Distractive marking, as conceptualized by Abbott H. Thayer, refers to diminutive patterns of contrasting colors on an animal’s body. Thayer hypothesized that these patterns augment camouflage by diverting predatory focus from the outline of the prey, however, the evidence was insufficient. In this study, we verified the hypothesis that the presence of distractive markings confers a survival advantage under specific conditions. Specifically, the experiment aimed to ascertain whether the existence of lichens on trees hinders the visual detection of prey, given that lichens resemble distractive markings. The experimental design involved human subjects as predators and artificial moth images on a monitor as prey. The survival of moths with and without distractive markings was compared, also considering the influence of the presence of lichens in the background. As an analysis result, the survival likelihood of moths was statistically significantly hindered when the distractive marking was present. This result contradicts Thayer‘s hypothesis and implies the presence of a function distinct other than the enhancement of camouflage.

Background: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a prominent technology that can preserve superior genetic traits of animals and expand the population in a short time. Hematological characters and endocrine profiles are important elements that demonstrate the stability of the physiological state of cloned animals. To date, several studies regarding cloned camels with superior genes have been conducted. However, detailed hemato-physiological assessments to prove that cloned camels are physiologically normal are limited. In this study, We evaluated the hemato-physiological characteristics of cloned male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Methods: Therefore, we analyzed variations in hematological characteristics and endocrine profiles between cloned and non-cloned age-matched male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries ). Two groups each of male and female cloned and non-cloned camels were monitored to investigate the differences in hemato-physiological characteristics. Results: All the animals were evaluated by performing complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and endocrinological tests. We found no significant difference between the cloned and non-cloned camels. Furthermore, the blood chemistry and endocrine profiles in male and female camels before maturity were similar. Conclusions: These results suggest that cloned and non-cloned camels have similar hematological characteristics and endocrine parameters.

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.

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are promising materials for the construction of energy devices, particularly organic solar cells. In the electrospinning process, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) has been utilized to generate nanofibers, which is the simplest and most popular method of creating carbon nanofibers (CNFs) followed by carbonization. The CNFs are coated on stainless steel (SS) plates and involve an electropolymerization process. The prepared Cu, CNF, CNF–Cu, PANI, PANI–Cu, CNF–PANI, and CNF–PANI–Cu electrode materials’ electrical conductivity was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte solution. Compared to others, the CNF–PANI–Cu electrode has higher conductivity that range is 3.0 mA. Moreover, the PANI, CNF–PANI, and CNF–PANI–Cu are coated on FTO plates and characterized for their optical properties (absorbance, transmittance, and emission) and electrical properties (CV and Impedance) for organic solar cell application. The functional groups, and morphology-average roughness of the electrode materials found by FT–IR, XRD, XPS, SEM, and TGA exhibit a strong correlation with each other. Finally, the electrode materials that have been characterized serve to support and act as the nature of the hole transport for organic solar cells.

Rice ratooning is the cultural practice that easily produces secondary rice from the stubble left behind after harvesting the main crop. ‘Daol’ is an extremely early growing rice variety. Planting this variety early allows for an additional ratoon harvest after the primary rice harvest. The plant growth and yield of ratoon rice were very low compared to those of main rice. Protein, amylose content, and head rice rate were higher in ratoon rice than in main rice. The distribution by the rice flour particle size of main and ratoon rice was similar. The damaged starch content in ratoon rice was relatively high at 6.1%. Ratoon rice required a longer time and higher temperature for pasting than main rice. Compared to the original rice, peak viscosity (PV), hot paste viscosity (HPV), cool paste viscosity (CPV), and breakdown (BD) were very low, and setback (SB) was high. As a result of analyzing the gelatinization properties of main and ratoon rice using differential calorimetry, it was found that the onset (To), peak (Tp), and conclusion (Tc) of ratoon rice starch were processed at a lower temperature than those of main rice. The gelatinization enthalpy of both samples was similar. The distribution of amylopectin short chains in ratoon rice was higher than that in main rice.

