• Title/Summary/Keyword: active agents

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Design of Multi-agent System for Course Scheduling of Learner-oriented using Weakness Analysis Algorithm (취약성 분석 알고리즘을 이용한 학습자 중심의 코스 스케쥴링 멀티 에이전트 시스템의 설계)

  • Kim, Tae-Seog;Lee, Jong-Hee;Lee, Keun-Wang;Oh, Hae-Seok
    • The KIPS Transactions:PartA
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    • v.8A no.4
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    • pp.517-522
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    • 2001
  • The appearance of web technology has accelerated a role of the development of the multimedia technology, the computer communication technology and the multimedia application contents. And serveral researches of WBI (Web-based Instruction) system have combined the technology of the digital library and LOD. Recently WBI (Web-based Instruction) model which is based on web has been proposed in the part of the new activity model of teaching-learning. And the demand of the customized coursewares which is required from the learners is increased, the needs of the efficient and automated education agents in the web-based instruction are recognized. But many education systems that had been studied recently did not service fluently the courses which learners had been wanting and could not provide the way for the learners to study the learning weakness which is observed in the continuous feedback of the course. In this paper we propose "Design of Multi-agent System for Course Scheduling of Learner-oriented using Weakness Analysis Algorithm". First proposed system monitors learner's behaviors constantly, evaluates them, and calculates his accomplishment. From this accomplishment the multi-agent schedules the suitable course for the learner. And the learner achieves a active and complete learning from the repeated and suitable course.le course.

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Characteristics and Types of Social Impact Bond (사회성과연계채권(Social Impact Bond) 운영구조의 유형화)

  • Noh, Hyejin
    • Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
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    • v.47 no.4
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    • pp.333-360
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    • 2016
  • Social Impact Bonds(SIBs) has emerged as a promising way to finance proven social services programs, fund what works, and drive government accountability and has increased fast. In this context, this study examines and classifies the structure of SIB focusing key criteria of the main steps through two-step cluster analysis. Analysis results are as follows. First, the main commissioners of SIB are the ministries of the central government. And in terms of the stage of invest, there are usually two or three investors mainly consisting of social finance organizations. Second, in terms of target and age of SIB beneficiaries, it focuses on the adolescent and youth. Third, in the outcome evaluation stage, the results show that in most cases outcome payments are determined by a validation of service provider or government administrative data. However, the rate of payments are based on the comparison of the program beneficiaries to other comparable groups is 23.8%. Finally, The results of two-step cluster analysis are as; 'mix of central government and social finance organization', 'multiple agent including private organization', and 'multiple social provider'. Among three types, 'multiple agent including private organization' shows the most active participation between agents and the most systematic outcome measurement and management. The results of this study imply that the importance of the method to manage and measure outcome in SIB structure. Moreover, the consist of commissioners or investors is needed to expanded more.

Effects of Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam Extract on the UVB-induced Cell Death, Oxidative Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 Expression in Keratinocytes (각질세포에서 자외선B가 유도한 세포 사멸, 산화적 스트레스 및 matrix metalloproteinase 1 발현에 대한 죽여추출물의 영향)

  • Seok, Jin Kyung;Kwak, Jun Yup;Seo, Hyeong Ho;Suh, Hwa Jin;Boo, Yong Chool
    • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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    • v.41 no.1
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    • pp.9-20
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    • 2015
  • Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a major cause of skin photoaging, and effective UV protecting agents are needed for the skin health and beauty. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of Bambusae caulis in Taeniam extract (BCTE) on UVB-induced cell death, oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression in cell-based assays. HaCaT human keratinocytes were exposed to UVB in the presence of BCTE at different concentrations and resulting changes in cell viability and biochemical events were determined. The results showed that BCTE enhanced the viabilities of UVB-exposed cells, and attenuated apoptotic events such as cleavage of procaspase 3 to its active form, and the increase of Bax to Bcl-2 ratios. BCTE also attenuated the reactive oxygen generation and lipid peroxidation in cells exposed to UVB. Additionally, it attenuated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase stimulated by UVB. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that BCTE pro tected skin cells from the UVB-induced cell death, oxidative stress and MMP1 expression, suggesting its potential use as a cosmetic ingredient mitigating some features of the skin photoaging.

