This study was conducted to investigate changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, nutrient content, and microbial communities of fresh and heat-treated Holstein colostrum collected from a colostrum bank operated by a local agricultural technology center in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. Of the 16 colostrum samples, 8 were heated at 60℃ for 30 min under a pressure of 0.9–1 bar. The colostrum samples were stored at −70℃ until use, at which time they were thawed at 50–55℃ in a water bath to analyze IgG levels, chemical composition, and microbiome, which was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq-PE250 platform. The IgG concentrations were similar in fresh and heat-treated colostrum. The fat, protein, and lactose contents also did not differ in these samples. However, somatic cell count (SCC) was lower in heat-treated colostrum than those in fresh colostrum (p<0.05). At the phylum level for the microbiome of fresh colostrum, Proteobacteria (44.16%) was the most abundant taxa, followed by Bacteroidota (33.26%), Firmicutes (10.04%), Actinobacteriota (7.14%), and a marginal difference in the order of abundance was observed in heat-treated colostrum. At the genus level, bacteria belonging to Sphingomonas, Delftia, Ochrobactrum, Simplicispira, and Lactobacillus were more abundant (p<0.05) in the heat-treated colostrum, while the abundance of Acinetobacter in the fresh colostrum was four times more (p<0.05) than that in the heat-treated colostrum. Our results demonstrated that heating does not affect IgG level and colostrum composition but reduces SCC (p<0.05), suggesting that heat-treated colostrum can potentially be put to further use (e.g., feeding Hanwoo calves) without compromising its quality. Differences in the microbiome between the fresh and heat-treated colostrum were limited. Further studies are required to extensively investigate the quality and safety of colostrum collected from dairy farms to ensure better utilization and processing at a local agricultural technology center.

Probiotics have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment in an increasing number of studies. This study investigated the inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of specific Lactobacillus strains on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29). The strains assessed were Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri VA 102, Ligilactobacillus (L.) animalis VA 105, and Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri KCTC 3594 (ATCC 23272). The viability of HT-29 cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. The findings revealed that cell-free supernatants (CFS) exhibited significant anticancer effects. Heat-inactivated L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri KCTC 3594 induced a pronounced reduction in cell viability. Furthermore, live cultures of L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri VA 102 also showed reduced cell viability compared to the control group. These results suggest that CFS and heat-inactivated cells may be more suitable for therapeutic applications than live bacteria owing to their improved safety profiles and reduced potential for adverse effects. Our findings also emphasize the potential anticancer benefits of these LAB strains.

본 연구는 한국 관속식물 적색목록(Korean National Red List)을 기준으로 정보부족(Date Deficient, DD) 종으로 분류되 어 있는 한반도 고유 식물 변산향유(Elsholtzia byeonsanensis M. Kim)의 유전자원 보존과 원예적 활용을 위해 수행되었다. 종자의 발아를 위한 적정 조건을 알아보고자 종자의 기본 특성 을 조사하고 수분 흡수율을 조사하였으며 온도, 광조건, 저온 습윤 처리, GA3 처리에 따른 발아 특성을 조사하였다. 종자의 내･외부 형태를 관찰하였을 때 완전히 성숙한 배를 가지고 있어, 형태적 휴면(morphological dormancy, MD)은 없다고 판단 하였다. 또한 수분 흡수 실험의 결과 3시간 만에 80%를 초과하 였기에 물리적 휴면(physical dormancy, PY)도 없다고 판단 하였다. 4, 15/6, 20/10, 25/15℃의 4가지 온도에서 종자 발아 를 관찰하였을 때 발아율은 각각 23.37, 71.24, 72.16, 70.93% 였다. 광조건을 달리하여 25/15℃에 배양하였을 때, 명조건에 서 암조건 보다 발아율 유의하게 높았다(p<0.001). 4℃에서 0, 4, 8, 12주간 저온 습윤 처리 후 25/15℃에 배양하였을 때, 발아율이 각각 63.75, 76.28, 83.33, 75.01%로 8주간 저온 습윤 처리 한 종자의 발아율이 가장 높았다(p<0.05). 또한 저온 습윤 처리를 한 종자는 저온 습윤 처리 기간 중에도 발아하는 모습이 관찰되며 발아소요일수가 단축되었다. 그러나 GA3를 0, 10, 100, 1000mg·L-1의 농도로 종자에 처리하였을 때, 농도에 따른 발아소요일수와 발아율의 유의한 차이는 없었다. 따라서 변산향유 종자는 대부분 비휴면(non-darmanct, ND) 종자이 나 일부 적정 조건에서도 발아하지 않은 종자의 경우, 개체군 수준에서 휴면이 있을 수 있다. 또한 종자의 발아 특성은 기존의 동일 속이나 종 내의 연구 결과와 다를 수 있음을 고려해야한다.

