• Title/Summary/Keyword: modifying factors

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The design for therapeutic agents of Leucine Rich Repeat protein using bioinformatics

  • Kim, Seong Yeol;Park, Beom Seok
    • International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.156-162
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    • 2019
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive joint deterioration; Furthermore, RA can also affect body tissues, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. The early stages of RA can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. It is not known exactly what triggers the onset of RA and how to cure the disease. But recent discoveries indicate that remission of symptoms is more likely when treatment begins early with strong medications known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are typical examples of biotherapies that have been developed for RA. The substances may occur naturally in the body or may be made in the laboratory. Other biological therapies care biological response modifiers (BRMs)such as monoclonal antibodies, interferon, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and a protein binder using repeat units. These substances play significant anti-inflammatory roles. Proteins with recurrent, conserved amino acid stretches mediate interactions among proteins for essential biological functions; for example, ankyrin (ANK), Heat repeat protein (HEAT), armadillo repeat protein (ARM) and tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR). Here, we describe Leucine rich repeats (LRR) that ideally fold together to form a solenoid protein domain and is more applicable to our current study than the previously mentioned examples. Although BRMs have limitations in terms of immunogenicity and effector functions, among other factors, in the context therapeutic use and for proteomics research, We has become clear that repeat-unit-derived binding proteins will increasingly be used in biotechnology and medicine.

A Survey of IEEE 1588 Time Synchronization Performance (IEEE 1588 시간 동기화 성능에 대한 조사)

  • Jahja, Rico Hartono;Jeon, Seong-Yong;Shin, Seok-Joo
    • The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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    • v.10 no.2
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    • pp.165-176
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    • 2015
  • Clock or time synchronization protocol is one of the crucial factors that could determine the quality of the communication. With the rapid development of the network technology, more robust clock synchronization algorithm is required. IEEE 1588 is one of the possible solutions for a robust clock synchronization algorithm; however, there are still some challenges that need to be concerned in IEEE 1588 in term of reducing and stabilizing the PDV value. This survey paper shows several solutions that could improve the performance of IEEE 1588, including modifying the PTP message transmission, optimizing PTP method, filtering techniques, and using the hardware timestamp instead of application layer timestamp, and so on. Despite the improvement that is created with these techniques, the clock synchronization algorithm is still an open issue in the network communication.

Development of Nutrition Education Materials for Healthy Aging (노년기의 올바른 영양관리를 위한 영양교육자료 개발)

  • Ahn, Yun;Kim, Kyung-A;Kang, Hyun-Joo;Kim, Kyung-Won
    • Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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    • v.11 no.6
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    • pp.740-749
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    • 2006
  • The objective of this study was to develop nutrition education materials for older adults, 'nutritional management for healthy aging'. A booklet and four leaflets were developed based on lesson plans. Topics of the lesson plans included eating habit assessment. Korean food guide pyramid, meal planning, eating sensibly and weight management. The titles of the leaflets were 'Eating right for healthy aging', 'Eat calcium-rich foods', 'Enjoy fruits & vegetables' and 'Weight management'. Illustrations and icons appropriate to the texts were designed using illustrator 9.0 and Photoshop 6.0. Booklet (letter size, 5 chapters, 44 pages) and leaflets (B4 size, 6 sections) focused on modifying undesirable eating habits, providing practical tips for desirable behaviors, and behavioral modification such as recording in a food diary, goal setting and increasing self-efficacy. The drafts were pilot-tested by interviews with older adults(n=10), and minor changes were made. The characteristics of revised materials are as follows; i) materials focused on providing desirable eating behaviors for healthy aging, ii) messages were simple and specific, iii) large fonts(13 pt) were used and materials included interesting pictures and illustrations, iv) materials provided tips for balanced diets and recipes fur older adults, v) materials included sections for participation of learners including assessment of nutritional risk factors and obesity, meal planning and games. The revised materials are self-explanatory and can be used by older adults and in nutrition education for older adults.

Human Error Analysis in a Permit to Work System: A Case Study in a Chemical Plant

  • Jahangiri, Mehdi;Hoboubi, Naser;Rostamabadi, Akbar;Keshavarzi, Sareh;Hosseini, Ali Akbar
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.6-11
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    • 2016
  • Background: A permit to work (PTW) is a formal written system to control certain types of work which are identified as potentially hazardous. However, human error in PTW processes can lead to an accident. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted to estimate the probability of human errors in PTWprocesses in a chemical plant in Iran. In the first stage, through interviewing the personnel and studying the procedure in the plant, the PTW process was analyzed using the hierarchical task analysis technique. In doing so, PTWwas considered as a goal and detailed tasks to achieve the goal were analyzed. In the next step, the standardized plant analysis risk-human (SPAR-H) reliability analysis method was applied for estimation of human error probability. Results: The mean probability of human error in the PTW system was estimated to be 0.11. The highest probability of human error in the PTW process was related to flammable gas testing (50.7%). Conclusion: The SPAR-H method applied in this study could analyze and quantify the potential human errors and extract the required measures for reducing the error probabilities in PTW system. Some suggestions to reduce the likelihood of errors, especially in the field of modifying the performance shaping factors and dependencies among tasks are provided.

