This study explores the operational challenges of emerging fashion designers in South Korea through in-depth interviews. The findings reveal significant challenges across key components of brand operation: product and image development, production, sales, promotion, and finance. Designers sought to express original narratives through their collections each season but encounter significant obstacles, such as limited production capacity, lack of marketing resources, and financial instability. Small order volumes hinder securing manufacturers, forcing designers to reinvest most revenue into sample development, with little left for labor or growth. Based on these insights, the study proposes three strategies to strengthen designer brand growth. First, it is necessary to ensure the efficient operation of numerous institutions and associations in Korea through systematic and continuous support at each stage of their programs. Each institution and association should independently run their own separate support programs to improve their expertise, optimizing the government’s limited budget. Second, adopting an agency model for emerging fashion designers, similar to entertainment agencies, can be effective. In this model, agency-affiliated celebrities act as muses for clothing lines and merchandise, enhancing sales via strategic promotion and marketing while encouraging mutual growth through revenue sharing. Third, the Korean fashion designer industry’s distribution structure needs reform.

This study examines how key components of science communication are embedded within science museum exemplary exhibits and identifies exhibit design strategies that enhance their educational and communicative impact. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks in experiential and socially mediated learning, the research explores how exhibit design can facilitate visitor engagement with science communication. To identify strategies that promote effective science communication, the researcher conducted field observations at five science museums in the United States and Germany. Exhibits were selected based on science and technology content and their alignment with at least three of six established components of science communication: concept, interest, enjoyment, nature of science (NOS), opinion, and awareness. Data were collected through photographic documentation and qualitative analysis of exhibit features and visitor interactions. Findings identified thirty exhibit design strategies that enrich science communication in museum, with the most effective being scientists’ work, models, nature of science, science-technology-society, and varied tools. Other strategies such as comparisons, inquiry, hands-on activities, history, questioning, metaphors, dioramas, and aesthetic elements also enhance concepts, interest, engagement, NOS, and opinion. This study contributes to the literature on science communication and museum education by offering a practical framework for exhibit design that promotes inclusive and impactful public engagement with science. Implications are offered for museum professionals, exhibit developers, and science educators seeking to align exhibit content with visitors’ diverse motivations, identities, and learning needs.

This study aimed to validate the Revised Systems Thinking Measuring Instrument (Re-STMI) for high school and university students and examine the differences between the two groups. Data were collected from 475 high school students and 340 university students. Analyses were conducted using the Rating Scale Model of Item Response Theory and traditional Classical Test Theory methods including internal consistency reliability and independent-sample t-tests. The findings are as follows: First, the Rating Scale Model analysis indicated that students with higher levels of systems thinking were more likely to choose the highest score (5) for each item, and the item distribution exhibited a normal pattern around the mean item difficulty. Average systems thinking ability was higher among university students (1.21) than among high school students (0.94). Second, Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis showed that the items functioned equivalently across the two groups. Third, the internal consistency reliability of the instrument, based on Classical Test Theory, was high (Cronbach’s = .866). Additionally, the independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores between the groups (p< .001). Based on these results, the instrument was verified to be valid through both Item Response Theory and Classical Test Theory frameworks. Therefore, the Re-STMI can be utilized in future research on systems thinking in various educational contexts.

In response to the growing demand for deeper and transferable learning in an increasingly complex knowledge society, the 2022 Revised Science Curriculum of Korea introduced “core ideas” as a structural foundation to promote conceptual understanding. Aligned with Understanding by Design (UbD) and concept-based curriculum models, these revisions aim to enhance competency-based learning and support interdisciplinary application. However, conceptual ambiguity surrounding the meaning and implementation of core ideas has posed significant challenges for teachers. We investigated how science teachers understand and interpret core ideas, design and implement inquiry-based instruction, and assess students' process skills, values, and attitudes. In-depth focus group interviews were conducted with twelve in-service secondary school science teachers to examine their pedagogical reasoning and curriculum enactment practices within the 2022 revised curriculum. Findings indicate that teachers recognize the potential of core ideas as powerful, generalizable concepts that foster integration and real-world relevance. Nonetheless, they reported difficulties in redesigning units, facilitating open-ended inquiry, and assessing affective learning outcomes. Teachers emphasized the need for clearer guidance on implementing core ideas, professional development focused on inquiry facilitation, and diverse tools for assessing students’ scientific values and ethical reasoning. The study concludes with practical strategies to strengthen curricular coherence and instructional alignment, including structured examples of core ideas, building teachers’ competency for inquiry-oriented pedagogy, and reinforcing process-based assessment practices.

