The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heel off stairway walking exercise on the increase of muscle activity and balance activity of the ankle joint muscles in university students with functional ankle instability. The conservative treatment for the control group consisted of stairway walking (n=10) and the experimental group consisted of heel off stairway walking (n=11). The therapeutic intervention of the control and experimental groups was performed a total of 12 exercise sessions, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. To compare the two groups, the level of ankle disability was assessed by using the EMG, BT4 and Pedoscan in pre-treatment and post-treatment. Muscle activity increased in both the experimental groups and control groups in each group, however there was no significant difference between the groups. Balance ability did not show any significant difference. This study demonstrates that heel-off stairway walking is effective in significantly increasing muscle activity, however did not significantly improve balance ability.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of chiropractic treatment on the alignment of the lower extremities and plantar pressure in subjects with pelvic misalignment. The study included 20 subjects with pelvic misalignment. They were divided into two groups: the chiropractic treatment group (n=10) and stretching group (n=10). They performed the intervention for 10 minutes, twice a week, for weeks, and pelvic displacement, functional leg length, and plantar pressure were measured In chiropractic group, both pelvic displacement and plantar pressure distribution were significantly decreased and leg length difference was significantly increased (p<.05). However, in the stretching group, only pelvic displacement was significantly reduced (p<.05), and leg length difference and plantar pressure distribution decreased slightly. There was no significant difference in all variables between the groups. This study suggests that chiropractic and stretching are effective in changing pelvic displacement, leg length difference, and plantar pressure distribution.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of shoulder stabilization exercises and stretching on shoulder height and muscle activity in young adults with rounded shoulder posture. The subjects were young adults with rounded shoulder posture, and divided into two groups: shoulder stabilization exercises and stretching exercises. The shoulder stabilization exercise group performed Thera band exercises and stretching exercises. The stretching exercise group performed stretching exercises. The groups performed the exercises for 40min, three times a week for four weeks. Shoulder height was measure by Vanier calipers and muscle activity was measured by electromyography. Shoulder height was significantly decreased in both groups after intervention, however there was no difference between groups. There was a significant difference in muscle activity between the two groups after the intervention, however there was no difference between the groups. This study suggests that shoulder stabilization exercise and stretching affect shoulder height and muscle activity.

Porcine spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) prefer three-dimensional (3D) culture systems to 2D ones for the maintenance of self-renewal. Of the many 3D culture systems, agar-based hydrogels are candidates for supporting porcine SSC self-renewal, and there are various types of agar powder that can be used. In this study, we sought to identify an agar-based 3D hydrogel system that exhibited strong efficacy in the maintenance of porcine SSC self-renewal. First, 3D hydrogels with different mechanics were prepared with various concentrations of Bacto agar, lysogeny broth (LB) agar, and agarose powder, and the 3D hydrogel with the strongest alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and greatest increase in colony size was identified for the different types of agar powder. Second, among the porcine SSCs cultured in the different 3D hydrogels, we analyzed the colony formation, morphology, and size; AP activity; and transcription and translation of porcine SSC-related genes, and these were compared to determine the optimal 3D hydrogel system for the maintenance of porcine SSC self-renewal. We found that 0.6% (w/v) Bacto agar-, 1% (w/v) LB agar-, and 0.2% (w/v) agarose-based 3D hydrogels showed the strongest maintenance of AP activity and the most pronounced increase in colony size in the culture of porcine SSCs. Moreover, among these hydrogels, the strongest transcription and translation of porcine SSC-related genes and largest colony size were detected in porcine SSCs cultured in the 0.2% (w/v) agarose-based 3D hydrogel, whereas there were no significant differences in colony formation and morphology. These results demonstrate that the 0.2% (w/v) agarose-based 3D hydrogel can be effectively used for the maintenance of porcine SSC self-renewal.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) plays a crucial role in innocuous cool sensation, acute cold pain and cold-induced hyperalgesia during pathologic conditions. To help understand TRPM8-mediated cold perception in the dental pulp and periodontal tissues, we examined the distribution of TRPM8-immunopositive (+) axons in molar and incisor pulp and periodontal tissues using transgenic mice expressing a genetically encoded axonal tracer in TRPM8+ neurons. In the radicular pulp of the molar teeth, a small number of TRPM8+ axons were observed. TRPM8+ axons branched frequently and extensively in the core of coronal pulp, forming a network in the peripheral pulp. Some TRPM8+ axons ascended between odontoblasts and were observed in the dentinal tubule. TRPM8+ axons were linear-shaped in the radicular pulp, whereas many TRPM8+ axons showed portions shaped like beads connected with thin axonal stands at the peripheral pulp. TRPM8 was densely expressed in the bead portions. In the incisor pulp, TRPM8+ axons were occasionally observed in the core of the coronal pulp and rarely observed at the peripheral pulp. TRPM8+ axons were occasionally observed and showed a linear shape rather than a bead-like appearance in the periodontal ligament and lamina propria of the gingival tissue. These findings, showing differential distribution of TRPM8+ axons between radicular and coronal portions of the molar pulp, between incisor and molar pulp, and between dental pulp and periodontal tissues, may reflect differential cold sensitivity in these regions.

