• Title/Summary/Keyword: human evolution

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IMPACTS OF DESIGN-BUILD DELIVERY SYSTEM ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN TAIWAN

  • Min-Ren Yan;Wei Lo;Chien-Liang Lin
    • International conference on construction engineering and project management
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    • 2005.10a
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    • pp.1007-1012
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    • 2005
  • Although the design-build (DB) delivery system has been taking great strides in the world and relevant researches have also been quite abundant, few studies have dealt with its potential impacts on the construction industry as a whole. This research first identified the potential entry barrier factors, which may hinder the market access, based on the theory of industrial economics and characteristics of DB project. Then through a nation-wide questionnaire survey involving 103 construction contractors and engineering consultants, the influences of each factor on company's competitiveness and corporate strategies were scrutinized, and consequently, the evolution of the construction industry was examined. It is found that as opposed to the traditional design-bid-build delivery system, the DB delivery system elevates competitive advantages of large organizations in terms of the financial capability, working experience, human resource, and administrative strength, and among them, the financial strength was concluded to be the most significant force in differentiating corporate strategies and widening the gap of competitiveness between companies. It is inferred if the government extensively adopts DB delivery system, large organizations that already possess the competitive advantage tend to obtain both design and construction abilities, and dominate the DB market. Small and medium sized companies will find little room to maneuver and be forced to become specialty sub-contractors.

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Intergenerics Nuclear Transfer Technology for Conservation of Endangered Species

  • Lee, B.C.;S.K. Kang;J.K. Cho;B. Bavister;W.S. Hwang
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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    • 2002.11a
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    • pp.56-62
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    • 2002
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) considers the western/lowland bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus eurycerus to be a threatened species, and the eastern/mountain bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci an endangered species[1]. Although extinction is considered by many biologists to be a natural process during evolution, the exponential growth of the human population has drastically and prematurely reduced the numbers and genetic diversity of many species[2]. Species have evolved to adapt to a specific habitat or environment that meet their survival needs. Alteration or destruction of their habitat results in a species becoming incapable of adapting and hence becoming threatened with extinction. A widespread scientific and public consensus has emerged suggesting that governments should assign high priority to the maintenance of biological diversity via habitat preservation and management far species conservation[3]. Unfortunately, the loss of biological diversity far surpasses the available conservation resources and species are lost forever on a daily basis[4]. Notwithstanding the focus on habitat preservation and wildlife management, conservation biologists have also become increasingly interested in using the technologies of reproductive and developmental biology to help manage or rescue endangered species[5].

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Artificial Intelligence for Neurosurgery : Current State and Future Directions

  • Sung Hyun Noh;Pyung Goo Cho;Keung Nyun Kim;Sang Hyun Kim;Dong Ah Shin
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.66 no.2
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    • pp.113-120
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    • 2023
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that equips machines with human-like intelligence and enables them to learn, reason, and solve problems when presented with data in various formats. Neurosurgery is often at the forefront of innovative and disruptive technologies, which have similarly altered the course of acute and chronic diseases. In diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, AI is used to analyze images. The use of robots in the field of neurosurgery is also increasing. In neurointensive care units, AI is used to analyze data and provide care to critically ill patients. Moreover, AI can be used to predict a patient's prognosis. Several AI applications have already been introduced in the field of neurosurgery, and many more are expected in the near future. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to keep pace with this evolution to provide meaningful outcomes and personalize each patient's care. Rather than blindly relying on AI in the future, neurosurgeons should gain a thorough understanding of it and use it to enhance their patient care.

The Application of Chinese Traditional Tiger Pattern in Men's Fashion Design

  • Ji Fan
    • International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.253-262
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    • 2023
  • Chinese traditional patterns, which are part of our national precious heritage, have a long history. Tiger culture plays a very important role in folk art. In modern society, it is a symbol of human spirit and morality. The tiger pattern is also a unique traditional pattern in Chinese folklore. From the Spring and Autumn period to modern society, the tiger pattern has evolved in form through thousands of years of development. It is also a representative intangible cultural heritage in contemporary times. It plays a special role in the cultural exchange of different regions, resulting in the generation of the creation of folk art with great local characteristics. Therefore, traditional tiger patterns are an important part of traditional Chinese folk culture and art. In this study, by analyzing the development and evolution history of Chinese traditional tiger patterns, the application methods of Chinese traditional tiger patterns were summarized, the rich cultural connotation, artistic characteristics and application of traditional tiger pattern in modern fashion design were discussed. In contemporary design, the new and improved tiger pattern styles were explored, intangible cultural heritage was interpreted and inherited, and the cultural and artistic values contained therein were extracted. The author combined with modern fashion design, according to people's aesthetic taste and design principles, it is recreated,so that the traditional pattern has certain characteristics of The Times.But at the same time it retains its original character,and the traditional tiger pattern was inherited and the cultural connotation of clothing design was enriched.

