Background: During daily activities, stability is maintained to enhance the function of muscles surrounding the lumbopelvic and hip structures. The core muscles such as the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) responsible for this stability. One effective static exercise for strengthening these muscles is the plank. Objects: This study aimed to compare abdominal electromyographic activation when an unstable support surface was applied to the upper and lower extremities during a standard and a knee plank. Methods: A total of 30 adults (15 males and 15 females) participated in this study. Surface electromyography electrodes were placed on the RA, EO, and IO muscles. Data were collected under six conditions for males, including two plank postures (standard and knee planks) and three unstable surface conditions (a dynamic balance cushion applied to the upper extremities, lower extremities, or no cushion). Female participants performed only the knee plank. A mixed-effects model with a random intercept was used to analyze muscle activation across plank posture and surface position, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05. Results: In males, the standard plank elicited greater muscle activation than the knee plank across all muscles (p < 0.0001). Additionally, applying an unstable support surface to the upper extremities significantly increased muscle activation in both plank postures in EO and IO (p < 0.001). Other muscle, RA, was only affected by the unstable support surface in the standard plank position only. In females, the knee plank with upper limb instability resulted in the highest muscle activation for all muscles. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of surface instability in core muscle engagement. However, future studies should further investigate abdominal muscle activation with a more detailed analysis and the inclusion of a control group to enhance comparative validity.

Background: With the increase of seated work, interest in forward head posture (FHP) has grown. Prolonged computer tasks with FHP have been considered a factor that increases the stiffness and tone of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle. Traditionally, many studies have measured the craniovertebral angle (CVA) in standing positions to assess FHP, making it difficult to determine whether the CVA measured in a habitual working posture correlates with the stiffness and tone of the UT muscle in office workers. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the relationship among CVA, UT muscle stiffness, and tone in both habitual working and standing postures among asymptomatic office workers. Methods: Forty asymptomatic office workers participated in the study. CVA was measured in both habitual working and standing postures. Stiffness and tone of the UT muscle were assessed after a 10-minute computer task. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between CVA and stiffness and tone of the UT muscle. Results: No significant correlations were found between CVA in standing posture and the stiffness and tone of the UT muscle. However, moderate negative correlations were observed between CVA measured in the habitual working posture and both the stiffness (dominant: r = –0.490, non-dominant r = –0.465) and tone (dominant: r = –0.501, non-dominant r = –0.446) of the UT muscle. Conclusion: This study highlights that decreased CVA in habitual working posture is associated with increased stiffness and tone of the UT muscle in asymptomatic office workers. Therefore, measuring CVA in the habitual working posture should be considered when evaluating stiffness and tone of the UT muscle.

This study investigated the impact of various soil environmental factors on the growth and yield of Actinidia arguta (A. arguta) in Suwon, South Korea. By employing Pearson correlation analysis, we explored the relationships between soil properties such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content, available phosphorus, available silicon, soil moisture, and soil temperature with A. arguta growth and yield. The results revealed that soil temperature and EC had the strongest positive correlations with A. arguta growth, while organic matter content exhibited a strong negative correlation with fruit yield. The high levels of available phosphorus emerged as a potential adverse factor affecting yield. These findings suggest that managing soil temperature, EC, and phosphorus levels is crucial for optimizing A. arguta productivity. Future research should focus on fine-tuning phosphorus levels and further investigating the interactions between soil factors to enhance A. arguta yield and sustainability.

Though Farnesiferol C (FC) derived from Ferula asafoetida is known to have antiangiogenic and apoptotic effect in gastric, breast, nonsmall lung cancers, the underlying antitumor mechanism of FC is not fully understood so far. Hence, in the current study, apoptotic mechanism of FC was explored in colon cancers in association with carbon catabolite repression 4-negative on TATA-less 2 (CNOT2)/c-Myc signaling. Herein FC significantly increased cytotoxicity and reduced the number of colonies in HCT116 cells more effectively than in SW480 cells, though FC enhanced sub-G1 cell population in HCT116 and SW480 cells compared to untreated control. Consistently, FC activated the cleavages of Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and Bax and attenuated the expression of pro-PARP and Cyclin D1 in HCT116 cells better than SW480 cells. Also, FC significantly reduced the expression of CNOT2 and c-Myc. Also, FC reduced of c-Myc stability in HCT116 cells by cycloheximide assay. Notably, CNOT2 depletion reduced the expression of c-Myc, while c-Myc depletion also attenuated the expression of CNOT2 in HCT116 cells, implying the crosstalk between CNOT2 and c-Myc. Furthermore, overexpression of c-Myc or CNOT2 promoted the expression of pro-PARP in HCT116 cells. Overall, these findings suggest that FC induces apoptosis via inhibition of CNOT2 and c-Myc in colon cancers for a potent anticancer candidate for further agriculture cultivation in Korea.