Chemical Risk Assessment Screening Tool of a Global Chemical Company

  • Tjoe-Nij, Evelyn;Rochin, Christophe;Berne, Nathalie;Sassi, Alessandro;Leplay, Antoine
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.84-94
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    • 2018
  • Background: This paper describes a simple-to-use and reliable screening tool called Critical Task Exposure Screening (CTES), developed by a chemical company. The tool assesses if the exposure to a chemical for a task is likely to be within acceptable levels. Methods: CTES is a Microsoft Excel tool, where the inhalation risk score is calculated by relating the exposure estimate to the corresponding occupational exposure limit (OEL) or occupational exposure band (OEB). The inhalation exposure is estimated for tasks by preassigned ART1.5 activity classes and modifying factors. Results: CTES requires few inputs. The toxicological data, including OELs, OEBs, and vapor pressure are read from a database. Once the substance is selected, the user specifies its concentration and then chooses the task description and its duration. CTES has three outputs that may trigger follow-up: (1) inhalation risk score; (2) identification of the skin hazard with the skin warnings for local and systemic adverse effects; and (3) status for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic effects. Conclusion: The tool provides an effective way to rapidly screen low-concern tasks, and quickly identifies certain tasks involving substances that will need further review with, nevertheless, the appropriate conservatism. This tool shows that the higher-tier ART1.5 inhalation exposure assessment model can be included effectively in a screening tool. After 2 years of worldwide extensive use within the company, CTES is well perceived by the users, including the shop floor management, and it fulfills its target of screening tool.

The Effect of social Support on Chronic Stress and Immune System in Male Manufacturing Workers (사회적 지지가 만성적 스트레스와 면역체계에 미치는 영향)

  • Koh, Sang-Baek;Park, Jong-Ku;Cha, Bong-Suk;Chang, Sei-Jin
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.35 no.4
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    • pp.287-294
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    • 2002
  • Objectives : To examine whether cumulative chronic stress influences the immune status, and to verify the effect of social support on the relationship between these two dimensions in male manufacturing workers. Methods : A total of 39 workers were recruited for this study. A structured-questionnaire was used to assess general characteristics, job characteristics (work demand and decision latitude), psychosocial distress, and social support. The serum levels of CD4 and CD8 were measured as immune markers, and were collected between 8:00 and 10:00am in order to standardize the markers. Nonparametric statistics were used to estimate the differences between job characteristics and the immune markers. Results : General characteristics, and health-related behaviors, were not associated with CD4, CD8 or CD4/CD8. No relationships were found between job characteristics and the mean levels of immune reactivity. These results were consistent, even after controlling for social support. Social support failed to modify the relationship toward work demand, decision latitude or psychosocial distress to CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8. Conclusion : Cumulative chronic life stress might not influence the immune status, and the effects of social support on the immune function under chronic stress, may not play a crucial role in modifying the relationships. This implication supports that the effect of stress on the immune function may be determined by the characteristics of that stress. further research should effectively considers the type, magnitude and timing of a stress event, and modifiable factors, such as personality traits, coping style, and hormone excretion levels, on the alteration of immune status.

The association between dietary sodium intake and the risk of cataract: data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012

  • Choi, Jeong-Hwa;Heo, Young-Ran
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.52 no.3
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    • pp.277-284
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    • 2019
  • Purpose: Sodium intake is known to be a critical dietary factor in several diseases including cataract. Earlier studies have reported that excess intake of sodium may elevate the risk of cataract. However, little is known about this in Koreans. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether dietary intake of sodium and potassium might modify the risk of cataract. Methods: A total of 1,319 males (219 cases) and 1,966 females (369 cases) from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012 were analyzed. Energy adjusted dietary intakes of sodium and potassium and their ratios were evaluated to ascertain their associations with the risk of cataract. Dietary intake levels were stratified into quartiles and their risk modifying effects were estimated with logistic regression models with or without subjects' socio-economic characteristics and life styles for each sex. Results: Findings suggested that various descriptive factors were associated with the risk of cataract either in males or females. Males' intake levels of sodium and potassium and their ratios did not differ between phenotypes. Higher intakes or higher ratio was not associated with the risk of cataract. In contrast, female controls had higher intakes of sodium and potassium. Higher intake of potassium reduced the risk of cataract in females. However, such association was not retained when subjects' socioeconomic status and life styles were factored into the analysis. Conclusion: Dietary sodium and potassium intakes minimally affected the risk of cataract in Korean males and females. More studies are needed to ascertain the true pathological effect of sodium intake on cataract aetiology.

