• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.403-413
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• 2021

Background and objective: There is growing concern about the effects of modern society on mental health, coming with Covid-19-related caveats on depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS). This can be a subject to provide alternative methods which alleviate DAS. In line with this context, sensory gardens are widely acknowledged to stimulate the five major senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) and can have a significant (positive) impact on mental health. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the effect of these gardens with regard to alleviating DAS - particularly with respect to urban society This is a gab in knowledge how such limits can be addressed. Accordingly, this present study is clearly needed in order to verify if there are any correlations between sensory gardens and (positive) effects on DAS. The aim of this study was therefore to understand current levels of DAS in a high density building with a sensory garden in a courtyard and determine correlations between experiences in the sensory courtyard and levels of DAS. Methods: The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was employed to test the level of DAS. Results: Additionally, 13 different factors associated with experiences in the building, including the stimulation of the five major senses in the sensory courtyard, were measured to reveal their contribution to mitigating depression, anxiety, and stress. It is noted that the average levels of DAS were 7.91, 7.77 and 9.01 respectively indicating that the mental health of participants requires mental health management. However, results show that factors associated with the sensory courtyard could improve mental health. For example, new social relationships, walking with colleagues, and the stimulation of each of the five major senses in the sensory garden could improve DAS. Conclusion: This illustrates that external experiences are more effective at mitigating depression, anxiety, and stress than internal ones. Factor analysis revealed four components: stimulating the five senses; internal and external facilities; internet-based device use; and new social relationships. There was a strong positive correlation between new social relationships and walking with colleagues. There were also strong positive correlations among the stimulation of each of the five senses. In conclusion, there are strong indications that sensory courtyards can help alleviate DAS and should therefore be promoted, particularly in the current Covid-19 situation wherein the physical and mental health of the public at large are threatened. Accordingly, courtyard design should be rethought in light of the relationship between the positive impact of sensory gardens and mental health.

• CELLMED
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.21.1-21.9
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• 2021

Background: Unani System of Medicine (USM) has its origin to Greece. To ensure and develop the quality, authenticity of Unani drugs, standardization on modern analytical parameter is essential requirement for drugs. Objectives: The aimed of the present study was to develop a standard profile of "Qurṣ-e-Mafasil" by systematic study through authenticated ingredients, pharmacognostic identification followed by physicochemical, TLC, HPTLC fingerprinting analysis as per standard protocol. Material and Methods: In this study three batches of "Qurṣ-e-Mafasil" QM were prepared by standard method as per UPI had been followed by organoleptic properties of formulation such as appearance, color, odor, taste. Powder Microscopy and physicochemical studies were carried out such as Uniformity of weight, Friability, Disintegration time, hardness, LOD, ash vales and extractive values in like aqueous, alcohol & hexane. Further qualitative tests such as Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) studies were also carried out to develop fingerprint pattern of the alcoholic solvent extract of QM. Phytochemical screening was carried out in different solvent extracts such as alcoholic, aqueous and chloroform extracts to detect the presence phytoconstituents in the formulation QM. Heavy metals, Microbial Load Contamination and pesticidal residues were also determined. Results: Qurṣ-e-Mafasil showed tablet-like appearance, light brown colour, mild pungent odour and acrid taste. Uniformity of weight (mg), friability (rpm), and hardness (kg/cm) and disintegration time was ranged between (500 to 503), (0.0340 to 0.038), (8.40 to 8.67) and (4-5 minutes) respectively for the three batches. Loss in weight on drying at 105℃ was ranged between (8.3425 to 8.7346). Extracted values were calculated in distilled water ranged between (30.9091 to 31.4358), hexane (1.1419 to 1.4281), and alcohol (3.3352 to 3.3962). The ash values recorded were ranged between (3.7336 to 3.8378), and acid insoluble ash (0.5859 to 0.6112).

