Search

The current KDS 14 design method yields reasonable accuracy with acceptable safety in assessing the unbalanced moment-carrying capacity of slab–column connections. However, the model requires considerable computational effort owing to the effects of various design parameters, particularly the gravity-load effect. This study proposes a method to simplify the KDS 14 model to evaluate the unbalanced moment-carrying capacity of slab–column connections. In the proposed method, the gravity-load effect is decoupled from equations used for evaluating unbalanced moment-carrying capacity components. Subsequently, the total unbalanced moment-carrying capacity is determined by establishing an interaction between the gravity shear ratio and unbalanced moment components without considering the gravity-load effect. For practical design purposes, final simplified design equations are proposed. The reliability of the simplified method is validated based on a comparison with the current KDS 14 design code using a comprehensive database encompassing interior, exterior, and corner slab–column connections. Furthermore, a parametric study based on the proposed simplified approach, current design codes, combined with finite-element (FE) analysis is performed to elucidate the effects of constituents on the unbalanced moment-carrying capacity of corner slab–column connections. The results show that the proposed simplified model and KDS design method are strongly correlated with the experimental and FE results for a range of design parameters. Meanwhile, the ACI 318 model consistently provides a lower limit for strength prediction, thus yielding overly conservative and safe results compared with the test and FE results in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture is a critical parameter that significantly impacts the global energy balance, including the hydrologic cycle, land–atmosphere interactions, soil evaporation, and plant growth. Currently, soil moisture is typically measured by installing sensors in the ground or through satellite remote sensing, with data retrieval facilitated by reanalysis models such as the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis 5 (ERA5) and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). However, the suitability of these methods for capturing local-scale variabilities is insufficiently validated, particularly in regions like South Korea, where land surfaces are highly complex and heterogeneous. In contrast, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches have shown promising potential for soil moisture retrieval at the local scale but have rarely demonstrated substantial products for spatially continuous grids. This paper presents the retrieval of daily soil moisture (SM) over a 500 m grid for croplands in South Korea using random forest (RF) and automated machine learning (AutoML) models, leveraging satellite images and meteorological data. In a blind test conducted for the years 2013–2019, the AutoML-based SM model demonstrated optimal performance, achieving a root mean square error of 2.713% and a correlation coefficient of 0.940. Furthermore, the performance of the AutoML model remained consistent across all the years and months, as well as under extreme weather conditions, indicating its reliability and stability. Comparing the soil moisture data derived from our AutoML model with the reanalysis data from sources such as the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA CCI), GLDAS, the Local Data Assimilation and Prediction System (LDAPS), and ERA5 for the South Korea region reveals that our AutoML model provides a much better representation. These experiments confirm the feasibility of AutoML-based SM retrieval, particularly for local agrometeorological applications in regions with heterogeneous land surfaces like South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagonal squall line that passed through the Korean Peninsula on the 18 May 2020 was examined using wind data retrieved from multiple Doppler radar synthesis focusing on its kinematic and dynamic aspects. The low-level jet, along with warm and moist air in the lower level, served as the primary source of moisture supply during the initiation and formation process. The presence of a cold pool accompanying the squall line played a role in retaining moisture at the surface. As the squall line approached the Korean Peninsula, the convective bands in the northern segment (NS) and southern segment (SS) of the squall line exhibited distinct evolutionary patterns. The vertical wind shear in the NS area was more pronounced compared to that in the SS. The ascending inflow associated with the tilted updraft in the NS reached an altitude of 7 km, whereas it was only up to 4 km in the SS. The difference was caused by the strong descending rear flow, which obstructed the ascending inflow and let to significant updraft in the SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-day workshop was held in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, to discuss recent advances in sea ice modeling. Researchers from South Korea, China, Australia, Canada, Belgium, France, Italy, and Norway attended the workshop. The workshop focused on four themes: emerging model technologies, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sea ice applications, model/observation integration, and future research needs and opportunities. The use of AI techniques in sea ice research and forecasting was highlighted, including applications such as forecasting sea ice concentration and thickness, correcting biases in atmospheric boundary conditions, and detecting landfast sea ice. The workshop also emphasized the need for collaboration across geographies and highlighted the research bubbles that exist in different regions. The workshop provided a valuable forum for collaboration and knowledge sharing, and a follow-up workshop is planned for fall 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Textile‐reinforced cementitious composites (TRCCs) have recently received significant attention in structural engineering as promising retrofitting materials as well as reinforcements for thin and slender structural components. For applicability in the precast industry, the weight of the structural components made of TRCCs is a major concern. In this study, lightweight (LW) TRCC materials were developed and their flexural and direct shear performances were