Currently, the number of animals administered in animal hospitals and drugs prescriptions has increased. At the same time, the number of cases of violation of administrative measures due to violations of the Narcotics Control Act has also increased. Therefore, it is necessary to review whether the current status of drug prescriptions, management and supervision systems in animal hospitals are correct and whether there is anything to be supplemented. Although drug handling is managed through NIMS, there are problems such as poor supervision due to the NIMS single system, reporting exceptions that form blind spots for management supervision, and lack of connection between prescriptions and medical departments within the system. In order to overcome these problems, the following improvement plans are proposed. First, reduces the hassle of handling reports and facilitates verification of medical records and prescriptions by strengthening the link between NIMS and animal hospital electronic charts, and strengthens the link between drug handling reports of medical institutions and drug handling reports of animal hospitals to prevent exposure to medical shopping. Second, by introducing a preliminary notification system into the veterinary system, drug misuse is prevented through prior notification in accordance with the criteria for preventing misuse of animal drugs. Third, by modifying the NIMS reporting system by introducing disease classification symbols, the exact cause of the increase in use is identified by preparing drug use data for each disease. Based on these improvements, it is expected that a management system that reflects the actual medical environment of animal hospitals will be established and drug abuse will be prevented based on guidelines.

Iron is an essential nutrient for mammalian cells. Most iron absorption occurs in the duodenal epithelial cells and is regulated by hepcidin, which is produced and secreted in the liver. High hepcidin levels can cause iron deficiency anemia due to iron absorption failure. Inside the cell, iron conjugates with a porphyrin ring and is placed with an iron coordinated to heme. One of the heme-binding proteins, known as progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (Pgrmc1), is a non-canonical progesterone receptor associated with diverse molecular gene regulation. Previous studies showed that Pgrmc1 is related to iron homeostasis via hepcidin; however, these mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, to investigate the role of Pgrmc1 in mammalian iron metabolism, we introduced Pgrmc1 knockout (KO) mice and performed molecular biological analyses using qPCR and western blotting. Pgrmc1 deficiency decreased Hamp mRNA expression and hepcidin protein levels. However, Pgrmc1 deficiency failed to decrease Hamp transcript expression and hepcidin protein levels in siPGRMC1-transfected HepG2 cells and primary Pgrmc1 KO hepatocytes, respectively. PGRMC1 knockdown cells revealed low HAMP mRNA levels upon cyclic AMP (cAMP) activation, suggesting that PGRMC1 promotes HAMP mRNA transcription via cAMP activation. It has been implicated that hepatic Pgrmc1 cannot control hepcidin directly; however, the internal environment caused by the lack of Pgrmc1 may potentially cause low hepcidin levels.

The legal status of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) has been regulated through the High Seas Treaty as a common heritage of humankind. However, there still exist problems related to overlapping areas above the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). In such areas, a significant continental shelf would fall within national jurisdiction, whereas the water column would be under the regime of the high seas, and BBNJ would be the common heritage of humankind. We argue that, in order to address the overlapping of areas within the superjacent waters in the ECS, a given sui generis status is required, so that the coastal state has a sovereign right to conserve the BBNJ in these areas. This study concludes that the sui generis arrangement should be implemented in the context of an overlapping ECS and its water column. The efforts of the Indonesian government to extend the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles constitute an important step in preserving natural resources for future generations.

Once decommissioning begins, it is expected that large amount of radioactive wastes will be produced in a short period of time. The expected amount of radioactive wastes from Kori unit 1 NPP are approximately 80,000 drums (base on 200 L). By minimizing the amount of radioactive wastes generated through decontamination and reduction, KHNP has set the final target for the amount of radioactive wastes to be delivered to the disposal site at approximately 14,500 drums. Here, plasma torch melting technology is an essential technology for radioactive wastes treatment during nuclear power plants decommissioning and operation, because of its large volume reduction effects and the diversity of disposable wastes. KEPCO KPS was able to secure experience in operating Plasma Torch Melter (PTM) by conducting a research service for ‘development of plasma torch melting system advancement technology’ at KHNP-CRI. This study will compare kilo and Mega-Watt class PTM, largely categorized into facility configurations, operating parameters, and waste treatment. Based on this study, it would be desirable to operate PTM with approximate capacity according to the frequency and amount of waste production, and suggest volume for a kilo and Mega-watt class plasma torch in the melting furnace respectively. This plays to its strengths for both a kilo and Mega-watt class PTM.

