• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.285-294
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• 2019

Objectives: For suitable risk management of the domestic aquatic environment, it is necessary to conduct toxicity tests using species native to Korea. In the present study, we performed toxicity ring tests using endemic freshwater arthropoda Neocaridina denticulata and evaluated its validity and reproducibility as an international standard test species. Methods: To evaluate the sensitivity levels of N. denticulata to hazardous chemicals, toxicity values for several chemicals were compared with other standard test species. Intra- and inter-laboratory acute toxicity tests were performed both within a single laboratory and among four laboratories respectively using 3,4-Dichloroaniline, which is generally used as a reference test substance in fish toxicity tests. In addition, intra- and inter-laboratory coefficient of variations (CVs) were calculated to evaluate reproducibility based on the estimated toxicity values. Results: The sensitivity of N. denticulata to several chemicals was found to be similar with D. manga, indicating that the species is valid as a test species. The CVs of the intra- and inter-laboratory tests were 22.946% with four qualified runs and 8.828% among the four laboratories, respectively. Conclusions: N. denticulata serves in an important role in the food chain of Korean aquatic ecosystems and also inhabits several other Asian countries. Since the validity and reproducibility of the species were confirmed as a toxicity test species in this study, further efforts are needed to establish N. denticulata as the international standard test species for the appropriate risk assessment of aquatic ecosystems at home and abroad.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.436-441
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• 2019

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as sacred lotus, has mainly been used as a food throughout the Asian countries. In the present study, we prepared ethanol extracts from leaf (NL), seed (NS), and seedpod (NSP) of Nelumbo nucifera and investigated their anti-inflammatory activities in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of NL, NS, and NSP, nitric oxide (NO) production was measured in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. NL, NS, and NSP significantly reduced NO production in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viabilities. NL, NS, and NSP dramatically decreased the protein expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as iNOS and COX-2. NL, NS, and NSP also suppressed phosphorylation of MAPKs and the nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 indicating they have their anti-inflammatory activities via regulating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) pathways. In addition, we analyzed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the treatment of NL, NS, and NSP. All extracts reduced ROS production in a dose-dependent manner. And also, they increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression and the nuclear translocation of nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf2). In conclusion, our results suggest that Nelumbo nucifera has its anti-inflammatory activity via regulating MAPKs, $NF-{\kappa}B$, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

• 재활복지
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.131-150
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• 2016

This study aims to compare global policies on ICT accessibility and to suggest possible solutions that help to enhance ICT accessibility for socially disadvantaged groups. The results indicated that related laws and standards in Korea are relatively well established than Asian countries' whereas they need improvements when compared to the US or the UK. Particularly, in spite of rapid development in information communication technology industry, incorporating the definition of newly developed technologies into existing laws related to ICT accessibility seemed slow that caused reluctancy of related parties to address accessibility issues the new technologies create. In addition, Korean government seems less effortful to develop policies and standards apart from web and mobile application accessibility. In order to resolve the problems, firstly, the period or process of enacting and amending laws can be shorten. Next, a government affiliated research institute can be established to do research and develop ICT accessibility related to user scenarios so that effective policies and standards could be readily provided. Even though other possible solutions can be suggested, what is more important than that is that any interested parties should sustainably make efforts to provide equal opportunities for the underserved populations.

• International Area Studies Review
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.61-91
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• 2018

Credit Guarantee scheme is one of the most effective tools for the small business policy. The performance analysis on domestic institution level is relevant in terms of various factors of assisting tools factor. This study measured comparative global efficiency by DEA model and Super-efficiency model among 70 credit guarantee institutions in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea who are operating the schemes. At the result of the analysis, Korean credit guarantee institutions are comparatively efficient than Japanese institutions, and the DMU shows moderate in operation efficiency. The Super-efficiency ranked by Hiroshima, Taiwan SMEG, Pusan, Chiba, Shizuoka, Ulsan, and KOTEC. Most of the Credit Guarantee Institutions showed increasing returns to scale, and it indicates increasing input strategy. The statistical difference of efficiency level in Japan and Korea shows very meaning numbers. This research suggest that (1)Periodical Analysis are needed on Japanese Schemes, (2)The analysis on the impact of credit guarantee scale to the national economy and SME policy, (3) Analysis on the conclusive factors of the efficiency, (4)The policy direction has to be made by inefficient factor analysis, (5) The measurement tools of efficiency of the schemes in various aspects.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.40-44
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• 2019

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic, occlusive cerebrovascular disease of unknown etiology characterized by progressive stenosis at the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery and an abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain. The clinical presentations of MMD include transient ischemic attacks (TIA), ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, seizures, headache, and cognitive impairment. MMD is the most important cause of stroke or TIA in children in East Asian countries. A 5-year-3-month old boy with MMD experienced cerebral infarctions five times. Cerebrovascular anastomosis surgery was performed on him four years ago. He had dysphagia, developmental delay, hemiplegia, and strabismus. Besides, a number of dental caries in primary dentition were identified during clinical oral examination. Dental treatment under general anesthesia using sevoflurane was performed due to his lack of cooperation and underlying systemic disease. MMD is associated with various medical diseases requiring thoughtful consideration during dental treatment. Crying and hyperventilation in MMD patients may cause hypocapnia and have a cerebral vasoconstrictive effect. If dental treatment is required, control of pain and anxiety is very important. General anesthesia may be considered for dental treatment in uncooperative or very young patients with MMD.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.96-131
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• 2015

