• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.37-45
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• 2021

We have analyzed 42 research papers regarding on the solar astronomy written by North Korea scientists to investigate the current status of astronomical activities in North Korea. The papers are surveyed from the 'Bulletin of Astronomy', the 'Physics', the 'Bulletin of Academy of Science', and the 'Natural Science' in North Korea, and SCI journals. In addition, we refer to the presentation material announced in the 2015 IAU by director of Pyongyang Astronomical Observatory (PAO) and the 2013 OAD/IAU reports. We have analyzed the papers statistically according to three criteria such as research subject, research field, and research members. The main research subjects are the sunspot (28%), observation system (21%), and space environments (19%). The research fields are distributed with data analysis (50%), numerical method (29%), and instrument development (21%). There have been 25 and 9 researchers in the solar astronomy and space environment, respectively since 1995. North Korea's solar research activities were also investigated in three area: instrument, solar physics, and international research linkage. PAO has operated two of sunspot telescope and solar horizontal telescope for spectroscopy and polarimetry, but there is no specific information on solar radio telescopes. North Korea has cooperated in solar research with Europe and China. We expect that the results of this study will be used as useful resource in supporting astronomical cooperation between South and North Korea in the future.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.55-76
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• 2020

The traditional occupational boundaries of human resources in science and technology (S&T) have quickly blurred in Korea. On the one hand, the knowledge-based economy has emerged and S&T proliferated beyond conventional areas, leading scientists and engineers to advance into various convergence fields. On the other hand, Korea's labor market is characterized by a higher percentage of highly-educated human resources and a relatively smaller number of high-quality jobs. As a result, the highly educated in S&T have flowed over the traditional careers into non-S&T careers. Focusing on doctorates in S&T, this paper analyzes changes in their career patterns and identifies main determinants. Specifically, jobs are categorized into traditional STEM occupations and the others in order to identify fluctuations in their share and to analyze factors affecting such changes. The analyses are based on data from the 'Survey on Careers and Mobility of Doctorate Holders 2012' conducted by the Science and Technology Policy Institute. The results exhibit marked changes in the occupational composition of doctorates in S&T. Occupational diversification has been proceeded faster in natural sciences, the private sector, and the younger generation than in engineering, the public sector, and the older generation.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.501-519
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• 2003

Silk Sericin(SS) is a natural protein extracted from cocoon of bombix mori and shows moisturizing effect to the skin due to a number of hydroxyl groups in the structure. But its application to cosmetics is limited due to its poor solubility in water. In order to solve this drawback and expand its application to cosmetics, polyethyleneglycol(PEG) was conjugated with sericin by reacting activated polyethyleneglycol(ActPEG). Reaction site of sericin is tyrosine residue, which was determined by using $^1$H-NMR. Random coil structure of sericin was transformed to beta-sheet structure by conjugating polyethyleneglycol. It was confirmed that melting point of sericin-PEG conjugate was lowered compared to that of each sericin and PEG due to the interaction between sericin and PEG in crystalline structure. Self-assembled sericin-PEG nanoparticle was obtained by dialyzing with alcohol solution of sericin-PEG conjugate against water. The particle is spherical and has 200-400nm of size. The moisturizing ability of sericin-PEG nanoparticle was much higher than that of sericin itself. Incorporation of vitamin A into sericin-PEG nanoparticle was carried out by diafiltration method. The content of incorporated Vitamin A in sericin-PEG nanoparticle was 8.9 wt％. Releasing behaviour of vitamin A incorporated into nanoparticle was tested in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 at 37$^{\circ}C$. and half-life of Vitamin A release was 43hrs. Sericin-PEG nanoparticle exhibited higher moisturing effect than sericin itself and distilled water, respectively. No toxicity and irritation were observed in animal tests. It can be expected that the self-assembled sericin-PEG nanoparticle can be developed for cosmetics.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.601-610
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• 2003