Background: Reproductive management practices play crucial roles to maximize the reproductive performance of cows, and thus contribute to farm profitability. We aimed to assess the reproductive management of cows currently practiced in the dairy farms in an urban farming system. Methods: A total of 62 dairy farms were randomly selected considering all size of farms such as small (1-5 cattle), medium (6-20 cattle) and large farms (> 20 cattle) from selected areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The reproductive managementrelated parameters viz. estrus detection, breeding method, pregnancy diagnosis, dry cow and parturition management, vaccination and treatment of reproductive problems etc. were obtained in a pre-defined questionnaire during the farm visit. Results: The visual observation method was only used (100.0%; 62/62) for estrus detection irrespective of size of the farms; while farmers observed cows for estrus 4-5 times a day, but only for 20-60 seconds each time. Regardless of farm size, 89.0% (55/62) farms used artificial insemination (AI) for breeding the cows. Intriguingly, all farms (100.0%) routinely checked the cows for pregnancy at 35-40 days post-breeding using rectal palpation technique by registered veterinarian. However, only 6.5% (4/62) farms practiced dry cow management. Notably, all farms (100.0%) provided nutritional supplements (Vit D, Ca and P) during late gestation. However, proper hygiene and cleanliness during parturition was not practiced in 77.4% (48/62) farms; even though 96.7% (60/62) farms treated cows by registered veterinarian for parturition-related problems. Conclusions: While farmers used AI service for breeding and timely check their cows for pregnancy; however, they need to increase observation time (30 minutes/ observation, twice in a day: early morning and early night) for estrus detection, consider dry cow management and ensure hygienic parturition for maximizing production.

In 2017, the permanent shutdown of Kori Unit 1 was decided, marking the initiation of preparations for the decontamination and decommissioning of Kori Unit 1. The dismantling of radiologically contaminated equipment and concrete structures such as the Reactor Vessel (RV), Reactor Vessel Internals (RVI), and the Bio shield is crucial in the nuclear decommissioning process. These components became radiologically contaminated due to nuclear fission reactions occurring in the reactor during its operational period. The RVI dismantling at Spain’s Jose Cabrera Nuclear Power Plant involved the use of mechanical saws and disk cutters to divide it into approximately 430 pieces, taking 16 months to complete. Germany’s Stade Nuclear Power Plant employed mechanical circular saws to segment their RVI into about 170 pieces, which took 30 months to accomplish. Meanwhile, the RVI at Germany’s Wurgassen Nuclear Power Plant was subdivided into approximately 1,200 pieces using a combination of mechanical saws and abrasive water jets, requiring 61 months for completion. Due to the radioactivity in Kori Unit 1’s Reactor Vessel (RV) and Reactor Vessel Internals (RVI), remote-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. The upper and lower parts of the RVI are classified as low-level radioactive waste, while the sides of the RVI that come into contact with fuel are classified as intermediate-level radioactive waste. Therefore, the modeling presented in this paper only considers the RVI sides since the upper and lower parts have a minimal impact on radiation exposure. Accurate calculations were performed through geometric modeling and radiation dose modeling. These research findings are anticipated to contribute to enhancing the efficiency and safety of nuclear reactor decommissioning operations

Radioactive liquid waste generated during the operation of domestic nuclear power plants is treated through a somewhat different liquid radwaste system (LRS) for each plant. Prior to the introduction of standard nuclear power plants, LRS used a concentrated water dry system (CWDS) to evaporate liquid waste and manage it in the form of dry powder. The boron-containing radioactive liquid waste dry powder was solidified using paraffin from 1995 to 2010, and about 3,650 drums (based on 200 L) of paraffin solidified drums are currently stored in nuclear power plants. Paraffin solidification drums do not meet the acceptance criteria for radioactive waste repositories because it is difficult to secure the homogeneity of the solidified body and there are concerns about leaching of radioactive waste due to the low melting point of paraffin. In order to solve this problem and safely permanently dispose of paraffin solidification drums, the characteristics of dry powder paraffin solidification drums containing boron-containing radioactive liquid waste must be analyzed and appropriate treatment technology utilizing the results must be introduced. This study analyzes the physical properties of paraffin, the chemical properties of boron-containing radioactive waste dry powder, and the physicochemical properties of paraffin solidification powder, and proposes an appropriate alternative technology for treating boron-containing radioactive waste dry drum. When disposing of the paraffin solidification drum with boron-containing radioactive liquid waste dry powder, the solidification body must be effectively withdrawn from the drum and the paraffin must be completely separated from the solidification body. When disposing the drum, the solidified material must be effectively extracted from the drum and the paraffin must be completely separated from the solidified material. Afterwards, the paraffin must be self-disposed, and the radioactive waste must be disposed of in accordance with acceptance criteria of repository. We looked at how each characteristic of the paraffin solidification drum with boron-containing radioactive liquid waste dry powder can be utilized in each of the above treatment processes.

