• Title/Summary/Keyword: R&D activities

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Anti-inflammation effect of blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) leaf extract on RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (Lipopolysaccharide에 의해 활성화된 RAW 264.7대식세포에서 블루베리 잎(Vaccinium ashei) 추출물의 항염증 효과)

  • Kim, Dong In;Kim, Hyun Jung;Yun, Jong Moon;Lee, Ji Hye;Han, So Jung;Kim, Ha Eun;Jang, Min Jung;An, Bong Jeun
    • Food Science and Preservation
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.107-116
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    • 2018
  • The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant and intracellular anti-inflammatory efficacy of blueberry leaf extracted with hot water (BLW), 70% ethanol (BLE), and 70% acetone (BLA) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. In order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of blueberry leaf extracts, RAW 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the production of inflammation-related factors, which were measure by Western blotting and real-time PCR methods. i-NOS, COX-2 protein, and mRNA expression showed concentration-dependent decrease. The decreases in the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) were concentration-dependent. Further, the antioxidant effects of blueberry leaf on total polyphenol contents, electron donating ability and $ABTS^+$ radical scavenging activity were evaluated. The total polyphenol contents of BLW, BLE, and BLA were $217.04{\pm}2.98$, $156.72{\pm}3.90$, and $182.88{\pm}3.02mg\;TAE/g$, respectively, while the electron donating abilities at $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ of BLW, BLE, and BLA were 81.7, 79.6, and 79.3%, respectively. The $ABTS^+$ radical scavenging activity was fond to be concentration dependent. The nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition activities at $50{\mu}g/mL$ of BLW, BLE, and BLA were 35.1, 42.4 and 42.7%, respectively. In conclusion, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory test results indicate that blueberry leaf extracts (BLW, BLE, and BLA) can be used as potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disease Risk Assessment and User Satisfaction in Accordance With Using Front-Entry Sitting Toilet for Wheelchair Users (휠체어 사용자의 전면진입착석 화장실 사용에 따른 근골격계질환 위험성 및 만족도 평가)

  • Park, Je-Mo;Hwang, Do-Yeon;Kim, Hee-Dong;Chung, Hyun-Ae;Jung, Hwa-Shik
    • Korean Journal of Occupational Therapy
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    • v.26 no.4
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    • pp.73-84
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    • 2018
  • Objective : The purpose of this study was to promote R&D of toilet design for the disabled by evaluating the Front-entry sitting toilet applied it to actual wheelchair users to examine the possibility of their application as a toilet that is low physical demanding and high satisfaction. Methods : Forty wheelchair users were asked to demonstrate using Front-entry sitting toilet after collecting the general characteristics and their current wheelchair usage information. Musculoskeletal disease risk assessment and user satisfaction were evaluated throughout Rapid Entire Body Assessment(REBA), Quebec Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology 2.0(QUEST) and subjective opinion questionnaire. Results : Statistical result showed that REBA scores($3.18{\pm}.38$) of Front-Entry Sitting Toilet were significantly lower(z=-5.930, p<.05) than the conventional toilet($6.53{\pm}1.15$). Overall, user satisfaction ratings were high with detailed scores were high in order of durability($4.48{\pm}.62$), safety($4.38{\pm}.63$), necessity($4.33{\pm}.73$) and universal ($4.6{\pm}.61$). Subjective opinion survey showed most were 'it was convenient to not have to rotate(30.8%).' Conclusion : This study found that Front-entry sitting toilet was highly likely to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and users' satisfactions were high. Through this study, we hope to expand the scope of occupational therapists and contribute to the physical, mental and social health in the daily activities of the people by applying various approaches.

Hydrolysis of Non-digestible Components of Soybean Meal by α-Galactosidase from Bacillus coagulans NRR1207 (Bacillus coagulans NRR1207이 생산하는 α-galactosidase에 의한 대두박 비소화성분의 가수분해)

