• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.271-286
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• 2023

The global COVID-19 pandemic has transformed face masks from situational accessories to indispensable items in daily life, prompting a shift in public perception and behavior. While the relaxation of mandatory mask-wearing regulations is underway, a significant number of individuals continue to embrace face masks, turning them into a form of personal expression and identity. This phenomenon has given rise to the Fashion Mask industry, characterized by unique designs and colors, experiencing rapid growth in the market. However, existing research on masks is predominantly focused on their efficacy in preventing infection or exploring attitudes during the pandemic, leaving a gap in understanding consumer preferences for mask design. We address this gap by investigating consumer perceptions and preferences for two prevalent mask designs-horizontal fold flat masks and vertical fold flat masks. Through a comprehensive approach involving surveys and eye-tracking experiments, we aim to unravel the subtle differences in how consumers perceive these designs. Our research questions focus on determining which design is more appealing and exploring the reasons behind any observed differences. The study's findings reveal a clear preference for vertical fold flat masks, which are not only preferred but also perceived as unique, sophisticated, three-dimensional, and lively. The eye-tracking analysis provides insights into the visual attention patterns associated with mask designs, highlighting the pivotal role of the fold line in influencing these patterns. This research contributes to the evolving understanding of masks as a fashion statement and provides valuable insights for manufacturers and marketers in the Fashion Mask industry. The results have implications beyond the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of design elements in sustaining consumer interest in face masks.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.101-118
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• 1975

The pathogenicity of hexagonal and tetragonal cytoplasmic polyhedron virus to one of present leading silkworm varieties, Jam 103${\times}$Jam 104, and its parents, Jam 103 and Jam 104, was investigated. The activation of occult virus by oral inoculation of foreign virus as well as the interference phenomena between the activated and inoculated cytoplasmic polyhedron viruses was observed and the results obtained are as follows. 1. The pathogenicity of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis viruses. 1) There was a high significant difference in the pathogenicity of hexagonal polyhedron virus between the hybrid and its parents showing the lowest infection rate in the hybrid (Jam 103${\times}$Jam 104), medium infection rate in the Japanese line (Jam 103) and the highest infection rate in the Chinese line (Jam 104). In the pathogenicityof tetragonal polyhedron virus, a significant difference was observed only between the hybrid (Jam 103${\times}$Jam 104) and the Chinese line (Jam 104) by showing a higher infection rate in the Chinese line than in the hybrid. 2) The pathogenicity of both hexagonal and tetragonal polyhedron viruses showed a high significant difference in different silkworm instars inoculated by showing a higher infection rate at the second instar than at the fourth instar. 3) The pathogenicity of both hexagonal and tetragonal polyhedron viruses was increased as the concentration of viruses inoculated increased. 2. The phenomena of induction and interference by oral inoculation of foreign virus. 1) The induction rate of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus was higher in the parents than in the hybrid. In the parents. a higher rate in the Chinese line than in the Japanese line was observed. 2) The effect of inoculation at different instars on the induction was studied and the induction rate was higher at the second instar inoculated than at the fourth instar inoculated. 3) The degree of activation of hexagonal polyhedron virus with inoculation of tetragonal polyhedron virus was very high when a lower concentration of virus was inoculated and it was very low when a higher concentration of virus was inoculated 4) The degree of activation of tetragonal polyhedron virus with inoculation of hexagonal polyhedron virus was very low when a lower concentration of virus was inoculated and it was not observed when a higher concentration of virus was inoculated. 5) The mixed infection rate with hexagonal and tetragonal polyhedron viruses was higher at the second instar inoculated than at the fourth instar inoculated. 6) It was observed that the secondary hexagonal pc]yhedron virus activated interfered with the primary tetragonal polyhedron virus inoculated when the inoculated concentration of the primary virus is low and the primary virus inoculated interfered with the secondary virus activated when the inoculated concentration of the primary virus is high.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.28-32
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• 2010

Purpose : Although eosinophilia is a common laboratory finding in many neonatal intensive care units (ICUs), its causative mechanisms remain obscure. We aimed to determine the causes of eosinophilia in the neonatal ICU environment. Methods : Serial eosinophil counts were determined weekly for 288 hospitalized, appropriately grown neonates. Infants were divided into four groups according to gestational age, and the incidence and etiologic factors of eosinophilia were retrospectively studied. Results : Absolute eosinophilia (>$700/mm^3$) was documented in 18% (52/288) of neonates. Twenty-two infants (42.3%) exhibited mild eosinophilia ($700-999cells/mm^3$), 27 (51.9%) exhibited moderate eosinophilia ($1,000-2,999cells/mm^3$), and 3 (5.8%) exhibited severe eosinophilia (>$3,000cells/mm^3$). Of the 288 infants studied, 54 suffered sepsis. Thirty of these 54 infants (55.6%) showed eosinophilia, and 22 out of the remaining 234 infants (9%) without sepsis showed eosinophilia, indicating that eosinophilia was more prevalent in the sepsis group (P <0.05). All 5 infants suffering from bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed eosinophilia, and 47 out of the remaining 283 infants (16.7%) without bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed eosinophilia. Thus, eosinophilia was more prevalent in the bronchopulmonary dysplasia group (P<0.05). Furthermore, increased prevalence of eosinophilia was associated with respiratory distress syndrome, ventilator use, blood transfusion, and total parenteral nutrition (P<0.05). Conclusion : Our results suggest that eosinophilia is influenced by sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, although it can also occur idiopathically at birth. Moreover, the potential role of eosinophils in conditions such as wound healing and fibrosis in sepsis or chronic lung disease may be a cause of eosinophilia.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2016

