• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.637-643
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• 2013

We have demonstrated that 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) isolated from Bacillus subtilis MORI could enhance the levels of adiponectin and its receptors in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which has been shown to be effective in lowering blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. DNJ was not toxic to differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes for up to a concentration of $5{\mu}M$. In terms of expression levels of adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), DNJ in concentrations as low as $0.5{\mu}M$ elevated both mRNA and protein levels of adiponectin and transcript levels of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. In addition, DNJ increased phosphorylation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in a statistically significant manner. Finally, treatment with DNJ resulted in increased mRNA expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), which encodes for a glucose transporter, along with a significant increase in glucose uptake into the adipocytes based on results of a 2-deoxy-D-[$^3H$] glucose uptake assay. Our findings indicate that DNJ may greatly facilitate glucose uptake into adipose tissues by increasing the action of adiponectin via its up-regulated expression as well as its receptor genes. In addition, the glucose-lowering effects of DNJ may be achieved by an increased abundance of GLUT4 protein in the plasma membrane, as a consequence of the increased transcript levels of the GLUT4 gene and the activation of AMPK.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.12
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• pp.31.1-31.12
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• 2019

Background: The black-chinned tilapia, Sarotherodon melanotheron, is the most abundant fish species in the Nakwa (an open lagoon) and Brenu (a closed lagoon) in the Central Region of Ghana. Aspects of the life history characteristics and the ecology of the fish populations in both lagoons were studied to assess the bio-ecological status of this important resource. Methods: Fish samples were obtained from fishermen that fish on the Nakwa and Brenu lagoons using cast, drag and gill nets. The age of the fish was assessed from otoliths analysis and its growth modelled following the von Bertalanffy growth function. Morphometric characteristics of the fish populations were analysed using power regression and ANOVA for parameters comparisons, and Student's t test to determine whether species grew isometrically. The percentage occurrence method was used to analyse the stomach contents of the fish. Results: A total of 382 fish samples from both lagoons were measured, comprising 209 from Nakwa lagoon and 176 from Brenu lagoon. The size and weight of fish samples ranged between 3.9-11.5 cm total length and 1.0-27.3 g for Nakwa Lagoon and 5.6-12.8 cm total length and 3.2-29.8 g for the Brenu Lagoon. The estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 12.04 cm and K = 2.76/year for the Nakwa Lagoon samples and L∞ = 13.44 cm and K = 3.27/year for Brenu Lagoon samples. Daily otolith incremental rate ranged from 0.01-0.03 mm per day to 0.01-0.02 mm per day for Nakwa and Brenu lagoons, respectively. Stomach content analysis of the fish samples revealed that the species are planktivorous and the range of food varied between the lagoons. Green algae were the most prevalent food item in the stomachs of the fish samples from Nakwa with the frequency of 69% whilst diatoms (80.5%) were most prevalent phytoplanktonic food item for the fish in Brenu lagoon. Conclusions: The estimates of asymptotic length for the species in both lagoons are close to known values of the species length at first sexual maturity and points to intensive fishing pressure. As a consequence, a comprehensive sample-based survey is required in both lagoons to derive estimates of management reference points. The results of the stomach content analysis are beneficial to the construction of diet matrix for ecosystem models of the two systems.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.56-62
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• 2018

The bus bar is an electrical connection widely used for the power supply of skyscrapers and power distribution and industrial equipment electrical panels in industrial plants. There are various materials to be considered in the design of the bus bar, such as material based on the use environment, the sectional area according to the power capacity, the length of the surface circumference, and the tightening method. Even with a bus bar manufactured to a size of sufficient power capacity in the design, if the actual tightening is incorrect, it may lead to fire due to deterioration. For these reasons, a variety of research on the temperature rise of the electrical contact point has continued. However, the temperature rise of the contacts is a consequence of the result, not a direct cause. In this paper, the influence of contact resistance on the fastening force and the overlapping section of the bus bar are investigated by measuring the change in resistance from building the specimen. A total of eight bus bar specimens were manufactured and measured. Resistance was measured by varying the clamping force and the interval between overlapping sections when the specimens were crossed. We propose a safe power connection model by analyzing the contribution of these factors to the actual contact resistance change.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2011