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin used as a skin conditioning agent and promotes the formation of intercellular lipid layers through increased lipid synthesis, which improves the skin's natural barrier function. The anti-inflammatory effects of biotin have been investigated using in vitro assay models, such as MTT assay, measurements of concentrations of nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE$_2$), and inhibition rate of 5-lipoxygenase(5-LOX). In comparison with biotin, other plant extracts were tested at the same time which were kudzu vine extract, sage extract, paeonia extract, and dipotassium glycyrrhetinate. Nitric oxide is a signal molecule with functions such as neurotransmission, local vascular relaxation, and anti-inflammation in many physiological and pathological processes. NO can cause apoptosis and necrosis of target cells such as keratinocytes and is generated from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Prostanoids, including prostaglandins and thromboxanes, are generated by the phospholipase $A_2$/cyclooxygenase(COX) pathway, and leukotrienes are generated by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway from arachidonic acid. Prostaglandin E2 recently have been shown to be beneficial in the resolution of tissue injury and inflammation, also has been implicated as an immunosuppressive agent and plasma levels of PGE$_2$ are elevated in patients sustaining thermal injury. Lipoxygenase metabolites from arachidonic acid have been implicated in inflammation, anti-inflammatory activity of the raw materials was evaluated in vitro by the offered inhibition of lipoxygenase.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.155-172
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• 2023

The collapse of ice shelves is a process that can severely increase the rise of global sea-levels through the reduction of the buttressing effect of ice shelves and the consequent acceleration of the ice flow of ice sheets. In recent years, the West Antarctic ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea, whose buttressing effect is essential for a great part of the West Antarctic ice sheet, have been experiencing the most rapid melting and thinning in the world. The melting of the West Antarctic ice shelves is caused primarily by heat transported by Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW). For this reason, it is important to investigate ice-ocean interactions that could influence the melting of ice shelves and evaluate the stability of West Antarctic ice shelves. A lot of researchers have been actively investigating the West Antarctic ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea. High-impact journals have recognized the importance of and published studies on ice-ocean interactions occurring near and under the ice shelves as well as the connections among ice shelves. However, in situ observations are limited due to extreme weather and sea-ice conditions near the ice shelves; therefore, many scientific questions remain unanswered. This study introduces the characteristics of the Amundsen Sea and investigate the past and latest research issues in this region. This study also gives suggestions regarding important scientific questions and directions for future research that should help early-career scientists take the lead in future research on the melting dynamics of the West Antarctic ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.77-90
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• 2023

Today, crops face many characteristics/diseases. Insect damage is one of the main characteristics/diseases. Insecticides are not always effective because they can be toxic to some birds. It will also disrupt the natural food chain for animals. A common practice of plant scientists is to visually assess plant damage (leaves, stems) due to disease based on the percentage of disease. Plants suffer from various diseases at any stage of their development. For farmers and agricultural professionals, disease management is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. It requires urgent diagnosis and preventive measures to maintain quality and minimize losses. Many researchers have provided plant disease detection techniques to support rapid disease diagnosis. In this review paper, we mainly focus on artificial intelligence (AI) technology, image processing technology (IP), deep learning technology (DL), vector machine (SVM) technology, the network Convergent neuronal (CNN) content Detailed description of the identification of different types of diseases in tomato and potato plants based on image retrieval technology (CBIR). It also includes the various types of diseases that typically exist in tomato and potato. Content-based Image Retrieval (CBIR) technologies should be used as a supplementary tool to enhance search accuracy by encouraging you to access collections of extra knowledge so that it can be useful. CBIR systems mainly use colour, form, and texture as core features, such that they work on the first level of the lowest level. This is the most sophisticated methods used to diagnose diseases of tomato plants.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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• 2021.11a
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• pp.132-133
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• 2021

In recent years, energy harvesting from natural sources and waste heat has been attracting more attention from researchers in response to ever-growing energy demands, high energy prices, and climate-change-mitigation purposes. It is also an important step towards future sustainable energy usages. In thermal dynamic cycles, expanders are playing as the most important equipment for waste heat recovery and energy harvesting as well. As a kind of expander, the bladeless turbine has a promising future and more widely using owning its advantages on relatively long life, good off-design performance, easy operation cleaning and maintenance, a simple structure, no blade corrosion, and low manufacturing costs. There are numerous studies about using the Tesla Turbine as a key technology for energy harvesting in a wide range of applications and conditions. They are presented to help identify technologies that have sufficient potential for applicating to our life and marine industrial engineering. This review paper, initially, presents an overview of current studies both theoretical and experimental of Tesla Turbine usage for waste heat recovery alongside its challenges and investigation on the effect of its configuration, working fluid selection as well. To conclude, future perspectives besides possible ways of transforming waste heat energy to electricity or work, which leads to circular energy, are discussed. The ambition of this paper is to act as a first-hand reference, through the well-defined possible directions, to the young researchers and senior scientists.

• Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.53-58
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• 2024

This study explores the enhancement of mechanical properties in Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) composites through the incorporation of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) and Ethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Utilizing Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, we conducted a series of experiments to analyze the impact of varying concentrations of MMA and EGDMA on PMMA. The results indicate that while MMA demonstrates non-linear and variable mechanical strength across different PMMA concentrations, EGDMA consistently improves mechanical strength as PMMA concentration increases. This consistent enhancement by EGDMA suggests a stable and predictable reinforcement effect, which is critical for applications requiring high mechanical strength. Our comparative analysis highlights that EGDMA is a more effective additive than MMA for optimizing the mechanical performance of PMMA composites. Specifically, EGDMA's ability to provide uniform reinforcement across various PMMA concentrations makes it ideal for high-strength applications. These findings are significant for material scientists and engineers focused on the design and development of advanced PMMA-based materials. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of selecting appropriate additives to enhance the mechanical properties of PMMA composites. The superior performance of EGDMA in reinforcing PMMA suggests its potential for broader applications in fields such as automotive, construction, medical devices, and 3D printing. This study provides valuable insights that can guide future research and development in high-performance composite materials, paving the way for innovative applications and improved material efficiency.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

Otters, designated as Class I endangered wildlife due to population declines resulting from urban development and stream burial, have seen increased appearances in freshwater environments since the nationwide ban on stream filling in 2020 and the implementation of urban stream restoration projects. There is a pressing need for scientific and strategic conservation measures for otters, an umbrella and vulnerable species in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, this study predicts potential otter habitats using the species distribution model MaxEnt, focusing on Hwangguji Stream in Suwon, and proposes conservation strategies. Otter signs were surveyed over three years from 2019 to 2021 with citizen scientists, serving as presence data for the model. The model's outcomes were enhanced by analyzing 'river nature map' as a boundary. MaxEnt compared the performance of 60 combinations of feature classes and regularization multipliers to prevent model complexity and overfitting. Additionally, unmanned sensor cameras observed otter density for model validation, confirming correlations with the species distribution model results. The 'LQ-5.0' parameter combination showed the highest explanatory power with an AUC of 0.853. The model indicated that the 'adjacent land use' variable accounted for 31.5% of the explanation, with a preference for areas around cultivated lands. Otters were found to prefer shelter rates of 10-30% in riparian forests within 2 km of bridges. Higher otter densities observed by unmanned sensors correlated with increasing model values. Based on these results, the study suggests three conservation strategies: establishing stable buffer zones to enhance ecological connectivity, improving water quality against non-point source pollution, and raising public awareness. The study provides a scientific basis for potential otter habitat management, effective conservation through governance linking local governments, sustainable biodiversity goals, and civil organizations.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.203-208
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• 2007

To develop a new whitening agent for cosmetics from natural products, Pimpinella brachcarpa was selected for its inhibitory effect on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. Crude ethanolic extract of P. brachycarpa and its four fractions-hexane, ethyl acetate(EtOAc), butanol and aqueous were evaluated for antioxidative effects and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. To elucidate the mechanism of active compounds of P. brachycarpa, we investigated the changes in protein level of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 using Western blotting and the changes in mRNA level of tyrosinase using RT-PCR technique. Following UV irradiation, expression of ET-1 in HaCaT keratinocytes was measured by quantitative enzyme immunoassay(EIA) using human ET-1 antibody. Crude ethanolic extract of P. brachycarpa and its four fractions-hexane, EtOAc, butanol and aqueous had free radical scavenging effect by 87.2, 2.5, 97.2, 80.5, 49.8% at 100 ${\mu}g/mL$ and tyrosinase inhibitory effect by 18.3, 15.1, 55.4, 13.1, 0 % at 100 ${\mu}g/mL$. P. brachycarpa EtOAc fraction significantly inhibited melanin production in B16 melanoma cells. Treatment with P. brachycarpa extract for 72 h suppressed the biosynthesis of melanin up to 58 % at 100 ${\mu}g/mL$. Especially, the EtOAc fraction of P. brachycarpa reduced the tyrosinase activity and tyrosinase expression in B16 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA levels of tyrosinase and TRP-1 were markedly reduced by the EtOAc fraction of P. brachycarpa. Moreover, at the concentrations of $12.5{\sim}50{\mu}g/mL$ of the fraction, the production of UV-induced ET-1 in HaCaT keratinocytes(24 h after 8 $mJ/cm^2$ UVB irradiation) was reduced about 40%(p<0.05). P. brachycarpa could be used as a new natural skin-whitening agent due to the inhibitory effect of on melanin biosynthesis and endothelin-1 expression.