• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.207-228
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• 2023

After COVID-19, organizations have widely adopted platforms such as zoom or developed their proprietary online real-time systems for remote work, with recent forays into incorporating the metaverse for meetings and publicity. While ongoing studies investigate the impact of avatar customization, expansive virtual environments, and past virtual experiences on participant satisfaction within virtual reality or metaverse settings, the utilization of the metaverse as a dedicated workspace is still an evolving area. There exists a notable gap in research concerning the factors influencing the performance of the metaverse as a workspace, particularly in non-immersive work-type metaverses. Unlike studies focusing on immersive virtual reality or metaverses emphasizing immersion and presence, the majority of contemporary work-oriented metaverses tend to be non-immersive. As such, understanding the factors that contribute to the success of these existing non-immersive metaverses becomes crucial. Hence, this paper aims to empirically analyze the factors impacting personal outcomes in the non-immersive metaverse workspace and derive implications from the results. To achieve this, the study adopts the Embodied Social Presence (ESP) model as a theoretical foundation, modifying and proposing a research model tailored to the non-immersive metaverse workspace. The findings validate that the impact of presence on task engagement and task involvement exhibits a moderating effect based on the metaverse platform used. Following interviews with participants engaged in non-immersive metaverse workplaces (specifically Gather Town and Ifland), a survey was conducted to gather comprehensive insights.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.965-981
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• 2024

Objective: Milk composition varies considerably and depends on paratypical, genetic, and epigenetic factors. MiRNAs belong to the class of small non-coding RNAs; they are one of the key tools of epigenetic control because of their ability to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. We compared the relative expression levels of miR-106b, miR-191, and miR-30d in milk to demonstrate the relationship between the content of these miRNAs with protein and fat components of milk in Holstein and Ayrshire cattle. Methods: Milk fat, protein, and casein contents were determined in the obtained samples, as well as the content of the main fatty acids (g/100 g milk), including: saturated acids, such as myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), and stearic (C18:0) acids; monounsaturated acids, including oleic (C18:1) acid; as well as long-, medium- and short-chain, polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids. Real-time stem-loop one-tube reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes was used to measure the miRNA expression levels. Results: The miRNA expression levels in milk samples were found to be decreased in the first two months in Holstein breed, and in the first four months in Ayrshire breed. Correlation analysis did not reveal any dependence between changes in the expression level of miRNA and milk fat content, but showed a multidirectional relationship with individual milk fatty acids. Positive associations between the expression levels of miR-106b and miR-30d and protein and casein content were found in the Ayrshire breed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that miR-106b and miR-30d expression levels can cause changes in fatty acid and protein composition of milk in Ayrshire cows, whereas miR-106b expression level determines the fatty acid composition in Holsteins. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study showed that miR-106b, miR-191, and miR-30d expression levels in milk samples have peculiarities associated with breed affiliation and the lactation period.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.49-62
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• 2024

Purpose : This study was conducted to compare two non-face-to-face exercise interventions depending on whether mobile applications and wearable exercise aids are used to find out which interventions are more effective in improving senile sarcopenia. Ultimately, it was conducted to provide basic data for developing non-face-to-face intervention methods to improve sarcopenia. Method : In this study, 18 elderly sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia aged 65 or older were randomly assigned to the digital and self-exercise intervention groups. The digital exercise intervention group performed eight exercise programs with mobile applications and wearable exercise aids to record and manage the elderly performing the programs in real time. And the self-exercise intervention group performed the same program on its own as implemented in the digital exercise group. The intervention was applied for 8 weeks, and before and after the intervention, sarcopenia evaluation and physical function evaluation were performed. Results : In the digital exercise intervention group, arm muscle mass, skeletal muscle index, SPPB, 5TSTS, and BBS were improved, and in the self-exercise intervention group, grip strength, SPPB, 5TSTS, and BBS were improved. Conclusion : It was confirmed that both groups are effective in improving physical performance and physical function, the digital exercise intervention is effective in improving muscle mass and self-exercise intervention is effective in improving muscle strength. Therefore, this study proposes to apply intervention methods separately according to the indicators to improve and prevent sarcopenia, and also simplify the instructions of applications used to improve sarcopenia and to create an environment where users can be trained regularly on how to use it. And, In the future, studies for the development of devices to be designed to help non-face-to-face exercise interventions or studies on the differences between face-to-face and non-face-to-face exercise interventions should be conducted in terms of the effect of improving sarcopenia.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.17.1-17.14
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• 2022