Background: Evaluating embryo quality is crucial for the success of in vitro fertilization procedures. Traditional methods, such as the Gardner grading system, rely on subjective human assessment of morphological features, leading to potential inconsistencies and errors. Artificial intelligence-powered grading systems offer a more objective and consistent approach by reducing human biases and enhancing accuracy and reliability. Methods: We evaluated the performance of five convolutional neural network architectures—EfficientNet-B0, InceptionV3, ResNet18, ResNet50, and VGG16— in grading blastocysts into five quality classes using only embryo images, without incorporating clinical or patient data. Transfer learning was applied to adapt pretrained models to our dataset, and data augmentation techniques were employed to improve model generalizability and address class imbalance. Results: EfficientNet-B0 outperformed the other architectures, achieving the highest accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and F1-score across all evaluation metrics. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping was used to interpret the models’ decision-making processes, revealing that the most successful models predominantly focused on the inner cell mass, a critical determinant of embryo quality. Conclusions: Convolutional neural networks, particularly EfficientNet-B0, can significantly enhance the reliability and consistency of embryo grading in in vitro fertilization procedures by providing objective assessments based solely on embryo images. This approach offers a promising alternative to traditional subjective morphological evaluations.

Humic acids (HA), with their irregular polymeric structures and largely existing in grassland, present challenges in quality control due to significant variations in biological activities depending on extraction sources. To address this, we explored industrial byproducts as potential alternatives mimicking HA-like bioactivities. This study evaluates sulfite lignin, a byproduct of the pulp industry, as an eco-friendly biostimulant for enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance. Sulfite lignin demonstrated HA-like bioactivities, promoting seed germination and salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Germination assays revealed that sulfite lignin significantly improved radicle and cotyledon emergence, particularly at low concentrations (8.6 mg L⁻¹), outperforming HA and kraft lignin. Additionally, under salt stress conditions, sulfite lignin-treated plants exhibited healthier phenotypes and maintained higher chlorophyll content compared to control treatments, similar to HA and kraft lignin. The findings highlight sulfite lignin as a promising, sustainable, and cost-effective biofertilizer, effectively replicating HA's biological functions while leveraging industrial byproducts.

