• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.543-551
• /
• 2023

As climate change continues to prompt an increasing demand for advancements in disaster and safety management technologies to address abnormal high water temperatures, typhoons, floods, and droughts, sea surface temperature has emerged as a pivotal factor for swiftly assessing the impacts of summer harmful algal blooms in the seas surrounding Korean Peninsula and the formation and dissipation of cold water along the East Coast of Korea. Therefore, this study sought to gauge predictive performance by leveraging statistical methods and deep learning algorithms to harness sea surface temperature data effectively for marine anomaly research. The sea surface temperature data employed in the predictions spans from 2018 to 2022 and originates from the Heuksando Tidal Observatory. Both traditional statistical ARIMA methods and advanced deep learning models, including long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU), were employed. Furthermore, prediction performance was evaluated using the attention LSTM technique. The technique integrated an attention mechanism into the sequence-to-sequence (s2s), further augmenting the performance of LSTM. The results showed that the attention LSTM model outperformed the other models, signifying its superior predictive performance. Additionally, fine-tuning hyperparameters can improve sea surface temperature performance.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.27-39
• /
• 2024

Purpose : Smoking is a major factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the effect of electrical cigarette smoking on COPD development is still uncertain. This study aimed to compare the functions of airways and lungs exposed to combustible cigarettes and electrical cigarettes based on the pulmonary function test (PFT) results from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods : This study used data from 8,942 participants with PFT results out of 47,309 total subjects from the 6th to 8th Korean NHANES (2014-2015, 2016-2018, and 2019, respectively). Individuals with diseases such as cancer, ex-smokers, and dual tobacco users were excluded. The PFT results were analyzed according to the COPD diagnostic criteria. After adjusting for confounding variables, a complex sample generalized linear model ANOVA test was performed to investigate the association between PFT results and combustible smoker or electrical cigarette user groups. Results : In an analysis based on the obstructive ventilatory disorders (forced expiratory volume in 1 second[FEV₁]/forced vital capacity[FVC]<.7), combustible cigarette smokers showed a 3.46 times higher risk of COPD compared to non-smokers, while electrical cigarette smokers exhibited no significant difference in terms of COPD-related risks compared to non-smokers. FEV₁ showed a negative relation with combustible cigarette smokers as reported elsewhere (B=-.07, p<.001). FEV₁/FVC was negatively related to both combustible cigarette smokers (B=-.03, p<.001) and electrical cigarette smokers (B=-.02, p<.001). Conclusion : FEV₁/FVC decreases were observed in the long-term exposure to both combustible and electrical cigarettes. The lower FEV₁ in the combustible cigarette group implies the worsening of the severity of COPD, suggesting more damage to the airways and lungs in the short term. Therefore, the temporary electrical cigarettes use for the transition period in order to smoking cessation potentially aids to reduce the harmful effect of combustible cigarettes in COPD development.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.28 no.5 s.70
• /
• pp.813-823
• /
• 1998

The frictional force has been considered as an harmful factor in an active unit where tooth movement occurs, but as an advantageous factor in anchor unit that resist tooth movement. That is, efficient tooth movement is planned by using ligation methods that have low levels of bracket-wire frictional force and the anchorage control can be achieved by using ligation methods that have high levels of bracket-wire frictional force that result in binding of the bracket accompanied by little or no tooth movement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frictional force generated between bracket and wire in accordance with the methods of ligation, the material of ligation and the passage of time under artificial saliva. Tested were 0.017x0.022 inch stainless steel wires in standard edgewise twin brackets for upper central incisors in a 0.018-inch slot. The wires were ligated into the brackets with elastomeric modules and stainless steel ligatures. Whole tie, half tie, twisting tie and double overlay tie were done with elastomeric modules. With 0.009-inch stainless steel ligature whole tie and half tie were done by needle holder and whole tie by ligature tying plier. With 0.012-inch stainless steel ligature whole ties were done by needle holder. Whole tie groups of elastomeric module were kept in artificial saliva bath at $37^{\circ}C$ for 28 days. The frictional force was recorded by means of an Instron universial testing instrument (4202 INSTRON, Instron Co., U.S.A.) at initial, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results for ligated samples in a simulated oral environment revealed the fellowing : ${\cdot}$In elastomeric module whole tie, 28 days group was significantly greater mean static frictional force than any other group but there were no significant differences among any other group (p>0.05). ${\cdot}$Elastomeric module twisting ties were significantly greater mean static frictional forces than any other ligation method but there were no significant differences between twisting tie and double overlay tie (p>0.05). Twisting tie, double overlay tie, whole tie, half tie showed differences in decreasing order. ${\cdot}$Stainless steel half tie produced lower mean static frictional force than whole tie, ligation by ligature tying plier produced greater mean static frictional force than by needle holder and ligation with 0.012-inch stainless steel ligature produced greater mean static frictional force than with 0.009-inch stainless steel ligature (p<0.05). ${\cdot}$There were no significant differences between the mean static frictional forces of elastomeric whole tie and stainless steel whole tie (p>0.05).

