Search

This study investigates the perceptions of university students majoring in film and media production (FMP) regarding the over-the-top (OTT) industry. We used the Q methodology to achieve this study's purpose, with 33 Q sets and 22 university students majoring in FMP. The study revealed three perception structures of FMP major university students regarding the OTT industry. Type 1 considered the diversity and accessibility of OTT to be important from the consumer's perspective, and Type 2 emphasized the importance of improving the quality of content from the producer's perspective. Even though Type 3 considered the OTT industry an excellent platform, they tended to think of movies in theaters as the final destination. Based on the study's results, all types thought that the growth and development of the OTT industry would continue. However, the study demonstrated that they need perceptions from a macroscopic viewpoint in areas related to OTT industry technology, education, and systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to play a pivotal role in modulating cartilage regeneration and immune responses, particularly in the context of diseases that involve both degenerative processes and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis (OA). However, the precise mechanism through which IL-6 and other immune-regulatory factors influence the therapeutic efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) transplantation in OA treatment remains to be fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the relationship between IL-6 expression in autologous ASCs isolated from OA patients and their impact on immune modulation, particularly focusing on the regulation of Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-Β Ligand (RANKL), a key mediator of immune-driven cartilage degradation in OA. Autologous ASCs were isolated from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue obtained from 22 OA patients. The isolated ASCs were cultured and characterized using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and flow cytometry to the phenotype and immune regulatory factors of MSCs. Based on IL-6 expression levels, ASCs were divided into high and low IL-6 expression groups. These groups were then co-cultured with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to evaluate their immune-modulatory capacity, including the induction of regulatory T cells, inhibition of immune cell proliferation, and regulation of key cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Additionally, RANKL expression, a critical factor in osteoclastogenesis and cartilage degradation, was assessed in both ASC groups. High IL-6-expressing ASCs demonstrated a significantly greater capacity to inhibit immune cell proliferation and IFN-γ production compared to their low IL-6-expressing counterparts under co-culture conditions. Moreover, the group of ASCs with high IL-6 expression showed a marked reduction in RANKL expression, suggesting enhanced potential to control osteoclast activity and subsequent cartilage defect in OA. Conclusion: Autologous ASCs with elevated IL-6 expression exhibit enhanced immunomodulatory properties, particularly in regulating over-activated immune response and reducing osteoclastogenesis through RANKL suppression. These findings indicate that selecting ASCs based on IL-6 expression could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ASC-based treatments for OA by mitigating immune-driven joint inflammation and cartilage degradation, potentially slowing disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the psychological characteristics of older adults living alone as farmers in South Korea, categorising their subjective experiences. Using Q methodology, interviews were conducted with participants from Seosan, Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on 19 and 22 June 2023. A total of 25 participants conducted Q sorting with 33 finalized Q sample items in three locations: Chungju, Chungcheong Province, on 14 July 2023; Ildong, Gyeonggi Province, on 28 July 2023; and Seosan, Chungcheong Province, on 14 August 2023. The Q sorting results were analysed using the QUANAL program and categorised into four types. Type 1, Balanced Life Pursuit, reflects satisfaction across various aspects of life, such as relationships, health, economy, and psychological wellbeing. Type 2, Independent Life and Improvement-Seeking, pursues independence but experiences loneliness due to the absence of a spouse, while still seeking to improve their life. Type 3, Relationship and Care Needed, highlights a need for relationships and care. Finally, Type 4, Family and Work-Focused, prioritises family and farming work. These findings provide a foundation for developing customised support programs to address the specific needs of different types of older adults living alone as farmers in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychological burnout experienced by teachers is not merely a personal issue; it is a significant social problem that impacts the entire educational environment. This study utilised Q methodology to identify the subjective perceptions of psychological burnout among Korean secondary school teachers and then analysed the characteristics of these perception types. An analysis of 34 statements and a P sample of 30 teachers resulted in four types of perceptions regarding teachers' psychological burnout: 'burnout due to damaged self-esteem' (Type 1), 'burnout due to organisational neglect' (Type 2), 'burnout due to excessive role demands' (Type 3) and 'burnout due to disrespectful behaviour' (Type 4). This study's meaningfulness is in its classification of teachers' psychological burnout into types and its exploration of the types' features. The results can also help in developing specific intervention programmes for each type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines and categorises subjective perceptions of love among individuals in their twenties and thirties, offering insights into their viewpoints during early adulthood. The study employed the Q methodology, suitable for analysing subjective perceptions such as