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.337-346
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• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside Rb2, a major active component of Panax ginseng, has various physiological activities, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the rejuvenation effect of Rb2 in human skin cells have not been elucidated. Methods: We performed a senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining assay to confirm cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The regulatory effects of Rb2 on autophagy were evaluated by analyzing the expression of autophagy marker proteins, such as microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain (LC) 3 and p62, using immunoblotting. Autophagosome and autolysosome formation was monitored using transmission electron microscopy. Autophagic flux was analyzed using tandem-labeled GFP-RFP-LC3, and lysosomal function was assessed with Lysotracker. We performed RNA sequencing to identify potential target genes related to HDF rejuvenation mediated by Rb2. To verify the functions of the target genes, we silenced them using shRNAs. Results: Rb2 decreased β-galactosidase activity and altered the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in senescent HDFs. Rb2 markedly induced the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and LC3 puncta. Moreover, Rb2 increased lysosomal function and red puncta in tandem-labeled GFP-RFP-LC3, which indicate that Rb2 promoted autophagic flux. RNA sequencing data showed that the expression of DNA damage-regulated autophagy modulator 2 (DRAM2) was induced by Rb2. In autophagy signaling, Rb2 activated the AMPK-ULK1 pathway and inactivated mTOR. DRAM2 knockdown inhibited autophagy and Rb2-restored cellular senescence. Conclusion: Rb2 reverses cellular senescence by activating autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway and induction of DRAM2, suggesting that Rb2 might have potential value as an antiaging agent.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.340-344
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• 2023

In this paper, we propose a study on the development of deep learning structure to secure visibility of outdoor LED display board according to weather change. The proposed technique secures the visibility of the outdoor LED display board by automatically adjusting the LED luminance according to the weather change using deep learning using an imaging device. In order to automatically adjust the LED luminance according to weather changes, a deep learning model that can classify the weather is created by learning it using a convolutional network after first going through a preprocessing process for the flattened background part image data. The applied deep learning network reduces the difference between the input value and the output value using the Residual learning function, inducing learning while taking the characteristics of the initial input value. Next, by using a controller that recognizes the weather and adjusts the luminance of the outdoor LED display board according to the weather change, the luminance is changed so that the luminance increases when the surrounding environment becomes bright, so that it can be seen clearly. In addition, when the surrounding environment becomes dark, the visibility is reduced due to scattering of light, so the brightness of the electronic display board is lowered so that it can be seen clearly. By applying the method proposed in this paper, the result of the certified measurement test of the luminance measurement according to the weather change of the LED sign board confirmed that the visibility of the outdoor LED sign board was secured according to the weather change.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.173-184
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• 2023

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been challenging the healthcare service, i.e., the vitalization of the point of care accompanying self-testing in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs). This study aims to suggest priority criteria to classify self-testing IVDs using the analytic hierarchy process technique. Methods: Two dimensions of the characteristics embedded in the IVDs and the diseases to be diagnosed with self-testing IVDs were parallelly considered and independently investigated. In addition, three expert panels consisting of laboratory medical doctors (n=11), clinicians (n=10), and citizens (n=11) who have an interest in the selection of self-testing IVDs were asked to answer to questionnaires. Priorities were derived and compared among each expert panel. Results: First of all, ease of specimen collection (0.241), urgency of the situation (0.224), and simplicity of device operation (0.214) were found to be the most important criteria in light of the functional characteristics of self-testing IVDs. Medical doctors valued the ease of specimen collection, but the citizen's panel valued self-management of the disease more. Second, considering the characteristics of the diseases, the priority criteria were shown in the order of prevalence of diseases (0.421), fatality of disease (0.378), and disease with stigma (0.201). Third, medical doctors responded that self-testing IVDs were more than twice as suitable for non-communicable diseases as compared to communicable diseases (0.688 vs. 0.312), but the citizen's group responded that self-testing IVDs were slightly more suitable for infectious diseases (0.511 vs. 0.489). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that self-testing IVDs could be primarily classified as the items for diagnosis of non-communicable diseases for the purpose of self-management with easy specimen collection and simple operation of devices, taking into account the urgency of the situation as well as prevalence and fatality of the disease.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.222-228
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• 2008

