• Toxicological Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.61-70
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• 2011

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are present in many consumer products ranging from fabrics to plastics and electronics. Wide use of flame retardants can pose an environmental hazard, which makes it important to determine the mechanism of their toxicity. In the present study, dose-dependent toxicity of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a flame retardant, was examined in male prepubertal rats (postnatal day 18) treated orally with TBBPA at 0, 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg for 30 days. There were no differences in body weight gain between the control and TBBPA-treated groups. However, absolute and relative liver weights were significantly increased in high dose of TBBPA-treated groups. TBBPA treatment led to significant induction of CYP2B1 and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) expression in the liver. In addition, serum thyroxin (T4) concentration was significantly reduced in the TBBPA treated group. These results indicate that repeated exposure to TBBPA induces drug-metabolising enzymes in rats through the CAR signaling pathway. In particular, TBBPA efficiently produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) through CYP2B1 induction in rats. We measured 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of DNA oxidative damage, in the kidney, liver and testes of rats following TBBPA treatment. As expected, TBBPA strongly induced the production of 8-OHdG in the testis and kidney. These observations suggest that TBBPA-induced target organ toxicity may be due to ROS produced by metabolism of TBBPA in Sprague-Dawley rats.

• Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.13-31
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• 2023

The sesarmid crab Muradium tetragonum, inhabiting the mangrove, are considered as a key consumer of litter and thereby play an important role in the detritus food chain and energy flow in the mangrove ecosystem. The present investigation was carried out with objectives to enlighten the reproductive system of Muradium tetragonum through histological and histochemical studies. Histological organization of the testis of M. tetragonum revealed that each testis has a lobular structure consisting of several testicular lobules arranged around the collecting duct. Histology of the deferens of M. tetragonum revealed it to be composed of three-layer of tissues along the entire length:the outer connective tissue, the middle muscular and the inner epithelial layer. Based on the histological architecture these three regions are recognized as proximal vas deferens (PVD), middle vas deferens (MVD) and distal vas deferens (DVD). Histological characteristics of the ovary of M. tetragonum during different phases of ovarian development were studied. Based on the colour changes of the ovary and diameter of the oocytes five stages of ovarian development can be pronounced. Histochemical analysis of the male reproductive tissues of M. tetragonum signifies the secretion of a different biomolecule by specifying their origin in the reproductive tissue and their possible transformation into spermatophores. In the female reproductive tissues, histochemical evaluation envisaged the secretory products during different stages of ovarian development The secretory substances of the spermatheca expound on the significance of its secretion in dehiscing the spermatophore wall and in nourishing as well as protecting the spermatozoa.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.91-108
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• 2020

Korea's famous soccer players are steadily performing well in international leagues, which led to higher interests of Korean fans in the international leagues. Reflecting the growing social phenomenon of rising interests on international leagues by Korean fans, the study examined the overall consumer perception in the consumption of uniform by domestic soccer fans and compared the changes in perception following the transfers of the players. Among others, the paper examined the consumer perception and purchase factors of soccer fans shown in social media, focusing on periods before and after the recruitment of Heung-Min Son to English Premier League's Tottenham Football Club. To this end, the EPL uniform is the collection keyword the paper utilized and collected consumer postings from domestic website and social media via Python 3.7, and analyzed them using Ucinet 6, NodeXL 1.0.1, and SPSS 25.0 programs. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. First, the uniform of the club that consistently topped the league, has been gaining attention as a popular uniform, and the players' performance, and the players' position have been identified as key factors in the purchase and search of professional football uniforms. In the case of the club, the actual ranking and whether the league won are shown to be important factors in the purchase and search of professional soccer uniforms. The club's emblem and the sponsor logo that will be attached to the uniform are also factors of interest to consumers. In addition, in the decision making process of purchase of a uniform by professional soccer fan, uniform's form, marking, authenticity, and sponsors are found to be more important than price, design, size, and logo. The official online store has emerged as a major purchasing channel, followed by gifts for friends or requests from acquaintances when someone travels to the United Kingdom. Second, a classification of key control categories through the convergence of iteration correlation analysis and Clauset-Newman-Moore clustering algorithm shows differences in the classification of individual groups, but groups that include the EPL's club and player keywords are identified as the key topics in relation to professional football uniforms. Third, between 2002 and 2006, the central theme for professional football uniforms was World Cup and English Premier League, but from 2012 to 2015, the focus has shifted to more interest of domestic and international players in the English Premier League. The subject has changed to the uniform itself from this time on. In this context, the paper can confirm that the major issues regarding the uniforms of professional soccer players have changed since Ji-Sung Park's transfer to Manchester United, and Sung-Yong Ki, Chung-Yong Lee, and Heung-Min Son's good performances in these leagues. The paper also identified that the uniforms of the clubs to which the players have transferred to are of interest. Fourth, both male and female consumers are showing increasing interest in Son's league, the English Premier League, which Tottenham FC belongs to. In particular, the increasing interest in Son has shown a tendency to increase interest in football uniforms for female consumers. This study presents a variety of researches on sports consumption and has value as a consumer study by identifying unique consumption patterns. It is meaningful in that the accuracy of the interpretation has been enhanced by using a cluster analysis via convergence of iteration correlation analysis and Clauset-Newman-Moore clustering algorithm to identify the main topics. Based on the results of this study, the clubs will be able to maximize its profits and maintain good relationships with fans by identifying key drivers of consumer awareness and purchasing for professional soccer fans and establishing an effective marketing strategy.

