Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily triggered by bacterial infections, with periodontopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis playing a pivotal role. We evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SP-E) on human gingival fibroblasts (hTERT-hNOF) stimulated with P. gingivalis -derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Dried S. plebeia was extracted using 70% ethanol, yielding a 10.5% extract. Inflammation in hTERT-hNOF cells was induced using P. gingivalis LPS in conjunction with LPS-binding protein and CD14. SP-E was administered at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 μg/mL. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay. Inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion were analyzed via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results demonstrated a concentrationdependent antioxidant effect, with 62.98% radical scavenging activity observed at 200 μg/mL SP-E. In hTERT-hNOF cells, SOD activity increased from 4.88% (LPS-treated) to 45.78% with 100 μg/mL SP-E. RT-PCR analysis showed significant downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA expression following SP-E treatment. ELISA confirmed a reduction in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (312.83 → 178.22 pg/mL), IL-6 (453.97 → 170.83 pg/mL), and IL-8 (480.14 → 276.86 pg/mL) levels with 100 μg/mL SP-E. These findings suggest that SP-E may offer therapeutic potential for preventing and managing periodontal disease by mitigating oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory cytokine expression. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and validate these effects in vivo .

Stemflow (SF) is essential for water resources within forest ecosystems and can constitute up to half of the gross rainfall (GR), depending on the forest stand structures in coniferous plantations. Although numerous studies on SF yield have been reported globally for various forest types, very few studies on SF have been reported to examine the influence of forest stand structures on SF in Korea. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between SF and forest stand structures in unmanaged Japanese cypress plantations. Two study plots were established (10 m × 10 m each) in plantations with the same stem density (SD: 2500 stems ha-1) (hereafter P1 and P2). Almost all forest stand structures (canopy projection area, tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), number of live and dead branches, and ratio of canopy length to canopy width), including canopy volume using mobile LiDAR devices, were investigated. To evaluate the efficiency of funneling rainwater for the effect of tree biomass on SF, a funneling ratio (FR) was used. The present SF ratios (20.7% in P1 and 22.3% in P2) were much higher than those reported in previous studies of various forest types in Korea (SF ratios: 0.2–5.8% with a mean of 2.0%). This is due to the interaction between the high SD and many under-canopy dead branches. Individual-scale FR was correlated with DBH (R2 = 0.43). The present stand-scale FRs (FRstand) (22.3 in P1 and 29.2 in P2) were much higher than those reported in the previous studies (FRstand: 1.0–33.3 with a mean of 7.8) because of the negative relationship between FRstand and mean DBH (R2 = 0.78, p = 0.02). Our results provide useful information for understanding changes in SF caused by forest stand structures.

본 연구는 절화 장미‘All For Love’에 대해 과산화초산 (peracetic acid, PAA)의 보존용액 적용 가능성과 적정 처리 농도를 구명하고자 수행되었다. 보존용액 처리는 Distilled water(DW), PAA 50, 100, 200μL·L-1, FloraLife 1%로 하였 다. 절화수명은 대조구 DW(5.27일)에 비해 PAA(5.87~6.20 일)와 FloraLife(5.87일) 처리구에서 절화수명 연장효과가 있었 다. 모든 처리구에서 80% 이상 꽃목 굽음(Bent neck)과 20% 이상 꽃잎 청변화(Blueing) 현상이 나타났다. 화색 변화율과 잎의 엽록소 함량은 처리간 차이가 없었다. 화폭변화율의 경 우, DW(135%)보다 PAA 50μL·L-1(155%), 100μL·L-1(154%), 200μL·L-1(161%) 처리구에서 높은 개화율을 보였다. 상대생체 중은 DW와 FloraLife 처리구에서는 2일, PAA 처리구에서는 3일까지 증가 후 감소하였다. 수분균형은 DW에서 가장 빠르게 (-)의 값을 나타냈고, PAA 50μL·L-1 처리구에서 가장 길게 수분 균형이 유지되었다. PAA와 FloraLife 처리구에서 보존용액과 줄기 절단면 모두 세균이 검출되지 않았다. 결론적으로 PAA 50μL·L-1 처리는 DW에 비해 장미의 절화수명 연장 및 품질 유지에 효과적이었다.