Fall Risk Home Environment and Fall Experiences among Community-Dwelling Older People (지역사회 재가노인의 낙상위험주거환경과 낙상경험)

  • Han, Jiyoon;Park, Eunok
    • Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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    • v.47 no.1
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    • pp.27-39
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    • 2022
  • Objectives: The purpose of this research was to explore Fall Risk Home Environment(FRHE) and to investigate the association between FRHE and fall experience among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The data were collected from 299 older adults using FRHE through observation and interview at home of the participants and were analyzed with SPSS 22.0 applying descriptive statistics, χ2-test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of fall experience during the past year was 51.5%. 'No handles beside the toilet or bathtub'(73.2%) was most common FRHE factor, 'thresholds in your room or kitchen'(68.9%), 'wearing socks, outer socks, or slipper when you move in the house'(59.5%), and threshold on the gate (apartment entrance)(55.5%) were followed. The findings of logistic regression of FRHE on fall experiences showed darkness of house had the highest Odds Ratio (OR 9.83 95% CI 3.75-25.71), followed by furniture obstructs your walking in the house(OR 7.07, CI 2.88-17.36), dark kitchen (OR 5.13, CI 2.38-11.03). The group having fall experiences presented significantly higher score of FRHE than the group of non experiences of fall. Conclusion: The community dwelling older adults exposures to various FRHE factors and FRHE might increase the risk of falls. Assessing and modifying the home environment could be a good strategy to prevent fall among older adults.

Characteristics of organic design in Alexander McQueen's collections (알렉산더 맥퀸 컬렉션에 나타난 유기적 디자인 특성)

  • Kim, Dana;Lee, Younhee
    • The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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    • v.30 no.2
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    • pp.262-280
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    • 2022
  • The purpose of this study is to analyze the organic forms, expressions, and characteristics of Alexander McQueen's fashion design and to present various materials for understanding and utilizing this organic design style. The criteria for organic design expressions and characteristics were classified through a literature review, and the organic design characteristics of Alexander McQueen's fashion were then analyzed. The results are as follows: First, the morphological characteristics of nature's forms are used as objects in Alexander McQueen's fashions to represent organic characteristics. Second, abstraction through the application of organic forms means creating an abstract representation of the object being represented. Abstracting organic forms occurs by partially modifying the structural features of the human body to show characteristics or by visualizing these characteristics within the surface of the natural object. Third, continuity through the expression of the formation process of organisms is characteristic of the expression of the gradual growth of organisms; this reinterpretation is based on the concept that the internal elements of natural objects affect their external forms. Fourth, the structure of using natural materials, as well as regional and cultural characteristics, is shown in the designs through use of the physical characteristics of expressions and materials that use natural elements. Fifth, symbolism through subjective thinking implies that the element of nature that an object expresses is the element that appears in nature; this includes created organisms along with environmental factors. These characteristics are best demonstrated in fashion designs that express themselves through creativity.

Analysis of Morphological Characteristics and Variation in Five Populations of Zabelia tyaihyonii in South Korea

  • Nam, Jae Ik;Kim, Mun Seop;Song, Jeong Ho;Seo, Jeong Min;Choi, Go Eun;Kim, Young Ki
    • Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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    • v.24 no.6
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    • pp.619-628
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    • 2021
  • Background and objective: Native to the limestone zones of the Korean Peninsula, Zabelia tyaihyonii is a popular plant for landscaping. As it is now classified as a rare species, the conservation of its genetic resources is necessary. Methods: In this study, which aimed to understand the morphological variation of Z. tyaihyonii, 18 characteristics of Z. tyaihyonii from five habitats were examined. Results: Of these 18 characteristics, 16 characteristics showed significant differences among sites, and the coefficient of variation ranged from 5.4% (for corolla lobe number) to 31.3% (for flower number). Notable variations were observed in the size of flower and calyx lobe. When the corolla length and calyx lobe length were used as the classification key of Z. tyaihyonii, the sites were divided into those with small, intermediate, and large values. Hair was observed on the filament of all samples, a finding which conflicts with an earlier report. Rather than classifying Z. tyaihyonii into different species on the basis of corolla length (COL) and calyx lobe length (CALL) values, we recommend modifying the species description to incorporate the variation in these characteristics of interest. Principal component analysis results showed that the first main component was highly correlated with the traits related to the size of the calyx lobe (length: 0.819, width: 0.758), and the second main component was highly correlated with the traits related with the size of the inflorescence (length: 0.790, width: 0.626). Conclusion: Several notable variations were identified among the characteristics related to inflorescence and calyx lobe. There is little genetic exchange among groups, or each group is influenced by micro environmental factors, because sites that are located nearby. In addition, the difference between COL and CALL, which is used as the classification key for Z. tyaihyonii, was divided into small group, large group, and intermediate group, regardless of the sites' geographical distance.