• Korea Trade Review
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.179-201
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• 2018

Food labelling rules reflect the interaction of a number of factors such as industry needs for marketing flexibility and minimal regulations, consumer's rights to know what is in the product and public health concerns. However, food labelling rules could apply to international trade as non-tariff barriers so it is necessary to make multilateral harmonization of food labelling rules. For this, GATT XX, SPS, and TBT of the WTO can serve as jurisprudence in agreements. Lgnoring the safety problems of GM food, which is currently a worldwide issue, it is a situation that needs international harmonization of GM food labelling methods, harmonization of technical terms which are used in Korean law, and clear interpretation criteria for GM food labelling methods and contents are vital for sustainable trade in agricultural products. Therefore, this study proposes interpretation criteria through major trade countries' GM food labelling methods and an examination of Korean law. Furthermore, this study proposes international harmonization guidelines for GM food in the future.

• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.167-188
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• 2013

In today's society with its emphasis on unlimited information access, control of available information about high-technology products is often vital to their success. When a product is released, consumers may initially be attracted through information about its remarkable internal and external features. They may also perceive a degree of congruence between their own personalities and the product image as more information becomes available over time. Consumers' changing impressions of the product may influence personality congruence negatively or positively. These changes and their effects on preference for high-technology products are the focus of this paper. A survey was given to a sample of 206 students at K University to investigate the degree to which consumer behavior can be influenced by personality congruence. The need for clear and definite product knowledge in this process and the effect of product information on preference were also investigated. Three analyses were conducted. The results of Analysis 1 showed the influence of personality congruence on preference for high-technology products. Judgments about personality congruence were based on non-compensatory rather than compensatory information processing. The respondents considered certain aspects of a product's personality rather than the product as a whole when making preference decisions. The results of Analysis 2 indicated that when less information was available about a product, consumers who perceived high personality congruence with the product tended to have higher preference for it compared to those who perceived low personality congruence with the product. On the other hand, when consumers were given more information, no difference was observed in the impact of personality on preference between perceived high and low personality congruence. Lastly, the results of Analysis 3 showed that when consumers with high need for closure (NFC) perceived high congruence between their own personalities and a product, objective information regarding the product was not used in decision-making: instead, judgments about the product were based on perceived personality congruence. On the other hand, high-NFC consumers who perceived low personality congruence between themselves and the product tended to require more information about the product in order to give it a positive evaluation. In contrast, low-NFC consumers who perceived high personality congruence felt comfortable with large amounts of information. For low-NFC consumers who perceived low congruence, the level of information had no influence on preference.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.60-76
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• 2024

Broadband Internet has proven to be vital for economic growth in developed countries. Developing countries have implemented several initiatives to increase their broadband access. However, its full potential can only be realized through adoption and use. With lower-middle-income countries accounting for the majority of the world's unconnected population, this study employs the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate users' intentions to adopt broadband. Rural Tanzania was chosen as a case study. A cross-sectional study was conducted over three weeks, using 155 people from seven villages with the lowest broadband adoption rates. Non-probability voluntary response sampling was used to recruit the participants. Using the TPB constructs: attitude toward behavior (ATB), subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC), ordinal regression analysis was employed to predict intention. Descriptive statistical analysis yielded mean scores (standard deviation) as 3.59 (0.46) for ATB, 3.34 (0.40) for SN, 3.75 (0.29) for PBC, and 4.12 (0.66) for intention. The model adequately described the data based on a comparison of the model with predictors and the null model, which revealed a substantial improvement in fit (p<0.05). Moreover, the predictors accounted for 50.3% of the variation in the intention to use broadband Internet, demonstrating the predictive power of the TPB constructs. Furthermore, the TPB constructs were all significant positive predictors of intention: ATB (β=1.938, p<0.05), SN (β=2.144, p<0.05), and PBC (β=1.437, p=0.013). The findings of this study provide insight into how behavioral factors influence the likelihood of individuals adopting broadband Internet and could guide interventions through policies meant to promote broadband adoption.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.126-133
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• 2024

Background: Medication's benefits and harms require careful management. Laws mandate pharmacists to provide essential medication details since inadequate counseling may pose risks. This study explores public expectations for pharmacist-provided side effect information to enhance safety. Methods: A self-developed questionnaire was created for participant to self-report, refined through pilot surveys with experts and laypersons. Nineteen items were categorized into four sections, using closed-ended questions. Adults over 20, having obtained prescription medications within the past year, were surveyed via convenience sampling. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and T-tests using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 and Microsoft Excel. Results: The study involved 189 participants, with a slightly higher proportion of females (59.3%) than males (40.7%), predominantly in their 20s (45.0%) and college graduates (57.1%). Health professionals represented 76.2% of respondents. Over half visited pharmacies at least 5 times yearly for prescriptions. Indirect experience with side effects was more common (30.2%) than direct experience (17.5%). Most (82.0%) showed interest in media-reported side effect events. Satisfaction with pharmacist-provided side effect explanations was low (59.7%), but importance was high (98.9%). Preferences favored combined verbal and written explanations (65.1%), with a majority desiring explanations for common but less serious side effects (82.5%). Healthcare professionals found explanations significantly more sufficient than non-professionals did. Older individuals, those living with elderly, and frequent pharmacy visitors attributed greater importance to pharmacist-provided explanations. Conclusion: Koreans view pharmacist-provided medication side effect explanations as vital but find current services lacking. Enhancements in content and delivery methods are needed in pharmacy counseling to meet public expectations.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.606-625
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• 2023

