• Title/Summary/Keyword: pilot human study

Search Result 230, Processing Time 0.022 seconds

Large-Scale Refolding and Enzyme Reaction of Human Preproinsulin for Production of Human Insulin

  • Kim, Chang-Kyu;Lee, Seung-Bae;Son, Young-Jin
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
    • /
    • v.25 no.10
    • /
    • pp.1742-1750
    • /
    • 2015
  • Human insulin is composed of 21 amino acids of an A-chain and 30 amino acids of a B-chain. This is the protein hormone that has the role of blood sugar control. When the recombinant human proinsulin is expressed in Escherichia coli, a serious problem is the formation of an inclusion body. Therefore, the inclusion body must be denatured and refolded under chaotropic agents and suitable reductants. In this study, H27R-proinsulin was refolded from the denatured form with β-mercaptoethanol and urea. The refolding reaction was completed after 15 h at $15^{\circ}C$, whereas the reaction at $25^{\circ}C$ was faster than that at $15^{\circ}C$. The refolding yield at $15^{\circ}C$ was 17% higher than that at $25^{\circ}C$. The refolding reaction could be carried out at a high protein concentration (2 g/l) using direct refolding without sulfonation. The most economical and optimal refolding condition for human preproinsulin was 1.5 g/l protein, 10 mM glycine buffer containing 0.6 M urea, pH 10.6, and 0.3 mM β-mercaptoethanol at $15^{\circ}C$ for 16 h. The maximum refolding yield was 74.8% at $15^{\circ}C$ with 1.5 g/l protein. Moreover, the refolded preproinsulin could be converted into normal mature insulin with two enzymes. The average amount of human insulin was 138.2 g from 200 L of fermentation broth after enzyme reaction with H27R-proinsulin. The direct refolding process for H27R-proinsulin was successfully set up without sulfonation. The step yields for refolding and enzyme reaction were comparatively high. Therefore, our refolding process for production of recombinant insulin may be beneficial to the large-scale production of other biologically active proteins.

Creating a school nutrition environment index and pilot testing it in elementary and middle schools in urban South Korea

  • Park, Sohyun;Kwon, Kwang-il;Kweon, Soon Ju;Wang, Youfa;Gittelsohn, Joel
    • Nutrition Research and Practice
    • /
    • v.11 no.5
    • /
    • pp.402-411
    • /
    • 2017
  • BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The role of a school's nutrition environment in explaining students' eating behaviors and weight status has not been examined in an Asian setting. The purpose of this study was to create a school nutrition environment index and to pilot test the index in elementary and middle schools in urban South Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study used a mixed-methods approach. Environment assessment tools were developed based on formative research, which comprised literature reviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Key elements from the formative research were included in the assessment tool, which consisted of a structured survey questionnaire for school dietitians. Fifteen school dietitians from 7 elementary and 8 middle schools in Seoul completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: The formative research revealed four main sections that guided a summary index to assess a school's nutrition environment: resource availability, education and programs, dietitians' perceptions and characteristics, and school lunch menu. Based on the literature reviews and interviews, an index scoring system was developed. The total possible score from the combined four index sections was 40 points. From the 15 schools participating in the pilot survey, the mean school nutrition-environment index was 22.5 (standard deviation ${\pm}3.2$; range 17-28). The majority of the schools did not offer classroom-based nutrition education or nutrition counseling for students and parents. The popular modes of nutrition education were school websites, posters, and newsletters. CONCLUSIONS: This paper illustrates the process used to develop an instrument to assess a school's nutrition environment. Moreover, it presents the steps used to develop a scoring system for creation of a school nutrition environment index. As pilot testing indicated the total index score has some variation across schools, we suggest applying this instrument in future studies involving a larger number of schools. Future studies with larger samples will allow investigation of the validity and reliability of this newly developed tool.

An Study on Propensity, Safety Behavior and Aeronautical Decision-making of Student Majoring in Flight Operation (항공운항학과 재학생의 성향, 안전행동, 비행 의사결정에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Geun Su;Kim, Ha Young
    • Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
    • /
    • v.28 no.3
    • /
    • pp.52-60
    • /
    • 2020
  • The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Student Majoring in Flight Operation's propensity, safety behavior and aeronautical decision-making. According to the analysis results, First, parents' criticism of perfectionism factor is found to have a negative effect on safety behavior. Second, student pilot's proactive personality has a positive impact on both safety participation behavior and safety compliance behavior. Third, both safety participation behavior and safety compliance behavior are found to have a significant effect on situation awareness, solution generation and solution implementation of decision making stages. Therefore, this study is intended to provide useful basic data that can be applied to studies such as appropriate psychological counseling, optimal training directions and teaching methods in order to cultivate excellent human resources through safe flight training.

