• Title/Summary/Keyword: improvements

Search Result 7,249, Processing Time 0.038 seconds

Inhibitory Effect of Protaetiamycine 6 on Neuroinflammation in LPS-stimulated BV-2 Microglia (LPS에 의해 활성화된 미세아교세포에서 흰점박이꽃무지 유래 항균 펩타이드 Protaetiamycine 6의 신경염증 억제 효과)

  • Lee, Hwa Jeong;Seo, Minchul;Baek, Minhee;Shin, Yong Pyo;Lee, Joon Ha;Kim, In-Woo;Hwang, Jae-Sam;Kim, Mi-Ae
    • Journal of Life Science
    • /
    • v.30 no.12
    • /
    • pp.1078-1084
    • /
    • 2020
  • Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis is an insect belonging to the order Coleoptera. This insect is reported to contain large amounts of physiologically active substances useful for liver protective effect and improvements in blood circulation as well as a broad source of edible protein. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in a variety of species, from microorganisms to mammals, and play an important role in the innate immune systems of living things. Microglia are the main source of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in the central nervous system. Activated microglia secrete large amounts of neuroinflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, NO, and ROS), which are the main cause of neuronal cell death. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Protaetiamycine 6 (PKARKLQKLSAYKTTLRN-NH2), an AMP derived from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, on LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia. Protaetiamycine 6 significantly inhibited NO production without cytotoxicity and decreased the expression levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, Protaetiamycine 6 also reduced the production of neuroinflammatory cytokines on activated BV-2 microglia. These results suggest that Protaetiamycine 6 could be a good source of functional substance to prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

A History of Termite Control and Improvements to Prevent Termites in Wooden Architectural Heritage (국내외 흰개미 방제 기술의 발달 과정과 목조건축문화재의 흰개미 피해 저감을 위한 방안)

  • LEE, Sangbin;IM, Ikgyun;KIM, Sihyun
    • Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
    • /
    • v.54 no.2
    • /
    • pp.194-215
    • /
    • 2021
  • Termites are important decomposers in the ecosystem. They are also economically significant structural pests. In this study, we reviewed the developments of termite control and recent research on termite management to provide information on the prevention and control of termites. In Korea, most of the damage to wooden historical buildings is caused by subterranean termites. Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis is the main species, which is widely found throughout the country. In the early 1900s, inorganic insecticides, such as arsenic dust, were used for termite control. After the synthesis of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide in the 1940s, it was widely utilized and demonstrated high termite control efficacy. However, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides were later banned, disappearing from markets after reports emerged concerning environmental contamination and toxicity to humans. Therefore, the termite control industry sought a new termiticide; hence many pesticides were utilized for termite control. Organophosphate (1960s), carbamate (1970s), pyrethroid, and insect growth inhibitor (1980s) were newly synthesized and adopted. In the 1990s, the first commercial baits using chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSI) were developed, providing a means to eliminate an entire colony of subterranean termites around a structure. Many studies have been carried out on soil termiticides (liquid termiticides) and CSI baits to increase their efficacy, and different baits such as aboveground bait stations, fluid bait, and high-durability bait were also developed in the 2000s. In addition, the paradigm of termite control has shifted from localized treatments using soil termiticides to area-wide pest management using CSI baits to create termite-free zones and protect buildings over time. Termite infestations in wooden historical buildings in Korea have been reported since 1980, and considerable attention was drawn in the 1990s when several UNESCO world heritages such as the Jongmyo Shrine and the Janggyeong Panjeon Depositories of Haeinsa Temple were infested by subterranean termites. Since then, a survey of termite infestation in wooden architectural heritage has been conducted, and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Heritage Care Program regularly monitors those properties. Finally, we suggest termite management using primarily CSI baits, selective application of various soil treatments applied to the object, foundation soil treatment, research and development of durable termite baits, application of area-wide programs for wooden-building complexes, application of integrated termite management (ITM), and regular education for owners and managers to prevent and reduce termite damage.