Delayed wound healing in diabetes is aggravated by chronic inflammation and impaired keratinocyte migration. Although zinc facilitates skin wound healing, its excessive accumulation may induce cytotoxicity. This study explores the synergistic potential of zinc and the GPR39 agonist TC-G-1008 in enhancing diabetic wound repair. In vitro , cotreatment reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and promoted keratinocyte migration. In vivo , a hydrogel incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles and TC-G-1008 accelerated wound closure in diabetic mice and suppressed interleukin-1β expression. Notably, TC-G-1008 alone enhanced keratinocyte migration under diabetic conditions, highlighting its critical role in modulating inflammation. These findings support a zincsparing therapeutic approach using GPR39 activation to restore wound healing in diabetic settings.

Three strains (KCOM 2191, KCOM 2668, and KCOM 2812) of Capnocytophaga sp. isolated from a Korean population were initially classified by 16S rDNA sequence comparison. This study aimed to resolve their species-level identity using whole genome sequencing and to assess their taxonomic characteristics. Genomes of the three strains were sequenced using PacBio RS II and Illumina platforms. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis was employed for species-level identification. Cellular fatty acid (CFA) compositions were determined using the MIDI/Hewlett Packard Microbial Identification System. ANI values for KCOM 2191, KCOM 2668, and KCOM 2812 were 96.43%, 96.33%, and 96.33%, respectively, compared with the type strain Capnocytophaga ochracea DSM 7271T. CFA profiling showed a predominance of iso-C15:0 (57.9%, 67.2%, and 64.9%, respectively), consistent with DSM 7271T (51.5%). These findings confirm that KCOM 2191, KCOM 2668, and KCOM 2812 are strains of C. ochracea . These strains may serve as valuable models for investigating the role of C. ochracea in oral and systemic pathogenesis.

This study evaluated the effects of solid and water-soluble extracts derived from torrefied Pinus densiflora on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) germination and growth, as well as the cultivation efficiency of torrefied materials combined with plant nutrient solutions. Torrefied samples were prepared under various conditions (200°C, 220°C, 240°C for 20–80 minutes) and mixed with sand at ratios from 20% to 100%. Liquid extracts were formulated with macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg) and micronutrients (Mn, B, Fe, Cu) and applied to leafy and root vegetables. Germination tests showed that 60% and 80% torrefied treatments had the highest and most consistent rates, with torrefied samples promoting more rapid and stable germination than controls. A two-way ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between treatment and concentration (p = 0.043), suggesting concentration-specific effects. While shoot length showed no significant difference, root growth was marginally significant (p = 0.064), with washed torrefied material producing the longest roots. Physical analysis revealed that torrefied materials improved soil thermal retention and moisture-holding capacity. However, increasing torrefied content reduced porosity, likely due to fine particles filling soil pores. In conclusion, torrefied P. densiflora materials exhibit strong potential to enhance germination, root development, and soil condition. Optimal results were achieved with 40–60% solid mixtures for germination and 60–80% diluted extracts for rapid and consistent seedling growth. When optimally applied, they may serve as effective, sustainable amendments in cultivation systems.

본 연구는 플랫폼 시대에 K-Culture가 한국의 소프트파워를 어떻게 형성하고 확장해 왔는지를 문화사회 학적 관점에서 분석하였다. 나이(Nye)의 소프트파워 이론과 부르디외(Bourdieu)의 문화장 이론을 토대로, K-Pop, 드라마, 디지털 콘텐츠, 팬덤, 국가 정책 간 상호작용을 고찰하였다. 팬덤의 사회운동화, 감정 서사 를 중심으로 한 콘텐츠, 플랫폼 알고리즘과 수용자의 문화 번역 사례를 통해 K-Culture가 감정, 기술, 정체 성 정치가 교차하는 복합적인 문화 실천임을 규명하였다. 아울러 플랫폼 종속, 콘텐츠 획일화, 팬덤 의존, 문화 다양성 부족 등 소프트파워의 구조적 한계를 진단하고, 윤리적 공감과 문화적 포용성에 기반한 지속 가능한 전략을 제안하였다.