When exporting nuclear-related items, export control is required from two perspectives: the control of “Trigger List Items” as controlled by Nuclear Supplier Groups (NSG) and the control of the “Items Subject to the Agreement” as specified in bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreements. While Trigger List Items and Items Subject to the Agreement are largely similar, there are some items where they do not overlap. Furthermore, national law for controlling each item is different. The Trigger List Items are governed by the Foreign Trade Act, and the Items Subject to the Agreement (Internationally Controlled Items) are governed by the Nuclear Safety Act. As a result, the detailed procedures and requirements for controlling each item are quite distinct. For the Trigger List Items, export license must be obtained in accordance with the Foreign Trade Act. The details such as responsible authority, the items subject to license, license requirements and procedures, penalties are specified in the Public Notice on Import and Export of Strategic Goods. For the Items Subject to the Agreement, the process and obligations set forth in bilateral agreements and related administrative agreements are fulfilled in accordance with the Nuclear Safety Act. However, in contrast to the Trigger List Items, the details for complying with the agreements are not specified legally. Since most of the Items Subject to the Agreement are fall within the category of the Trigger List Items, the obligations in accordance with the agreements are reviewed and implemented during the export license assessment process. However, if the Items Subject to the Agreement are not are fall within the category of the Trigger List Items, there is a risk of control omission. For example, this applies to cases of exporting tritium and tritium removal facilities, which are not the Trigger List Items, to Canada and Romania. Moreover, since subjects to the agreement and compliance procedures are respectively different for 29 bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreements signed with different countries, it is difficult for enterprise to recognize the appropriate procedures and obligations under the agreement by their own. The bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreements establish legal obligations between state parties while NSG are non-legally binding arrangements. Therefore, it could be even more necessary to comply strictly with the agreements. Consequently, legal improvements are required for effective implementations of Nuclear Cooperation Agreements. While it may be challenging to institutionalize details of 29 Nuclear Cooperation Agreements, it is essential to legally specify key elements such as the list of items subject to agreements, responsible authority, requirements and procedures for implement the agreement obligations, and penalties. Furthermore, domestic awareness on compliance with Nuclear Cooperation Agreements is lower compared to the system of export license for Trigger List Items. The continuous outreach is also necessary, along with institutional improvements.

Korea has signed nuclear cooperation agreements (NCA) with 29 countries. Nuclear materials, materials, equipment, and technology transferred under the agreements are “internationally controlled materials (ICM)” under the Nuclear Safety Act. The main obligations imposed on those items include ensuring peaceful use, safeguards, physical protection, annual inventory reporting, and retransfer with supplier prior consent. The Nuclear Export and Import Control System (NEPS) handles the export control procedures for transferring ICM. After import, inventory management for ICM in Korea would be transitioning to an item-based system through the Obligation Tracking System for internationally controlled item (OTS) currently under development. A one-stop import and export control system for ICM can be established when information is well-linked between these two systems. This paper aims to derive a methodology for integrating NEPS and OTS. NEPS-OTS coupling begins at the receipt confirmation and shipment notification stages in NEPS. When importing ICM under NCA, the inventory change (code RF: receipt foreign) is entered in OTS by getting the information that has completed the receipt confirmation in NEPS. Conversely, during export, the information that has completed the shipment notification procedure in NEPS is linked to the OTS so that the entire cycle from import to re-export of the ICM can be concluded. Inventory verification for retransfer, checking that the book inventory remains positive value, is impossible under the current system. This issue can be resolved by enabling inventory information in OTS to be displayed in NEPS. Determining when and how to generate the obligation code for imported ICM is essential for NEPS-OTS coupling. Manual input may be necessary for some cases with multiple obligations. Nevertheless, it is more efficient from a system communication protocol to automatically generate and impose a single obligation based on the supplier country information in NEPS. Moreover, it is important to automatically link crucial information available in NEPS to reduce the administrative burden on OTS users and discrepancies between systems. Most required OTS data, such as country obligation, item categories, quantity, physical or chemical form, and receipt date, can be directly linked from NEPS. However, NEPS improvement is needed for digitizing the receiver information and facility data, like the material balance area. The NEPS-OTS integration involves sharing data as a system and encompasses the connection between export control and inventory management. Future work to link some information in NEPS -OTS with the KSIS could be suggested to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing ICM.

The ROK government has developed the Nuclear Export and Control System (NEPS) to implement export control activities. Although it was launched in 2008 as a system that can work with classification, licensing, nuclear material approval, government-to-government assurance, complying with nuclear cooperation agreement (NCA) handled through official documents. In order to enhance systematic management for items subject to NCA, KINAC developed a new module for the procedure (hereinafter referred to as “NCA module”) and opened it in 2022. This paper presents the module’s development background, key features, and current operation status. The NCA module prioritizes functional expansion and flexibility, distinct from other tasks for the following reasons. First, the export control duties of classification, export license, and approval for NM are based on domestic law, leading to predetermined target items, application forms, and processes that change only through statutory amendments. In contrast, the implementation of NCA has numerous procedural variables, varying across countries in scope, content, and procedures. Therefore, if the function is over-standardized, there would be many exceptions that the system cannot resolve in practice. Second, the existing NEPS process entails a one-time decision or approval for each application, while the implementation of the agreement encompasses four related procedures for each item: prior notification, written confirmation, shipment notification, and receipt confirmation. Even some steps may be omitted depending on the case. The other difference is the working process. The implementation of NCA must be initiated from the government, so the existing methods, beginning with the licensee filling a form, cannot be adopted as it is. The NCA module has adopted a new reference numbering system to resolve these challenges. It enables the creation of multiple procedures under one reference number on an item to expand the tasks and make it possible to omit some steps or to reflect case-by-case concerns in each stage. It also provides a consolidated view of multiple notifications related to a single item, ensuring to deal with even long-running tasks without missing any obligations until the final procedure. Moreover, some of the data in the NCA module is extensible by allowing users to manage the list themselves. For example, the system can respond to new agreements by allowing users to add and modify codes that distinguish counterparty countries. As a result, the current NCA module accommodates a variety of implementation scenarios, including split shipments, the procedural omissions, and the modification of additional counterparties, offering enhanced flexibility and adaptability.