• Journal of Family Resource Management and Policy Review
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.149-175
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to find out marital conflicts and coping strategies among married female immigrants and Korean men in multicultural families. The data were collected by in.depth interviews with 12 female immigrants and 5 Korean men. The major findings of this study are as follows: Female participants suffered from marital conflicts with their spouses, conflicts with mothers.in.law, stereotyped gender roles as a wife and a daughter.in.law, economic conflicts, and cultural differences between Korea and their country. In addition, male participants reported conflicts from economic support for their wife's family, gender role differences, and cultural differences. Coping strategies used to deal with the conflicts, such as mutual dedication and understanding their spouse's stance, and developing a compromise for the family's happiness were mentioned. A personal positive nature and attitude helped them to meet the marital conflicts. Supports from their husband, parents.in.law, and society also helped female immigrants to adapt to cultural differences. However, some of them used negative coping strategies which did not reduce conflicts, and resulted in separation and divorce. The coping strategies to deal with the conflicts depended on the participants' personal ability. While female participants who had English language skills took advantage to adapt to Korean society, those who did not have any other natural abilities could develop a definite position in their family and society with their diligence and positive attitude. The results showed that female participants who were supported by their family and society tended to cope successfully with conflicts and also showed that multicultural families' marital adjustment was maintained with their efforts as well as by relationships with their relatives and society.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.72-80
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• 2014

This study is to estimate a demand of coffee in Korea. And based on assumed data, this study is to investigate price elasticity, income elasticity and cross-price elasticity of coffee demand. The data used in this study is the household income and expenditure survey micro data (2003~2012) provided by the National Statistical Office. And LA/AIDS model and SUR method were utilized in order to forecast coffee demand. As a result, price elasticity and income elasticity are found to be correspond with economic theory as they were assumed to -0.259, 0.455 respectively. Meanwhile, it indicated characteristic of essential good by showing negative (-) income odds ratio estimate. When it comes to cross-price elasticity of coffee and cigarette, it was found to be a complementary relation as its cross-price elasticity was assumed to -0.121. Besides, it was found that male consume more coffee than female, while people in their age of 50s consumes mostly. In conclusion, this study suggests necessity of reconsidering coffee as important goods when Consumer Price Stabilization Policy is determined, as coffee shows characteristic of essential goods which is inelastic.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.670-678
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Eating-out among Korean people has become an important part of modern lifestyle due to tremendous growth of the food service industry and various social and economic changes. This study examined trends in meal patterns and meal sources while eating-out among Korean adults aged 19 years and older. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data were from the 1998-2012 KNHNES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by the 24-hour dietary recall method. This study included 55,718 adults aged 19 years and older. For analysis of eating-out frequency, data were categorized by source of meals and serving place. RESULTS: Average frequency of meals consumed away from home increased from 1998 to 2012, although it remained lower than that of meals at home. In addition, male, unmarried, employed, higher educated, and high income individuals more frequently consumed meals away from home. Moreover, sodium intake while eating-out significantly increased from 2,370 mg in 1998 to 2,935 mg in 2012. Lastly, percentage contributions of daily total protein intake, fat intake, and sodium intake from eating-out increased to more than half (53-55%) in 2012 compared with 47-48% in 1998. CONCLUSIONS: As eating-out has grown in popularity, greater recognition of public health and nutritional education aimed at promoting healthy food choices is needed. In addition to developing consumer education for overall healthier eating patterns, individuals who are younger, unmarried, higher educated, and males are especially at risk and require attention.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.446-462
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• 2020

