• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.7
• /
• pp.443-452
• /
• 2024

This study aimed to examine the influence of 3,6-anhydroxygalactose (L-AHG) on the pro-inflammatory M1 polarization and pro-inflammatory responses observed in the RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cell line following stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). L-AHG exhibited a significant and dose-dependent inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, a hallmark of M1 polarization, and subsequent NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the LPS-induced upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which drives the production of prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory mediator, was also inhibited by L-AHG. L-AHG did not affect the LPS-triggered Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated pro-inflammatory signaling pathway, which culminated in the activation of transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). However, it was observed to inhibit the generation of reactive oxugen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the TAK1-driven activation of JNK and p38 MAPK. Given that the active p38 MAPK is known to contribute to the assembly of active nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, which catalyzes the intracellular generation of pro-inflammatory ROS in LPS-stimulated macrophages, the dose-dependent reduction in the LPS-induced ROS generation by L-AHG may be mainly due to the prevention of TAK1-driven activation of p38 MAPK. Together, these results demonstrate that the L-AHG-mediated inhibition of the TAK1-JNK/p38 MAPK activation phase of the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells by L-AHG represents a promising mechanism for suppressing M1 polarization and pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages.

• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.129-159
• /
• 2024

In the process of reading, readers can process information not only within the fixated region, known as the fovea, but also in the parafoveal region to the right of the fovea. While the parafoveal semantic preview effect has been confirmed in eye-tracking experiments using boundary techniques, research on how the parafoveal preview effects differ depending on the degree of semantic relatedness is still limited. This study investigates the parafoveal preview effects as a function of semantic relatedness with the target word. The experiment utilized Korean-Chinese bilinguals and presented mixed-language sentences as experimental stimuli. Four parafoveal preview conditions were applied to the target words in each sentence: (1) Korean identical condition, where the parafoveal word was the same as the target word (e.g., "나라," meaning "country" in English), (2) Chinese synonymous condition, where the parafoveal word had the same meaning as the target word (e.g., "国家," also meaning "country" in English), (3) Chinese semantically related condition, where the parafoveal word was semantically related to the target word (e.g., "政权," meaning "political power" in English), and (4) Chinese unrelated condition, where the parafoveal word was semantically unrelated to the target word (e.g., "围裙," meaning "apron" in English). The study explored the parafoveal preview effect in terms of the degree of semantic association with the target word. We found the most pronounced preview effect in conditions where the preview and the target word shared the same meaning, and we also observed preview effects in conditions where the semantic relatedness with the target word was relatively weak. This study suggests that the degree of semantic relatedness between the parafoveal preview word and the target word can influence readers' reading processes. It contributes to a better understanding of readers' eye movements and comprehension processes, with potential implications for the development of effective reading strategies and educational methods.

• Journal of Cadastre & Land InformatiX
• /
• v.54 no.1
• /
• pp.63-74
• /
• 2024

The fundamental basis for revitalizing cultural resources and developing content is national heritage(cultural property). In national heritage, cultural heritage is a tangible cultural heritage that represents the uniqueness of history and tradition, identity, and changes in life. In the case of museums, the collections (a museum-owned cultural heritage) represent the unique characteristics of the institution. In South Korea, it is recommended that museum collections be registered and used in the Cultural Heritage Standard Management System so that cultural heritage can be managed and utilized in connection with academics, industry, and administration. However, due to a lack of awareness of modern and contemporary heritage, the thematic classification chronology of the system was set mainly before the Joseon Dynasty, and a cultural heritage classification system suitable for national land information has not been established. Therefore, this study aims to propose a classification system for cadastral cultural heritage, based on the modern era when cadastral terminology was first used, using the cultural heritage owned by the LX Museum. Cadastral cultural heritage is characterized by the fact that although it is a field of specialized technology, the surveying or the production of it is not done by specific individuals only, and that while the production is professional, there are many educational aspects in its use. Therefore, unlike other specialized museum collections that are classified based on the functional aspects of their production methods, intended use, and creators, the classification method for cadastral cultural artifacts should be based on the characteristics of the cadastral tools and the outputs. This classification follows a three-tier stages with reference to the items in the Cultural Heritage Standard Management System. This classification aims at the effective use of knowledge by categorizing concepts and systematizing the subjects of data into a series of orders. A safe conservation and management environment for cadastral cultural heritage can be established, and academic and socio-cultural interpretation of the collection is possible by this classfication. Moreover, It is also expected to serve the basis for the national land information as well as searching for the national land information research, planning a exhibition, and the field of education in museum.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.13-26
• /
• 2023