investigated. Carbon fabric is used as the textile reinforcement of the LW TRCCs, and expanded glass aggregates made from industrial refractory materials with fine particle sizes of 0.25–0.5 mm incorporating the mineral admixture (silica fume) are used to develop the LW cement‐based matrix. The main test series in this study include the expanded glass‐to‐binder (EG/B) ratio, surface coating methods used for textile fabrics, and volume dosages of short polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers used to modify the cement‐based matrix. Three main series, including a total of 30 flexural test specimens and 30 shear test specimens, are fabricated and tested. The flexural behavior of LW TRCCs is investigated via four‐point bending tests and the direct shear behavior of LW TRCCs is investigated based on the FIP standard using one shear failure plane. The experimental results indicate that the EG/B ratio significantly affects the overall flexural and shear performances of LW TRCCs, wherein the use of higher EG/B ratios might lead to greater reduction in flexural properties as well as shear properties in the pre‐peak stage. The coating methods employed for fabric surface treatment via epoxy impregnation combined with rough layers are effective in enhancing flexural properties in terms of load and deformation capacity and shear properties in terms of peak stress compared with the counterpart using only the epoxy coating method. Additionally, incorporating short discrete PVA fibers within the LW cement‐based matrix results in outstanding performance due to improvement in bonding quality at the textile/matrix interface, which can be applied as a potential solution for fabricating LW, high‐performance TRCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When introducing a robotic process automation (RPA) solution for business automation, selecting an RPA solution that is suitable for the automation target and goals is extremely difficult for customers. One reason for this difficulty is that standardised evaluation items and indicators that can support the evaluation of RPA have not been defined. The broad extension of RPA is still in its infancy and only a few studies have been conducted on this subject. In this study, an evaluation breakdown structure for RPA selection was developed by deriving evaluation items from prior studies related to RPA selection and a feasibility study was conducted. Consequently, a questionnaire was administered three times, and the coefficients of variation, content validity, consensus, and convergence of factors and criteria were measured from the survey results. All of these measurement results are reflected in the final suitability value that was calculated to verify the stability of the evaluation system and evaluation criteria indicators. This study is the first to develop an RPA solution selection evaluation standard and the proposed evaluation breakdown structure provides useful evaluation criteria and a checklist for successful RPA application and introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhalation and exhaust fans are installed inside a distribution panel for cooling. However, in the event of fire inside the panel, these fans change the flow of smoke, which interferes with quick detection by fire sensors installed on the panel ceiling, thereby increasing fire damage. The purpose of this study is to develop a smoke detector that can be installed inside distribution panels and to propose an optimal smoke detector position based on the influence of the position on detection performance. To this end, an experimental distribution panel was fabricated and four smoke detector samples were installed near the fans. The smoke detection performance experiment was repeated on ignition source positions corresponding to widths of 15, 30, 45, and 50 cm, a depth of 55 cm, and heights of 0, 30, and 60 cm. The results indicated that the smoke detection performance and CO absorption concentration were higher when the smoke detector was positioned closer to the left or right side of the exhaust fan. In particular, compared with current designs in which smoke detectors are installed on distribution panel ceilings, the elapsed time until smoke detection decreased by 75%, whereas the CO absorption concentration increased by more than 100%. This study presents a theoretical ground for the installation of built-in smoke detectors near exhaust fans for closed power industry equipment that includes airflow-changing devices. Additionally, this study raises awareness on the importance of fire sensors and the need to improve policies and standards for fire prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the shear characteristics of cementitious mortar reinforced with steel and nylon fibres were experimentally investigated through direct shear tests. The primary test parameters of the present study were fibre volume fractions of 0.15, 0.25, and 0.33% for nylon fibres; 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% for steel fibre; and hybrid fibres comprised of different amounts of steel and nylon fibres. The test specimens were made with a singly rectangular notch at the centre to predefine the shear failure plane. Direct shear test was carried out following the guidelines specified in the Fédération Internationale de la Précontrainte (FIP) standard. The results showed that the cementitious mortar reinforced with fibres exhibited more ductility than plain mortar matrix. It was determined that the use of higher amounts of steel and nylon fibres could significantly improve the peak shear stress. Finally, a shear stress-crack slip model was constructed to idealise shear stress-crack slip curves of cementitious mortar reinforced with steel and nylon fibres, and the prediction results were consistent with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Owing to the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic, the demand for telemedicine has increased. However, the awareness of and experience with telemedicine among the Korean population have not been investigated. Therefore, we examined Korean outpatients' experience with and awareness of telemedicine. Methods: From December 2020 to March 2021, we conducted a survey exploring the awareness of and experience with telemedicine of outpatients who were consecutively enrolled by family physicians from four hospitals. The participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, experience, satisfaction, preference, and future considerations concerning telemedicine. We evaluated factors associated with satisfaction with telemedicine experiences using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 563 study participants, 364 participants had experience with telemedicine. More than 95% of the telemedicine visits were performed by telephone consultation, and the most common disease type for telemedicine visits was chronic diseases (67.5%). Overall, 82.4% of the participants were satisfied with telemedicine. More than 90% of the participants were satisfied with telemedicine in terms of saving time and money relative to hospital visits, no risk of infection, and convenience. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, adults aged ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–8.68), residents of a metropolitan city (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.41–32.55), and those with knowledge of telemedicine (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.21–7.26) were more likely to be satisfied with their telemedicine experience, compared with their counterparts. For chronic diseases, participants with telemedicine experience were significantly more likely to prefer telemedicine for revisits, compared with those with no telemedicine experience. Nonetheless, most respondents recognized that telemedicine requires improvement. Conclusions: Most Korean outpatients showed high satisfaction with telemedicine. Telemedicine may be considered in various medical situations in the future. Therefore, building a practical system for telemedicine and changes in the medical environment are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the source, maturity, and biodegradation of organic matter (OM) deposited at two core sites (PSG-02 and PSG-03) of the Pohang Basin by analyzing stable isotopic compositions of bulk organic matter and specific lipid molecules (n-alkanes). In contrast to the lack of substantial variations in bulk carbon isotopic compositions along core depths, a homologous series of saturated alkanes (C16 to C35) showed distinct carbon chain-length distribution between both core sites, having predominance in C20 to C25 for PSG-02 and C29 for PSG-03. Such variation may reflect the different geochemical properties of the deposited OM involved in gas generation. In this regard, various n-alkane indices, for example, carbon preference index (CPI), terrestrial/aquatic ratio (TAR), average chain length (ACL), natural n-alkanes ratio (NAR), percentage of aquatic plants (Pmar-aq), and pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph), were applied to understand the OM origins and depositional environments at both core sites. The contribution of thermally petroleum-derived OM is predominant in PSG-02, as shown by the low values of CPI (< 1) and NAR (< 0.6). Conversely, high values of ACL (> 29), TAR (> 2), low values of Pmar-aq (< 0.4) and Pr/Ph (∼1) may be associated with mixed contributions of marine and terrestrial OM sources in PSG-03. In addition, Pr/Ph ratios suggest that sedimentary diagenesis conditions such as maturity and redox condition should be different between both core sites. Our results highlight useful information regarding the geochemical properties of OM involved in gas generation in the Pohang Basin. This will help us better define accumulated gas systems and reduce the risk associated with future exploration efforts in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there are many studies that have reported methods for tracing the geographical origin of seafoods, most of them have focused on identifying parameters that can be used effectively and not the direct application of these methods. In this study, we attempted to differentiate the geographical origins of the Manila clam R. philippinarum collected from different sites in Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and China using a combination of analyses based on dual-element isotopes, fatty acids (FAs), and compound-specific isotopic analysis of FAs. We hypothesized that a stepwise application of new parameters to unclassified samples could achieve this objective by integrating new information while reducing time and labor. The FA profiles and compound-specific carbon isotopic values of FAs were found to enhance the discrimination power of determining the geographic origin up to 100%. Our findings demonstrate the advantageousness of using several parameters simultaneously over the conventional method of employing individual analytical methods when identifying geographic origins of the Manila clam, which could have implications for tracing the origins of different shellfish species or other food products as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new town is strategically built within a short period compared to naturally developed cities. It is considered an appropriate study area for analyzing the urban climate problems such as surface urban heat islands (SUHIs) that is differently generated according to urban planning and development. In this study, we suggest comprehensive method for determining and comparing changes in surface UHI distribution during 1989–2048 in two new towns with different urban planning. First, a substantial increase in built-up areas was observed from 1989 (< 5%) to 2018 (> 40%) in both new towns. However, SUHI phenomenon-increasing patterns were different of about 12.25% depending on urban planning and urban morphology. Results also showed the importance of vertical and horizontal structures which can have a great influence on SUHI intensity and accordingly, the difference in SUHI distribution between two new towns was confirmed. Moreover, without effective mitigation, the built-up area in both new towns is estimated to increase to approximately 60%, and the SUHI intensity in most areas to increase by 4 °C in 2048. In addition, the spread and intensification of the SUHI phenomenon are predicted to be greater due to the characteristics of the building structure and the active urban expansion. Thus, these results combined with architectural assessment models can improve the understanding of thermal environmental impacts of urbanization and provide directions for sustainable urban development and renovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to understand the effects of anchored systems for shear strengthening of an inclined