• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.2377-2398
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• 2021

In the recent modernized world, utilization of natural resources (renewable & non-renewable) is increasing drastically due to the sophisticated life style of the people. The over-consumption of non-renewable resources causes pollution which leads to global warming. Consequently, government agencies have been taking several initiatives to control the over-consumption of non-renewable natural resources and encourage the production of renewable energy resources. In this regard, we introduce an IoT powered integrated framework called as green home architecture (GHA) for green score calculation based on the usage of natural resources for household purpose. Green score is a credit point (i.e.,10 pts) of a family which can be calculated once in a month based on the utilization of energy, production of renewable energy and pollution caused. The green score can be improved by reducing the consumption of energy, generation of renewable energy and preventing the pollution. The main objective of GHA is to monitor the day-to-day usage of resources and calculate the green score using the proposed green score algorithm. This algorithm gives positive credits for economic consumption of resources and production of renewable energy and also it gives negative credits for pollution caused. Here, we recommend a green score based tax calculation system which gives tax exemption based on the green score value. This direct beneficiary model will appreciate and encourage the citizens to consume fewer natural resources and prevent pollution. Rather than simply giving subsidy, this proposed system allows monitoring the subsidy scheme periodically and encourages the proper working system with tax exemption rewards. Also, our GHA will be used to monitor all the household appliances, vehicles, wind mills, electricity meter, water re-treatment plant, pollution level to read the consumption/production in appropriate units by using the suitable sensors. These values will be stored in mass storage platform like cloud for the calculation of green score and also employed for billing purpose by the government agencies. This integrated platform can replace the manual billing and directly benefits the government.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.485-492
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• 2021

In this study, the whitening effect of Abelmoschus esculentus extract was investigated to confirm its applicability in cosmetics. To determine the whitening effect, the tyrosinase-inhibitory activity of Abelmoschus esculentus hot water extract (AEWE) and 70% ethanol extract (AEEE) was measured. At the final concentration of 1000 ㎍/ml, AEWE showed an inhibitory activity of 22.2% and AEEE of 32.8%. To determine the whitening effect at the cellular level, the viability of melanoma cells treated with AEWE and AEEE was evaluated using the MTT assay. At concentrations of 100 ㎍/ml or less, both AEWE- and AEEE-treated groups showed cell survival rates of >95%. Furthermore, in both AEWE- and AEEE-treated melanoma cells, the melanin content decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of AEWE and AEEE used at 5, 10, 50, and 100 ㎍/ml on protein expression were measured by western blot, with β-actin as the positive control. At a concentration of 100 ㎍/ml, AEWE showed an inhibitory effect of 88.1%, 24.8%, 62.2%, and 42.9% on microphthalmia-associated transcription factors (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 factors, respectively. At the same concentration, AEEE showed inhibitory effect of 65.3%, 58.3%, 66.2%, and 65.3% against MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 factors, respectively. In conclusion, the whitening effects of AEWE and AEEE were verified, and their applicability as a natural ingredient in cosmetics was confirmed.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.259-267
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• 2020

This study is to identify the effects of pilates mat exercise on the body composition, lumbar muscle strength, low back pain and pregnancy stress in pregnant women. In order to carry out this study, nineteen pregnant women were divided into two groups: pilates mat exercise group (n=11) and control group (n=8). EXE group performed pilates mat exercise for 60 min per day, 2days/week for 12 weeks. Our results showed that there was no significant changes in total body water, body fat mass, BMI, body fat percent, and BMR, but the EXE group showed significant increase in skeletal muscle mass. Furthermore, EXE group was significantly increased in hip extension and lumbar extension ROM. Analysis of low back pain and pregnancy stress level showed no significant difference between group. In conclusion, our study suggest that pilates mat exercise can be safely applied to pregnant women by increasing the muscle mass of pregnant women and by showing a positive effect on the lumbar muscle strength.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.39-46
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• 2021

Objectives : AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key metabolic regulator that reduces lipogenesis. AMPK is mainly activated via phosphorylation of liver kinase B (LKB) 1 under energy stress. Here, we highlighted the anti-obesity effect and underlying mechanism of Coix lacryma-jobi var. mayuen Stapf sprout water extract (CSW) sprout extract in connection with the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. Methods : C57BL/6 mice (20~25 g) fed HFD to induce obesity and at the same time administered CSW 100 mg/kg (CSWL; (CSWL; CSW low concentration) or CSW 200 mg/kg (CSWH; CSW high concentration) or Garcinia extract (Garcinia) 200 mg/kg orally for 6 weeks. Body weight and food intake were measured at the same time each day. After 6 weeks of CSW administration, liver tissue and serum were obtained through an autopsy. After the end of the experiment, biochemical analysis (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol) was performed on the serum. And then, protein levels related to TG and TC synthesis were measured through western blot analysis in liver tissue. Results : As a result, serum TG, TC, and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the control group and significantly decreased in the CSW administration group. On the other hand, the HDL-cholesterol level was increased in the CSW-administered group. And as a result of Western blot analysis, CSW significantly increased the phosphorylation of LKB1 & AMPK, and remarkably decreased the expression of factors related to TG and TC synthesis. Conclusions : Our findings suggest that CSW influences the TG and TC synthesis to positively affect HFD-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.445-462
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• 2022

