• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.11-19
• /
• 2023

Alien species are known to threaten regional biodiversity globally, which has increased global interest regarding introduction of alien species. The Ministry of Environment of Korea designated species that have not yet been introduced into the country with potential threat as alert alien species to prevent damage to the ecosystem. In this study, potential habitats of Esox lucius and Maccullochella peelii, which are predatory and designated as alert alien fish, were predicted on a national basis. Habitat suitability was evaluated using EHSM (Ecological Habitat Suitability Model), and water temperature data were input to calculate Physiological Habitat Suitability (PHS). The prediction results have shown that PHS of the two fishes were mainly controlled by heat or cold stress, which resulted in biased habitat distribution. E. lucius was predicted to prefer the basins at high latitudes (Han and Geum River), while M. peelii preferred metropolitan areas. Through these differences, it was expected that the invasion pattern of each alien fish can be different due to thermal preference. Further studies are required to enhance the model's predictive power, and future predictions under climate change scenarios are required to aid establishing sustainable management plans.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.227-237
• /
• 2022

Knowledge on the seaweeds of eastern Sorsogon in the Philippines is uneven. Not only is eastern Sorsogon among the areas of high seaweed diversity but locals there have interacted with seaweeds for ages. Despite seaweeds' assumed importance to Sorsoganon, ethnobotanical records are missing. In this study, we documented the traditional knowledge on seaweed use and determined the rate of knowledge transmission among the locals of eastern Sorsogon. Vernacular names and modes of preparation were given of the 12 identified species bearing culinary and medicinal importance. Ten species were eaten while three were used therapeutically. Based on ethnobotanical indices, Caulerpa chemnitzia ecad turbinata and Gelidiella acerosa were the most important seaweeds. The least cited was Caulerpa racemosa. Our study demonstrated that most of the seaweed resources in eastern Sorsogon remain largely untapped, as the identified ethnotaxa were only about 5% of the total seaweed species diversity reported for the area. The seaweed knowledge in eastern Sorsogon appeared to be homogenous across age groups with primary sources of knowledge biased towards female relatives (mothers and grandmothers) and to children as inheritors. Cessation of seaweed knowledge may come at a potential cost, as a significant fraction of the population did not transmit their knowledge to others. Our study furthered the interest in providing sophisticated resource management recommendations that consider the relationships of traditional and scientific knowledge of seaweed selection and use in eastern Sorsogon and beyond.

• Human Ecology Research
• /
• v.60 no.3
• /
• pp.331-344
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify a support method for the introduction of metaverse-based classes (MBC) in home economics (HE) education. This was achieved by diagnosing the stages of concern and levels of use exhibited by HE teachers applying the concerns-based adoption model (CBAM). Questionnaires were sent to a convenience sample of middle- and high-school HE teachers using the KSDC (Korea Social Science Data Center). Overall, 271 responses were received, and the data were analyzed using KSDC E-STAT 3.0 and SPSS 28.0.1.1. The results were as follows: First, regarding the level of knowledge of MBC, the introductory level was the most common (139 respondents, 51.3%,), followed by the beginner level (81, 29.9%), the intermediate level (28, 10.3%,), the advanced level (12, 4.4%), and the master level (11, 4.1%). Average responses on a 5-point Likert scale to questions about the use of metaverse in HE classes were as follows: possibility (4.02), necessity (3.82), and usefulness (3.90). Second, HE teachers' stages of concern in MBC were as follows (in descending order): unconcerned - stage 0, and information - stage 1 (86.9), personal - stage 2 (85.6), management - stage 3 (80.9), collaboration - stage 5 (57.5), consequence - stage 4 (57.4), and refocusing - stage 6 (55.2). Third, the use of MBC was highest for orientation - level 1 (173 respondents, 63.8%), followed by non-use - level 0 (34, 12.5%), preparation - level 2 (29, 10.7%), mechanical - level 3 (15, 5.5%), refinement - level 5 (8, 3.0%), renewal - level 7 (8, 3.0%), routine - level 4 (3, 1.1%), and integration - level 6 (1, 0.4%). Many HE teachers had heard about MBC but were in the introductory level of not knowing what it is, and at the stage of being unconcerned or wanting to know about MBC. Of the 271 respondents, only 35 used metaverse in classes. Therefore, it is necessary to provide teacher training opportunities that provide basic information on the significance and implementation of MBC for HE teachers. Also, an MBC guideline book should be developed and distributed to HE teachers. Finally, a teacher community meeting is needed to share the expertise of teachers with substantial experience in using MBC.