A Study on the Design and Implementation of Fine Dust Measurement LED Using Drone

  • Park, Jong-Youel;Ko, Chang-Bae
    • International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
    • /
    • v.12 no.4
    • /
    • pp.48-54
    • /
    • 2020
  • Researchers recognized air pollution changes causing diseases and difficulties in living due to environmental pollution following various human activities, and have studied how to avoid fine dust harmful to the human respiratory system to be healthy. To this end, Arduino is used to equip fine dust level sensors in drones to measure the fine dust levels, visualize the measurements with LED indicator colors depending on the measurements to inform users of the danger of fine dust, and use the benefits of drones to specify dangerous fine dust zones and measure the fine dust levels. Users can see the changes depending on the fine dust levels in real time with the LED indicators. This will contributes to measuring fine dust levels easily in dangerous areas. Mission Planner (ArduPilot) is used to set up the GPS of drone, and store the data from the dust sensor as contents. This study aims to establish a method for improving the environment to measure fine dust levels with drones with LED indicators for fine dust, and reduce fine dust.

Consumer's Perceived Underwear Brand Identity (BI) Color and Brand Equity (소비자가 지각한 속옷상표의 BI컬러와 상표자산)

  • Kim, Eun-Young;Kim, Hye-Ran
    • Korean Journal of Human Ecology
    • /
    • v.19 no.6
    • /
    • pp.1071-1082
    • /
    • 2010
  • This study examined the effects of underwear brand identity color on brand equity. A self-administered questionnaire mainly consisted of BI color, brand image, and brand equity for underwear. Five underwear brands (Calvin Klein, Yes, Solb, Venus, and Body Guard) were selected based on the frequency they were purchased in pilot study. To collect data, respondents were asked to choose a brand which they were most familiar with, and to assess BI color, brand image, and brand equity including cognitive value, emotional value and purchase intention. A total of 228 usable questionnaires were obtained from consumers aged 19 to 46. BI colors were classified into four color groups: Achromatic (white, black, gray), Vivid (red, blue, yellow), Pink, and Beige. Additionally, underwear brand images consisted of four factors: Sophisticated, Classic, Casual, and Elegant images. Findings showed significant differences in the four factors of brand image and cognitive brand value between the BI color groups. Also, the factor of cognitive value was higher for achromatic or beige brand color groups, than for vivid or pink color groups. Also, brand image factors had positive effects on cognitive or emotional brand value. Especially, the factor of emotional value was more likely to increase purchase intentions than cognitive value in the BI color groups. The implications for managerial decision marking in fashion marketing strategy were also discussed.

A study of the Investigation Offices' Planning Standard and Criteria of the Police Station - By Analyzing the Actual Situation Survey of the Prototypes - (경찰서 수사부서 표준설계 공간모형과 지침 연구 - 환경개선 시범사례 실태조사를 중심으로 -)

  • Cho, Hyeonmi
    • Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
    • /
    • v.27 no.1
    • /
    • pp.140-155
    • /
    • 2018
  • In response to the development of IT technology in the 21st century and the advancement of the public human rights consciousness, it has become necessary to continuously evolve the office environments to support the changes of organizational structure and work methods of the police investigation departments. As a facility standard, continuous researches on standardized design space models and guidelines of the police investigation departments are needed. In respond to the organizational changes for the convenience of the working police investigators and the protection of the human rights of the visiting public, the environmental improvement projects for the office of the investigation department of the police stations are going on since 2014. In this study, analyzation and verification of the 3 cases of pilot projects for the improvement of police investigation departments would be done, based on the policy research project in 2014: 'the standard design direction of police officers for the protection of human rights and benefit of police investigation process.' The purpose of this study is, first of all, the actual situation survey for presenting the standard design space model and guidelines of investigation department of the police department. Secondly, the validation of the spatial model adequacy for for the past 3 years' case study of the police investigation department's environmental improvements by the application of standardized design space models and guidelines. The result of this study would be to enable the more effective police department investigation environment improvement policy by presenting the standard design space models and guidelines of the investigation departments of the police facilities.

Laser-assisted Delivery of a Combined Antioxidant Formulation Enhances the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Treatment: A Pilot Study

  • Kim, Jihee;Kim, Soo Min;Jung, Bok Ki;Oh, Sang Ho;Kim, Young-Koo;Lee, Ju Hee
    • Medical Lasers
    • /
    • v.10 no.3
    • /
    • pp.161-169
    • /
    • 2021
  • Background and Objectives Fractional microneedle radiofrequency systems are popular options to increase elasticity in aging skin. Laser-assisted drug delivery is a promising method for the epidermal injection of topically applied drugs and cosmetic ingredients. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of topical delivery of L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment for reducing photodamage. Materials and Methods In this prospective, single-center, split-face, controlled pilot study, six women (mean age, 48.0 years; range, 35-57 years; Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV) exhibiting mild to moderate photodamage, underwent a single session of fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment. The patients were instructed to apply the antioxidant formulation to only one side of the face. Patients were evaluated 3 days, 7 days, and 4 weeks thereafter, using three-dimensional imaging and ultrasound. Ex vivo, the full-thickness human skin was used for molecular and histological evaluation. Statistical analysis was achieved by applying t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and one-way analyses of variance. Results Compared to the untreated side, the antioxidant-treated side exhibited a significant increase in dermal thickness (10.32% vs. 17.54%, p < 0.05), but not in skin elasticity (4.76% vs. 4.69%, p > 0.05). The difference in erythema between the sides was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). In the ex vivo model, expression of FGF2 in the skin was significantly increased after application of the antioxidant formulation, as compared to results obtained subsequent to fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment only (p < 0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrates that for the treatment of photodamaged skin, laser-assisted delivery of the antioxidant formulation is a safe and effective adjuvant modality following fractional microneedle radiofrequency.

