• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.357-366
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• 2022

Background: Withania somnifera (Solanaceae), generally known as Indian ginseng, is a medicinal plant that is used in Ayurvedic practice for promoting health and longevity. This study aims to identify the bioactive metabolites from Indian ginseng and elucidate their structures. Methods: Withanolides were purified by chromatographic techniques, including HPLC coupled with LC/MS. Chemical structures of isolated withanolides were clarified by analyzing the spectroscopic data from 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESIMS experiment. Absolute configurations of the withanolides were established by the application of NMR chemical shifts and ECD calculations. Anti-adipogenic activities of isolates were evaluated using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with Oil Red O staining and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: Phytochemical examination of the roots of Indian ginseng afforded to the isolation of six withanolides (1-6), including three novel withanolides, withasilolides GeI (1-3). All the six compounds inhibited adipogenesis and suppressed the enlargement of lipid droplets, compared to those of the control. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of Fabp4 and Adipsin, the adipocyte markers decreased noticeably following treatment with 25 µM of 1-6. The active compounds (1-6) also promoted lipid metabolism by upregulating the expression of the lipolytic genes HSL and ATGL and downregulating the expression of the lipogenic gene SREBP1. Conclusion: The results of our experimental studies suggest that the withasilolides identified herein have anti-adipogenic potential and can be considered for the development of therapeutic strategies against adipogenesis in obesity. Our study also provides a mechanistic rationale for using Indian ginseng as a potential therapeutic agent against obesity and related metabolic diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Franchise Management
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.27-35
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• 2016

Purpose - The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of employee characteristics on employees' preference towards corporate pension products. This study can provide a guidance for maximization of benefits for employees and their affiliated corporation. Employee characteristics include average length of labour, wage system of annual salary, age, types of interest rates and size of corporation. Existing research generally concentrate on vitalizations of corporate pension product raising an imperfection, improvements, tax benefit analysis and legal consideration. Thus, this study intensively analyses the effect of employee attributes on firms' decision for corporate pension products, such as DB(defined benefit) and DC(defined contribution) type. Research design, data, and methodology - The data were collected using self-administrated questionnaire survey on corporate pension products from CEOs or HR directors 250 foreign-invested companies', purchasing pension plans in practice with domestic financial trustees (insurance companies, banks and security companies). Hypotheses testing was conducted using Logistic Regression analysis with SPSS/PC+ 21.0. Results - The findings of the study are as follows. Employees with the long length of labour are more likely to have DB plan; more likely to prefer DC plan with the dividend distribution product regarding the types of interest rate. SMEs(less than 100 employees) are more likely to select DC plan whereas high fluctuation in wage with annual salary has no impacts. In addition, the ages has no significant effect on the preference. Conclusions - This study has examined with the empirical testing that employees' variable attributes and qualities are one of the vital factors for corporation pension plan selection. Currently, majority employees are highly likely to join DB plan and Defined interest types. Corporation with less than 10 employees prefer IRP scheme while most of corporation are intended to join DC plan. In a very near future, corporation more than 300 employees will be required to purchase mandatory plan under national regulation. For maximization of employees' contentment to corporation pension insurance and for complementing the flaws of existing plans, the future studies shall also research in a perspective of employee benefit.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.147-155
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the benzene exposure levels in coal chemical and petrochemical refining industries during BTX turnaround (TA) processes where benzene was being produced. Three companies producing benzene were selected, one coal chemical and two petrochemical industries. TA processes were classified into three stages: shut down, maintenance, and start up. Data was analyzed by classifying the refining method into 2 groups (Petrochemistry, Coal chemistry) for 823 workers. Comparing the data from petrochemical industries with data from a coal chemical refining industry, while benzene concentration levels of long-term samples during TA were not statistically different (p> 0.05), those levels of short-term samples were significantly different (p< 0.001). About 4.79 % of data in petrochemical industries exceed the occupational exposure limits (OELs) of benzene, 1 ppm. In a coal refining methods, about 15.7% exceeded the benzene OELs. The benzene concentrations in maintenance and start up stage of TA for petrochemical refineries were higher than those in a coal chemical refinery (p <0.01). These findings suggest that the coal chemical refining site requires more stringent work practice controls compare to petrochemical refining sites during TA processes. Personal protective equipments including organic respirators should be used by TA workers to protect them from benzene overexposure.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.82-104
