• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.69-75
• /
• 2015

The concrete purpose of this study is to suggest actually a debt ratio to optimize the capital structure providing a kind of approach to estimate the proper debt ratio with an analytical model and empirical data in Korean shipping industry. The mathematical and analytical model is started from the first equation about ROE, return of net operating income on equity, with an independent variable, debt ratio. It is constructed with several parameters, ROS(return of operating income on sales), TAT(total assets turnover), and NFCL(net finance cost to liabilities). There could not be a certain relationship between debt ratio and ROS or TAT, while some correlation or causality between debt ratio and NFCL. In other words, most of firms with high debt ratio is likely to burden higher finance cost than others with low one. In this case, there is a linearity relationship between debt ratio and NFCL, so then the second equation considering this relation could be included within the analytical approach of this paper. To be short, if the criteria of adequate debt ratio has to be defined as some level of debt ratio to optimize ROE, the ROE could be illustrated as a quadratic equation to debt ratio from two equations. Next, this research estimated those parameters' numbers through the single regression method with data over 12 years of Korean shipping industry, and identified empirically the fact that optimal debt ratio would be approximately 400%. To conclude, if that industry's sales and operating incomes are stable, the debt ratio could be accepted until twice of 200% had forced in order to guarantee its financial safety in past time.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.493-502
• /
• 2013

In this study, we designed to confirm the dietary effect of anti-obesity of fermented soybean curd residue (FSCR; SCR-Meju; Biji-meju) by A. oryzae, which is well known as a Korean traditional meju microbe. We observed that body weight gain, serum and hepatic lipid profile, as well as the activity of ROS generating enzyme and ROS scavenging enzyme in high-fat diet induced obese mice fed experimental diet (SCR and SCR-meju). Body weight gain and epididymal fat weight of HC (high-fat diet control) was markedly higher than that of NC (Normal control). Conversely, body weight gain and epididymal fat weight of the SCR (Biji) and SCR-meju (Biji-meju) group was significantly lower than that of HC; these of the SCR-meju group was lower than that of the SCR group. Furthermore, serum TG and total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol contents of SCR and SCR-meju groups were lower than that of HC, and HDL-cholesterol level of the SCR-meju group was significantly higher than that of HC. In conclusion, although precise mechanisms of the antiobese effects of SCR-meju in this study are unknown, the present study provides an experimental evidence that SCR-meju may prevent obesity and obesity related metabolic syndromes, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes, and liver disease by high-fat diet. Nevertheless, further study in this filed will be needed.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.125-133
• /
• 2017

In this study, we investigated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, component analysis, antioxidative activity and cellular protective effects against oxidative stress on human skin cells in 50% ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and aglycone fraction obtained from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (G. pentaphyllum) Makino. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activites ($FSC_{50}$) of the 50% ethanol extracts, ethyl acetate fraction and aglycone fraction were 246.8, 147.2, $128.9{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities ($OSC_{50}$) of the 50% ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and aglycone fraction on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}-EDTA/H_2O_2$ system using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay were 37.15, 10.74, $7.19{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. We investigated the cellular protective activity and the results showed that treatment of aglycone fraction ($0.05-0.39{\mu}g/mL$) protect human skin cells in a concentration-dependent manner when the skin cell damages were induced by treating them with $H_2O_2$. These results suggest that extract/fractions of G. pentaphyllum Makino may be applicable as natural antioxidants in cosmetics.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.135-142
• /
• 2017

This study employs an analytical mathematical model to estimate the optimal debt ratio of Korean agricultural corporations, more sensitive to the government debt ratio policy compared to other industries, and the estimation of the optimal debt ratio based on objective data. The analytical model utilizes the equation for ROE, with the debt ratio as an independent variable, and related parameters include ROS, TAT, and NFCL. Regarding the NFCL, the optimal debt ratio standard is defined as the debt ratio that maximizes the ROE by analytical procedures such as adding an equation concerning the debt ratio and a linearity relationship to the analytical model, and from these equations, a quadratic equation with the debt ratio as an independent variable describes the ROE. This methodemploys fourteen years of corporate data. Results show that 138% of debt ratio is the optimal debt ratio to increase the ROE of the corporations, which implies that the existing debt ratio of Korean agricultural corporations is higher than optimal. Consequently, it is required for authorities to change future debt ratio policies in view that the purpose of debt ratio management is to maintain safety and increase profitability.Management should emphasize characteristics of the specific industry rather than standardized judgements based on numerical indexes.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.546-557
• /
• 2021

