This case report describes a 40-year-old captive male hippopotamus exhibiting systemic clinical signs, including anorexia and coughing, prior to death. Despite comprehensive medical treatments, the animal died due to age-related immunodepression, which led to severe pneumonia. Necropsy and subsequent histopathological examination revealed severe acute diffuse seropurulent bronchopneumonia, right ventricular hypertrophy, hepatic congestion, and glomerulonephritis. These findings highlight the vulnerability of geriatric large animals to systemic infections and emphasize the need for improved pathological understanding and the development of evidence-based treatment protocols for these less-studied species like the hippopotamus. To enhance disease management and veterinary care for aging zoo animals, future research should prioritize gut microbiome analysis and antimicrobial resistance profiling.
본 연구는 환경 요인을 바탕으로 절화용 국화 생장 예측을 위한 최적의 모델을 개발하는 것을 목표로 하였다. 이를 위해 13개의 모델(Linear Regression, Lasso Regression, Ridge Regression, ElasticNet Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Neural Network, Decision Tree, Random Forest, XGBoost, AdaBoost, CatBoost, Stacking)의 성능을 R2, MAE, RMSE를 평가 지표 로 비교하였다. 단일 모델 중에서는 Decision Tree가 가장 우수한 성능을 보였으며, R2값은 0.90에서 0.91 사이였다. 앙 상블 모델 중에서는 CatBoost가 가장 높은 성능을 보였으며 (R2=0.90~0.92) Random Forest와 XGBoost 또한 유사한 성 능을 보였다. 전체적으로 트리 기반 앙상블 모델이 국화 생장 예측에 적합한 모델로 나타났다.
The commercial feed additive, native rumen microbes (RC), derived from a diverse microbial community isolated from the rumen of Hanwoo steers is being explored to enhance rumen fermentation and improve ruminant feed utilization. This study evaluated the impact of native rumen microbes supplementation on methane emissions, microbial diversity, and fermentation efficiency on in vitro assessment. Treatments were as follows: CON (basal diet, without RC); T1 (basal diet + 0.1% RC); T2 (basal diet + 0.2% RC). Rumen fermentation parameters, total gas, and methane production were assessed at 12, 24, and 48 h of incubations. The in vitro gas production was carried out using the Ankom RF Gas Production System. Supplementation of RC significantly reduced the total gas production at 12, 24, and 48 hours of incubation (p < 0.05). Volatile fatty acid concentrations were increased, while acetate and propionate were decreased (p < 0.05) at 48 h by the supplementation of RC. Notably, the 0.1% inclusion level of RC significantly reduced methane production by 28.30% and 21.21% at 12 and 24 hours. Furthermore, microbial diversity analysis revealed significant shifts (p < 0.05) in bacterial composition between the control and treatment groups, while supplementation also promoted the growth of bacterial populations, such as Succiniclasticum. These findings suggest that native rumen microbes supplementation, particularly at 0.1% inclusion level, can enhance rumen microbial composition while significantly reducing methane production in vitro.
This study was conducted to reset the withdrawal time (WT) for amoxicillin (AMX) in pigs as a part of positive list system (PLS) program introduction. Forty-two healthy pigs were orally administered with AMX at doses of 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) (AMX-1, n=20) and 20 mg/kg BW (AMX-2, n=20), twice daily for 5 days, respectively. After the treatment, tissue samples were collected from four pigs at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days post-administration, respectively. Based on a previously established analysis method, residual AMX concentrations in pig tissues were determined using LC-MS/MS. In both AMX-1 and AMX-2 groups, AMX levels in all tissues except fat was below the limit of quantification (LOQ) at one day after the final administration. According to the European Medicines Agency’s guideline on determination of withdrawal periods, the withdrawal periods for AMX-1 and AMX-2 in fat tissue were established as 0 and 2 days, respectively. In conclusion, the estimated WT of AMX in edible tissues of pigs is shorter than the current WT recommendation of 5 days for AMX.
