• Title/Summary/Keyword: analysis and design

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평행식 진동탄환 암거 천공기의 연구 (IV)(V)-실기 설계 제작 및 보장실험-Development of Balanced-Type Oscillating Mole Drainer(IV)(V)

  • 김용환;이승규;서상용
    • Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.7-24
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    • 1977
  • This paper is the forth and fifth one of the study on balanced type oscillating mole drainer. In the light of the results from previous reports about the model tests, some design criteria were established and a prototype machine was set up for experimental purpose. Motion characteristics and functionof the each parts of the machine were checked and analyzed. After that, performance tests of the prototype machine were carried out in thefield. Obtained results are summarized as follows ; 1. Ten centimeter of the bullet diameter was determined so as to be able to attach it to the tractors with capacity of 30 PS to 40 PS. 2. To maintain the balance between the moments of the front shank and rear shank, the oscillating amplitude of the rear bullet was determined to be larger than that of the front bullet. At the same time , the oscillating direction of the rear bullet was designed with the inclines of ten to thirty degrees. 3. An octagonal dynamo transduced was developed for measuring the compressive force of the upper link is measuring the draft force of the machine. Acceptable linear relationship between forces and strain responses from O.D.T. was obtained. 4. Analysing the balancing mechanism of the acting part of the machine , it was found that the total draft force of the machine was equal to the difference between the sum of the draft force produced from the right and left side bending moments of the lower drawber and the compressive force on the upper link. 5. There are acceptable linear relationship between the strain and twisting moment by driving shaft, and between strain and shank moment. Above results enable us to carry out the field experiment with prototype machine. 6. When the test machine was used in the field, it was possible to reduce the oscillating acceleration by forty percent in average as compared it with the single bullet mole drainer. 7. When the test machine was used under the oscillating condition, the dratt torce was reduced by 27 percent to 59 percent as compared it with the test machine under non-oscillating condition, while the draft force was increased by 7 percent to 20 percent as compared it with the mole drainer having oscillating single bullet. The reasoning behind this fact was considered as the resistance force due to the rear shank and bullet. 8. As the amplitude and frequency of the bullet were increased, the torque was increased accordingly. This tendency could be varied with the various characteristics of the given soils. And the larger frequency and amplitute, the more increasing oscil\ulcornerlating power but decreasing draft brce were needed, and draft force was increased as the velocity was increased.9. When the amplitude of the rear bullet was designed to be larger than that of the front bullet, the minimum value of the moment was lowered and oscillating acceleration was reduced. And when the oscillating direction of the rear bullet was declined back\ulcornerwards, oscillating acceleration was increased along with the increasing angle of decli\ulcornernation. When the test machine was operated in high speed, the difference between maximum moments and minimum ones became narrow. This varying magnitude of moments appeared on the moment oscillogram seems to be correlated to the oscillating acceleration and draft force. 10. From the analysis of variance, it was found that those factors such as frequency, amplitude, and operating velocity significantly affected in the oscillating acceleration, the draft resistance, the torque, the moment, and the total power required. And interaction between frequency and amplitude affected in the oscillating acceleration. 11. Within the given situation of this study, the most preferable operating conditions of the test machine were 7 Hz in oscillating frequency, 0.54 m/sec in operating velocity, and 39.1 mm in oscillating amplitude of front and rear bullets. However, it is necessary to select the proper frequency and magnitude of oscillation depending on the soil properties of the field in which the mole drainer is practiced by use of a bal1nced type oscillating mole drainer. 12. It is recommended that a comparative study of the mole drainers would be performed in the near future using two separate balanced oscillating bullet with the one which is operated by oscillating the movable bullet in a single cylinder or other balanced type which may be single oscillating bullet with spring, damper or balancing weight, and that of thing. To expand the applicability of the balanced type oscillating mole drainer in practical use, it is suggested to develop a new mechanism which perform mole drain with vinyl pipe or filling material such as rice hull.

