• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.310-317
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• 2022

Recently, interest in the harmful factors of particulate matter (PM), a major component of air pollution, has been increasing. In particular, PM_2.5 with a diameter of less than 2.5 ㎛ is well known to induce oxidative stress accompanied by autophagy in human lung epithelial cells. However, studies on whether PM_2.5 increases autophagy under oxidative stress and whether this process is reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent are insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether PM_2.5 promotes autophagy through the generation of ROS in human alveolar epithelial A594 cells. According to our results, cells co-treated with PM_2.5 and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) showed a lower cell viability than cells treated with each alone, which was associated with increased total and mitochondrial ROS production. The co-treatment of PM_2.5 and H₂O₂ also increased autophagy induction, which was confirmed through Cyto-ID staining, and the expression of autophagy biomarker proteins increased. However, when ROS generation was artificially blocked by N-acetyl-L-cysteine pretreatment, the reduction in cell viability and induction of autophagy by PM_2.5 and H₂O₂ co-treatment were markedly attenuated. Therefore, the present results suggest that PM_2.5-induced ROS generation may play a critical role in autophagy induction in A549 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.979-988
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• 2022

Halophytes have been reported to possess a variety of physiological activities, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity. Studies on the roots of the halophyte Rosa rugosa, in particular, have shown a variety of physiological activities and are known to be effective for nursing diabetic complications in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, the effect of R. rugosa on adipogenesis was investigated in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes treated with crude extract and solvent fractions (H₂O, n-BuOH, 85% aq. MeOH, and n-Hex) obtained from R. rugosa roots. Treatment with extract and the solvent fractions inhibited the formation of intracellular lipid droplets in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes compared to the untreated group. In particular, n-BuOH and 85% aq. MeOH fractions effectively decreased the expression of adipogenic transcription factors: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) in both mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, these results suggest that R. rugosa contains anti-adipogenic molecules that can be utilized as a nutraceutical against obesity. Further refining of n-BuOH and 85% aq. MeOH fractions and analysis of their action mechanisms could yield potential therapeutic agents with anti-adipogenic effects.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.479-490
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• 2021

As a part of Korean accounting reforms through the improvement of the accounting and audit related systems, the amendment bill of 'Act on External Audit of Stock Compamies's was passed in the Natinal Assembly plenary session in 2017, the amended act has been enforced except some regulations since the business year on November 1, 2018, and all the amended matters will be applied from the business year of 2024. The reasons for auditor designation in 2019 are 'pre-IPO' 331 companies, 220 periodic designation companies, 197 companies that had operating loss for three consecutive years, 112 companies with issues for administration, 108 companies with excessive debt ratio and 66 companies with no auditors. Regarding the reasons for the increase of auditor designation, 475 companies were increased in accordance with the new designation standard by the amended bill of Act on External Audit of Stock Companies, 114 companies were increased due to the abolition of the considered designation system of companies to be listed, and 90 companies were increased based on the increase of listed companies incorporated to issues for administration. In 2020, 462 companies had periodical designation (434 listed, 28 non-listed), adding 242 companies (110%) over a year. In terms of direct designation, 'pre-IPO' accounted for the most (362 companies), followed by '3 consecutive years of operating loss' (245 companies), then by companies with administration issues (133 companies), and CEO & largest sharholder replacement. Regarding the designation of auditors according to accounting firms in 2020, A group that includes(top 4) accounting firms(Samil, Samjeong, Hanyeong, Anjin) had 526 companies(34.6%), which ia an incease of 72 companies from the previous year(454 companies, 37.1%), but the weight decreased by 2.5%.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.63-76
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• 2022

Dacitic tuffs, 97 to 118 m thick, were recovered from the lower part of the subsurface Seongdongri Formation, Janggi Basin, which was drilled to assess the potential for underground storage of carbon dioxide. The tuffs are divided into four depositional units(Unit 1 to 4) based on internal structures and particle componentry. Unit 1 and Units 3/4 are ignimbrites that accumulated in subaerial and subaqueous settings, respectively, whereas Unit 2 is braided-stream deposits that accumulated during a volcanic quiescence, and no dacitic tuff is observed. A series of analysis shows that mordenite and clinoptilolite mainly fill the vesicles of glass shards, suggesting their formation by replacement and dissolution of volcanic glass and precipitation from interstitial water during burial and diagenesis. Glass-replaced clinoptilolite has higher Si/Al ratios and Na contents than the vesicle-filling clinoptilolite in Units 3. However, the composition of clinoptilolite becomes identical in Unit 4, irrespective of the occurrence and location. This suggests that the Si/Al ratio and pH in the interstitial water increased with time because of the replacement and leaching of volcanic glass, and that the composition of interstitial water was different between the eastern and western parts of the basin during the formation of the clinoptilolite in Units 1 and 3. It is also inferred that the formation of the two zeolite minerals was sequential according to the depositional units, i.e., the clinoptilolite formed after the growth of mordenite. To summarize, during a volcanic quiescence after the deposition of Unit 1, pH was higher in the western part of the basin because of eastward tilting of the basin floor, and the zeolite ceased to grow because of the closure of the pore space as a result of the growth of smectite. On the other hand, clinoptilolite could grow in the eastern part of the basin in an open system affected by groundwater, where braided stream was developed. Afterwards, Units 3 and 4 were submerged under water because of the basin subsidence, and the alkali content of the interstitial water increased gradually, eventually becoming identical in the eastern and western parts of the basin. This study thus shows that volcanic deposits of similar composition can have variable distribution of zeolite mineral depending on the drainage and depositional environment of basins.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.927-933
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• 2022

