• World Technopolis Review
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.113-129
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• 2017

Universities are considered important actors and drivers of socio-economic development in the regional innovation eco-system. This article investigates the role Kenyan universities and research institutes play in the development of regional innovation eco-system in the context of triple and Quadruple helices. A model involving Government, Industry, Universities and Society (Public) linkages in the regional innovation eco-system and with Information and Communication Technology as an enabler is used as a framework for analysing the nature of linkages in Kenya. The article uses literature review and case study methods to examine how universities and research institutes can spur the development of the innovation eco-systems. The research question is: what is the role of Kenyan universities and research institutes in spurring innovation ecosystems? Six cases of Kenyan universities and research institutes are considered in the light of Government Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) which is underpinned in Kenyan constitution 2010. The study contributes to the understanding of how deep collaboration among universities, government, research institutes, Science Cities, local, regional, national and international players spurs the creation of world-class innovation ecosystems which can contribute to regional development in developing countries like Kenya.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2022

Panax polysaccharides are biopolymers that are isolated and purified from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Panax L. plants, which have attracted considerable attention because of their immunomodulatory activities. In this paper, the composition and structural characteristics of purified polysaccharides are reviewed. Moreover, the immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides are described both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, Panax polysaccharides exert immunomodulatory functions mainly by activating macrophages, dendritic cells, and the complement system. In vivo, Panax polysaccharides can increase the immune organ indices and stimulate lymphocytes. In addition, this paper also discusses the membrane receptors and various signalling pathways of immune cells. Panax polysaccharides have many beneficial therapeutic effects, including enhancing or activating the immune response, and may be helpful in treating cancer, sepsis, osteoporosis, and other conditions. Panax polysaccharides have the potential for use in the development of novel therapeutic agents or adjuvants with beneficial immunomodulatory properties.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2021

Backgroud: Ginsenoside compound K (GK) is a major metabolite of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides and has remarkable anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. This work used an ionic cross-linking method to entrap GK within O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) nanoparticles (Nps) to form GK-loaded OCMC Nps (GK-OCMC Nps), which enhance the aqueous solubility and stability of GK. Methods: The GK-OCMC Nps were characterized using several physicochemical techniques, including x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, and particle size analysis via dynamic light scattering. GK was released from GK-OCMC Nps and was conducted using the dialysis bag diffusion method. The effects of GK and GK-OCMC Nps on PC3 cell viability were measured by using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Fluorescent technology based on Cy5.5-labeled probes was used to explore the cellular uptake of GK-OCMC Nps. Results: The GK-OCMC NPs had a suitable particle size and zeta potential; they were spherical with good dispersion. In vitro drug release from GK-OCMC NPs was pH dependent. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity study and cellular uptake assays indicated that the GK-OCMC Nps significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of GK toward the PC3 cells. GK-OCMC Nps also significantly promoted the activities of both caspase-3 and caspase-9. Conclusion: GK-OCMC Nps are potential nanocarriers for delivering hydrophobic drugs, thereby enhancing water solubility and permeability and improving the antiproliferative effects of GK.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.600-605
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• 2019

Background: The leaves and roots of Panax ginseng are rich in ginsenosides. However, the chemical compositions of the leaves and roots of P. ginseng differ, resulting in different medicinal functions. In recent years, the aerial parts of members of the Panax genus have received great attention from natural product chemists as producers of bioactive ginsenosides. The aim of this study was the isolation and structural elucidation of novel, minor ginsenosides in the leaves of P. ginseng and evaluation of their antiinflammatory activity in vitro. Methods: Various chromatographic techniques were applied to obtain pure individual compounds, and their structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry, as well as chemical methods. The antiinflammatory effect of the new compounds was evaluated on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results and conclusions: Two novel, minor triterpenoid saponins, ginsenoside $LS_1$ (1) and 5,6-didehydroginsenoside $Rg_3$ (2), were isolated from the leaves of P. ginseng. The isolated compounds 1 and 2 were assayed for their inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and Compound 2 showed a significant inhibitory effect with $IC_{50}$ of $37.38{\mu}M$ compared with that of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine ($IC_{50}=90.76{\mu}M$). Moreover, Compound 2 significantly decreased secretion of cytokines such as prostaglandin $E_2$ and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. In addition, Compound 2 significantly suppressed protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. These results suggested that Compound 2 could be used as a valuable candidate for medicinal use or functional food, and the mechanism is warranted for further exploration.

