Obesity, a global health concern characterized by excessive fat accumulation, necessitates the discovery of anti-obesity compounds. Rottlerin, known for its anti-cancer effects as a mitochondrial uncoupler, has been a subject of interest. However, its impact on reducing intracellular lipid accumulation remains a gap in our understanding. This study aimed to fill this gap by dissecting the mechanism of rottlerin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We treated differentiated 3T3-L1 cells with 0-20 mM of rottlerin for 48 hours to assess its capability to induce lipid accumulation. Notably, we observed no cytotoxicity associated with the treatment of rottlerin up to 20 mM, indicating its safety at these concentrations. Lipid accumulation, measured by oil Red O, was downregulated dose-independently by rottlerin. We also found that key lipogenic enzymes, including SCD1 and DGAT1, were decreased. The transcription factor of lipogenic genes, SREBP1, was reduced by approximately 80% with rottlerin. LRP6, a crucial link between de novo lipogenesis mechanism reactions and Wnt signaling, was also degraded by around 70%. Interestingly, the downstream regulation of LRP6, b-catenin, and TCFL2 was diminished by rottlerin. Our data indicate that rottlerin alleviates adipocyte lipid accumulation by suppressing the LRP6/β-catenin/SREBP1c pathway. These findings underscore the potential of rottlerin as a safe nutraceutical for combating obesity.

Obesity is the cause of many diseases, and its severity continues to increase. Promoting non-shivering thermogenesis is attracting attention as a new treatment strategy for obesity. This study summarized the studies that evaluated the effect of Panax ginseng on promoting non-shivering thermogenesis in animal models. A total of 7 studies were included according to the selection criteria, of which five were judged to have a high risk of bias. Indicators of UCP1 mRNA, UCP1 protein, and PGC- 1a were used in the meta-analysis, and the certainty of evidence progressed for each indicator, with UCP1 protein showing the highest certainty of evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted on 5 works of literature with standard indicators. As a result of meta-analysis, UCP1 protein level and PGC-1a mRNA level were significantly increased statistically. In addition, the protein levels of PRDM16 and TFAM increased in several studies (not a meta-analysis). These findings suggest that Panax ginseng could be a potential therapeutic agent for obesity. However, further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and possible side effects fully. Thus, it is concluded that Panax ginseng in animal models can promote non-shivering thermogenesis and improve mitochondria function in animal models, opening up new avenues for research and potential clinical applications.

PURPOSES : This study aims to improve pedestrian safety by analyzing the effectiveness of displaying the remaining time of red crosswalk signal that provide pedestrians with information regarding the time available for crossing METHODS : This study analyzes the effectiveness of newly installed displays for remaining time of the red pedestrian signal in the cities of Yeongcheon and Yeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The data collection was divided into periods before and after the installation of the facilities. Pedestrian departure delays were measured at the introduction and subsequent stages of installation, and changes in pedestrian behavior were quantitatively analyzed. Statistical significance of the results was verified using a t-test. RESULTS : For the displays of remaining time of crosswalk red signals installed in Yeongju, the pedestrian departure loss time decreased from 3.36 seconds before installation to 1.85 seconds after installation. Additionally, compared to the pre-installation situation, the postinstallation situation showed a relatively lower standard deviation, indicating that the pedestrians exhibited a more consistent pattern when starting to cross. Similarly, for the displays of remaining time of crosswalk red signal installed in Yeongcheon, the pedestrian departure loss time decreased from 2.37 seconds before installation to 1.89 seconds after installation. As in Yeongju, the post-installation situation showed a relatively lower standard deviation, indicating that the pedestrians exhibited a more consistent pattern when starting to cross. CONCLUSIONS : In this study, we verified the effect of newly installed pedestrian countdown signals on improving pedestrian safety at two intersections in Yeongcheon and Yeongju, which were selected through a survey of traffic accident-prone areas in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Pedestrian countdown signals were quantitatively confirmed to have a positive impact on pedestrian safety. Based on the observations, it is anticipated that expanding the installation of these signals will have a positive effect on pedestrian safety, particularly in areas with frequent traffic accidents and the senior and children protection zones. Results of this study indicate that the proposed policy measures are expected to strengthen pedestrian safety and reduce traffic accidents.

In this study, the design of fuel tank for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) was addressed through structural FE-simulation. For safety evaluation, we performed a shape analysis of fuel tank, discovered improvement measures for weak areas, and reflected them in the fuel tank design. Additionally, a strength analysis was conducted and the analysis results were reflected in the design. As a result of analysis through various design changes, it was possible to propose an appropriate fuel tank shape. Additionally, the effect of changes in the shape of the reinforcement and mounting bracket on the stiffness and strength of the fuel tank bracket was investigated.

