• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.49-62
• /
• 2020

This research investigates how interest develops across a set of tasks within a course defined by a specific knowledge domain. The current study examined the relationships among self-concept, self-efficacy, Korea-related factors, and evaluation, in the context of learning about the Hanbok costume at Chinese universities. A survey (n=300) was conducted using an online survey website (www.sojump.com) from the 1st to the 25th of June. The structural equation model (SEM) analysis, including total and specific forms of self-evaluation with Hanbok courses, showed that self-concept was positively associated with self-efficacy. Conversely, K-culture interest and K-country image did not significantly affect self-efficacy in clothing, but positively affected Hanbok's self-efficacy. Meanwhile, the more self-efficacy perceived, the higher the level of evaluation. Overall, our findings imply that supporting the students' Korean culture interest, country image perception, and self-concept for regulation can enhance self-evaluation and self-realization success. Theoretical and practical implications for Hanbok courses are discussed.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.80 no.5
• /
• pp.595-608
• /
• 2021

To investigate the mechanical behavior of large stud shear connector embedded in hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC), a refined 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) model incorporating the constitutive model of HFRC was developed using ANSYS. Firstly, the test results conducted by the authors (He et al. 2017) were used to validate FE model of push out tests. Secondly, a total of 27 specimens were analyzed with various parameters including fiber volume fractions of HFRC, diameter of studs and HFRC strength. Finally, an empirical equation considering the contribution of steel fiber (SF) and polypropylene fiber (PF) was recommended to estimate the ultimate capacity of large stud shear connector embedded in HFRC.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
• /
• 2005.10a
• /
• pp.719-724
• /
• 2005

It has been debating on the performance evaluation of professional construction management (PCM) services since its introduction to Taiwan's construction industry more than a decade ago. Several evaluation systems were proposed by previous researchers. However, there has no comparison study been conducted for the feasibility, effectiveness, and appropriateness of these systems to the performance management (PM) of practical PCM services. This paper is intended for this end to compare the existing PCM performance evaluation systems in Taiwan. A real world design/build (D/B) building project was selected for case study. The result of case study concludes and compares the pro's and con's of the three systems. At the end, it recommends strategies for selecting the most appropriate PCM performance evaluation for PCM services.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
• /
• 2005.10a
• /
• pp.397-402
• /
• 2005

Professional Construction Management (PCM) services have become more and more popular in Taiwan in the past decade. However, disputes between PCM consultant and the client on the performance of PCM services are also increasing. The evaluation of PCM performance is a tough task due to the lack of "physical product", such as the drawings finished by the architect. This paper is intended to propose a PCM performance evaluation system (PPES) based on Balanced Scorecard (BSC). A case study of PCM consultancy for a real world design/build project is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed BSC framework

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.11
• /
• pp.4663-4670
• /
• 2014

Trichostatin A (TSA) is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. We here investigated its effects on proliferation and apoptosis of the CNE2 carcinoma cell line, and attempted to establish genome-wide DNA methylation alteration due to differentially histone acetylation status. After cells were treated by TSA, the inhibitory rate of cell proliferation was examined with a CCK8 kit, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Compared to control, TSA inhibited CNE2 cell growth and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, TSA was found to induce genome-wide methylation alteration as assessed by genome-wide methylation array. Overall DNA methylation level of cells treated with TSA was higher than in controls. Function and pathway analysis revealed that many genes with methylation alteration were involved in key biological roles, such as apoptosis and cell proliferation. Three genes (DAP3, HSPB1 and CLDN) were independently confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Finally, we conclude that TSA inhibits CNE2 cell growth and induces apoptosis in vitro involving genome-wide DNA methylation alteration, so that it has promising application prospects in treatment of NPC in vivo. Although many unreported hypermethylated/hypomethylated genes should be further analyzed and validated, the pointers to new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in the treatment of NPC should be stressed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.23 no.8
• /
• pp.1070-1075
• /
• 2013

Streptococcus mutans is the primary etiological agent of dental caries. The antimicrobial peptide $\small{D}$-Nal-Pac-525 was designed by replacing the tryptophans of the Trp-rich peptide Pac-525 with $\small{D}$-${\beta}$-naphthyalanines. To assess the effect of $\small{D}$-Nal-Pac-525 on cariogenic bacteria, the activity of $\small{D}$-Nal-Pac-525 on the growth of S. mutans and its biofilm formation were examined. $\small{D}$-Nal-Pac-525 showed robust antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (minimum inhibitory concentration of 4 ${\mu}g/ml$). Using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, it was shown that $\small{D}$-Nal-Pac-525 caused morphological changes and damaged the cell membrane of S. mutans. $\small{D}$-Nal-Pac-525 inhibited biofilm formation of S. mutans at 2 ${\mu}g/ml$. The results of this study suggest that $\small{D}$-Nal-Pac-525 has great potential for clinical application as a dental caries-preventing agent.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.16
• /
• pp.6961-6967
• /
• 2014

