• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.85-99
• /
• 2018

This study is to compare and evaluate the estimating method of WTP(willingness to pay) for the valuation of oceans and fisheries resources with non-market goods characteristics using contingent valuation method. In general, when estimating parameters of the WTP function, we should take into account the assumption of probability distribution, inclusion of covariates, method of inducement of payment, and the treatment of 0 payment intention and resistance responses. This study utilizes survey data that was used to estimate the value of fisheries resource protection zones, with a total of 1,200 samples. The main results of this study are summarized as follows: First, the final willness to pay amount is estimated at a statistical significance of less than 1 percent, and the distribution of the final willness to pay amount is from \6,926 of the double bounded dichotomous model to \10,721 of the spike model. Second, the willness to pay amount based on assumptions about the normal and logistic probability distributions are estimated to be \9,429 and \9,370 respectively, so there was no significant difference. Third, the willness to pay amount of the single bounded dichotomous model and the double bounded dichotomous model are estimated to be \8,951 and \6,926 respectively, making a relatively large difference. Fourth, the willness to pay amount of the model without covariates and the model with covariates are estimated to be \9,429 and \8,951, respectively, so the willness to pay amount is underestimated when the covariates are included. Fifth, the Spike model that considers zero payment intention and resistance response estimates \10,405 as the highest payment in this study. Finally, the CVM analysis guidelines proposed by the Korea Development Institute (KDI) are estimated to be \9,749 and \10,405 respectively, depending on including no covariates and with covariates. Compared to other models, the final willness to pay amount is not estimated underestimated. Therefore this study suggests the use of KDI's guidance under government public policy projects. In view of these results, the estimating model for willness to pay amount model will be selected by considering the sample size, the suitability of the model, the sign of the estimated coefficient, the statistical significance, the ratio of the zero payment intention and the payment rejection. And, for CVMs on government public policy projects, it is desirable to estimate by the method proposed by the KDI.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.45-54
• /
• 2019

Empathy has been observed to be pivotal in enhancing both social relations and the efficiency of task performance. Empathetic interaction has been shown to begin with individuals mirroring each other's facial expressions, vocal tone, actions, and so on. The internal responses of the cardiovascular activity of people engaged in empathetic interaction are also known to be synchronized. This study attempted to objectively and quantitatively define the rules of empathy with regard to the synchronization of cardiac rhythm between persons. Seventy-four subjects participated in the investigation and were paired to imitate the facial expressions of their partner. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement was taken as the participants conducted the task. Quantitative indicators were extracted from the heart rhythm pattern (HRP) and the heart rhythm coherence (HRC) to determine the difference of synchronization of heart rhythms between two individuals as they pertained to empathy. Statistical significance was confirmed by an independent sample t-test. The HRP and HRC correlation(r) between persons increased significantly with empathy in comparison to an interaction that was not empathetic. A difference of the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) and the dominant peak frequency decreased. Therefore, significant parameters to evaluate empathy have been proposed through a step-wise discrimination analysis. Empathic interactions may thus be managed and monitored for high quality social interaction and communication.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.202-208
• /
• 2019

Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is one of the most important migratory pests damaging rice in Korea. It invades annually from tropical and subtropical areas via continental air streams. It is necessary to determine the resistance levels of rice varieties in order to control efficiency. The honeydew excretion, development, and reproduction of the migratory BPH were studied by region in a laboratory at $25{\pm}2^{\circ}C$ and $65{\pm}5%\;RH$ and a 16L: 8D photoperiodism conducted on three BPH resistant genes: Bph1, Bph2, and Bph18. The information obtained was reported using the jackknife method, and we created life table statistics accordingly. The feeding amount of Bph1 resistant gene was lower than that of resistant genes. The developmental periods of immature stages ranged from $13.7{\pm}0.10d$ on Bph2 (Namhae, 2015) to $18.5{\pm}1.06d$ on Bph2 (Sacheon, 2016). Reproductive period and female longevity were longest on the non-resistant genes, Bph2 and Bph18 (except 1980s), and the highest fecundity of N. lugens was observed on the two BPH resistant genes. Highest net reproductive rates ($R_0$) were calculated on Bph2 by region. Intrinsic rates of population increase ($r_m$) showed a difference in resistant genes by region. These population parameters showed that migratory regions and biological characteristics of N. lugens vary annually.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.25-31
• /
• 2011