Background: Ankle flexibility is important for maintaining proper biomechanical function. Static stretching is used to improve flexibility with minimal risk; however, its effects are often temporary. Transfer of energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy has the potential to enhance muscle flexibility and circulation through deep heat applications. However, comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of TECAR therapy and static stretching are lacking. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of static stretching therapy (ST) and combined TECAR and static stretching therapy (T-ST) in subjects with gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) tightness. Methods: Twenty-seven participants with bilateral GCM tightness were enrolled. To administer the ST and T-ST, which were each applied to both legs, the participants stood for 15 minutes on a wedge with a 0°–15° incline, with both feet on the wedge during ST and with TECAR therapy in resistive energy transfer mode applied to only one side of the GCM during T-ST. Muscle stiffness (MyotonPRO), dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM), peak torque, and pennation angle (PA) of the GCM were measured before and after the intervention. Normality was confirmed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Differences between the ST and T-ST leg conditions and between pre- and post-intervention changes in the legs were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the measured variables between the legs before the intervention. ST and T-ST legs showed significant improvements in all measured variables after the intervention (p < 0.05). T-ST legs demonstrated a significantly greater increase in DF and a greater decrease in PA than ST legs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: T-ST outperformed ST in reducing PA and increasing DF-ROM by promoting deep tissue relaxation and stimulating metabolic activity. This may lead to reduced pain and greater flexibility compared to ST. Maintaining an optimal PA ensures efficient force transmission during exercise, as evidenced by the observed increase in peak torque.

Background: Portable, small computers and smartphones are now considered essential tools in modern society and smartphone ownership and usage rates are rising every year. However, excessive smartphone use can have musculoskeletal and postural implications, leading to “smartphone addiction” and related dysfunctions. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effects of smartphone addiction on scapular position and muscle activity during shoulder abduction in asymptomatic individuals. Methods: A total of 45 participants were classified into high-risk, middle-risk, and low-risk groups based on their smartphone addiction levels. Scapular position was measured using the scapular index, round shoulder posture (RSP), lateral scapular slide test, and scapulohumeral rhythm spine angle. Muscle activity was assessed using electromyography of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), and anterior deltoid (AD) muscles during shoulder abduction. Results: Smartphone addiction was significantly associated with altered scapular position and muscle activity. The high-risk group exhibited greater forward head posture and more pronounced RSP. Additionally, the high-risk group had lower SA activation and higher UT, LT, and AD muscle activity, indicating compensatory mechanisms due to altered scapular positioning. Conclusion: These findings suggest that excessive smartphone use contributes to postural deviations and altered muscle activation patterns, which may lead to musculoskeletal dysfunction over time. Clinicians should consider smartphone use when assessing patients with scapular dysfunction, and future studies should explore interventions to mitigate these effects.

예이츠(W. B Yeats)의 모드 곤(Maud Gonne)에 대한 평생의 사랑은 널 리 알려져 있으며 그의 삶과 문학에 깊은 영향을 미쳤다. 그러나 모드의 의붓딸인 이 졸트 곤(Iseult Gonne)에 대한 그의 애정은 상대적으로 덜 주목받아왔다. 그러나 이 측면은 보다 깊이 있게 검토될 필요가 있다. 이졸트에 대한 그의 사랑 역시 깊고 지 속적이었으며, 그 사랑의 강렬함은 그의 많은 작품에서 분명하게 드러난다. 특히 주목 할 만한 것은 예이츠가 종종 이졸트에게 이상적인 아름다움의 상징으로써 댄서의 이 미지를 자주 사용한 것이다. 이는 그녀에 대한 그의 깊은 사랑을 반영한다. 반복되는 이 상징은 예이츠가 이졸트를 향해 가진 감정을 이해하는 데 중요한 단서를 제시한다. 이 논문은 예이츠의 시에서 이졸트와 관련된 다양한 이미지를 살펴봄으로써 그의 사 랑 시에 담긴 감정을 보다 깊이 탐구하고자 한다.