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• 2007

Purpose: We performed this study to examine the effect of controlled respiration on cardiovascular system in healthy adult subjects using impedance cardiography and photoplethysmography. Materials and Methods: This study had performed on 74 subjects, which were healthy men and women without a experience of respiration practice. Using the instruments for impedance cardiography and photoplethysmography, parameters of each subject had been measured after each controlled respirations which were natural respiration, controlled natural respiration (I:E=1.1.6), longer inspiration(I:E=3:3), and longer expiration(I:E=2:4). The measured parameters of impedance cardiography and photoplethysmography were processed statistically by one-way repeated ANOVA. Results: 1. HR and CI of impedance cardiography were decreased significantly during controlled respiration comparing with the result of basal state(the state of enough break). There was no significant difference among the results of controlled respiration. 2. PEP of impedance cardiography had no significant difference among the result of basal state and the results of controlled respiration(p=0.059). 3. VI of impedance cardiography had significant differences among the result of basal state and the results of controlled respiration, and decreased continuously through the controlled respiration. 4. b/a of photoplethysmography had no significant difference among the result of basal state and the results of controlled respiration(p=0.554). 5. c/a of photoplethysmography were decreased significantly during controlled respiration comparing with the result of basal state. There was no significant difference among the results of controlled respiration. 6. d/a of photoplethysmography had significant differences among the results of the controlled respiration decreasing continuously through the controlled respiration and had no significant difference between the result of basal state and the result of natural respiration. 7. AGI of photoplethysmography had significant differences among the result of basal state and the results of the controlled respiration increasing continuously through the controlled respiration. Conclusion: We had examined the effects of controlled respirations on cardiovascular system in multiple points of view. The effects of controlled respirations on cardiovascular system can't be explained in a simple way, as the cardiovascular system is controlled by many factors. Therefore, more physiological parameters must be measured in the future study on the effect of the controlled respiration on human cardiovascular system.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.159-174
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to provide information searching for health promotion, nutrition improvement, and health care of the impaired elderly by ADL(Activity of Daily Living) and IADL(Instrumental Activity of Daily Living). The subjects were divided into the Assistant Needed Group and No Assistant Needed Group for living in line with the responses of ADL(10 items like dressing, washing, move etc.) and IADL(10 items like housekeeping, using transportation, shopping, Phone call etc.). Survey was made for health behavior, health risk habit, dietary management status and diet intake by 24 hr-recall and questionnaire method. 242 subjects were collected in 12 cities or Gun districts in Gyeonggi Province, S. Korea. Survey was carried out by regional home extension workers using interview method. Statistical analyses were made using SAS (Version 8.1). Chi-Square Tests and General Linear Models. The subjects of impaired ADL elderly was 26.5% and it composed 30% of the total male and 22.2% of the total female. The demographic status of the impaired ADL elderly showed no difference from that of the normal elders, elementary school educated (73.4%), with spouse (43.8%) or with adult children(37.5%), using monthly living cost of 500-1,000 thousand won(35.9%). Mean age was 74.05 years compared to 72.25 years of normal elders. However, there was no significant difference from the normal and impaired ADL group, regular exercise(60.0%), with walking (90.0%), no-smoke(54.7%) and no-drink(48.4%). Kind of disease was not different from the one in impaired and normal group, with cardiovascular disease(32.3%), with diabetes mellitus(8.1%), joint lumbago neuralgia(32.3%) and osteoporosis(9.7%). Gastrointestinal complaints of the impaired ADL group were nausea(57.8%), chronic indigestion (23.4%), constipation (14,0%) and vomiting(3.7%). Sleeping time required for the impaired was longer than that for the normal group by 10hours(4.7%) or 8-10hours(20.3%), which consisted 1.7% and 16.6% respectively. Nutrient intake of the impaired ADL group was low compared to normal range elders: Energy(1260kca1), Protein(52.75g). There was gender difference in nutrient intake; the male impaired group showed no significant difference from the normal group but it was significantly lower in female impaired group. These results suggest that low quality of life and low economic status of the impaired ADL elderly require congregate meal in village hall to cover the lack of side dishe variety. And nutrition education program including community assistance would be required for the impaired ADL elderly together with the sufficient food and exercise practice. By operating nutrition education program, the impaired ADL elderly would maintain more enhanced quality of life and ameliorate the ADL capability.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5721-5727