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A Study on Sexual Function of Women with Coronary Artery Disease (관상동맥질환 여성의 성기능에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Choon Shim;So, Hyang Sook
    • Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.99-111
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    • 2000
  • The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors related to sexual function of women with coronary artery disease, and to determine the predictors of sexual function. The study design, a descriptive correlational study, was done through structural questionnaire and interview. A total of 50 subjects from C University Hospital at Kwang-ju city who have undergone coronary angiography at department of cardiology were observed and interviewed from Feb. 22, 1999 to March. 23, 1999. The number of affected vessels, the level of total serum cholesterol, and the ejection fraction of 2-D echo cardiography were analyzed to evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease. And also type A behavior pattern, health behavior, Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) were measured. The data obtained were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis via SPSS PC+. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The mean age of the subjects were 58.1 and 72.0% of those have been married over 30 years. Seventy two percentage were unemployed and monthly family income of 56.6% was less than 1,000,000 won (approximately $ 840). Eighty percent were in their postmenopausal state, and the frequency of sexual intercourse of 84.0% were two to three times per month. 2. The scores of type A behavior pattern were from 16 to 38(mean 24.94) and health behavior ranged from 21 to 43(mean 31.2). Abstinence from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine were best compliant factors and weight control and exercise were least abided ones. The result of 2D-ECHO EF showed that the half of the subjects were abnormal, and 24% had more than 240mg/dl of total serum cholesterol. The coronary angiography showed that 64% of the subjects had more than one affected vessels. 3. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'orgasm' were number of health examination, the pre- or post-menopausal state, protestant, number of coronary vessel affected, level of serum total cholesterol, and comorbid group of hypertension and diabetes, and it's total variance accounted for 52.4%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual activity' were comorbid group of hypertension and diabetes and type A behavior pattern, which accounted for 22.4% of total variance. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual satisfaction' were type A behavior pattern, no religion, exercise, level of serum total cholesterol, and pre or post menopausal state, which accounted for 52.1%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual desire' were the period of marriage, type A behavior, employment or unemployment, and weight control, which accounted for 43.2%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'external force of sexual functioning' were physical overload and exercise, which accounted for 41.1%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual activity' were family monthly income, catholics, and exercise, and which accounted for 35.4%. Above results lead us to some consensus that sexual function of women with coronary artery disease is related to various factors including vasogenic factors such as total serum cholesterol level, number of coronary vessel affected, an endocrinal factor such as menopausal state, and type A behavior pattern as a sociopshychological factor. And also health behaviors such as fitness care, overwork, weight control, and emotional tension are contributed to sexual function.

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The Effect of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) Polymorphism on Outcomes of Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) and In-vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) (체외수정시술시 난포자극호르몬 수용체 유전자 다형성이 과배란유도 및 임신 결과에 미치는 영향)

  • Yoon, Ji-Sung;Choi, Young-Min;Lim, Kyung-Sil;Hur, Chang-Young;Kang, Young-Je;Jung, Jae-Hoon;Lee, Won-Don;Lim, Jin-Ho;Hwang, Kyu-Ri;Jee, Byung-Chul;Ku, Seung-Yup;Suh, Chang-Suk;Kim, Seok-Hyun;Kim, Jung-Gu;Moon, Shin-Yong
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.31 no.2
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    • pp.133-139
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    • 2004
  • Objective: To investigate the association of FSH receptor (FSHR) polymorphism at position 680 with outcomes of controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation for IVF-ET in Korean women. Design: Genetic polymorphism analysis. Materials and Methods: The FSHR polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in 172 ovulatory women below the age of 40 year. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or previous history of ovarian surgery were excluded. Results: Genotype distribution was 41.9% for the Asn/Asn, 47.7% for the Asn/Ser, and 10.5% for the Ser/Ser FSHR genotype group. There was no difference in age of subjects and infertility diagnosis between genotype groups. When the patients were grouped according to their FSHR genotype, the basal levels of FSH (day 3) were significantly different among the three groups ($6.0{\pm}0.3\;IU/L$ (mean $\pm$ SEM), $5.8{\pm}0.3\;IU/L$, and $8.6{\pm}1.2\;IU/L$ for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, p=0.002). The Ser/Ser group showed a higher total doses of gonadotropins required to achieve ovulation induction, and a lower serum estradiol levels at the time of hCG administration compared with other two groups, but the differences were of no statistical significance. The numbers of oocytes retrieved were significantly different among the three groups ($8.6{\pm}0.8$, $9.9{\pm}0.6$, and $6.3{\pm}0.9$, for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, p=0.049). Clinical pregnancy rates were 42.4%, 25.9%, and 29.4% for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively. Conclusion: Homozygous Ser/Ser genotype of FSHR polymorphism at position 680 was associated with decreased ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation for IVF-ET.