Background: Logistics service workers (LSWs) face significant occupational challenges, with ankle sprains being the second most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Foot posture, assessed through the navicular drop test, can significantly influence dynamic balance performance, which is crucial for injury prevention in physically demanding occupational settings. Objects: This study aimed to investigate differences in dynamic balance performance among LSWs with pronated, supinated, and normal foot types using the Y-Balance test (YBT), comparing reach distances across anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Methods: A total of 205 LSWs were classified into three groups based on navicular drop measurements: supinated (n = 44), normal (n = 94), and pronated (n = 67) foot types. The YBT was performed on the dominant leg, measuring reach distances in three directions. Participants’ demographic characteristics were recorded, and statistical analyses were conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction. Results: Significant differences in YBT performance were observed across all three directions (anterior: p = 0.009, posterolateral: p = 0.015, posteromedial: p = 0.014). The supinated and normal foot groups showed significantly greater reach distances compared to the pronated group (p < 0.026 for anterior direction). In the posterolateral direction, the supinated group demonstrated significantly better performance compared to the pronated group (p = 0.014). Similarly, the posteromedial direction revealed significantly higher reach distances for the supinated group compared to the pronated group (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The study reveals that foot type significantly impacts dynamic balance performance among LSWs. Workers with pronated feet demonstrate reduced balance capabilities, while those with supinated feet show the most superior dynamic balance performance.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with trunk and lower extremity muscle weakness. Kneeling squat (KS) is a hip-focused exercise commonly used in the activities of daily living. However, research on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity across movement phases (ascending, holding, and descending) during KS remains limited and warrants further investigation. Objects: To determine the muscle activity of transversus abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), erector spinae, gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), rectus femoris (RF) in the contraction phases of KS in individuals with CLBP. Methods: Surface electromyography data were recorded during KS across the ascending, holding, and descending phases on the side with CLBP. A 60-bit metronome was used to control the exercise speed. Results: The muscle activity of the TrA/IO was significantly higher during the holding phase than during the ascending and descending phases. The Gmax and Gmed were significantly higher during the holding phase than during the descending phase, whereas, RF was significantly higher during the ascending phase than during the holding and descending phases. Conclusion: The holding phase of KS may be recommended as a trunk and lower extremity exercise to increase in TrA/IO, Gmax, and Gmed muscle activity. Additionally, the ascending phase activates RF muscle in individuals with CLBP.

Road infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation are essential for sustainable development. However, many developing countries struggle to balance them. This study examines the impact of road construction in 24 African countries and evaluates strategies for achieving sustainability. Using a case study approach, road construction variables from individual country reports (2024) were quantitatively analyzed alongside Red List Index (RLI) scores from the Yale University's 2024 Environmental Performance Index Report. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were applied to assess the relationship between road development and biodiversity conservation to provide insights into effective mitigation strategies. Results indicate that in 2024, the average RLI score for the 24 African countries was 64.74, with a 10-year mean decline of -2.85. On average, 17,162.21 ha of biodiversity habitats were cleared for road construction, emphasizing the vulnerability of biodiversity. Burkina Faso (95.4), Mali (92.9), and Botswana (92.2) exhibited strong biodiversity health, whereas Kenya (24.9), South Africa (24.4), Uganda (15.7), and Tanzania (0) faced critical challenges. Wildlife crossing was the most significant predictor in lower-income economies (R² = 0.49, p < 0.0001), traffic volume in lower-middle income economies (R² = 0.35, p = 0.0007), and road width in upper-middle income economies (R² = 0.83, p = 0.0054). Habitat clearance exhibited a weak correlation. These findings highlight the crucial role of road construction variables—particularly wildlife crossings, road width, and traffic volume—in biodiversity conservation across income groups. Targeted road planning is required to mitigate biodiversity loss. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on the impact of infrastructure on conservation, policy guidance, and mitigation efforts in developing countries.