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• 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of clustering methods used in the prognostic assessment of categorical clinical data for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in China, and establish a predictable prognostic nomogram for clinical decisions. Materials and Methods: A total of 332 newly diagnosed HCC patients treated with hepatic resection during 2006-2009 were enrolled. Patients were regularly followed up at outpatient clinics. Clustering methods including the Average linkage, k-modes, fuzzy k-modes, PAM, CLARA, protocluster, and ROCK were compared by Monte Carlo simulation, and the optimal method was applied to investigate the clustering pattern of the indices including platelet count, platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and serum aspartate aminotransferase activity/platelet count ratio index (APRI). Then the clustering variable, age group, tumor size, number of tumor and vascular invasion were studied in a multivariable Cox regression model. A prognostic nomogram was constructed for clinical decisions. Results: The ROCK was best in both the overlapping and non-overlapping cases performed to assess the prognostic value of platelet-based indices. Patients with categorical platelet-based indices significantly split across two clusters, and those with high values, had a high risk of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% CI 1.09-1.86; p<0.01). Tumor size, number of tumor and blood vessel invasion were also associated with high risk of HCC recurrence (all p< 0.01). The nomogram well predicted HCC patient survival at 3 and 5 years. Conclusions: A cluster of platelet-based indices combined with other clinical covariates could be used for prognosis evaluation in HCC.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.141-154
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to provide the information of the aged olds for which basic data are almost no available. The subjects were divided on the base of age 75. The elderly under 75 were named 'the young olds' and over 75 were 'the aged olds'. The aim of this research is to promote health and to improve nutrition, and the survey was made for health promotion behaviors, habits against health risk, dietary management status and diet intake. And it was conducted by 24 hr-recall method and analyzed by nutrients intake. 242 subjects were collected in 12 cities or counties in Gyeonggi Province and 20 elderly people (10 male and 10 female) were selected out of 1 village in each district. Questionnaire about health behavior and dietary management was carried out by interview method through regional home extension workers. Statistical analyses were made by SAS (version 8.1) and Chi-square tests and General Linear Models were used. Out of the subjects the aged olds over 75 was 31.9%, elementary school educated (93.5%), with spouse (40.3%), with adult children(28.6%), monthly living cost of 500-1,000 thousand won(40.3%). Mean age was 78.82 years compared with 69.75 years of the young olds. 46.8% of the aged olds used monthly pocket money over 1000 won and it was lower than 63.3% of the young olds. Only half of the aged olds had regular exercise of walking (77.8%) or with athletic equipment (17.8%). However, the young olds did more frequent walking (82.1 %) and less exercise with athletic equipment (4.8 %), which was significantly different. Kinds of disease were different with the young or the aged olds, as more proportion of cardiovascular disease(37.9%) for the young olds and joint lumbago neuralgia(41.6%) for the aged olds. Dietary management was good (3 meals per day: 93.4%, fixed mealtime: 72.4%, and regular amount: 79.9%). But there was significant difference in side dish varieties and kinds of snacks; for the aged olds only 8% had over 5 sorts (compared with 18.8% of the young olds) and the kinds of snacks were cookie, candy, juice, carbonated beverage for the aged olds (compared with noodle, milk, soybean-milk for young olds). The ratio of nutrients intake (energy, riboflavin and niacin) with RDA was significantly higher for the aged olds than that of the young olds. The surveyed subjects had no difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), but some of the aged olds had difficulties in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) like housekeeping, using transportation, going shopping and making phone calls. These results suggest that low quality of life is linked with low economic status of the rural elderly and congregate meal at village hall would be required because of the lack of side dishes variety for the aged olds. And nutrition education program about good snacks and exercise practice would be needed for the aged olds. By operating nutrition education program the aged olds would enjoy better quality life maintaining or ameliorating IADL abilities.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1144-1151
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• 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease associated with various metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Cudrania tricuspidata is a medicinal plant distributed widely in Asia and has been used in clinical practice to treat various diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the lipid-lowering effects of C. tricuspidata fruit extract (CTE) using a cell model induced by free fatty acids (FFAs). HepG2 cells were exposed to 1mM FFAs (palmitic acid:oleic acid = 2:1) for 24 hr to simulate the conditions of NAFLD in vitro. CTE attenuated the increases of lipid accumulation, intracellular triglyceride, and cholesterol content and inhibited 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) activity in the HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Also, CTE inhibited the protein expression of lipogenesis-related genes, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1/-2 (SREBP-1/-2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) in FFAs-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. In addition, CTE-induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that CTE attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation by inhibiting lipogenesis through the modulation of the AMPK signaling pathway on FFAs-induced lipogenesis in HepG2 cells and may potentially prevent NAFLD.

