• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.266-266
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• 2022

The outbreaks of blast, bacterial blight and viral diseases have been increasing in early maturing rice cultivating areas in the central northern regions, recently. As the occurrence of sudden insects pests and disasters increases due to global climate warming, it is urgent to develop a variety of disaster-tolerant, high-quality varieties in response. This study was carried out to elucidate the characteristics of early-maturing, high-quality and multiple disease resistant rice variety, Cheolweon109 that was adapted to cultivation in the mid-mountainous regions of the central northern regions. Cheolweon109 was derived from a cross between Suweon546, medium maturing variety, and Sangju44 which is early maturing and resistant to blast, bacterial blight and rice stripe virus. The heading date of Cheolweon109 was July 30, 3 days later than Odae. The culm length of Cheolweon109 was 79 cm, which was about 5 cm taller than Odae, and the ripening ratio was 85.1%, which was 10% higher than that of Odae. This variety had 5.54 MT/ha of milled rice productivity, which was 99% of the Odae. Although Cheolweon109 was tall, it was strong against lodging. It was strong against bacterial blight (K1, K2, K3 race), rice stripe virus, and the pre-harvest sprouting which rate was 2.4%. The appearance of the grains of rice was clean, the glossiness was 70.6, and the head rice ratio was 95.3% high. Because Cheolweon109 had superior disease resistance, disaster resistance, and high quality than Odae, it was expected that can be used to expand the diversity of early maturing and high-quality rice varieties in central northern regions.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.107-122
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• 2023

This study aims to analyze the effect of reducing air pollutant emissions of the ship fuel oil sulfur content regulation policy, which has been gradually introduced for three years. In addition, the emission reduction effect of VSR and AMP was also analyzed. The analysis was conducted on NOx, CO, VOC, SOx, TSP, PM10, and PM2.5, which are provided by EEA, and the spatial scope of the analysis was conducted on Incheon Port, which is located in the metropolitan area of Korea and has a large ripple effect on air pollution. Three scenarios were constructed for analysis. Scenario 1: If there is no policy, Scenario 2: If only fuel oil sulfur content regulation was implemented, Scenario 3: The analysis was conducted by reflecting fuel oil sulfur content regulation, VSR, and AMP. As a result of the analysis, in the case of scenario 1, 4,801 tons, 4,932 tons, and 5,144 tons of air pollutants were emitted during the three-year period. In Scenario 2, 4,219 tons, 4,152 tons, and 3,989 tons were discharged, and in Scenario 3, 4,198 tons, 4,138 tons, and 3,973 tons were discharged. The findings of this study are anticipated to be applied as fundamental research in port air environment management and Incheon Metropolitan City air management.

• Korea Trade Review
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.111-127
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• 2023