Top Management's Human and Social Capital Effect on Governmental R&D Support System Utilization and Success (최고경영진의 인적 및 사회적 자본이 정부의 R&D 지원제도 활용과 초기 성과에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Je-Keum;Hwang, Hee-Joong;Song, In-Am
    • Journal of Distribution Science
    • /
    • v.13 no.6
    • /
    • pp.71-78
    • /
    • 2015
  • Purpose - This study attempts to analyze whether or not there are characteristics among the top management of companies that promote corporate performance at venture companies. It investigates the characteristics of the human and social capital that are inherent in top management at a venture company and conducts an empirical analysis of hypotheses examining if these characteristics will affect utilization of the governmental R&D support system as well as affect the firm's initial success. Research design, data, and methodology - This study conducted theoretical and empirical research together to accomplish the goal of the study. The pilot study researched human capital and social capital as the independent variables; the governmental R&D support system as the parameter; and, the initial success as the dependent variable. The empirical study carried out research on the model, establishment of hypotheses, and the statistical treatment. A survey was conducted targeting top management of high-tech venture companies in Daedeok Innopolis; 500 questionnaires were distributed; and, 222 were collected. Results - The human and social capital inherent in top management at venture companies in the early stages of their existence become good evaluation data for those who are invested in similar resources. If top management includes strong human and social capital, access to external resources will be easier; these will have a positive influence on the selection of overnmental support systems; and, this proper support will also have a positive influence on the initial success of the venture company. The results revealed the following. First, it was found that when the educational level and functional background, (the top management human capital), are the output function, top management human capital had a significant influence on selection of governmental R&D support funds. Second, it was found that the internal social capital and external social capital, (the top management social capital), had a significant influence on selection of governmental R&D support tasks. Third, it was found that selection of the governmental R&D support tasks at the start of the venture company had a positive influence on the corporate financial performance such as sales, business profits, and the increase in workers; and, had a significant influence on nonfinancial performance such as market share, competitive position, product competitiveness, and the future product development. Conclusions - Selection of the governmental R&D support system is not recognized as part of the direct sales of a venture company in its early stages, but as it can reduce costs for technical development and helps significantly in creating test products and mass production, it has a positive influence on the company's financial performance and nonfinancial performance as a result. Therefore, companies should take great efforts to frequently be selected as a candidate in the governmental R&D support system, as it can help facilitate R&D that requires extensive funds. As a result, companies can expect effects such as job creation and patent applications and they can advance future product sales.

A Study on Stressors and their Impacts on CRM Skills;An Application for Airline Pilots in Korea (스트레스가 CRM Skills 발휘에 미치는 영향;국내 민항공 조종사를 중심으로)

  • Kang, Y.H.;Kim, K.S.
    • Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
    • /
    • v.9 no.2
    • /
    • pp.7-22
    • /
    • 2001
  • The objective of this study focuses on impacts of stress affecting CRM skills. According to KMOCT Report(1990-1999), aviation accident results in Korea imply that the crew is the primary cause in over 72.7% of accidents. So, CRM continues to receive increasing attention throughout the aviation community to prevent and decrease accidents caused by human factors. In addtion, developing and implementing CRM skills has been a formal part of aviation training. Stress may have a critical impact on the way a pilot assesses decision information, the way they make a decision, and the way they carry that decision through to completion.

  • PDF

Assessment of Melatonin Levels in Human Volunteers Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields(EMFs) (전자파 노출이 멜라토닌 분비량에 미치는 영향에 관한 조사연구)

  • 김윤신;조용성;위승철;홍승철
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
    • /
    • v.23 no.3
    • /
    • pp.130-135
    • /
    • 1997
  • A pilot study was undertaken to examine the possible health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). An experimental study was performed for two weeks of preexposure, exposure, postexposure period of February-May 1997 to determine changes in melatonin levels in urine of five volunteers before or after exposure to electric mattress during their normal sleeping hours. An urine sample was collected at about 8 a.m. right after getting up from each volunteer. Average melatonin levels seemed to be 1.6 times lower during EMF exposure period for two weeks than the corresponding levels during preexposure period. Mean melatonin levels in postexposure period were lower than the corresponding levels in preexposure period. It suggested that melatonin levels were likely to take more two weeks for recovering the preexposure melatonin level. Further research is underway with regard to EMF exposure effects on melatonin levels between occupational and nonoccupational groups.

  • PDF