The root bark of Ulmus macrocarpa has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as edema, infection and inflammation. Nevertheless, the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effects remain unclear. In this study, as part of our ongoing screening program to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of new compounds from traditional medicinal resources, we investigated the effects of U. macrocarpa water extract (UME) on immune modulation in a murine RAW 264.7 macrophage model. As immune response parameters, the productions of as nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such tumor necrotic factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 were evaluated. Although the release of IL-1β remained unchanged in UME-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, the productions of NO, TNF-α and IL-10 were significantly increased, along with the increased expression of inducible NO synthase, TNF-α and IL-10 expression at concentrations with no cytotoxicity. UME treatment also induced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) indicating that UME activated macrophages through the activation of NF-κB, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and MAPKs signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, pre-treatment with UME significantly attenuated the production of NO, but not TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells suggesting that UME may be useful in preventing inflammatory diseases mediated by excessive production of NO. These findings suggest that the beneficial therapeutic effects of UME may be attributed partly to its ability to modulate immune functions in macrophages.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.595-603
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• 2005

Incomplete removal of bacteria contaminated dentin or enamel associated with caries is a potential problem in restorative dentistry Secondary or residual caries, pulpal inflammation and hypersensitivity may result from bacteria left after the initial preparation, especially if an adequate seal against microleakage is not obtained. A possible solution to eliminate residual bacteria left in a cavity preparation would be to treat the cavity with cavity disinfectant wash. But a potential problem with using a cavity disinfectant with dentin bonding agents could be their interference with the ability of the resin to bond to the tooth micromechanically. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2% chlorhexidine containing cavity disinfectant ($Consepsis^{(R)}$) on shear bond strength and microleakage of dentin bonding agents, $Adper ^{TM}$ $Scotchbond^{TM}$ Multi-Purpose, $Adper^{TM}$ Single Bond and $Adper^{TM}\;Prompt^{TM}\; L-Pop^{TM}$ Sixty and sixty sound human third molar teeth, respectively, were used for shear bond strength and microleakage test. For experimental group, cavity disinfectant was applied before dentin bonding agents, and was not applied for the control group. The result from the this study can be summarized as follows ; 1. Use of 2% chlorhexidine containing cavity disinfectant($Consepsis^{(R)}$) does not significantly affect the shear bond strength of dentin bonding agents. 2. Use of 2% chlorhexidine containing cavity disinfectant($Consepsis^{(R)}$) does not significantly affect the microleakage of dentin bonding agents.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.80-90
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• 2003

Background : Goblet cell hyperplasia is a critical pathological feature in hypersecretory diseases of the airways. A bacterial infection of the lung is also known to induce inflammatory responses, which can lead to the overproduction of mucus. Recently, mucin synthesis in the airways has been reported to be regulated by neutrophilic inflammation-induced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and activation. In addition, it was reported that migration of the activated neutrophils is dependent on the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-9. In this study, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion by EGFR cascade, resulting from the MMPs-dependent neutrophilic inflammation were investigated in the rat airways. Methods : Pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in vivo. Various concentrations of LPS were instilled into the trachea in $300{\mu}{\ell}$ PBS (LPS group). Sterile PBS ($300{\mu}{\ell}$) was instilled into the trachea of the control animals (control group). The airways were examined on different days after instilling LPS. For an examination of the relationship between the LPS-induced goblet cell hyperplasia and MMPs, the animals were pretreated 3 days prior to the LPS instillation and daily thereafter with the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI; 20 mg/Kg/day of CMT-3; Collagenex Pharmaceuticals, USA). The neutrophilic infiltration was quantified as a number in five high power fields (HPF). The alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff (AB/PAS) stain were performed for the mucus glycoconjugates and the immunohistochemical stains were performed for MUC5AC, EGFR and MMP-9. Their expressions were quantified by an image analysis program and were expressed by the percentage of the total bronchial epithelial area. Results : The instillation of LPS induced AB/PAS and MUC5AC staining in the airway epithelium in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the MMPI prevented the LPS-induced goblet cell hyperplasia significantly. The instillation of LPS into the trachea induced also EGFR expression in the airway epithelium. The control airway epithelium contained few leukocytes, but the intratracheal instillation of LPS resulted in a neutrophilic recruitment. A pretreatment with MMPI prevented neutrophilic recruitment, EGFR expression, and goblet cell hyperplasia in the LPS-instilled airway epithelium. Conclusion : Matrix metalloproteinase is involved in LPS-induced mucus hypersecretion, resulting from a neutrophilic inflammation and EGFR cascade. These results suggest a potential therapeutic role of MMPI in the treatment of mucus hypersecretion that were associated with a bacterial infection of the airways.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.161-170
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• 2008