Fault detection in electromechanical systems plays a significant role in product quality and manufacturing efficiency during the transition to smart manufacturing. Because collecting a sufficient number of datasets under faulty conditions of the system is challenging in practical industrial sites, unsupervised fault detection methods are mainly used. Although fault datasets accumulate during machine operation, it is not straightforward to utilize the information it contains for fault detection after the deep learning model has been trained in an unsupervised manner. However, the information in fault datasets is expected to significantly contribute to fault detection. In this regard, this study aims to validate the effectiveness of the transition from unsupervised to supervised learning as fault datasets gradually accumulate through continuous machine operation. We also focus on experimentally analyzing how changes in the learning paradigm of the deep learning model and the output representation affect fault detection performance. The results demonstrate that, with a small number of fault datasets, a supervised model with continuous outputs as a regression problem showed better fault detection performance than the original model with one-hot encoded outputs (as a classification problem).
Background: The 75-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP75) plays a crucial role in regulating the formation of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs), facilitating the transfer of Ca2+ ions, and is essential for lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis in mammalian cells. However, the relationship between GRP75 expression and preimplantation embryonic development in pigs remains unknown. Methods: In this study, we investigated whether GRP75 influences ER–mitochondrial junctions and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels in porcine embryos in vitro . We examined the expression of GRP75 at the zygote, cleavage, and blastocyst stages using immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. Results: GRP75 fluorescence and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the blastocysts than in the zygotes. Western blot analysis revealed a decline in the expression of mitochondrial fusion factors mitofusin 2, GRP75, and the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex MICU1 protein at the blastocyst stage. To investigate the effects of GRP75 on blastocyst developmental competence, porcinespecific GRP75-siRNA (25 nM) was microinjected at the zygote stage. The results showed a significant decrease in the development capacity until the blastocyst stage (Control: 31.2 ± 2.0%, N.C. siRNA (25 nM): 29.8 ± 3.1%, vs. GRP75-siRNA (25 nM): 24.1 ± 1.6%; p < 0.05). GRP75 in the mitochondria and ER-localized GRP75 were both significantly reduced in blastocysts of pigs microinjected with GRP75 siRNA. Along with ER–mitochondrial colocalization, the MAM formation ratio was significantly reduced in the GRP75-siRNA group compared with that in the control (Control: 29.3% vs. GRP75- siRNA (25 nM): 15.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the GRP75-derived MAM region is involved in the development of early embryos in porcine blastocysts.
This study evaluated the bactericidal efficacy of a disinfectant containing chlorine dioxide as its main ingredient against Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae) that is the causative agent of American foulbrood. A bactericidal efficacy test by broth dilution method was used to determine the lowest effective dilution of the disinfectant following exposure to P. larvae for 30 min at 4°C. The disinfectant and test bacterium were diluted with low and high organic matter (OM) suspension according to treatment condition. On low and high OM conditions, the bactericidal activity of the disinfectant against P. larvae was 2.5 and 1.25 fold dilution, respectively. The recommended dilution time of the disinfectant in low and high OM was 2.0 and 1.0 fold dilution, respectively. As the disinfectant possesses bactericidal efficacy against P. larvae, the disinfectant can be used to prevent American foulbrood in larvae of honeybees.
This research aimed to investigate heterogeneity regarding governance, agricultural productivity, and food security between developed and developing nations. Utilizing a three-stage least squares (3SLS) simultaneous equation model, this study found that governance could positively impact food security through capital accumulation and agricultural productivity in both developed and developing countries. However, the magnitude of these effects differed significantly between country groups, with developed countries showing stronger governance-food security linkages than developing countries. This study reaffirms the importance of governance while showcasing its potential to vary based on a country’s economic level. Additionally, it sheds comprehensive light on impacts of agricultural production and agricultural capital accumulation on food security.