Turmeric is known for its ability to enhance immunity via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Salmonella enterica species contain a large number of pathogenic serotypes that are adapted to a broad range of vertebrate hosts. Our previous study revealed that bioprocessed polysaccharides from the liquid culture Lentinus edodes fungal mycelia containing turmeric (BPP-turmeric) is able to alter chicken macrophage responses and increases chick survival against Salmonella enterica infection. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of BPP-turmeric on the porcine macrophage 3D4/31 cell line infected with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Choleraesuis (S. Choleraesuis) or S. Enteritidis. Our experimental analyses demonstrated that BPP-turmeric (i) does not alter phagocytic and killing activity of 3D4/31 against either Salmonella serotypes, but that it (ii) represses mRNA transcription of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α in response to Salmonella infection. Collectively, these results imply that BPP-turmeric has an immunomodulatory effect that represses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in porcine macrophages, suggesting that it may protect swine from salmonellosis via controlling Salmonella-induced hyperinflammation.

Tin dioxide nanoparticles are prepared using a newly developed synthesis method of plasma-assisted electrolysis. A high voltage is applied to the tin metal plate to apply a high pressure and temperature to the synthesized oxide layer on the metal surface, producing nanoparticles in a low concentration of sulfuric acid. The particle size, morphology, and size distribution is controlled by the concentration of electrolytes and frequency of the power supply. The as-prepared powder of tin dioxide nanoparticles is used to fabricate a gas sensor to investigate the potential application. The particle-based gas sensor exhibits a short response and recovery time. There is sensitivity to the reduction gas for the gas flowing at rates of 50, 250, and 500 ppm of H2S gas.

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is classified exotic quarantine pest in Australia and EU, soSWD-free must be supported by evidence of surveys and phytosanitary measures in exported host agricultural commoditiesin Korea. From a quarantine control point of view, SWD is importantly considered as model insect pest for exotic fruitflies (Bactrocera dorsalis) in Korea as well because of similarity in ecological cycles. In evaluations of ethyl formate(EF) only and combined cold treatment to kill eggs and larvae of SWD, the combined EF fumigation applied at LCt50%(50% killed lethal concentration X time) and cold treatement (5℃) for > 5 days showed the promise to new conceptfor eradicating quarantine pest and these could be helpful to pre-develop exotic fruit fly management in Korea.

Ethyl formate (EF) and methyl salicylate (MS) are naturally occurring and generally safe substances for use. Sub-lethaldoses of EF and MS were evaluated to find synergistic fumigation action against azuki bean beetle (ABB), Callosobruchuschinensis (L.). Susceptibility of the ABB to EF was in the order of eggs =adults >larvae >pupae. Adults was most sensitiveto MS, and followed by eggs. Larvae and pupae were highly tolerant to MS. However, in synergistic effects of EF andMS showed that all the stages of ABB were highly sensitive in the order of adults >eggs >larvae >pupae. Highest synergisticratio was found against adults when using LC10 of both EF and MS as compared to other stages. Notably, MS synergizedthe EF exposure to all stages of ABB. This finding paves the way to exploiting synergistic activity of MS and EF againstABB for the safeguard of stored azuki bean grains.

