• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.609-619
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• 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases are marked by the accumulation of toxic misfolded proteins in neurons. Therefore, strategies for the effective prevention and clearance of aggregates are crucial for therapeutic interventions. Cytoplasmic dynein plays a crucial role in the clearance of aggregates by transporting them to the cell center, where lysosomes are enriched and the aggregates undergo extensive autophagic degradation. Previously, we reported evidence for the activation of dynein by N-acetylglucosamine kinase (NAGK) and Reln. In the present study, we explored the effects of NAGK and Reln upregulation on the clearance of aggregates. To upregulate NAGK and Reln genes in HEK293T cells (a human embryonic kidney cell line), CRISPR/dCas9 activation systems (CASs) were used with specific plasmids encoding target-specific 20 nt guide RNA. The effects of this genetic modulation were analyzed in Huntington's disease cellular models, including HEK293T cells and primary mouse cortical cells, where external mutant huntingtin (mHtt, Q74) aggregates were induced. The results showed that the CAS activation of NAGK or Reln, or their combination, significantly reduced the proportion of cells with Q74 aggregates (aggresomes). This effect was reversed by Ciliobrevin D (a dynein inhibitor) and chloroquine (an autophagy inhibitor), indicating the role of dynein-mediated autophagy in aggregate clearance. These findings provide the basis for therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing neuronal health through targeted gene activation.

• Sim-seong Yeon-gu
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.129-183
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• 2024

This study is an attempt to get closer to the psychological truth of alcohol addiction. After reviewing previous related studies, the experiences of Korean alcoholics were examined, encompassing both the conscious and unconscious aspects. In order to approach the unconscious, the researcher paid attention to the series of dreams that the patients reported, from the perspective of Jungian dream analysis. Working with dreams brought considerable benefits in increasing patient's involvement in the therapeutic process and fostering therapist-patient alliance. It also helped to understand patients' conscious and unconscious aspects further. The results were as follows. On the conscious level, patients showed a long-standing alienation from their true emotional needs, a lack of sufficient experience in genuinely expressing and being accepted with one's own emotion, resulting in the need for emotional re-experience, along with the intense longing for maternal affection. This also meant that they were in need for maternal re-experience, and at the same time, for the associated paternal re-experience. Furthermore, the researcher identified that certain powerful archetypal complexes had been activated in the patient's unconscious in response to their conscious situations, triggering the destructive shadows to emerge and exert a strong influence on their conscious lives. The series of reported dreams shows how the unconscious always properly and diligently compensates, modifying the perspective and attitude of the conscious and gradually opening the doors to healing, even for alcoholic patients. This indicates that the unconscious carries out a specific and consistent guidance role so the conscious can realize and adequately respond to it, and that it also provides the creative force for transforming the conscious life. These findings suggest that alcohol addiction is a psychological condition that can jeopardize one's life by allowing the powerful energy of the unconscious to penetrate the conscious, but at the same time, have the purpose and direction to urge the creative transformation of one's conscious life. From these results, it can be concluded that the first step towards true recovery is for the individual to turn their attention towards the psychological truth occurring within themselves. In this regard, the therapist's role is crucial. This also suggests that various attempts in the field of addiction treatment will blossom their real values when they contribute, directly or indirectly, to the development of one's self-awareness since as long as one continues to turn away from the psychological truth and persist in craving for false objects, their creative healing properties in the unconscious could rather have negative and destructive impacts on their life.

• The Korean Journal of Quaternary Research
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• v.33 no.1_2
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• pp.1-23
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• 2021