Advances in Non-Interference Sensing for Wearable Sensors: Selectively Detecting Multi-Signals from Pressure, Strain, and Temperature

  • Byung Ku Jung;Yoonji Yang;Soong Ju Oh
    • Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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    • v.32 no.6
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    • pp.340-351
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    • 2023
  • Wearable sensors designed for strain, pressure, and temperature measurements are essential for monitoring human movements, health status, physiological data, and responses to external stimuli. Notably, recent research has led to the development of high-performance wearable sensors using innovative materials and device structures that exhibit ultra-high sensitivity compared with their commercial counterparts. However, the quest for accurate sensing has identified a critical challenge. Specifically, the mechanical flexibility of the substrates in wearable sensors can introduce interference signals, particularly when subjected to varying external stimuli and environmental conditions, potentially resulting in signal crosstalk and compromised data fidelity. Consequently, the pursuit of non-interference sensing technology is pivotal for enabling independent measurements of concurrent input signals related to strain, pressure, and temperature, ensuring precise signal acquisition. In this comprehensive review, we present an overview of the recent advances in noninterference sensing strategies. We explore various fabrication methods for sensing strain, pressure, and temperature, emphasizing the use of hybrid composite materials with distinct mechanical properties. This review contributes to the understanding of critical developments in wearable sensor technology that are vital for their ongoing application and evolution in numerous fields.

Applications of CRISPR technologies to the development of gene and cell therapy

  • Chul-Sung Park;Omer Habib;Younsu Lee;Junho K. Hur
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.57 no.1
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    • pp.2-11
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    • 2024
  • Advancements in gene and cell therapy have resulted in novel therapeutics for diseases previously considered incurable or challenging to treat. Among the various contributing technologies, genome editing stands out as one of the most crucial for the progress in gene and cell therapy. The discovery of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and the subsequent evolution of genetic engineering technology have markedly expanded the field of target-specific gene editing. Originally studied in the immune systems of bacteria and archaea, the CRISPR system has demonstrated wide applicability to effective genome editing of various biological systems including human cells. The development of CRISPR-based base editing has enabled directional cytosine-to-thymine and adenine-to-guanine substitutions of select DNA bases at the target locus. Subsequent advances in prime editing further elevated the flexibility of the edit multiple consecutive bases to desired sequences. The recent CRISPR technologies also have been actively utilized for the development of in vivo and ex vivo gene and cell therapies. We anticipate that the medical applications of CRISPR will rapidly progress to provide unprecedented possibilities to develop novel therapeutics towards various diseases.

Emerging Targets for Systemic Treatment of Gastric Cancer: HER2 and Beyond

  • In-Ho Kim
    • Journal of Gastric Cancer
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    • v.24 no.1
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    • pp.29-56
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    • 2024
  • In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in the molecular profiling of gastric cancer. This progress has led to the development of various molecular classifications to uncover subtype-specific dependencies that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a crucial biomarker for advanced gastric cancer. The recent promising results of novel approaches, including combination therapies or newer potent agents such as antibody-drug conjugates, have once again brought attention to anti-HER2 targeted treatments. In HER2-negative diseases, the combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy and programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors has become the established standard of care in first-line settings. In the context of gastric cancer, potential biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression, Epstein-Barr virus, microsatellite instability, and tumor mutational burden are being considered for immunotherapy. Recently, promising results have been reported in studies on anti-Claudin18.2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 treatments. Currently, many ongoing trials are aimed at identifying potential targets using novel approaches. Further investigations will be conducted to enhance the progress of these therapies, addressing challenges such as primary and acquired resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and clonal evolution. We believe that these efforts will improve patient prognoses. Herein, we discuss the current evidence of potential targets for systemic treatment, clinical considerations, and future perspectives.

Phylogeographic and population genetic study of a Korean endemic freshwater fish species, Zacco koreanus (한국 고유 담수어종 참갈겨니(Zacco koreanus) 개체군의 계통지리학 및 집단유전학 연구)

  • Kim, Yu Rim;Jang, Ji Eun;Choi, Hee-kyu;Lee, Hyuk Je
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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    • v.38 no.4
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    • pp.650-657
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    • 2020
  • We conducted a phylogeographic analysis of Korean endemic Zacco koreanus populations inhabiting the East-flowing river (Gangneung Yeongokcheon; GY, Yangyang Namdaecheon; YN), the Han River (Seomgang; SG, Soksacheon; SS), and the Nakdong River(Gilancheon; GA) using the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene (619 bp). Population genetic analysis was further performed to assess the population connectivity for the GY river where there is a large number of human-made artificial weirs with several fishways. The phylogeographic analysis revealed that while the populations of the East-flowing river and those of the Han River formed a monophyletic lineage, the Nakdong River individuals represented a distinct lineage with 3.7-4.2% (mean=4.0%) genetic distance from the other lineages. The population genetic analysis of the GY showed that a mid-stream population harbored relatively higher mitochondrial diversity relative to up- and down-stream populations, and there was no genetic differentiation between these three populations. The latter findings might suggest high genetic connectivity between the populations via genetic flow along the fishways. However, an analysis using faster-evolving genetic markers, such as microsatellites, is needed to confirm the findings of high population connectivity. Our study suggests the possibility of the presence of cryptic species in Z. koreanus in the Nakdong River basin. However, further study with more individual samples as well as additional markers or even more advanced genomic tools is required to test our hypothesis. Ecological or phenotypic analyses should be conducted to test whether the observed Nakdong River lineage represents a different or cryptic species, or simply hidden, but excessive, intraspecific diversity.

