Fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest worldwide, and since its first domestic invasion was confirmed in 2019, its damage has been steadily increasing in crops such as corn until recently. In order to provide basic data for the management of FAW, we conducted a comparison of host preference and nutritional composition analysis of corn varieties. A total of 12 varieties of corn were selected for the experiment. To investigate the preference among the varieties, we examined the host preferences at the population level and the individual level, and found no statistically significant differences. In the population-level experiment, the highest damage rate was observed for Saekso 4 and the lowest for Heukgeom 2. In the individual-level experiment, the highest damage rate was found for Kangilok and the lowest for Oryun 2 when using leaves, and the highest for Saekso 1 and the lowest for Dreamok when using stems. As a result, the population-level and individual-level results were not consistent, suggesting that FAW's corn variety preference is not clear and may vary depending on various conditions such as corn tissue. Composition analysis of the 12 varieties showed no correlation between composition and FAW preference among the varieties, and considering the feeding behavior of FAW, which are highly polyphagous, it is recommended to control FAW as early as possible to improve control effectiveness.

본 연구는 검거세미밤나방(Agrotis ipsilon) 성페로몬 트랩에 혼재하여 유살되는 은무늬밤나방아과 형태적 분류와 동정법 수립을 위해, 날개 무늬의 형태계측학 분석을 실시하였다. 은무늬밤나방아과 개체는 2023년 11월 부터 12월까지 제주도 애월읍 일대에서 채집되었으며, 콩 해충으로 알려진 콩은무늬밤나방(Ctenoplusia agnata) 을 비롯하여, 다양한 농작물을 가해하는 것으로 알려진 붉은금무늬밤나방(Chrysodeixis eriosoma)의 수컷 성충이 포획되었다. 앞날개의 형태 및 무늬를 가지고 현장에서 쉽게 동정할 수 있는 형태적 특징을 도출하기 위하여, 각 성충 개체의 앞날개를 잘라 현미경 카메라로 촬영하고, 앞날개의 내횡선, 아외연선, 반점 크기 등 15개의 형질 을 측정하였다. 또한 각 형질 간의 상관관계를 분석하였으며 빈도분포를 통하여 두 종간 분리되는 형질을 파악하 였다. 최종적으로 다변량 분석법을 적용하여 두 집단이 어떻게 군집을 이루는지 분석하고, 날개형태만으로 붉은 금무늬밤나방과 콩은무늬밤나방을 구분할 수 있는 방안을 제시하였다.

Six mosquito species in the Anopheles Hyrcanus group are known as vectors responsible for transmitting vivax malaria in South Korea. In this study, seasonal dynamics of Anopheles Hyrcanus group species and knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in malaria-endemic sites, Paju and Gimpo, were monitored over two years. In August 2023, all six species were observed simultaneously in one of the Paju collecting sites, and kdr mutations were newly identified in all species except Anopheles kleini. Although Anopheles pullus was revealed as a relatively resistant species among five species populations without kdr mutation via bioassays, there were no critical differences in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel sequence. These findings suggest variability in pyrethroid resistance mechanisms among Anopheles Hyrcanus Group species.

Bombyx mandarina (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), the presumed ancestor of the domesticated silkworm B. mori, has long been a subject of study to illustrate the geographic relationships in connection with origin of B. mori. We sequenced 100 mitochondrial genomes of B. mandarina collected from South Korea and Japan and these were combined with public data. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses showed that all individuals collected in South Korea, except one individual from Inje, formed a strong group together with northern China and some individuals of southern China. This group was placed as the sister group to B. mori strains, suggesting that this group could have been served as an immediate progenitor for B. mori. For further robust inference more analysis is underway.