Cytokine gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are involved in the genesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We hypothesized that combined effects of cytokine gene SNPs and SNP-SNP interactions are associated with HCC risk. Six SNPs in cytokine genes (IL-2, IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-10) were genotyped in a study of 720 Chinese HCC cases and 784 cancer-free controls. Although none of these SNPs individually had a significant effect on the risk of HCC, we found that the combined effects of these six SNPs may contribute to HCC risk (OR=1.821, 95% CI=1.078-3.075). This risk was pronounced among smokers, drinkers, and hepatitis B virus carriers. A SNP-SNP interaction between IL-2-330 and IFN-${\gamma}$-1615 was associated with an increased HCC risk (OR=1.078, 95% CI=1.022-1.136). In conclusion, combined effects of SNPs and SNP-SNP interactions in cytokine genes may contribute to HCC risk.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.27 no.8
• /
• pp.1491-1499
• /
• 2017

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is transformed from trimethylamine (TMA) through hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenases, can promote atherosclerosis. TMA is produced from dietary carnitine, phosphatidylcholine, and choline via the gut microbes. Previous works have shown that some small molecules, such as allicin, resveratrol, and 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol, are used to reduce circulating TMAO levels. However, the use of bacteria as an effective therapy to reduce TMAO levels has not been reported. In the present study, 82 isolates were screened from healthy Chinese fecal samples on a basal salt medium supplemented with TMA as the sole carbon source. The isolates belonged to the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly to genera Klebsiella, Escherichia, Cronobacter, and Enterobacter. Serum TMAO and cecal TMA levels were significantly decreased in choline-fed mice treated with Enterobacter aerogenes ZDY01 compared with those in choline-fed mice treated with phosphate-buffered saline. The proportions of Bacteroidales family S24-7 were significantly increased, whereas the proportions of Helicobacteraceae and Prevotellaceae were significantly decreased through the administration of E. aerogenes ZDY01. Results indicated that the use of probiotics to act directly on the TMA in the gut might be an alternative approach to reduce serum TMAO levels and to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and "fish odor syndrome" through the effect of TMA on the gut microbiota.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.11
• /
• pp.6411-6413
• /
• 2013

Adenocarcinoma of esophagus (AE) is a complex disease, affected by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Much evidence has shown that the MutY glycosylase homologue (MUTYH) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many cancers. However, there have been no reports on influence on AE in the Han Chinese population. The objective of this study was to investigate this issue. A gene-based association study was conducted using three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) reported in previous studies. The three SNPs (rs3219463, rs3219472, rs3219489) were genotyped in 207 unrelated AE patients and 249 healthy controls in a case-control study using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results revealed that the genotype distribution of rs3219472 differed between the case and control groups (OR=1.66,95%CI=1.11-2.48, P=0.012), indicating that an association may exist between MUTYH and AE. These findings support a signifcant role for MUTYH in AE pathogenesis in the Han Chinese population.

• Smart Structures and Systems
• /
• v.9 no.5
• /
• pp.393-410
• /
• 2012

Conventional geotechnical instrumentation techniques available for monitoring of slopes, especially soil-nailed slopes have limitations such as electromagnetic interference, low accuracy, poor longterm reliability and difficulty in mounting a series of strain sensors on a soil nail bar with a small-diameter. This paper presents a slope monitoring system based on fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology. This monitoring system is designed to perform long-term monitoring of slope movements, strains along soil nails, and other slope reinforcement elements. All these FBG sensors are fabricated and calibrated in laboratory and a trial of this monitoring system has been successfully conducted on a roadside slope in Hong Kong. As part of the slope stability improvement works, soil nails and a toe support soldier-pile wall were constructed. During the slope works, more than 100 FBG sensors were installed on a soil nail, a soldier pile, and an in- place inclinometer. The paper presents the layout and arrangement of the instruments as well as the installation procedures adopted. Monitoring data have been collected since March 2008. This trial has demonstrated the great potential of the optical fibre monitoring system for long-term monitoring of slope performance. The advantages of the slope monitoring system and experience gained in the field implementation are also discussed in the paper.