shear plane in reinforced concrete, using an externally U-wrapped textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) jacket. The main test parameters were the textile reinforcement ratios adopted in the TRM composite and the different anchorage details utilized at both ends of the U-wrapped TRM jacket. Two textile reinforcement ratios of 0.152% and 0.304% were adopted for the TRM jacket, corresponding to the use of two and four textile layers, respectively. The investigated anchorage details included (a) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) anchors; (b) mechanical anchors; (c) textile-anchored by re-bar inserted in a groove; and (d) textile-anchored by re-bar inserted in a groove, combined with FRP anchors. Modified push-off tests were conducted to partially simulate the development of the 45° diagonal failure plane in reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to a combination of shear and tension. The test results indicated the effectiveness of the proposed anchorage details in enhancing the contribution of the TRM jacket to the shear resistance capacity of the specimens, before and after the formation of the critical shear crack. Additionally, the strain of the internal shear reinforcement after attaining peak load considerably decreased, and the effective strain developed in the TRM composite was also ameliorated using the anchorage details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current e-commerce payment systems for credit or check cards require a payment gateway (PG). This incurs PG fees, which in turn increases the cost of engaging in e-commerce. This paper proposes a simple payment model that uses basic cryptocurrency features, such as public key, private key, and digital signature, to eliminate the need for transaction intermediaries such as public key certificate and PG. This model can process e-commerce payments without registering additional public key certificate, public key, or private key. The use of a digital signature guarantees the integrity and nonrepudiation of electronic payments, besides eliminating the fees for intermediary services such as PG, thereby reducing the overall cost of operating e-commerce services. This proposal is crucial as it is the first attempt to apply blockchain technology to e-commerce payment services. In addition, our model is important because it not only supports the evolution of e-commerce payment technology but also enhances the competitive advantage of using e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity affects health-related quality of life (QoL); however, their relationship among elderly Asians is not well known. Aims: Relationship of domain-specific QoL with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and the sex differences were investigated using a nationally representative sample of elderly Korean population. Methods: In the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey phase VII (2016–2018), 3659 adults aged ≥ 65 years (1551 men and 2108 women) participated. BMI and waist circumference were classified according to Asian- and Korean-specific criteria. QoL was evaluated using the European Quality of Life Scale-Five Dimensions (EQ-5D). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship of QoL with BMI and waist circumference. Results: Men with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 had a significant association with poor QoL in mobility and self-care, but no relationship was found with the other domains. Women with BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 had poor QoL in mobility and self-care, and those with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 had poor QoL in usual activities and pain/discomfort. There was no significant association with anxiety/depression. Both elderly men and women with abdominal obesity had a significant association with poor QoL in mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort; however, there was no significant relationship with waist circumference and anxiety/depression. Conclusions: The association between QoL and BMI was different according to sex and the domains of QoL. Domain-specific QoL should be considered in the management of body weight of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the development of early states on the Korean Peninsula is an important topic in Korean archaeology. However, it is not clear how social structure was organized by these early states and what natural resources were utilized from their surrounding environments. To investigate dietary adaptation and social status in ancient Korea, stable isotope ratios and radiocarbon dates were measured from humans and animals from the Imdang cemetery, Gyeongsan city, South Korea. The results indicate that the Imdang diet was mainly based on C3 plants and terrestrial animals. Animal remains in the graves were directly consumed as daily food items as well as for ritual offerings. MixSIAR modeling results revealed that the dietary sources for the humans were: game birds > C3 plants > terrestrial herbivores > marine fish > C4 plants. The finding that the game birds represented the highest contribution to the whole diet, indicates that game birds must have been intensively hunted. Furthermore, elites consumed more game birds than their retainers and they also consumed seafood as a privileged dietary item in the Imdang society. This study demonstrates that the Apdok was a stratified society having high variations in the consumption of food items available to an individual and provides new insights about the subsistence and social status of the early ancient Apdok state on the Korean Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rothermel fire spread model provides the scientific basis for the US National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and several other important fire management applications. This study proposes a new perspective of the model that partitions the reaction intensity function and Energy Release Component (ERC) equations as an alternative that simplifies calculations while providing more insight into the temporal variability of the energy release component of fire danger. We compare the theoretical maximum reaction intensities and corresponding ERCs across 1978, 1988 and 2016 NFDRS fuel models as they are currently computed and as they would be computed under the proposed scheme. The advantages and disadvantages of the new approach