We synthesized (C₁₀H₈N₂H)₂Cr₂O₇, The structure of the product was characterized with FT-IR(infrared) and elemental analysis. The oxidation of benzyl alcohol by (C₁₀H₈N₂H)₂Cr₂O₇ in organic solvents showed that the reactivity increased with the increase of the dielectric constant. The oxidation of alcohols was examined by (C₁₀H₈N₂H)₂Cr₂O₇ in DMF, acetone. As a resuit, (C₁₀H₈N₂H)₂Cr₂O₇ was found as efficicent oxidizing agent that converted benzyl alcohol, allyl alcohol, primary alcohol and secondary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones(65%~95%). The selective oxidation of alcohols was also examined by (C₁₀H₈N₂H)₂Cr₂O₇ in DMF, acetone. (C₁₀H₈N₂H)₂Cr₂O₇ was selective oxidizing agent(15%~95%) of benzyl alcohol, allyl alcohol and primary alcohol in the presence of secondary ones. In the presence of DMF solvent with acidic catalyst such as H₂SO₄. (C₁₀H₈N₂H)₂Cr₂O₇ oxidized benzyl alcohol(H) and its derivatives. The Hammett reaction constant(ρ) was -0.69(308K). The observed experimental data were used to rationalize the hydride ion transfer in the rate determining step.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.235-248
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• 2022

With the changes in the future educational environment, such as the rapid decline of the school-age population and the expansion of students' choice of curriculum, changes are also required in PCK, the expertise of science teachers. In other words, the categories constituting the existing 'consensus-PCK' and the characteristics of 'science PCK' are not fixed, so more categories and characteristics can be added. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential area of science PCK required to cope with changes in the future educational environment in the form of 'Family Resemblance Science PCK (Family Resemblance-PCK, hereafter)' through Wittgenstein's family resemblance approach. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted with three focus groups. In the focus group in-depth interview, participants discussed how the science PCK required for science teachers in future schools in 2030-2045 will change due to changes in the future society and educational environment. Qualitative analysis was performed based on the in-depth interview, and semantic network analysis was performed on the in-depth interview text to analyze the characteristics of 'Family Resemblance-PCK' differentiated from the existing 'consensus-PCK'. In results, the characteristics of Family Resemblance-PCK, which are newly requested along with changes in role expectations of science teachers, were examined by PCK area. As a result of semantic network analysis of Family Resemblance-PCK, it was found that Family Resemblance-PCK expands its boundaries from the existing consensus-PCK, which is the starting point, and new PCK elements were added. Looking at the aspects of Family Resemblance-PCK, [AI-Convergence Knowledge-Contents-Digital], [Community-Network-Human Resources-Relationships], [Technology-Exploration-Virtual Reality-Research], [Self-Directed Learning-Collaboration-Community], etc., form a distinct network cluster, and it is expected that future science teacher expertise will be formed and strengthened around these PCK areas. Based on the research results, changes in the professionalism of science teachers in future schools and countermeasures were proposed as a conclusion.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2023

Intracellular cargo transport is mediated by molecular motor proteins, such as kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein. Kinesins make up a large subfamily of molecular motors. Kinesin-1 is a plus-end-directed molecular motor protein that moves various cargoes, such as organelles, protein complexes, and mRNAs, along a microtubule track. It consists of the kinesin superfamily protein (KIF) 5A, 5B, and 5C (also called kinesin heavy chains) and kinesin light chains (KLCs). Kinesin-1 interacts with many different binding proteins through its carboxyl (C)-terminal region of KIF5s and KLCs, but their binding proteins have not yet been fully identified. In this study, a yeast two-hybrid assay was used to identify the proteins that interact with the KIF5A specific C-terminal region. The assay revealed an interaction between KIF5A and glutamate-rich 4 (ERICH4). ERICH4 bound to the KIF5A specific the C-terminal region but did not interact with the C-terminal region of KIF5B or KIF3A (a motor protein of kinesin-2). In addition, KIF5A did not interact with another isoform, ERICH1. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-downs showed that KIF5A interacts with GST-ERICH4 and GST-ERICH4-amino (N)-terminal but not with GST-ERICH4-C or GST alone. When co-expressed in HEK-293T cells, ERICH4 co-localized with KIF5A and co-immunoprecipitated with KIF5A and KLC but not KIF3B. Together, our findings suggest that ERICH4 is capable of binding to KIF5A and that it may serve as an adaptor protein that links kinesin-1 with cargo.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.534-546
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• 2023