In response to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, the global mean temperature is rising rapidly. In particular, the warming of the Arctic is two to three times faster than the rest. Associated with the rapid Arctic warming, the sea ice shows decreasing trends in all seasons. The faster Arctic warming is due to ice-albedo feedback by the presence of snow and ice in polar regions, which have higher reflectivity than the ocean, the bare land, or vegetation, higher long-wave heat loss to space than lower latitudes by lower surface temperature in the Arctic than lower latitudes, different stability of atmosphere between the Arctic and lower latitudes, where low stability leads to larger heat losses to atmosphere from surface by larger latent heat fluxes than the Arctic, where high stability, especially in winter, prohibits losing heat to atmosphere, increase in clouds and water vapor in the Arctic atmosphere that subsequently act as green house gases, and finally due to the increase in sensible heat fluxes from low latitudes to the Arctic via lower troposphere. In contrast to the rapid Arctic warming, in midlatitudes, especially in eastern Asia and eastern North America, cold air outbreaks occur more frequently and last longer in recent decades. Two pathways have been suggested to link the Arctic warming to cold air outbreaks over midlatitudes. The first is through troposphere in synoptic-scales by enhancing the Siberian high via a development of Rossby wave trains initiated from the Arctic, especially the Barents-Kara Seas. The second is via stratosphere by activating planetary waves to stratosphere and beyond, that leads to warming in the Arctic stratosphere and increase in geopotential height that subsequently weakens the polar vortex and results in cold air outbreaks in midlatitudes for several months. There exists lags between the Arctic warming and cold events in midlatitudes. Thus, understanding chain reactions from the Arctic warming to midlatitude cooling could help improve a predictability of seasonal winter weather in midlatitudes. This study reviews the results on the Arctic warming and its connection to midlatitudes and examines the trends in surface temperature and the Arctic sea ice.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.78
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• pp.57-85
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• 2024

Purpose of the study: In order to utilize artificial intelligence-generated AI in educational ministry, this study analyzes the concept of artificial intelligence and generative AI and the educational theological aspects of educational ministry to find ways to efficiently utilize artificial intelligence ChatGPT in educational ministry. Contents and methods of the study: The contents of this study are. First, the contents of this study were analyzed by dividing the concepts of artificial intelligence and generative AI into the concept of artificial intelligence, types of artificial intelligence, and generative language model AI ChatGPT. Second, the educational theological analysis of educational ministry was divided into the concept of educational ministry, the goals of educational ministry, the content of educational ministry, and the direction of educational ministry in the era of artificial intelligence. Third, the plan to use artificial intelligence ChatGPT in educational ministry is to provide tools for writing sermon manuscripts, preparation tools for worship and prayer, and church education, focusing on the five functions of the early church community. It was analyzed by dividing it into tools for teaching, tools for teaching materials for believers, and tools for serving and volunteering. Conclusion and Recommendation: The conclusion of this study is that, first, when writing sermon manuscripts through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, high-quality sermon manuscripts can be written through the preacher's spirituality, faith, and insight. Second, through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, you can efficiently design and plan worship services and prepare services that serve the congregation objectively through various scenarios. Third, by using artificial intelligence ChatGPT in church education, it can be used while maintaining a complementary relationship with teachers through collaboration with human and artificial intelligence teachers. Fourth, through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, we provide a program that allows members of the church community to share spiritual fellowship, a plan to meet the needs of church members and strengthen interdependence, and an attitude of actively welcoming new people and respecting diversity. It provides useful materials that can play an important role in giving, loving, serving, and growing together in the love of Christ. Lastly, through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, we are seeking ways to provide various information about volunteer activities, learning support for children and youth in the community, mentoring-related programs, and playing a leading role in forming a village community in the local community.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.342-352
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• 2023