Purpose: To analyze availability of MR images before and after external beam radiotherapy in brachytherapy, we will acquire MR images before and after external beam radiotherapy and compare the change of direction of uterine cavity and analyze the accuracy of applicator insertion. Materials and Methods: From January 2009 to December 2010, we compared MR images before and after external beam radiotherapy for uterine cervical cancer only with radical purpose treatment. MR images which was acquired after external beam radiotherapy has done with inserted status of CT/MR applicator. Results: As a consequence, the tumor was markedly reduced after external beam radiotherapy. The change of anteflexion of uterus turned into retroflexion of the uterine cavity was 17.1%. The case of wrong insertion of tandem include direction or length was 14.3%. Conclusion: According to MR images taken after external beam radiotherapy, we recognized not only reduced the tumor volume but the marked change of exact direction or length of the uterine cavity. So the confirmation of accurate insertion based on MR images before brachytherapy could be very helpful for optimal brachytherapy treatment planning with reduced applicator insertion errors.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.234-243
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• 2012

The wintertime high loading for atmospheric pollutants is certainly expected in the Byunsan Peninsula of Korea because of a great-scale reclamation project having construction of 33 km tidal sea dike impounding an area of over 40,000 ha and long-range transport. The goal of this study is to trace the origin of this wintertime burden for ambient particulate matter (hereafter called "PM") in the Byunsan Peninsula of Korea. The size-segregated (i.e., cutoff size from 0.01 ${\mu}m$ to 4.7 ${\mu}m$) PM sampling was conducted at a ground-based site of Byunsan Peninsula located in the west coast of Korean Peninsula during the height of dike constructing. Data archived in this study are the mass concentrations of ionic, elemental, and carbonic components in size-fractioned PM. The elemental mass of individual submicrometer particles was also analyzed. The sum of 5-source (i.e., elemental carbon, organic materials, inorganic secondary pollutants, crustal matter, and sea-salts) concentrations shows the bimodal distribution (major and minor peaks formed around $D_p$, 0.65 ${\mu}m$ and $D_p$, 4.7 ${\mu}m$, respectively) by border with 0.19 ${\mu}m$ of cutoff size. The concentrations of EC in $PM_{1.1-0.01}$ in winter and spring times were 4.62 ${\mu}g\;m^{-3}$ and 3.74 ${\mu}g\;m^{-3}$, respectively. Elemental masses of submicron individual particles are classified into two groups, i.e., the major elements (Cl, Al, Si, S, and P) and the minor trace elements. Cluster analysis differentiated the elements in submicron individual particles into 4-cluster. Among them, three clusters are in agreement with the major (Al, Si, S, and P), minor (Fe, Ca, and K), and trace compositions of coal burning. Meanwhile, Cl classified as an independent cluster has different source profile which was mainly due to the Saemangeum seawall project. Some highly toxic elements (e.g., Cr, Mn, and As (and/or Pb)) were also detected in some part of submicron individual PM. As a consequence, the combination of the Saemangeum project and winter monsoon played a considerable part in the double aggravation of wintertime air pollution in the Byunsan Peninsular.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.94-109
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• 1998

The objective of this study is to measure self-image of adolescence, analyze empirically clothing-purchasing-behavior of adolescence and clarify correlation of two variables, self-image and clothing-purchasing-behavior. For this purpose, the techniques involve theoretical studies and researches based on historical obtained from previous related studies and surveys, 431 high school female students who reside in Seoul are asked to answer selected survey questions to examine three aspects, clothing-purchasing-behavior, self-image and demographics. The evaluation of surveyed information is analyzed by statistical techniques to improve the accuracy of data. Statistical methods used are as follows; Descriptive(frequency, mean, percentage), Factor Analysis(varimax rotation), Crosstabs(Chi-square), T-test, One-Way ANOVA< Correlation Analysis, Reliability Analysis and Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The mjor results of this study were as follows: Firstly, there is a discrepancy between real self-image and ideal self-image. Furthermore more significant differences is seen from physical aspects than psychological aspects. Consequently, research proves that the difference derived from their ideal situation and real situation leads to psychological unstableness. In addition, making their real self-image is dependent upon several elements such things as family economic level, pocket money, expenditure on clothing. Therefore, it is critical to combine all factors in order to decide how much to spend for children's clothing and pocket money in parents point of view. Secondly, research shows that shows hat there is correlated relationship between average expenditure on clothing and presence of mother's job. Average expenditure on clothing is, generally, influenced by vogue which is tend to be changed seasonally. It, also, shows that there is positive linear regression between expenditure on clothe and sensitivity for vogue. That is to say, dependent variable, expenditure on clothing, is varied as independent variable, sensitivity for vogue, changes. Female high school students are likely to give much value on brand. Moreover people who are spending more money on clothes have higher tendencies in prompt purchases than who are not. Thirdly, the analysis of clothing-purchasing-behavior and self-image shows that the difference between real self-image and ideal self-image draws the main reason of dissatisfaction after purchase of clothes. As a consequence, their unfilled needs lead them to keep making another purchase to satisfy themselves. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that parents' advices and directions on their children's money spending on clothes are imperative to establish well-behaved purchasing patterns.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea TC
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• v.46 no.9
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• pp.16-23
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• 2009