are discussed. More study is required to determine its operational implications. Wildland fire managers in the US use the Rothermel fire spread model to determine fire danger in areas they oversee. This study suggests improvements to the model that provide more information about how different types of dead and live vegetation contribute differently to the total heat energy released from a fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A safe synthesis of dihydroxylammonium 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate (TKX‐50) has been achieved by using 2‐methoxyisopropyl‐protected diazidoglyoxime (MIP‐DAzG) as an insensitive intermediate. The MIP group acted as a protecting group, which was quantitatively introduced into dichloroglyoxime without the need for any additives, and effectively removed during the course of the cyclization reaction used to construct the 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diol moiety under acidic conditions. Notably, the sensitivity results obtained for MIP‐DAzG were significantly lower than those of the DAzG intermediate used in the previously reported synthesis of TKX‐50. Furthermore, the sensitivity studies on MIP‐DAzG indicated that the sensitivity of protected DAzG was affected by the steric hindrance around the hydroxyl group in DAzG caused by the protecting group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyslipidemia is considered an independent health risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of mortality in older adults. Despite its importance, there have been few reports on the association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future CVD and cardiovascular (CV) mortality among elderly Asians aged ≥ 65 years. This study investigated the association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future CVD and CV mortality in an elderly Korean population using a large nationwide sample. Methods: From the cohort database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service, 62,604 adults aged ≥ 65 years (32,584 men and 30,020 women) were included. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were categorized by quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models and linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between the quartiles of lipoprotein cholesterol and future CV events or mortality. Results: The mean follow-up period was 3.3 years. The incidence rates of ischemic heart disease and ischemic brain disease were 0.97 and 0.61 per 1,000 person-years, respectively, and the mortality rates from these diseases were 0.22 and 0.34 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. In a completely adjusted model, high HDL-C and LDL-C levels were not associated with total CV events and CVD mortality. However, high LDL-C levels were significantly associated with a lower incidence of ischemic brain disease. Furthermore, diabetic patients with high LDL-C levels were more likely to have higher CV mortality, whereas non-smokers with high LDL-C levels were less likely to be at risk of CV events. Conclusions: Neither high LDL-C nor HDL-C levels were significantly associated with future CV mortality in older adults aged ≥ 65 years. High LDL-C levels do not seem to be a risk factor for CVD in elderly individuals, and further studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the association between disability and cardiovascular (CV) disease incidence and mortality in Korea longitudinally, using a national representative sample. We used the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) database, which includes information on the disability of the National Screening Program participants such as severity and type of disability, which were obtained from the Korean National Disability Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between disability and CV disease incidence and mortality. We constructed four models with different levels of adjustment, in which Model 3 was a fully adjusted model. This study included 514,679 participants, and 7,317 CV deaths were reported within a mean follow up of 10.8 ± 3.9 years (maximum, 13.9 years). For 5,572,130 person-year (PY) follow-up, the CV mortality rate was 1.313 per 1,000 PY. In Models 1 and 2, CV disease incidence was significantly higher in participants with disability than in those without disability. In Model 3, the incidence was higher only among participants aged 50–64 years and severe disabled participants aged <50 years. CV mortality was significantly higher in participants with disability than in those without disability in all Models, and the mortality increased in both sexes in Models 1 and 2 but only increased in men in Model 3. Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis of health behavior and chronic diseases. People with disability showed higher CV disease incidence and mortality than those without disability, regardless of the type of disability or risk factors for CV disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is a defense response of the body to stimuli. Curly dock (CD) is an herbal food with anti‐inflammatory effects. Beopje is an herbal food processing method that reduces toxicity and enhances beneficial effects. This study investigated the effects of CD and Beopje curly dock (CD‐B) extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory damage in RAW 264.7 cells. Cell survival rate and nitrite concentration were determined using the MTT assay and Griess method, respectively. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the inflammatory cytokine levels. The mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory associated genes were detected by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. CD and CD‐B extracts compositions were assessed by UPLC‐Q‐TOF MS analysis. Our results indicate that CD‐B has a more significant inhibitory effect on the LPS‐induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells than CD, suggesting that the Beopje process potentially enhances the anti‐inflammatory effect of CD. Practical applications: Long‐term inflammation can cause a variety of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the occurrence of body inflammation in time. This study preliminarily clarified the mechanism of herbal foods to alleviate inflammation by regulating the immune response, and further confirms that applying the Beopje process enhances the anti‐inflammatory effect. This research can serve as a significant reference for future research, prevention and treatment of inflammation‐related diseases, and the development of functional foods with anti‐inflammatory activity. It also provides a theoretical basis for the further reasonable application of Beopje processing method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its potential applications such as military, industrial and civilian areas, most researchers and manufacturers pay attention to develop diverse smart devices. However, as the number of diverse smart devices such as smartphone and smart TV in a smart home as well as intelligent devices in smart factory, the time synchronization becomes more and more important. The GPS signals provided by the satellites are regarded as a promising source for an effective reference clock. In this work, we propose an efficient GPS signal transmission over an optical fiber. Of particular, we developed a digitized GPS signal transmission system based on D-RoF. Our implemented system supports the delay transmission to calibrate the delay time caused by an optical fiber. Our experiments conducted with our implemented system demonstrate the effectiveness of the GPS signal transmission with D-RoF as well as the accuracy of the delay transmission technique proposed in this work. Our study is essential to collaborate with multifarious intelligent devices accurately and can be applied to not only IoT but also diverse industry sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its inception in 2011, Museum Teen Summit (MTS), a youth-led collective dedicated to better understanding and transforming the role of young people within museums, sought to act as a bridge between teens and cultural organizations. Over eight years, MTS built an impressive network of youth and adult professionals interested in specialized programming for teens in museums, conducted research on teen agency in museums, organized events for teens within museums, and presented at professional conferences across the country. The work of the over ninety young people who cycled through the collective was a resounding success, but with notable flaws and space for improvement. A closer analysis of the work of MTS also reveals less conventionally recognized successes. This collectively written article, authored by youth alumni and an adult collaborator, analyzes definitions of success and failure in youth-led organizing and research and how they shaped our work and our experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantiopure 2‐alkyl‐1,3,3‐trinitroazetidines 4 were efficiently synthesized by the nitrolysis of enantiopure 2‐alkyl‐3,3‐dinitro‐1‐tosylazetidines 3 using an excess of fuming nitric acid in CHCl3 at ambient temperature. In addition, elaboration of (S)‐2‐(2‐methoxyethyl)‐1,3,3‐trinitroazetidine (4c) was successfully performed to synthesize a variety of enantiopure 2‐alkyl‐1,3,3‐trinitroazetidines 5–7. The advantage of this strategy is that 2‐alkyl‐1,3,3‐trinitroazetidines can be synthesized either asymmetrically or racemically depending on the presence or absence of chirality in N‐sulfinyl aldimines 2 used as the starting material. Furthermore, the sensitivity measurement results of racemic 2‐methyl‐1,3,3‐trinitroazetidine (racemic 4a) showed that the introduction of an alkyl substituent at the C2 position of 1,3,3‐trinitroazetidine had a significant effect on the sensitivity of the resulting 2‐alkyl‐1,3,3‐trinitroazetidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sea mustards are traditionally consumed as human food in many Asian countries. However, owing to the large consumption of seaweed, there are a substantial number of by‐products produced during processing. These by‐products after fermentation can provide a good alternative nutrient source for broilers and serve as a recycled resource reducing the environmental pollution of the seaweed industry. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fermented sea mustard by‐product (FSM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta microflora, blood profiles, relative organ weight, and meat quality in broilers. The treatments were: control (CON), basal diet; FSM, CON +2 g kg−1 FSM. Results: During days 1 to 35, with the supplementation of 2 g kg−1 FSM, body weight gain (BWG) increased (P < 0.05), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased (P < 0.05). On day 35, with the supplementation of 2 g kg−1 FSM, excreta Lactobacillus counts increased (P < 0.05), and the excreta Escherichia coli counts decreased (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects (P > 0.05) on nutrient digestibility, blood profile, relative organ weight, and breast meat quality of broilers fed with FSM diets. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of 2 g kg−1 FSM can improve growth performance, and shifted excreta microflora by increasing the proliferation of Lactobacillus counts and by decreasing E. coli counts. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between the ectodermal and mesenchymal tissues are the basis of the central mechanism regulating tooth development. Based on this epithelial-mesenchymal interaction (EMI), we demonstrated that copine-7 (CPNE7) is secreted by preameloblasts and regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal cells of dental or non-dental origin into odontoblasts. However, the precise expression patterns of CPNE7 in the stages of tooth development have not yet been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to establish the spatiotemporal expression pattern of CPNE7 during mouse tooth development. To examine the spatiotemporal expression patterns of CPNE7 during mouse tooth development, we investigate the distribution of CPNE7 in the embryonic and postnatal developing mouse tooth. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, real-time PCR, and western blot analysis are performed to investigate the CPNE7 expression pattern during tooth development of the mandibular mouse first molar. During the initiation stage (bud stage), CPNE7 protein expression is observed in the dental epithelium but not yet in the dental mesenchyme. At E18 (bell stage), expression of CPNE7 protein and mRNA is primarily observed in ectomesenchymal cells of dental papilla. At P7 (crown formation stage), CPNE7 is localized in differentiating odontoblasts but weak expression is detected in mature ameloblasts. These findings suggest that CPNE7 secreted by dental epithelium induces the differentiation of ectomesenchymal cells into preodontoblast in concert with EMI. CPNE7 is clearly expressed in differentiating odontoblasts and the odontoblast process during dentinogenesis, but is no longer expressed in fully differentiated odontoblasts. Furthermore, CPNE7 is expressed in the Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) and in the facing preodontoblasts during root dentin formation. Taken together, these results illustrate the dynamic expression of CPNE7 during tooth development and suggest its important function in entire stages of tooth development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) plays an important role in coastal biogeochemical processes and hydrological cycles, particularly off volcanic islands in oligotrophic oceans. However, the spatial and temporal variations of SGD are still poorly understood owing to difficulty in taking rapid SGD measurements over a large scale. In this study, we used four airborne thermal infrared surveys (twice each during high and low tides) to quantify the spatiotemporal variations of SGD over the entire coast of Jeju Island, Korea. On the basis of an analytical model, we found a linear positive correlation between the thermal anomaly and squares of the groundwater discharge velocity and a negative exponential correlation between the anomaly and water depth (including tide height and bathymetry). We then derived a new equation for quantitatively estimating the SGD flow rates from thermal anomalies acquired at two different tide heights. The proposed method was validated with the measured SGD flow rates using a current meter at Gongcheonpo Beach. We believe that the method can be effectively applied for rapid estimation of SGD over coastal areas, where fresh groundwater discharge is significant, using airborne thermal infrared surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software quality-in-use is difficult to measure because it is based on user's perception and closely related to corporate management performance. The application service quality indicator (ASQI) software quality-in-use has been developed that can be applied practically with the advantages of using the international standard under development. To measure the software quality-in-use of with ASQI, an accurate analysis of the importance of quality attributes in ASQI is required. In this study, a correlation analysis between quality attributes was first performed for applying analytic network process (ANP) to assess importance. Second, relative weights were derived using analytic network process methodology. Finally, we evaluated the validity of the weights through a case study. This study is the first to analyze the interrelationship among quality-in-use attributes for general purpose software and provides objective weight information in quality measurement. Additionally, the proposed method and procedures provide guidelines for the selective application of quality attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the research reported here is to assess the capability of satellite vegetation indices from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer onboard both Terra and Aqua satellites, in order to replicate live fuel moisture content of Southern California chaparral ecosystems. We compared seasonal and interannual characteristics of in-situ live fuel moisture with satellite vegetation indices that were averaged over different radial extents around each live fuel moisture observation site. The highest correlations are found using the Aqua Enhanced Vegetation Index for a radius of 10 km, independently verifying the validity of in-situ live fuel moisture measurements over a large extent around each in-situ site. With this optimally averaged Enhanced Vegetation Index, we developed an empirical model function of live fuel moisture. Trends in the wet-to-dry phase of vegetation are well captured by the empirical model function on interannual time-scales, indicating a promising method to monitor fire danger levels by combining satellite, in-situ, and model results during the transition before active fire seasons. An example map of Enhanced Vegetation Index-derived live fuel moisture for the Colby Fire shows a complex spatial pattern of significant live fuel moisture reduction along an extensive wildland-urban interface, and illustrates a key advantage in using satellites across the large extent of wildland areas in Southern California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and snowmelt in spring in the upper southwestern states of the United States (UP_SW) including California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, using SNOTEL datasets for 34 yr (1980-2014). Statistically significant negative correlations are found between NAO averages in the snowmelt period and timings of snowmelt (i.e., positive NAO phases in spring enhance snowmelt, and vice versa). It is also found that correlations between El Niño-Southern Oscillation and snowmelt are negligible in the region. The NAO-snowmelt relationship is most pronounced below the 2800-m level; above this level, the relationship becomes weaker. The underlying mechanism for this link is that a positioning of upper-tropospheric anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulations over the western United States that are associated with development of the positive (negative) NAO phases tends to bring warmer and drier (colder and wetter) spring weather conditions to the region. The temperature variations related with the NAO phases also strongly modulate the snowfall-rainfall partitioning. The relationship between the NAO and spring snowmelt can serve as key information for the warm season water resources management in the UP_SW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is a global phenomenon that carries large volumes of groundwater and dissolved chemical species such as nutrient, metals, and organic compounds to coastal zones. We report the influence of SGD on the coastal waters of Jeju Island, Korea, using high-resolution aerial thermal infrared (TIR) mapping techniques and field investigations. An aircraft-based system was implemented using a cost-effective TIR camera for aerial TIR mapping. Ground-based calibrations and system integration with GPS/IMU (global positioning system/inertial measurement unit) were performed for the aerial systems. The aerial surveys