In this study, the experimental design methodology was applied to optimize 1,4-dioxane treatment in E-beam process. Main factor was mathematically described as a function of parameters 1,4-dioxane removal efficiencies(%), TOC removal efficiencies(%) modeled by the use of the central composite design(CCD) method among the response surface methodology(RSM). Concentration of 1,4-dioxane is designated as "$x_1$" and Irradiation intensity is designated as "$x_2$". The regression equation in coded unit between the 1,4-dioxane concentration and removal efficiencies(%) was $y=71.00-10.85x_1+20.67x_2+{1.53x_1}^2-{7.92x_2}^2-1.23x_1x_2$. The regression equation in coded unit between the 1,4-dioxane concentration and TOC removal efficiencies(%) was $y=44.48-13.25x_1+9.54x_2+{5.43x_1}^2-{1.35x_2}^2+4.45x_1x_2$. The model predictions agreed well with the experimentally observed results $R^2$(Adj) over 90%. Toxicity test using algae Pseudokirchneriella Subcapitata showed that the inhibition was reduced according to increasing an E-beam irradiation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.408-419
• /
• 2021

Background: The decreased renal function is known to be associated with biological aging, of which the main pathological features are chronic inflammation and renal interstitial fibrosis. In previous studies, we reported that total saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJs) can availably protect acute myocardial ischemia. We proposed that SPJs might have similar protective effects for aging-associated renal interstitial fibrosis. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the overall effect of SPJs on renal fibrosis. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) aging rats were given SPJs by gavage beginning from 18 months old, at 10 mg/kg/d and 60 mg/kg/d, up to 24 months old. After the experiment, changes in morphology, function and fibrosis of their kidneys were detected. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and cystatin C (Cys C) were assayed with ELISA kits. The levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), inflammatory factors and changes of oxidative stress parameters were examined. Results: After SPJs treatment, SD rats showed significantly histopathological changes in kidneys accompanied by decreased renal fibrosis and increased renal function; As compared with those in 3-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in 24-month group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the 24-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in the SPJ-H group were significantly decreased. While ECM was reduced and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased, the levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling were decreased; the expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was down-regulated with reduced inflammatory factors; meanwhile, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling was aggrandized. Conclusion: These results suggest that SPJs treatment can improve age-associated renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad, NFκB signaling pathways and activating Nrf2-ARE signaling pathways and that SPJs can be a potentially valuable anti-renal fibrosis drug.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.55 no.3
• /
• pp.348-358
• /
• 2022

Purpose: Hyperglycemia accelerates the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), a group of compounds formed via non-enzymatic glycation/glycoxidation. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to oxidative stress, resulting in some overgeneration of AGEs. The accumulation of AGEs in T2DM patients leads to increased inflammation, DNA damage, tissue damage, progression of diabetic microvascular disease, and nephropathy. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of heme. Expression of HO-1 in the endothelium and in muscle monocytes/macrophages was upregulated upon exposure to reactive oxygen species or oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Cells activated by oxidative stress are reported to release HO-1 in the serum. In the current study, we discuss the oxidative status according to the level of AGEs and the association of HO-1 with AGEs or urinary DNA damage marker in type 2 diabetic Korean patients. Methods: This study enrolled 36 diabetic patients. Subjects were classified into two groups by serum AGEs level (Low AGEs group: < 0.85 ng/mL serum AGEs; High AGEs group: ≥ 0.85 ng/mL serum AGEs). Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Blood and urinary parameters were measured using commercial kits. Results: No significant differences were observed in the general characteristics and body composition between the two groups. Serum HO-1 concentration was significantly higher in the High AGEs group than in the Low AGEs group. After adjustment of age and gender, a correlation was performed to assess the association between serum HO-1 and serum AGEs or urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Our results indicate that serum HO-1 is positively correlated with serum AGEs and urinary 8-OHdG. Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that in diabetes patients, a high level of HO-1 is associated with a high concentration of AGEs and 8-OHdG, probably reflecting a protective response against oxidative stress.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.248-254
• /
• 2022