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.74-84
• /
• 2016

Literacy on food additives of elementary school teachers (ET) and nutrition teachers (NT) could be influential factor on safe dietary education for school children. Therefore, the perceptions and information needs on food additives were surveyed from 351 elementary school teachers and nutrition teachers in metropolitan area of Korea, and the basic data for the promotion of risk communication on food additives among them were obtained. Compared to ET who consider 'taste' (39.1%) as the most important factor while purchasing food, NT considered 'safety' (68.1%) first (p < 0.001). Among the food labelling items, the level of understanding on food additives was the lowest both in ET (3.53) and NT (4.17), and NT showed better levels of understanding overall on food labels. Both ET and NT regarded hazardous factors of food as environmental pollutants, foodborne pathogens, and food additives in order, and tended to select 'no additives' or 'no artificial color' products while purchasing processed food. Although NT answered that they know all food additives had been passed the evaluation of safety and effectiveness tests (100%) and have standards of use (81.9%), majority of them (87.5%) believed the consumption of food additives are harmful on human health. ET (75.2%) also regarded food additives as dangerous materials. Above results suggested the necessity of proper and enough risk communication for both ET and NT. Both ET and NT wanted to have information on the safety or hazard of food additives. Most preferred media to get the information on food additives was TV (3.80) among ET and lecture (3.65) among NT. ET and NT trusted hospital, research institution/universities or the personnels working in these institutions as the provider of information on food additives. The result that the trust levels of ET and NT on government were relative low suggested the weakness of risk communication in Korean government. Although ET and NT answered that they do not trust mass media, their behaviors were affected by them such as reading food labels in ET (39.4%) and reducing the consumption of food additives in NT (50%). They also indicated mass media's problem of sensitive approach on food additives and asked the urgent reaction of government by providing sound information through experts on food additives. Above results revealed that ET and NT have different perceptions and information needs on food additives, therefore, proper risk communication should be provided for them to serve as dietary educators for elementary school children.

• Korean journal of communication and information
• /
• v.45
• /
• pp.151-186
• /
• 2009

This article focuses on analysing and interpreting cultural imperialism issues that have long been debated. One of issues among them is related to the characteristics of international cultural fluid. What had been debated is that cultural imperialism has been ended or not and the debates were connected to the so called 'reverse cultural imperialism'. The other issue is about this fluid is the continuation of globalization or a part of localization and this is related to the phenomena of cultural homogenization or hybrid. General trend was that simplistic cultural imperialism which had been occurred during the 1970s and 1980s was no longer effective but global dominance by transnational global media is still strong and worldwide. Therefore my research interest is centered on how they look international cultural exchanges with regard to cultural imperialism. And is the framework of cultural imperialism thesis still effective tool in researching and analysing international cultural flows? How do we look globalization relating to international exchanges? Is globalization an another aspect of imperialism? In conclusion, international cultural fluid is not so simple. Like natural phenomena or human progress, a phenomenon is not consisted of a single factor or relation. Cultural fluid is a complex one mixed with various phenomena and relations. This is related to internal and external contradictions, internal and external dynamics of a society and nation, and social and cultural life of human beings. Recent research results show that globalization and localization are closely related to many country's programming schedule, and particular cultural interpretation of specific programmes and culture are adopted to the country's culture and patterns. Cultural fluid has both-sides. One the hand it has useful and positive sides and on the other hand it has harmful and negative aspects. Imperialistic factor, globalization, cultural homogenization or hybrid are all operated and functioned together in cultual fluid. It is difficult to say that cultural imperialism thesis has been ended because American and global media's dominance is still effective. What needed at this time for us is a complex and dynamic analysis of international cultural fluid instead of simplistic cultural imperialism.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.249-268
• /
• 2005

Drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) play central roles in the metabolism, elimination and detoxification of xenobiotics and drugs introduced into the human body. Most of the tissues and organs in our body are well equipped with diverse and various DMEs including phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes and phase III transporters, which are present in abundance either at the basal unstimulated level, and/or are inducible at elevated level after exposure to xenobiotics. Recently, many important advances have been made in the mechanisms that regulate the expression of these drug metabolism genes. Various nuclear receptors including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), orphan nuclear receptors, and nuclear factor-erythoroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) have been shown to be the key mediators of drug-induced changes in phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes as well as phase III transporters involved in efflux mechanisms. For instance, the expression of CYP1 genes can be induced by AhR, which dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) , in response to many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs). Similarly, the steroid family of orphan nuclear receptors, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), both heterodimerize with the ret-inoid X receptor (RXR), are shown to transcriptionally activate the promoters of CYP2B and CYP3A gene expression by xenobiotics such as phenobarbital-like compounds (CAR) and dexamethasone and rifampin-type of agents (PXR). The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), which is one of the first characterized members of the nuclear hormone receptor, also dimerizes with RXR and has been shown to be activated by lipid lowering agent fib rate-type of compounds leading to transcriptional activation of the promoters on CYP4A gene. CYP7A was recognized as the first target gene of the liver X receptor (LXR), in which the elimination of cholesterol depends on CYP7A. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was identified as a bile acid receptor, and its activation results in the inhibition of hepatic acid biosynthesis and increased transport of bile acids from intestinal lumen to the liver, and CYP7A is one of its target genes. The transcriptional activation by these receptors upon binding to the promoters located at the 5-flanking region of these GYP genes generally leads to the induction of their mRNA gene expression. The physiological and the pharmacological implications of common partner of RXR for CAR, PXR, PPAR, LXR and FXR receptors largely remain unknown and are under intense investigations. For the phase II DMEs, phase II gene inducers such as the phenolic compounds butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), green tea polyphenol (GTP), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and the isothiocyanates (PEITC, sul­foraphane) generally appear to be electrophiles. They generally possess electrophilic-medi­ated stress response, resulting in the activation of bZIP transcription factors Nrf2 which dimerizes with Mafs and binds to the antioxidant/electrophile response element (ARE/EpRE) promoter, which is located in many phase II DMEs as well as many cellular defensive enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), with the subsequent induction of the expression of these genes. Phase III transporters, for example, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (OATP2) are expressed in many tissues such as the liver, intestine, kidney, and brain, and play crucial roles in drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. The orphan nuclear receptors PXR and GAR have been shown to be involved in the regulation of these transporters. Along with phase I and phase II enzyme induction, pretreatment with several kinds of inducers has been shown to alter the expression of phase III transporters, and alter the excretion of xenobiotics, which implies that phase III transporters may also be similarly regulated in a coordinated fashion, and provides an important mean to protect the body from xenobiotics insults. It appears that in general, exposure to phase I, phase II and phase III gene inducers may trigger cellular 'stress' response leading to the increase in their gene expression, which ultimately enhance the elimination and clearance of these xenobiotics and/or other 'cellular stresses' including harmful reactive intermediates such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), so that the body will remove the 'stress' expeditiously. Consequently, this homeostatic response of the body plays a central role in the protection of the body against 'environmental' insults such as those elicited by exposure to xenobiotics.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
• /
• 2007.11a
• /
• pp.79-92
• /
• 2007