• Clean Technology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.316-325
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• 2016

Ever since the concept of clean production technology was introduced to the Korea industry communities, 16 years has passed, but there is still some confusion regarding to the definition and the meaning. It ascribes that SMEs do not widely accepted the concept and therefore the dissemination is still not widen. This study has explored the definition and the categories of clean production technologies as well as compared the relationship between the environment technology and green technology.In addition, as a policy plan to disseminate cleaner production technologies to small and medium enterprises, several policies are suggested hoe to improve and expand eco- innovation projects that are currently supported by the government.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.537-553
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• 2009

This study aims to present promotion strategies for regional industries by exploring the ways to build industrial cluster focusing on regional strategic industries of Gyeongsanbuk-do(province) which are related to innovation city, by taking Gyeongbuk innovation city as an example. This study presented the methods for linking with innovation cities that focus on regional strategic industries, along with the analysis on the linkage between regional industries and public organizations relocated to local regions. As to the methods for the linkage, methods to build clusters based on the characteristics of each industry, such as electronic information device, new material parts, biological oriental medicine, cultural tourism, eco-friendly energy, etc, which are strategic and leading industries of Gyeongsanbuk-do(province), were presented. It was inferred that the industries which have achieved fast growth such as IT and BT industries, required mutually interconnected collaboration through geographical proximity among related subjects, while sectors with mature technologies, such as automative parts, machinery, steel industries, etc, were found to require more extensive infrastructures like the support of transportation and distribution for promoting current clusters.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2022

The presented research is devoted to the problems of achieving the goals of sustainable development, which will contribute to the development of industrial parks and their transformation into eco-industrial parks. The importance of the functioning of industrial parks and their transformation into eco-industrial ones in the direction of achieving sustainable development goals is substantiated. The development of industrial parks and their transformation through the coordination of dynamic development processes and the establishment of a system of mutually beneficial relations, due to the peculiarities of their functioning aimed at achieving sustainable development goals ensure the achievement of sustainable spatial development. Transformation of industrial parks will contribute to: increasing tax revenues of local budgets, increasing employment in the regions, raising public awareness of the need for environmentally friendly, energy efficient production, increasing the balance and harmony of social, economic and environmental development, modernization of territorial communities and regional enterprises resources and increase entrepreneurial initiative, rational use of available resources, intensification of small and medium enterprises, including innovation. The authors' scientific achievements are the substantiation of the principles of functioning of industrial parks in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, which are based on a systematic approach and provide for the transformation into eco-industrial parks.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.354-360
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• 2021

Background: Protopanaxatriol (PPT) is a secondary intestinal metabolite of ginsenoside in ginseng. Although the effects of PPT have been reported in various diseases including cancer, diabetes and inflammatory diseases, the skin protective effects of PPT are poorly understood. Methods: HaCaT cells were treated with PPT in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA and protein levels which related to skin barrier and hydration were detected compared with retinol. Luciferase assay was performed to explore the relative signaling pathway. Western blot was conducted to confirm these pathways and excavated further signals. Results: PPT enhanced the expression of filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase (TGM)-1, claudin, occludin and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) -1, -2 and -3. The mRNA expression levels of FLG, TGM-1, HAS-1 and HAS-2 were suppressed under NF-κB inhibition. PPT significantly augmented NF-κB-luc activity and upregulated Src/AKT/NF-κB signaling. In addition, PPT also increased phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK, JNK and p38 and upstream MAPK activators (MEK and MKK). Furthermore, transcriptional activity of AP-1 and CREB, which are downstream signaling targets of MAPK, was enhanced by PPT. Conclusion: PPT improves skin barrier function and hydration through Src/AKT/NF-κB and MAPK signaling. Therefore, PPT may be a valuable component for cosmetics or treating skin disorders.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.309-333
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• 2014

To meet the challenge of new type of innovation activities requires us to understand the social context of innovation and the potential needs of innovation users and, based on this, to co-construct technology and society simultaneously. Effective 'demand articulation' activities such as the understanding and utilization of user experiences and socio-technical planning are prerequisites for carrying out post-catch up innovations shaping new trajectories and contributing to solving social problems. Living Lab has recently been emerging particularly in Europe as an 'user-driven innovation model', in which users are active participants in innovation activities. The purpose of this study is to contribute to a theoretical discussion of Living Lab as an user-driven innovation model, to make a brief review of cases of Living Lab and to explore Living Lab's applicability in the Korean context. Living Lab is an open innovation model, in which end suers actively participate in innovation processes in a particular geographical space or region and would be able to solve specific problems of that space or region. In that sense, Living Lab would be able to strengthen the problem-solving capabilities of local communities and to become a pioneer in inducing and realizing a new socio-technical system. Furthermore, Living Lab could become an innovative policy tool reflecting recent major changes in innovation policy paradigms such as post-catch up innovation, demand-oriented innovation, regional innovation, societal innovation, innovation eco-system and socio-technical system transition, and thus make a contribution to exploring a new way of bringing about changes in the Korean society.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.98-101
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• 2011

A 10 nm nano-silica was introduced to a conventional 3 ${\mu}M$ micro-silica composite to develop an eco-friendly new electric insulation material for heavy electric equipment. Thermal and mechanical properties, such as glass transition temperature (Tg), dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile and flexural strength, were studied. The mechanical results were estimated by comparing scale and shape parameters in Weibull statistical analysis. The thermal and mechanical properties of conventional epoxy/micro-silica composite were improved by the addition of nano-silica. This was due to the increment of the compaction via the even dispersion of the nano-silica among the micro-silica particles.