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was introduced in 1977 with the administration of chemotherapeutic agent to gelatin sponge particles through the hepatic artery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was established as conventional TACE using Lipiodol in the 1980s. In the 2000s, drug-eluting beads were developed and applied clinically. Currently, TACE is a commonly used non-surgical treatment modality for patients with HCC who are unsuitable for curative treatment. Considering the vital role of TACE in the management of HCC, it is crucial to organize current knowledge and expert opinions regarding patient preparation, procedural techniques, and post-treatment care in TACE, which can enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety. A group of 12 experts in the fields of interventional radiology and hepatology, convened by the Research Committee of the Korean Liver Cancer Association (KLCA), has developed expert consensus-based practical recommendations in TACE. These recommendations have been endorsed by the Korean Society of Interventional Radiology and provide useful information and direction in performing TACE procedure as well as pre- and post- procedural patient care.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.269-280
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: The colonic epithelial layer is a complex structure consisting of multiple cell types that regulate various aspects of colonic physiology, yet the mechanisms underlying epithelial cell differentiation during development remain unclear. Organoids have emerged as a promising model for investigating organogenesis, but achieving organ-like cell configurations within colonic organoids is challenging. Here, we investigated the biological significance of peripheral neurons in the formation of colonic organoids. Methods and Results: Colonic organoids were co-cultured with human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived peripheral neurons, resulting in the morphological maturation of columnar epithelial cells, as well as the presence of enterochromaffin cells. Substance P released from immature peripheral neurons played a critical role in the development of colonic epithelial cells. These findings highlight the vital role of inter-organ interactions in organoid development and provide insights into colonic epithelial cell differentiation mechanisms. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the peripheral nervous system may have a significant role in the development of colonic epithelial cells, which could have important implications for future studies of organogenesis and disease modeling.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.123-133
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• 2024

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a diverse collection of lung disorders sharing similar features, such as inflammation and fibrosis. The diagnosis and management of ILD require a multidisciplinary approach using clinical, radiological, and pathological evaluation. Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is a distinct form of progressive and fibrotic disease, occurring in ILD cases other than in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It is defined based on clinical symptoms, lung function, and chest imaging, regardless of the underlying condition. The progression to PPF must be monitored through a combination of pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity [FVC] and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide), an assessment of symptoms, and computed tomography scans, with regular follow-up. Although the precise mechanisms of PPF remain unclear, there is evidence of shared pathogenetic mechanisms with IPF, contributing to similar disease behavior and worse prognosis compared to non-PPF ILD. Pharmacological treatment of PPF includes immunomodulatory agents to reduce inflammation and the use of antifibrotics to target progressive fibrosis. Nintedanib, a known antifibrotic agent, was found to be effective in slowing IPF progression and reducing the annual rate of decline in FVC among patients with PPF compared to placebos. Nonpharmacological treatment, including pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen therapy, and vaccination, also play important roles in the management of PPF, leading to comprehensive care for patients with ILD. Although there is currently no cure for PPF, there are treatments that can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Tobacco Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2002

