• Journal of the Korea Society for Simulation
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.37-44
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• 2024

The Korean Helicopter Development Program has successfully introduced the Surion helicopter, a versatile multi-domain operational aircraft that replaces the aging UH-1 and 500MD helicopters. Specifically designed for maneuverability, the Surion plays a crucial role in low-altitude tactical maneuvers for personnel transportation and specific missions, emphasizing the helicopter's survivability. Despite the significance of its low-altitude tactical maneuver capability, there is a notable gap in research focusing on multi-mission tactical maneuvers that consider the risk factors associated with deploying the Surion in the presence of enemy air defenses. This study addresses this gap by exploring a method to enhance the Surion's low-altitude maneuvering paths, incorporating information about enemy air defenses. Leveraging the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm, a reinforcement learning-based approach, the research aims to optimize the helicopter's path planning. Visualized experiments were conducted using a Surion model implemented in the Unity environment and ML-Agents library. The proposed method resulted in a rapid and stable policy convergence for generating optimal maneuvering paths for the Surion. The experiments, based on two key criteria, "operation time" and "minimum damage," revealed distinct optimal paths. This divergence suggests the potential for effective tactical maneuvers in low-altitude situations, considering the risk factors associated with enemy air defenses. Importantly, the Surion's capability for remote control in all directions enhances its adaptability in complex operational environments.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.219-227
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• 2024

Objectives: The pulp is the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. The condition in which the pulp becomes inflamed due to caries or periodontitis is called pulpitis. Pulpitis is a difficult-to-treat disease and causes peripheral nerve tissue changes and severe pain; however, the relationship between neuronal activity and voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) expression in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) during pulpitis has not been well studied. In this study, we found that experimentally induced pulpitis activates Nav1.7 expression in the periphery, leading to neuronal overexpression in the TG. Thus, we sought to identify ways to regulate this process. Methods: Acute pulpitis was induced in rat maxillary molars by treating the pulp with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Three days later, in vivo optical imaging was used to record and compare neural activities in the TG. Western blotting was used to identify molecular changes in terms of the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Fos, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2) in the brain stem. Results: The results confirmed the neurological changes in the TGs of the pulpitis model, and histological and molecular biological evidence confirmed that increased Nav1.7 expression induced by pulpitis leads to pain. Furthermore, selective inhibition of Nav1.7 resulted in changes in neural activity, suggesting that pulpitis induces increased Nav1.7 expression, and that effective control of Nav1.7 could potentially reduce pain. Conclusions: The inhibition of overexpressed Nav1.7 channels may modulate nociceptive signal processing in the brain and effectively control pain associated with pulpitis.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.87-110
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• 2017

