We present the first results of the invariant point (IVP) coordinates of the KVN Ulsan and Tamna radio telescopes. To determine the IVP coordinates in the geocentric frame (ITRF2014), a coordinate transformation method from the local frame, in which it is possible to survey using the optical instrument, to the geocentric frame was adopted. The least-square circles are fitted in three dimensions using the Gauss-Newton method to determine the azimuth and elevation axes in the local frame. The IVP in the local frame is defined as the mean value of the intersection points of the azimuth axis and the orthogonal vector between the azimuth and elevation axes. The geocentric coordinates of the IVP are determined by obtaining the seven transformation parameters between the local frame and the east-north-up (ENU) geodetic frame. The axis-offset between the azimuth and elevation axes is also estimated. To validate the results, the variation of coordinates of the GNSS station installed at KVN Ulsan was compared to the movement of the IVP coordinates over 9 months, showing good agreement in both magnitude and direction. This result will provide an important basis for geodetic and astrometric applications.

In the current study, a total of 102 common Todarodes pacificus squid caught in the East Sea were investigated for parasitological research. The results revealed that 33 (32.35%) out of 102 squid were infected by Nybelinia surmenicola, the mean intensity was 5.58 parasites per squid, and the maximum abundance was 11. Morphological analysis using a field emission scanning electron microscope showed the characteristic features of N. surmenicola. Molecular identification based on the 28S rRNA gene confirmed the isolated parasite as N. surmenicola, while phylogenetic analysis revealed that N. surmenicola isolated in this study was clustered with N. surmenicola isolated from Japan. This is the first report of phylogenetic characterization of N. surmenicola isolated from Korea.

Epizootic HPAIV, H5N6, and H5N8 infections produced severe loss in poultry and wild birds in the Republic of Korea from 2016 to 2017. But pathological lesions and antigen distribution of the novel HPAIV H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4 in natural cases have been rarely reported. Herein, we describe the pathological lesions and antigen localization in chickens (layer and Korean native), ducks, and Japanese quail naturally infected by HPAIV H5N6. Grossly, severe reddening, swelling, and some necrotic foci, which were similar to septicemia or viremia, were observed in skin and many visceral organs including trachea, lung, liver, spleen, and pancreas. Histopathologically, pulmonary congestion and edema, as well as necrotizing hepatitis, splenitis, pancreatitis, myocarditis, and encephalitis were observed. Immunohistochemically, numerous HPAIV antigens were detected in necrotic parenchymal cells and in blood vessels of the respiratory, lymphoid, digestive, urinary, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. The results indicate that HPAIV H5N6 spread to the entire body via blood and caused severe damage throughout the entire body. The HPAI H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4 virus was isolated from samples of all four cases.

This study was conducted to improve growth performance of Hanwoo heifer and to produce high quality of meat with dietary means during growing and early fattening period. Particularly, additional energy diet to relieve estrus stress was main purpose in this study. The results of in vitro rumen fermentation indicated that there was no negative effect by additional energy diet as treatments. In the feeding trial, twenty Hanwoo heifers(average 10 months age) were allocated and distributed into two treatments in randomized block design based on body weight. There were three growth stages such as growing, early fattening and late fattening periods in this feeding program, respectively. In growing stage, there were two treatments consisting of only total mixed ration(TMR) as a control and TMR with additional energy treatment. The experimental diets were fed twice a day, and water and mineral were freely accessed. In additional energy treatment, 500 g of concentrate diet was fed daily to relieve estrus stress due to obese with high energy intake. Not outstandingly differences were found across the treatments during entiretrial period. While, unexpectedly greater feed conversion ratio in treatment compared to the control was found during late fattening period. It seems that the blood cortisol decreased with addition energy supplementation compared with the control during trail period. Carcass characteristics including carcass weight, back fat thickness, marbling score, meat color, fat color, maturity and texture were not significantly different each other. Rib-eye area, however, was greater in the control compared to the treatment(p<0.05). In addition, it appears that yield index was tended to be greater in the control. In conclusion, it is suggested that additional energy supplementation to Hanwoo heifer could get a potential in improving meat quality and relieving estrus stress.