목적 : 본 연구는 안경 처방에 필요한 매개변수를 분석하여 정확하고 편안한 안경 처방을 위한 객관적 자료를 제시하는 것이다. 방법 : 20세 이상 성인 41명(남자: 28명, 여자: 13명)을 대상으로 사진, 트르뷰 아이, 안경자 및 스마트 센터링 장치 계측법을 이용하여 단안 동공 거리, 동공간거리, 광학중심점높이, 경사각, 안면각 및 정점간거리를 계측하고, 사진 계측법을 표준으로 정확도(오차)를 비교하였다. 또한, 오차 보정 식을 통하여 임상에서 적용하기 위한 보정 값 을 산출하였다. 결과 : 4가지 장비의 계측법을 비교했을 때 광학중심점높이와 경사각, 안면각 및 정점간거리는 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.050). 사진 계측법을 표준으로 한 보정 값에서 트르뷰 아이는 단안 동공 거리, 동공간거리, 광학중심점 높이, 경사각, 안면각 및 정점간거리의 상관계수가 높고 통계적으로 유의하였다(p<0.050). 안경자는 단안 동공 거 리, 동공간거리, 광학중심점높이 및 정점간거리는 상관계수가 높고 통계적으로 유의하였다(p<0.050). 스마트 센터 링 장치는 안면각에서 통계적으로 유의하였다(p<0.050). 보정 값에 대한 95% 신뢰구간은 단안 동공 거리에서 스마 트 센터링 장치가 좁은 범위와 적은 편차를 보였고, 다른 모든 매개변수는 트르뷰 아이에서 좁게 나타났고, 평균값 의 편차도 가장 적었다. 결론 : 4가지 측정 장비를 이용하여 안경 처방에 필요한 매개변수를 측정한 결과 측정 방법에 따라 차이가 있었 고, 임상에서 사진 측정값을 대신하여 적용할 수 있는 보정 값을 제시하였다.
This study aims to identify and prioritize the key factors essential for transforming a traditional port into a smart port using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) based on Chang’s extent analysis method. Based on the insights of 30 experts from Vietnam and South Korea, the research framework comprises three main dimensions, namely Policy, Operation, and Environment, which are further divided into ten sub-factors. The analysis revealed that Policy and Operation were perceived as the most critical dimensions, while Environment received relatively less emphasis. At the factor level, Automation & Intelligent Infrastructure ranked highest, followed by Investment & Financial Support, Productivity, and Regulatory Frameworks. In contrast, environmental factors such as Water & Waste Management and Emission Control were ranked lowest. Notably, Vietnamese and Korean experts all value the importance of advanced technology and investment capacity but still have some differences in prioritizing the other factors, reflecting differing national contexts and developmental stages. These findings offer strategic guidance for policymakers and port authorities in tailoring smart port development strategies to local conditions and priorities.
The postharvest quality of cut flowers often declines during transportation, especially under dry storage conditions. Therefore, incorporating preservative solutions during shipment is vital for extending the vase life of high-value cut flowers. Among commonly used additives, sucrose (Suc) and Floralife (FL), a commercial preservative, have demonstrated efficacy in maintaining vase life. Oxygen nanobubbles (O2NB) and ozone nanobubbles (O3NB), which are nanoscale gas-filled bubbles in aqueous media, have been proposed as antimicrobial agents for use in preservative solutions applied to cut flowers. This study examined the effects of seven preservative treatments on the postharvest performance of cut Cymbidium ‘Lovely King’ during simulated transport. Treatments included tap water (control), Suc, FL, O2NB, O2NB combined with Suc (O2NBS), O3NB, and O3NB combined with Suc (O3NBS). Cut stems were placed in floral water tubes filled with the respective solutions and stored in a cold chamber at 5°C for 7 days to simulate transport conditions. Among the treatments, O2NB resulted in the longest vase life of 21.0 days, significantly longer than that under O2NBS (14.3 days). Additionally, the O2NB solution exhibited the lowest bacterial count (4.9 log 10 CFU mL-1) compared with other treatment solutions. Stems treated with O3NB maintained the highest relative fresh weight throughout the experiment. Initial water uptake was 8.4 g and 7.6 g for the O3NB and O2NB treatments, respectively. These findings indicate that O2NB is an effective transport preservative for enhancing postharvest quality and extending the vase life of cut Cymbidium ‘Lovely King.’