Analyzing and finding the risk factors in information technology (IT) projects have been discussed because risk management is an important issue in IT project management. This study obtained the risk factor checklists with priorities, analyzed the causal relationship of risk factors, and determined their influences on IT project management. However, only few studies systematically classified IT project risk factors in terms of risk exposure. These studies considered both the probability of occurrence and the degree of risk simultaneously. The present study determined 53 IT project risk factors on the basis of literature and expert group discussions. Additionally, this study presented clustering analysis based on the data of 140 project managers. The IT project risk factor classification framework was divided into four areas (HIHF, HILF, LIHF, and LILF). The present results can be used to help IT project managers establish effective risk management strategies and reduce IT project failures. This study also provides academic implication because it considers both the probability of occurrence and the degree of influence of risk factors.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.859-868
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate the value of initial CT quantitative analysis of ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, and total lesion volume and its relationship with clinical features for assessing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: A total of 84 patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively reviewed from January 23, 2020 to February 19, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: severe group (n = 23) and non-severe group (n = 61). Clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and CT findings on admission were analyzed. CT quantitative parameters, including GGO, consolidation, total lesion score, percentage GGO, and percentage consolidation (both relative to total lesion volume) were calculated. Relationships between the CT findings and laboratory data were estimated. Finally, a discrimination model was established to assess the severity of COVID-19. Results: Patients in the severe group had higher baseline neutrophil percentage, increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and procalcitonin levels, and lower baseline lymphocyte count and lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.001). The severe group also had higher GGO score (p < 0.001), consolidation score (p < 0.001), total lesion score (p < 0.001), and percentage consolidation (p = 0.002), but had a lower percentage GGO (p = 0.008). These CT quantitative parameters were significantly correlated with laboratory inflammatory marker levels, including neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte count, lymphocyte percentage, hs-CRP level, and procalcitonin level (p < 0.05). The total lesion score demonstrated the best performance when the data cut-off was 8.2%. Furthermore, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 93.8% (confidence interval [CI]: 86.8-100%), 91.3% (CI: 69.6-100%), and 91.8% (CI: 23.0-98.4%), respectively. Conclusion: CT quantitative parameters showed strong correlations with laboratory inflammatory markers, suggesting that CT quantitative analysis might be an effective and important method for assessing the severity of COVID-19, and may provide additional guidance for planning clinical treatment strategies.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.695-706
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate the technical and clinical efficacy of the percutaneous insertion of a biliary metallic stent, and to identify the factors associated with biliary stent dysfunction in patients with malignant duodenobiliary obstruction. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 70 patients (39 men and 31 women; mean age, 63 years; range, 38-90 years) who were treated for malignant duodenobiliary obstruction at our institution between April 2007 and December 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Variables found significant by univariate log-rank analysis (p < 0.2) were considered as suitable candidates for a multiple Cox's proportional hazard model. Results: The biliary stents were successfully placed in all 70 study patients. Biliary stent insertion with subsequent duodenal stent insertion was performed in 33 patients and duodenal stent insertion with subsequent biliary stent insertion was performed in the other 37 study subjects. The median patient survival and stent patency time were 107 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 78-135 days) and 270 days (95% CI, 95-444 days), respectively. Biliary stent dysfunction was observed in 24 (34.3%) cases. Multiple Cox's proportional hazard analysis revealed that the location of the distal biliary stent was the only independent factor affecting biliary stent patency (hazard ratio, 3.771; 95% CI, 1.157-12.283). The median biliary stent patency was significantly longer in patients in whom the distal end of the biliary stent was beyond the distal end of the duodenal stent (median, 327 days; 95% CI, 249-450 days), rather than within the duodenal stent (median, 170 days; 95% CI, 115-225 days). Conclusion: The percutaneous insertion of the biliary metallic stent appears to be a technically feasible, safe, and effective method of treating malignant duodenobiliary obstruction. In addition, a biliary stent system with a distal end located beyond the distal end of the duodenal stent will contribute towards longer stent patency in these patients.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.48-71
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• 2024

Typhoons are representative oceanic and atmospheric phenomena that cause interactions within the Earth's system with diverse influences. In recent decades, the typhoons have tended to strengthen due to rapidly changing climate. The 2022 revised science curriculum emphasizes the importance of teaching-learning activities using advanced science and technology to cultivate digital literacy as a citizen of the future society. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the temporal and spatial limitations of textbook illustrations and to develop effective instructional materials using global-scale big data covered in the field of earth science. In this study, according to the procedure of the PDIE (Preparation, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model, the inquiry activity data was developed to visualize the track of the typhoon using the image data of GK-2A. In the preparatory stage, the 2015 and 2022 revised curriculum and the contents of the inquiry activities of the current textbooks were analyzed. In the development stage, inquiry activities were organized into a series of processes that can collect, process, visualize, and analyze observational data, and a GUI (Graphic User Interface)-based visualization program that can derive results with a simple operation was created. In the implementation and evaluation stage, classes were conducted with students, and classes using code and GUI programs were conducted respectively to compare the characteristics of each activity and confirm its applicability in the school field. The class materials presented in this study enable exploratory activities using actual observation data without professional programming knowledge which is expected to contribute to students' understanding and digital literacy in the field of earth science.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.627-637
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• 2023