Landscapes and gardens have emerged as an important medium of practice in contemporary cities. Among them, this paper examines the city through the frame of gardens. This is because gardens are being reconceptualized as a medium of activity for urban residents and have become an important subject of action in urban regeneration and the creation of urban villages. From this perspective, this paper examines and proposes an "integrated garden city theory" as a landscape theory suitable for the contemporary era by focusing on the urban structure and the behavior of urban residents through the medium of gardens, as well as the process and results. This is both a process and a result of looking back at the evolution of landscape for over a century and rethinking the identity of landscape. We first examined garden city theory, noting that Ebenezer Howard and Frederick Law Olmsted's positions on the relationship between gardens and cities were not so different, and that "working and responsive landscapes" were fundamental to cities and the beginning of landscape theory. We also examine how their ideals have not been fully realized in cities over the past century, but the prototype of gardens based on traditional garden culture is now being formed in East Asian cities, and the evolution of landscape theory in response. The conclusion is that a new version of the garden concept should be reestablished as a living infrastructure in our cities, and a new garden city theory is needed to make it work. To this end, each chapter examines three arguments, as follows First, the values of gardens and East Asian garden cultures in contemporary cities are shaped by the themes of community and integrity. Second, Korean communality, represented by apartments, is expressed through gardening and requires the reconciliation of city and life and the role of landscape architecture as a specialized field to support it. Third, we examine and consider an integrated garden city theory as a theory of practice in which city-based, everyday life, and garden mediums, i.e., city, life, and garden, are organic, based on an oriental view of nature. As a result, it is confirmed that contemporary gardens and cities are looking for important elements and values that still need to be rediscovered in East Asian landscape and garden cultures. Although the proposal of an integrated garden city theory cannot guarantee the continuation of landscaping, it can be an opportunity for all fields related to cities, not just landscaping, to collaborate and consider garden cities. Through this, it is hoped that "the concept of garden and city suitable for metropolitan or dense cities, ways to spread and support garden culture based on community, evolution of landscape theory/design theory suitable for lifestyle and terrain conditions, search for sustainable/resilient garden city theory that can respond to climate change, and establishing a new role for landscape in the 21st century" will be seriously considered.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.29-39
• /
• 2023

In this study, an analysis of medical waste generation characteristics was conducted, differentiating between ordinary situation and the outbreaks of massive infectious diseases. During ordinary situation, prediction models for medical waste quantities by type, general medical waste(G-MW), hazardous medical waste(H-MW), infectious medical waste(I-MW), were established through regression analysis, with all significance values (p) being <0.0001, indicating statistical significance. The determination coefficient(R2) values for prediction models of each category were analyzed as follows : I-MW(R2=0.9943) > G-MW(R2=0.9817) > H-MW(R2=0.9310). Additionally, factors such as GDP(G-MW), the number of medical institutions (H-MW), and the elderly population ratio(I-MW), utilized as influencing factors and consistent with previous literature, showed high correlations. The total MW generation, evaluated by combining each model, had an MAE of 2,615 and RMSE of 3,353. This indicated accuracy levels similar to the medical waste models of H-MW(2,491, 2,890) and I-MW(2,291, 3,267). Due to limitations in accurately estimating the quantity of medical waste during the rapid and outbreaks of massive infectious diseases, the generation unit of I-MW was derived to analyze its characteristics. During the early unstable stage of infectious disease outbreaks, the generation unit was 8.74 kg/capita·day, 2.69 kg/capita·day during the stable stage, and an average of 0.08 kg/capita·day during the reduction stage. Correlation analysis between generation unit of I-MW and lethality rates showed +0.99 in the unstable stage, +0.52 in the stable stage, and +0.96 in the reduction period, demonstrating a very high positive correlation of +0.95 or higher throughout the entire outbreaks of massive infectious diseases. The results derived from this study are expected to play a useful role in establishing an effective medical waste management system in the field of health care.