The increasing emergence of wildlife-origin infectious diseases poses a growing threat to both public health and ecological stability. The One Health approach offers a comprehensive framework that recognizes the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies in disease prevention. This review explores the role of wildlife rescue centers as strategic frontline platforms in a broader surveillance system. These centers, by systematically collecting and accumulating baseline health data from rescued wildlife, can contribute to the construction of a big data-driven monitoring network. Such a network not only enables early detection of pathogens but also supports long-term health monitoring of wildlife populations. Furthermore, it provides a scientific foundation for the conservation of endangered species, as many of these animals are frequently admitted to rescue centers due to disease or injury. We propose a comprehensive surveillance strategy that leverages the potential of data generated by wildlife rescue centers to enhance early warning systems, inform biosecurity policies, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Ultimately, integrated disease monitoring will improve our capacity to detect, predict, and prevent infectious threats while safeguarding both biodiversity and public health. Furthermore, rescue centers play a pivotal role in collaborative research, public health preparation, and policy development, serving as essential hubs within the national disease control system.
Background: Heat stress during summer impairs reproductive performance in sows, causing summer infertility. Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) plays a crucial role in steroid hormone metabolism in the liver and has been shown to be upregulated under stress conditions. However, the effect of seasonal heat stress on CYP1A2 expression in sow ovaries remains poorly understood. Methods: Ovaries were collected from crossbred sows during different seasons in Korea. The control group (CON) was exposed to optimal temperatures for swine rearing (22.0-24.5℃) during spring, while the heat-stressed group (HS) experienced high temperatures (30.5-37.0℃) during summer. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated to assess thermal stress severity. CYP1A2 expression was analyzed using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and these values were statistically compared with THI by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: The HS exhibited significantly higher THI values compared to the CON (88.11 vs. 66.67). Western blot analysis revealed significant upregulation of CYP1A2 expression in the HS compared to CON (1.89 vs. 1.00). IHC demonstrated that CYP1A2 was specifically localized in granulosa cells of mature follicles, with a significantly higher proportion of CYP1A2-positive follicles in the HS (15.92%) compared to CON (9.08%). When the obtained values were compared with THI values, CYP1A2 expression showed a strong positive correlation with THI (r = 0.41 and 0.74). Conclusions: This study revealed that heat stress can alter the ovarian microenvironment, including the expression of CYP1A2. These findings emphasize the need for effective thermal management strategies to mitigate heat stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in livestock production.
To address the issues of slow magnetization current tracking speed, prolonged magnetization time, and low accuracy during magnetic particle testing of ship castings, forgings, and welded components, this study designed a high-precision rapid current tracking control system. By integrating the predictive characteristics of the Newton interpolation algorithm with the robustness of PID control, a compound control algorithm with a pre-judgment mechanism was developed. An innovative three-phase zero-crossing detection circuit architecture was also implemented, combining high-speed A/D converters and CS5460 chips to optimize current tracking methods, resolving the conflict between initial tracking phase deviation and dynamic process overshoot in conventional approaches. Experimental results demonstrated that this method significantly improves magnetization speed, achieving target current tracking within 0.5 seconds with errors below 2%, meeting the design requirements for non-destructive testing in ship welding applications.
Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises(SMEs) have traditionally relied on skilled labor to support multi-variety, small-batch production. However, demographic changes such as low birth rates and aging populations have led to severe labor shortages, prompting increased interest in collaborative robots(cobots) as a viable alternative. Despite this necessity, many SMEs continue to face significant challenges in implementing such technologies due to technical, organizational, and environmental(TOE) constraints. While prior research has mainly focused on technology adoption from the perspective of user organizations, this study adopts a differentiated approach by analyzing adoption factors from the perspective of smart factory experts—specifically, evaluators/mentors and solution providers—who play a critical role in Korea’s policy-driven smart manufacturing environment. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP), the study evaluates the relative importance and prioritization of adoption factors across three dimensions: technology, organization, and environment. Survey data collected from 20 smart factory experts indicate that top management support, relative advantage, and safety are key determinants in cobot adoption. Furthermore, the findings reveal that organizational readiness and technical effectiveness have greater influence on implementation decisions than external pressures such as partner pressure. This study provides new insights by incorporating expert perspectives into the adoption framework and offers practical policy and managerial implications to support cobots implementation in the SMEs.
Porcine edema disease (ED) is an enterotoxemia of pigs caused by Escherichia coli that produces Stx2e. In this study, the protective efficacy of a recombinant modified Stx2e toxoid was evaluated as a vaccine candidate against ED in piglets. The recombinant Stx2e toxoid was expressed and purified using a commercial E. coli expression system. A total of 25 piglets were used and divided into 5 groups (A to E), with 5 piglets in each group. All piglets (except those in group A) were intramuscularly immunized at 5 days of age (0 weeks post prime immunization; 0 WPPI) and again at 3 weeks of age (2 WPPI). Group B piglets were inoculated with sterile PBS, while groups C to E were immunized with 25 μg/piglet, 50 μg/piglet, and 100 μg/piglet of the recombinant toxoid, respectively. All piglets in groups B to E were orally challenged with virulent wild-type Stx2e⁺ F18⁺ E. coli isolates at 5 weeks of age (4 WPPI). Serum IgG titers in groups D and E were significantly increased from 2 WPPI until the end of the study. Furthermore, no clinical signs were observed in groups A and E during the 7 days following the challenge, while clinical signs of ED were observed in 80%, 60%, and 20% of piglets in groups B, C, and D, respectively. These results indicate that intramuscular vaccination with 100 μg/piglet of the recombinant modified Stx2e toxoid can provide effective protection against ED in piglets.
목적 : 본 연구는 사진 계측법과 스마트 센터링 장치 계측법을 사용하여 누진 굴절력 렌즈 처방을 위한 누진대 길이와 매개변수 측정에 활용할 수 있는 자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 방법 : 사진 계측 장치를 이용하여 누진 굴절력 렌즈 처방에 필요한 매개변수인 광학 중심점 높이, 정점 간 거 리, 경사각, 안면각을 측정하였다. 또한 근거리 작업 자세를 분석하여 누진대 길이 처방에 참고 값으로 활용할 수 있는 하방 안구 이동량을 산출하였다. 이후 측정한 매개변수와 하방 안구 이동량을 스마트 센터링 장치를 이용하여 측정한 값과 비교하였다. 결과 : 원거리 및 근거리에서 나안으로 광원을 인지할 수 있는 시력 이상의 성인 남녀 25명을 대상으로 하였다. 사진 계측법을 이용하여 산출한 하방 안구 이동량은 평균 10.12±3.33 mm로 측정되었으며, 작업 거리가 짧아질수 록 길게 측정되었다(r=-0.418, p<0.050). 사진 계측법과 스마트 센터링 장치 측정법의 매개변수 측정값을 비교한 결과, 원거리 및 근거리 작업 거리에서 단안과 양안의 동공 중심 간 거리와 안면각은 통계학적으로 유의한 차이가 없었으나(p>0.050) 수직적인 머리 움직임에 영향을 많이 받는 광학 중심점 높이, 정점 간 거리, 경사각은 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.050). 하방 안구 이동량은 스마트 센터링 장치로 측정한 값이 9.67±1.99 mm로 사진 계측법 으로 측정한 값보다 0.46±3.35 mm 더 작게 측정되었으나, 통계학적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다(p>0.050). 결론 : 본 연구는 근거리 작업 자세와 하방 안구 이동량을 분석하고 사진 계측법과 스마트 센터링 장치 측정법 을 비교하여 누진 굴절력 렌즈 처방에 필요한 누진대와 매개변수 측정에 대한 기초 자료를 제시하였다.