We aimed to investigate associations of dietary diversity (DD) with gut microbial diversity and the development of hen's egg allergy (HEA) in infants. We enrolled 68 infants in a high-risk group and 32 infants in a control group based on a family history of allergic diseases. All infants were followed from birth until 12 months of age. We collected infant feeding data, and DD was defined using 3 measures: the World Health Organization definition of minimum DD, food group diversity, and food allergen diversity. Gut microbiome profiles and expression of cytokines were evaluated by bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. High DD scores at 3 and 4 months were associated with a lower risk of developing HEA in the high-risk group, but not in the control group. In the high-risk group, high DD scores at 3, 4, and 5 months of age were associated with an increase in Chao1 index at 6 months. We found that the gene expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-8 were higher among infants who had lower DD scores compared to those who had higher DD scores in high-risk infants. Additionally, high-risk infants with a higher FAD score at 5 months of age showed a reduced gene expression of IL-13. Increasing DD within 6 months of life may increase gut microbial diversity, and thus reduce the development of HEA in infants with a family history of allergic diseases.

• Journal of Advanced Navigation Technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.348-355
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• 2024

A current source capable of stably supplying current as a measurement medium is required in order to measure and test important facilities that require large-scale measurement current, such as a control element drive mechanism control system(CEDMCS), in case of dismantling a nuclear power plant. However, it can provides only voltage power as a source, not current, although direct voltage controlled constant current source is essential to test major equipment. That kind of source is not available to supply stable constant current regardless of load variation. It is just voltage supplier. Developing current source is not easy other than voltage source. Very large-scale current source up to ampere class more than such ten times of normal current is inevitable to test above mentioned equipment. So, we developed large-scale current source which is controlled by input DC voltage and supplies constant stable current to object equipment according to this requirement. We measured and tested nuclear power plant equipment using given real site data for a long time and afforded long period load test, and then proved its validity and verification. The developed invetion will be used future installed important equipment measuring and testing.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was intended to investigate the revision status of the occupational exposure standards for aluminum at home and abroad; to investigate worker exposure at domestic aluminum manufacturing and handling workplaces; to conduct social and economic evaluation for the revision of domestic aluminum exposure limits. Methods: We investigated the current status of occupational exposure limits for aluminum at home and abroad, and analyzed supporting data. An exposure survey was conducted targeting domestic aluminum manufacturing and handling workplaces. Based on these, revised aluminum occupational exposure limits were proposed. Results: The major aluminum exposure limits at home and abroad show a notable difference. The toxicity of aluminum, which was revealed through animal experiments and epidemiological investigations. The average concentration of aluminum in the air at 12 workplaces was 0.016 mg/m³, and the maximum was 0.0776 mg/m³. When total dust and respiratory dust were measured side by side and simultaneously for the same process, 12.1% of the total mass concentration of aluminum dust was respiratory dust. As a result of measuring and comparing the size distribution of dust with an optical particle counter in real time, 48.1% of the total dust in the form of welding fume and pyro-powder was respiratory dust. Based on the literature review and workplace survey, three proposals for changing the aluminum exposure limit were proposed. Proposal (1): For all types, 10 mg/m³ is unified as the exposure limit except for soluble salts and alkyls. Proposal (2): 1(R) mg/m³ as the exposure limit for all forms except soluble salts and alkyl. Proposal (3): 1(R) mg/m³ for pyro-powder and welding fume, and 10 mg/m³ for metal dust, aluminum oxide, and insoluble compounds as exposure standards. A pyro-powder was defined as dry aluminum powder of 200 mesh size (74 ㎛) or smaller (larger size classified as metal dust). Reason for setting: In the workplace survey, the ratio of respiratory dust to total dust was analyzed to be about 1:10, so it was judged that the domestic standard and the ACGIH standard were compatible. Conclusions: In all scenarios according to the revision of the exposure standard, the B/C ratio was greater than 1 or only benefits existed, so it was evaluated as sufficiently reasonable as a result of the socio-economic evaluation.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.27-34
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• 2024