Climate change has led to increased insect pests and pest distribution changes. Traditionally, chemical control using synthetic pesticides has been the main method for pest management, but the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests has become a problem. There is a need to develop new pest control agents to overcome these issues. Entomopathogenic fungi used in pest management have minimal environmental side effects and possess a mechanism of action distinct from that of synthetic pesticides. However, there is a need for the development of technologies to maximize the insecticidal effects of fungi against pests, and expressing and releasing dsRNA within the fungi can preemptively knock out the activation of the insect’s defense system, thereby enhancing the insecticidal effect. Controlling insect defense genes and using entomopathogenic fungi as bio-carriers forms a new pest management strategy. This approach, described as a “microbial insecticide agents development strategy of cassette concept, ” can versatilely modify genes and microbes. It is expected to overcome the limitations of synthetic pesticides.

Ni-CNT nanocomposites were synthesized via the electrical explosion of wire (EEW) in acetone and deionized (DI) water liquid conditions with different CNT compositions. The change in the shape and properties of the Ni-CNT nanopowders were determined based on the type of fluids and CNT compositions. In every case, the Ni nanopowder had a spherical shape and the CNT powder had a tube shape. However, the Ni-CNT nanopowders obtained in DI water exhibited irregular shapes due to the oxidation of Ni. Phase analysis also revealed the existence of nickel oxide when using DI water, as well as some unknown peaks with acetone, which may form due to the metastable phase of Ni. Magnetic properties were investigated using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) for all cases. Nanopowders prepared in DI water conditions had better magnetic properties than those in acetone, as evidenced by the simultaneous formation of super paramagnetic NiO peaks and ferromagnetic Ni peaks. The DI water (Ni:CNT = 1:0.3) sample revealed better magnetic results than the DI water (Ni-CNT = 1:0.5) because it had less CNT contents.

Safe radiation management is essential not only for operational nuclear power plants but also for nuclear plants to be decommissioned. When spent nuclear fuel is present on-site, meticulous radiation emergency plans are necessary to ensure safety. In Korea, numerous radiation emergency plans have been established for operational nuclear reactors. These plans delineate distinct response mitigation measures for white, blue, and red emergencies. However, clear regulations are yet to be devised for radiation emergency plans for reactors to be decommission. Therefore, this study investigated the decommissioning plan and status of Kori unit 1 to comprehensively analyze the current status of decommissioning safety in Korea. In this study, radiation emergency plans of decommissioning nuclear power plants abroad were reviewed to confirm radiation emergency action levels. Furthermore, radioactive waste treatment facilities, to be used for decommissioning reactors in Korea were evaluated. Moreover, the study assessed emergency plans (especially, emergency initiating conditions) for operational nuclear power plants in Korea for potential use in the decommissioning phase. This study proposed an emergency initiating condition that can be used for decommissioning reactors in Korea. Considering the anticipated introduction of plasma torch melting facility in Korea, this study examined the conditions of radiation emergency plans can be altered. This study identified effective measures and guidelines for managing radiological emergency initiating conditions, and effective decommissioning of nuclear power plants in Korea.

Highly radioactive waste is solidified to restrict leaching, retain its shape, and maintain its structural stability to prevent it from affecting humans and the environment as much as possible. This operation should be performed consistently regardless of whether the waste is homogeneous or heterogeneous. However, currently, there are no specific performance requirements for heterogeneous waste in Korea. This study reviewed domestic research results and the status of overseas applications, and proposed immobilization requirements for heterogeneous waste to be applied in Korea. IAEA safety standards, domestic laws, and waste acceptance criteria were reviewed. The status of heterogeneous waste immobilization in countries such as the United States, France, and Spain was reviewed. Most countries treat heterogeneous waste by encasing it in concrete, and impose immobilization requirements on this concrete. Based on these data, safety standards for the thickness, compressive strength, and diffusion limit of this concrete material were proposed as immobilization requirements for heterogeneous waste disposal in Korea. Quantitative values for the above requirements need to be derived through quantitative assessments based on the characteristics of domestic heterogeneous waste and disposal facilities.

