• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.514-522
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• 2022

Non-destructive testing (NDT) technology is a widely used inspection method for agricultural products. Compared with the conventional inspection method, there is no extensive sample preparation for NDT technology, and the sample is not damaged. In particular, NDT technology is used to inspect the internal structure of agricultural products infested by pests. The introduction and spread of pests during the import and export process can cause significant damage to the agricultural environment. Until now, pest detection in agricultural products and quarantine processes have been challenging because they used external inspection methods. However, NDT technology is advantageous in these inspection situations. In this pilot study, we investigated the feasibility of X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify pest infestation in agricultural products. Three kinds of artificially pest-infested fruits (mango, tangerine, and chestnut) were non-destructively inspected using X-ray CT and MRI. X-ray CT was able to identify all pest infestations in fruits, while MRI could not detect the pest-infested chestnut. In addition, X-ray CT was superior to the quarantine process than MRI based on the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image acquisition time, and cost. Therefore, X-ray CT is more appropriate for the pest quarantine process of fruits than MRI.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.272-281
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• 2022

Background: The constant consumption of chemical products owing to expanding industrialization has led to an increase in public interest in chemical substances. As the production and disposal processes for these chemical products cause environmental problems, regional information on the hazard level of chemical substances is required considering their effects on humans and in order to ensure environmental safety. Objectives: This study aimed to identify hazard contribution and spatiotemporal characteristics by region and chemical by calculating a hazard-based result score using pollutant release and transfer register (PRTR) data. Methods: This study calculated the chemical discharge and hazard-based result score from the Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) model, analyzed their spatiotemporal patterns, and identified hotspot areas where chemical discharges and high hazard-based scores were concentrated. The amount of chemical discharge and hazard-based risk scores for 250 cities and counties across South Korea were calculated using PRTR data from 2011 to 2018. Results: The chemical discharge (high densities in Incheon, Daegu, and Busan) and hazard-based result scores (high densities in Incheon, Chungcheongnam-do, and some areas of Gyeongsangnam-do Province) showed varying spatial patterns. The chemical discharge (A, B) and hazard-based result score (C, D) hotspots were identified. Additionally, identification of the hazard-based result scores revealed differences in the type of chemicals contributing to the discharge. Ethylbenzene accounted for ≥80% of the discharged chemicals in the discharge hotspots, while chromium accounted for >90% of the discharged chemicals in the hazard-based result score hotspots. Conclusions: The RSEI hazard-based result score is a quantitative indicator that considers the degree of impact on human health as a toxicity-weighted value. It can be used for the management of industries discharging chemical substances as well as local environmental health management.

• 한국노년학
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.527-546
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• 2021

This study examined the effect of past acceptance on suicidal ideation in older adults and verified double mediation effects of attitude to aging and depression. The responses of 329 aged 65 years or older who participate in senior welfare centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do were used. As an analysis method, the double mediation effect was confirmed through serial multiple mediation model verification using the SPSS PROCESS macro program. The followings are the results of the study. First, the past acceptance had a significant effect on the aging attitude, the aging attitude on the depression, and the depression on the suicidal ideation, but the direct effect of past acceptance on the suicidal ideation was not significant. Second, double mediation effects of attitude to aging and depression were significant in the relationship between past acceptance and suicidal ideation. Based on these results, practical and policy interventions to prevent suicide in old age were suggested.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.253-263
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• 2023

The biogenesis and biological roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the progression of liver diseases have attracted considerable attention in recent years. EVs are membrane-bound nanosized vesicles found in different types of body fluids and contain various bioactive materials, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and mitochondrial DNA. Based on their origin and biogenesis, EVs can be classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. Among these, exosomes are the smallest EVs (30-150 nm in diameter), which play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication and epigenetic regulation. Moreover, exosomal content analysis can reveal the functional state of the parental cell. Therefore, exosomes can be applied to various purposes, including disease diagnosis and treatment, drug delivery, cell-free vaccines, and regenerative medicine. However, exosome-related research faces two major limitations: isolation of exosomes with high yield and purity and distinction of exosomes from other EVs (especially microvesicles). No standardized exosome isolation method has been established to date; however, various exosome isolation strategies have been proposed to investigate their biological roles. Exosome-mediated intercellular communications are known to be involved in alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development. Damaged hepatocytes or nonparenchymal cells release large numbers of exosomes that promote the progression of inflammation and fibrogenesis through interactions with neighboring cells. Exosomes are expected to provide insight on the progression of liver disease. Here, we review the biogenesis of exosomes, exosome isolation techniques, and biological roles of exosomes in alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.175-182
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• 2023