On living skin the chances of a successfully developing latent fingerprint are very limited. This is due to the fact that continual perspiration and rapid absorption diffuse into the lipophillic layer on skin. A study was conducted to investigate effectively developing method of latent fingerprints on human skin surfaces and pig skin likely corpse's skin. We used commercial fingerprint powder, black powders, black magnetic powder, fluorescence magnetic powder, Cyanoacrylate fuming (CA) and direct lifting methods (lifting paper, glasses and photo glossy paper). Developing of fresh fingerprints on living skin was achieved with S-powderblack, CA fuming and CA fuming following S-powder, fluorescence powder. The other powder tends to overwhelm the latent print and the background. But, latent fingerprint residue was disappeared with time after deposit on a living surface. In case of pig skin likely corpse's skin, latent fingerprint detection was achieved with CA fuming following S-powder and deposited print during 6 hr at $25^{\circ}C$, 40% relative moisture yielded excellent fingerprints with clear ridge details using 1 min CA fuming. And enhancement of fingerprint detection image using forensic light source was achieved.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.6-22
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• 2023

The National Museum of Korea's 'Shinchungmyeong Jochong' is the sole firearm in the country bearing inscriptions written in ink('辛丑改備江華庫藏'). Thanks to this written record, it is possible to determine where this firearm was stored and to make an estimate of the time when it was stored. Additionally, it is a valuable artifact that has been exceptionally well preserved and has an artistic design. However, research into the operational period, form, and structural characteristics of this firearm has been limited to date. This study aimed to shed light on the operational period, form, and structural features of the 'Shinchukmyeong Jochong.' To achieve this, the specifications and structural characteristics of the firearm were examined, and comparisons were made with 17 other extant firearms and their attributes. The results confirmed that the 'Shinchungmyeong Jochong' is a representative example of the typical firearms of the Joseon Dynasty. Next, the timing, background, and production subject of the Ganghwado containment of the Jochong were tracked based on letters found with the Jochong. The investigation revealed an entry in the 'Records of King Jeongjo'(『正祖實錄』) indicating that a significant amount of military supplies, including firearms, were stored on Ganghwado in December of the 5th year of Shinchung(1781). The decision to store these materials in Ganghwado Island may have been due to the perception of the Joseon decision-makers, who strategically valued Ganghwado Island, and the relocation of 'Tongaoyeong'(統禦營) and the integration with 'Jinmuyeong'(鎭撫營). After acquisition, it is presumed that the firearm was operated at locations like 'Jinmuyeong'(鎭撫營). The firearm's production is presumed to have been associated associated with institutions such as 'Gungisi'(軍器寺). In conclusion, the 'Shinchungmyeong Jochong' exemplifies a typical firearm of the Joseon Dynasty, and it is likely that it was stored on Ganghwado in December of 1781. Its production is believed to have been related to institutions such as 'Gungisi'. Following its acquisition, it is presumed that the firearm was operated at locations including 'Jinmuyeong'.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.49-59
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• 2024

In this study, we investigated the philosophical background and progress of the 2022 revised curriculum development in the high school earth science field. Research that was not covered in the research report includes the relevance of the transformative competency of OECD Education 2030, and that core ideas and achievement standards are organized around knowledge understanding, process functions, and value attitudes that constitute the learning compass needle. In addition, the composition of core ideas and Earth science electives in light of the understanding-centered curriculum, and IB type inquiry-based teaching and learning. Main research results include that the 2022 revised Earth science curriculum emphasized the student agency to foster the transformative competency and scientific literacy, and the curriculum document system in the field of earth science uses a learning compass needle. In addition, based on the understanding-centered curriculum, core ideas of Earth science were derived, and elective courses were organized to help students reach these core ideas. Also, IB-type inquiry-based teaching and learning was emphasized to foster student agency with knowledge construction competency. Based on the research results, slimming of the national and general level curriculum, the need to develop process-centered assessment methods for value and attitudes, the need for curriculum backward design, and ways to develop student agency through inquiry-based teaching and learning were suggested.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2024