In this study, the design of parking brake mounting bracket for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) was handled through structural analysis. For safety evaluation, we conducted a shape analysis of parking brake mounting bracket, discovered improvement measures for weak areas, and reflected them in the design. In addition, a strength analysis was performed and the analysis results were reflected in the design. As a result of analysis through various design changes, it was possible to suggest an appropriate parking brake mounting bracket shape. In addition, the effect of changes in the shape of the reinforcement and mounting bracket on the stiffness and strength of the parking brake mounting bracket was investigated.

This study investigated rice production status, rice consumption characteristics, and rice import and export trends in sub-Saharan Africa for researchers and policy makers on rice production in Africa and to suggest key strategy to improve rice self-sufficiency in Africa. In recent years, sub-Saharan Africa has seen an increasing number of food security conflicts because of climate change. The ultimate solution is to increase their food productivity and self-sufficiency in their countries. Rice is very important for poverty reduction in Africa because of its availability and affordability, making it accessible to the poor in Africa as a staple food. The total area of rice production in sub-Saharan Africa has nearly doubled from 7 million ha in 2000 to 13 million ha in 2020, and rice demand is also on the rise. However, the climate change and extreme weather events have led to greater variability in rice productivity, and international rice prices have increased continuously, making it increasingly difficult to improve Africa's rice self-sufficiency. In order to increase rice production and improve self-sufficiency in Africa, there are many challenges, such as irrigation facilities, improving soil quality, and supplying pesticides and fertilizers, but the most important is to develop and disseminate new rice varieties suitable for the African region. This will require not only breeding appropriate varieties for Africa's climate and soil, but also selecting proper varieties that meet the preferences of Africans. Additionally, an infrastructure system from production, cultivation, harvesting and storage to processing for the appropriate rice varieties should be aligned at the same time.

최근 AI를 활용한 관광객 친화 공감형 AI 서비스는 관광 안내, 관광 가이드, 여행 동반자, 관광 상품 추천, 관광 이벤트 홍보 등의 서비스 를 통해 관광객 편의와 만족도를 높이고, 관광산업의 활성화에 이바지 할 것으로 기대하고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 경쟁이 치열한 관광산업의 경쟁력 강화를 위한 관광객 친화 공감형 AI 서비스를 발전시킬 방안을 제안하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 이를 위해 관련 선행연구가 부족한 상황 을 고려하여 단행본, 신문기사, 전문잡지 등을 최대한 고찰하여 방안을 도출했다. 그 결과, 첫째, 관광객 개별 고객의 욕구에 최적화되고 개인화 된 맞춤형 서비스를 제공해야 한다. 둘째, 관광지의 관광시설과 관광 전 담인력 서비스의 운영을 효율적으로 개선할 방안으로 발전해야 한다. 셋 째, 다양한 장애 요인으로 인해 체험 불가 시 관련 관광 상품과 서비스 를 이용할 방안을 개발해야 한다. 넷째, 관광산업의 지속가능성을 강화하 는 방안으로 발전해야 한다.

Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation, poses global health risks, including metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, with its prevalence steadily rising. This study proposes that rottlerin induces anti-obesity effects by enhancing non-shivering thermogenesis in beige adipocytes D16 via LRP6 inhibition. As a result, treatment of D16 cells with rottlerin up to 5 mM showed no cytotoxicity. Rottlerin significantly increased the expression of proteins involved in substrate oxidation, such as UCP1 and PGC1a, while decreasing the expression of C/EBPb associated with adipogenesis. Additionally, PRDM16, regulating brown adipocyte development, exhibited increased expression. The phosphorylation of LRP6, an indicator for Wnt signaling and nutrient-sensing pathway, is decreased by rottlerin. In conclusion, the study highlights the reduced phosphorylation of LRP6 as a pivotal mechanism by which rottlerin promotes the “beigeing” of D16 adipocytes, subsequently inducing non-shivering thermogenesis. This underscores rottlerin’s potential as a natural bioactive compound with anti-obesity effects.

본 연구는 관광 분야에서도 생성형 인공지능(AI) 기술이 활용되는 등 산업 환경이 급변하고 비즈니스 혁신이 계속되고 있다는 점에 주목했다. 관광업계는 이런 흐름을 견인하면서도 관광산업 경쟁력을 한 단계 높여 혁신적이고 우수한 관광 서비스가 널리 알려져 관광산업의 경쟁력을 갖 출 수 있도록 지원과 홍보를 아끼지 않아야 할 시점이다. 이런 차원에서 최근 주목받고 있는 생성형 AI를 활용한 관광산업의 발전전략을 추진해 야 할 시점이다. 특히, 관광콘텐츠를 생성하는 데 있어서 창의적이고 독 특한 성과물을 도출하는 데 크게 이바지할 것으로 기대하고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 관광산업에서의 생성형 AI를 활용하는 방안을 문헌 고찰했다. 그 결과, 첫째, 생성형 AI를 활용한 신뢰 가능한 관광콘텐츠 제작환경 조성을 제시했다. 둘째, 관광콘텐츠 기획가와 제작자들의 AI 활용 마인드 를 확산해야 한다고 제안했다. 셋째, 민간주도 관광시장 성장을 위한 생 성형 AI 관광콘텐츠 스타트업 육성과 대기업 협업 방안을 제시했다.