This study investigated the current research trends related to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into science education by analyzing 106 domestic and international research papers published between 2020 and 2025. The analysis categorized the studies according to research stage, topic, methodology, educational subject, and keyword frequency. The results indicate that most research is conceptual and theoretical, focusing on understanding the role of AI and developing educational materials, with limited large-scale empirical or curriculum integration studies. Research is methodologically early stage, predominantly design-based, and exploratory, with a notable lack of studies addressing expanded applications and long-term impacts. Curriculum development is active but incomplete; while AI technology advances rapidly, it often outpaces pedagogical adaptation. Teachers and students’ readiness for AI integration has been identified as a critical gap in emerging training models. Additionally, research on Earth Science Education in the context of AI remains sparse. These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive, empirical, and application-focused research to effectively incorporate AI into science education across all disciplines.

The catalyst materials 0N-Cu-MOF, 1N-Cu-MOF, and 2N-Cu-MOF were successfully synthesized usinga solvothermal method, and using different concentrations of nitrogen-modified Cu organic frameworks (xN-Cu-MOF). Characterizations using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis showed that 1N-Cu-MOF had the largest SSA and pore size among the three materials synthesized. 1N-Cu-MOF exhibited the largest pore size and specific surface area among the three materials, which had a decisive effect on CO2 reduction. In addition, stability and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) activity were evaluated by linear sweep voltmeter, cyclic voltmeter, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and time flow tests. Faradaic efficiency (FE) was determined by product analysis. Among the three catalyst materials, 1N-Cu-MOF showed the best catalytic performance at 50 mA･cm-2 (maximum current density). The charge transfer resistance was 8.23 Ω, the average current density was 19.9 mA･cm-2, and the FE of methane (CH4) production showed a high efficiency of 70.45 % when tested for 12 h at an overpotential of -0.35 V (to-RHE).

Aluminum nitride (AlN) provides excellent thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, making it suitable for semiconductor heater applications. However, its low surface emissivity can lead to thermal energy loss, reducing heater efficiency. To address this issue, black AlN - obtained by doping with carbon and other impurities to enhance the surface emissivity - has recently been applied in various fields. In this study, black AlN was fabricated by adding TiO2 to AlN, and its densification behavior and electrical properties were evaluated to assess the feasibility of its use as a heater material for semiconductor photolithography. The sinterability of black AlN was improved by optimizing the granulation and forming conditions, with a particular focus on the heat treatment parameters that affect material properties such as color. Consequently, a black AlN heater material with a sintered density of 3.33 g/cm3, thermal conductivity of 162.7 W/m･K, and thermal diffusivity of 64.22 mm2/s was fabricated by optimizing the processing variables.

This study explores the pedagogical opportunities and instructional practices that emerge when elementary preservice teachers design science lessons using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Drawing on Chiu’s (2024) fourdomain model—Learning, Teaching, Assessment, and Administration—ten third-year pre-service teachers in South Korea participated in a four-week workshop using ChatGPT to design and refine Earth Science lessons aligned with the national curriculum. The participants documented their lesson planning, AI interactions, and reflections, producing qualitative data that were analyzed thematically. Findings show that participants identified various educational possibilities: GenAI supported idea generation and inquiry scaffolding (Learning), helped structure student-centered strategies (Teaching), improved formative assessments and clarified misconceptions (Assessment), and assisted with lesson preparation and time management (Administration). These possibilities translate into specific pedagogical practices, including revising teachercentered approaches to inquiry-based learning, developing scaffolded materials suited to students’ cognitive levels, and reflecting on their evolving roles as science educators. This study suggests that GenAI can act not merely as a tool but also as a catalyst for pedagogical reflection and professional growth. This highlights the need for teacher education programs to foster critical pedagogical reasoning and ethical AI literacy to ensure thoughtful and responsible use of GenAI in science classrooms.

