• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.51-55
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• 2022

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes are responsible for the degradation and formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and overproduction of MMPs is observed in several diseases, such as cancer and asthma, that progress with metastatic characteristics. Natural products, especially phytochemicals, have been an important source of MMP inhibitors with reduced side effects. Although the majority of phytochemicals inhibit the enzymatic activity of MMPs, some suppress MMP production. In this context, the current study evaluated the potential of Corydalis heterocarpa, a halophyte with reported bioactivities, to inhibit MMP expression in PMA-stimulated HT-1080 cells. A crude C. heterocarpa extract was shown to decrease the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 while increasing the endogenous MMP inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 which regulate MMP expression in healthy tissues. In addition, our results show that the inhibitory effects of C. heterocarpa might occur through suppression of the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling, the upstream activator of MMP overexpression. In conclusion, C. heterocarpa is a potential source of antimetastatic compounds that might serve as lead molecules to develop novel MMP inhibitors.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.85-95
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• 2021

Currently, we stand between computers as creative tools and computers as creators. A new genre of movies, which can be called a post-cinema situation, is emerging. This paper aims to diagnose the possibility of the emergence of AI cinema. To confirm the possibility of AI cinema, it was examined through a case study whether the creation of a story, narrative, image, and sound, which are necessary conditions for film creation, is possible by artificial intelligence. First, we checked the visual creation of AI painting algorithms Obvious, GAN, and CAN. Second, AI music has already entered the distribution stage in the market in cooperation with humans. Third, AI can already complete drama scripts, and automatic scenario creation programs using big data are also gaining popularity. That said, we confirmed that the filmmaking requirements could be met with AI algorithms. From the perspective of Manovich's 'AI Genre Convention', web documentaries and desktop documentaries, typical trends post-cinema, can be said to be representative genres that can be expected as AI cinemas. The conditions for AI, web documentaries and desktop documentaries to exist are the same. This article suggests a new path for the media of the 4th Industrial Revolution era through research on AI as a creator of post-cinema.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.41-55
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• 2021

AI voice speaker has played an important role in forming an early market and development for AI-based goods and service with growing attention from many people. In this context, this research examined factors affecting continuous intention of AI voice speaker based on the integrated adoption model, which combined two factors of perceived playfulness and innovation resistance with extended technology acceptance model. It was also examined whether three perceived anthropomorphic features(i.e., perceived rational support, perceived intimacy, perceived cognitive openness) have influences on continuous intention of AI voice speaker. The data was collected by an online-survey and were responses of those who are in their 20s and 30s and have experienced in using AI voice speaker. They were analyzed by using SEM(Structural Equation Modeling). The results showed that all of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived playfulness and innovation resistance had significant influences on continuous intention of AI voice speaker. In addition, all of perceived rational support, perceived intimacy and perceived cognitive openness as perceived anthropomorphic features had significant influences on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and perceived playfulness. The implications of found results in this research was also discussed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.11
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• pp.882-889
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• 2022

Breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 3 (BCAR3) has been identified as one of the genes that induces anti-estrogen resistance in breast cancer. We have previously reported that BCAR3 activates promoters of c-Jun, activator protein-1, and the serum response element. In this study, we investigated the functional role of BCAR3 in the activation of the estrogen response element (ERE) in normal human breast MCF-12A cells. Transient expression of BCAR3 induced ERE activation, which was further increased by 17β-estradiol treatment but was not blocked by the anti-estrogen tamoxifen. Next, we studied the signaling pathway of BCAR3 leading to ERE activation. BCAR3-mediated ERE activation was inhibited by LY294002 and AZD5363, inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase pathway, but not by PD98059 and U0126, inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. ERE activation was induced by the catalytic subunit p110α. of PI3-kinase or the active mutant of Akt, and this activation was not further increased by additional BCAR3 transfection. Based on these results, we propose that BCAR3 plays an important role in ERE activation through the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway in human breast MCF-12A cells.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.175-201
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• 2023

In the midst of going through a non-face-to-face society, most of human activities narrowed down to the platform, restrictions on external activities are bringing the internal scalability of digital technology. Metaverse is virtually shifting reality and increasing the possibility of utilization in various areas. However, researches linked to the educational effects of metaverse, especially students with disabilities, are still an unknown area that lacks exploration. This paper focuses on the fact that metaverse-education is widening educational fields that meets the various needs of disabled students to realize social good and inclusive education, and communication effects such as resolving barriers to interaction are prominent. As a research method, examining literature research papers linked to AR/VR, metaverse with communication skills, interviews, articles, and columns by experts, and policy suggestions and implications for the special education was conducted. Although the limitations of research are confirmed, significant results are found on inclusive education, which provides educational maximizing effects and realizing human rights through direct immersive experience reflecting the Cone of Experience Theory. Hopefully follow-up studies on meta-edu for disabled students will be carried out in the future, and various interdisciplinary discussions are needed to carefully observe inclusive policies and benefits so that the socially vulnerable are not excluded from technologies in ICT society.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.91-101
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• 2023