• Informatization Policy
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.41-66
• /
• 2023

This study aims to reveal the direction of municipal ordinances for smart cities, while focusing on 74 municipal ordinances from 72 municipal governments through topic modeling. As a result, the main keywords that show a high frequency belong to establishment and operations of the Smart City Committee. From the result of topic modeling Latent Dirichlet Allocation(LDA), it classifies municipal ordinances for smart cities into eight topics as follows: Topic 1(security for process of smart cities), Topic 2(promotion of smart city industry), Topic 3(composition of a smart city consultative body for local residents), Topic 4(support system for smart cities), Topic 5(management for personal information), Topic 6(use of smart city data), Topic 7(implementation for intelligent public administration), and Topic 8(smart city promotion). As for topic categorization by region, Topics 5, 6, and 8 which are mostly related to the practical operation of smart cities have a significant portion of municipal ordinances for smart cities in the Seoul metropolitan area. Then, Topics 2, 3, and 4 which are mostly related to the initial implementation of smart cities have a significant portion of municipal ordinances for smart cities in provincial areas.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.105-116
• /
• 2023

Improved fish post-harvest technologies (IFPT) have been promoted as more efficient methods of fish processing, preservation, and value addition than the traditional methods prevalent in developing countries. The adoption rates, however, do not appear to be convincing. The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-demographic and psychological factors that influence intention of Kenyan farmed fish traders to use IFPT. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to properly explain the impact of TAM constructs such as perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and attitude (ATT), as well as socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education level and fish trading experience on traders' intention to use the technologies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data using a semi-structured questionnaire from 146 traders in Busia, Siaya and Kakamega counties. At a significance level of p = 0.05, a linear regression model was used to examine the socio-demographic and psychological determinants of the traders' behavioral intention to use the improved technologies. The regression analysis revealed that PU (β = 0.443; p = 0.000), PEOU (β = 0.364; p = 0.000) and ATT (β = 0.615; p = 0.000) influence traders' intention to use IFPT, with ATT having the highest influence on intention. However, the traders' socio-demographic characteristics have no effect on their intention to use the technologies, as the coefficients for gender (β = 0.148; p = 0.096), age (β = 0.016; p = 0.882), level of education (β = -0.135; p = 0.141) and fish trading experience (β = 0.017; p = 0.869) are all insignificant. These findings show that the traders intend to use IFPT and will use them when it is in their best economic interests.

• Communications of Mathematical Education
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.1-21
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the current situation of EduTech, which is proposed as a way to build a flexible learning environment regardless of time and place according to the use of digital technology in mathematics subjects. The process of designing classes to use the EduTech platform, which is still in the development introduction stage, in public education is still difficult, and research to observe its effects and characteristics is also in its early stages. However, in the stage of preparing for future education, it is a meaningful process to grasp the current situation and point out the direction in preparation for the future in which EduTech will be actively applied to education. Accordingly, the current situation and utilization trends of EduTech at home and abroad were confirmed, and the functions and roles of EduTech platforms used in mathematics were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the EduTech platform was pursuing learners' self-directed learning by constructing its functions so that they could be useful for individual learning of learners in hierarchical mathematics education. In addition, we have confirmed that the platform is evolving to be useful for teachers' work reduction, suitable activities, and evaluations learning management. Therefore, it is necessary to implement instructional design and individual customized learning support measures for students that can efficiently utilize these platforms in the future.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.274-283
• /
• 2024

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties (nutrient composition, pH, water content and activity, sorption properties) and mechanical properties (compression force and energy) of granulated feed mixtures with various inclusion levels of crude fibre concentrates ARBOCEL and VITACEL for broiler chickens, i.e. +0.0% (control group - group C), +0.3%, +0.8%, +1.0%, +1.2%. Methods: The feed mixtures were analyzed for their physicochemical properties (nutrient composition by near-infrared spectroscopy, pH with the use a CP-401 pH meter with an IJ-44C glass electrode, water content was determined with the drying method and activity was determined with the Aqua Lab Series 3, sorption properties was determined with the static method) and mechanical properties (compression force and energy with the use TA-HD plus texture analyzer). The Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model applied in the study correctly described the sorption properties of the analyzed feed mixtures in terms of water activity. Results: The fibre concentrate type affected the specific surface area of the adsorbent and equilibrium water content in the GAB monolayer (p≤0.05) (significantly statistical). The type and dose of the fibre concentrate influenced the dimensionless C and k parameters of the GAB model related to the properties of the monolayer and multilayers, respectively (p≤0.05). They also affected the pH value of the analyzed feed mixtures (p≤0.05). In addition, crude fibre type influenced water activity (p≤0.05) as well as compression energy (J) and compression force (N) (p≤0.001) (highly significantly statistical) of the feed mixtures. Conclusion: The physicochemical analyses of feed mixtures with various inclusion levels (0.3%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2%) of crude fiber concentrates ARBOCEL or VITACEL demonstrated that both crude fiber types may be used in the feed industry as a feedstuff material to produce starter type mixtures for broiler chickens.

