• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.25 no.2_2
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• pp.219-232
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• 2022

The aim of this study is to provide the dynamic convergence index that reflected the inherent characteristics of the convergence phenomenon and utilized the nationally-funded R&D projects data, thereby suggesting useful information about the direction of the national convergence R&D strategy. The dynamic convergence index that we suggested was made of two indicators: persistency and diversity. From a time-series perspective, the persistency index, which measures the degree of continuous convergence of multidisciplinary nationally-funded R&D projects, and the diversity index, which measures the degree of binding with heterogeneous research areas. We conducted the empirical experiment with 151,248 convergence R&D projects during the 2015~2021 time period. The results showed that convergence R&D projects in both public health and life sciences appeared the highest degree of persistency. It was presumed that the degree of persistency has increased again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the degree of diversity has risen with combining with disciplinary such as materials, chemical engineering, and brain science areas to solve social problems including mental health, depression, and aging. This study not only provides implications for improving the concept and definition of dynamic convergence in terms of persistency and diversity for national convergence R&D strategy but also presented dynamic convergence index and analysis methods that can be practically applied for directing public R&D programs.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2022

Background: Potato is the main crop of Ardabil Plain (accounting for one-fifth of potato production in Iran). Its health hazard risk to farmers is rising due to the increasing rate of pesticide use. The present study analyzes potato farmers' health hazard risk in the use of chemical pesticides. Methods: The rate of pesticide use by farmers (n = 370) was first compared with the recommended dosage (on pesticide label). Then, a composite index was employed to estimate the health hazard risk of farmers during pesticide use, and the variables accounting for pesticide overuse and nonoveruse were analyzed. Safety behavior was examined in four steps, namely of pesticide purchase and storage, preparation, application, and postapplication. Results: It was found that 74.6 percent of potato farmers used pesticides in higher concentrations than the recommended dosage. The higher average rate of pesticide use versus recommendation (label instruction) was related to Chlorpyrifos and Trifluralin, and the highest average health hazard risk among farmers was related to the use of Chlorpyrifos and Metribuzin. Farmers with a higher risk of health hazard displayed much lower safety behavior than the other farmers at all steps of pesticide use. Conclusion: The most important variables discriminating the health hazard risk of farmers' overuse included health behavior identity, attitude, knowledge and awareness, and cues to action. Therefore, using social media, holding local exhibitions, and engaging local leaders and skilled farmers in the region to improve farmers' attitudes and health behavior identity toward the dangers of chemical pesticides can play a significant role in motivating farmers' display of overuse preventive behaviors.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.465-479
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• 2021

One of the important causes of building and infrastructure failure, such as bridges on pile foundations, is the placement of the piles in liquefiable soil that can become unstable under seismic loads. Therefore, the overarching aim of this study is to investigate the seismic behavior of a soil-pile system in liquefiable soil using three-dimensional numerical FEM analysis, including soil-pile interaction. Effective parameters on concrete pile response, involving the pile diameter, pile length, soil type, and base acceleration, were considered in the framework of finite element non-linear dynamic analysis. The constitutive model of soil was considered as elasto-plastic kinematic-isotropic hardening. First, the finite element model was verified by comparing the variations on the pile response with the measured data from the centrifuge tests, and there was a strong agreement between the numerical and experimental results. Totally 64 non-linear time-history analyses were conducted, and the responses were investigated in terms of the lateral displacement of the pile, the effect of the base acceleration in the pile behavior, the bending moment distribution in the pile body, and the pore pressure. The numerical analysis results demonstrated that the relationship between the pile lateral displacement and the maximum base acceleration is non-linear. Furthermore, increasing the pile diameter results in an increase in the passive pressure of the soil. Also, piles with small and big diameters are subjected to yielding under bending and shear states, respectively. It is concluded that an effective stress-based ground response analysis should be conducted when there is a liquefaction condition in order to determine the maximum bending moment and shear force generated within the pile.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.111-117
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• 2013

