• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.27
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• pp.283-317
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• 2016

This research is an attempt to detail the multi-layered ethical characteristics of 'mutual beneficence', shown in the principle of 'guarding against self-deception' in Daesoon Thought while focusing on its major differences as well as the similarities with Kantian and Utilitarian ethical views. In these Western ethical perspectives, the concept of self-deception has received a considerable amount of attention, centering on the context of natural rights and contract theory. Meanwhile, in Daesoon Thought, 'guarding against self-deception' is presented as one of the principal objectives as well as the method or deontological ground for practice. It further encompasses the features of virtue ethics oriented toward the perfection of Dao. Here, the deontological aspect is interlinked with the concept of cultivation and the pursuit of ethics and morals. Hence this makes it a necessary condition for achieving the perfection of Dao, and likewise renders the practice of 'guarding against self-deception' more active through facilitating mutual relations based on the expansion model wherein human nature is characterized as possessing innate goodness. With regard to the tenet of 'resolution of grievances for mutual beneficence,' this concept is presented as a positive ground for practicing virtues toward others without forming grudges. Furthermore, as long as it reveals the great principle of humanity built on conscience, it will come to harmonize practitioners with others and spirits in an expression of beneficence. Moreover, originating in the Dao of Deities, guarding against self-deception is expressed as a form of life ethics and can be suggested as a new alternative for the model of virtue ethics proposed by Nussbaum. All in all, there is a natural causal relationship by which 'guarding against self-deception' in accord one's own conscience and the principle of humanity as a pursuit of perfect virtues in Dao result in the fulfillment of mutual beneficence. This readily akin to how gravity causes water to flow from high ground to low ground. Consequently, these relational features of mutual beneficence can serve an effective alternative to the Western ethical views which also address the need to overcome the egoistic mind which is liable to self-interest and alienation.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.41
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• pp.133-178
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• 2022

This study investigates if four propitious sites (四明堂, sa myeongdang) identified in Daesoon Jinrihoe's The Canonical Scripture correspond with the orthodox descriptions of dragon, energy hub, sand, and water (龍穴砂水, yong hyeol sa su) which are held by Fengshui as conditions necessary for that specific designation. In this study, these conditions, based on the shape of the site-formations, were observed via through on-site surveys and the application of the theories presented by traditional books on Fengshui. First, the dragon veins (龍脈, yongmaek) of the energy hub of the Five Immortals Playing Baduk (五仙圍碁穴 oseonwigi- hyeol) on Mount Hoemun in Sunchang consists of solid soil, is like a spiderweb, rises and lays prone, winds in every direction, and looks almost disconnected while actually remaining connected. Second, the Fengshui characteristics of the energy hub of Worship Held by Buddhist Monks from Abroad (胡僧禮佛穴, hoseungyebul- hyeol) on Mount Seungdal in Muan is that the branching feet (枝脚 jigak) support the mountain range by forming a valley to the left and right of the dragon veins that stretch from the peak of Mount Seungdal. Also, the direction-changing helm (橈棹 yodo) supports the mountain range solidly can be said to be well-developed. It is likewise noted that there is an excellent change in dragon veins in that exhibit curvature that spans being high, low, rising, and lying. This makes it appear as though the dragon is wriggling back and forth. Third, the state of the energy hub of Celestial Maidens Weaving Silk (仙女織錦穴, seonnyojikgeum-hyeol) on Sonryong Ridge in Jangseong County demonstrates overall harmony between mountain and water as it is near Mount Ju and Mount An and has a solid water outlet to which it is tightly fastened such that its energy does not leak out. Meanwhile, the positioning of its blue dragon of the east, red phoenix of the south, white tiger of the west, and black tortoise of the north is so intimate that its long flow can be said to be spinning. The Songryong Ridge area where energy hub was formed between soil and bedrock is the right land for a great favored location as it corresponds with Fengshui logic in an exemplary manner. Fourth, the Fengshui characteristics of the energy hub of Subjects Receiving the Imperial Command (群臣奉詔穴, gunshinbongjo-hyeol) at Baerye-jeon Field in Taein can be described as embracing the village snuggly as it centers around Mount Wangja, and its blue dragon and white tiger respond to each other. Additionally, a clear distinction between host and guest is noticeable in the positions of Mount Ju and Mount An. The flowing body of water in front of the village wraps around that village as a Horizontal Water Formation (橫水局, hoengsuguk), and vigorous vapor from the earth draws breath as the yin-yang energy of the landscape courses through the earth. As dragon veins, the range of the mountain, are like the blood vessels within the human body and the dragon is compared to the limbs, the energy hub of Subjects Receiving the Imperial Command at Baerye-jeon Field in Taein can be identified as a favored location that was formed directly by the sky and earth.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.7.1-7.19
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• 2024

Viral load and the duration of viral shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are important determinants of the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019. In this study, we examined the effects of viral doses on the lung and spleen of K18-hACE2 transgenic mice by temporal histological and transcriptional analyses. Approximately, 1×10⁵ plaque-forming units (PFU) of SARS-CoV-2 induced strong host responses in the lungs from 2 days post inoculation (dpi) which did not recover until the mice died, whereas responses to the virus were obvious at 5 days, recovering to the basal state by 14 dpi at 1×10² PFU. Further, flow cytometry showed that number of CD8+ T cells continuously increased in 1×10² PFU-virus-infected lungs from 2 dpi, but not in 1×10⁵ PFU-virus-infected lungs. In spleens, responses to the virus were prominent from 2 dpi, and number of B cells was significantly decreased at 1×10⁵ PFU; however, 1×1² PFU of virus induced very weak responses from 2 dpi which recovered by 10 dpi. Although the defense responses returned to normal and the mice survived, lung histology showed evidence of fibrosis, suggesting sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings indicate that specific effectors of the immune response in the lung and spleen were either increased or depleted in response to doses of SARS-CoV-2. This study demonstrated that the response of local and systemic immune effectors to a viral infection varies with viral dose, which either exacerbates the severity of the infection or accelerates its elimination.