In 2017, a decision was made to permanently shut down Kori Unit 1, and preparations began to be made for its decontamination and decommissioning. The dismantling of the biological shields concrete, reactor vessel (RV), and reactor vessel internals (RVI) is crucial to the nuclear decommissioning process. These components were radiologically activated by the neutron activation reaction occurring in the reactor during its operational period. Because of the radioactivity of the RV and RVI of Kori Unit 1, remotely controlled systems were developed for cutting within the cavity to reduce radiation exposure. Specialized equipment was developed for underwater cutting operations. This paper focuses on modeling related to RVI operations using the MAVRIC code and the dose calculation for a diver entering the cavity. The upper and lower parts of the RVI are classified as low-level radioactive waste, while the sides that came into contact with the fuel are classified as intermediate-level radioactive waste. Therefore, the modeling presented in this paper only considers the RVI sides because the upper and lower parts have a minimal impact on the radiation exposure. These research findings are anticipated to contribute to enhancing the efficiency and safety of nuclear reactor decommissioning operations.

본 연구는 민간시장의 절화 유통 현황을 조사하여 국내 절 화 시장 유통 및 판매의 기초 자료로 제공하고자 수행하였다. 조사 기간은 2022년 5월부터 10월까지이며, 민간시장 내 판 매 점포 수, 취급 품목, 수입국 및 품목 등을 비교 및 분석하 였다. 민간시장은 서울 서초구 반포동에 위치한 강남터미널 꽃시장을 대상으로 판매 품목 및 수입 국가 등을 조사하였고, 비교 대상인 공영시장의 경우 한국농수산식품유통공사 화훼 유통정보에서 제공되는 양재동 화훼공판장 거래 품목을 조사 하였다. 조사 결과, 민간시장의 월별 절화 판매 점포 수는 평 균 143개였다. 민간시장에서는 5월을 제외하고 장미 판매 매 장이 가장 많았다. 5월에는 카네이션 판매 매장이 가장 많았 으며 장미, 리시안셔스, 거베라가 그 뒤를 이었다. 민간시장 점포 내 수입 품목의 원산지는 호주, 중국, 콜롬비아, 이스라 엘, 이탈리아, 일본, 네덜란드, 페루, 남아프리카 공화국, 미 국, 베트남 등으로 조사되었다. 취급 품목은 민간시장이 69개 로 공영시장 18개에 비해 약 3.8배 많았으며, 이는 민간시장에서 수입 절화가 더 많이 유통되고 있음을 시사한다. 민간시 장은 공영시장과 달리 유통 정보를 알 수 있는 시스템이 없어 소비자들이 제품의 원산지, 품질, 가격 등을 파악하기 어렵다. 따라서, 민간시장의 절화 유통 정보를 소비자들에게 정확히 제공할 필요가 있으며, 이를 통한 투명한 거래 제공 및 소비자 의 신뢰도를 높이는 것이 중요하다.

This study addresses the scarcity of research examining technology’s impact on learners of English as a foreign language in English for specific purposes (ESP) courses within English-medium instruction (EMI) programs. Focusing on a business communication course using a social question-answering platform, this study explores the interplay among English proficiency, motivational orientations, and online engagement. Surveying 126 university students via a mixed-method approach, this research identifies distinct motivational orientations (intrinsic, extrinsic, and self-efficacy) existing during class activities, influenced by proficiency levels, with notable differences in online participation between beginner and advanced learners. The findings suggest that while online activities enhance peer interaction and teacher feedback, they may trigger anxiety in beginners, potentially diminishing motivation and self-efficacy. These results emphasize the need to tailor technology integration to proficiency levels and motivational orientations in ESP/EMI settings. Practical recommendations are offered for educators aiming to implement effective online activities and provide targeted support, particularly for beginner learners, thereby bolstering their motivation and selfefficacy.