showed distinct low-temperature signatures of SGD along the coasts of Jeju Island, revealing large groundwater inputs from the coastal aquifers to the ocean. Multiple aerial surveys over a range of seasons and tidal stages revealed that SGD rates dynamically affect the sea surface temperature (SST) of the coastal zone. The in-situ measurements supported that SGD has a substantial influence on the coastal water chemistry as well as SST. Our observations highlight the extent to which aerial-based TIR mapping can serve as a powerful tool for studying SGD and other coastal processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doppler velocity can be derived by calculating Doppler shift anomalies between predicted and estimated Doppler centroids. The predicted Doppler centroid is calculated based on a geometric model of satellite assuming that the target is not moving. The estimated Doppler centroid can be directly extracted from the raw SAR signal data by applying the average cross-correlation coefficient method. It is known that wind-generated ocean waves can significantly contribute to Doppler velocity due to the correlation between orbital motions of the waves and (tilt and hydrodynamic) modulated radar cross sections, in addition to what sea surface current contributes. In this study, the characteristics of Doppler velocities under hurricane conditions were investigated using RADARSAT-1 ScanSAR raw data. Five different hurricanes (Hurricane Dean, Hurricane Ivan, Hurricane Kyle, Hurricane Lili, and Typhoon Xangsane) and sequential acquisitions of two hurricanes (Hurricane Kyle and Hurricane Lili) were selected to study the contribution of wind-induced waves to Doppler velocities and compared with in situ measurements of drifting buoys. The results show that hurricane-generated seas and associated winds and waves appear to be different from ordinary sea state. This leads to lower estimates of Doppler velocities than expected and much closer to sea surface current velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is reported herein that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which has been known to directly affect winter weather conditions in western Europe and the eastern United States, is also linked to surface air temperature over the broad southwestern U.S. (SWUS) region, encompassing California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, in the early warm season. The authors have performed monthly time-scale correlations and composite analyses using three different multidecadal temperature datasets. Results from these analyses reveal that NAO-related upstream circulation positively affects not only the means, but also the extremes, of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures in the SWUS. This NAO effect is primarily linked with the positioning of upper-tropospheric anticyclones over the western United States that are associated with development of the positive NAO phase through changes in lower-tropospheric wind directions as well as suppression of precipitation and enhanced shortwave radiation at the surface. The effect is observed in the SWUS only during the March-June period because the monthly migration of anticyclones over the western United States follows the migration of the NAO center over the subtropical Atlantic Ocean. The link between the SWUS temperatures and NAO has been strengthened in the last 30-yr period (1980-2009), compared to the previous 30-yr period (1950-79). In contrast to the NAO-SWUS temperature relationship, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) show only marginal correlation strengths in several limited regions for the same 60-yr period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are defined as environmental compounds that produce adverse health manifestations in mammals by disrupting the endocrine system. Benzophenone-1 (2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, BP1) and nonylphenol (NP), which are discharged from numerous industrial products, are known EDC. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of BP1 and NP on proliferation and metastasis of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells expressing estrogen receptors (ER). Treatment with BP1 (10−5-10−7M) and NP (10−6-10−7M) promoted proliferation of MCF-7 cells similar to the positive control 17 -beta-estradiol (E2). When ICI 182,780, an ER antagonist, was co-incubated with E2, BP1, or NP, proliferation of MCF-7 cells returned to the level of a control. Addition of BP1 or NP markedly induced migration of MCF-7 cells similar to E2. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms produced by these EDC, alterations in transcriptional and translational levels of proliferation and metastasis-related markers, including cyclin D1, p21, and cathepsin D, were determined. Data showed increase in expression of cyclin D1 and cathepsin D and decrease in p21 at both transcriptional and translational levels. However, BP1- or NP-induced alterations of these genes were blocked by ICI 182,780, suggesting that changes in expression of these genes may be regulated by an ERα-dependent pathway. In conclusion, BP1 and NP may accelerate growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by regulating cell cycle-related genes and promote cancer metastasis through amplification of cathepsin D. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recently, higher sea surface temperature and less sea ice extents have been reported because the polar environments are dramatically transforming because of climate change. Measurements of sea ice thickness are important for assessing climate change. Thus, it is required to constantly monitor sea ice thickness to accurately measure and estimate the future trends of the polar environment. In this study, the average sea ice thickness in the Arctic Ocean was calculated by using elevation data from a laser rangefinder installed on the icebreaker, RV Araon, operated by Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). The freeboard was calculated by using the elevation data from the top of the bow, and the ice draft was calculated using hydrostatic equilibrium. The results showed that the sea ice thickness increased with higher latitudes and from east to west and the obtained data are expected to be a fundamental basis for the future research of climate change by monitoring the polar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]