Study on Application of Skin Care Cosmetic and Stabilization of Idebenone by Forming Niosome Vesicle Technology

  • Kim, In-Young
    • Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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    • v.36 no.2
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    • pp.592-599
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    • 2019
  • This study is to stabilize insoluble and unstable active ingredient which is Idebenone (INCI name: hydroxydecyl ubiquinone) in a multi-lamellar vesicle (MLV) and to stabilize it in the skin care cosmetics. Idebenone is good effective raw material in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the medical field and a powerful antioxidant in dermatology. It is well known as a substance that inhibits the formation of melanin and cleans the skin pigment. However, it did not dissolve in any solvent and it was difficult to apply in cosmetic applications. Niosome vesicle was able to develop a nano-particle by making a multi-layer of idebenone encapsulated with a nonionic surfactant, hydrogenated lecithin and glycine soja (soybean) sterols and passing it through a high pressure microfluidizer. Idebenone niosome vesicle (INV) has been developed to have the ability to dissolve transparently in water and to promote transdermal penetration. The appearance of the INV was a yellowish liquid having specific odor, and the particle size distribution of INV was about 10~80 nm. The pH was 5~8 (mean=6.8). This capsulation with idebenone was stored in a $45^{\circ}C$ incubator for 3 months and its stability was observed and quantitatively measured by HPLC. As a result, the stability of the sample encapsulated in the niosome vesicle (97.5%) was about 66.3% higher than that of the non-capsule sample of 32.5%. Idebenone 1% INV was used for the efficacy test and clinical trial evaluation as follows. The anti-oxidative activity of INV was 38.2%, which was superior to that of 12.8% tocopherol (control). The melanin-reducing effect of B16 melanoma cells was better than INV (17.4%) and Albutin (control) (9.6%). Pro-collagen synthesis rate was 128.2% for INV and 89.3% for tocopherol (control). The skin moisturizing effect was 15.5% better than the placebo sample. The elasticity effect was 9.7% better than the placebo sample. As an application field, INV containing 1% of idebenone is expected to be able to develop various functional cosmetic formulations such as skin toner, ampoule essence, cream, eye cream and sunblock cream. In addition, it is expected that this encapsulated material will be widely applicable to emulsifying agents for skin use in the pharmaceutical industry as well as the cosmetics industry.

Anti-obesity Effect of the Flavonoid Rich Fraction from Mulberry Leaf Extract (뽕잎 추출물 기원 Flavonoid Rich Fraction의 항비만효과)

  • Go, Eun Ji;Ryu, Byung Ryeol;Yang, Su Jin;Baek, Jong Suep;Ryu, Su Ji;Kim, Hyun Bok;Lim, Jung Dae
    • Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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    • v.28 no.6
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    • pp.395-411
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    • 2020
  • Background: This study investigated the anti-obesity effect of the flavonoid rich fraction (FRF) and its constituent, rutin obtained from the leaf of Morus alba L., on the lipid accumulation mechanism in 3T3-L1 adipocyte and C57BL/6 mouse models. Methods and Results: In Oil Red O staining, FRF (1,000 ㎍/㎖) treatments showed inhibition rate of 35.39% in lipid accumulation compared to that in the control. AdipoRedTM assay indicated that the triglyceride content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with FRF (1,000 ㎍/㎖) was reduced to 23.22%, and free glycerol content was increased to 106.04% that of the control. FRF and its major constituent, rutin affected mRNA gene expression. Rutin contributed to the inhibition of Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) gene expression, and inhibited the transcription factors SREBP-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In addition, the effect of FRF administration on obesity development in C57BL/6 mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) was investigated. FRF suppressed weight gain, and reduced liver triglyceride and leptin secretion. FRF exerted potential anti-inflammatory effects by improving insulin resistance and adiponectin levels, and could thus be used to help counteract obesity. The mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ, FAS, ACC, and CPT-1 were determined in liver tissue. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was also performed to evaluate the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in epididymal adipose tissue. Compared to the control group, mice fed the HFD showed the up-regulation in PPAR-γ, FAS, IL-6, and TNF-α genes, and down-regulation in CPT1 gene expression. FRF treatement markedly reduced the expression of PPAR-γ, FAS, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to those in HFD control, whereas increased the expression level of CPT1. Conclusions: These results suggest that the FRF and its major active constituent, rutin, can be used as effective anti-obesity agents.