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of chronic hyperglycaemia affecting normal kidney functioning. The ayurvedic medicine curcumin (CUR) is pharmaceutically accepted for its vast biological effects. Objectives: The Curcuma-derived diferuloylmethane compound CUR, loaded on Poly (lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles was utilized to combat DN-induced renal apoptosis by selectively targeting and modulating Bcl2. Methods: Upon in silico molecular docking and screening study CUR was selected as the core phytocompound for nanoparticle formulation. PLGA-nano-encapsulated-curcumin (NCUR) were synthesized following standard solvent displacement method. The NCUR were characterized for shape, size and other physico-chemical properties by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy studies. For in vivo validation of nephro-protective effects, Mus musculus were pre-treated with CUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. and NCUR at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. (dose 1), 12.5 mg/kg b.w (dose 2) followed by alloxan administration (100 mg/kg b.w) and serum glucose levels, histopathology and immunofluorescence study were conducted. Results: The in silico study revealed a strong affinity of CUR towards Bcl2 (dock score -10.94 Kcal/mol). The synthesized NCUR were of even shape, devoid of cracks and holes with mean size of ~80 nm having -7.53 mV zeta potential. Dose 1 efficiently improved serum glucose levels, tissue-specific expression of Bcl2 and reduced glomerular space and glomerular sclerosis in comparison to hyperglycaemic group. Conclusion: This study essentially validates the potential of NCUR to inhibit DN by reducing blood glucose level and mitigating glomerular apoptosis by selectively promoting Bcl2 protein expression in kidney tissue.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.20-33
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• 2020

This study aims to examine the trends in the preservation of urban public parks with a focus on the international movement to acknowledge and preserve the heritage value of urban parks. First, the background in which the concept of "historic urban park" first appeared internationally, as well as the current situation were investigated. Then, the cases of the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and Japan, all of which are already preserving and managing urban public parks, were analyzed. In the ICOMOS-IFLA Document on Historic Urban Public Parks, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which is a group of specialists dedicated to the conservation and management of cultural heritage, mentions that it is necessary to maintain the social, intangible, aesthetic, ecological, and civic values of historic urban public parks. In addition, according to ICOMOS, it is necessary to preserve elements of parks, such as space composition, topography, light, and environment. The UK, the USA, and Japan have their own unique characteristics for the background of preserving urban parks, the preservation system, the selection of parks to be preserved, and the elements to be preserved within the park. The UK has categorized parks into certain types from each period and has tried to preserve the common elements in each type. The US has selected the parks to preserve by determining the meaning of the parks itself considering multiple aspects, embracing not only the physical form of the parks, but also the culture, monumentality, and social values. Recently, Japan began the preservation of historic urban parks as a matter of policy and started to implement a preservation policy by investigating modern parks that are believed to be worth preserving. Specialists in cultural heritage preservation have argued that the method of preservation of historic urban parks must differ from that of other parks or gardens. Nonetheless, observing cases in these three countries showed that, regardless of their administrative and legal systems regarding cultural heritage and urban public parks, their policies were still limited to preserving only the physical elements of parks. The direction and methodology for the preservation of historic urban parks must be developed further and elaborated upon in terms of the evolving concept and definition of heritage. Urban parks are where various historic values are accumulated, connoting historical meanings dealing with the memories of the parks and the urban dwellers. This study found that, worldwide, park management has been carried out in a way that the historic values of parks are respected and preserved. This global trend in preserving the historic values of urban public parks has significant implications for the management of urban public parks in Korea that are being formed and renewed repeatedly.