The direct and indirect damages caused by fires in underground utility tunnels have a great impact on society as a whole, so efforts are needed to prevent and manage them in advance. To this end, research is ongoing to prevent disasters such as fire flooding by applying digital twin technology to underground utility tunnels. A network is required to transmit the sensed signals from each sensor to the platform. In essence, it is necessary to analyze the application of wireless networks in the underground utility tunnel environments because the tunnel lacks the reception range of external wireless communication systems. Within the underground utility tunnels, electromagnetic interference caused by transmission and distribution cables, and diffuse reflection of signals from internal structures, obstacles, and metallic pipes such as water pipes can cause distortion or size reduction of wireless signals. To ensure real-time connectivity for remote surveillance and monitoring tasks through sensing, it is necessary to measure and analyze the wireless coverage in underground utility tunnels. Therefore, in order to build a wireless network environment in the underground utility tunnels. this study minimized the shaded area and measured the actual cavity environment so that there is no problem in connecting to the wireless environment inside the underground utility tunnels. We analyzed the data transmission rate, signal strength, and signal-to-noise ratio for each section of the terrain of the underground utility tunnels. The obtained results provide an appropriate wireless planning approach for installing wireless networks in underground utility tunnels.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in adipose tissue causes an inflammatory response and leads to metabolic diseases. However, the association between vitamin D and adipose ER stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) alleviates ER stress in adipocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were treated with different concentrations (i.e., 10-100 nM) of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ after or during differentiation (i.e., on day 0-7, 3-7, or 7). They were then incubated with thapsigargin (TG, 500 nM) for an additional 24 h to induce ER stress. Next, we measured the mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in unfold protein response (UPR) and adipogenesis using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting and quantified the secreted protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the mRNA levels of UPR pathway genes were measured in adipocytes transfected with siRNA-targeting Vdr. RESULTS: Treatment with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ during various stages of adipocyte differentiation significantly inhibited ER stress induced by TG. In fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment suppressed mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 and decreased the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, downregulation of the mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 following 1,25(OH)₂D₃ administration was not observed in Vdr-knockdown adipocytes. In addition, exposure of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ inhibited transcription of Ddit3, sXbp1, Atf4, Bip, and Atf6 and reduced the p-alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)/eIF2α and p-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)/PERK protein ratios. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment before adipocyte differentiation reduced adipogenesis and the mRNA levels of adipogenic genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ prevents TG-induced ER stress and inflammatory responses in mature adipocytes by downregulating UPR signaling via binding with Vdr. In addition, the inhibition of adipogenesis by vitamin D may contribute to the reduction of ER stress in adipocytes.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.39-55
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• 2024

This study aimed to examine research trends related to Natural Language Processing (NLP) in science education by analyzing 37 domestic and international documents that utilized NLP techniques in the field of science education from 2011 to September 2023. In particular, the study systematically analyzed the content, focusing on the main application areas of NLP techniques in science education, the role of teachers when utilizing NLP techniques, and a comparison of domestic and international perspectives. The analysis results are as follows: Firstly, it was confirmed that NLP techniques are significantly utilized in formative assessment, automatic scoring, literature review and classification, and pattern extraction in science education. Utilizing NLP in formative assessment allows for real-time analysis of students' learning processes and comprehension, reducing the burden on teachers' lessons and providing accurate, effective feedback to students. In automatic scoring, it contributes to the rapid and precise evaluation of students' responses. In literature review and classification using NLP, it helps to effectively analyze the topics and trends of research related to science education and student reports. It also helps to set future research directions. Utilizing NLP techniques in pattern extraction allows for effective analysis of commonalities or patterns in students' thoughts and responses. Secondly, the introduction of NLP techniques in science education has expanded the role of teachers from mere transmitters of knowledge to leaders who support and facilitate students' learning, requiring teachers to continuously develop their expertise. Thirdly, as domestic research on NLP is focused on literature review and classification, it is necessary to create an environment conducive to the easy collection of text data to diversify NLP research in Korea. Based on these analysis results, the study discussed ways to utilize NLP techniques in science education.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.195-207
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• 2024

This study selected major drought events that occurred in the Jeonnam region from 1991 to 2023, examining both meteorological and hydrological drought occurrence mechanisms. The daily drought index was calculated using rainfall and dam storage as input data, and the drought propagation characteristics from meteorological drought to hydrological drought were analyzed. The characteristics of the 2022-23 drought, which recently occurred in the Jeonnam region and caused serious damage, were evaluated. Compared to historical droughts, the duration of the hydrological drought for 2022-2023 lasted 334 days, the second longest after 2017-2018, the drought severity was evaluated as the most severe at -1.76. As a result of a linked analysis of SPI (StandQardized Precipitation Index), and SRSI (Standardized Reservoir Storage Index), it is possible to suggest a proactive utilization for SPI(6) to respond to hydrological drought. Furthermore, by confirming the similarity between SRSI and SPI(12) in long-term drought monitoring, the applicability of SPI(12) to hydrological drought monitoring in ungauged basins was also confirmed. Through this study, it was confirmed that the long-term dryness that occurs during the summer rainy season can transition into a serious level of hydrological drought. Therefore, for preemptive drought response, it is necessary to use real-time monitoring results of various drought indices and understand the propagation phenomenon from meteorological-agricultural-hydrological drought to secure a sufficient drought response period.