According to the analysis of the Korean Radioactive Waste Society, saturation of nuclear power plant temporary storage is expected sequentially from 2031, and accordingly, the need for highlevel radioactive waste disposal facilities has emerged. In order to establish a repository for high-level radioactive waste, the performance and safety analysis of the repository must be conducted in compliance with regulatory requirements. For safety analysis, it needs a collection of arguments and evidence. and IAEA defined it as ‘Safety case’. The Systematic method, which derives scenarios by systematizing and combining possible phenomena around the repository, is widely used for developing Safety case. Systematic methods make use of the concept of Features, Events and Processes (FEP). FEP identifies features that affect repository performance, events that can affect a short period of time, and processes that can have an impact over a long period of time. Many countries, such as Finland, Sweden, Japan, United States, etc., are in process of licensing disposal facilities by using ‘Safety case’. And they then develop their own project-specified FEP lists and employ them for performing safety assessments. However, the systematic procedure for generating scenarios for safety evaluation is not clearly defined. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards Series (SSG- 23), the bottom-up method is an approach for conducting safety analysis using Features, Events, and Processes (FEPs). However, the process of how each FEP is utilized to establish a scenario for safety evaluation remains unclear. Additionally, there exists not only a bottom-up approach for generating scenarios using FEPs, but also a hybrid scenario development method that incorporates a top-down approach based on safety functions. Each country address scenario derivation in accordance with the adopted hybrid method. Nevertheless, a challenge arises in its application due to discrepancies between their approach and the hybrid approach specific which we are going on. Hence, this study introduces the FEP integration methodology for generating scenarios based on the hybrid scenario development method using the FEP list.

The Fukushima-Daiichi accident in 2011 revealed the limitations of Zr-alloys in accident scenarios where severe steam oxidation led to the liberation of heat and hydrogen and the destruction of the reactor core. In response to this accident, there has been a concerted effort by industry, national laboratories, and universities to develop cladding and fuel materials for lightwater reactors (LWRs) that are more accident tolerant. The near-term approach has been to develop coatings for Zr-alloys that would provide additional safety and operational margin by virtue of its excellent corrosion/oxidation resistance at both normal and accident conditions. The designs being considered for implementation by major nuclear fuel suppliers include a thin Cr or a ceramic coating on the conventional LWR fuel cladding. For improved economics, the industries are also considering ATF coated cladding with high enrichment fuel (up to 8%) to achieve high burnup (> 75 GWd/MTU). While the development of ATF concepts (i.e., the front end of the fuel cycle), including coated claddings and doped fuels have progressed at an accelerated pace, relatively less attention has been devoted to the used fuel disposition of ATF fuels (i.e., the backend of the fuel cycle). For accelerated deployment of the ATF designs in the current LWR fleet, it is necessary to investigate technical aspects of the ATF used nuclear fuel (UNF) management in transportation, storage, and disposal. This presentation will provide a brief overview of state-of-the-art ATF developments and list out potential considerations to apply the fuels into back-end fuel cycle. New test plan should be planned to compare the characteristics of current LWR used nuclear fuels with those of the new fuel designs. For example, research focus can be understanding of ATF used fuel particulate size and quantity (at high burnup condition) and mechanical integrity of coated cladding under normal and off-normal conditions during transportation and long-term storage. Finally, the impacts of CRUD on the new fuel cladding, increased container weight, temperature, and radiation level to the back-end fuel cycle activities need to be investigated.

The striped fruit fly, Zeugodacus scutellata., is ubiquitous in agricultural areas, making it a critical pest to monitor and manage. It is necessary to develop a technique for rearing Z. scutellata in the laboratory to achieve mass production for biological control. The pumpkin is an important host plant for Z. scutellata; females lay their eggs on the tops of pumpkin flower buds, and larvae consume the stamens from top to bottom before dropping to the ground. Several types of diets are considered in the present study, including liquid, solid, and semisolid diets. Methyl benzoate, propionic acid, sodium benzoate, and citric acid were tested for their ability to suppress microbial contamination and improve the shelf life of diets. Fresh pumpkin, pumpkin flower, and pumpkin powder were used as primary ingredient. Reared adults were tested for their egg laying and survival abilities based on different diets. Approximately 86% of adults emerged from liquid and semisolid diets. Solid diets reduce pupae production and adult emergence. The diets with a total viability of less than 75% were discarded, which is considered as a reasonable threshold to determine whether a diet is nutritionally sufficient to rear the flies. Based on the results of the present study, we have developed a diet for mass rearing in laboratories, which may assist in providing a scientific basis for the effective control of Z. scutellata.

Spodoptera litura is an omnivorous pest that damages more than 120 types of crops. It is widely distributed throughout the tropics, subtropics, and temperate zones. It is a major pest that causes damage by explosively increasing in density in a short period of time due to its excellent mobility and reproductive ability. S. litura was studied at five constant temperatures (15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, and 35.0℃), 65±5% relative humidity (RH), and 14L:10D photoperiods. The development period for eggs and larvae tended to become shorter as temperature increased. The growth period of egg, larva, and pupa by 25℃ temperature was 4.0, 32.3, and 12.6 days, respectively.

