• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.1-8
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• 2021

Objectives : Atractylodis rhizoma Alba has been traditionally used as a medicinal resource that is used for enhancing Qi (氣) in traditional medicine in Korea, China, and Japan. This study investigated the protective effects of Atractylodis rhizoma Alba extract (ARE) against trimethyltin (TMT), a neurotoxin that causes selective hippocampal injury, using both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods : We investigated the effects of ARE on TMT- (5mM) induced cytotoxicity in primary cultures of mouse hippocampal cells (7 days in vitro ) and on hippocampal injury in C57BL/6 mice injected with TMT (2.6 mg/kg). Results : We observed that ARE treatment (0 - 50 ㎍/mL) significantly reduced TMT-induced cytotoxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons in a dose-dependent manner, based on results of lactate dehydrogenase and 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Additionally, this study showed that orally administered ARE (5 mg/kg; between -6 and 0 days before TMT injection) significantly attenuated seizures in adult mice. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of allograft inflammatory factor-1 (Iba-1)- and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)- positive cells showed significantly reduced levels of Iba-1- and GFAP-positive cell bodies in the dentate gyrus of mice treated with ARE prior to TMT injection. These findings indicate the significant protective effects of ARE against the TMT-induced massive activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus. Conclusions : We conclude that ARE minimizes the detrimental effects of TMT-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity, both in vitro and in vivo . Our findings may serve as useful guidelines to support ARE administration as a promising pharmacotherapeutic approach to hippocampal degeneration.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.263-268
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• 2022

Health care workers (HCWs) are more than ten times more likely to be infected with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population, thus demonstrating the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs. Factors that expose HCWs to a differentially high-risk of COVID-19 acquisition are important to elucidate, enable appropriate public health interventions to mitigate against high risk and reduce adverse outcomes from the infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and critically analyze the existing evidence on SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among HCWs. With no geographical limitation, we included studies, in any country, that reported (i) the PCR laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 as an independent variable (ii) one or more COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs with risk estimates (relative risk, odds ratio, or hazard ratio) (iii) original, quantitative study design, and published in English or Mandarian. Our initial search resulted in 470 articles overall, however, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Out of the 10 studies included in the review, inadequate/lack of protective personal equipment, performing tracheal intubation, and gender were the most common risk factors of COVID-19. Based on the random effects adjusted pooled relative risk, HCWs who reported the use of protective personal equipment were 29% (95% CI: 16% to 41%) less likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study also revealed that HCWs who performed tracheal intubations were 34% (95% CI: 14% to 57%) more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, this study showed that female HCWs are at 11% higher risk (RR 1.11 95% CI 1.01-1.21) of COVID-19 than their male counterparts. This article presents initial findings from a living systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, did not yield many studies; however, it revealed a significant insight into better understanding COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs; insights important for devising preventive strategies that protect them from this infection.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.25-33
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• 2023

Noise generated during the acquisition and transmission of CT images acts as a factor that degrades image quality. Therefore, noise removal to solve this problem is an important preprocessing process in image processing. In this paper, we remove noise by using a deformable convolutional autoencoder (DeCAE) model in which deformable convolution operation is applied instead of the existing convolution operation in the convolutional autoencoder (CAE) model of deep learning. Here, the deformable convolution operation can extract features of an image in a more flexible area than the conventional convolution operation. The proposed DeCAE model has the same encoder-decoder structure as the existing CAE model, but the encoder is composed of deformable convolutional layers and the decoder is composed of conventional convolutional layers for efficient noise removal. To evaluate the performance of the DeCAE model proposed in this paper, experiments were conducted on CT images corrupted by various noises, that is, Gaussian noise, impulse noise, and Poisson noise. As a result of the performance experiment, the DeCAE model has more qualitative and quantitative measures than the traditional filters, that is, the Mean filter, Median filter, Bilateral filter and NL-means method, as well as the existing CAE models, that is, MAE (Mean Absolute Error), PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and SSIM. (Structural Similarity Index Measure) showed excellent results.

• The Korean Journal of Franchise Management
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.53-66
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• 2022

Purpose: How to build the attitude on brand is very important, because it affects the positive word of mouth and revisit intention. Brand attachment, brand name, and image congruence play important role on consumer behavior in terms of reinforcing consumers' perception of food service companies and differentiating them from competing brands. Following the planned behavior theory, this paper examines the effect of linking brand attitude to word-of-mouth and revisit intentions in the restaurant sector. Research design, data, and methodology: This paper examines the structural relationship among brand attachment, brand name, image congruence, brand attitude, WOM, and revisit intention. In order to test the purposes of this study, research model and hypotheses were developed. The questionnaire items were modified and used according to the content of this study based on previous studies. All constructs were measured by multiple items tested and developed in the previous research. The study is based on the quantitative method and considered 519 questionnaires fulfilled by customers of restaurants. The data were explored employing the partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Frequency analysis was conducted to identify the general characteristics of the survey subjects. To measure the reliability and validity of the measurement tools, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. Structural model analysis was conducted to verify the research model. Result: The findings demonstrate that brand attachment and brand name had positive effects on attitude while image congruence did not have. Also, attitude had positive effect on WOM and revisit intention. Conclusions: This study expands the literature about WOM and revisit intentions. This study expands prior research in a similar field to which the theory of planned behavior (TPB) is applied, and reveals that brand attachment, brand name, and brand image congruence play an important role in developing brand attitude that affect revisit intention and WOM. And provide guidelines on how to enhance competitiveness in the restaurant sector based on understanding of linking brand attitude to customer loyalty and repeat business. By putting into practice these suggestions in the restaurant industry, brands can easily build up their attitude and boost a positive WOM and the intention to revisit.