Objective: If fertilization does not occur within a specific period, the quality of unfertilized oocytes in the oviduct (in vivo aging) or in culture (in vitro aging) will deteriorate over time. Icariin (ICA), found in all species of Epimedium herbs, has strong antioxidant activity, and is thought to exert anti-aging effects in vitro. We asked whether ICA protects oocytes against age-related changes in vitro. Methods: We analyzed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and expression of antioxidant, maternal, and estrogen receptor genes, and along with spindle morphology, and the developmental competence and quality of embryos in the presence and absence of ICA. Results: Treatment with 5 μM ICA (ICA-5) led to a significant reduction in ROS activity, but increased mRNA expression of glutathione and antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase 1 [SOD1], SOD2, peroxiredoxin 5, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2), during aging in vitro. In addition, ICA-5 prevented defects in spindle formation and chromosomal alignment, and increased mRNA expression of cytoplasmic maturation factor genes (bone morphogenetic protein 15, cyclin B1, MOS proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase, and growth differentiation factor-9). It also prevented apoptosis, increased mRNA expression of antiapoptotic genes (BCL2-like 1 and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5), and reduced mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 and activation of caspase-3). Although the maturation and cleavage rates were similar in all groups, the total cell number per blastocyst and the percentage of apoptotic cells at the blastocyst stage were higher and lower, respectively, in the control and ICA-5 groups than in the aging group. Conclusion: ICA protects oocytes against damage during aging in vitro; therefore, it can be used to improve assisted reproductive technologies.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.89-103
• /
• 2018

Objectives : This study is aimed to compare the changes in Antioxidative capacity of Liriopis Tuber by steaming process and to compare the effects in hyperlipidemia induced rats fed high cholesterol diet between Simvastatin and Liriopis Tuber by steaming process. Methods : The SD rats were divided into six groups: normal diet (Nor), high cholesterol diet (Veh), high cholesterol diet plus Simvastatin 5 mg/kg (Sim), high cholesterol diet plus LT0 extract 200 mg/kg (LT0), high cholesterol diet plus LT6 extract 200 mg/kg (LT6) and high cholesterol diet plus LT9 extract 200 mg/kg (LT9). We compared the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) contents and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from each serums. Protein expression in liver tissues related to antioxidant and cholesterol was analyzed. Results : The Antioxidant activity of Liriopis Tuber increased by steaming process. In vivo, TC, TG, LDL-c, atherogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk factor (CRF) decreased and HDL-c increased with increasing steaming frequency. aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased with increasing steaming frequency. ROS decreased only in LT9, and SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased with increasing steaming frequency. phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) increased and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), Phospho-Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (p-ACC) and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) decreased with increasing steaming frequency. Liver staining showed a decrease in hepatic fat accumulation of LT9. LT9 showed significant results in all experiments. Conclusions : LT9 showed significance of anti-lipid effect and improved fatty liver of hyperlipemia induced rats fed on high cholesterol diet, In conclusion, LP9 can be effectively used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.47-55
• /
• 2017

Objectives : Obesity is caused by the excess accumulation of fat in the body due to energy imbalance, and it causes various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate an anti-obesity efficacy and an antioxidant activity of water from herbal mixture extract (SM17). Methods : The antioxidant activities were evaluated through radical scavenging assays using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. To evaluated anti-obesity effect of SM17, we used a high fat diet fed mouse model. The SM17 (150 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o.) was treated every day for 6 weeks to C57BL/6 mice. Body weight and food intake were measured every day. The changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alanine aminotransferanse (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerids (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in serum were analyzed after experiment. Also, expression of lipid metabolism related proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. Results : It was effective in antioxidant measurements, SM17 administration inhibited the biomarkers of lipid metaboism in serum and tissues. The administration of SM17 showed a significant reduction of body and tissue weight. Morever, it decreased ROS, ALT, AST, TG and TC in serum, compared with those of the obese mice. Adipogenesis-related protein expressions increased in obese mice compared to normal mice. However, SM17 group exhibited the down-expression of these proteins. Conclusion : A SM17 aqueous extract has a great effect on the stimulation (AMPK) activation, and may have a benefit to reduce a fatty acid metabolism through inhibition of lipid accumulation.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.15-30
• /
• 2009