This study investigates the cultural imagery vocabulary and symbolic meanings embedded within 85 Recommended Texts issued by Hong Kong Education Bureau. These texts, drawn from classical Chinese literature, are rich in cultural symbolism and literary aesthetics, offering valuable resources for language and literary education. Through semantic analysis and diachronic comparison, the study identifies primary cultural imagery categories—such as the moon, plants, animals, and human actions—and traces their historical evolution and symbolic transformation. Findings reveal that these vocabulary items convey traditional Chinese values, modes of emotional expression, and philosophical thought. Rather than evaluating educational outcomes, this study aims to construct a theoretical framework to support vocabulary and cultural instruction, thereby enhancing students’ cultural literacy and textual interpretation skills. Building upon this framework, concrete teaching strategies are proposed, including the development of thematic vocabulary columns and cultural archetypes, to facilitate the systematic integration of cultural imagery into curriculum design. By articulating the dialectical relationship between cultural inheritance and innovation, this study offers insights for exploring effective pedagogical approaches to classical imagery within contemporary educational contexts.

This study explored the dual linguistic challenges experienced by Chinese international students enrolled in English-Medium Instruction (EMI) programs at South Korean universities. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 20 undergraduate students from two leading private universities in Seoul, this study investigated how students navigate the linguistic demands of studying in English while simultaneously adjusting to Korean as the dominant campus language. The findings revealed that students encounter significant obstacles, including professors’ limited English proficiency, inconsistent classroom language policies, and marginalization in group work and class discussions. Despite these difficulties, many students gradually adapted through self-directed strategies and peer support, ultimately gaining academic and linguistic benefits. Some participants reported enhanced preparedness for further studies in English-speaking countries and developed bilingual competencies. The study highlights the complex realities of EMI implementation for non-Anglophone international students and calls for more transparent language policies, targeted support programs, and inclusive pedagogical practices to promote equitable learning environments.

This qualitative study examines amotivation in South Korean EFL students through the lens of activity theory. Using semi-structured interviews, data were collected from six elementary and secondary school students, aged 10 to 16 years (Grades 4 to 10), to explore key psychological constructs, including the ideal L2 self, the ought-to L2 self, the perceived meaning of English learning, parental expectations, and social pressures. The findings reveal that motivation in L2 learning is contextually constructed and often shaped retrospectively rather than serving as a precursor to proficiency. Notably, some students with minimal motivation still achieved high levels of English proficiency, suggesting that motivation is not necessarily an antecedent of L2 success but rather an outcome shaped by broader socioeducational forces. This challenges conventional models that assume a direct causal link between motivation and achievement. The study underscores the importance of contextual and sociohistorical influences in shaping L2 motivation and calls for a reevaluation of the rigid dichotomy between motivated and amotivated learners in competitive educational settings.

This study examined the effects of pre-soaking solvents and repeated steaming-drying (SD) cycles on the antioxidant activity and active compound content of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata(RRP), the processed root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. SD treatments were conducted for 1 to 9 cycles using four different pre-soaking solvents: Takju (a traditional rice wine), Spirits, Honey, and Sugar solution. The results showed no significant differences in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities or in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents among the pre-soaking treatments, although samples pre-soaked in honey and Takju exhibited slightly higher levels. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased progressively with the number of SD cycles, reaching levels 2–3 times higher after nine cycles. Catalpol content remained relatively constant regardless of treatment, whereas aucubin content increased in all groups, with the highest accumulation observed in the Takju treatment. Similarly, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) content increased with the number of SD cycles, with the highest levels found in the honey group, followed by Takju, Sugar, and Spirits. In conclusion, while the type of pre-soaking solvent had minimal influence on antioxidant activities and catalpol content, both aucubin and 5-HMF contents increased with additional SD cycles, with Takju proving particularly effective in enhancing their accumulation.

In the context of higher education (HE) internationalization, English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) plays a crucial role in academic and interactive communication, often intersecting with local languages. This enables greater flexibility in language use and code-switching (CS) between English and the local language. While previous research on English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) has predominantly examined the perspectives of local stakeholders, the views of international students have been largely underexplored. To bridge this gap, this study investigates the perceptions of both local and international students regarding CS practices within EMI courses across specific classroom situations. The findings reveal that both groups support the conditional use of the local language to promote comprehension while ensuring inclusivity. Local students demonstrate a broader acceptance of CS compared to their international counterparts, particularly in relation to academic outcomes such as understanding instruction and assessment. In contrast, international students show greater receptiveness to CS during interactive classroom discussions, which reflects their attitudes toward engaging with local peers. These insights contribute to the development of more nuanced EMI policies and deepen our understanding of language dynamics in HE contexts where English is not the native language.