This paper evaluates the effect of two kinds of recycled coarse aggregate with different sized particles on the performance of concrete. The test program is introduced, which investigated the compressive strength, axial compressive strength, the mass loss rate of concrete specimens after a freeze-thaw cycle and dynamic elasticity modulus change. The results show that the mechanical properties of the concrete decreased when it was prepared with recycled aggregate having the same size as that of the natural aggregates. The strength of the concrete with large-size recycled aggregate increased, and then decreased as the blend proportion rose above 50%. The strength of concrete incorporating oversized recycled aggregates exhibited a trend of rising and then falling with increasing mixing ratio. The 28-day compressive strength reached 45Mpa when the mixing amount was 50%. The durability of the large-size recycled aggregate was also found to improve compared with the freezing and thawing cycle experiments. These results provide a reference for research on the performance of recycled aggregate concrete.

본 연구는 GNSS 기반 위치추적기를 부착한 큰고니(Cygnus cygnus) 12개체를 대상으로 2024년 12월부터 2025년 3월까지 낙동강 하구에서의 월동 행동권 및 북상 전 내륙 이동 특성을 분석하였다. 총 21,721개의 유효 좌표 데이터를 활용하여 Minimum Convex Polygon(MCP) 및 Kernel Density Estimation(KDE) 분석을 수행하였고, 월별 공간 이용 및 핵심 서식지 변화 양상을 파악하였다. 전체 평균 행동권 면적은 MCP 기준 113.38±251.36 ㎢, KDE 95% 기준 39.55±71.30 ㎢, KDE 50% 기준 7.21±12.19 ㎢로 나타났으며, 낙동강 하구 내 자료만 적용시 평균 면적은 각각 25.99 ㎢ (MCP), 12.72 ㎢ (KDE 95%), 2.81 ㎢ (KDE 50%)로 감소하였다. 대부분 개체는 을숙도, 맥도생태공원, 삼락생태공 원 및 백합등 등 특정 지역을 집중 이용하며 높은 서식지 충성도를 보였고, 일부 개체는 3월 중 주남저수지(창원), 해평천(구미) 등으로 단기 내륙 이동으로 북상 전 에너지 확보 또는 탐색 활동을 수행하였다. 특히, 2~3월에는 공간 이용 범위가 점차 확대되었고 핵심 서식지는 을숙도에서 맥도생태공원으로 이동하는 양상이 관찰되었다. 본 연구 결과는 낙동강 하구가 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로(EAAF) 상의 핵심 월동지이자 중간기착지로서 기능하고 있음을 실증하였 고 서식지 보호, 먹이 제공 정책, HPAI 대응 등 실질적인 보전 전략 수립에 필요한 자료로 활용될 것으로 기대된다

Water resources are a core component of Earth Science Education, and scientific modeling can be used to enhance students’ understanding of water resources. With recent shifts internationally toward standards-based science teaching and learning, researchers have noted the need for a deeper understanding of how teachers use curricula. The purpose of this study is to examine how science teachers interact with the curriculum and help better determine the role teachers’ conceptions of the curriculum play in how they implement the curriculum in teaching water resources. The concept of ‘curriculum use’ relates to the ways in which a teacher interacts with and is influenced by material resources constructed to support instruction. Further, this study focused on teachers’ perceptions of their role within the teachercurriculum relationship, where these might range from that of an enactor of a planned curriculum to that of a collaborator with curriculum materials, to better understand how their notions influence their curriculum use. Three teachers were purposely selected for a post-curriculum implementation interview following a professional development workshop with 21 science teachers. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Finally, in the context of the implementation of the curriculum, a better understanding of teachers’ experiences and interactions with the curriculum emerged which highlighted how curriculum resource designs can be improved to take advantage of how teachers work with curriculum materials.

This study investigated the effects of oxidative firing parameters and raw material characteristics on the pelletization of Australian and Minh Son (Vietnam) iron ore concentrates. The influence of firing temperature (1050°C–1150°C) and holding time (15–120 min) on pellet compressive strength was examined, focusing on microstructural changes during consolidation. Green pellets were prepared using controlled particle size distributions and bentonite as a binder. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed that grain boundary diffusion, liquid phase formation, and densification significantly improved mechanical strength. X-ray diffraction confirmed the complete oxidation of magnetite to hematite at elevated temperatures, a critical transformation for metallurgical performance. Optimal firing conditions for both single and blended ore compositions yielded compressive strengths above 250 kgf/pellet, satisfying the requirements for blast furnace applications. These results provide valuable guidance for improving pellet production, promoting the efficient utilization of diverse ore types, and enhancing the overall performance of ironmaking operations.