이 논문은 W. B. 예이츠가 민주주의적 시인이었던 월트 휘트먼에게서 영향을 받아 출발했음에도 불구하고, 후기에는 권위주의에 이끌리는 복잡한 사상적 변 화를 겪었음을 고찰한다. 예이츠는 초기에 휘트먼이 제시한 ‘민중과 함께하는 시인의 이상’을 받아들였지만, 시간이 흐르며 대중 민주주의에 환멸을 느끼고 혼란과 문화적 수준 저하를 초래한다고 판단했다. 그는 엘리트주의적인 미학과 신비주의적 역사관을 통해 점차 권위와 질서를 옹호하는 방향으로 나아갔다. 이 연구는 아일랜드 독립 등 당시 역사적 상황과 함께 두 시인의 주요 작품을 면밀히 분석하고, 민주주의와 권위주 의 사이에서 갈등하는 현대 시인의 역할과 그 미학적 긴장을 조명하고자 한다.

유묘기의 저온 스트레스는 벼의 초기 생육 및 성장을 방해하여 수량 감소에 영향을 준다. 유묘기 내냉성 육종을 위해서는 내냉성을 조절하는 유전자좌를 탐색하고, 유용한 대립유전자를 도입하여 유묘기의 내냉성을 향상시킬 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 한국형 벼 핵심집단 134 계통의 유묘기 내냉성을 검정하고 전장유전체 연관 분석을 통해 해당 형질과 연관된 QTL 및 후보 유전자를 탐색하였다. 생육 10일 된 벼 유묘에 8°C의 저온을 3일 동안 처리한 후, 달관평가를 통해 1-10단계로 내냉성을 평가하였다. 1,781,068개의 SNP 마커를 이용한 전장유전체 분석을 통해 3, 5, 6, 9번 염색체에서 유묘기 내냉성 형질과 높은 연관성을 보인 4개의 QTL을 탐지하였다. 4개의 QTL 지역 중 염색체 5번에 위치한 qCTS5는 2개의 분석 모델에서 일관적으로 발견되어 높은 신뢰성을 보였다. qCTS5의 물리적 위치를 기준으로 24개의 유전자가 확인되었고, 이중 8개 유전자가 내냉성 형질과 관련 있다고 보고되었다. 추후 bi-parental population을 이용하여 유전자를 동정하고, 저온 환경에서의 역할을 명확히 밝히고자 한다.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common health problem among female caregivers. In Korea, 70.4% of caregivers experience LBP after caregiving. The prevalence of LBP was higher in female caregivers of patients who required physical assistance with transfer than in those caring for patients who did not require physical assistance. Lifting movements, such as patient transfer and positioning, are associated with lumbopelvic stability (LPS) and knee muscle strength. However, no studies have investigated the differences in LPS and knee muscle strength between female caregivers with and without CLBP. Objects: This study was conducted to investigate the differences of the LPS, knee extension strength (KES) and knee flexion strength (KFS) between female caregivers with and without CLBP. Methods: Thirty-one female caregivers participated in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: (1) caregivers without CLBP (n = 13) and (2) caregivers with CLBP (n = 18). LPS, KES, and KFS levels were measured. An independent t-test was used to compare the LPS, KES, and KFS between caregivers with and without CLBP. The statistical significance was set at α of 0.05. Results: The LPS and KES scores were significantly lower in caregivers with CLBP than those without. In contrast, the KFS did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: This study observed associations of both LPS and KES with CLBP among female caregivers.