대한민국 정부들은 복지국가를 시대적 과제로 천명하고 있음에도, 낮은 복지 지출과 높은 사회적 불안이 라는 현실에 직면해 있다. 본 논문은 이러한 상황을 타개하기 위한 전략으로 복지국가 ‘체제’의 기획을 제안 하며, 그에 필요한 관점과 방향성을 얻기 위해 복지국가이론의 계보를 탐색한다. 먼저, ‘전후 복지국가’의 팽창을 설명하는 이론들을 고찰하고, 복지체제론을 통해 그 성숙과 위기 대응 양상도 살펴본다. 다음으로, 새로운 사회경제적 환경에 조응하여 진행되는 복지국가의 재구조화, 즉 ‘탈(脫) 전후 복지국가’의 등장을 설명하는 현대 이론들을 종합적으로 검토한다. 이렇듯 복지국가이론의 계보를 살피는 것은 현행 제도의 구 조와 작동원리를 이해하고 미래 기획을 위한 아이디어를 얻는 과정이자, 대한민국이 사회권적 기본권이 적 극 구현되는 나라로 나아가는 데에 필요한 지적 토대를 쌓는 일이라고 본 논문은 주장한다.

This study explores a church leader’s perceptions of language policy goals and cultural practices within a Korean-American church, as well as the changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on theories of ethnic churches, language planning and policy, and communicative frameworks of organizational identity, the study employs critical discourse analysis and thematic analysis. Data were collected through multiple qualitative methods, including participant observation of English and Korean worship services, two in-depth interviews, audio recordings, and artifact documentation. The findings highlight the dual role of first language and cultural practices in affirming both ethnic identity and Christian faith among Korean congregants. Furthermore, this research illuminates the integrative role of the church—both institutionally and socially—during a global crisis. The church leader’s motto, “Stay well and stay connected,” was expressed through linguistic and cultural adaptations that promoted a sense of belonging and positive identity amidst uncertainty.

This study investigates the acute toxicity of sublethal tributyltin (TBT) exposure in the marine polychaetes Perinereis aibuhitensis by measuring changes in mortality, burrowing activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) function, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. The 96h-LC50 of TBT was established at 23.7 μg L⁻¹. Following exposure to 1 μg L⁻¹ of TBT led to a dose-dependent reduction in burrowing behavior and AChE activity in polychaetes. Elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and pronounced reduction of glutathione (GSH) contents explained significant oxidative stress. The major antioxidant enzymes, including GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, were also significantly suppressed following TBT exposure. These findings indicate that TBT-induced acute toxicity compromises physiological functions and undermines antioxidant defense system in polychates.

Growth is a fundamental and vital characteristic of abalone, regulated by both cell number and size, and modulated by growth-related genes. The mollusk-like growth factor (MLGF) is a secreted protein that plays a key role in the growth and development of Pacific abalone. In this study, the growth-specific expression of Hdh-MLGF were analyzed under different conditions commonly encountered by Pacific abalone in aquaculture systems. The expression of Hdh-MLGF varied significantly with growth patterns, showed higher expression in rapid-growing individuals and lower expression in slow-growing abalone. Under starvation conditions, Hdh-MLGF expression was downregulated as the duration of starvation progressed. Under thermal stress, Hdh-MLGF expression increased during the first 12 hours at 25 °C stress. However, at 30 °C, the highest expression was recorded after 6 hours of thermal stress. These results provide valuable insights for future research on this growth factor in abalone and its aquaculture management.

진동자극에 따른 틸라피아(Oreochromis niloticus)의 스트레스 반응에 대한 기초자료를 얻고자, 혈액[(cortisol, glucose, lactic acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), 조직(liver, kidney, intestine) 및 성장을 분석하였다. 실험어류는 틸라피아(평균 전장 11.7±0.4 cm, 평균 체중 23.4±3.7 g)를 사용하였으며, 28일 동안 실험을 진행하였다. 실험구는 대조구, T1(10:00, 19:00), T2(10:00, 13:00, 16:00 19:00)로 각각 1시간씩 진동을 주었다. 혈액, 혈장, 간, 신장 및 장 샘플은 진동 노출 후 0, 7, 14, 21 및 28일에 채취하여 분석하였다. 혈장 코티졸 농도는 21일째 대조구와 T1에서 유의하게 높았으나, 28일째 감소하였다. 반면에, T2에서는 28일째 다른 실험군보다 유의하게 높아졌다. 젖산은 14일째 T2에서 다른 실험구에 비해 유의하게 높아졌다. 혈장 AST 및 ALT는 T2에서 실험기간동안 유의적으로 높아졌다. T1과 T2는 실험 기간 동안 혈장 TP가 증가하였다. T1은 28일째 다른 실험구에 비해 RBC, Hb 및 Ht가 유의하게 높아졌다. 조직관찰 결과, T2에서 간조직은 혈액 정맥동의 울혈 및 확장, 비대, 침윤, 공포화, 신장에서는 흑색 대식세포 증가, 간질 부종 및 장에서 괴사가 관찰되었다. 성장은 진동 자극 횟수가 증가함에 따라 최종 무게(final body weight), 체중성장률(growth rate for body weight, GRW), 일일성장률 (specific growth rate, SGR) 및 사료효율(feed efficiency, FE)이 대조군에 비해 감소하였으나 유의적인 차이는 보이지 않았다.