• Maritime Security
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.31-60
• /
• 2023

This study proposes a new convergence weapon system that combines the covert placement and detection abilities of a self-propelled mobile mine with the rapid tracking and attack abilities of supercavitating rocket torpedoes. This innovative system has been designed to counter North Korea's new underwater weapon, 'Haeil'. The concept behind this convergence weapon system is to maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of each weapon type. Self-propelled mobile mines, typically placed discreetly on the seabed or in the water, are designed to explode when a vessel or submarine passes near them. They are generally used to defend or control specific areas, like traditional sea mines, and can effectively limit enemy movement and guide them in a desired direction. The advantage that self-propelled mines have over traditional sea mines is their ability to move independently, ensuring the survivability of the platform responsible for placing the sea mines. This allows the mines to be discreetly placed even deeper into enemy lines, significantly reducing the time and cost of mine placement while ensuring the safety of the deployed platforms. However, to cause substantial damage to a target, the mine needs to detonate when the target is very close - typically within a few yards. This makes the timing of the explosion crucial. On the other hand, supercavitating rocket torpedoes are capable of traveling at groundbreaking speeds, many times faster than conventional torpedoes. This rapid movement leaves little room for the target to evade, a significant advantage. However, this comes with notable drawbacks - short range, high noise levels, and guidance issues. The high noise levels and short range is a serious disadvantage that can expose the platform that launched the torpedo. This research proposes the use of a convergence weapon system that leverages the strengths of both weapons while compensating for their weaknesses. This strategy can overcome the limitations of traditional underwater kill-chains, offering swift and precise responses. By adapting the weapon acquisition criteria from the Defense force development Service Order, the effectiveness of the proposed system was independently analyzed and proven in terms of underwater defense sustainability, survivability, and cost-efficiency. Furthermore, the utility of this system was demonstrated through simulated scenarios, revealing its potential to play a critical role in future underwater kill-chain scenarios. However, realizing this system presents significant technical challenges and requires further research.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.50
• /
• pp.248-254
• /
• 2023

This study was conducted to establish an efficient plant regeneration system in 'Dayu', a Korean variety of Perilla frutescens developed for seed oil production, in conjunction with the previously studied variety 'Namcheon'. The healthiest callus was formed on the hypocotyl explants cultured on a medium containing 0.1 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L BA, outperforming the leaf and cotyledon samples. In both dark and long-day conditions, Dayu consistently exhibited significantly higher shoot regeneration rates compared with Namcheon. The highest shoot regeneration rates in Dayu were observed from the hypocotyl explants cultured on 0.1 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L BA media, with shoot regeneration rates of 84.4% and 86.7% under dark and long-day conditions, respectively. Various combinations of plant growth regulators were tested to establish the optimal shoot regeneration conditions for Dayu hypocotyl explants. The results demonstrated that the highest shoot regeneration rate (90%) was achieved when 0.5 mg/L of BA was added to the medium without NAA. Among the regenerated shoots, 70.5% were normal plants, while 19.3% were abnormal. The addition of NAA or an increase in its concentration led to a higher occurrence of abnormal plants. After the regenerated shoots were transferred to 1/2 MS medium, roots were observed within 10-15 days. By day 30, they had developed into complete plants. The results obtained from the regeneration experiments with the perilla variety Dayu can valuably inform molecular breeding reliant on transformation techniques such as genome-editing and genetic modification technology.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.107-119
• /
• 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine and analyze the vocabulary and problem-solving ability characteristics of adolescents with developmental disabilities related to leisure and recreation and use them as basic data in education and support of recreation activities for adolescents with developmental disabilities. The study participants were comprised of adolescents with developmental disabilities, divided into two groups based on their receptive language age: those under 10 years old and those 10 years and older. The results obtained through this study are as follows. First, there was a significant difference in leisure and recreation vocabulary between the two groups according to receptive language age. Second, there was a significant difference in problem-solving ability between the two groups based on their receptive language age. Third, the analysis of the correlation between leisure and recreation vocabulary and problem-solving abilities within each group revealed that the under 10 years old group showed the highest correlation in basic vocabulary and basic problem-solving abilities, while the 10 years and older group exhibited the highest correlation in intermediate and advanced levels of problem-solving abilities. Fourth, the analysis of incorrect responses to leisure and recreation vocabulary showed a high rate of selecting vocabulary related to similar topics as incorrect answers. Additionally, the analysis of overreactions to problem-solving abilities indicated an increasing tendency of incorrect responses in items requiring context comprehension. Additionally, the analysis of incorrect responses to problem-solving abilities indicated a tendency of higher error rates in items requiring context comprehension. The results of this study provide insights for discussing directions in communication-related skills education for the smooth recreation life of adolescents with developmental disabilities. Accordingly, it is expected to be utilized as foundational information for educational and support programs aimed at the successful recreation activities of adolescents with developmental disabilities.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.57 no.1
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2024