Background: Damage to the healthy intestinal epithelial layer and regulation of the intestinal immune system, closely interrelated, are considered pivotal parts of the curative treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Plant-based diets and phytochemicals can support the immune microenvironment in the intestinal epithelial barrier for a balanced immune system by improving the intestinal microecological balance and may have therapeutic potential in colitis. However, there have been only a few reports on the therapeutic potential of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) and the underlying mechanism in colitis. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of PENs from Panax ginseng, ginseng-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GENs), in a mouse model of IBD, with a focus on the intestinal immune microenvironment. Method: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of GENs on acute colitis, we treated GENs in Caco2 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and analyzed the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we further examined bacterial DNA from feces and determined the alteration of gut microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice after administration of GENs through 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Result: GENs with low toxicity showed a long-lasting intestinal retention effect for 48 h, which could lead to effective suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 production through inhibition of NF-κB in DSS-induced colitis. As a result, it showed longer colon length and suppressed thickening of the colon wall in the mice treated with GENs. Due to the amelioration of the progression of DSS-induced colitis with GENs treatment, the prolonged survival rate was observed for 17 days compared to 9 days in the PBS-treated group. In the gut microbiota analysis, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota was decreased, which means GENs have therapeutic effectiveness against IBD. Ingesting GENs would be expected to slow colitis progression, strengthen the gut microbiota, and maintain gut homeostasis by preventing bacterial dysbiosis. Conclusion: GENs have a therapeutic effect on colitis through modulation of the intestinal microbiota and immune microenvironment. GENs not only ameliorate the inflammation in the damaged intestine by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines but also help balance the microbiota on the intestinal barrier and thereby improve the digestive system.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.97-107
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• 2024

This study aims to identify the factors that affect customer satisfaction as the market growth of rental subscription services for living environment home appliances increases. Unlike previous research, which focused on online subscriptions (e.g., digital content, over-the-top (OTT) services, e-books, and mobile devices), this study expands the scope to include rental subscriptions for household environmental appliances. Specifically, this study analyzes the factors influencing customer satisfaction among rental subscription service users by examining the effects of perceived usefulness, reliability, and convenience. The results show that users' perceived reliability and convenience of rental subscription services for living environment home appliances significantly affect customer satisfaction. Perceived usefulness, however, was not found to have a significant impact, as it is an abstract and subjective customer aspect. The implications of the results are as follows: First, standardized services must be strengthened to increase the reliability of rental subscription services. Additionally, it is necessary to improve convenience by developing additional services when managing regular visits tailored to the characteristics of each product. Providing customized services by integrating products and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). Furthermore, effective customer management to increase customer satisfaction is crucial, as it can lead to cross-selling and up-selling opportunities. Lastly, venture start-ups should actively apply a subscription service business model.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.38-47
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• 2024

Molybdenite is the primary molybdenum resource and is extracted via flotation due to its unique hydrophobic surface. Meanwhile, the grade and crystal size of mined molybdenite are decreasing. As a result, the size of the molybdenum ore required for liberation is decreasing, and the flotation process's feed size input is also decreasing. Therefore, in order to secure molybdenum, it is necessary to perform research on the flotation for the fine molybdenite. In this study, we developed a method to enhance the flotation efficiency of fine molybdenite particles in the range of 5-30 ㎛. The methodology involved implementing bubble size reduction and particle aggregation. Through simulations of bubble-particle collision probability and flotation experiments, we were able to find the ranges of bubble size and particle aggregate size that make fine particles float more effectively. This range provided the conditions for effective flotation of fine molybdenite particles. Therefore, we will implement the flotation conditions established in this study for fine molybdenum ore to improve the flotation process in molybdenum mineral processing plants in the future.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.25-40
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• 2024

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the effects of clean-diabetes mellitus 3 (C-DM3), a herbal formula with Trichosanthis Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Crataegi Fructus, and Cinnamomi Cortex, on the pathological and serological symptoms of diabetes and its related molecular mechanisms in diet-induced obese mice. Methods: We prepared an obese mouse model using a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and then administered the C-DM3 extract for 4 weeks. The changes of pathological and serological biomarkers for diabetes assessment were measured in the mice and histological changes were observed in the liver and pancreas tissues. We also identified the main compounds in the C-DM3 extract using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed the molecular mechanism of the disease condition by network pharmacological analysis. Results: In the in vivo, the administration of C-DM extract to obese mice significantly reduced body weight gain, fatty liver symptoms, and muscle loss, and decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, aspertate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, C-DM extract significantly increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, protein kinase b (AKT), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and glucose transporter 4 in all pancreatic and liver tissues, with inhibition of histopathological changes in obese mice. HPLC analysis identified hyperoside, berberine, epiberberine, columbamin, coptisine, coumarin, jatrorrhizine, and citric acid as the main compounds. In the network pharmacological analysis, the molecular targets of C-DM3 extract on obesity and diabetes were shown as the insulin, AKT, PI3K, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways with the regulation of inflammatory molecules interleukin 6 (IL-6), jun proto-oncogene, and IL-1β, which matched our in vivo targets. Conclusions: Based on these results, C-DM3 extract is expected to be effective in improving obesity and preventing diabetic progression.