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides synthesized on ribosomes, produced by bacteria, that inhibit the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strains. Since the discovery of nisin, many bacteriocins with unique structures and various modes of antibacterial activity have been described, and genes encoding production, secretion, and immunity have been reported. Nisin is one of the bacteriocins applied in cheese, liquid eggs, sauces and canned foods. Many of the bacteriocins of the genus Bacillus belong to lantibiotics, which are modified peptides after translation. Other genus Bacillus also produce many non-lantibiotic bacteriocins. Bacteriocins of the genus Bacillus are sometimes becoming more important because of their broader antibacterial spectrum. Bacteriocins are considered attractive compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industries to prevent food spoilage and growth of pathogenic bacteria. Bacteriocins can be used as biological preservatives in a variety of ways in the food system. Biopreservation refers to extending shelf life and improving safety of foods using microorganisms and/or their metabolites. The demand for new antimicrobial compounds has generated great interest in new technologies that can improve food microbiological safety. Applications of bacteriocins are expanding from food to human health. Today, many researchers are shifting their interest in bacteriocins from food preservation to the treatment of bacteria that cause infections and antibiotic-resistant diseases. This exciting new era in bacteriocin research will undoubtedly lead to new inventions and new applications. In this review, we summarize the various properties and applications of bacteriocins produced by the genus Bacillus.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.192-198
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• 2023

In this study, the components of microwave-assisted extracts obtained from Thuja orientalis leaves were analyzed, and the cytotoxicity, antibacterial and antiviral activities were evaluated. The predominant components from microwave-assisted extraction were catechin, leucopelargonidin, arecatannin, quinolone, and kaempferol derivatives, which are classified in the flavonoid and tannin groups. We observed that the 0.11 mg/mL of extract concentration did not show cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. The antibacterial activities were tested according to the guidelines of methods for determining the bactericidal activity of antimicrobial agents. The extracts showed 99.9% antibacterial efficiency against gram-positive S. aureus, while the antibacterial effect on gram-negative E. coli was insignificant. When the extract concentration and contact time with bacteria were increased, 99.9% antibacterial efficiency was observed for E. coli as well as S. aureus. Following the standard to assess the activity of microbicides against viruses in suspension (ASTM-E1052-20), the antiviral efficiency was more than 99.99% for influenza A (H1N1) and SARS-CoV-2. These results suggest its potential use in antiviral disinfectants, surface coatings, personal protective equipment, and textiles.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.309-321
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• 2023

Chamaecyparis obtusa (C. obtusa) belongs to Cupressaceae and grows wild in southern area of Korea. C. obtusa has been used for furnitures because of the superior quality of the lumber and remaining branches and leaves were used for extraction of essential oil (C. obtusa oil). C. obtusa oil has numerous health effects, including anti-inflammation, antibacterial, deodorization, sedative effect. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of C. obtusa oil on anti-wrinkles, skin-barrier and moisturizing. First, DPPH and ABTS assay were conducted to evaluate antioxidant effect and C. obtusa oil showed significance scavenging activity on both radicals. And elastase activity was examined for anti-wrinkle effect. At the result, elastase activity was significantly reduced by C. obtusa oil. Next, real-time PCR was performed to evaluate gene expression. At the results, MMP-1 mRNA expression was significantly reduced by C. obtusa oil in HDF cells. In addition, filaggrin and HAS-2 mRNA expression significantly increased by C. obtusa oil in HaCaT cells. Taken together, these results indicate that C. obtusa oil has potential as a cosmetic material for anti-aging by enhancing anti-wrinkle, skin-barrier and moisturizing effects.

• Journal of Popular Narrative
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.73-108
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• 2019

This paper is an attempt to discuss the history and the current state of 'SF theaters.' SF theater is still an unfamiliar genre to the public, and may surprise some, given that the stage is perceived as an insufficient space for stretching the scientific imagination. Since 2010 works that bring the scientific imagination into the theater have frequently been performed, and a recognition of SF theaters began to be established. Producers came to be absorbed in human psychology, and our isolation amidst the progress in technology, as well as in the absurdities of the world, while giving up the ideal of realistic descriptions. This became the foundation for SF theaters in South Korea today. Starting from the research history and the conceptual change in SF theaters, this study examined the status of SF dramas going back to the colonial period for SF theaters. Through inquiring into the history of SF theaters, we were able to derive the following implications and problems. Firstly, as they are based on future society or technical improvement without consideration of scientific probability or rationality, the scientific imagination is too absent for the work to be named 'SF theater.' Secondly, while being highly evaluated as an attempt to integrate science and stage in an era that emphasizes convergence, when we delve into the creativity of a material it is noticeable that the view of the world is still regressive. Thirdly, there are many cases in which scripts lean on SF classics or Japanese original works. Nevertheless, if young creators' diverse attempts in a genre can breathe with the contemporary audience desiring a new material, the foundation of a Korean-style SF theater may be expanded to include more significant work.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.69 no.4
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• pp.41-65
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• 2017

This study aimed to examine the social transition, which is often metaphorized as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, within the context of social work practice and to explore measures to improve social work practice in such transition. Four social welfare researchers held seven discussions to predict the social changes in the near future centered on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and find the corresponding development strategies in social work practice; collective autobiography method was used to analyze the discussion. The analysis ascertained hyper connectivity, the advent and expansion of new communities, diversification and individualization, and the emergence of new criteria for the assessment of one's quality of life as the distinctive qualities of the near future. It was analyzed that humans and organic materials will be interconnected through spatial and temporal transcendence and that humans liberated from labor will seek for diverse communities while the number of atomized individual will increase simultaneously. Furthermore, the rise of new order of life accompanied by both the expansion of diversification and individualization and the ecological worldview brought forth by post materialistic trend was predicted. Meanwhile, the disengagement from macroscopic context, a biased inclination towards technique orientated professionalism, and individualistic social work practices without integrity were identified as the limitations of the current social work practice. This study presented three goals for social work practice to help it overcome its current shortcomings and correspond to the social changes: first, the rearrangement of practice knowledge, technique, and value so that it is based on humans and society, which are the essence of social practice work; second, the practice, such as sharing economy, that expands the individuals' boundaries of life to the community; three, the restoration of the desirability of professional social works by examining its special nature.