A Comparison of the Effects between Eye-Mask and Light-Off Conditions on Psychiatric Patient Sleep (야간 조명 하 안대와 소등의 수면에 대한 효과 비교)

  • Shin, Juyong;Lim, Kyoung-Ok;Cho, Seongnam;Jang, Soyeong;Cha, Seung-Min;Han, Songyi;Kim, Moojin
    • Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
    • /
    • v.28 no.1
    • /
    • pp.27-33
    • /
    • 2021
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference in the effects of eye-mask and light-off on sleep status according to a commercial fitness tracker and a sleep diary of psychiatric in-patients in correctional facilities where nocturnal light is compulsory. Methods: This study was conducted over 3 consecutive nights. In-patients of the National Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (n = 29) were assigned random subject numbers and slept as usual in the light-on condition on the first night. The subjects slept with eye-masks in the light-on condition on another night and without an eye-mask in the light-off condition on the other night. Subjects were asked to sleep wearing a commercial fitness tracker and to keep a sleep diary. The order of these changes in bedroom lighting condition on the second and third nights was assigned randomly to participants. Results: In comparison of the sleep variables between the light-on condition and the eye-mask condition, the Wakefullness After Sleep Onset (WASO) was shorter and sleep satisfaction was higher in the latter.(respectively, Z = 3.66, p < 0.017 ; Z = 2.69, p < 0.017) In comparison of the sleep variables between the light-on and light-off conditions, the WASO was shorter and sleep efficiency and sleep satisfaction were higher in the latter (respectively, Z = 2.40, p < 0.017 ; Z = 3.02, p < 0.017 ; Z = 3.88, p < 0.017). However, there were no differences in the sleep variables between the eye-mask condition and the light-off condition. Conclusion: Subjective improvements in sleep variables were noted in sleep diaries of institutionalized psychiatric patients under either the 'eye-mask' or 'light-off' condition. However, there were no significant differences between the 'eye-mask' and 'light-off' conditions. Therefore, we suggest that psychiatric patients in correctional facilities use eye-masks when sleeping.

A Study on Termite Monitoring Method Using Magnetic Sensors and IoT(Internet of Things) (자력센서와 IoT(사물인터넷)를 활용한 흰개미 모니터링 방법 연구)

  • Go, Hyeongsun;Choe, Byunghak
    • Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
    • /
    • v.54 no.1
    • /
    • pp.206-219
    • /
    • 2021
  • The warming of the climate is increasing the damage caused by termites to wooden buildings, cultural properties and houses. A group removal system can be installed around the building to detect and remove termite damage; however, if the site is not visited regularly, every one to two months, you cannot observe whether termites have spread within, and it is difficult to take prompt effective action. In addition, since the system is installed and operated in an exposed state for a long period of time, it may be ineffective or damaged, resulting in a loss of function. Furthermore if the system is installed near a cultural site, it may affect the aesthetic environment of the site. In this study, we created a detection system that uses wood, cellulose, magnets, and magnetic sensors to determine whether termites have entered the area. The data was then transferred to a low power LoRa Network which displayed the results without the necessity of visiting the site. The wood was made in the shape of a pile, and holes were made from the top to the bottom to make it easier for termites to enter and produce a cellulose sample. The cellulose sample was made in a cylindrical shape with a magnet wrapped in cellulose and inserted into the top of a hole in the wood. Then, the upper part of the wood pile was covered with a stopper to prevent foreign matter from entering. It also served to block external factors such as light and rainfall, and to create an environment where termites could add cellulose samples. When the cellulose was added by the termites, a space was created around the magnet, causing the magnet to either fall or tilt. The magnetic sensor inside the stopper was fixed on the top of the cellulose sample and measured the change in the distance between the magnet and the sensor according to the movement of the magnet. In outdoor experiments, 11 cellulose samples were inserted into the wood detection system and the termite inflow was confirmed through the movement of the magnet without visiting the site within 5 to 17 days. When making further improvements to the function and operation of the system it in the future, it is possible to confirm that termites have invaded without visiting the site. Then it is also possible to reduce damage and fruiting due to product exposure, and which would improve the condition and appearance of cultural properties.