Until now, in case of Palaearctic region, only one species, Nesendaeus monochrous in this genus was recorded from China. but the biology and life cycle are not clearly known, yet. This species collected from the bud of Glochidion chodoense in Korea for the first time and closely related to Heterochyromera imerodeus Kojima & Morimoto which was recorded only in Japan,. But Nesendaeus monochrous is easily distinguishable from H. imerodeus by the relatively longer elytra with bisinuately round apices. Heterochyromera imerodeus Kojima & Morimoto can be found from Eurya emarginata and Glochidion obovatum in Japan. So, this two species are closely related each other and need more taxonomic study about the generic synonymy or changing the generic position.

The striped fruit fly (SFF), Zeugodacus scutellata, is an agricultural pest species with a strong and rapid reproductive ability that can cause significant harm. To control the population of these kind of pests, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is being used as one of the effective methods. SIT involves the introduction of sexually transmitted factors that reduce the reproductive capacity of males. This study shows that knocking down the testis-specific serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (Zs-Tssk1) gene alters male fertility and male-initiated types of communication. Since Zs-Tssk1 influences the physiology of the testes, spermatogenesis is also affected, which in turn alters the lifespan of Zs-Tssk1 knock down group in comparison with the control. Based on these results, Zs-Tssk1 may be crucial in reproductive function, and its down-regulation may be helpful in controlling SFF through SIT.

Previous research on green product innovation (GPI) has primarily focused on the performance of new product development, neglecting the critical, early fuzzy front-end (FFE) phase. Drawing upon the firm's resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities perspective, this study explores how co-production affects FFE outcomes (creative idea and product definition proficiency) of GPI and whether joint learning ambidexterity is a mediating mechanism in international buyer-supplier relationships. Additionally, we provide a contingency perspective by considering the moderating role of the innovation ecosystem on the relationship between co-production and joint learning ambidexterity. Finally, this study contributes to a theoretical understanding, analyzing co-production as a predictor, joint learning ambidexterity as a mediator, and innovation ecosystem as a moderator.

Mental distress has been consistently reported to be highly prevalent after collective traumas, alongside physical and personal damages. When left untreated, these will worsen survivors’ ability to function. Research also points to unmet needs, related to job security and a sense of belonging. Our study aims to identify a clustered-dimensional approach to people’s experiences after a massive urban violence apart from traditional categorical psychopathological assessments. This cross-sectional internet-based study included 1305 Lebanese adults, 4 months after the apocalyptic Beirut Port explosion. Emotions, attitudes and needs were assessed using iCode software, measuring explicit answers and implicit reaction time. First and foremost, explicit responses revealed alarming levels of distress (75-80%). Latent class analysis further differentiated three groups on seven different dimensions derived from principal component analysis. People who experienced the most intense emotional distress and intrusive thoughts had higher country dissatisfaction and job worries. Faith and community resilience buffered the negative emotionality of those affected in spite of avoidance and intrusion. The last group was less distressed by the trauma with a marked sense of community and an overall reduced country and job dissatisfactions. These findings suggest that integrating implicit responses helps cluster people’s experiences after a collective trauma above and beyond single demographic criteria as vulnerability to mass violence is quite variable within seemingly homogenous samples. They also provide insight onto hard-wired attitudes and needs post-trauma. It mostly taps into multi-factorial individual vulnerabilities and protective factors to better refine targeted interventions for at-risk subpopulation outreach and foster resilience in unstable environments.

The Wide-Angle Polarimetric Camera (PolCam) is installed on the Korea’s lunar orbiter, Danuri, which launched on August 5, 2022. The mission objectives of PolCam are to construct photometric maps at a wavelength of 336 nm and polarization maps at 461 and 748 nm, with a phase angle range of 0◦–135◦ and a spatial resolution of less than 100 m. PolCam is an imager using the push-broom method and has two cameras, Cam 1 and Cam 2, with a viewing angle of 45◦ to the right and left of the spacecraft’s direction of orbit. We conducted performance tests in a laboratory setting before installing PolCam’s flight model on the spacecraft. We analyzed the CCD’s dark current, flat-field frame, spot size, and light flux. The dark current was obtained during thermal / vacuum test with various temperatures and the flat-field frame data was also obtained with an integrating sphere and tungsten light bulb. We describe the calibration method and results in this study.