This paper analyzes the effects of airport self-service characteristics on behavioral intention through the perceived values and satisfaction in passengers based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model. For this purpose, a survey was conducted with passengers having used self-service technologies (SSTs) at Incheon International Airport. A total of 400 questionnaires were then analyzed using structural equation modeling. Four SST factors—functionality, enjoyment, customization, and convenience—were found to have significant effects on behavioral intention through the perceived values and customer satisfaction. As for the moderating effects of self-efficacy and waiting time, significant differences were found in the effects of the airport self-service characteristics. The results of this study are expected to be useful as basic data to aid strategies to develop and improve SSTs at Incheon International Airport.

Adenosine, a purine nucleoside, has been reported to suppress the inflammatory responses of microglia in the brain. However, the underlying mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory action are unclear at present. Here we show that adenosine reduces the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) through expression of an antioxidant enzyme, hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). The H 2 O 2 -induced intracellular ROS level was significantly low in microglia pretreated with adenosine for 3-6 h, compared with that in untreated cells. Adenosine induced HO-1 mRNA and protein expression within 3 h, which was maintained for up to 12 h. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt pathways appear to mediate HO-1 expression. In response to adenosine, Nrf2 translocated from the cytosol to nuclei, and bound to the antioxidant response element (ARE). Adenosine enhanced HO-1 promoter activity in an ARE-dependent manner. Moreover, the nucleoside stimulated Akt phosphorylation, and suppressors of PI3K (LY294002 and wortmannin) reduced adenosine-induced HO-1 expression. However, we propose that the effects of adenosine are independent of adenosine receptors, since agonists and antagonists of A1, A2a, and A3 had little effect on the regulation of intracellular ROS and HO-1 expression. Our results collectively suggest that adenosine acts as an endogenous regulator of brain inflammation via modulation of microglial ROS production. V

Ganoderma lucidum, a species of the Basidiomycetes class, has been attracting international attention owing to its wide variety of biological activities and great potential as an ingredient in skin care cosmetics including “skin-whitening” products. However, there is little information available on its inhibitory effect against tyrosinase activity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the chemical composition of G. lucidum and its inhibitory effects on melanogenesis. We isolated the active compound from G. lucidum using ethanol extraction and ethyl acetate fractionation. In addition, we assayed its inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. In this study, we identified a bioactive compound, ganodermanondiol, which inhibits the activity and expression of cellular tyrosinase and the expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), TRP-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), thereby decreasing melanin production. Furthermore, ganodermanondiol also affected the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling pathway, which are involved in the melanogenesis of B16F10 melanoma cells. The finding that ganodermanondiol from G. lucidum exerts an inhibitory effect on tyrosinase will contribute to the use of this mushroom in the preparation of skin care products in the future.

Purpose: At present, there is a controversy regarding the effect of dual-task training on improving the cognitive function of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study was to develop and verify the effects of the cognitive–physical dual-task training program on the executive function of older adults with MCI. Method: Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (EG) receiving cognitive–physical dual-task training (n = 21) or the control group (CG) receiving cognitive single-task training (n = 21). Results: After 16 sessions for 8 weeks, the Korean version of the Executive Function Performance Task (EFPT-K), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Korean version of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-IADL) tests were implemented to assess people’s executive function and instrumental activities during daily living. As the result, there were no significant differences in general characteristics between both groups (p > 0.05). After 16 sessions, the EG showed greater improvements in the EFPT-K (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.133), the FAB (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.305), and the K-IADL (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.221) compared to those of the CG. Conclusion: These results indicate that cognitive–physical dual-task training is clinically beneficial to improve the executive function and daily instrumental activities of older adults with MCI. Cognitive–physical dual-task training is a promising intervention for older adults with MCI.

Citrus fruits contain various types of flavonoids with powerful anti-aging and photoprotective effects on the skin, and have thus been attracting attention as potential, efficacious skincare agents. Here, we aimed to investigate the chemical composition of Citrus unshiu and its protective effects on photoaging. We isolated and identified a bioactive compound, 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), from C. unshiu peels using ethanol extraction and hexane fractionation. HMF inhibited collagenase activity and increased type I procollagen content in UV-induced human dermal fibroblast neonatal (HDFn) cells. HMF also suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP-1) and induced the expression of type I procollagen protein in UV-induced HDFn cells. Additionally, HMF inhibited ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascade signaling components—ERK, JNK, and c-Jun—which are involved in the induction of MMP-1 expression. Furthermore, HMF affected the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which is involved in the regulation of type I procollagen expression. In particular, HMF induced Smad3 protein expression and suppressed Smad7 protein expression in UV-induced HDFn cells in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest a role for Citrus unshiu in the preparation of skincare products in future.