Objectives : This research aimed at studying the immuno modulating activity of Fermented Epimedii Herba (EHS). Method : The impacts on the cell viability, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (NO) generation in cells, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) level have been measured by using Raw 264.7 cells with the specimen EHS as the fermented extract of Epimedii Herba with Saccharomyces cerevisiae STV89. Result : As a result of MTT assay to confirm the cytotoxicity of extracts from fermented Epimedii Herba, the toxicity was not excessively induced in Raw 264.7 cells when EHS were processed by concentration. EHS increased hydrogen peroxide generation in Raw 264.7 cells. EHS suppressed NO generation in Raw 264.7 cells while they significantly suppressed the increase of NO generation induced by LPS in macrophage. EHS significantly decreased the generation amount of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 induced by LPS in Raw 264.7 cells at $25{\mu}g/mL$ or more. Conclusion : It appeared that the fermented extract of Epimedii Herba manufactured from Epimedii Herba significantly has the immuno modulating acitivity as it did not excessively trigger cytotoxicity to Raw 264.7 cells, increased hydrogen peroxide generation in Raw 264.7 cells, decreased NO generation in macrophage, and especially, suppressed both TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 generation in macrophage induced by LPS.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.55-61
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• 2017

Objectives : The aim of this research was to determine the diverse effects of Lithospermi Radix Water Extract (LR) on human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, and to examine whether those effects could be applied to the human skin. Methods : We examined effect of LR on the cell viability of using the MTS assay in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. The antioxidation effect of LR was analyzed relative to the well-known antioxidant resveratrol, using an ABTS assay. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that, in HaCaT cells, LR influenced the mRNA expression of tight-junction genes associated with skin moisturization. Furthermore, a wound-healing assay demonstrated altered cell migration in LR-treated HaCaT cells. Result : The cytotoxicity was confirmed to be higher in LR at a concentration of $800{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ using the MTS assay in HaCaT cells. In comparison to $100{\mu}M$ resveratrol, $1,600{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ LR showed either a similar or superior antioxidation effect. LR treatment in HaCaT cells reduced the mRNA expression levels of claudin 3, claudin 4, claudin 6, claudin 8, and ZO-2 to less than 0.80-fold, whereas JAM-A and Tricellulin mRNA expression level increased more than 1.33-fold. In addition, HaCaT cells migration was decreased to 83.9% by LR treatment. Conclusions : LR of antioxidation activity will have an anti-aging effect on the skin by reducing oxidative stress. Further studies are required to address the implications for human skin, given LR's effects of altering mRNA expression of tight junction-related gene and decreasing cell migration of HaCaT cells.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.83-90
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• 2014

Objectives : This research has been done to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Coptidis Rhizoma extracts. Method : Coptidis Rhizoma was extracted by $100^{\circ}C$ water. The extract (CC : Extract of Coptis chinensis rhizome) was used to examine its effects on the cell viability of mouse macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line. Also the production of nitric oxide (NO), the c-jun N-terminalkinase (JNK) activation and the production of cytokines such as (IL)-5 were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. After the CC and LPS were applied to Raw 264.7 cells which were cultured for 24 hours, the MTT assay was performed. Result : The CC extracts didn't affect the viability of macrophage cells. However, the extracts inhibited the NO production and the JNK activation significantly in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells treated with 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$ concentrations. The CC extract, also, impeded the production of inflammation-related factors and cytokines such as KC, VEGF, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12p40 in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells at the concentration higher than $25{\mu}g/mL$. The production of basic-FGF concentration of 50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$, the production of IP-10 at $100{\mu}g/mL$, and the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ at $25{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Conclusion : The CC prepared using $100^{\circ}C$ water showed the significant anti-inflammatory effect such as the inhibition not only on the production of NO, KC, VEGF, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12p40 in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells at or higher than the concentration of $25{\mu}g/mL$, but also on the JNK activation at 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.1616-1626
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among perceived environmental factor, active aging and self-rated health for active senior golf participants. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0 programs for Windows. Frequency analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis. After correlation analysis and structural equation model analysis were used. As a results derived through the research are as follows. First perceived environmental factor had a positive effect on active aging. Second, active aging had a positive effect on self-rated health. Third, perceived environmental factor had a positive effect on self-rated health. Fourth, active aging mediated the relationship between perceived environmental factor and self-rated health.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2022