Since rice is the main food in Korea, there are no regulations on corn milling yet. Corn is known as one of the world's top three food crops along with wheat and rice, and it is known that 3.5 billion people worldwide use corn for food. In addition, corn mills are not developed or sold in Korea, but the use of corn mills is increasing significantly in many countries in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, as Korea's rice mill import increases, Korea's KAMICO (Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative) and domestic company A agreed to develop a corn mill jointly with PHilMech, an organization affiliated with the Philippine Ministry of Agriculture. However, research on corn milling was very insignificant, so the development was carried out based on the technology of Korea's rice mill. Rice milling is performed by peeling off the skin of rice and producing brown or white rice, so it is carried out by removing the skin and cutting the skin. On the other hand, in the corn mill, the skin of the corn is peeled, pulverized and selected to produce main products suitable for edible use. Therefore, in order to develop a corn mill, processes such as peeling, transfer, grinding, sorting, and by-product separation are required, and suitable parts must be developed. In addition, the performance must be gradually improved through experiments in which corn is repeatedly milled. The Philippines produces 7.98 million tons/year of corn, which is about 100 times that of Korea, and is mostly consumed as a staple food. This is about 10% of the total crop production in the Philippines. In addition, the main cultivation complexes of corn are the mountainous regions of Tarlac or Pangasinan, and the produced corn is 72.4% of the so-called yellow corn called Arabel and Sarangani, and the remaining 27.6% are known as white corn. In this study, it was intended to produce grains of 2.5 mm or less suitable for food for yellow corn and to develop a corn mill for 200 kg per hour. Detailed conditions for development are stipulated as more than 55% of the main product recovery rate, more than 31% of the by-product recovery rate, less than 5% of the raw material loss rate, and more than 80% of the embryo dislocation rate. In this study, to achieve this, the overall process of the corn mill was developed, and the optimal conditions for the corn mill were obtained through the development of parts and empirical tests to improve performance. In addition, it was intended to achieve the development goal by evaluating and analyzing the performance of each part so that it did not conflict.

The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) will provide all-sky spectral survey data covering optical to mid-infrared wavelengths with a spatial resolution of 6.′′2, which can be widely used to study galaxy formation and evolution. We investigate the galaxy-galaxy blending in SPHEREx datasets using the mock galaxy catalogs generated from cosmological simulations and observational data. Only ∼0.7% of the galaxies will be blended with other galaxies in all-sky survey data with a limiting magnitude of 19 AB mag. However, the fraction of blended galaxies dramatically increases to ∼7–9% in the deep survey area around the ecliptic poles, where the depth reaches ∼22 AB mag. We examine the impact of the blending in the number count and luminosity function analyses using the SPHEREx data. We find that the number count can be overestimated by up to 10–20% in the deep regions due to the flux boosting, suggesting that the impact of galaxy-galaxy blending on the number count is moderate. However, galaxy-galaxy blending can marginally change the luminosity function by up to 50% over a wide range of redshifts. As we only employ the magnitude limit at Ks-band for the source detection, the blending fractions determined in this study should be regarded as lower limits.

A force-free field (FFF) is determined solely by the normal components of magnetic field and current density on the entire boundary of the domain. Methods employing three components of magnetic field suffer from overspecification of boundary conditions and/or a nonzero divergence-B problem. A vector potential formulation eliminates the latter issue, but introduces difficulties in imposing the normal component of current density at the boundary. This paper proposes four different boundary treatment methods within the vector potential formulation. We conduct a comparative analysis of the vector potential FFF solvers that we have developed incorporating these methods against other FFF codes in different magnetic field representations. Although the vector potential solvers with the new boundary treatments do not outperform our poloidal-toroidal formulation code, they demonstrate comparable or superior performance compared to the optimization code in SolarSoftWare. The methods developed here are expected to be readily applied not only to force-free field computations but also to time-dependent data-driven simulations.

Background: Cerebral palsy presents significant challenges in motor function for affected children. While conventional bottom-up approaches are common in physical therapy, there is increasing interest in the efficacy of the top-down approach. Objectives: To investigated the impact of applying the top-down approach in physical therapy for a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy, focusing on functional improvement and quality of life. Design: A single-case study. Methods: The patient was a 15-year-old boy with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy who was entering middle school. Cerebral palsy treatment approach of the top-down method (jumping rope) was used to guide and direct physical therapy. Results: The child improved in muscle strength of lower extremity, gross motor function, participation and self-esteem, but the pattern of his gait seemed to be more severe on tiptoe. When the child participated in a jumping rope class, he was able to do more than 10 jumps. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the top-down approach in enhancing functional outcomes and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. It highlights the potential of this approach in pediatric physical therapy, warranting further research validation.