This study investigates how long-term changes in mesoscale wind systems have influenced near-surface PM10 concentrations in central Korea, focusing on Chungcheongbuk-do (Chungbuk Province) during spring from 2000 to 2024. Observational data reveal a nationwide decline in near-surface wind speeds, particularly during spring in the 2010s. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis of 850 hPa wind speed anomalies indicates that this weakening trend is linked to synoptic-scale atmospheric variability over the East Asia-North Pacific region. As transboundary contributions of PM10, particularly from eastern China, have declined in recent years, the role of mesoscale wind patterns in shaping local PM10 concentrations in central Korea has become increasingly significant. To assess the influence of weakened mesoscale winds, two contrasting years were analyzed: 2011, marked by anomalously strong winds, and 2023, characterized by anomalously weak winds. Eulerian PM10 flux convergence (PMFC) analysis revealed a shift from divergence-driven dispersion in 2011 to weak PM10 convergence and accumulation in 2023. Despite these stagnant conditions in 2023, PM10 concentrations continued to decline in both Chungbuk and across Korea, underscoring the dominant effect of anthropogenic emission reductions. These findings suggest that although weakened wind conditions can limit pollutant dispersion, sustained emission control measures remain effective in improving air quality.

The development of high-performance metal filters is essential for maintaining ultra-clean environments in semiconductor manufacturing. In this study, cross-sealed honeycomb filters were fabricated using STS316L powder via material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM) for semiconductor gas filtration. The effects of filter geometry (4 or 9 channels) and sintering temperature (850°C, 950°C, or 1,050°C) on performance were examined. First, 4-channel and 9-channel filters sintered at the same temperature (950°C) exhibited similar porosities of 50.08% and 50.57%, but the 9-channel filter showed a higher pressure-drop (0.26 bar) and better filtration-efficiency (3.55 LRV) than the 4-channel filter (0.19 bar and 3.25 LRV, respectively). Second, for filters with the same geometry (4-channel) increasing the sintering temperature reduced porosity from 64.52% to 40.33%, while the pressure-drop increased from 0.13 bar to 0.22 bar and filtration-efficiency improved from 2.53 LRV to 3.51 LRV. These findings demonstrate that filter geometry and sintering temperature are key factors governing the trade-off between air permeability, pressure-drop, and filtration efficiency. This work provides insights and data for optimizing MEAM-based high-performance metal powder filter design.

Among various contributors to urban heat islands, anthropogenic heat flux (AHF) plays a particularly important role during cold waves due to increased energy demand. In this study, we examined the urban weather characteristics of the Seoul Metropolitan Area, as simulated by an urban canopy model, through an AHF sensitivity experiment for the region during a cold wave. We used the Weather Research and Forecasting-Urban Canopy Model (WRF-UCM) with prescribed AHF values for January 2017 to conduct the experiment. Sensitivity experiments were conducted with AHF scaled to 0, 1, 2, and 4 times the baseline value. The model underestimated the air temperature and relative humidity by about 1 o C and 20%, respectively, and overestimated the wind speed by 1.5ms1 without AHF. Doubling the anthropogenic heat flux led to a notable decrease in the root mean square error and mean bias error, particularly for temperature. These results suggest that, to more accurately reproduce urban weather conditions, larger amounts of anthropogenic heat flux should be prescribed during extreme cold events.

This study presents a cost-effective approach to fabricating near β-Ti alloys via in-situ alloying during laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). A blend of non-spherical pure Ti, 3 wt.% Fe, and 0.1 wt.% SiO2 nanoparticles was used to induce β-phase stabilization and improve flowability. Twenty-five process conditions were evaluated across a volumetric energy density range of 31.75-214.30 J/mm3, achieving a maximum relative density of 99.21% at 89.29 J/mm3. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the β-Ti phase was partially retained at room temperature, accompanied by lattice contraction in the α’-Ti structure, indicating successful Fe incorporation. Elemental mapping confirmed that the Fe distribution was homogeneous, without significant segregation. Compared to pure Ti, the Ti-3Fe sample exhibited a 49.2% increase in Vickers hardness and notable improvements in yield and ultimate tensile strengths. These results demonstrate the feasibility of in-situ alloying with low-cost elemental powders to produce high-performance near β-Ti alloys using L-PBF.