Background: Occupational hazards in crop farms vary diversely based on different field operations as soil management, harvesting processes, pesticide, or fertilizer application. We aimed at evaluating the immunological status of crop farmers, as limited systematic investigations on immune alteration involved with crop farming have been reported yet. Methods: Immunological parameters including plasma immunoglobulin level, major peripheral immune cells distribution, and level of cytokine production from activated T cell were conducted. Nineteen grape orchard, 48 onion open-field, and 21 rose greenhouse farmers were participated. Results: Significantly low proportion of natural killer (NK) cell, a core cell for innate immunity, was revealed in the grape farmers (19.8±3.3%) in comparison to the onion farmers (26.4±3.1%) and the rose farmers (26.9±2.5%), whereas cytotoxic T lymphocyte proportion was lower in the grape and the onion farmers than the rose farmers. The proportion of NKT cell, an immune cell implicated with allergic response, was significantly higher in the grape (2.3±0.3%) and the onion (1.6±0.8%) farmers compared with the rose farmers (1.0±0.4%). A significantly decreased interferon-gamma:interleukin-13 ratio was observed from ex vivo stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of grape farmers compared with the other two groups. The grape farmers revealed the lowest levels of plasma IgG1 and IgG4, and their plasma IgE level was not significantly different from that of the onion or the rose farmers. Conclusion: Our finding suggests the high vulnerability of workplace-mediated allergic immunity in grape orchard farmers followed by open-field onion farmers and then the rose greenhouse farmers.

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.29.1-29.12
• /
• 2022

Several studies have shown associations between irinotecan toxicity and UGT1A genetic variations in colorectal and lung cancer, but only limited data are available for gastric cancer patients. We evaluated the frequencies of UGT1A polymorphisms and their relationship with clinicopathologic parameters in 382 Korean gastric cancer patients. Polymorphisms of UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*27, UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*60, UGT1A7*2, UGT1A7*3, and UGT1A9*22 were genotyped by direct sequencing. In 98 patients treated with irinotecan-containing regimens, toxicity and response were compared according to the genotype. The UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A9*22 genotypes showed a higher prevalence in Korean gastric cancer patients, while the prevalence of the UG1A1*28 polymorphism was lower than in normal Koreans, as has been found in other studies of Asian populations. The incidence of severe diarrhea after irinotecan-containing treatment was more common in patients with the UGT1A1*6, UGT1A7*3 and UGT1A9*22 polymorphisms than in controls. The presence of the UGT1A1*6 allele also showed a significant association with grade III-IV neutropenia. Upon haplotype and diplotype analyses, almost every patient bearing the UGT1A1*6 or UGT1A7*3 variant also had the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism, and all severe manifestations of UGT1A polymorphism-associated toxicity were related to the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism. By genotyping UGT1A9*22 polymorphisms, we could identify high-risk gastric cancer patients receiving irinotecan-containing chemotherapy, who would experience severe toxicity. When treating high-risk patients with the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism, clinicians should closely monitor them for signs of toxicity such as severe diarrhea or neutropenia.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
• /
• v.26 no.6
• /
• pp.167-174
• /
• 2022

The objective of this study is to evaluate the dynamic properties of DUS (damping-up system) composed of the materials with excellent damping capacity, and to compare with those of the conventional hangar bolt. The main parameters are the type and hardness (𝜂_H), of rubber and the prestress force (value converted from the compression strain (𝜂_R) in the stress-strain relationship of rubber). The dynamic properties were examined from the natural frequency (𝜔_n), maximum response acceleration (A_m), amplification coefficient (𝛼_p), maximum relative displacement (𝚫_m), and damping ratio (𝜉_D). The test results showed that the A_m, 𝛼_p, and 𝚫_m values of DUS were 46.3%, 46.6% and 62.9% lower, respectively, and the 𝜉_D value was 3.89 times higher, when compared to those of the conventional hangar bolt. In particular, the 𝛼_p value was 1.3 for DUS, and 2.45 for the conventional hanger bolt, which were similar to those of rigid and flexible components specified in KDS 41 17 00, respectively. Consequently, in the optimal details of DUS, the 𝜂_H values of 50 and 45 were required for the NR (natural rubber) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and the 𝜂_R value of 5% was also recommended.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.375-380
• /
• 2022

High-speed railway bridges carry a risk of dynamic response amplification due to resonance caused by train loads, and running safety and riding comfort must therefore be reviewed through dynamic analysis in accordance with design codes. The running safety and ride comfort calculation procedure, however, is time consuming and expensive because dynamic analyses must be performed for every 10 km/h interval up to 110% of the design speed, including the critical speed for each train type. In this paper, a deep-learning-based prediction system that can predict the running safety and ride comfort in advance is proposed. The system does not use dynamic analysis but employs a deep learning algorithm. The proposed system is based on a neural network trained on the dynamic analysis results of each train and speed of the railway bridge and can predict the running safety and ride comfort according to input parameters such as train speed and bridge characteristics. To confirm the performance of the proposed system, running safety and riding comfort are predicted for a single span, straight simple beam bridge. Our results confirm that the deck vertical displacement and deck vertical acceleration for calculating running safety and riding comfort can be predicted with high accuracy.