본 연구는 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관용 초화류 식물 선발을 위하여, 4종의 초본화훼식물(Zinnia elegans, Salvia splendens, Catharanthus roseus, Gomphrena globose )을 대상으로 무관 수 처리에 따른 내건성을 구명하고자 실시하였다. 4종 식물의 영구위조점을 알아본 결과, 무관수 후 백일초가 23일째 가장 먼저 고사하였고, 그 다음으로 살비아는 29일째, 일일초는 51일 째, 천일홍은 61일째에 고사하였다. 무관수 처리에 따른 4종의 용적수분함량 변화를 비교한 결과, 용적수분함량은 무관수 이후 지속적으로 감소하였고, 용적수분함량이 0%에 도달한 것은 백 일초가 무관수 16일째로 가장 빨랐으며, 그 다음으로 살비아 25일, 일일초 35일, 천일홍 40일 순으로 나타났다. 4종의 지상 부생체중의 감소율을 영구위조점에서 보았을 때 4종의 식물중 백일초의 감소율이 가장 높았고, 그 다음은 살비아, 천일홍, 일일초 순으로 높게 나타났다. 또한 지상부와 지하부 건물중의 증가율은 일일초가 가장 높았으며 통계적으로 유의하였다. 무관 수 처리에 따른 광합성 형광 변수 중 하나인 Fv/Fm 측정 결과, 백일초는 일시위조점인 15일째부터 감소하였고, 살비아는 무관 수 29일째, 일일초는 37일째, 천일홍은 43일째부터 감소하였 으며, 통계적으로 유의하였다. 무관수 처리에 따른 4종의 각 개체별 측정된 식생지수의 변화를 알아본 결과, 정규식생지수 (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI), 광화학 반사율 지수(photochemical reflectance index, PRI), 안토 시아닌 반사율 지수(anthocyanin Reflectance Index, ARI) 가 무관수 기간동안 백일초, 살비아보다 일일초, 천일홍이 장기 간 건강한 잎의 범위에 속하였다. 본 연구결과를 종합해 볼 때, 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관용 식물 선정 시 거리화단의 수분관 리 측면을 고려한다면 무관수 처리 후 약 50-60여 일간 생존하 여 내건성이 강한 것으로 나타난 일일초, 천일홍이 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관 조성 시 적용 가능성이 매우 높은 식물로 판단되었다. 거리화단 화훼경관 조성 후 물관리가 어려운 거리 화단 화훼경관의 지속적인 유지, 관리에 대한 어려움이 부각되 어왔다. 따라서 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관용 식물의 다양한 적용 및 관리를 위해서는 향후 보다 많은 식물종을 대상으로 한 실험뿐만 아니라 식물 내에서 품종 간의 비교에 대한 후속 연구도 필요한 것으로 생각되었다.
Oral language comprehension (OLC) and vocabulary depth are widely recognized as key predictors of reading comprehension. However, research has either provided a limited representation of OLC or failed to acknowledge the distinctive predictive nature of vocabulary depth. This study investigates the combined contributions of OLC, conceptualized as a unified composite of foundational language variables and compares its effects on reading comprehension to vocabulary depth, while accounting for writing abilities. A total of 169 advanced Korean university EFL students were tested on listening comprehension, grammar knowledge, vocabulary breadth, vocabulary depth, and reading comprehension in English. SEM analyses revealed that both OLC and vocabulary depth made unique contributions to reading comprehension, with OLC demonstrating relatively stronger predictive power. Writing abilities did not show significant effects when OLC and vocabulary depth were considered in the same model. These findings underscore the independent predictive roles of OLC and vocabulary depth in L2 reading comprehension and highlight the importance of integrating these constructs into EFL pedagogical practices.