A Review of Service Innovation Research: A Comparison of Domestic and International Research Papers (서비스혁신 연구 동향: 국내 및 해외 주요 학술지를 중심으로)

  • Ryu, Hyun-Sun
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.577-610
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    • 2014
  • Although service innovation is not a new concept, innovation research in general tends to focus on technological innovation by manufacturing firms. With this view, innovation studies focus on product(e.g., goods) and process(e.g., product systems) innovation, ignoring service innovation and its inherent opportunities. Since major economy has been transformed to service economy, service innovation is considered a new effective way to sustain and gain a competitive advantage. Service innovation is no longer regarded merely as a side activity to product innovation; it has become a main research topic in its own right, accompanied by an increasing focus on services. While the number of service innovation studies has increased dramatically in the past 30 years in international research, few studies have been performed in domestic studies because domestic service innovation research began from the middle of 2000. In addition, there are no comprehensive literature reviews describing the evolution of service innovation research in both international and domestic studies because of the heterogeneities of service industry and multidiscipline characteristics of service innovation studies. To bridge this research gap, the purpose of this paper is to perform an extensive literature review and synthesis to enable a critical review of extant research on service innovation and trace its evolution, which will establish a foundation for further studies. By reviewing 169 articles (136 international papers; 33 domestic papers) published between 2000 and 2014 (in past 15 years), primarily in leading service, innovation and management information systems journals, this study analyzes the progression of service innovation research according to the four aspects such as number of studies, topics, methodologies and target industries. Overall, the view of service innovation has evolved, from a complement of traditional product innovation to a multidimensional, all-encompassing concept that entails several functions, both within and outside the firms. The results showed that domestic research still stays at the formation phase of service innovation studies although international research is in the maturity or multidimensional phase. We found increasing recent activities pertaining to service innovation, resulting from the increasing interest in services innovation across various industries and the links of new topics to the service innovation concept in both international and domestic studies. However, the main focus of service innovation research showed a different propensity between international and domestic studies: the former mainly focuses on a much more diversified pattern, emphasizing the linkages between service innovation and business strategy while the latter mainly focuses on the service innovation process(system) and service design. In addition, there are many case studies in domestic studies while many empirical studies in international studies. Domestic studies should increases the understanding of the interplay between service innovation and product innovation within manufacturing firms. Furthermore, rather than focusing on intrinsic distinctions between service innovation and product innovation, researchers should strive to develop and conceptualize service innovation in domestics studies. The present research also provides useful implications for practitioners. First, this study contributes to expand the current understanding of service innovation research by performing an extensive literature review. Second, tracing and comparing the progression and trends of service innovation research between international and domestic studies, this study showed the similarities and differences between them, which provide practical guidance on future research directions and research agenda. Third, this study performed literature review establishing the analysis system in the initial stage and using them to analyze articles, which is leading to explain the research review of service innovation more systematically and objectively. Finally, this study suggests the domestic researchers their future interests and topics of service innovation research.