A Study on the Comparison of Liang Shu-Ming and Lee Don-Hwa's Perceptions of Modernization and the Philosophical Grounds of their Perceptions : Focusing on Works during the New Cultural Movement Period in Korea and China (양수명과 이돈화의 근대화에 대한 견해 및그 철학적 근거에 대한 비교 연구 - 한·중 신문화운동 시기의 저작을 중심으로 -)

  • Hwang, Jong Won
    • The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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    • no.36
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    • pp.319-352
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    • 2013
  • This paper aims to compare Liang Shu-Ming and Lee Don-Hwa's perceptions of modernization and the philosophical grounds of their perceptions during the New Cultural Movement period in Korea and China. Although Liang and Lee had different levels of enthusiasm towards New Cultural Movement, they shared many commonalities in their attitudes to Western modernization and their philosophical justifications for such attitudes. Liang Shu-Ming not only held positive views of Western modernization, but also examined the spiritual dynamics contributing to the development in science and democracy in Western countries. By analyzing the three fundamental questions of life, three kinds of human attitudes toward life, three types of culture derived from human attitudes, and the recapitulation theory, Liang systematically reviewed the spiritual dimension of Western modernization. Liang defined the spirit of Western modernization as a calculative rationality based on egoism and the separation of Self and Other. Such a statement demonstrates Liang's keen insights towards Western modernization. Meanwhile, although Lee Don-Hwa basically held positive views of Western modernization, from the beginning, he pointed out the problems with Western modernization and attempted to overcome these problems by employing the "human is heaven" doctrine of Cheondogyo. While Lee embraced modern science and the theory of evolution, he also insisted on the legitimacy of mysticism and the compatibility of the creation theory of Cheondogyo and the theory of evolution. Although Lee employed the concepts in Western philosophy of life, he also emphasized the interdependence, reciprocal relationship, and connectedness between Self and Other from the perspective of Cheodogyo doctrine. From the fact that Lee Don-Hwa transcended the modernization theory when he was applying it to answer questions, it seemed that Lee preceded Liang Shu-Ming. Nevertheless, Lee did not demonstrate the keen insight into the spiritual dimension of Western modernization, and his criticism against Western modernization did not touch upon the problem of rationality as Liang did.

Characterization of a Monoclonal Antibody Specific to Human Siah-1 Interacting Protein (인체 SIP 단백질에 특이적인 단일클론 항체의 특성)

  • Yoon, Sun Young;Joo, Jong Hyuck;Kim, Joo Heon;Kang, Ho Bum;Kim, Jin Sook;Lee, Younghee;Kwon, Do Hwan;Kim, Chang Nam;Choe, In Seong;Kim, Jae Wha
    • IMMUNE NETWORK
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.23-30
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    • 2004
  • Background: A human orthologue of mouse S100A6-binding protein (CacyBP), Siah-1-interacting protein (SIP) had been shown to be a component of novel ubiquitinylation pathway regulating $\beta$-catenin degradation. The role of the protein seems to be important in cell proliferation and cancer evolution but the expression pattern of SIP in actively dividing cancer tissues has not been known. For the elucidation of the role of SIP protein in carcinogenesis, it is essential to produce monoclonal antibodies specific to the protein. Methods: cDNA sequence coding for ORF region of human SIP gene was amplified and cloned into an expression vector to produce His-tag fusion protein. Recombinant SIP protein and monoclonal antibody to the protein were produced. The N-terminal specificity of anti-SIP monoclonal antibody was conformed by immunoblot analysis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To study the relation between SIP and colon carcinogenesis, the presence of SIP protein in colon carcinoma tissues was visualized by immunostaining using the monoclonal antibody produced in this study. Results: His-tag-SIP (NSIP) recombinant protein was produced and purified. A monoclonal antibody (Korea patent pending; #2003-45296) to the protein was produced and employed to analyze the expression pattern of SIP in colon carcinoma tissues. Conclusion: The data suggested that anti-SIP monoclonal antibody produced here was valuable for the diagnosis of colon carcinoma and elucidation of the mechanism of colon carcinogenesis.