Given the hazards posed by black ice, it is crucial to investigate the conditions that contribute to its formation. Two ensemble machinelearning algorithms, Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were employed to forecast the occurrence of black ice using atmospheric data. Additionally, explainable artificial intelligence techniques, including Feature Importance (FI) and partial dependence Plot (PDP), were utilized to identify atmospheric conditions that significantly increase the likelihood of black ice formation. The machinelearning algorithms achieved a forecasting accuracy of 90%, demonstrating reliable performance. FI analysis revealed distinct key predictors between the algorithms: relative humidity was the most critical for RF, whereas wind speed was paramount for XGBoost. The PDP analysis identified the specific atmospheric conditions under which black ice was likely to form. This study provides detailed insights into the atmospheric precursors of frost/fog-induced black ice formation. These findings enable road managers to implement proactive winter road maintenance strategies, such as optimizing anti-icing patrol routes and displaying warnings on various message signs, thereby enhancing road safety.

본 논문은 현대 세속적 맥락 속에서 예이츠의 􋺷연옥􋺸에 나타난 내재성 과 초월성의 불안한 결합을 탐구한다. 찰스 테일러의 “내재적 틀” 개념은 자족적인 자 연 질서 내에서 세계를 인식하는 현대적인 방식을 설명하기 위해 인용된다. 동시에, 내재적 틀은 초월성에 열려 있으며 다양한 형태의 신념이 등장할 수 있는 여지를 제 공한다. 이러한 새로운 관점은 예이츠가 􋺷연옥􋺸에서 묘사한 독특한 구상의 의미를 밝 히는 데 도움이 될 수 있으며, 이는 영적 구원이 거부되는 세계 속에서 자기복제적인 후회가 반복되는 순환으로 나타난다. 본 논문은 이 극의 극단적인 미니멀리즘, 물질적 현실에 대한 집중, 세대를 넘는 트라우마에 대한 탐색을 분석함으로써, 예이츠가 자연 과 초자연, 내재성과 초월성의 경계를 넘나들며, 결국 초월에 대한 욕망이 우리의 내 재적 틀과 분리될 수 없음을 드러낸다고 주장한다.

Background: Aquatic exercise utilizing hot springs helps individuals with nonspecific knee pain by reducing joint stress and providing a safe environment for movement. It can improve muscle strength and balance, enhancing overall functional mobility. Objects: This study aims to examine the muscle strength of knee flexion, knee extension, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion, as well as to investigate static and dynamic balance in middleaged females after performing hot spring aquatic exercise for 4 weeks. Methods: Twenty-two middle-aged females participated in the study. The participants performed hot spring aquatic exercise for 4 weeks. The hot spring aquatic exercise consisted of aquatic walking, aquatic stretching, aquatic side step, aquatic forward reach, aquatic squat, leg lift, and aquatic arm and leg rotation. Muscle strength was measured using microFET2, while static balance was assessed through the one-leg stance test, and dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-balance test. This study utilized the paired t-test for statistical analysis, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: The muscle strength of bilateral knee flexion showed a significant increase in the pre- and post-comparison (p < 0.05), and the muscle strength of bilateral knee extension also improved significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase was observed in the muscle strength of bilateral dorsiflexion (p < 0.05). The one-leg stance test performed while supporting on the right leg showed a significant increase in the pre- and post-comparison (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the dynamic balance measurements performed while supporting on both the right and left legs demonstrated significant improvements in both legs when compared before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In individuals with nonspecific knee pain, a 4-week hot spring aquatic exercise program can contribute to the improvement of lower extremity strength, as well as static and dynamic balance ability.

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a globally important food crop susceptible to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infection, which causes significant crop losses. Previous transcriptome and proteome analyses have identified several genes that show differential expression patterns in susceptible and resistant cultivars in response to root-knot nematode (RKN) infection. Among the genes responsive to this process, sporamin (SPO) genes were identified as the most abundant in the transcriptome analysis, and additional changes in the expression of SPO genes that showed specific responses to RKN infection were identified during nematode infection. In this study, we used SPO genes used in previous studies to identify expression patterns under various abiotic stress conditions. The expression of four SPO genes in sweetpotato leaves was investigated under conditions of drought, high salt, and stress-related chemicals treatment. The expression of G13675/TU22356, G34367/TU56356, and G34382/TU56395 increased similarly under dehydration and chemicals treatment conditions. On the other hand, G34367/TU56358 was constantly expressed during the stress treated conditions. This study is expected to be used as basic data on how the gene for the major protein SPO of sweetpotato responds to various abiotic stress conditions as well as nematode infection.