While the e-commerce market in Southeast Asia is growing, this study aims to derive factors for establishing an entry strategy for the Cambodian e-commerce market where Korean logistics companies can strategically enter in the future. Cambodia is a country where growth and growth potential in the e-commerce market is steadily increasing based on the high youth population ratio, high smartphone penetration rate, the introduction of convenient payment systems, and government-level e-commerce promotion policies. In this study, Korean logistics companies established detailed promotion strategies by deriving factors necessary for Cambodia's entry into the e-commerce market and analyzing their relative importance. The AHP analysis technique derived three top factors for the entry strategy, and each presented four sub-factors. As a result, the importance was shown in the order of 'Market Factor' (0.556), 'Policy and Institutional Factor' (0.295), and 'Corporate Competency Factor' (0.149). As a result of the sub-factors analysis, the importance was found in the order of "Characteristics and Growth Potential of Distribution Channel" (0.230), "Purchasing Power and Awareness Level of Consumers" (0.176), "Cambodia Government's E-commerce Policy and Institutional Support" (0.122), and "Cambodia Government's Logistics Infrastructure Plan" (0.108). In both the upper and lower factors, the characteristics and growth potential of the Cambodian e-commerce market were important, indicating that Korean logistics companies value market size and growth potential to enter the Cambodian e-commerce market. The results of this study can be used as a guideline to help Korean logistics companies make successful inroads into Cambodia, where the e-commerce market is expected to grow in the future.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.237-249
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the adequacy of current nurse staffing levels by identifying nursing activities and workload. Methods: The study used a mixed-method design. A nursing activity survey was conducted using the work sampling method over 2 working days with 119 general ward nurses. A focus group interview was conducted with 12 nurses. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and content analysis, respectively. Results: The most amount of time was spent on medication (in direct nursing) and electronic medical record documentation (in indirect nursing). The appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:7.7 for the day shift, 1:9.0 for the evening shift, and 1:11.9 for the night shift. However, the current nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:9.4, 1:11.0, and 1:13.8 for the day, evening, and night shifts, respectively. Therefore, the current nurse staffing level is insufficient for the workload. In the focus group interview, the main reasons cited for being unable to complete tasks within working hours were communication and coordination, and the nursing electronic medical record. The essential nursing activities of basic nursing and emotional support were overlooked owing to a heavy workload. Therefore, an adequate nurse staffing level should be higher than the measured quantitative workload. Conclusion: These results suggest the general wards of tertiary hospitals should evaluate the adequacy of their current nurse staffing and allocate sufficient nurses to improve patient safety and nursing care quality.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the presence of autoantigens in the gastric juices of children. Methods: Gastric juice and serum samples were obtained from 53 children <15 years of age who underwent gastric endoscopy. Among these, 8, 22, and 23 participants were in the age groups 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15 years, respectively. These samples were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), immunoblot analysis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we reviewed the histopathological findings and urease test results and compared them with the results of 2-DE and immunoblot analysis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in urease test positivity, grades of chronic gastritis, active gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori infiltration of the antrum and body among the three age groups. Three distinct patterns of gastric juice were observed on 2-DE. Pattern I was the most common, and pattern III was not observed below the age of 5 years. Histopathological findings were significantly different among active gastritis (p=0.037) and H. pylori infiltration (p=0.060) in the gastric body. The immunoblots showed large spots at an approximate pH of 3-4 and molecular weights of 31-45 kDa. These distinct, large positive spots were identified as gastric lipase and pepsin A and C. Conclusion: Three enzymes, which are normally secreted under acidic conditions were identified as autoantigens. Further investigation of the pathophysiology and function of autoantigens in the stomach is required.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.7
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• pp.425-451
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• 2023

Most patients with heart failure (HF) have multiple comorbidities, which impact their quality of life, aggravate HF, and increase mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, ischemic and valvular heart diseases, and atrial fibrillation. Non-cardiovascular comorbidities include diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney and pulmonary diseases, iron deficiency and anemia, and sleep apnea. In patients with HF with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors combined with calcium channel blockers and/or diuretics is an effective treatment regimen. Measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance via right heart catheterization is recommended for patients with HF considered suitable for implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices or as heart transplantation candidates. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and reperfusion in patients with HF and angina pectoris refractory to antianginal medications. In patients with HF and atrial fibrillation, longterm anticoagulants are recommended according to the CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores. Valvular heart diseases should be treated medically and/or surgically. In patients with HF and DM, metformin is relatively safer; thiazolidinediones cause fluid retention and should be avoided in patients with HF and dyspnea. In renal insufficiency, both volume status and cardiac performance are important for therapy guidance. In patients with HF and pulmonary disease, beta-blockers are underused, which may be related to increased mortality. In patients with HF and anemia, iron supplementation can help improve symptoms. In obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps avoid severe nocturnal hypoxia. Appropriate management of comorbidities is important for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HF.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.66-77
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: We compared the efficacy and safety of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSC), delivered at different doses and via different injection routes in an animal model of chronic kidney disease. Methods and Results: A total of ninety 12-week-old rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy and randomized among nine groups: sham, renal artery control (RA-C), tail vein control (TV-C), renal artery low dose (RA-LD) (0.5×10⁶ cells), renal artery moderate dose (RA-MD) (1.0×10⁶ cells), renal artery high dose (RA-HD) (2.0×10⁶ cells), tail vein low dose (TV-LD) (0.5×10⁶ cells), tail vein moderate dose (TV-MD) (1.0×10⁶ cells), and tail vein high dose (TV-HD) (2.0×10⁶ cells). Renal function and mortality of rats were evaluated after hBMSC injection. Serum blood urea nitrogen was significantly lower in the TV-HD group at 2 weeks (p<0.01), 16 weeks (p<0.05), and 24 weeks (p<0.01) than in the TV-C group, as determined by one-way ANOVA. Serum creatinine was significantly lower in the TV-HD group at 24 weeks (p<0.05). At 8 weeks, creatinine clearance was significantly higher in the TV-MD and TV-HD groups (p<0.01, p<0.05) than in the TV-C group. In the safety evaluation, we observed no significant difference among the groups. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the efficacy and safety of high dose (2×10⁶ cells) injection of hBMSC via the tail vein.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.281-292
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte (CM) hold great promise as a cellular source of CM for cardiac function restoration in ischemic heart disease. However, the use of animal-derived xenogeneic substances during the biomanufacturing of hiPSC-CM can induce inadvertent immune responses or chronic inflammation, followed by tumorigenicity. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effects of xenogeneic substances on the functional properties and potential immunogenicity of hiPSC-CM during differentiation, demonstrating the quality and safety of hiPSC-based cell therapy. Methods and Results: We successfully generated hiPSC-CM in the presence and absence of xenogeneic substances (xeno-containing (XC) and xeno-free (XF) conditions, respectively), and compared their characteristics, including the contractile functions and glycan profiles. Compared to XC-hiPSC-CM, XF-hiPSC-CM showed early onset of myocyte contractile beating and maturation, with a high expression of cardiac lineage-specific genes (ACTC1, TNNT2, and RYR2) by using MEA and RT-qPCR. We quantified N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), a xenogeneic sialic acid, in hiPSC-CM using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry. Neu5Gc was incorporated into the glycans of hiPSC-CM during xeno-containing differentiation, whereas it was barely detected in XF-hiPSC-CM. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the electrophysiological function and glycan profiles of hiPSC-CM can be affected by the presence of xenogeneic substances during their differentiation and maturation. To ensure quality control and safety in hiPSC-based cell therapy, xenogeneic substances should be excluded from the biomanufacturing process.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.509-516
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• 2024