• Analyses & Alternatives
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.185-226
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• 2022

This study examines the crisis of trust of French journalism in the context of a global decline of media credibility. First of all, in the process of a huge social movement called the 'yellow vest' movement that started in 2018, distrust of the French journalism was expressed in an extreme form. This study examines some external factors in terms of the historical development of the French journalism and the public's long-standing 'criticism of journalism'. Specifically, this study first examines the quantitative indicators of trust of French journalism which were shown in Digital News Report published by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Next, it examines the historical and institutional formation process of French journalism and public distrust that emerged along with it. And specifically, the structural crisis-economic crisis, digital transformation and intensification of competition, and deterioration of quality problems etc.-of the French journalism exposed in media coverage on social movement in 2018 is review in relation with the working process or 'routine' of actual news production. In conclusion, this study asserts that the various aspects of internal rifts in French journalism system, as well as external shocks (the influence of social movements), are a key factor in explaining the recent decline of trust in French journalism.

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2023

Recently, as the fishery resources are depleted, expectations for productivity improvement by 'rearing fishery' in land farms are greatly rising. In the case of land farms, unlike ocean environments, it is easy to control and manage environmental and breeding factors, and has the advantage of being able to adjust production according to the production plan. On the other hand, unlike in the natural environment, there is a disadvantage in that operation costs may significantly increase due to the artificial management for fish growth. Therefore, profit maximization can be pursued by efficiently operating the farm in accordance with the planned target shipment. In order to operate such an efficient farm and nurture fish, an accurate growth prediction model according to the target fish species is absolutely required. Most of the growth prediction models are mainly numerical results based on statistical analysis using farm data. In this paper, we present a growth prediction model from a stochastic point of view to overcome the difficulties in securing data and the difficulty in providing quantitative expected values for inaccuracies that existing growth prediction models from a statistical point of view may have. For a stochastic approach, modeling is performed by introducing a Gaussian process regression method based on water temperature, which is the most important factor in positive growth. From the corresponding results, it is expected that it will be able to provide reference values for more efficient farm operation by simultaneously providing the average value of the predicted growth value at a specific point in time and the confidence interval for that value.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.97-105
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• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.73-81
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• 2023

In the present study, we prepared hot water extracts and the subsequent organic solvent fractions of methanol extracts of Houttuynia cordata (HC) and Lespedeza cuneata (LC), and investigated their anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Among the treated samples, hexane, chloroform, and ethyl-acetate fractions of HC and LC inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression. And, we analyzed the flavonoid contents of the ethyl-acetate fraction of HC and LC, and chose apigenin for the further experiments because apigenin was one of flavonoids commonly found in HC and LC. Apigenin dramatically inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viability and decreased iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. In addition, apigenin suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) indicating that apigenin exerts anti-inflammatory activity via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Subsequently, we conducted RNA-sequencing analysis to detect differentially expressed genes upon apigenin treatment. Among the down-regulated genes, four cytokine genes (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2)) were selected for the further analysis, and the reduction of their expression by apigenin was confirmed with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Overall, our results suggest that Houttuynia cordata and Lespedeza cuneata have the anti-inflammatory effects and apigenin can be the one of key molecules responsible for their anti-inflammatory activities.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.93-101
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• 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to observe the anti-diabetic effect and underlying mechanisms of Galgunhwanggumhwangryun-tang (GHH; Gegen-Qinlian-decoction) in the C2C12 myotubes. Methods: GHH (1.0 mg/ml) or metformin (0.75 mM) or insulin (100 nM) were treated in C2C12 myotubes after 4 days differentiation. The glucose uptake was assessed by 2-[N-(7-160 nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake by C2C12 cells. The expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylation AMPK (pAMPK) were measured by western blot. We also evaluated gene expression of glucose transporter type 4 (Slc2a4, formerly known as GLUT4), glucokinase (Gk), carnitine palmitoyltransferase IA (Cpt1a), nuclear respiratory factors 1 (Nrf1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (Ppargc1a) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: GHH promoted glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. The expression of AMPK protein, which plays an essential role in glucose metabolism, was increased by treatment with GHH. GHH treatment tended to increase gene expression of Slc2a4, Gk, and Nrf1 but was not statistically significant. However, GHH significantly improved Tfam and Ppargc1a gene expression in C2C12 myotubes. Conclusions: In summary, GHH treatment promoted glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. We suggest that these effects are associated with increased gene expression involved in mitochondrial biosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, such as Tfam and Ppargc1a, and increased expression of AMPK protein.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.192-207
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• 2023

Commercialization of level-4 (Lv.4) autonomous driving applications requires the definition of a safe road environment under which autonomous vehicles can operate safely. Thus, a risk assessment model is required to determine whether the operation of autonomous vehicles can provide safety to is sufficiently prepared for future real-life traffic problems. Although the risk factors of autonomous vehicles were selected and graded, the decision-making method was applied as qualitative data using a survey of experts in the field of autonomous driving due to the cause of the accident and difficulty in obtaining autonomous driving data. The fuzzy linguistic representation of decision-makers and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), which converts uncertainty into quantitative figures, were implemented to compensate for the AHP shortcomings of the multi-standard decision-making technique. Through the process of deriving the weights of the upper and lower attributes, the road alignment, which is a physical infrastructure, was analyzed as the most important risk factor in the operation risk of autonomous vehicles. In addition, the operation risk of autonomous vehicles was derived through the example of the risk of operating autonomous vehicles for the 5 areas to be evaluated.