In this paper, we propose a new distributed Alamouti space-time block coding scheme using cooperative relay system composed of one source node, three relay nodes and one destination node. The source node is assumed to be equipped with two antennas which respectively use a 2-beam array to communicate with two nodes selected from the three relay nodes. During the first time slot, the two signals which respectively were transmitted by one antenna at the source, are selected by one relay node, added, amplified, and forwarded to the destination. During the second time slot, the other two relay nodes implement the conjugate and minusconjugate operations to the two received signals, respectively, each in turn is amplified and forwarded to the destination node. This transmission scheme represents a new distributed Alamouti space-time block code that can be constructed at the relay-destination channel. Through an equivalent matrix expression of symbols, we analyze the performance of this proposed space-time block code in terms of the chernoff upper bound pairwise error probability (PEP). In addition, we evaluate the effect of the coefficient $\alpha$ ($0{\leq}{\alpha}{\leq}1$) determined by power allocation between the two antennas at the source on the received signal performance. Through computer simulation, we show that the received signals at the three relays have same variance only when the value of $\alpha$ is equal to $\frac{2}{3}$, as a consequence, a better performance is obtained at the destination. These analysis results show that the proposed scheme outperforms conventional proposed schemes in terms of diversity gain, PEP and the complexity of relay nodes.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.65-75
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• 2017

As a 360-degree image carries information of all directions, it often has too much information. Moreover, in order to investigate a 360-degree image on a 2D display, a user has to either click and drag the image with a mouse, or project it to a 2D panorama image, which inevitably introduces severe distortions. In consequence, investigating a 360-degree image and finding an object of interest in such a 360-degree image could be a tedious task. To resolve this issue, this paper proposes a method to find a region of interest and produces a 2D naturally looking image from a given 360-degree image that best matches a description given by a user in a natural language sentence. Our method also considers photo composition so that the resulting image is aesthetically pleasing. Our method first converts a 360-degree image to a 2D cubemap. As objects in a 360-degree image may appear distorted or split into multiple pieces in a typical cubemap, leading to failure of detection of such objects, we introduce a modified cubemap. Then our method applies a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network based object detection method to find a region of interest with a given natural language sentence. Finally, our method produces an image that contains the detected region, and also has aesthetically pleasing composition.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.357-380
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• 2014

Buyers' Trust in suppliers is critical in all commerce, but particularly in the relationship between foreign provider and local consumer due to the liability of foreignness. This study examines (1)how local consumers trust in the product of MNCs is affected by their perceptions of the product attributes, (2)does the product trust affects customers loyalty, and (3)whether Global Corporate Citizenship moderates the relationship between the product attributes and trust. Based on previous researches, hypotheses are formulated and the statistical method used to test them was a moderated regression analysis using SPSS 20. 330 respondents from the university student group in Korea were used for this analysis. The results of this study are follows: Service communication and product perceptions such as quality, technological newness, design, and brand value have a significant effect on the product trust. The Effectiveness of product-related service communication had greater than that of the physical characteristics of product. But, price fairness is not significantly. The trust then has a positive relation to customers loyalty. When global corporate citizenship as the moderating role is introduced into the model, the interaction terms with 'price fairness' are verified to be significant. Therefore, global corporate citizenship moderates the relationship between price fairness and product trust. The results of the empirical study provide important implications for Korean firms operating in foreign markets. But, the findings are limited to the University students and to manufacturing sectors. Thus, the generalization of the results of this research remains limited.

• Journal of The Korean Association of Information Education
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.387-400
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• 2016

In preparation for the adoption of software(SW) education in Korea by 2018, this study examined Korean teachers' perceptions and attitudes toward SW education and their relationship with teacher characteristics. By using the Stages of Concern Questionnaire, we conducted a survey of 92 teachers who participated in an introductory level of SW teacher training. The findings indicated that 1) the teachers' profile follows the typical nonuser pattern focusing on more self-concern, with the strongest intensity at Stage 0-Unconcerned and 1-Informational concern and the lowest at Stage 4-Consequence. However, teachers' stages of concern differed from the teachers' characteristics. Male teachers exhibited more concerns at Stage 4-Consequences, Stage 5-Collaboration, and Stage 6-Refocusing than female teachers. In addition, the teachers with higher SW proficiency, SW training experiences, and longer SW teaching experience showed higher intensity at Stage 4, 5, and 6 than their counterparts. The study suggests that the implementation of SW education would be effective and facilitated when teachers receive on-going and appropriate interventions and educational supports based on their individual concerns.