목적 : 근시 교정용 비구면렌즈를 대상으로 중심 두께와 굴절률 및 굴절력 그리고 직경이 가장자리 두께와 무게에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 비교하고 분석하고자 하였다. 방법 : 시중에 판매되고 있는 근시 교정용 렌즈를 굴절률(1.56~1.74)과 굴절력(-3.00~-8.00 D)별로 252개를 대상으로 선정하였다. 굴절률과 굴절력별로 40.00, 50.00 및 60.00 mm 직경 크기로 평산각 가공하여 가장자리 두께와 무게를 측정하여 그 결과를 비교 분석하였다. 결과 : 가장자리 두께는 직경이 1.00 mm 증가하였을 때 0.11 mm 증가하고 굴절력이 –1.00 D 증가하였을 때 0.50 mm 증가하며 굴절률이 한 단계 높아질 때 0.24 mm 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 무게는 직경이 1.00 mm 증가 하였을 때 0.42 g 증가하고 굴절력이 –1.00 D 증가하였을 때 0.75 g 증가하며 굴절률이 한 단계 높아질 때 0.08 g 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 가장자리 두께와 무게와의 인과관계는 직경이 가장 크고, 굴절력, 굴절률, 중심 두께 순으 로 나타났으며 가장자리 두께가 1.00 mm 증가하면 무게는 2.57 g 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 근시안을 비구면렌즈로 교정하고자 할 때, 굴절이상도와 안경렌즈 각 요소와의 관계를 고려하여 안경렌 즈를 선택하면 가장자리 두께 및 무게 감소에 도움이 되리라 사료된다.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth of ASEAN countries. This study also discovered impacts of other factors such as labor force, trade openness, gross fixed capital formation, domestic credit, and pandemic on economic growth. We used country panel data during the period of 1998-2021 from nine ASEAN countries including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Data were collected from world development indicators of the World Bank and UNCTAD database. Estimation results from fixed effects models showed a consistency in terms of impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth between two outputs (GDP per capita and national GDP). This study found that foreign direct investment had a positive and significant effect on economic growth in the ASEAN region. Moreover, control factors also impacted economic growth positively, except for COVID- 19 v ariable, w hich h ad a n egative impact. Labor force had the strongest impact, followed by gross fixed capital formation, COVID-19, and bank credit. Based on these results, some implications for ASEAN policymakers are suggested.

In this study, an simultaneous LC-MS/MS multi-residue analytical method was developed and validated for the residues of six neonicotinoid insecticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in honey. Sample preparation included a combination of QuEChERS extraction kit and liquid-liquid extraction method to effectively extract pesticide components from the honey matrix and optimized analytical conditions to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity. The limits of detection (LOD) and the limits of quantitation (LOQ) were set in the range of 6-15 ng/mL and 19-44 ng/mL, respectively and the correlation coefficient (R²) was greater than 0.99, confirming good linearity. In addition, the intra-day recoveries for each pesticide were 75-104%, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 20%, which met the guideline recommended by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The LC-MS/MS method developed in this study is expected to be used as a multi-residue analysis method for 6 neonicotinoid pesticides in honey.

조팝나무속 식물은 장미과에 속하는 다년생 관목으로 우리나 라 전역에 자생하는 한국 고유 식물이다. 조팝나무속 식물은 관상적으로나 약용적인 가치가 있는 중요한 자원 식물 중에 하나라고 여겨진다. 본 연구에서는 조팝나무속 식물 중 조팝나무 (Spiraea prunifolia), 꼬리조팝나무(S. salicfolia), 당조팝나무 (S. chinensis)를 대상종으로 선정하여 종자의 휴면타파와 발아 특성을 구명하였다. 종자의 내･외부 형태는 종자의 길이와 배형 태를 관찰하였으며, 조팝나무, 꼬리조팝나무, 당조팝나무 종자 의 길이는 각각 약 2.21, 2.86, 2.01mm로 나타났다. 조팝나무 는 변온 조건에서 25/15, 20/10, 15/6, 5℃ 처리에서 각각 100, 100, 100, 58.2%로 5주 이내에 최대발아률까지 도달하였 으며, 저온층적처리에서도 경우 0, 4, 8, 12주에서 각각 100.0, 93.3, 90.2, 84.4%로 모든 층적처리에서 발아율이 높게 나타났 다. 저온층적처리와 GA3의 농도처리별 통계적인 차이가 나타나 지 않았다. 당조팝나무에서도 조팝나무와 동일한 양상으로 변온 조건에서 모든 처리에서 5주 이내에 최대발아률(100%)까지 도달 하였으며, 0, 4, 8, 12주에서 각각 100.0, 100.0, 90.6, 90.6% 로 모든 처리에서 발아율이 높게 나타났으며, GA3의 농도처리 별 통계적인 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 하지만 꼬리조팝나무는 5주째에 25/15, 20/10, 15/6℃ 각 온도 범위에서 14.0, 16.5, 5% 정도 발아하여 발아율이 매우 저조했다. 처리 후 20주 정도 되었을 때 상대적으로 온도가 낮은 15/6, 20/10℃ 처리구에서 50% 이상으로 발아율이 향상되었다. 그리고 GA처리를 통해 발아율이 향상되었다. 위 결과로 보았을 때 조팝나무속 2종의 식물과 다르게 꼬리조팝나무는 휴면이 있다고 판단되며, 종자 발아온도 조건의 범위가 상대적으로 좁다고 판단된다. 따라서 조팝나무속 식물 3종 중에 조팝나무와 당조팝나무는 휴면이 없 다고 판단되며, 꼬리조팝나무는 생리적 휴면으로 분류하였으며, 세부적으로 non-deep의 휴면 유형을 가졌다고 판단된다.