• Journal of the Korean Professional Engineers Association
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.54-75
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• 1995

This synthesis has been prepared from a review of literature on Truck Escape Ramps technology and a survey of current practice by state department of transportation. Their locations have been determined usually from a combination of accident experience and en-gineering judgement, but new tools are emerging that can identify needs and sites without waiting for catastrophic accidents to happen. The Grade Severity Rating Systems holds promise in this regard. Design Procedures for truck excape ramps continue to evolve. Gravel arrester beds are clearly the preferred choice across the country Rounded aggregate, uniformly graded in the approximate size range of 13 to 18mm. Tech-nical publications typically have dassified TER types as paved gravity, sandpile, and ar-rester bed ramps. The design speed for vehicle entry into the ramp in critical to the deter-mination of ramp length. An escape ramp should be designed for a minimum entry speed of 130km/hr, a 145km/hr design being preferred. The ramps should be straight and their angle to the roadway align-ment should be as possible. The grade of truck escape ramps show the adjustment of ramp design to local topography, such as the tradeoff of ramp length against earthwork requirements. A width of 9 to 12m would more safety acommodate two or more outof con-trol vehicles. Reguarding comments on the most effective material, most respondents cited their own specification or referred to single graded, rounded pea gravel. The consensus essentially Is that single graded, well -rounded gravel is the most desirable material for use in arrester beds. The arrester beds should be constructed with a minimum aggregate depth of 30cm. Successful ramps have used depths between 30 and 90cm.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.57-84
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• 2023

With the development of information and communications technology (ICT) and big data technology, anyone can easily obtain and utilize vast amounts of data through the Internet. Therefore, the capability of selecting high-quality data from a large amount of information is becoming more important than the capability of just collecting them. This trend continues in academia; literature reviews, such as systematic and non-systematic reviews, have been conducted in various research fields to construct a healthy knowledge structure by selecting high-quality research from accumulated research materials. Meanwhile, after the COVID-19 pandemic, remote healthcare services, which have not been agreed upon, are allowed to a limited extent, and new healthcare services such as health recommender systems (HRS) equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies are in the spotlight. Although, in practice, HRS are considered one of the most important technologies to lead the future healthcare industry, literature review on HRS is relatively rare compared to other fields. In addition, although HRS are fields of convergence with a strong interdisciplinary nature, prior literature review studies have mainly applied either systematic or non-systematic review methods; hence, there are limitations in analyzing interactions or dynamic relationships with other research fields. Therefore, in this study, the overall network structure of HRS and surrounding research fields were identified using citation network analysis (CNA). Additionally, in this process, in order to address the problem that the latest papers are underestimated in their citation relationships, the GraphSAGE algorithm was applied. As a result, this study identified 'recommender system', 'wireless & IoT', 'computer vision', and 'text mining' as increasingly important research fields related to HRS research, and confirmed that 'personalization' and 'privacy' are emerging issues in HRS research. The study findings would provide both academic and practical insights into identifying the structure of the HRS research community, examining related research trends, and designing future HRS research directions.