A Study on the Effects of User Participation on Stickiness and Continued Use on Internet Community (인터넷 커뮤니티에서 사용자 참여가 밀착도와 지속적 이용의도에 미치는 영향)

  • Ko, Mi-Hyun;Kwon, Sun-Dong
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.41-72
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    • 2008
  • The purpose of this study is the investigation of the effects of user participation, network effect, social influence, and usefulness on stickiness and continued use on Internet communities. In this research, stickiness refers to repeat visit and visit duration to an Internet community. Continued use means the willingness to continue to use an Internet community in the future. Internet community-based companies can earn money through selling the digital contents such as game, music, and avatar, advertizing on internet site, or offering an affiliate marketing. For such money making, stickiness and continued use of Internet users is much more important than the number of Internet users. We tried to answer following three questions. Fist, what is the effects of user participation on stickiness and continued use on Internet communities? Second, by what is user participation formed? Third, are network effect, social influence, and usefulness that was significant at prior research about technology acceptance model(TAM) still significant on internet communities? In this study, user participation, network effect, social influence, and usefulness are independent variables, stickiness is mediating variable, and continued use is dependent variable. Among independent variables, we are focused on user participation. User participation means that Internet user participates in the development of Internet community site (called mini-hompy or blog in Korea). User participation was studied from 1970 to 1997 at the research area of information system. But since 1997 when Internet started to spread to the public, user participation has hardly been studied. Given the importance of user participation at the success of Internet-based companies, it is very meaningful to study the research topic of user participation. To test the proposed model, we used a data set generated from the survey. The survey instrument was designed on the basis of a comprehensive literature review and interviews of experts, and was refined through several rounds of pretests, revisions, and pilot tests. The respondents of survey were the undergraduates and the graduate students who mainly used Internet communities. Data analysis was conducted using 217 respondents(response rate, 97.7 percent). We used structural equation modeling(SEM) implemented in partial least square(PLS). We chose PLS for two reason. First, our model has formative constructs. PLS uses components-based algorithm and can estimated formative constructs. Second, PLS is more appropriate when the research model is in an early stage of development. A review of the literature suggests that empirical tests of user participation is still sparse. The test of model was executed in the order of three research questions. First user participation had the direct effects on stickiness(${\beta}$=0.150, p<0.01) and continued use (${\beta}$=0.119, p<0.05). And user participation, as a partial mediation model, had a indirect effect on continued use mediated through stickiness (${\beta}$=0.007, p<0.05). Second, optional participation and prosuming participation significantly formed user participation. Optional participation, with a path magnitude as high as 0.986 (p<0.001), is a key determinant for the strength of user participation. Third, Network effect (${\beta}$=0.236, p<0.001). social influence (${\beta}$=0.135, p<0.05), and usefulness (${\beta}$=0.343, p<0.001) had directly significant impacts on stickiness. But network effect and social influence, as a full mediation model, had both indirectly significant impacts on continued use mediated through stickiness (${\beta}$=0.11, p<0.001, and ${\beta}$=0.063, p<0.05, respectively). Compared with this result, usefulness, as a partial mediation model, had a direct impact on continued use and a indirect impact on continued use mediated through stickiness. This study has three contributions. First this is the first empirical study showing that user participation is the significant driver of continued use. The researchers of information system have hardly studies user participation since late 1990s. And the researchers of marketing have studied a few lately. Second, this study enhanced the understanding of user participation. Up to recently, user participation has been studied from the bipolar viewpoint of participation v.s non-participation. Also, even the study on participation has been studied from the point of limited optional participation. But, this study proved the existence of prosuming participation to design and produce products or services, besides optional participation. And this study empirically proved that optional participation and prosuming participation were the key determinant for user participation. Third, our study compliments traditional studies of TAM. According prior literature about of TAM, the constructs of network effect, social influence, and usefulness had effects on the technology adoption. This study proved that these constructs still are significant on Internet communities.