Oxidative stress have known to be a risk factor for the degenerative processes and closely related to a lot of diseases. It is well established that antioxidants are good in protection and therapeutic means against oxidative damage. There is increasing interest in natural antioxidants and many natural antioxidants have been found and utilized as the possible protection for various diseases and skin aging. We have screened natural antioxidant agents for cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and drugs as therapeutic and preventive means against oxidative stress, and have developed a number of novel antioxidants from various natural sources. A novel melanin synthesis inhibitor, Melanocin A, isolated from the metabolite of a fungal strain Eupenicillium shearii F80695 inhibited mushroom tyrosinase and melanin biosynthesis of B16 melanoma cells with $IC_{50}$ value of 9.0 nM and MIC value of $0.9\;{\mu}M$, respectively. Melanocin A also exhibited potent antioxidant activity by scavenging of DPPH and superoxide anion radicals. UV was found to increase the level of hydrogen peroxides and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin tissues. This increase in ROS may not only alter the structure and function of many genes and proteins directly but may also modulate their expressions through signal transduction pathways and, ultimately, lead to skin damage. We investigated the effect of Melanocin A on UV-induced premature skin aging. Firstly, the effect of Melanocin A on UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT in vitro was investigated. Acute UV irradiation induced MMP-9 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels and Melanocin A suppressed this expression in a dose-dependent manner. We then investigated UV-induced skin changes in hairless mice in vivo by Melanocin A. Chronic exposure of hairless mouse dorsal skin to UV increased skin thickness and induced wrinkle formation and the gelatinase activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Moreover, Melanocin A significantly suppressed UV-induced morphologic skin changes and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. These results show that Melanocin A can prevent the harmful effects of UV that lead to skin aging. Therefore, we suggest that Melanocin A should be viewed as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and/or treating premature skin aging. Terrein is a bioactive fungal metabolite isolated from Penicillium species. Terrein has a relatively simple structure and can be easily synthesized. However, the biologic effects of terrein are comparatively unknown. We found for the first time that terrein potently inhibit melanin production in melanocytes and has a strong hypopigmentary effect in a spontaneously immortalized mouse melanocyte cell line, Mel-Ab. Treatment of Mel-Ab cells with terrein (10-100 mM) for 4 days significantly reduced melanin levels in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, terrein at the same concentration also reduced tyrosinase activity. We then investigated whether terrein influences the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway and the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which is required for tyrosinase expression. Terrein was found to induce sustained ERK activation and MITF down-regulation, and luciferase assays showed that terrein inhibits MITF promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the correlation between ERK pathway activation and a decreased MITF transcriptional level, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the ERK pathway, was applied before terrain treatment and found to abrogate the terrein-induced MITF attenuation. Terrein also reduced the tyrosinase protein level for at least 72 h. These results suggest that terrain reduces melanin synthesis by reducing tyrosinase production via ERK activation, and that this is followed by MITF down-regulation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.73-78
• /
• 2018

BACKGROUND: Soil salinity of reclaimed tidal land in Korea is highly important factor. High salinity is harmful to crop productivity. Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is known to be salt-tolerant and has high adaptability to diverse pedo-climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the changes of soil properties and crop productivity according to salt concentration in the reclaimed tidal lands. METHODS AND RESULTS: Experimental sites were selected at Saemangeum ($35^{\circ}46^{\prime}N$, $126^{\circ}37^{\prime}E$) reclaimed tidal land, and their dominant soil series were Munpo (coarse loamy, mixed, non-acid, mesic, typic Fluvaquents). H. tuberosus L were collected from 12 locations across Korea. Tubers were planted at $75{\times}25cm$ with EC 2 to $7dS\;m^{-1}$. Soil samples were periodically collected from both 0~20 cm and 20~40 cm depths of each site. Soil salinity and soil moisture contents were varied depending on weather conditions. Soil electrical conductivity varied from 1.0 to $5.9dS\;m^{-1}$, and soil moisture contents varied from 9.2 to 28.7%. The white-colored tubers of H. tuberosus L. collected from 'Yeongwol-gun' exhibited the highest height (207 cm), followed by the white-colored tubers of H. tuberosus L. collected from 'Iksan-si'(202 cm). The white-colored tubers of H. tuberosus L. collected from 'GyeongJu-si' showed the highest yield (549 kg/10a). The purple-colored tubers of H. tuberosus L. collected from 'Yeongwol-gun' showed the highest yield (615 kg/10a). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the plant height and tuber yield did not appear to be correlated. Considering yield and inulin content, the GyeongJu-si seemed to be suitable as the white-colored tubers of H. tuberosus L. and the Yeongwol-gun seemed to be suitable as the purple-colored tubers of H. tuberosus L. in the reclaimed tidal lands. However, it is necessary to consider the relationship between the inulin content and the yield.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.12 no.6
• /
• pp.107-117
• /
• 2007