In light of addressing consumer health concern, coping with anti-tobacco movement, and promoting new product, tobacco industry is actively pursuing to make a new generation of cigarettes with low tar and nicotine deliveries, and less harmful substances. Low tar and low nicotine cigarettes increases their market shares dramatically world wide, especially in KT&G, multinational tobacco companies, EU countries, even in China regulated by CNTC to set up yearly target to lower tar and nicotine deliveries. On the other hand, to design a new cigarette with reduced harmful substances begins to gain speed. The "modified Hoffmann list" publishes thirty plus substances in tobacco leaf and main smoke stream, which is the prime suspect causing health problems. Various ways and means are developed to reduce such components including new tobacco breeds, new curing method, tobacco leaf treatment before processing, selected filtration system, innovated casing system to reduce free radicals, as well as some non conventional cigarette products. In TSRC held this year, the main topic is related to reduce tobacco specific nitrosamines in tobacco leaf. The new generation of cigarette is in the horizon. It still needs a lot help to produce commercial products with satisfied taste and aroma characters. The flavor industry is not regulated by many governments demanding which ingredients might or might not be for tobacco use. However, most of the cigarette companies self impose a list of ingredients to guide flavor suppliers to design flavors. Unfortunately, the number of ingredients in those lists is getting shorter every year. It is understandable that the health is not the only reason. Some cigarette companies are playing safe to protect the company from potential lawsuit, while others are just copying from their competitors. Moreover, it is obvious that it needs more assistance from casings and flavors to design new generation of cigarettes with missing certain flavor components in tobacco leaf and main smoke stream. These flavor components are either non-existed or at lower level at new form of cured tobacco leaf or filtered in the main smoke stream along with reduced harmful substances. The use of carbon filters and other selected filtration system poses another tough task for flavor system design. Specific flavor components are missing from the smoke analysis data, which brings a notion of "carbon taste" and "dryness" of mouth feel. It is ever more demanded by cigarette industry to flavor suppliers to produce flavors as body enhancer, tobacco notes, salivating agents, harshness reducer, and various of aromatic notes provided they are safe to use. Another trend is that water based flavor or flavor with reduced ethanol as solvent is gaining popularity. It is preferred by some cigarette companies that the flavor is compounded with all natural ingredients or all ingredients should he GMO free. The new generation of cigarettes demands many ways of new thinking process. It is also vital for tobacco industry. It reflects the real needs for the consumers that the cigarette product should be safe to use as well as bearing the taste and aroma characters smokers always enjoyed. An effective tobacco flavor system is definitely a part of the equation. The global trend of tobacco industry is like trends of any other industries lead by consumer needs, benefited with new technology availability, affected by the global economy, and subjected for various rules and regulations. Anti-tobacco organizations and media exceptionally scrutinize cigarette, as a legal commercial product. Cigarette is probably the most studied commercial product for its composition, structure, deliveries, effects, as well as its new developmental trend. Therefore, any new trend of cigarette development would be within these boundaries. This paper is trying to point out what it would be like for tobacco industry in the next few yews and what concerns the tobacco industry. It focuses mostly on the efforts to produce safer cigarettes. It is such a vital task for the tobacco industry and its affiliate industries such as cigarette papers, filters, flavors, and other materials. The facts and knowledge presented in this paper might be well known for the public. Some of the comments and predictions are very much personal opinion for a further discussion.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6967-6972
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• 2015

Background: Cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing are common modes of consuming tobacco all over the world. Parents need to be aware that germ cell integrity is vital for birth of healthy offspring as biological parenting begins much before birth of a child and even before conception. The present study was conducted to determine the etiology of non-familial sporadic heritable retinoblastoma (NFSHRb), by evaluating oxidative sperm DNA damage in fathers due to use of tobacco (smoking and chewing). Materials and Methods: We recruited 145 fathers of NFSHRb children and 53 fathers of healthy children (controls) in the study. Tobacco history was obtained by personal interview. Seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) in semen, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and 8 hydroxy 2' deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in sperm were evaluated. The RB1 gene was screened in genomic blood DNA of parents of children with NFSHRb and controls. Odds ratios (ORs) derived from conditional logistic regression models. Results: There was significant difference in the levels of ROS (p<0.05), DFI (p<0.05) and 8-OHdG (p<0.05) between tobacco users and non-users. The OR of NFSHRb for smokers was 7.29 (95%CI 2.9-34.5, p<0.01), for tobacco chewers 4.75 (2.07-10.9, p<0.05) and for both 9.11 (3.79-39.2; p<0.01). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the adverse effect of tobacco on the paternal genome and how accumulation of oxidative damage in sperm DNA may contribute to the etiology of NFSHRb. In an ongoing parallel study in our laboratory, 11 of fathers who smoked underwent. Meditation and yoga interventions, showed significant decline in levels of highly mutagenic oxidised DNA adducts after 6 months. Thus our lifestyle and social habits impact sperm DNA integrity and simple interventions like yoga and meditation are therapeutic for oxidative damage to sperm DNA.

• Korean Journal of Rural Living Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.155-162
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• 1993

BIDANI is the action-research program. BIDANI aims to be truly a people's program embodying their own activities and aspiration. BIDANI sees an integrated development approach at the community level with participatory services embodied in a Barangay Integrated Development Plan(BIDP) designed by the people themselves. Community situational analysis is conducted by the people to identify the priority problems and potential resources in the barangay. Participatory planning, using the “bottom up” apporach, is exercised to formulate a BIDP. Proper motivation and advocacy encourage barangay people's participation. Accessibility and efficiency in the use of various services and resources of government and private agencies increase. Family groups who are at high-risk to malnutrition become aware of the importance of nutrition through their participation in development program activities. Integration of political and socio-economic concerns at the lowest level is operationalized. Implementation and sustainability of the program on a wider scale from a model project to a model program is facilitated through institutionalization at the municipal/city level with the mayor as the project director. “Top to bottom” planning through a City/Municipal Integrated Development Program(C/MIDP) interacts with “bottom up” planning at the barangay level. The establishment of a local Training School for Barangay Development(TSBD) in each municipality and city for continuing education of indigenous village workers and barangay people is a vital component for success and viability. The role of non-political entities such as academic institutions and non-government organizations, as catalytic agents of development, is stressed.