To investigate and evaluate the seismic damage behaviors of steel reinforced recycled concrete (SRRC) filled circular steel tube composite columns, in this study, the cyclic loading tests of 11 composite columns was carried out by using the load-displacement joint control method. The seismic damage process, hysteretic curves and performance indexes of composite columns were observed and obtained. The effects of replacement rates of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA), diameter thickness ratio, axial compression ratio, profile steel ratio and section form of profile steel on the seismic damage behaviors of composite columns were also analyzed in detail. The results show that the failure model of columns is a typical bending failure under the combined action of horizontal loads and vertical loads, and the columns have good energy dissipation capacity and ductility. In addition, the replacement rates of RCA have a certain adverse effect on the seismic bearing capacity, energy consumption and ductility of columns. The seismic damage characteristics of composite columns are revealed according to the failure modes and hysteretic curves. A modified Park-Ang seismic damage model based on the maximum displacement and cumulative energy consumption was proposed, which can consider the adverse effect of RAC on the seismic damage of columns. On this basis, the performance levels of composite columns are divided into five categories, The interlayer displacement angle and damage index are used as the damage quantitative indicators of composite columns, and the displacement angle limits of composite columns at different performance levels under 80% assurance rate are calculated as 1/105, 1/85, 1/65, 1/28, and 1/25 respectively. On this basis, the damage index limits corresponding to each performance level are calculated as 0.045, 0.1, 0.48, 0.8, and 1.0 respectively. Finally, the corresponding relations among the performance levels, damage degrees, interlayer displacement angles and damage indexes of composite columns are established. The conclusions can provide reference for the seismic design of SRRC filled circular steel tube composite columns, it fills the vacancy in the research on seismic damage of steel reinforced recycled concrete (SRRC) filled circular steel tube composite columns.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.402-417
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• 2023

Objective: Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound-healing response and the final common pathway of chronic inflammatory injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract (RW) and silymarin in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis model. Methods: The liver fibrosis mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of TAA (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2-3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg) three times per week for eight weeks. Animal experiments were conducted in five groups; Normal, Control (TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice), Sily (silymarin 50 mg/kg), RSL (RW 50 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg), and RSH (RW 100 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses were measured in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ammonia levels. Liver inflammatory cytokines and fibrous biomarkers were measured by Western blot analysis, and liver histopathology was evaluated through tissue staining. Results: A significant decrease in the liver function markers AST and ALT and a reduction in ammonia and total bilirubin were observed in the group treated with RSL and RSH. Measurement of reactive oxygen species and MDA revealed a significant decrease in the RSL and RSH administration group compared to the TAA induction group. The expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I alpha 1, was likewise significantly decreased. All drug-administered groups had increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 but a decreasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. RSL and RSH exerted a significant upregulation of NADPH oxidase 2, p22^phox, and p47^phox, which are oxidative stress-related factors. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin-1β were markedly suppressed through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation. Conclusions: The administration of RW and silymarin suppressed the NADPH oxidase factor protein level and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation-related enzymes. These results suggest that the combined administration of RW and silymarin improves acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.558-568
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• 2023

Vibrio vulnificus is an aquatic bacterium causing septicemia and wound infection in humans. To understand this pathogen at the genomic level, it was performed whole genome sequencing of a cefoxitin-resistant strain, V. vulnificus 1908-10 possessing virulence-related genes (vvhA, viuB, and vcgC) isolated from Gadeok island coastal seawater in South Korea. The genome of V. vulnificus 1908-10 consisted of two circular contigs and no plasmid. The total genome size was estimated to be 5,018,425 bp with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 46.9%. We found 119 tRNA and 34 rRNA genes respectively in the genome, along with 4,352 predicted protein sequences. Virulence factor (VF) analysis further revealed that V. vulnificus 1908-10 possess various virulence genes in classes of adherence, antiphagocytosis, chemotaxis and motility, iron uptake, quorum sensing, secretion system, and toxin. In the comparison of the presence/absence of virulence genes, V. vulnificus 1908-10 had fur, hlyU, luxS, ompU, pilA, pilF, rtxA, rtxC, and vvhA. Of the 30 V. vulnificus comparative strains, 80% of the C-genotype strains have all of these genes, whereas 40% of the E-genotype strains have all of them. In particular, pilA were identified in 80% of the C-type strains and 40% of the E-type strains, showing more difference than other genes. Therefore, V. vulnificus 1908-10 had similar VF characteristics to those of type C strains. Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxin of V. vulnificus 1908-10 contained 8 A-type repeats (GXXGXXXXXG), 25 B.1-type repeats (TXVGXGXX), 18 B2-type repeats (GGXGXDXXX), and 7 C-type repeats (GGXGXDXXX). The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) showed that the RtxA protein of V. vulnificus 1908-10 had the effector domain in the order of cross-liking domain (ACD)-C58_PaToxP-like domain- α/β hydrolase-C58_PaToxP-like domain.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1206-1212
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• 2023