Background: Most studies targeting stroke patients have confirmed improvements in balance and walking using immersive and non-immersive virtual reality training programs. However, to date, there are not many studies targeting brain activation enhancement for the two training programs. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a virtual reality training program on the EEG of stroke patients according to differences in immersion. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 20 stroke patients, with 10 in an immersive virtual reality training programs group (IVRG) and 10 in a non-virtual reality training programs group (NVRG) were randomly assigned to exercise three times a week for 6 weeks. EEG was measured for 2 minutes using DSI-24. Results: The intra-group difference in relative alpha waves of brain waves was not significant for both groups, and the between-group difference was not significant. Differences in EEG relative beta waves in the experiment group were significant in the Fp1, Fp2, Cz, C3, C4, P3, and O2 in the experiment group, and significant in the Cz and O2 in the control group. As a result of comparing the differences between each group before and after, there was a significant difference in the Fp1 area. Conclusion: Virtual reality training programs based on differences in immersion were found to have a positive effect on EEG. Therefore, it is believed that a virtual reality training program based on differences in immersion can be provided as a clinical intervention method for EEG.

Hypertension is characterized by excessive renin-angiotensin system activity, leading to blood vessel constriction. Several synthetic compounds have been developed to inhibit renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). These drugs often have adverse side effects, driving the exploration of plant protein-derived peptides as alternative or supplementary treatments. This study assessed the phenolic compound and amino acid content and the antioxidant and antihypertensive activity of 5 South Korean staple crops. Sorghum had the highest phenolic compound content and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Millet grains, particularly finger millet (38.86%), showed higher antihypertensive activity than red beans (14.42%) and sorghum (17.16%). Finger millet was found to contain a large proportion of branched-chain, aromatic, and sulfur-containing amino acids, which are associated with ACE inhibition. In particular, cysteine content was positively correlated with ACE inhibition in the crops tested (r=0.696, p<0.01). This study confirmed that the amino acid composition was more correlated with the antihypertensive activity of grains than the phenolic compound content. Finger millet mainly contained amino acids, which have higher ACE inhibitory activity, resulting in the strongest antihypertensive activity. These findings underscore the antihypertensive potential of select crops as plant-based food ingredients, offering insight into their biological functions.

The present study describes Philodromus paiki sp. nov., which was previously misidentified as P. fuscomarginatus (De Geer, 1778), P. poecilus (Thorell, 1872), and P. spinitarsis Simon, 1895 in Korea, as a new species with diagnosis, detailed descriptions, and taxonomic photographs. Additionally, P. spinitarsis is also described to correct previous misidentifications of Korean records of the species.

Abstract Purpose : The aim of this study was to identify knowledge and lifestyle habits for glaucoma prevention and to present basic data for future glaucoma prevention education. Methods : From April to September 2023, 447 people in their 20s to 60s were selected and an online survey was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 30 questions, including 6 questions about the subject's general characteristics, 14 questions about knowledge and awareness of glaucoma, and 10 questions about lifestyle habits related to intraocular pressure. Results : 89.7% responded that they had heard of glaucoma, and 31.1% of respondents knew the difference between glaucoma and cataracts. 34.5% responded that early detection is difficult, 33.3% that complete treatment is difficult, 23.5% that even normal intraocular pressure can cause glaucoma, and 36.0% that the incidence of glaucoma is increasing day by day. The level of awareness and knowledge was higher with age, in women than men, in those with a family history, in professional occupations, with metabolic diseases, and with high myopia. Lifestyle habits related to intraocular pressure were higher with age, among women, when smartphone use was less than 3 hours, and among housewives and professionals. The relationship between glaucoma knowledge and awareness and intraocular pressure-related lifestyle habits was statistically significant (r=0.248, p<0.001). Conclusion : Although the level of basic knowledge about glaucoma was high, the level of specific knowledge was low compared to the increase in the incidence of glaucoma over the past 10 years. Key words : Glaucoma, Healthy Life Practices, Intraocular pressure