Hanji(Korean traditional paper) is a valuable cultural heritage highly praised, even to this date, for its importance and technology by craftsmanship of our ancestors; it is a product of a combination of craftsmanship, well-established technologies, natural paper mulberry fiber and eco-friendly and durable natural materials and mucilages. Origin of the word 'Hanji(Korean traditional paper)' is from handmade paper made of bast part of the paper mulberry; as paper manufacturing with paper machines introduced in Japan was adopted in late Joseon, paper produced previously was called 'Hanji' and paper produced with western machines was called 'Yangji(machine made paper)'. Hanji has been called by many different names and used in various ways according to materials and production methods; and the functions varied. Hanji, from the era of three states to Joseon era, has been praised for its unique and excellent quality in three Asian countries(Korea, China and Japan); its unique excellence continues to this date in many paper-related national cultural heritages. Also total of 11 cases are registered to UNESCO Memory of the World for its importance, 8 of which are associated with traditional Korean paper: Hunminjeongeum, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Jikjisimcheyojeol, Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty, Donguibogam, Ilseongnok and A War Diary. To examine excellent characteristics of conservation science in Hanji, many studies have been developed. By developing analysis and manufacturing technologies, the excellence of our Hanji should be re-verified scientifically and the tradition should continue as one of the representative Korean cultural heritages.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.204-219
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• 2015

International society, including the United Nations, has recently been making efforts to further promote a rapprochement of cultures in relation to alleviating military and political conflicts and other social clashes. In line with these efforts at the international level, there has been a growing interest on Central Asia and, in particular, on the Silk Road, which functioned as a trade route among ancient civilizations in the region and is also seen as a route that promoted cultural dialogue and exchanges. Given the amount of cross cultural dialogue and exchange, it is no surprise that intangible cultural heritage has historically been abundant and easily found in the region. However, this heritage was placed in considerable risk because heritage transmission critically weakened for seventy years under Soviet rule. Fortunately, since independence, there has been increasing interest in restoring community identity and reviving intangible heritage. Nevertheless, in spite of this interest, a lack of policies and cultural support in each country has made heritage safeguarding difficult. In this paper, I analyze the various phenomena that took place after the concept and international trends on ICH were introduced and speak about the experiences and outcomes obtained from collaborative network projects by ICHCAP and the Central Asian countries over the last six year. In addition, I would like take this opportunity to discuss how we can understand and develop collaboration in the intangible heritage field in Central Asia in a long-term perspective.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1080-1085
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• 2019

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as sacred lotus, has mainly been used as a food throughout the Asian countries. In the present study, we prepared the ethanol extracts from leaf (NL), seed (NS), and seedpod (NSP) of Nelumbo nucifera and investigated their anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. NL, NS, and NSP decreased cell viabilities in a dose-dependent manner. All extracts increased the expression of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated gene (NAG-1) as well as NAG-1 protein. And also, NL induced the expression of pro-apoptotic NAG-1 protein and PARP cleavage in a time-dependent manner. The PARP cleavage induced by NL treatment, was recovered in part by the transfection of NAG-1 siRNA. We also evaluated the effects of neferine, one of bioactive components of Nelumbo nucifera, on the proliferation and apoptosis in HCT116 cells. It also decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and induced the expression of pro-apoptotic NAG-1 protein and PARP cleavage in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, PARP cleavage was recovered in part by the transfection of NAG-1 siRNA, indicating that NAG-1 may be one of the genes responsible for apoptosis induced by neferine. Overall, our findings may contribute to understand the molecular mechanisms of anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects mediated by Nelumbo nucifera and neferine.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.219-230
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: Biochar is a solid material converted from agricultural biomass such as crop residues and pruning branch through pyrolysis under limited oxygen supply. Biochar consists of non-degradable carbon (C) double bonds and aromatic ring that are not readily broken down by microbial degradation in the soils. Due to the recalcitrancy of C in biochar, biochar application to the soils is of help in enhancing soil carbon sequestration in arable lands that might be a strategy of agricultural sector to mitigate climate change. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were collected from studies on the effect of biochar application on soil C content conducted in East Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea under different experimental conditions (incubation, column, pot, and field). The magnitude of soil C storage was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with biochar application rate under field conditions, reflecting accumulation of recalcitrant black C in the biochar. However, The changes in soil C contents per C input from biochar (% per t/ha) were 6.80 in field condition, and 12.58 in laboratory condition. The magnitude of increment of soil C was lower in field than in laboratory conditions due to potential loss of C through weathering of biochar under field conditions. Biochar production condition also affected soil C increment; more C increment was found with biochar produced at a high temperature (over 450℃). CONCLUSION: This review suggests that biochar application is a potential measures of C sequestration in agricultural soils. However, as the increment of soil C biochar was affected by biochar types, further studies are necessary to find better biochar types for enhanced soil C storage.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.101-108
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• 2021

Objectives : A root of Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai (D. asperoides) has been traditionally used as a medicinal resource in several Asian countries, including Korean and traditional Chinese medicine that has been traditionally used for treating several medical conditions including pain, arthritis, and bone fractures in Korea. In the present study, we investigated potential subacute toxicities of D. asperoides extract. Methods : C57BL/6 mice (male, 7weeks) were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 mice. Except for the control group, the mice were orally administrated D. asperoides extract at doses of 50, 150, or 450 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, all mice were euthanized, and the following parameters were examined: mortality, body weight, clinical signs, gross findings, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weight, and histopathology. Results : There were no abnormalities in mortality, clinical signs, body weight, gross findings, or organ weight after repeated administration of D. asperoides extract for 2 weeks, compared with the control group. In addition, there were no significant changes in hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters between the control group and D. asperoides extract administrated groups with doses of up to 450 mg/kg/day. Conclusion : In this study, D. asperoides extract showed no significant toxicities at a dose of up to 450 mg/kg/day in mice. Although we could not confirm the toxic dose of D. asperoides extract, it can be considered safe for further pharmacological use.