Recently irregular dark-colored patches were found on the Kentucky teeing ground in a golf course in Gyunggi providence. Interestingly, blue-green algae from the leaf tissue sample containing black spot-stained symptoms were largely observed through microscopic study. In general, algae present on the upper soil surface or in the upper layer of root zone form dark brown layers of scum or crust, which invoked harmful effects to turf growth such as poor drainage, inhibition of new root development. In this observation, unlike the algae were sometime found in senescing leaves on contacted soil in July and August, the blue-green algae were detected within black spot-stained Kentucky bluegrass leaf tissues including leaf blade, ligule, auriclea as well as leaf sheath. The blue-green algae were also detected on the leaf and stem tissue adjacent to the symptomatic leaf tissues. Two species of blue-green algae, Phomidium and Oscillatoria, were greatly observed. Oscillatoria species was more commonly notified in all samples. In addition, the two species were found on a putting green showing yellow spot disease at another golf course in Gyunggi providence. The data from chemical control assay revealed that chemicals such as propiconazole, iprodione, and azoxystrobin decreased blue-green algae population and leaf spots, which finally resulted in enhanced leaf quality. All taken together, we strongly suggested that the disease-like phenomenon by blue-green algae might be very closely mediated with infection/translocation process in relation with turfgrass. It indicates that blue-green algae in turf management may play an adverse role as a secondary barrier as well as a pathogenic agent. This report may be helpful for superintendents to recognize and understand the fact that algae control should be provided more cautiously and seriously than we did previously in upcoming golf course management.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.442-454
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• 2017

Biological weapon is manipulated and produced from microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, rickettsia, fungi etc. It is classified as one of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) along with chemical weapon and radiological weapon. Biological weapon has a number of operational advantages over the other WMDs including ease of development and production, low cost and possibility of covert dissemination. In this study we analyze the history of biological weapon's development and the existing biological threats. Then, we predict the social impact of biological attack based on the physical properties of biological agent and infection mechanisms. By analyzing the recognition, dispersion pattern of agents, characteristics of the diseases in the biological weapon related historical events such as Sverdlovsk anthrax accident, 2001 anthrax attack, we found out some of the facts that biological attack would not likely to be recognized rapidly, produce large number of the exposed, increase number of paients who suffed from severe respiratory illness. It would lead the public health and medical service providers to be struggled with hugh burden. Base on the facts that we found from this case study, we suggested the main capabilities of public health required to respond to bioterrorism event efficiently. Syndromic surveillance and other reporting system need to be operated effeciently so that any suspicious event should be detected promptly. the pathogen which suspected to be used should be identified through laboratory diagnostic system. It is critical for the public health agency to define potentially exposed population under close cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Lastly, massive prophylaxis should be provided rapidly to the people at need by operating human and material resources effeciently. If those capacities of public health are consistantly fortified we would be able to deal with threat of bioterrorism successfully.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.497-505
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• 2011

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is a newly emerging technique recently, with its many potential advantages in clinical practice. Cholecystectomy by Hybrid NOTES in this work, performed with single working channel endoscope in conjunction with a laparoscopic grasping forceps in dogs, is a "bridge" between laparoscopic procedure and pure NOTES. Three different approaches for cholecystectomy were carried out; transgastric, transcolonic and transvaginal. In all three approaches, abdominal opening was made by a 5 mm trocar, followed by making pneumoperitoneum of 4 mmHg with $CO_2$ insufflator. Transgastric cholecystectomy, single working channel endoscope was advanced to the peritoneal cavity through gastric incision in antral region made by endoscopic needle knife. Endoscope was retroflexed to visualize the gall bladder. Transcolonic access, incision for endoscopic entry was done at right ventral wall of descending colon, 15 cm inside from the anus. Incision in transvaginal access was made at right-ventral region, just caudal to the caudal tubercle. With the simple traction by the laparoscopic grasping forceps, good visualization of surgical field was obtained in all three groups. Cystic duct and artery were ligated with endoclips; for complete gall bladder dissection from liver, L-knife was used. Closure of incision sites were done in transgastric and transcolonic cholecystectomy by endoclips, not in transvaginal approach.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.418-424
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• 2021

Skin inflammation (dermatitis) is caused by varying skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation and microbial infection. Currently prescribed drugs for dermatitis include anti-histamine and steroid drug classes that soothe inflammation. However, incorrect or prolonged use of steroids can cause weakening of skin barriers as well as osteoporosis. Therefore, treating dermatitis with a drug that has minimal side effects is important. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been widely treated for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of statins in both experimental and clinical models for of osteoarthritis. This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which are crucial components of skin barriers. Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-1β increased the expression of the COX2 protein, a major player of inflammatory responses. However, this induction of the COX2 protein was downregulated by pretreatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin. Treatment with IL-1ß-induced the upregulation of other inflammatory genes (such as iNOS and MMP-1) and these expressions were similarly lowered by these two statin drug treatments. Taken together, these results indicated that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, the findings suggest that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can be potential modulators for ameliorating skin inflammation.