  • Ra, Seok Han;Renchinkhand, Gereltuya;Park, Min-gil;Kim, Woan-sub;Paik, Seung-Hee;Nam, Myoung Soo
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.28 no.11
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    • pp.1347-1353
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    • 2018
  • The fermentation of non-digestible soy meal can convert polysaccharides into many compounds that have a wide variety of biological functions. Bacillus strains are capable of hydrolyzing non-digestible saccharides, such as melibiose, raffinose, and stachyose, found in soy meal components. A highly active ${\alpha}$-galactosidase (${\alpha}$-d-galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.22) was isolated from a bacterium in a traditional Korean fermented medicinal herb preparation. The isolate, T2-16, was identified as Bacillus coagulans based on its 16S rRNA sequence and biochemical properties, and the strain was named Bacillus coagulans NRR-1207. When incubated in 10%(w/v) skim milk, Bacillus coagulans NRR1207 caused a decrease in the pH of the culture medium, as well as an increase in titratable acidity and viable cell counts. This strain also showed higher activities of ${\alpha}$-galactosidase, ${\beta}$-galactosidase, ${\alpha}$-glucosidase, naphthol-AS-BO-phosphohydrolase, and acid phosphatase when compared to other enzymes. It hydrolyzed oligomeric substrates, such as raffinose and stachyose, and liberated galactose, indicating that the Bacillus coagulans NRR1207 ${\alpha}$-galactosidase hydrolyzed the ${\alpha}$-1,6 glycoside linkage. These results suggest that the decreased stachyose and raffinose contents observed in fermented soy meal are due to this ${\alpha}$-galactosidase activity. Bacillus coagulans NRR1207 therefore has potential probiotic activity and could be utilized in feed manufacturing, as well as for hydrolyzing non-digestible soy meal components.

A Study of Waterproofing Evaluation and Effect of UV Protection (UVB/UVA) of Multiple Emulsion Sunblock Cream using Sensory Engeeneering Science (감성공학을 적용한 다중에멀젼 선블록크림의 자외선차단(UVA/B) 효과와 내수성 평가 연구)

  • Kim, In-Young
    • Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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    • v.37 no.6
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    • pp.1517-1527
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    • 2020
  • This study is about the UV protection effect and water resistance of a multiple emulsion (W/O/W) sunblock cream applied with emotional engineering and reports an actual industrial case. Multiple emulsion system of sunblock cream has the characteristics of changing to a W/O type that is soft and moist when applied, and has excellent water resistance after absorption. Multiple emulsion cream is a highly functional sunblock cream that has both moisture and water resistance. It is a stable milky white cream with a viscosity of 36,000 cps. The organic sunscreen used for the sunscreen was ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate and bisethylhexyloxyphenolmethoxyphenyltriazine. Hexagonal zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that block both UVB and UVA were used. As a result of measuring the UV protection effect by the in-vitro method, the UV protection effect (SPF) is 78.9 for multiple emulsion cream, 76.7 for W/O cream, and 71.3 for O/W cream. It was found that the blocking effect was different. This obtained the highest effect value in the multiple emulsion. As a clinical (in-vivo) result of the UV protection effect, the SPF value representing the UV protection effect of the sunblock cream developed with a multiple emulsion system was 85.7, and the PA-value that blocks the UVA area was 26.5, and ++++. It was found that it has a corresponding high blocking effect. As a result of the water resistance test, the W/O/W formulation had a high waterproofing resistance of 93.8% even after 4 hours, W/O had 75.4%, and O/W had a low water resistance of 25.3%. In the results of the HUT test, it was found in the order of multiple emulsion sun block cream > hydrophilic cream > lipophilic cream. Based on the research results of this multiple emulsion, it is expected to be highly active as a sunblock cream dedicated to outdoor activities by improving the feeling of use, UV protection index, and water resistance. Therefore, in this study, a multiple emulsion system of sunblock cream is developed and has a characteristic that changes to a W/O type that has a soft and moist feeling when applied, and has excellent water resistance after absorption.

Application of Environmental Friendly Bio-adsorbent based on a Plant Root for Copper Recovery Compared to the Synthetic Resin (구리 회수를 위한 식물뿌리 기반 친환경 바이오 흡착제의 적용 - 합성수지와의 비교)

  • Bawkar, Shilpa K.;Jha, Manis K.;Choubey, Pankaj K.;Parween, Rukshana;Panda, Rekha;Singh, Pramod K.;Lee, Jae-chun
    • Resources Recycling
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    • v.31 no.4
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    • pp.56-65
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    • 2022
  • Copper is one of the non-ferrous metals used in the electrical/electronic manufacturing industries due to its superior properties particularly the high conductivity and less resistivity. The effluent generated from the surface finishing process of these industries contains higher copper content which gets discharged in to water bodies directly or indirectly. This causes severe environmental pollution and also results in loss of an important valuable metal. To overcome this issue, continuous R & D activities are going on across the globe in adsorption area with the purpose of finding an efficient, low cost and ecofriendly adsorbent. In view of the above, present investigation was made to compare the performance of a plant root (Datura root powder) as a bio-adsorbent to that of the synthetic one (Tulsion T-42) for copper adsorption from such effluent. Experiments were carried out in batch studies to optimize parameters such as adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, feed concentration, etc. Results of the batch experiments indicate that 0.2 g of Datura root powder and 0.1 g of Tulsion T-42 showed 95% copper adsorption from an initial feed/solution of 100 ppm Cu at pH 4 in contact time of 15 and 30 min, respectively. Adsorption data for both the adsorbents were fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm. Experimental results were also validated with the kinetic model, which showed that the adsorption of copper followed pseudo-second order rate expression for the both adsorbents. Overall result demonstrates that the bio-adsorbent tested has a potential applicability for metal recovery from the waste solutions/effluents of metal finishing units. In view of the requirements of commercial viability and minimal environmental damage there from, Datura root powder being an effective material for metal uptake, may prove to be a feasible adsorbent for copper recovery after the necessary scale-up studies.