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays essential roles in regulating various cellular behaviors, including proliferation, survival, and differentiation [1-3]. The intracellular β-catenin level, which is regulated by a proteasomal degradation pathway, is critical to Wnt/β-catenin pathway control [4]. Normally, casein kinase 1 (CK1) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), which form a complex with the scaffolding protein Axin and the tumor suppressor protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), phosphorylate β-catenin at Ser45, Thr41, Ser37, and Ser33 [5, 6]. Phosphorylated β-catenin is ubiquitinated by the β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP), an F-box E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and ubiquitinated β-catenin is degraded via a proteasome pathway [7, 8]. Colorectal cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Abnormal up-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a major pathological event in intestinal epithelial cells during human colorectal cancer oncogenesis [9]. Genetic mutations in the APC gene are observed in familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) and sporadic colorectal cancers [10]. In addition, mutations in the N-terminal phosphorylation motif of the β-catenin gene were found in patients with colorectal cancer [11]. These mutations cause β-catenin to accumulate in the nucleus, where it forms complexes with transcription factors of the T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) family to stimulate the expression of β-catenin responsive genes, such as c-Myc and cyclin D1, which leads to colorectal tumorigenesis [12-14]. Therefore, downregulating β-catenin response transcription (CRT) is a potential strategy for preventing and treating colorectal cancer. Plant cytokinins are N⁶-substituted purine derivatives; they promote cell division in plants and regulate developmental pathways. Natural cytokinins are classified as isoprenoid (isopentenyladenine, zeatin, and dihydrozeatin), aromatic (benzyladenine, topolin, and methoxytopolin), or furfural (kinetin and kinetin riboside), depending on their structure [15, 16]. Kinetin riboside was identified in coconut water and is a naturally produced cytokinin that induces apoptosis and exhibits antiproliferative activity in several human cancer cell lines [17]. However, little attention has been paid to kinetin riboside's mode of action. In this study, we show that kinetin riboside exerts its cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and promoting intracellular β-catenin degradation.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.43-54
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• 2024

Recently, most of the rivers in Korea are experiencing various problems in dimension and river environment, such as expansion of stable area where disturbance does not occur during flood, increase of excessive trees in river channel, fixation of river channel, reduction of sand bar. When the soil supplied by the flood is deposited in the river, the plant is settled in the formed terrain, and when another disturbance of the scale that does not erode there occurs after the plant is settled, the river gradually grows and the vegetation zone is formed there. In particular, in terms of river management, river forestation and river aggradation are objects that must be managed because they are disadvantageous in terms of flood control by lowering the flow rate and raising the water level. Therefore, in this study, the area of vegetation occupied by the year of sandbar was analyzed in the process of river aggradation in Jang-Hang wetland. In addition, the correlation between the growth of Jang-Hang wetland was analyzed through the analysis of the flow rate and the flooding frequency that directly affect the growth of Jang-Hang wetland. Through this, the management plan of Jang-Hang wetland, which is registered in Ramsar Wetland but has been river forestation and is undergoing river aggradation, was proposed.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.7-16
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• 2009

Appenzeller cheese samples were prepared by addition of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% green tea (Camellia sinensis, CS) powder and control cheese. We examined various quality characteristics of the novel cheese, such as viable-cell counts, pH, water-soluble nitrogen (WSN), non-casein nitrogen (NCN), non-protein nitrogen (NPN), and catechin level during maturation for 16 weeks at $14^{\circ}C$. To develop a Korean natural cheese containing green tea powder, we also analyzed the changes in the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis pattern, chemical composition, and sensory qualities. The viable cell counts of the samples were not significantly different. Until the $3^{rd}$ week, the pH of the CS cheese decreased with an increase in the maturation time. However, the pH gradually increased by the $12^{th}$ week, while WSN, NCN, NPN also increased. The WSN, NCN, NPN, and catechin values for the CS cheese samples were significantly higher than the values for the control cheese. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic pattern of caseins for the CS cheese indicated that this cheese degraded more rapidly than the control cheese did. In the sensory evaluation, cheese with 1.0% CS powder showed the highest scores in taste and appearance and good scores in flavor and texture. These results indicate that 1.0% CS is the optimal value for addition to cheese, and cheese containing 1.0% CS shows good physiological properties and reasonably high overall sensory acceptability.