• Information Systems Review
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.213-231
• /
• 2023

With the rapid development of live streaming commerce, online host as an information source plays a critical role in affecting live streaming performance. However, the impact of different product types on the relationship between online hosts and live streaming has been less studied. Based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) and information source theory, this study aims to empirically investigate what factors influence the sales of live streaming commerce and how product type moderates the relationship between them. The analysis of 11,422 live streaming commerce data collected for four months from October 10, 2021 to February 10, 2022 shows that, among the factors related to source credibility and attractiveness, multi-channel networks (MCN) and the number of followers positively affect the sales volume of live streaming commerce, whereas the reputation score harms the sales. Moreover, the moderating effect of the product type (i.e., ratio of involvement products) on the relationships is confirmed. The findings enrich the literature on live streaming commerce performance. The limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.40.1-40.24
• /
• 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive alternatives to conventional anti-asthmatic drugs for severe asthma. Mechanisms underlying the anti-asthmatic effects of MSCs have not yet been elucidated. This study evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of intravenously administered MSCs, focusing on macrophages and monocytes. Seven-week-old transgenic (Tg) mice with lung-specific overexpression of IL-13 were used to simulate chronic asthma. MSCs were intravenously administered four days before sampling. We examined changes in immune cell subpopulations, gene expression, and histological phenotypes. IL-13 Tg mice exhibited diverse features of chronic asthma, including severe type 2 inflammation, airway fibrosis, and mucus metaplasia. Intravenous administration of MSCs attenuated these asthmatic features just four days after a single treatment. MSC treatment significantly reduced SiglecF^-CD11c^-CD11b⁺ monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMs) and inhibited the polarization of MoMs into M2 macrophages, especially M2a and M2c. Furthermore, MSCs downregulated the excessive accumulation of Ly6c^- monocytes in the lungs. While an intravenous adoptive transfer of Ly6c^- monocytes promoted the infiltration of MoM and Th2 inflammation, that of MSC-exposed Ly6c^- monocytes did not. Ex vivo Ly6c^- MoMs upregulated M2-related genes, which were reduced by MSC treatment. Molecules secreted by Ly6c^- MoMs from IL-13 Tg mice lungs upregulated the expression of fibrosis-related genes in fibroblasts, which were also suppressed by MSC treatment. In conclusion, intravenously administered MSCs attenuate asthma phenotypes of chronic asthma by modulating macrophages. Identifying M2 macrophage subtypes revealed that exposure to MSCs transforms the phenotype and function of macrophages. We suggest that Ly6c^- monocytes could be a therapeutic target for asthma management.

• Information Systems Review
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.177-200
• /
• 2021

Recently, the use of prepaid electronic payments such as electronic wallets, digital currency and prepaid points is gradually increasing. Prepaid electronic payments has the characteristic of being used after charging first. This study empirically investigated the factors affecting the intention to use online charging in order to help improve the service that require prepaid recharge by applying transformed TAM. Since there are not many previous studies for the intention to use online charging, we extract factors through preceding researches for electronic cash and mobile easy payment. Also we analyze the intention to use online charging for transportation card users, focusing on the moderating effects. As a result of the study, it was found that 'convenience', 'ubiquity', and 'self-efficacy' among the independent variables had a positive (+) effect on mediation variable 'perceived usefulness'. 'Perceived usefulness' was analyzed to have a significant influence on the dependent variable 'usage intention'. According to users' gender, internet usage time, internet shopping frequency, online charging frequency and transportation card usage type, the moderating effect was significant on 'perceived usefulness' and 'usage intention'. As an implication, it was suggested that service improvement and differentiated marketing are needed in direction of increasing the usefulness of services. Additional research directions were proposed for services such as e-wallets, prepaid points and digital currencies by adding other factors and moderate variables.