A Study on the Necessity of Verification and Certification System of Inspection and Diagnostic Equipment for Infrastructure using Advanced Technologies (첨단 시설물 점검 및 진단장비 검·인증제도 도입 필요성에 대한 연구)

  • Hong, Sung-Ho;Kim, Jung-Gon;Cho, Jae-Young;Kim, Twae-Hwan
    • Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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    • v.16 no.1
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    • pp.163-177
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    • 2020
  • Purpose: While it is very important to maintain facilities recently, the introduction and its application of high technology in the facility maintenance industry has increased. It is necessary for high technology to secure reliability through the verification and certification system of diagnostic equipment to have an effective impact in the field, but there is difference between the industry's perspective and realistic level of technology apart from social demand for the system of the system. This paper dealt with the introduction of a verification and certification system for rational facility diagnostic equipment with the opinion survey on managers about the current situation. Method: Survey is carried out targeting managers in the maintenance and construction regarding the necessity and urgency of introducing a verification and certification system to promote the introduction and its application of high technology of diagnostic equipment and facility inspection. Also, the introduction to a verification and certification system was reviewed for advanced facility diagnostic equipment through foreign research about similar systems and comparative analysis of similar systems related to the certification of 21 domestic equipment. Result: It showed that, regarding the application of high technology, it is necessary for most managers to introduce high technology such as drones, robots, etc., in the maintenance industry, and when high technology is introduced, it will have a considerable effect in the field. On the other hand, the current technology level in Korea is relatively low, so it turned out to take a certain amount of time for the application of technology. Also, it was found that the management of reliable facility diagnostic equipment will be possible through the introduction of the verification and certification system for facility diagnosis equipment. Meanwhile, the survey is conducted on similar systems about foreign and domestic diagnosis and measuring equipment, etc., but there is no system to verify and certify equipment applied with high technology directly to facility diagnosis maintenance. However, because Japan has a system of verifying the performance of diagnostic equipment and South Korea has 21 similar inspection and diagnostic equipment certification systems among 186 certification systems, it is considered to be possible to design systems which utilize them. Conclusion: According to the managers' opinion, it seems that the introduction of the system supporting the application of 4th industrial technology for the equipment and the use of the equipment with high reliability has sufficient validity. However, because our high technology level is undervalued compared to the urgency, the system for checking high technology facilities and certifying diagnostic equipment should be to be implemented in form of escalation considering technical use and verification level. Apart from the introduction of the verification and certification system, it is necessary for special investment, support and efforts to promote advanced facility diagnostic equipment.

Various Possibilities of Dispositif Film (디스포지티프 영화의 다양한 가능성)

  • KIM, Chaehee
    • Trans-
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    • v.3
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    • pp.55-86
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    • 2017
  • This study begins with the necessity of the concept of reincarnation of film media and the inclusion of specific tendencies of contemporary films as post - cinema comes. Variable movements around recent films Challenging and experimental films show aesthetics that are difficult to approach with the analysis of classical mise en scene and montage. In this way, I review the dispositif proposed by Martin in films that are puzzling to criticize with the classical conceptual framework. This is because the concept of dispositive is a conceptual pile that extends more than a mise en scene and a montage. Dispositif films tend to be non-reproducible and non-narrative, but not all non-narrativef tendencies are dispositif films. Only the dispositif film is included in the flow. Dispositif movement has increased dramatically in the modern environment on which digital technology is based, but it is not a tendency to be found in any particular age. The movement has been detected in classical films, and the dispositif tendency has continued to exist in avant-garde films in the 1920s and some modernist films. First, for clear conceptualization of cinematic dispositif, this study examines the sources of dispositif debates that are being introduced into film theory today. In this process, the theory of Jean Louis Baudry, Michel Foucault, Agamben, Flusser, and Deleuze will help. The concept of dispositif was discussed by several scholars, including Baudry and Foucault, and today the notion of dispositif is defined across all these definitions. However, these various discussions are distinctly different from the cinematic dispositif or dispositif films that Martin advocates. Martin's proposed concept reminds us of the fundamentals of cinematic aesthetics that have distinguished between the mise-en-scene and the montage. And it will be able to reconsider those concepts and make it possible to view a thing a new light or create new films. The basic implications of dispositif are apparatus as devices, disposition and arrangement, the combination of heterogeneity. Thus, if you define a dispositif film in a word, it is a new 'constraint' consisting of rearrangement and arrangement of the heterogeneous elements that make up the conditions of the classical film. In order for something to become a new design, changes must be made in the arrangement and arrangement of the elements, forces, and forces that make up it. Naturally, the elements encompass both internal and external factors. These dispositif films have a variety of possibilities, such as reflection on the archival possibilities and the role of supervision, the reestablishment of active and creative audience, the reason for the film medium, and the ideological reflection. films can also 'network' quickly and easily with other media faster than any medium and create a new 'devised' aesthetic style. And the dispositif film that makes use of this will be a key keyword in reading the films that present the new trend of modern film. Because dispositif are so comprehensive and have a broad implication, there are certainly areas that are difficult to sophisticate. However this will have a positive effect on the future activation of dispositif studies end for end. Dispositif is difficult to elaborate the concept clearly, so it can be accessed from a wide range of dimensions and has theoretically infinite extensibility. At the beginning and end of the 21st century film, the concept of cinematic dispositif will become a decisive factor to dismantle old film aesthetics.