perspectives, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. It included 23 participants selected through purposive sampling from the 2030 generation residing in South Korea, with 40 statements constructed for the research. The findings revealed four types. Type 1, 'Love Healing', experiences psychological well-being through love. Type 2, 'Love Anxious', longs for true love but is anxious. Type 3, 'Love Myself', expresses hope for healthy love through self-awareness. Type 4, 'Love Mate', seeks to maintain psychological love while pursuing independence. This research also explores similarities and differences between existing adult attachment and love types, highlighting the need for practical support tailored to each type. These insights may serve as a foundation for developing coaching and counselling services that help individuals in their twenties and thirties cultivate healthy love and mature into their authentic selves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses the Q methodology to investigate the subjective perceptions of social reintegration among cancer survivors in their 20s and 30s. We organised a Q population through a pilot study and interviews and finalised 40 Q sample items. For P sample representativeness, we used purposive sampling and selected 12 individuals by age and cancer type. After a Q sorting process, we conducted a key factor analysis using Ken-Q Analysis Desktop Edition. We identified four types of P samples based on their perceptions and noted the main characteristics of each type. We characterised Type 1 as "recovery of presence through social reintegration seeking", Type 2 as "confusion in social reintegration due to social prejudices", Type 3 as "psychosocial support in the process of social reintegration", and Type 4 as "blessing in disguise for post-traumatic growth". The results suggest a need for practical and institutional support reflecting cancer survivors' characteristics by type. This study provides basic data that researchers could use to develop coaching and counselling services to support the social reintegration of cancer survivors in their 20s and 30s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competency development is critical for college students to prepare for future careers after graduation. A scientific investigation of these students' perceptions of competency can help develop effective ways to enhance their competencies. This study used Q methodology, which reveals subjectivity, to examine Korean college students' perceptions of the core competencies they seek to improve and their corresponding reasons. The study participants included 49 students at a university in South Korea. The researchers explained the study's purpose to the participants, obtained consent, and performed Q sorting. The study derived four types of students: Type 1 preferred improving personal competencies through professional development, Type 2 desired improving character development, Type 3 selected improving adaptability, and Type 4 favored improving cooperation. This study explored the perception types to determine how to enhance competencies for student success after graduation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study explores the characteristics of different perception types in middle-aged female breast cancer patients and proposes psychological counselling interventions tailored to each type. Methods: The study used the Q methodology, starting with the construction of 40 Q samples and 39 P samples. Results: We categorised middle-aged female patients' subjective perceptions of battling breast cancer into five types along a spectrum: Type 1, 'Embracing a New Life'; Type 2, 'Finally Focusing on Myself'; Type 3, 'Struggling Amidst Confusion'; Type 4, 'Withdrawing in Despair'; and Type 5, 'Pushed to the Edge of Fear'. Conclusions: This study revealed that the subjective experiences of middle-aged female breast cancer patients range on a spectrum from post-traumatic growth to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on these findings, this study discusses the characteristics and significance of each subjectivity type and suggests implications and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofiber (NF) membrane systems that can provide cascade catalytic reaction and ferroptosis induction were developed for oral cancer therapy. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and aminoferrocene (AF) were introduced into the NF system for glucose deprivation/H2O2 generation and OH radical generation, respectively. GOx offers starvation therapy and AF (including iron) provides chemodynamic therapy/ferroptosis for combating oral cancer. GOx (water-soluble) and AF (poorly water-soluble) molecules were successfully entrapped in the NF membrane via an electrospinning process. GOx and AF were incorporated into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based NF, resulting in PVA/GOx/AF NF with fast disintegration and immediate drug-release properties. In oral squamous cell carcinoma (YD-9 cells), the PVA/GOx/AF NF group exhibited higher cytotoxicity, antiproliferation potential, cellular ROS level, apoptosis induction, lipid ROS level, and malondialdehyde level compared to the other NF groups. The electrospun PVA/GOx/AF NF can be directly applied to oral cancer without causing pain, offering starvation/chemodynamic therapy and ferroptosis induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used Q methodology to explore the various types and characteristics of clients' subjective perceptions concerning their experiences at psychological counselling centres. We selected 33 Q samples from a Q population of 135; of the Q sample, 31 P samples underwent Q sorting. Subsequently, we analysed the data using the Quanl Program. The study categorised perception into four distinct types. Type 1 values therapeutic counselling relationships, Type 2 prioritises counselling services, Type 3 values counsellor assignment, and Type 4 prioritises the counselling structure. This study provides valuable basic data to clients, counsellors, and counselling institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]