Most wetlands worldwide have suffered from extensive human exploitation. Unfortunately they have been less explored compared to river and lake ecosystems despite their ecological importance and economic values. This is the same case in Korea. This study was aimed to estimate the assemblage attributes and distribution characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates for fifty wetlands distributed throughout subtropical Jeju Island in 2021. A total of 133 taxa were identified during survey periods belonging to 53 families, 19 orders, 5 classes and 3 phyla. Taxa richness ranged from 4 to 31 taxa per wetland with an average of 17.5 taxa. Taxa richness and abundance of predatory insect groups such as Odonata, Hemiptera and Coleoptera respectively accounted for 67.7% and 68.2% of the total. Among them Coleoptera were the most diverse and abundant. Taxa richness and abundance did not significantly differ from each wetland type classified in accordance with the National Wetland Classification System. There were three endangered species (Clithon retropictum, Lethocerus deyrolli and Cybister (Cybister) chinensis) and several restrictively distributed species only in Jeju Island. Cluster analysis based on the similarity in the benthic macroinvertebrate composition largely classified 50 wetlands into two major clusters: small wetlands located in lowland areas and medium-sized wetlands in middle mountainous regions. All cluster groups displayed significant differences in wetland area, long axis, percentage of fine particles and macrophyte composition ratio. Indicator Species Analysis selected 19 important indicators with the highest indicator value of Ceriagrion melanurum at 63%, followed by Noterus japonicus (59%) and Polypylis hemisphaerula (58%). Our results are expected to provide fundamental information on the biodiversity and habitat environments for benthic macroinvertebrates in wetland ecosystems, consequently helping to establish conservation and restoration plans for small wetlands relatively vulnerable to human disturbance.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.50
• /
• pp.275-289
• /
• 2023

Since the implementation of the Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) Act in 2008, approximately 10 million tons of genetically modified corn, soybean, potato, canola, and other crops have been imported into South Korea. The import approval procedures have been completed for approximately 191 cases that include seven crops. Of these, approximately 90 cases, excluding crossbreeds of approved LMOs, were reviewed via consultation risk evaluation in four areas: human health, crop culture, natural ecology, and marine fishery environment. LMO developers in South Korea, who are major stakeholders in the import of LMO crops produced overseas, have raised concerns regarding procedural inefficiency in consultation reviews and the need of excessive reviews that are unsuitable for food-feed processing purposes. These procedures reflect the perspective of consultation agencies that deviate from the nature of risk assessment and demand specific supplementary data that do not reflect familiarity and substantial equilibrium. Based on frequent instances of unintentional environmental release of LMO crops imported into Korea, the ministries responsible for consultation insist on a review that considers the climate and natural environment of Korea. In addition, the ministries mandate that their reviews reflect the expertise of competent ministries and are based on risk assessment principles and methods in accordance with international guidelines. In this regard, considering that traits introduced into LMO crops involving familiar agricultural crops have been considered safe for more than two decades, we have suggested reasonable alternatives to several risk assessment items for agricultural LMOs. These alternatives can mitigate conflicts of interest among key stakeholders within the scope of the current LMO regulations.