The objectives of this study are to explore the information source, assessment, and preferred styles of 3D virtual influencers(VI), to investigate the expected impact of advertisements with 3D VIs on brands, and to explore ways of expanding the use of 3D VIs. In-depth interviews with 40 males and females in their 20s and 30s were conducted and qualitative data were analyzed. The study results are summarized as follows. First, the information source of the 3D VI was SNS, acquaintances, and broadcasting. Second, 3D VIs were considered positively due to their attractive appearance, wide utilization, innovative use, freshness, separation from private identity, and time and cost savings, while considered negatively due to their unrealistic appearance and antipathy against replacing a person's role. Third, the preferred appearance styles of the 3D VI differed according to the level of virtuality although the majority of interviewees preferred similar looks to real people with low virtuality. Fourth, diverse image qualities such as innovative, differentiated, trendy, high-value, professional, and future-oriented were considered as transferred to the brand advertised by 3D VIs. Fifth, advertisements with 3D VIs may help build positive perceptions of advertised brands that may lead to purchase behaviors for some consumers. Lastly, to expand the use of 3D VIs, the specific advantages of virtual models should be maximized with consideration of how to implement a variety of body types and images of models. Findings present an important foundation to generate strategies to better apply 3D VIs to the fashion market.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.736-748
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• 2017

This study was carried out to offer basic data that can be used for clothing industry for active senior males emerging as a new consumer bracket in the rapid aging age. To this end, this study conducted a questionnaire survey on consumers' wearing condition targeting active senior males. As a result of the questionnaire survey targeting active senior males, the outdoor wear items that they had the most were windbreaker jackets, long pants, and they said the most important reason for their preferred brand was wearing sensation. The matters to consider in purchasing outdoor wear were also wearing sensation and size. Consequently, the active senior males regard wearing sensation as very important. The measurements that they felt uncomfortable by body part were the abdominal extension circumference, sleeve length and jacket length of a jacket, and the rise and lengths of pants. To design the outdoor wear patterns suitable for the active senior male's body type, the pattern measurements of these body parts need to be modified. From the fact-finding survey result on outdoor wear companies, their measurement indicating method was the same for jackets, but each brand used different methods for pants. Based on the results of this survey, outdoor wear needs to be developed to meet active senior needs.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.507-515
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• 2001

The elevation of plasma total homocysteine(tHcy) is now established as a risk factro for cardiovascular disease. It is also well known that plasma levels of folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ influences homocysteine metabolism as cofactors. Recently, the effects of health-related lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking coffee consumption, regular exercise, and etc, on plasma tHcy have been determined. The Hordalane Homocysteine Study revealed that smoking and coffee consumption are major deter minants of plasma tHcy as well as folate levels; however, the influence of alcohol intake is still controversial. In Koreans, the effects of lifestyle factors of plasma tHcy have not yet been determined. Thus, we investigated the relationships of various lifestyle determinants with plasma tHcy, folate, and vitamin $B_{12}$ levels and the erythrocyte folate concentrations in Korean adults (99 males and 96 fermales). Plasma tHcy levels were significantly hight in male subjects. On the contrary, plasma levels of folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ and erythrocyte folate concentration of the females were significantly higher than those of the males. Among the five lifestyle factors determined in the study, regular exercise significantly affects plasma tHcy levels only in the females, Contrary to the expectation, there were on significant differences in plasma tHcy levels between alcohol drinkers and non-alcohol drinkers as well as smokers and non-smokers. And also, plasma tHcy leverls were not different between coffee consumers and non-coffee consumer and between green tea consumers and non-green tea consumers. Although alcohol intake did not influence plasma tHcy levels, the duration, frequency, and amount of alcohol drinking showed significant negative relationships with plasma folate levers. These results indicate the regular exercise and alcohol intake might influence plasma levels of tHcy and folate in Koreans, although the results were not reveled in both sexes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.50 no.7
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• pp.219-233
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• 2000

This paper is designed to suggest marketing strategies suitable for each classified group by subdividing high school students, the new-generation consumers, by clothes-shopping orientation at jean markets and by identifying the demographic characteristics and the purchasing behavior of each classified group. The subjects consist of 644 high school students. female and male, in Seoul, who responded to my questionnaire research. In terms of the clothes-shopping orientation, pleasure shopping orientation, brand-based shopping orientation, fashion-oriented one, convenience-oriented one and economic one are in sequence. In light of the consumer group based on the factors of clothes-shopping tendencies, the convenience-oriented group ranks first, which is followed by pleasure shopping group, brand-based shopping group and economic one. The subjects turn out to have purchased jeans at time of necessity, The subjects are most liable to get information from their friends, which is followed by their shopping experiences and display. And they turn out to be little affected by family members, salespersons and the press. They regarded aesthetic standards as one of the most important standards, which are followed by size, fitting, personality expression and prices in order. On the other hand, they think little of such factors as friends and similarity. In terms of the standards to make a selection of shops, the respondents cite the quality of goods, the prices of jeans, and service. They didn't think much of the importance of the persuasion of those around them, the convenience of mass transportation facilities, and the approving rate of brands and so on. They resort to wholesale markets, department stores and low-pricing shops in sequence. They turn out not to be satisfied with product guarantees, and fashion. They relied on aggressive approaches like exchanges and refund in case they were dissatisfied with jeans.