본 연구는 페튜니아(Petunia×hybrida)의 내건성 증진을 위 해 스트레스 메모리 기작을 활용한 프라이밍 처리의 효과를 구명 하고자 하였다. 건조-회복 과정을 통한 프라이밍 처리를 4회 반복 수행하였고, 두 가지 프라이밍 강도(Priming1:물 100mL, Priming2: 물 50mL 관수 후 건조)를 적용한 후 5일 동안 건조스 트레스 조건에서 내성 증진 효과를 관찰하였다. 프라이밍 강도가 높은 Priming2 처리구에서 대조군에 비해 수명이 약 25시간 연장되었다. 이는 페튜니아가 스트레스 메모리 기작을 통해 건조 스트레스에 대한 내성을 높일 수 있음을 보여준다. 본 연구는 정원 식물의 환경 스트레스 내성을 증진시키기 위한 프라이밍 기술의 유용성을 확인하였으며, 향후 다양한 환경 스트레스 조건 에서의 프라이밍 효과를 평가함으로써 화훼식물의 내건성 증진 에 대한 실용적 기술 개발에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

Background: The ability of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to transduce various cell types with minimal immune responses renders them prominent vectors for gene editing (GE), with different AAV serotypes exhibiting distinct transduction efficiencies due to their specific cellular tropism. However, detailed molecular processes of AAV infection and penetration, as well as the optimal serotype for specific purposes, remain poorly understood. Porcine models are widely used in research benefitting both human and livestock due to anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. Methods: Transduction efficiencies of 18 AAV serotypes (AAV1–9, 6.2, rh10, DJ, DJ/8, PHP.eB, PHP.S, 2-retro, 2-QuadYF, and 2.7m8) were evaluated in immortalized porcine lung epithelial cells (pLCsImt) and pulmonary alveolar macrophages 3D4/31 (PAMs 3D4/31). Results: We found AAV2, DJ, and 2.7m8 to be the most effective in both cell types. The highest enhanced green fluorescent protein expression of 52.46 ± 2.4% in pLCsImt and 64.08 ± 2.4% in PAMs 3D4/31 was observed for AAV2, while negligible transduction was observed for AAV4, rh10, DJ, PHP.eB, PHP.S, and 2-retro. AAV-DJ showed superior transduction efficiency in PK-15, as compared to AAV2 and 2.7m8. Results emphasize the cell type-specific nature of AAV serotype transduction efficiencies. Notably, AAV2 was most effective in both lung and macrophage cells, whereas AAV-DJ was more effective in renal cells. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that AAV2 was identified as the most efficient serotype for transducing pLCsImt and PAMs 3D4/31, compare to the PK-15 cells. Understanding cell type-specific preferences of AAV serotypes offer crucial insight for tailoring AAV vectors to specific tissue and optimizing genome editing strategies, with potential implications for the advancement of personalized medicine and development of treatments for human and livestock.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a highly valued medicinal plant native to Aisa. Widely used as a spice, renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, clove bud extract (CBE) was prepared at different ethanol concentrations of 50%, 80%, and 90%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the CBE was evaluated through DPPH, polyphenol, and reducing power assays, revealing its strong antioxidant potential, with 90% ethanol being the most effective extract. HPLC analysis identified eugenol (8.7 mg/g) as the major active compound, known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Given the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD), the therapeutic potential of CBE was explored using a 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model. Five-week-old BALB/c mice were induced with AD by topical application of DNCB. CBE was administered topically to the affected skin (back and ear) areas for 4 weeks. The treatment of CBE significantly reduced the severity of clinical dermatitis, decreased epidermal thickness, and lowered mast cell and eosinophil infiltration in skin tissue, as observed through hematoxylin eosin staining and toluidine blue staining. The results demonstrated CBE as a promising therapeutic agent for managing AD through its regulation of skin inflammation and oxidative stress, making it a potential candidate for future treatments of inflammatory skin disorders.