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The Effect of YouTube Creator's Characteristics on Content Involvement, user Attitude, and user Attitude on Subscription Intentions - Focusing on the Mediated Effect of Content Involvement - (유튜브 크리에이터의 특성이 콘텐츠관여도와 사용자태도에 그리고 사용자태도가 구독의도에 미치는 영향 - 콘텐츠관여도의 매개효과를 중심으로 -)

  • Eun, Chang-Ik
    • Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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    • v.15 no.4
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    • pp.55-72
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    • 2021
  • This study aims to research the influences of the discrimination of internet media and one-person media environment, especially, the one-person media creators leading the mobile media that could be accessed and viewed anywhere, on the user attitude and continuous subscription intention. Especially, this study aimed to understand the current situation of one-person media market represented as YouTube, to explore the relationship and ecology between each subject and elements composing the media market, and also to understand the mediating effects of the characteristics of YouTube creators on the relation between contents involvement and user attitude, and the relation between user attitude and subscription intention, and the mediating effects of contents involvement on the relation between characteristics of creators and user attitude. As research methods, first, for the theoretical establishment, this study collected, conducted, and organized the published domestic/foreign theses/journal papers. For the objective validity and verification of the established research model, a survey was conducted targeting adult men and women currently watching YouTube, and then the empirical analysis was performed through the final effective samples. And the results of this study are as follows. First, the playfulness and reliability on the relation between characteristics of creators and contents involvement were not significant while the professionalism was significant. Second, the professionalism on the relation between characteristics of creators and user attitude was not significant while the playfulness and reliability were significant. Third, the relation between contents involvement and user attitude was significant. Fourth, the relation between user attitude and subscription intention was also significant. Also, in the results of verifying the mediating effects of contents involvement, the contents involvement completely mediated the relation between characteristics(playfulness, reliability, and professionalism) of creators and user attitude. And in the conclusion, this study presented the implications and suggestions for further researches in the future.

A Role for Leu247 Residue within Transmembrane Domain 2 in Ginsenoside-Mediated α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Regulation