This study aimed to identify the effects of modified low-dye taping and foot intrinsic muscle strengthening exercise on foot pressure in people with flat feet. The subjects were 12 participants with flat feet in their 20s. They were randomly divided into two groups: taping and strengthening exercise. They performed the interventions twice a week for six weeks. The taping group was applied the modified low-dye taping. The exercise group was performed foot intrinsic muscle strengthening exercise for 30 minutes. The data were measured by Foot Pressure Measurement. There was no significant difference in plantar pressure between taping group and exercise group. There was also no significant difference in all variables before and after intervention in all groups. The present study suggests that taping and exercise can change the foot pressure in patients with flat-footed.

With the development of information technology, the market situation is changing more rapidly than ever. The change is most rapid in the preferences and lifestyle of consumers. For companies to survive in such an environment, it is indispensable to develop innovative and competitive new products by better understanding the needs of consumers. Any novel and meaningful idea of a new product basically originates from knowledge, which plays an important role in the performance of new products because it is the most valuable asset for a business entity. In this study, the author considers the knowledge sharing process as a dynamic aspect based on the term “knowledge,” carrying a static meaning as used in the existing research. The nature of the knowledge sharing process pertaining to new product development has been largely divided into three terms and then re-established. The author focuses on a new product development team as the subject of sharing and providing knowledge on new products, and regards the solution to problems that may arise in the development process as the stability of the team. The moderating effect was examined by the relationship between the type of knowledge sharing process and the outcome of the new product with the variable of team stability. The results indicate that the convergence and similarity of the knowledge sharing process affect new product performance as positive variables, whereas the tacitness of the knowledge sharing process does not lead to a significant result in terms of performance of new products. This study also shows that the stability of the team has a positively direct effect on the outcome of the new product. Thus, the convergence process of various kinds of knowledge positively affects the diversity and innovation of new product concepts. Moreover, the same recognition area or shared goal awareness and sense of responsibility play important roles in the performance of the new product. The moderating effect of team stability between the type of knowledge sharing process and new product performance is described in the convergence and tacitness of the knowledge sharing process. In the process of merging existing knowledge with new knowledge or sharing embedded knowledge in the members with, the activity wherein the members of the NPD team communicate and collaborate with each other over a long period of time will provide opportunity to improve the performance of the new product. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the type of knowledge sharing process, the stability of the team, and new product performance. Academic and managerial implications and the directions for future research are discussed as well.