Dispersion characteristics and envirounmental impactes of the stream sediments were investigated and geochemical disaster in the Namhae-Hwagye area was predicted. Stream sediments having no possibility of contamination effect and representing drainage basins were collected. Major and hazardous elements concentrations were determined by XRF, ICP-AES and NAA analysis methods. Acid decomposition for the ICP-AES have been used $HClO_4$ and HF with $200^{\circ}C$ heating at 1'st and after that $HClO_4$, HF and HCl with $200^{\circ}C$ heating at 2'nd stage. Hazardous elements concentrations for the stream sediments in the Namhae area were Cu $5.66{\sim}168\;ppm$, Pb $18.0{\sim}40.7\;ppm$, Cr $21.6{\sim}147\;ppm$, Co $4.86{\sim}25.3\;ppm$. Hazardous elements concentrations for the stream sediments in the Hwagye area were Cu $16.4{\sim}41.2\;ppm$, Pb $26.5{\sim}37.5\;ppm$ Cr $79.6{\sim}153\;ppm$, Co $15.7{\sim}29.5\;ppm$. Concentration of Cu and Co in the stream sediments show a negative correlation with $SiO_2$ in all study area. According to E.I.(Enrichment Index) of stream sediments was not enriched in study area. And average E.I. was 0.35 (Namhae) and 0.56 (Hwagye) respectively. The stream sediments were enriched as in order of Pb > Cr > Co > Cu. And the average of Enrichment Factor (E.F.) was 0.46 to 2.84, respectively. E.F. concentration of Cu and Co were nearly similar enrichment characteristic but E.F. concentration of Cr were higher enrichnent characteristic in Namhae than Hwagye area. Pb was highly enriched in all study area but the tolerable level that used to investigate the enrichment degree of hazardous elements, was not exposed to harmful hazardous elements.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.71-81
• /
• 2013

Trace metal concentration in sediment cores from the outer sea of Lake Shihwa were determined to study the vertical profiles of metal concentrations and to evaluate the levels of metal contamination. Sediment pollution assessment was carried out using enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). The mean concentration of metals were 58.8 mg/kg for Cr, 10.3 mg/kg for Co, 22.8 mg/kg for Ni, 18.1 mg/kg for Cu, 74.0 mg/kg for Zn, 6.75 mg/kg for As, 0.14 mg/kg for Cd, 27.4 mg/kg for Pb and 0.026 mg/kg for Hg, respectively. The mean EF values for Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Hg were greater than 1.5 in sediment cores, indicating that these metals in sediments are slightly enriched by anthropogenic activities. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) suggested unpolluted status for metals of sediments collected from outer see of Lake Shihwa. Igeo values for Cu and Hg nearby LNG station (site C, D, E) ranged from 1 to 2, indicating moderately to unpolluted pollution status for those metals. Even if the higher concentrations of trace metals nearby LNG station were observed, there is significantly positive relationship between Al and trace metals. Thus, the sediment grain size plays an important roles in influencing the distribution of trace metals in sediment cores from the outer sea of Lake Shihwa. Based on the comparison with sediment quality guidelines such as threshold effect level and probable effect level in Korea, the concentration of metals in sediments from outer sea of Lake Shihwa are likely to result in no harmful effects on sediment-dwelling organisms.