A Research on Actual Conditions of Juvenile Labor and Labor Rights Consciousness (청소년 노동의 실태와 노동인권 의식에 관한 연구)

  • Park, Sang-Jin
    • The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
    • /
    • v.7 no.1
    • /
    • pp.264-271
    • /
    • 2021
  • In this paper, we intended to find the labor situations and labor rights consciousness of local juveniles and also to identify how they are treated and respond to those treatments they encounter. At the same time, another purpose of this research is to collect basic data to give the youth proper education about labor rights when they are faced with unfair labor practice. The research results are as follows: First, 262 students (50.5%) have work experience. Second, 133 students(24.9%) took the education about labor rights, which means relatively small number of students were educated about labor rights. Third, it is reported that 54.2% of those students considered 'payment' top priority, and 67.7% of them got the work through their parents, friends, and acquaintances, and 60.2% had their jobs at restaurants. Average working hours are 7 hours a day and 20 hours a week, which shows that they worked quite long hours. Fourth, 28.9% of respondents reported they wrote employment contracts, and 82.1% said their main purpose of work was 'to make money'. Fifth, 24.7% of the students reported the experience of unfair treatment while working, and the most common case was 'jobs other than expected work'(17.9%). When they were asked how they coped with the unfair treatments, the largest percentage(30.3%) of them answered they 'quit the job'. Last, when the respondants were asked to list improvements for juvenile part-time jobs, the answers were minimum wage and payment with weekly vacation allowance(25.1%), enhancing social awareness(14.3%), increasing good job opportunity(12.8%), and etc.. This demonstrates that social awareness of juvenile labor jobs is to improve urgently in local community.

Experimental Study on Modular Community Planting for Natural Forest Restoration (자연림 복원을 위한 모듈군락식재 실험연구)

  • Han, Yong-Hee;Park, Seok-Gon
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
    • /
    • v.36 no.3
    • /
    • pp.338-349
    • /
    • 2022
  • This study aims to investigate whether modular community planting, which entailed planting a variety of species of seedlings at high density, was more effective in restoring natural forests than the existing mature tree planting. We also investigated whether the planting density of the modular community planting facilitates growth or improves the tree layer coverage. We conducted outdoor experiments in which the samples were divided into a mature tree planting plot (control plot), where mature trees were planted at wide intervals, and a modular community planting (MCP) plot (treatment plot), where multiple seedlings were planted in high density. The MCP plot was further divided into the plot in which 3 seedlings were planted per m2 and the plot of 1 seedling per m2. We measured the specimens' survival rate, growth rate (tree height, crown width, and root collar diameter), and cover rate for 26 months from May 2019 and the predicted future tree height growth using the measured tree height. The survival rate and relative growth rate of the MCP were higher than those of the mature tree planting plot. The vertical coverage rate of the tree crown in the MCP exhibited complete coverage of the ground before 23 months, while the coverage rate of the mature tree planting decreased due to transplantation stress. The seedlings in the MCP, which were planted at high density, grew well and were predicted to grow higher than the mature trees in the large tree planting plot within 5 to 6.5 years after planting. It was due to multiple species, seedlings, high-density planting, and planting foundation improvements, such as soil enhancement and mulching. In other words, the seedlings planted in the MCP had a higher survival rate as their environmental adaptation after planting was better, and their early growth was also larger than the trees in the mature planting plot. The high-density mixed planting of various native species not only mitigated the inter-complementary environmental pressures but also facilitated growth by inducing competition between species. Moreover, the planting foundation improvement effectively increased the seedlings' viability and growth rate. A reduction in follow-up management costs is expected as the tree layer coverage sharply increases due to the higher planting density. In the MCP (3 seedlings per m2 and 1 seedling per m2), the tree height growth was promoted with the higher planting density, and the crown width and root collar diameter tended to be larger with the lower planting density, but these differences were not statistically significant.