Background: The increasing prevalence of smartphone use has been associated with musculoskeletal pain; however, the specific roles of demographic factors, smartphone usage time, posture, contents and state of addiction on pain in the upper-body regions remain unclear. Objects: This study investigated the influence of smartphone usage characteristics, including age, occupation, visual condition, duration, content, and posture, as well as smartphone addiction, on musculoskeletal pain in upper-body regions. This study aimed to comprehensively elucidate the factors contributing to the pain associated with smartphone use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 316 participants aged 20–59 years. Data on personal characteristics, smartphone use patterns, state of addiction (measured using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version), and musculoskeletal discomfort (Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire) were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of pain in different body regions. Results: Younger age (20–30 years), being housewives or students, and vision impairment (shortsightedness) significantly increased the likelihood of neck, shoulder, and hand pain. Prolonged smartphone use (7–10 hours daily) and gaming were strongly associated with elevated pain risk, whereas moderate usage (1–4 hours daily) may be protect against lumbar pain. Non-neutral postures, especially side lying, have emerged as critical risk factors, with left-side lying linked to hand pain and right-side lying linked to upper back pain. Smartphone addiction consistently predicted pain across all regions by amplifying physical strain through prolonged engagement and poor posture. Conclusion: This study highlighted the multifactorial nature of smartphone-related musculoskeletal pain, emphasizing the roles of demographic characteristics, usage patterns, and addiction. These findings provide a foundation for developing tailored ergonomic and behavioral interventions to mitigate pain risks, particularly in high-use populations. Future research should validate these findings through longitudinal studies and objective measures.

목적 : 본 연구에서는 노래의 템포(bpm) 및 데시벨(dB)에 따른 동공 크기 및 동적 조절 변화를 비교하고, 빛의 유무에 따른 차이도 비교해 보고자 한다. 방법 : 연구 대상은 안질환이나 시각 장애가 없는 성인 20명(남자 10명, 여자 10명, 평균연령 24.25±3.99세) 이었다. 완전 교정 상태에서 명소시에서 6 m 거리의 시표로, 암소시에는 무한대 거리로 측정하였다. 두 조건 모두 헤드셋을 착용하여 네 가지 음악 드럼(D), 메탈(M), 외국 팝(F), 클래식(C)을 들었을 때 동공 크기와 조절 반응의 변화를 각각 40 dB 미만, 60 dB 미만, 80 dB 이상으로 측정하여 비교하였다. 결과 : bpm 및 dB에 따른 자극이 있을 때, 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<0.010). 두 조건 모두 동일한 dB에서 bpm 이 달라졌을 때 자극량의 차이는 있었으나, bpm 변화에 따른 동공 크기와 동적 조절 변화량은 유의한 차이가 없었 다. 동공 크기와 동적 조절 변화량을 조도에 따라 비교했을 때, D 장르의 40 dB(p<0.050)과 F 장르의 60 dB (p<0.050)에서 동공 크기 변화량의 차이가 있었다. 조도가 없을 때 동적 조절 변화량이 더 증가하여, bpm과 dB에 따른 모든 그룹에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다(p<0.050). 결론 : 본 연구 결과, 각 노래의 bpm과 dB에 따른 동공 크기와 동적 조절 변화는 자극의 유무에 따라 영향을 받는 것으로 확인되었다. 특히, 암소시에서는 동적 조절 변화에 더 큰 영향을 미쳤으며, 명소시에서는 동공크기 변 화가 컸다.