Evaluation of the Appropriateness of Empirical Antibiotic Prescription after Implementation of Antibiotic Treatment Guidelines for Pneumonia in a Hospital (원내 폐렴 진료 지침 수립 후 경험 항생제 선택의 적절성 평가)

  • Kang, Jiyoung;Kim, Hyungsook;Jeong, Youngmi;Namgung, Hyungwook;Lee, Eunsook;Lee, Euni;Hwang, Joohee;Song, Kyoungho;Kim, Eusuk;Kim, Hongbin
    • Journal of Korean Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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    • v.35 no.4
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    • pp.391-399
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    • 2018
  • Background : The Antimicrobial Stewardship Program promotes interdisciplinary interventions and targeted recommendations for the proper utilization of antibiotics. In particular, the aim of the program is to avoid indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics based on the documented literature on the significant impact of unsystematic usage of antibiotics on the distribution of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. To improve the care process for pneumonia treatment using antimicrobial agents, institution-level guidelines were established and disseminated at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in April 2016. In this study, we evaluated changes in the physicians'antibiotic prescribing patterns both before-and after-the implementation of the guidelines. Methods : The electronic medical records of inpatients who were prescribed with one or more antibiotics in May 2014 (Group A) and May 2016 (Group B) were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, and antibiotic prescriptions were collected and the prescription records were compared both before- and after- the implementation of the guidelines. Results : A total of 180 patients were included in the study: 77 patients in group A and 103 patients in group B. The baseline characteristics of the patients were not significantly different between the two groups. Community-acquired pneumonia was the most common diagnosis in both the groups and the difference was not significant (68.8% vs. 67.9%; p=0.67). The type of antibiotic prescriptions used for empirical treatment was not different between the two groups. The most commonly prescribed empirical antibiotics were cephalosporins, with no significant difference (p=0.31). One of the most inappropriately used antibiotics was piperacillin/tazobactam and the rate of prescription was similar in both the groups (p=0.68). The rates of appropriate empirical selection of antibiotics remained unaltered between the two groups (67.5% vs. 71.8%; p=0.53). Conclusions : Implementation of the guidelines only exhibited no significant effect on the antibiotic prescribing patterns of physicians for the treatment of pneumonia. To improve the adequate use of empiric antibiotics, more active interventions and closer monitoring of the feedbacks should be additionally considered and evaluated in future studies.

Analysis on the Efficacy of Cosmetic Application of Lijang Snow Tea (Nekemias grossedentata) (리장 설차 (Nekemias grossedentata )의 화장품적 적용 효능 분석)

  • Wen, Ying;Lee, Seol-Hoon
    • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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    • v.47 no.4
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    • pp.281-287
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    • 2021
  • In this study, we analyzed the cosmetic applicability of extract from snow tea, native to Lijiang, Yunnan-province, China. After confirming the species as N. grossedentata through DNA analysis of Lijiang snow tea, experiments were conducted using representative tea, green tea, and a representative control group for each efficacy analysis. Both teas were extracted using 70% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solution. The polyphenol content in the Lijiang snow tea extract (gallic acid equivalent, 23.9 ± 3.2 mg/mL) was higher than that in green tea extract (16.4 ± 2.3 mg/mL). In contrast, the antioxidant (Radical scavenging, IC50 104 ㎍/mL), tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory (whitening agent, IC50 40.7 ㎍/mL), and Escherichia coli growth inhibitory (preservative) activities (IC50 2.85 mg/mL) were analyzed based on the solid content in the extract, and it was confirmed that the activities of Lijiang snow tea extract were superior to those of green tea extract (radical scavenging, IC50 234 ㎍/mL. It also showed similar efficacy to previously used active substances such as antioxidants (vitamin C, IC50 108 ㎍/mL), whitening agents (vitamin C, IC50 80㎍/mL), and preservatives (methylparaben, IC50 4.35 mg/mL). However, green tea was found to be better in collagenase inhibition activity (anti-wrinkle). Through this study, the cosmetic application potential of Lijiang snow tea is high.

An Ethnographic Study of the Life-world and the Meaning of Life Experiences of Older People in Rural Communities (농촌노인들의 생활세계와 농촌 커뮤니티에서의 삶의 의미)

  • Yoon, Sung-eun;Han, Gyounghae
    • 한국노년학
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    • v.31 no.3
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    • pp.767-793
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    • 2011
  • This study aims to explore how older adults construct their life-world in their ecological and socio-cultural context of rural communities and to understand what meanings they give to the life experiences they have had within their life-world. Two rural villages in Sunchang County in North Jeolla Province, South Korea were selected for this study and ethnographic fieldwork was conducted for about 2 months to gather the data. Despite the fact that rural communities face restructuring and economic decline, older adults in this study gave positive meanings to their life experiences. Doing agricultural labor particularly in later life let them maintain independence and continuity in life, and provided them with plenty of opportunity to interact with nature. Also, they had a sense of control over their physical and social environments where they had been familiar with for a long period of time. Furthermore, older adults had various memories of contributions to families and communities have been created. This research shows older adults in rural communities are active agents of their life-world, dismantling stereotypical notions of older adults as dependent, isolated, and marginalized. Implications of the study are discussed in detail.