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-winkle activity in human fibroblast cell (CCD-986sk) of Persimmon Leaves (PL) as a cosmetic ingredient. As a result of investigating antioxidant activity through electron-donating ability and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging assay, the PL showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity similar to ascorbic acid, a control group, at a concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml. As a result of investigating the anti-wrinkle effect through elastase inhibition and collagenase inhibition assay, the PL showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity similar to epigallocatechin gallate, a control group, at a concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml. As a result of measuring the synthesis rate of pro-collagen type I and the inhibition rate of MMP-1 in UVB-induced CCD-986sk cells, the control group EGCG showed a 90.2% pro-collagen synthesis rate at 20 ㎍/ml and PL showed an 88.5% synthesis rate at 30 ㎍/ml. In addition, the inhibition rate of MMP-1 of 33.0% and 40.8% were confirmed in EGCG 20 ㎍/ml and PL 30 ㎍/ml, respectively. As a result of measuring the protein expression of pro-collagen type I and MMP-1 in the PL through western blot, it was confirmed that the protein expression of pro-collagen type I increased, and MMP-1 decreased when the PL was treated together compared to the UVB alone group. According to the above experimental results, it is expected to be used as a natural product material for cosmetics by confirming that the PL prevent photoaging caused by UVB stimulation and have antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2019

Psy's Gangnam style in 2012 showed K-pop's potential for global growth and BTS proved it by reaching three consecutive Billboard No.1. The success in the global music market brings tremendous economical and cultural power. This study is conducted for the continuous growth of K-pop music in the global music market by analyzing the musical factor of K-pop's global success. The top 20 most-viewed K-pop MV on Youtube is chosen as a research subject because Youtube is a worldwide platform that reflects global popularity. For the process of K-pop music creation, the role of the composer is expanded and many overseas producers participate in music creation. All 20 songs are created by the collective creation system and there is a consecutive collaboration between the main producers and certain artists. The top 20 most viewed K-pop songs have the musical characteristics of transnational genre convergence, hook songs, sophisticated sounds, frequent use of English lyrics, a reflection of the latest global trends, rhythm optimized for dance and clear concept. It makes the K-pop song easily remembered and familiar to overseas listeners. K-pop's healthy and fresh theme brings emotional empathy and reflects Korean sentiments. K-pop's global success is not a coincidence, but a result of continuous efforts to advance overseas. Some critics criticize K-pop's musical style is similar and it shows K-pop's limitation but K-pop progressed its musical evolution. By keeping the merits of K-pop's success factors and complementing its weak points, K-pop will continue its popularity and increase influence in the global music market.

• The Korean Journal of Coaching Psychology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.127-170
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• 2021

This study developed a measure to measure wellness-seeking behavior in important areas of life for general adults in Korea and verified its validity. For the development of the wellness scale, 31 factors derived through literature review, expert interviews, in-depth interviews, open questionnaires 1 and 2, and 182 questions were selected as the final 10 factors and 99 questions. Through exploratory factor analysis of the results of the preliminary survey of 351 adults in Korea, 58 questions of 10 factors were derived, and some of the questions reflecting important concepts in each factor were revised, and this survey was conducted with 63 questions of 10 factors. In this survey conducted on 667 people, to verify the validity of the composition concept of this test, the entire sampling was divided into two groups, one group was subjected to exploratory factor analysis, and the other group was subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. As a result of exploratory factor analysis, 63 questions of 10 factors (work, community, family, others, economic power, self-esteem, leisure, physical health, spirituality, and self-growth) were finally derived, and confirmatory factor analysis using the structural equation model verified that the model fit criteria were met. Convergence validity was verified using the K-MHC-SF and Wellness Index for Workers to verify whether the derived wellness scale and its sub-factors actually measure wellness. As a result of analyzing the relationship between the variables and factors of the Subjective Happiness Scale and Life Scale to verify the validity related to the criteria, it was found to be a significant correlation. As a result of confirming the significance of each path through multiple regression analysis, the 'self-esteem' on the wellness scale was identified as the most important factor influencing subjective happiness and life satisfaction. Finally, discussions on this research process and results, academic significance and practical significance, limitations, and future research directions were presented.