Purpose: In this rapidly aging society, the research and development of traditional oriental medicine treatment is one of the critical factors to protect the increasing neuro-degenerative disorders. In this study, we wanted to verify the effect of Yukul-tang (YUT) on neuro-degenerative disease model by assessing the antioxidant and anti-inflammation effects. Methods: To assess the antioxidant effects of YUT, we carried out DPPH radical and ABTS radical scavenging assays and determined the total polyphenolic contents in YUT. To evaluate the neuro-protective effects of YUT, we performed the MTT and ROS assays and TH immunohistochemistry, NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ assays in SH-SY5Y or mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons damaged by 6-OHDA. Results: The treatment of YUT showed eliminating effects on DPPH radical and ABTS radical. it showed deterring effects on ROS, NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ and protecting effects on TH-positive cell in SH-SY5Y cells or mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Especially in the case of the treatment of YUT with 0.2ug/mL + 6-OHDA 10uM, the protective effect on dopaminergic neurons was most outstanding. Conclusion: In this study, we have demonstrated that YUT has an antioxidant effect and a neuro-protective effect on neuro-degenerative disease model caused by neurotoxin such as 6-OHDA. The results of our present study suggest that YUT can be useful agent to prevent and to treat neuro-degenerative diseases.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.175-184
• /
• 2022

The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Coreopsis lanceolate extract against hydrogen-peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage and cell death in pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbebzothiazoloine-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activities, as well as the expression levels of proteins associated with oxidative damage and cell death were investigated. According to the results, C. lanceolate extract exhibited inhibitory activity against intracellular ROS generation and cell-damaging effects induced by hydroxyl radicals in a dose-dependent manner. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 22.3 mg·g^-1 gallic acid equivalent and 16.2 mg·g^-1 catechin equivalent, respectively. Additionally, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay based on the internal standard method used to detect phenolic compounds. The phenolic compounds identified in C. lanceolata extract contained (+)-catechin hydrate (5.0 ± 0.0 mg·g^-1), ferulic acid (1.6 ± 0.0 mg·g^-1), chlorogenic acid (1.5 ± 0.0 mg·g^-1), caffeic acid (1.2 ± 0.0 mg·g-1), naringin (0.9 ± 0.0 mg·g^-1), and p-coumaric acid (0.5 ± 0.0 mg·g^-1). C. lanceolata extract attenuated pro-apoptotic Bax expression levels and enhanced the expression levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, caspase-3, and caspase-9 proteins. Therefore, C. lanceolata is a potential source of materials with neuroprotective properties against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
• /
• v.18 no.6
• /
• pp.11-26
• /
• 2023

This study aimed to empirically analyze the effect of Korean companies' FDI(Foreign Direct Investment) on their financial performances, particularly divided into profitability, stability, growth and activity, while comparing distinct financial performances between SMEs(small and medium-sized enterprises) and large enterprises whose corporate attributes are different from each other. As research subjects, this study selected FDI Korean companies from the directory of oversea-expanded companies of KOTRA(Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) and used financial data from a total of 409 companies(136 SMEs and 273 large enterprises) with complete financial data for the first five years after the initial investment out of all the financial data from 1990 to 2021. The analysis results can be summarized as follows; In the profitability sector, FDI had positive effects on ROA(Return on Assets) and ROS(Return on Sales) of SMEs, while having negative effects on those of large enterprises to the contrary. In the stability sector, FDI had no statistical significance for SMEs, while having significantly negative effect on LEV(Debt to Equity Ratio) of large enterprises. In the growth sector, FDI had significantly negative effect on AGR(Asset Growth) of SMEs, but showed no significant results for large enterprises. In the activity sector, FDI showed no statistical significance for SMEs, while having positive effects on ATR(Asset Turnover Ratio) and FATA(Fixed Asset Turnover Ratio) of large enterprises. In conclusion, it was found that when having made FDI, SMEs and large enterprises showed different financial performances from each other in terms of profitability, stability, growth and activity.