This paper introduces a study on measuring the 3D vibration displacement of plate structure using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) applied to stereo digital continuous camera images. The proposed method is a non-contact 3D displacement measurement method that does not require physical sensors to be attached to the structure, and it has the advantage of simultaneously measuring dynamic displacements at multiple points on the structure. Theoretically, multiple cameras can be used, but in this study, two cameras were used to capture continuous images of the vibrating structure, and the image coordinates of multiple tracking points at arbitrary positions on the structure were measured using correlation matching. Using these image coordinates as input data, the dynamic 3D positions were calculated through Space intersection, successfully determining the 3D dynamic displacements. The measured dynamic displacements were validated for accuracy by comparing them with values measured by laser displacement sensors. And frequencies of measured data were validated by comparing with computational modal analysis by Finite Element Model (FEM).

In this study, the shape evaluation and design of the spare tire carrier for SUV (sports utility vehicle) were addressed through structural analysis. Spare Tire Carrier analysis was conducted to evaluate rigidity, and strength and improvement measures for appropriate shapes were found and reflected in the design. Through structural analysis of the spare tire carrier, this study was conducted to derive an optimal design plan as the stiffness and strength needed to be increased for stable installation of the spare tire carrier. Compared to the existing model, the bar, which was curved, was changed to a straight line to shorten the length, thereby increasing rigidity. In addition, because the moment was concentrated in the structure of the rear hanger mounting bracket, the side part of the bracket was extended, but the cross member stiffness was relatively weak, so it did not have a significant effect.

In this study, the shape evaluation and design of clamp mount for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) was dealt with through structural analysis. The clamp mount analysis was performed to evaluate stiffness, strength and improvement plans for appropriate shape were found and reflected in the design. In addition, strength analysis and was performed in parallel to solve the problem of rib design around the edge part of the clamp mount and the thickness effect results were reflected in the design. As a result of analysis through various design changes, it was possible to present an appropriate reinforcement design shape. In addition, when the thickness of the fuel tank was changed from 3.2mm to 4.0mm, the stiffness of the fuel tank decreased by approximately 30%, and reinforcement was required.

교량은 국가의 사회경제 발전과 국민 안전에 중대한 영향을 미치는 중요한 인프라이다. 하지만 다수 의 국내 교량이 1970년대와 1980년대의 고도의 경제성장기에 완공되었으며, 현재 교량의 노후화 비중 은 전체 교량의 30%에 달하고 있다. 현재 노후화 교량에 대한 유지 보수 시스템의 부족으로 인해 교 량 붕괴 사고가 발생한 사례들이 발생하고 있다. 따라서 노후화가 진행되는 교량에 대해 효율적으로 관리하기 위한 우선순위 평가 모델 개발은 중요시된다. 본 연구에서는 개발한 유지관리 우선순위 모델 을 개발하였고, 이를 실제 교량에 대해 적용하여 평가하였다. 제안된 모델의 활용을 통해 위험에 노출 된 교량의 유지 보수 및 관리를 효율적이고 신뢰할 수 있게 수행할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

본 연구는 지방소멸에 대응하여 최근 주목받는 K-콘텐츠를 중심으로 한 워케이션(Workation) 정책을 추진하는 방향을 제시하고자 한다. 중앙 정부와 지방정부에서 추진 중인 지방소멸 대응방안 중 워케이션과 융합 하여 진행한 학문적 연구는 미흡한 실정이다. 이런 점을 고려한 본 연구 는 워케이션을 통한 관계 및 정주 인구 증가에 이바지할 수 있는 정책적 제언을 제공함에 목적을 두었다. 특히, K-콘텐츠를 중심으로 워케이션 정책 및 사업 추진 방향을 제시하였다. 연구방법으로는 연구의 통찰력과 아이디어를 획득하기 위해 주요 신문과 방송의 기사를 고찰하고, 관련 선행연구와 단행본 등을 문헌 고찰하는 질적 연구를 진행했다. 그 결과, 재택·원격근무 가능한 워케이션 인프라 구축, 자유 가치·창의가 넘치는 K-콘텐츠 창작환경 조성, 워케이션 문화가 여는 지역 균형발전시대 구 축, 워케이션 문화의 공정한 접근 기회 보장, K-콘텐츠가 이끄는 워케이 션으로 경제 도약 추진의 정책 추진 방향을 제안했다.