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor is one of the most destructive pests of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) leading to the collapse honey bee colony in many regions of the world. RNA interference (RNAi) is a novel approach recently proposed for insect pest control. However, the efficiency of RNAi in insects is low due to the lack of effective delivery methods for dsRNA and sensitivity to nuclease degradation. Therefore, the success of RNAi technology largely depends on the stability of dsRNA. To explore the possibility of using RNAi to control varroa mite, we determined the effects of dsRNA targeting a subunit of the cytoplasmic coatomer protein complex B2, D, and E subunits on target gene expression for varroa mite. We observe that dsRNA ingested by bees is transferred to the varroa mite, resulting in knockdown of COPB2 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chitosan nanoparticles-dsRNA complexes were more stable for 7 days in honeybee tissue fluids. The dsRNA-conjugated with chitosan was protected from degradation in hemolymph, fat body, and midgut extracts collected from the honeybee. These results possibly suggest that nanoparticles-dsRNA complexes might be horizontally transferred from treated honeybee to varroa mite, in which case the honeybees could serve as RNAi vectors. We confirmed, moreover, dsRNA fed nontarget insects, honeybee, were unaffected, and no toxicity was observed for honeybee. Overall, these data suggest that dsRNA-conjugated with chitosan help escape effectively from degradation by honeybee tissue fluids and could improve RNAi efficiency in varroa mite.

For effective control of Frankliniella occidentalis, one of polyphagous pests with resistance to insecticides, necessitates the implementation of an integrated pest management strategy. Therefore, estimation of pest density is essential and this is achieved through the application of spatial statistical analysis methods. Because traditional methods often overlook the correlation between sampling locations and data, geostatistical analysis using variogram and kriging is introduced. Variogram provides information on the independent distance between data points. Kriging is a spatial interpolation technique for estimating the values at unsampled locations. For assessing model fitness, cross-validation is used by comparing predicted values with actual observations. This study focuses on the application of geostatistical techniques to estimate F. occidentalis density in hot pepper greenhouse, thereby contributing to making decision.

A causality exists between insect density and plant health, where plant health is affected by both the plant’s potential and environmental factors. In other words, causality is possible between insect density and environmental factors, allowing for the analysis of insect density based on these environmental factors. Machine learning enables studying insect density alongside environmental factors, providing insights into the causality between insects, the environment, and plant health. Machine learning is a methodology that involves the design of models by learning patterns from input data. This study aims to predict F. occidentalis density by sampling environmental factors and applying them to machine learning models.

Since the importance of integrated pest management to minimize environmental damage and maximize pest control effectiveness has emerged, efforts to put it into practice have continued. To implement IPM, it is necessary to estimate the economic injury level to determine the control method by identifying pests and weeds that damage the quantity and quality of crops in the field, investigating the occurrence level, and calculating the ratio of cost and effectiveness. Also, damage to host plants caused by increased density of insect pests appears to change plant’s health that key factor for managing crops. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the density of pests and the damage to the host plants is necessary. This study aims to analyze the causal relationship between the density of insect pests and damage to the host plants for estimating the economic injury level of insect pests on the host plants and investigating the possibility of pest control decision-making using plant health status.

Climate change and biological invasions are the greatest threats to biodiversity, agriculture, health and the global economy. Tomato leafminer(Tuta absoluta) (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most important threats to agriculture worldwide. This pest is characterized by rapid reproduction, strong dispersal ability, and highly overlapping of generations. Plants are damaged by direct feeding on leaves, stems, buds, calyces, young ripe fruits and by the invasion of secondary pathogens which enter through the wounds made by the pest. Since it invaded Spain in 2006, it has spread to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and, in 2010, to some countries in Central Asia and Southeast Asia. In East Asia, Tomato leafminer was first detected in China in Yili, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in 2017. There is a possibility that this pest will invade South Korea as well. This study provides this by the use of MaxEnt algorithm for modelling the potential geographical distribution of Tomato Leafminer in South Korea Using presence-only data.