Purpose: The term "intentional injuries" refers to a spectrum of injuries resulting from self-inflicted injuries, interpersonal violence, and group acts of violence. Intentional injuries are underreported in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the characteristics of intentional injuries in patients who presented to the emergency department of a primary trauma center in Medina, Saudi Arabia in 2013. Methods: A prospective cohort database analysis of the clinical patterns and treatment outcomes of 252 patients who had intentional injuries between January and December 2013 was done. Results: The proportion of trauma patients with intentional injuries was 1.3%. The mean age was 34.2±9.4 years, 141 patients (56.0%) were male, and 111 (44.1%) were female (male to female ratio, 1.27:1). The majority (n=159, 63.1%) of injuries occurred at night. Most occurred outside the home (n=180, 71.0%). Financial problems (n=62, 24.6%) and social disputes (n=61, 24.2%) were the most common reasons. Sharp objects (n=93, 36.9%) were the most common weapons used. The head and neck were the most commonly injured areas (n=63, 54.4%). Superficial cuts (n=87, 34.5%), were the most common type of injury. Suturing of wounds (n=54, 21.4%) and surgical debridement (n=47, 18.7%) were the most commonly performed modalities of management. Conclusions: We conclude that intentional injuries in Saudi Arabia are a health care hazard that is, unfortunately, underreported. The clinical pattern is similar in most aspects to international reports but differs in certain features due to the specific religious and conservative characteristics of the community. Nationwide clinical studies are strongly recommended.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.30-38
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• 2022

As of 2020, 1,564 roundabouts have been installed and operated to prevent major traffic accidents and promote safe and smooth passage over the past 10 years. According to the Korea Transportation Research Institute, the number of accidents decreased by an average of 43.8% per year, fatal accidents by 50%, and serious injuries by 48.1%, confirming the safety effect. However, most intersections with high pedestrian traffic, such as children's protection areas near elementary schools, operate signal intersections. Therefore, in this study, a simulation was performed through the VISSM program to conduct a study on the pedestrian-centered roundabout installation method. This study was conducted to ensure that pedestrians can have the right of way safely by installing and operating traffic lights at crosswalks on roundabouts located in urban areas or child protection zones.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2022

Background and Objectives The Voice Perceived Present Control scale (VPPC) has been developed to provide better insight into patients' perceived control over their thoughts or behaviors related to voice disorders. The objective of the present study was to validate the Korean VPPC (K-VPPC) by evaluating its internal consistency and reliability. Materials and Method All items of the English VPPC were translated into Korean. Content validity was analyzed through three Delphi survey rounds by an expert panel (n=44) with active clinical and research experience in treating dysphonic patients. Twenty-three patients with a heterogeneous diagnosis of dysphonia and twenty-three gender-matched vocally normal controls (total n=46) were asked to complete the K-VPPC and the Korean Voice Handicap Index-10 (KVHI-10). Psychometric properties including internal consistency and reliability were evaluated to examine the appropriateness of cross-cultural use of K-VPPC. Results Cronbach's alpha coefficient of K-VPPC was 0.89 for dysphonic patients, indicating good internal consistency in clinical samples. Furthermore, patients with dysphonia scored significantly lower on the total score of K-VPPC and higher on voice handicap than the vocally normal controls. Spearman's correlation coefficients indicated an inverse and moderate association between the K-VPPC and all domains of KVHI-10 (Spearman's r=-0.44- -0.68). Conclusion The findings of the current study indicated that the K-VPPC is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of perceived control in Korean patients with dysphonia. Therefore, the K-VPPC could be a useful and complementary tool for the comprehensive evaluation of dysphonia, thereby improving care in Korean patients with voice disorders.