Ultra-violet (UV) light is one of abiotic stress factors and causes oxidative stress in plants, but a suitable level of UV radiation can be used to enhance the phytochemical content of plants. The accumulation of antioxidant phenolic compounds in UV-exposed plants may vary depending on the conditions of plant (species, cultivar, age, etc.) and UV (wavelength, energy, irradiation period, etc.). To date, however, little research has been conducted on how leaf thickness affects the pattern of phytochemical accumulation. In this study, we conducted an experiment to find out how the antioxidant phenolic content of kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) leaves with different thicknesses react to UV-A light. Kale seedlings were grown in a controlled growth chamber for four weeks under the following conditions: 20℃ temperature, 60% relative humidity, 12-hour photoperiod, light source (fluorescent lamp), and photosynthetic photon flux density of 121±10 µmol m^-2 s^-1. The kale plants were then transferred to two chambers with different CO₂ concentrations (382±3.2 and 1,027±11.7 µmol mol^-1), and grown for 10 days. After then, each group of kale plants were subjected to UV-A LED (275+285 nm at peak wavelength) light of 25.4 W m^-2 for 5 days. As a result, when kale plants with thickened leaves from treatment with high CO₂ were exposed to UV-A, they had lower UV sensitivity than thinner leaves. The Fv/Fm (maximum quantum yield on photosystem II) in the leaves of kale exposed to UV-A in a low-concentration CO₂ environment decreased abruptly and significantly immediately after UV treatment, but not in kale leaves exposed to UV-A in a high-concentration CO₂ environment. The accumulation pattern of total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and individual phenolic compounds varied according to leaf thickness. In conclusion, this experiment suggests that the UV intensity should vary based on the leaf thickness (age etc.) during UV treatment for phytochemical enhancement.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.813-824
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• 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of training on the physical development and exercise performance of adolescent weightlifters, aiming to provide effective training and management strategies for improving competitive performance. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, adolescent weightlifters from middle and high schools in Chungcheongnam-do province [male middle school-aged athletes, n=5; female middle school-aged athletes, n=5; male high school-aged athletes, n=12; female high school-aged athletes, n=8] were examined over approximately 10 months of weightlifting-based training to analyse the changes in body composition, physical fitness (muscular strength, muscular endurance, agility, flexibility, dynamic balance, coordination), and isokinetic muscular function (trunk and lower extremity). As a result, it was found that the physical development of middle and high school-aged athletes underwent physical development primarily characterized by an increase in lean body mass. Additionally, back muscle strength and power, which contribute to rapid and efficient force transmission between the upper and lower body, as well as grip strength necessary for controlling the barbell with a stable grip, are significant factors. These aspects were notably enhanced through specialized training and competitive experience for weightlifting performance at the high school level. On the other hand, changes in factors beyond the primary physical attributes contributing to weightlifting performance were limited, suggesting differences in effectiveness likely stemming from the specific composition of training programs or the athletes' experience and skill levels. Collectively, the findings from this study, which evaluates the physical characteristics and exercise abilities of adolescent weightlifters, are expected to contribute to improved competitive performance of weightlifters.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.149-158
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of provisional restoration fabrication methods and surface polishing on surface roughness and microbial adhesion through in vitro experiments. Materials and Methods: 120 cylindrical provisional restoration resin blocks (10 × 10 × 2.5 mm) were manufactured according to four fabrication methods, and 30 specimens were assigned to each group. Afterwards, they were divided into non-polishing group, #400 grit SiC polishing group, and #800 grit SiC polishing group and polished to a 10 × 10 × 2 mm specimen size (n = 10). The surface roughness Ra and Ry of the specimen was measured using a Surface Roughness Tester. Three specimens were extracted from each group and were coated with artificial saliva, and then Streptococcus mutans were cultured on the specimens at 37℃ for 4 hours. The cultured specimens were fixed to fixatives and photographed using a scanning electron microscope. For statistical analysis, the two way of ANOVA was performed for surface roughness Ra and Ry, respectively, and the surface roughness was tested post-mortem with a Scheffe test. Results: The fabrication method and the degree of surface polishing of the provisional restorations had a significant effect on both surface roughness Ra and Ry, and had an interaction effect. There was no significant difference in Ra and Ry values in all polishing groups in DLP and LCD groups. Conclusion: The fabrication method and surface polishing of the provisional restoration had a significant effect on surface roughness and showed different adhesion patterns for S. mutans adhesion.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.17-28
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• 2024

Background: Oral health has a significant impact on systemic health, and the close association between oral and systemic diseases has been continuously reported. To prevent oral diseases, the role of oral hygiene products such as dental floss and interdental brushes, in addition to tooth brushing, is becoming increasingly important. This study aims to analyze the effect of using oral hygiene products on the lifetime prevalence of systemic diseases among Korean adults. Methods: This study utilized data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). The study population consisted of 13,199 adults aged 19 years and older. The independent variable was the use of oral hygiene products, and the dependent variable was the prevalence of systemic diseases diagnosed by a physician. Demographic variables, health status, and behavioral variables were included as covariates, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The use of dental floss showed no significant association with the prevalence of systemic diseases. However, those who did not use interdental brushes had a 22% lower likelihood of dyslipidemia (OR 0.777, 95% CI 0.660-0.913). Among participants with periodontal disease, those who did not use dental floss had a significantly higher risk of myocardial infarction (OR 11.488, 95% CI 1.438-91.772). Conversely, those who did not use interdental brushes had lower risks of dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, and angina, particularly among women and individuals under 65 years of age. Conclusion: This study found a low overall association between the use of oral hygiene products and the prevalence of systemic diseases, but there was a notable association with cardiovascular diseases. To reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, along with proper oral hygiene management, are crucial. Future prospective studies are needed to clearly establish the causal relationship between oral hygiene and systemic diseases.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.127-139
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• 2024