We rethink human existence as a assemblage through intersectionality by comparing autopoiesis and sympoiesis systems with reference to science fiction protagonists such as Ghost in the Shell, Neuralink, Camille, a genetic hybrid, and San Ti against the background of neo-materialism. Our findings reveal that, first, radical sympoiesis is characterized by the dissolution of individuals and boundaries, and attempt to explain existence solely through heterogeneous linkage and fusion; second, by ignoring the capacity for autonomous thinking at the individual level, they are unable to fully recognize the destructive nature of hybrid co-production or to develop practical responses to it. Third, we suggest that if the very survival of humanity is threatened by heterogeneous linkage, we should pay more attention to our identity as autonomous members of a autopoietic system rather than to heterogeneous sympoietic networks and we should also pay attention to the role of individual units in stabilizing self-regulation. Through this study, we aimed to contribute to overcoming the limitations of neo-materialism by arguing that it is likely to fail to provide an adequate practical vision if it is limited to describing the hybrid connections that recur through the intersection of beings, and by urging us to define the identity of the human species from a new perspective by utilizing various SF stories that trigger the imagination of destructive interactions between beings, and to explore the autopoiesis in terms of symbiotic interactions based on a certain level of boundary and self-regulation.

• International Journal of Heart Failure
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.56-69
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: The number of people with heart failure (HF) is increasing worldwide, and the social burden is increasing as HF has high mortality and morbidity. We aimed to provide updated trends on the epidemiology of HF in Korea to shape future social measures against HF. Methods: We used the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service to determine the prevalence, incidence, hospitalization rate, mortality rate, comorbidities, in-hospital mortality, and healthcare cost of patients with HF from 2002 to 2020 in Korea. Results: The prevalence of HF in the total Korean population rose from 0.77% in 2002 to 2.58% (1,326,886 people) in 2020. Although the age-standardized incidence of HF decreased over the past 18 years, the age-standardized prevalence increased. In 2020, the hospitalization rate for any cause in patients with HF was 1,166 per 100,000 persons, with a steady increase from 2002. In 2002, the HF mortality was 3.0 per 100,000 persons, which rose to 15.6 per 100,000 persons in 2020. While hospitalization rates and in-hospital mortality for patients with HF increased, the mortality rate for patients with HF did not (5.8% in 2020), and the one-year survival rate from the first diagnosis of HF improved. The total healthcare costs for patients with HF were approximately $2.4 billion in 2020, a 16-fold increase over the $0.15 billion in 2002. Conclusions: The study's results underscore the growing socioeconomic burden of HF in Korea, driven by an aging population and increasing HF prevalence.