This study examined process–structure relationships in laser powder bed fusion of Al0.1CoCrFeNi + Cu composites, focusing on densification, elemental distribution, and solidification cracking. Mechanically mixed Al0.1CoCrFeNi and Cu powders were processed across a range of laser powers (100–250 W) and scan speeds (200–800 mm/s). Increased volumetric energy density (VED) improved densification, with a plateau near 200 J/mm3 yielding ~96% relative density; however, this value was still below application-grade thresholds. At low VED, insufficient thermal input and short melt pool residence times promoted Cu segregation, while higher VED facilitated improved elemental mixing. Elemental mapping showed partial co-segregation of Ni with Cu at low energies. Solidification cracks were observed across all processing conditions. In high VED regimes, cracking exhibited a minimal correlation with segregation behavior and was primarily attributed to steep thermal gradients, solidification shrinkage, and residual stress accumulation. In contrast, at low VED, pronounced Cu segregation appeared to exacerbate cracking through localized thermal and mechanical mismatch.

Optically Adaptive System for Imaging Spectroscopy (OASIS) 3D data of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in the central 10''.48''.3 (2.92.3 kpc2) region of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1358 were analyzed. Emission line maps for H at 6563 Å and H at 4861 Å were obtained from the OASIS spectra in the 4800-5500 and 6220-6990 Å wavelength regions. Density distribution, as indicated by the H/H flux ratio, is 105.5 cm3 at the center and 104.4-106.0 cm3 surrounding the center. An elliptical region with a density of 105.5-105.8 cm-3 (perpendicular to the bar's position angle, PA) was discovered at symmetrical locations approximately 1.2-2.0 arcsec and 1.1-1.9 arcsec south east (SE) and north west (NW), respectively, of the center along the bar (PA=130o) axis. A lower-density region (appearing as a void) also existed between the center and this symmetrical structure. The high F(H)/F(H) flux ratio values and the distribution of line widths suggest a region with high-density neutral hydrogen gas. The H flux image and linewidth, and F(H)/F(H) flux ratio image maps suggest presence of a substructure associated with a supermassive black hole at the galactic center, as well as independent structures with relatively strong fluxes in the SE and NW regions. The SE structure is delineated as one substantial substructure, whereas the NW substructure appears broken, or is potentially two separate structures, due to dust shielding. The regions have an independent boundary layer with a density exceeding 106.0cm3 toward the center, likely resulting from collision of the structure flowing along the bar with the Inner Lindblad resonance zone.

활성슬러지 생물반응기 내 핵심 미생물군은 하수처리장에서 미생물 군집이 수행하는 생태학적 역할을 이해하는 데 중요한 기반이 된다. 본 연구에서는 이러한 핵심 미생물군의 생태학적 중요성을 규명하기 위해, 한국과 중국에 위치한 6개의 실규모 하수처리장에서 채취한 총 39개의 시료를 대상으로 고효율 염기서열 분석 기반의 미생물 군집 분석을 수행하였다. 분석 결과, 각각의 하수처리장에서 관찰된 미생물 군집 변동성은 하수처리장 간의 변동성보다 낮은 패치 동역학이 관찰되었다. 이 결과는 핵심 미생물군이 공간적 스케일보다는 시간적 스케일에서 정의될 수 있음을 보여준다. 또한, 미생물의 기능적 동역학을 비교한 결과, 하수처리장 전반에 걸쳐 통계적으로 유사한 기능적 대사경로가 관찰되었으며, 이는 활성슬러지 생물반응기 내 미생물 군집이 분류학적으로 상이하더라도 유사한 기능을 수행하고 있음을 시사한다. 종합적으로, 본 연구는 하수처리장 미생물 군집의 기능적 중복성에 대한 통찰력을 제공한다.

This study aimed to improve safety and reduce labor intensity in offshore crab pot fisheries through the development of six types of automated fishing gear: a bait cutter, bait crusher, mainline arranging device, automatic pot hauler, cold water tank system, and crab pot unloading device. Sea trials demonstrated that both the bait cutter and bait crusher effectively reduced overall operation time. The mainline arranging device lowered the risk of injury compared to the conventional manual handling. The automatic pot hauler enabled the automated separation of crab pots, significantly decreasing the physical workload. The cold water tank system facilitated the efficient sorting of live crabs while enhancing onboard safety. Additionally, the crab pot unloading device reduced physical strain on workers and minimized catch damage. A satisfaction survey revealed high levels of approval among fishers, particularly regarding labor reduction and improved safety. Economic analysis indicated that vessels equipped with the automated gear experienced reduced overall operating costs. These findings suggest that the developed technologies will contribute to the long-term sustainability and modernization of offshore crab pot fisheries.