It is becoming increasingly essential for firms to achieve social improvement. Consumers no longer support firms that solely seek profits. A worldwide consumer survey found that 66% of respondents are willing to pay premium prices for brands from firms concerned with social well-being (Nielsen Report, 2015). Therefore, many firms actively engage in various societal marketing activities to elicit positive responses from consumers. As societal marketing continues to increase in importance, many studies have focused on the effect of corporate social responsibility activities. As one such activity, cause-related marketing (CM) is defined as “the process of formulating and implementing marketing activities that are characterized by an offer from the firm to contribute a specified amount to a designated cause when customers engage in revenue-providing exchanges that satisfy organizational and individual objectives” (Varadarajan & Menon, 1988, p.60). This enables a firm to improve its brand image or reputation and increase sales (Henderson & Arora 2010; Pracejus & Olsen 2004). A firm that employs CM can differentiate itself in competitive markets, which leads to increase in consumer’ purchase intention and their willingness to pay more for the firm’s brands (Müller, Fries, & Gedenk, 2014; Strahilevitz, 1999; Winterich & Barone, 2011). Therefore, CM expenditures are predicted to reach 2.06 billion dollars in 2017 (IEG Report, 2016). Further, CM growth continues worldwide in both developed and developing countries (Adkins, 2008; Wymer & Samu, 2009). Therefore, we focus on CM among various societal marketing activities. Many firms conduct CM in markets that differ both economically and culturally. However, cross-country or cultural research on consumers’ responses to CM is scarce. Although some studies consider cultural factors, most are based on Western-Eastern or individualism-collectivism typology (Ralston, et al., 2008; Yuan, Song, & Kim, 2011). It is dangerous to assume a bi-cultural continuum without considering the multiple variations within the Western or Eastern worlds. The current research addresses this limitation in literature, by exploring CM within the Asian market. We specifically examine Korea and China, as these countries are included in Asian culture, but differences exist between the two. The majority of previous research has discovered factors for successful CM, including the donation magnitude and quantifier, product traits (e.g., type, involvement), the company’s characteristics such as reputation or image, and the cause’s familiarity or importance (Barone, Miyazaki & Taylor, 2000; Lafferty, & Edmondson, 2014; Pracejus, Olsen, & Brown, 2003; Samu & Wymer, 2009). The results regarding the product type’s effect on consumer responses toward CM, revealed that guilt received considerable attention. It has been found that guilt generated by hedonic consumption compels consumers to purchase CM products. Further, the consumer regards the product’s CM as a means of justifying their hedonic product purchase. Many studies demonstrate that consumers choose CM products to reduce guilty-feeling regarding consumers simply as beings who seek to maximize utility. However, CM must also be illuminated, as CM is marketing strategy that involves donation. In summary, we take both economic and ethical perspective based on the dual process theory. From an economic view point, we examine the effect of guilt on consumers’ preferences for CM products. We then propose a new factor from an ethical perspective. Further, we study the two factors’ impacts on consumers’ decision-making through a cultural comparison. We conducted a between-subjects experiment. It was found that Korean consumers felt guiltier and the mean of perceived value of CM was higher in Chinese consumers (Table Ⅰ). As the below Figure Ⅰ illustrates, there was significant interaction effect between countries (Korea versus China) and product type (utilitarian versus hedonic). We also confirmed that the underlying consumer response mechanism to CM products differs between Korean and Chinese. These results support prior studies’ conclusions, in that guilt is the key factor in consumers’ decision-making processes regarding hedonic CM products. And we present the value perception as new influential factor. This paper provides several implications. First, we attempt to overcome previous research’s narrow viewpoint toward CM. As research is scarce regarding the ethical or philanthropic aspect of CM, we focus on that aspect with a particular focus on consumers’ perception of CM value. Second, this paper draws on the dual mode theory, to proposes another new influential factor that affects consumer behavior. As dual processes’ relative effects may differ depending on context (Sonenshein, 2007), therefore, and third, this study examines these effects using a cultural context. Korea and China have a substantial ripple effect on the global economy, thus, it is valuable to study the two countries’ different responses toward CM. Finally, our study provides more insight and practical implications for firms in the Korean and Chinese markets.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered an alternative source of neuronal lineage cells, which are difficult to isolate from brain and expand in vitro. Previous studies have reported that MSCs expressing Nestin (Nestin+ MSCs), a neuronal stem/progenitor cell marker, exhibit increased transcriptional levels of neural development-related genes, indicating that Nestin+ MSCs may exert potential with neurogenic differentiation. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of the presence of Nestin+ MSCs in bone-marrow-derived primary cells (BMPCs) on enhanced neurogenic differentiation of BMPCs by identifying the presence of Nestin+ MSCs in uncultured and cultured BMPCs. The percentage of Nestin+ MSCs in BMPCs was measured per passage by double staining with Nestin and CD90, an MSC marker. The efficiency of neurogenic differentiation was compared among passages, revealing the highest and lowest yields of Nestin+ MSCs. The presence of Nestin+ MSCs was identified in BMPCs before in vitro culture, and the highest and lowest percentages of Nestin+ MSCs in BMPCs was observed at the third (P3) and fifth passages (P5). Moreover, significantly the higher efficiency of differentiation into neurons, oligodendrocyte precursor cells and astrocytes was detected in BMPCs at P3, compared with P5. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that neurogenic differentiation can be enhanced by increasing the proportion of Nestin+ MSCs in cultured BMPCs.

Entomopathogenic fungi have been used as important part of integrated pest management program to control aphid. In particular, Beauveria bassiana was distributed throughout the world including temperate and tropical area, various habitats from alpine soil, desert soil to running water and both insect and plant. Especially the fungus has also been isolated from the surface and the interior of plants and act as natural control agent. Viability of fungi on the plant surface may be influenced by temperature, humidity, sunlight and plant type as well as fungal isolate. Persistence of treated fungal control agent on phylloplane and control efficacy may differ from environmental conditions and isolates. In this study, we investigated the persistence of an B. bassiana which is developing as prototype wettable powder to control cotton aphid, and the residual efficacy of the prototype on cucumber under three different greenhouse conditions.