A Study on Major Safety Problems and Improvement Measures of Personal Mobility (개인형 이동장치의 안전 주요 문제점 및 개선방안 연구)

  • Kang, Seung Shik;Kang, Seong Kyung
    • Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
    • /
    • v.18 no.1
    • /
    • pp.202-217
    • /
    • 2022
  • Purpose: The recent increased use of Personal Mobility (PM) has been accompanied by a rise in the annual number of accidents. Accordingly, the safety requirements for PM use are being strengthened, but the laws/systems, infrastructure, and management systems remain insufficient for fostering a safe environment. Therefore, this study comprehensively searches the main problems and improvement methods through a review of previous studies that are related to PM. Then the priorities according to the importance of the improvement methods are presented through the Delphi survey. Method: The research method is mainly composed of a literature study and an expert survey (Delphi survey). Prior research and improvement cases (local governments, government departments, companies, etc.) are reviewed to derive problems and improvements, and a problem/improvement classification table is created based on keywords. Based on the classification contents, an expert survey is conducted to derive a priority improvement plan. Result: The PM-related problems were in 'non-compliance with traffic laws, lack of knowledge, inexperienced operation, and lack of safety awareness' in relation to human factors, and 'device characteristics, road-drivable space, road facilities, parking facilities' in relation to physical factors. 'Management/supervision, product management, user management, education/training' as administrative factors and legal factors are divided into 'absence/sufficiency of law, confusion/duplication, reduced effectiveness'. Improvement tasks related to this include 'PM education/public relations, parking/return, road improvement, PM registration/management, insurance, safety standards, traffic standards, PM device safety, PM supplementary facilities, enforcement/management, dedicated organization, service providers, management system, and related laws/institutional improvement', and 42 detailed tasks are derived for these 14 core tasks. The results for the importance evaluation of detailed tasks show that the tasks with a high overall average for the evaluation items of cost, time, effect, urgency, and feasibility were 'strengthening crackdown/instruction activities, education publicity/campaign, truancy PM management, and clarification of traffic rules'. Conclusion: The PM market is experiencing gradual growth based on shared services and a safe environment for PM use must be ensured along with industrial revitalization. In this respect, this study seeks out the major problems and improvement plans related to PM from a comprehensive point of view and prioritizes the necessary improvement measures. Therefore, it can serve as a basis of data for future policy establishment. In the future, in-depth data supplementation will be required for each key improvement area for practical policy application.

Result of a Long-Term Follow-Up of Arthroscopic Partial Repair for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears Using a Biceps Long Head Auto Graft (봉합 불가능한 광범위 회전근 개 파열에서 상완 이두근 건 장두를 이용한 관절경하 부분 봉합술의 장기 추적 관찰 결과)

  • Ko, Sang-Hun;Park, Ki-Bong;Park, Gil-Young;Kwon, Sun-Hwan;Kim, Myung-Seo;Park, Sun-Jae
    • Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
    • /
    • v.55 no.2
    • /
    • pp.135-142
    • /
    • 2020
  • Purpose: This paper presents the long term follow-up results of arthroscopic partial repair for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears using a biceps long head auto graft. Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, who underwent arthroscopic repair, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent arthroscopic partial repair using a biceps long head auto graft were assigned to group 1, and patients in group 2 underwent arthroscopic partial repair alone. Patients with a less than 50% partial tear of the long head biceps tendon were included in this study. The clinical scores were measured using a visual analogue pain scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM), The University of California, Los Angeles shoulder score (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), and Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) scores preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The acromiohumeral interval (AHI) was measured using plain radiographs taken preoperatively and at the final follow-up, and re-tear was evaluated using postoperative ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging at the last follow-up. Results: The mean age of the patients was 62.1±12.7 years, and the mean follow-up period was 90.3±16.8 months. No significant differences in the VAS and ROM (forward flexion, external rotation, internal rotation) were found between the two groups (p=0.179, p=0.129, p=0.098, p=0.155, respectively). The UCLA (p=0.041), ASES (p=0.023), and KSS (p=0.019) scores showed functional improvements in group 1 compared to group 2. At the last follow-up, the measured AHI values were 9.46±0.41 mm and 6.86±0.64 mm in group 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.032). Re-tear was observed in six out of 21 cases (28.6%) in group 1 and nine out of 20 cases (45.0%) in group 2; the retear rate was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.011). Conclusion: Arthroscopic partial repair for a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear using a biceps long head auto graft has significant clinical usefulness in functional recovery and decreases the re-tear rates after surgery than arthroscopic partial repair alone, showing favorable results after a long-term follow-up.