Antibiotics have been used in livestock production for not only treatment but also for increasing the effectiveness of animal feed, aiding animal growth, and preventing infectious diseases at the time when immunity is lowered due to stress. South Korea and the EU are among the countries that have prohibited the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in order to prevent indiscriminate use of antibiotics, as previous studies have shown that it may lead to increase in cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, this study evaluated the number of antibiotic resistance genes in piglets staging from pre-weaning to weaning. Fecal samples were collected from 8 piglets just prior to weaning (21 d of age) and again one week after weaning (28 d of age). Total DNA was extracted from the 200 mg of feces collected from the 8 piglets. Whole metagenome shotgun sequencing was carried out using the Illumina Hi-Seq 2000 platform and raw sequence data were imported to Metagenomics Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (MG-RAST) pipeline for microbial functional analysis. The results of this study did not show an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria although confirmed an increase in antibiotic-resistant genes as the consequence of changes in diet and environment during the experiment.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the response of the human body to stress induced by wall recording of subway stations in the city center. The experiment was conducted as a simulation exercise, and six images were selected and produced based on Subway Line 2, a representative underground space in Seoul. The study participants included 24 male and female college students. A three-minute experiment was conducted, during which the participants were shown the control image and green wall image once each. To measure psychological status, the following measurement indicators were used: Semantic Differential, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Physiological changes were investigated by tracking participants' heart rate and blood pressure. Results showed that parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves were activated in the presence of the green wall in the subway station. The psychological evaluation analysis revealed that negative affect toward underground space decreased, while positive affect increased. This study found that the green wall in subway stations has a stable effect on the human body, both psychologically and physiologically. In the future, green walls in underground spaces can be used to reduce psychological stress and increase physiological relaxation.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.1D
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• pp.137-145
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• 2008

The CBDs of major cities in Korea have been deteriorating because of the hollowing-out phenomenon caused by decades-long urban sprawl. The weakening of CBD triggered various efforts to revitalize the area; and several cities have launched regeneration policies in recent years. The purpose of this study is to investigate key factors to revitalize CBD area with reference to various experiences of foreign and domestic countries. This study consists of follows. At first, it analyzes theoretic backgrounds of urban regeneration such as new urbanism; and implements case studies of England, USA, and Japan with respect to their relevant laws and policies. Second, it investigates domestic cases of so-called Newtown projects being implemented in Seoul and Dajeon. We focused on the analysis of strategies and characteristics of housing redevelopment as well as regional center revitalization projects happening in these cites. Lastly, we proposed future directions of urban regeneration in Korea based upon the comparative studies of various cases discussed in this study. The study concludes that diverse efforts in terms of project implementation, planning, and money raise are required for successful urban regeneration in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.223-237
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of a nurse shift improvement pilot project on nurses' shift adjustment, work-life balance, and turnover intention, as well as nurses' experiences of participating in the pilot project. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was performed. Survey data was collected from a total of 1,051 nurses both in participant and non-participant groups. For the qualitative study, focus group interviews were conducted with 22 nurses who participated in the shift improvement pilot, including 12 staff nurses, 7 nurse managers, and 3 substitute nurses. Results: There were significant positive effects on the key variables of nurses' shift adjustment, work-life balance, and turnover intention in the group that participated in the nurse shift improvement pilot project. Based on the qualitative study, participants in the shift improvement pilot project indicated that it enabled nurses to recover their circadian rhythm, and achieve a better work-life balance, and they wanted to continue working as a nurse, and hoped expanded application of the pilot project. Conclusion: In order for expanded implementation of the pilot project and continued improvement in the shift system, we recommend establishing compensation standard, systematizing the use of substitute nurses, developing guidelines for shift schedules, and expanding the shift improvement pilot project to other departments such as the emergency room.

• Korean Educational Research Journal
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2019

The society of intelligence-information complex is a fresh world that connects things, knowledge and calculation with human. What is the condition of educational reform in this world? Robinson and Aronica(2015) suggest educational reform at the center of organic agriculture, in which they focus on the dignity of human as an organic being. Human consists in an intelligence and a life. We have to ask to ourselves what is the human in this Age. The development of AI represented by deep-learning will be an actual condition in the educational reform. In the other hand, the combination with an information technology and art rises a question about a life itself. So, we have to ask the question seriously that overlap what is the human and what is a life. Two questions about human and a life cast a philosophical paradox in the age of AI.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular amyloid plaques composed of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). Studies have indicated that Ca²⁺ dysregulation is involved in AD pathology. It is reported that decreased capacitative Ca²⁺ entry (CCE), a refilling mechanism of intracellular Ca²⁺, resulting in increased Aβ production. In contrast, constitutive activation of CCE could decrease Aβ production. Panax ginseng Meyer is known to enhance memory and cognitive functions in healthy human subjects. We have previously reported that some ginsenosides decrease Aβ levels in cultured primary neurons and AD mouse model brains. However, mechanisms involved in the Aβ-lowering effect of ginsenosides remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CCE and Aβ production by examining the effects of various ginsenosides on CCE levels. Aβ-lowering ginsenosides such as Rk1, Rg5, and Rg3 potentiated CCE. In contrast, ginsenosides without Aβ-lowering effects (Re and Rb2) failed to potentiate CCE. The potentiating effect of ginsenosides on CCE was inhibited by the presence of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB), an inhibitor of CCE. 2APB alone increased Aβ42 production. Furthermore, the presence of 2APB prevented the effects of ginsenosides on Aβ42 production. Our results indicate that ginsenosides decrease Aβ production via potentiating CCE levels, confirming a close relationship between CCE levels and Aβ production. Since CCE levels are closely related to Aβ production, modulating CCE could be a novel target for AD therapeutics.