Discovering the Anti-cancer Effects of Ligusticum Chuanxiong through Network-based Pharmacology Analysis and Molecular Docking: An Inquiry into Natural Products (네트워크 기반 약리학 분석 및 분자 도킹을 통한 천궁의 항암 효과 예측: 천연물에 대한 탐구)

  • Do Kyung Han;Jee Won Shon;Eui Suk Sung;Youn Sook Kim;Won G. An
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.33 no.11
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    • pp.876-886
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    • 2023
  • In some cases of head and neck cancers (HNC), surgical interventions may result in the loss of organs and/or changes to their functions, thereby significantly affecting the patient's quality of life. As a result, the surgical treatment of HNC patients is often limited to specific cases, and alternative treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, are considered. However, serious adverse effects caused by chemotherapy, such as severe nausea and vomiting, necessitate the need for the development of adjunctive methods to minimize patient suffering. Chuanxiong, Ligusticum chuanxiong (L. chuanxiong), is a natural herb used in Eastern medicine to treat cerebrovascular disorders and headaches. This study aimed to predict the effect and potential of L. chuanxiong as an auxiliary anticancer drug through network-based pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. The study results showed that 40 out of 41 genes of L. chuanxiong shared common targets of HNC and their proteins could be used to target HNC cells to prevent cancer progression. The results of the functional enrichment analysis confirmed that L. chuanxiong is associated with the neuroactive-ligand metabolism and neurotransmitter pathways, indicating its potential medicinal value as an adjuvant in HNC treatment. Lastly, our findings demonstrated that the active ingredient of L. chuanxiong, (Z)-Ligustilide, has the ATP binding site of heat shock protein 90, a protein known to promote the activation of cancer cells. These results suggest that L. chuanxiong is a promising candidate for developing auxiliary anticancer drugs, and further research could potentially lead to the discovery of newer and safer anti-cancer agents.

The Discovery and Exploration of the Tomb of Jang Mui during the Japanese Colonial Era (일제강점기 장무이묘의 발견과 조사)

  • Jung In-seung
    • Bangmulgwan gwa yeongu (The National Museum of Korea Journal)
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    • v.1
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    • pp.18-35
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    • 2024
  • The Tomb of Jang Mui was discovered and investigated during the Japanese colonial era. It has provided key archaeological material for identifying the Daebang Commandery mentioned in historical records as Sariwon in Hwanghae-do Province when some bricks used in the construction of the tomb were found to be stamped with the official title "Prefect of Daebang Commandery." The discovery of the Tomb of Jang Mui served to confirm that the brick chamber tombs found along the Daedonggang River in 1909 were related to the Nangnang Commandery. It can be viewed as a major archaeological breakthrough that settled a debate over the locations of the Daesu River and Daebang Commandery that had been ongoing since the early Joseon Dynasty. Despite its significance for archeology and ancient Korean history, the circumstances of the discovery and investigations of the Tomb of Jang Mui have not been thoroughly examined. Inscribed bricks and roof tiles unearthed during the excavation conducted by Sekino Tadashi in 1912 are currently housed at The University Museum of The University of Tokyo. A number of other bricks excavated from the Tomb of Jang Mui are in the collection of the National Museum of Korea. Main agents of the investigations into these materials have not all been identified. Only some records on the materials collected during the investigations by Nomori Gen and others specify the main investigators. Inscribed bricks from other related tombs are also found in the Tokyo National Museum and at several universities in Japan. It is hoped that a comprehensive report incorporating all these materials can be written. Based on a reinterpretation of its structure conducted by Jung In-seung in 2010, the Tomb of Jang Mui has been dated to 348. This means it was not built during the Daebang Commandery period. The most compelling archaeological evidence regarding the location of the Daebang Commandery and its local capital has been undermined. It is hoped that active discussions will be held on the issue of the Daebang Commandery and its local capital.