Analysis of Local Government Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinances and Preparation of Consultation Guidelinesfor EIA - A Case of Incheon Metropolitan City - (지방자치단체 환경영향평가 조례 현황 분석과 협의 지침서 작성 방안 - 인천광역시 사례를 중심으로 -)

  • Lee, Jongook;Cho, Kyeong Doo
    • Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
    • /
    • v.31 no.4
    • /
    • pp.226-240
    • /
    • 2022
  • Local governments over a certain size in Republic of Korea may conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) considering regional characteristics if it is necessary, in accordance with Article 42 of the 「Environmental Impact Assessment Act」. However, it was investigated that the number of local government EIA operation in many local governments was less than initial expectations. In order to improve it, the status of ordinances and consultation guidelines which are different for each local government need to be compared, and the institutional issues forthe relevant local governments must be found considering regional characteristics. Furthermore, detailed regulation and guidance on the local government EIA procedure should be included in the consultation guidelines and related information need to be provided. In this study, focusing on the case of Incheon Metropolitan City, the status of local government EIA ordinances in metropolitan cities and provinces with a similar condition was investigated, and the types and scope of target projects were compared and analyzed. In addition, consultation guidelines forIncheon Metropolitan City were written, and improvements on the procedure flow and overall schedule designation derived from the process were presented. In the case of Incheon Metropolitan City, there were no detailed information officially announced regarding the regulations of the local government EIA ordinance and follow-up management, so the administrative system of the local government needed to be reinforced in this field. Meanwhile, considering the status of local environment and geography, some target project types were deemed necessary to be added: port construction projects, water resource development projects, railroad construction projects, and military facilities installation projects. The results of this study will provide useful information to local governments which want to improve their operation effectiveness by reorganizing the local government EIA system and preparing specific guidelines.

The Direction of Job Policy Development for Korean Golf Professionals (한국 골프전문인력의 일자리 정책 발전방안)

  • Cho, Jung-Soon;Suh, Ah-Ram
    • Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
    • /
    • v.14 no.4
    • /
    • pp.289-303
    • /
    • 2020
  • The purpose of this study is to provide adequate datas on number of people who are in golf related field and also further expend that number for golf industry. The main stream of this study is to map out present golf related jobs and how this study can help golf industry in general. To make a greater improvements on golf industry with more job opportunity following ideas were presented. First, improving education on "hand on experiences on the field of golf industry" Better educating potential employees for golf industry for the right positions can enhance overall work environment. To do so, the society and the schools must come to agreement to provide adequate curriculum for people. Second, implementing "a golf club division program." The support from Ministry of Culture and Sports and Tourism Department, which are govern by Republic of Korea, are aggressively working to expend the golf business and also recruit elite personnel like former tour players to work on the field to better operate the whole system. Third, performing a thorough research on current golf related jobs and numbers and diversity on the field. Fourth, developing a specific and a differentiated golf job fields for better future for people and students who majored in golf industry. So that they cam feel secured and have a sense of dignity. Finally, strengthening the golf industry's competitiveness. The golf related companies have to step up to higher gear. With working in harmony between golf industry and government can assure of brighter future for our next generation.