This study investigates the impact of edutech characteristics and both tangible and intangible educational services on the intention to re-enroll, which is directly related to the management performance of private institutes. The study aims to propose strategies to improve re-enrollment intentions and management performance based on the findings. Private education has grown continuously, complementing the limitations of public education and increasing parental dependence. This study tested the hypothesis that edutech characteristics, intangible services, and tangible services, increasingly utilized with the development of information and communication technology, would influence re-enrollment intentions. It also examined whether rapport-building behavior with parents would have a moderating effect on this relationship. The hypothesis testing results showed that among the edutech characteristics, content, intangible services such as reliability and empathy, and tangible services such as tangibility and payment accessibility positively impacted re-enrollment intentions. The hypothesis that rapport-building behavior would moderate the relationship between educational services and re-enrollment intentions was supported for empathy in intangible services and tangibility in tangible services. Based on these findings, the study proposed three strategies to improve management performance of private institutes. First, in terms of improving and managing edutech characteristics, it suggested introducing and updating edutech content and ensuring operational stability. Second, for improving and managing intangible services, it recommended managing instructor recruitment and training to enhance quality and competence, maintaining professionalism through continuous education by credible institutions, and providing level-based education for students based on the qualitative improvement of educational programs. Third, to improve and manage tangible services, it suggested setting appropriate tuition fees, offering various payment methods (online, mobile, card, bank transfer) unrestricted by time and place, and equipping interiors and facilities that enable focused learning. Additionally, considering the moderating effect of rapport-building behavior, it emphasized that improvements and management requiring costs are necessary, but making parents feel a high level of tangibility through rapport-building is also important. Furthermore, given the increasing importance of edutech based on information and communication technology, the study highlighted the need for various support measures such as government technological support and venture certification system support for institutes with an entrepreneurial spirit aiming to introduce innovative technologies such as AI technology based on large language models and AR/VR-applied metaverse environments. This study is expected to help improve the management performance of private institutes by specifically suggesting items and methods for improvement and management in the educational field.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.388-404
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• 2024

The focus of conserving plant diversity at the national level includes endemic species restricted to specific regions. This study thus aimed to investigate and evaluate the current distribution status of the Pulsatilla tongkangensis Y.N. Lee & T.C. Lee, one of Korea's endemic plants. The study also examined the vegetation environment of its habitat and assessed the structure of each population. Furthermore, the performance variable of each population was comparatively evaluated, and its annual growth characteristics were also observed. The distribution area of the P. tongkangensis is largely divided into limestone cliffs, ridge rocks, mountain peaks in limestone regions, and sandy soil areas resulting from weathering. Plants in the same distribution area were categorized based on their geographical location, which reflected their respective habitats. According to the population structure evaluated using the number of measured leaves numbers, the plants were categorized into stable and relatively unstable populations. A relatively young population was observed at the top of mountains and rocky ridges of limestone areas and sandy soil areas resulting from weathering. The number of mature individuals was the highest in the population observed around limestone cliffs. In contrast, the population near the top of the limestone mountain range had more leaves , but the plants were of short stature and had the fewest inflorescences. The individuals distributed in limestone cliffs grew, produced, and dispersed seeds for an extended period following establishment. The growth of individuals was limited due to environmental factors in the habitat of distribution areas, including ridges, mountain tops in limestone regions, and sandy soil areas resulting from weathering. It was assessed to have a comparatively brief life cycle compared to that of the plants found on limestone cliffs. P. tongkangensis began flowering in early spring, and both fruit maturation and seed dispersal were completed before the onset of summer. The habitats were determined to receive around seven hours of sunlight per day during the summer, which was considered suitable for establishing a life cycle for the P. tongkangensis, a species requiring strong sunlight for growth to establish and success in a dry environment. Considering the status data gathered from this study, the P. tongkangensis was classified as an endangered species (EN). In addition, the collected data are expected to provide important information for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Therefore, we proposed that the P. tongkangensis holds significant value as a core distribution site, given the observation of species with diverse characteristics on limestone cliffs in Pyeongchang-gun and Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do.