost in order to support a reasonable decision-making process in relation with light rail transit construction projects. To estimate construction cost, major factors that have a great influence on the construction cost of the structure were first selected, and then a database for each unit cost was built. Using the system, a user can automatically calculate the construction cost by selecting the structure type and the engineering technique. For the LCC analysis, research of the literature was conducted, and based on the research an LCC analysis procedure and model was determined. In addition, by reviewing the uncertainty factors and the cost classification system appropriate for the construction of a light rail transit structure, the LCC analysis algorithm was written. Using the algorithm, LCC analysis of a bridge for a light rail transit was conducted to verify the feasibility of the algorithm that can provide information used for major decision-making, based on which private companies can determine whether or not to participate in a light rail transit construction project. This research has its own significance, both as a system to estimate construction cost for a light rail transit project based on diverse information, and as a system to analyze economic feasibility for LCC prediction.

A vertically oriented hollow fiber membrane module equipped with a downward aerator as well as an upward aerator for the simultaneous upward and downward air sparging was evaluated in a pilot-scale bioreactor. The operation was divided into three consecutive phases based on different membrane air sparging configurations: the simultaneous upward and downward air sparging (Phase 1), the single upward air sparging (Phase 2), and the simultaneous upward and downward air sparging (Phase 3). Although the SMBR operation, process performances including particulate matters, organic matters, and nutrients removals were stable, the membrane fouling characteristics were significantly different for the different air sparging configurations. The parameters such as the trans-membrane pressure increasing rate, the permeability decreasing rate, the irreversible membrane fouling rate, and the fouling resistance increased when the air sparging configuration was changed from the simultaneous upward and downward mode to the single upward mode (i.e., Phase 1 → Phase 2), while the parameters decreased when the air sparging configuration was switched from the single upward mode to the simultaneous upward and downward mode (i.e., Phase 2 → Phase 3). Taken together the results strongly support the effectiveness of the simultaneous upward and downward membrane air sparging in reducing membrane fouling.