Proposal of Joint Planning Working Group for Development of Korean Space Telescopes (한국형 우주망원경 개발을 위한 공동기획 Working Group 제안)

  • Han, Jeong-Yeol;Park, Woojin;Jun, Youra;Kim, Jihun;Kim, Yunjong;Choi, Seonghwan;Kim, Young-Soo;Baek, Ji-Hye;Moon, Bongkon;Jang, Biho;Kim, Jae-Woo;Hong, Sungwook E.;Jung, Youn Kil;Pak, Soojong;Chung, Soyoung
    • Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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    • v.1 no.3
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    • pp.283-301
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    • 2021
  • In order to satisfy the intellectual curiosity of mankind to explore the unknown, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States and European Space Agency (ESA) in Europe are embarking on various R&D under the motto of the grand dream of pioneering space into a safe and sustainable environment. In the 2020s and 30s, it is expected that advanced giant observation equipment will be in operation, such as the development of a 10-meter-class telescope in space. In Korea, following the development of the 0.15 m Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (NISS), Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) is also participating a 0.2 m Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) as an international cooperation partner in small exploration telescope. However, domestic experience in the development and operation of the space telescopes is still insufficient, and there is no plan with long-term prospects for constructing telescopes. In order to answer questions about the unknown world that mankind has not experienced using our own equipment, planning and preparation for the construction of a space telescope through close cooperation among industry-university-institute-government is urgently needed. In this paper, the necessity, background, development goals, and expected effects of the development of the Korean Space Telescope are summarized conceptually, and a working group (WG) is also proposed. In the WG activities, Korea shall take the lead in establishing the Korean-style space telescope development plan, and will start a valuable step to establish the national direction in the field of space astronomy and related technologies. We hope that the WG will be another milestone in Korea's space development.

Prediction of Species Distribution Changes for Key Fish Species in Fishing Activity Protected Areas in Korea (국내 어업활동보호구역 주요 어종의 종분포 변화 예측)

  • Hyeong Ju Seok;Chang Hun Lee;Choul-Hee Hwang;Young Ryun Kim;Daesun Kim;Moon Suk Lee
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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    • v.29 no.7
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    • pp.802-811
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    • 2023
  • Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a crucial element for rational allocation and sustainable use of marine areas. Particularly, Fishing Activity Protected Areas constitute essential zones accounting for 45.6% designated for sustainable fishing activities. However, the current assessment of these zones does not adequately consider future demands and potential values, necessitating appropriate evaluation methods and predictive tools for long-term planning. In this study, we selected key fish species (Scomber japonicus, Trichiurus lepturus, Engraulis japonicus, and Larimichthys polyactis) within the Fishing Activity Protected Area to predict their distribution and compare it with the current designated zones for evaluating the ability of the prediction tool. Employing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5), we used species distribution models (such as MaxEnt) to assess the movement and distribution changes of these species owing to future variations. The results indicated a 30-50% increase in the distribution area of S. japonicus, T. lepturus, and L. polyactis, whereas the distribution area of E. japonicus decreased by approximately 6-11%. Based on these results, a species richness map for the four key species was created. Within the marine spatial planning boundaries, the overlap between areas rated "high" in species richness and the Fishing Activity Protected Area was approximately 15%, increasing to 21% under the RCP 2.6 scenario and 34% under the RCP 8.5 scenario. These findings can serve as scientific evidence for future evaluations of use zones or changes in reserve areas. The current and predicted distributions of species owing to climate change can address the limitations of current use zone evaluations and contribute to the development of plans for sustainable and beneficial use of marine resources.