Background: This study was conducted to increase meat production by 30% compared to the present by selecting a giant cow over 1,000 kg and applying biotechnologies. Methods: After OPU from 1,100 kg of giant cow, the calves were produced in Hanwoo surrogate mothers. Among 23 calves six male heads were selected, three heads of them were chosen as candidate sires, and the rest three heads were raised for 30 months for performance test. The semen of three candidate sires from the age of 22 months were collected and frozen, and the calves were produced by artificial insemination. The calf was raised to the age of 30 to 33 months and performed a progeny test. Results: The average birth weight of 23 calves born by transferring giant cow-derived embryos was 42.8 kg, and the average weight of carcass from three bulls was 615.3 kg in the performance test. In the progeny test, the average birth weight of calves born after artificial insemination of semen from giant cow-derived candidate sires was 41 kg, and the average weight of carcass after raised to the age of 30 to 33 months was 562.7 kg. As a result of performance and progeny tests, it is 148 and 96 kg higher in giant cow-derived beef cattle than the average carcass (467 kg) from general Hanwoo cattle, respectively. Conclusions: This study will have laid a great foundation for the future improvement of the Korean beef industry.

This study was conducted to investigate changes in the productivity of Italian ryegrass seeds according to the timing of harvest after heading in the southern region. The Italian ryegrass variety ‘Greencall’ was sown in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, in the fall of 2022. Four harvest timings were tested (30, 40, 50, and 60 days after heading), with a randomized complete block design and three replicates. Sowing in the test plots took place on October 10, 2022, and harvesting was carried out from 30 days after heading on May 18 to 60 days. The plant height was the longest (99.1 cm) in the plot harvested 30 days after heading and decreased as the harvest was delayed. No significant differences were observed among treatments in terms of lodging resistance, disease resistance, and cold resistance. However, lodging severity increased over time after heading (7∼9). Disease incidence was also higher in plots harvested 50 and 60 days after heading. The length of the spike was shortest (38.76 cm) in the plot harvested 50 days after heading, and the number of seeds per spike was the lowest (42 seeds/spike) in the plot harvested 60 days after heading. The dry matter content of seeds increased with the delay in harvest, while dry matter yield decreased, with the lowest yield observed in the plot harvested 40 days after heading (3,031 kg/ha, p<0.05). The dry matter content of seed straw was highest at 75.73% in the plot harvested 50 days after heading and dropped to 34.99% 60 days after heading due to rainfall. The dry matter productivity of the seed straw was the lowest in the plot harvested 40 days after heading. The feed value of the seed straw also decreased with delayed harvest, with an average RFV (Relative Feed Value) of 91. In conclusion, the optimal harvest timing for fall-sown Italian ryegrass intended for seed production in the southern region appears to be 30 days after heading.

꼬리말발도리(Deutzia paniculata Nakai)와 가침박달 (Exochorda serratifolia S.Moore)은 각각 5~6월과 4~5월에 흰색 꽃이 피는 화목관목으로 한국의 희귀식물이며, 관상가치가 높아 원예용으로 개발할 가치가 있다. 본 연구에서는 꼬리말발 도리와 가침박달의 종자를 이용한 번식체계를 확립하고자 플러 그 육묘에서 플러그 트레이의 셀 크기, 배지조성, 시비수준에 따른 유묘의 생육을 조사하였다. 꼬리말발도리는 플러그 트레이 의 셀 크기가 작아질수록 유묘의 생육이 불량하였고, 105구의 셀 크기에서 초장, 엽장과 엽폭, 줄기와 뿌리의 생체중 등 생육 이 가장 양호하였다. 또한 배지의 조성은 피트모스와 펄라이트 를 20:80로 혼합한 처리에서 줄기와 뿌리의 생육이 가장 우수하 였고, 펄라이트 단용인 0:100 처리에서 유묘의 생육이 가장 불 량하였다. 가침박달은 피트모스와 펄라이트를 100:0과 75:25 로 혼합한 배지에서 유묘의 생육이 가장 좋았고, 펄라이트 단 용인 0:100 배지에서 유묘의 줄기뿐만 아니라 뿌리의 생육 도 가장 불량하였다. 그리고, 육묘 기간동안 시비수준이 증가 함에 따라 유묘의 줄기 생육이 양호하였으며, 엽록소의 함량도 증가하였다. 따라서 가침박달은 플러그 트레이 당 Hyponex (N:P:K=20:20:20) 6.24.g을 관주하는 것이 고품질 묘를 생산 하는데 가장 효과적이었다. 따라서 꼬리말발도리는 105공 플러 그 트레이에 피트모스와 펄라이트의 20:80 비율의 배지를 사용 하는 것이, 가침박달은 피트모스와 펄라이트의 100:0과 75:25 비율의 배지에서 육묘기간동안 Hyponex 6.24g를 시비하는 것이 유묘 생육에 가장 적합하였다.