  • Lee, Byung-Hwan;Choi, Sun-Hye;Pyo, Mi Kyung;Shin, Tae-Joon;Hwang, Sung-Hee;Kim, Bo-Ra;Lee, Sang-MoK;Lee, Jun-Ho;Lee, Joon-Hee;Lee, Hui Sun;Choe, Han;Han, Kyou-Hoon;Kim, Hyoung-Chun;Rhim, Hyewhon;Yong, Joon-Hwan;Nah, Seung-Yeol
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.27 no.5
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    • pp.591-599
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    • 2009
  • Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play important roles in nervous system functions and are involved in a variety of diseases. We previously demonstrated that ginsenosides, the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, inhibit subsets of nAChR channel currents, but not ${\alpha}7$, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Mutation of the highly conserved Leu247 to Thr247 in the transmembrane domain 2 (TM2) channel pore region of ${\alpha}7$ nAChR induces alterations in channel gating properties and converts ${\alpha}7$ nAChR antagonists into agonists. In the present study, we assessed how point mutations in the Leu247 residue leading to various amino acids affect 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ ($Rg_3$) activity against the ${\alpha}7$ nAChR. Mutation of L247 to L247A, L247D, L247E, L247I, L247S, and L247T, but not L247K, rendered mutant receptors sensitive to $Rg_3$. We further characterized $Rg_3$ regulation of L247T receptors. We found that $Rg_3$ inhibition of mutant ${\alpha}7$ nAChR channel currents was reversible and concentration-dependent. $Rg_3$ inhibition was strongly voltage-dependent and noncompetitive manner. These results indicate that the interaction between $Rg_3$ and mutant receptors might differ from its interaction with the wild-type receptor. To identify differences in $Rg_3$ interactions between wild-type and L247T receptors, we utilized docked modeling. This modeling revealed that $Rg_3$ forms hydrogen bonds with amino acids, such as Ser240 of subunit I and Thr244 of subunit II and V at the channel pore, whereas $Rg_3$ localizes at the interface of the two wild-type receptor subunits. These results indicate that mutation of Leu247 to Thr247 induces conformational changes in the wild-type receptor and provides a binding pocket for $Rg_3$ at the channel pore.

Effects of Achyranthes Bidentata Polysaccharide on Growth Performance, Immunological, Adrenal, and Somatotropic Responses of Weaned Pigs Challenged with Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide

  • Guo, Guanglun;Liu, Yulan;Fan, Wei;Han, Jie;Hou, Yongqing;Yin, Yulong;Zhu, Huiling;Ding, Binying;Shi, Junxia;Lu, Jing;Wang, Huirong;Chao, Jin;Qu, Yonghua
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.21 no.8
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    • pp.1189-1195
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    • 2008
  • A study was conducted with 48 weaned barrows ($28{\pm}3d$, $8.45{\pm}0.14kg$) to determine the effect of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABPS) supplementation on pig performance, immunological, adrenal and somatotropic responses following Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. The experiment was a $2{\times}2$ factorial design; the main factors included diet (supplementation with 0 or 500 mg/kg ABPS) and immunological challenge (LPS or saline). On d 14 and 21 of the trial, pigs were given an intraperitoneal injection with either $100{\mu}g/kg$ BW of LPS or an equivalent amount of sterile saline. Blood samples were obtained 3 h after injection for analysis of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), cortisol, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and immunoglobulin G (IgG). On d 2 after LPS challenge, peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation (PBLP) was measured. LPS administration decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.05), had a tendency to decrease average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.10) during both the first and second challenge periods and increased (p<0.05) feed:gain ratio only during the first challenge period. ABPS tended to improve ADG (p<0.10) during the first challenge period, and improved ADG (p<0.05) and tended to improve ADFI (p<0.10) during the second challenge period. ABPS did not affect feed:gain ratio. An interaction (p<0.05) between LPS challenge and diet was observed for the plasma concentrations of TNF-${\alpha}$, $PGE_2$ and cortisol after both LPS challenges such that, among LPS-treated pigs, pigs fed the ABPS diet were lower for these indices than those receiving the control diet. In contrast, pigs fed the ABPS diet had higher IGF-I (p<0.05) compared with those fed the control diet. No effect of diet, LPS challenge or both on GH and IgG was observed after both LPS administrations. LPS challenge increased PBLP when these cells were incubated with $8{\mu}g/ml$ of LPS during both the challenge periods, and did likewise when incubated with $8{\mu}g/ml$ of concanavalin A only after the first challenge. ABPS had no effect on PBLP. These data demonstrate that ABPS alters the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines following an immunological challenge, which might enable pigs to achieve better performance.