Evaluation of Application Possibility for Floating Marine Pollutants Detection Using Image Enhancement Techniques: A Case Study for Thin Oil Film on the Sea Surface (영상 강화 기법을 통한 부유성 해양오염물질 탐지 기술 적용 가능성 평가: 해수면의 얇은 유막을 대상으로)

  • Soyeong Jang;Yeongbin Park;Jaeyeop Kwon;Sangheon Lee;Tae-Ho Kim
    • Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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    • v.39 no.6_1
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    • pp.1353-1369
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    • 2023
  • In the event of a disaster accident at sea, the scale of damage will vary due to weather effects such as wind, currents, and tidal waves, and it is obligatory to minimize the scale of damage by establishing appropriate control plans through quick on-site identification. In particular, it is difficult to identify pollutants that exist in a thin film at sea surface due to their relatively low viscosity and surface tension among pollutants discharged into the sea. Therefore, this study aims to develop an algorithm to detect suspended pollutants on the sea surface in RGB images using imaging equipment that can be easily used in the field, and to evaluate the performance of the algorithm using input data obtained from actual waters. The developed algorithm uses image enhancement techniques to improve the contrast between the intensity values of pollutants and general sea surfaces, and through histogram analysis, the background threshold is found,suspended solids other than pollutants are removed, and finally pollutants are classified. In this study, a real sea test using substitute materials was performed to evaluate the performance of the developed algorithm, and most of the suspended marine pollutants were detected, but the false detection area occurred in places with strong waves. However, the detection results are about three times better than the detection method using a single threshold in the existing algorithm. Through the results of this R&D, it is expected to be useful for on-site control response activities by detecting suspended marine pollutants that were difficult to identify with the naked eye at existing sites.

Association of Lifestyle Factors With the Risk of Frailty and Depressive Symptoms: Results From the National Survey of Older Adults (노인의 라이프스타일 요인이 허약 및 우울 위험도에 미치는 영향: 노인실태조사 자료를 바탕으로)

  • Lim, Seungju;Kim, Ah-Ram;Park, Kang-Hyun;Yang, Min-Ah;Park, Ji-Hyuk
    • Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.35-47
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    • 2024
  • Objective : This study aimed to investigate the association between lifestyle factors and risk of frailty and depressive symptoms among older South Korean adults. Methods : This study included 10,072 individuals aged 65 or older from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans, a cohort of community-dwelling older South Koreans. The following lifestyle factors were assessed: physical activity, nutrition management (NM), and leisure/social activity participation (AP). Frailty was measured using the frail scale and depressive symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds ratios. Results : All lifestyle factors were associated with the risk of frailty and depressive symptoms in the study population. Regular exercise (≥3 times/wk, odds ratio [OR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.52~0.91; OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.59~0.75), active NM (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.80~0.91; OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.76~0.86), leisure AP (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.74~0.84; OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.66~0.77) and social AP (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88~0.96; OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.78~0.87) were correlated with lower odds ratios of frailty and depressive symptoms. Conclusion : Adopting a healthier lifestyle characterized by regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and active engagement in various activities can effectively reduce the risk of frailty and depressive symptoms among the older population. Ultimately, this study emphasized the essential role of lifestyle choices in promoting the physical and mental well-being of older adults.

Effect of the Ayres Sensory Integration Intervention on the Motor Skills and Occupation Participation of Preschool Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Ayres의 감각통합중재가 학령전기 주의력결핍 과잉행동장애(ADHD) 성향 아동의 운동기능 및 작업참여에 미치는 영향)

  • Jung, Yun-Jin;Kang, Je-wook;Chang, Moon-young;Kim, Kyeong-Mi
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.1-14
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    • 2024
  • Objective : This study aimed to investigate the impact of Ayres' sensory integration (ASI) intervention on motor skills and occupational participation of preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method : Children with ADHD aged between 4 and 6 years who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly recruited through screening tests. The subjects were divided into an experimental group (10 subjects) and a control group (8 subjects). The instruments used were the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency-2 (BOT-2), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) to evaluate occupational participation. The subjects in the experimental group underwent individual sensory integration therapy according to the ASI principles for 40 minutes twice a week in a total of 16 sessions over eight weeks. The control group did not receive the ASI intervention. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Cohen's d test in SPSS 20.0. Results : The ASI experimental group had significantly higher scores in total motor composite, manual coordination, body coordination, strength, and agility in motor function than the control group (p<.05). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of occupational participation (PEDI), but GAS scores for individual target activities were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : This study shows that the ASI intervention has positive effects on motor skills and occupation participation among preschool children with ADHD.