본 논문은 초국가적 종교 인식론적 공동체의 관점에서 탈동성애 운동 의 세계정치적 양상을 분석한다. 일반적으로 탈동성애 운동은 동성애 정 체성을 벗어났다고 주장하는 개인들에 의해 주도되는 지역적·문화적 현 상으로 여겨지지만, 실제로는 서구권의 보수적 복음주의 세력이 주도하 는 조직화된 국제 네트워크임을 확인할 수 있다. 이러한 네트워크는 특 정 분야의 정책 형성에 영향을 미치는 지식과 권위를 공유하는 전문가 집단, 즉 인식론적 공동체로서 기능한다. 특히 탈동성애 운동의 종교 보 수 활동가들은 자신을 인간의 성(性)에 관한 전문가로 규정하고, 과학적 외형을 갖춘 증거, 헌법적·권리 기반의 논리, 개인의 간증 등 다양한 전 략을 활용하여 동성애가 변화 가능하며 바람직하지 않은 것이라고 주장 한다. 본 연구는 한국을 주요 사례로 삼아, 한국의 보수적 복음주의 엘리 트들이 서구(특히 미국)의 복음주의자들로부터 탈동성애 담론과 전략을 체계적으로 수입하고 현지화한 방식을 경험적으로 분석한다. 구체적으로, 한국의 활동가들이 초국적으로 유통되는 진정성, 피해자성, 인권과 같은 자유민주주의적 레토릭을 전략적으로 차용하여, 자신들의 LGBTQ+ 인권 반대 활동을 종교의 자유 및 주체적인 삶의 경험(lived experiences)의 정당한 표현으로 재구성하고 있음을 보여준다.

본 연구는 우즈베키스탄 자동차 산업 발전에 있어 리버스 엔지니어링 의 역할을 탐구하며, 특히 노나카와 타케우치의 지식 창출 모델(SECI Model)과의 통합에 중점을 두고 있다. 우즈베키스탄이 경쟁력 있는 국내 산업을 구축하고자 노력함에 따라, 리버스 엔지니어링은 해외 기술의 습 득, 적용, 그리고 국산화를 가능하게 했다. 본 연구는 정성적 사례 연구 접근법을 활용하여 기업 보고서, 정책 문서, 학술 문헌을 바탕으로 1996 년부터 2024년까지의 발전 상황을 분석한다. 연구 결과에 따르면 리버스 엔지니어링은 지식 이전과 혁신을 지원해 왔지만, 제한된 R&D 역량, 수 입 부품 의존도, 그리고 취약한 지식재산권 보호 등의 과제가 여전히 남 아 있다. 이러한 장벽을 극복하기 위해 본 연구는 전략적 정책, 국내 혁 신에 대한 투자 확대, 그리고 AI 기반 설계 프로세스 도입을 권고한다.

The current US tariff policy has become a focal point of the global trade order, signaling a restructuring of the international economic system established after World War II. The global trade regime is shifting from multilateral cooperation to a landscape increasingly defined by economic and geopolitical competition. The US domestic law is increasingly replacing multilateral mechanisms such as the WTO as the primary legal point at issue and center of gravity influencing and shaping the global trade order. In this transitional phase of order reconstruction, East Asian enterprises should allocate resources to closely monitor geopolitical developments, the US domestic politics, legal frameworks, and ideological trends. They should also establish mechanisms for geopolitical risk management and prioritize risk management over business expansion as a core strategic principle. However, this is not entirely negative; the new research, understanding, and strategic adjustments undertaken by enterprises may lay a deeper foundation for the next wave of globalization.