This study investigated the relationship between changes in language learning beliefs and English proficiency among 41 Korean university students who participated in a short-term English program. Participants’ beliefs were assessed using the Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI), and their proficiency was measured using the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and correlation analysis were employed to analyze the data. The study found significant improvements in both listening and reading scores, and changes in beliefs varied with proficiency gains. Students with higher proficiency gains demonstrated improved confidence and self-efficacy, and decreased instrumental motivation, whereas those with lower gains exhibited minimal changes in beliefs. Correlation analysis revealed that belief shifts, such as reduced selfconsciousness and increased integrative motivation, were positively related to proficiency gains. These findings suggest the dynamic nature of learners’ beliefs and their potential impact on language learning outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing belief systems in English language education.

Background: Lower limb strength is crucial for stability and functional movement, such as walking, running, squatting, and balance, with the gluteus maximus (Gmax) being pivotal. Squat exercises are commonly used to strengthen the Gmax; however, the impact of ankle position on muscle activation during squats is not well understood. Objects: This study examined Gmax and lower limb muscle activation patterns in three ankle positions during squats, aiming to optimize rehabilitation strategies and enhance exercise prescriptions. Methods: Surface electromyography recorded the activation levels of the Gmax, vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis oblique (VLO), and biceps femoris (BF) across three ankle positions: neutral (NEU), dorsiflexion (DF), and plantarflexion (PF). A repeated-measures design was employed, involving 30 healthy adults (26 males and 4 females) aged 18–30 years. Muscle activation patterns were statistically analyzed to identify significant variations across these conditions, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: During squats, DF of the ankle joint significantly increased Gmax activation compared with PF and NEU positions, indicating that an ankle position closer to DF may enhance hip extension. In contrast, PF was associated with heightened activation of the VMO and VLO, suggesting that this position may be beneficial for exercises focusing on knee stability. No significant changes were observed in the BF activation across the ankle positions, indicative of its limited involvement in response to variations in ankle positioning. Conclusion: These results underscore the importance of ankle joint positioning in modulating lower-limb muscle engagement during squatting. Ankle DF may be recommended to maximize Gmax activation, which is beneficial for hip-focused strengthening, whereas PF may supports knee stability by targeting quadriceps activation. This study provides evidence for adjusting ankle positioning during squat exercises to optimize specific rehabilitation and performance outcomes.

For centuries, humans have leveraged the health-promoting properties of plants for our well-being. While research has been conducted on numerous medicinal plants, the specific benefits of many species remain underexplored. Eupatorium Japonicum (EJ), a member of the Asteraceae family, has historically been consumed in Japan, South Korea, China, and Vietnam for its traditional use in soothing digestive issues. This study aimed to explore the radical scavenging and antiinflammatory efficacy of EJ extract using RAW 264.7 cells. The radical-scavenging effects were assessed using the DPPH and ABTS assays, where an anti-oxidative molecule in the test sample will react with a stable free radical in DPPH and ABTS causing discoloration. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed using the nitric oxide (NO) assay in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, where the amount of NO produced in response to infection was measured using Griess reagent. Reversetranscriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were executed to confirm the anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the RNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that EJ extract decreased oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner (7.8-1,000 μg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox respectively. EJ extract significantly reduced NO production concentration independently. Furthermore, EJ extract showed no cytotoxic effects as determined through the MTT assay. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analyses revealed inhibition of mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6). Western blotting demonstrated EJ’s anti-inflammatory activity by reducing protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. These findings suggest that EJ extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activities and can be further evaluated in the future.