Agriculture plays a critical role in Uganda’s economy, contributing to 24% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and serving as the primary source of livelihood for a large portion of the population. Organic horticulture presents a promising pathway for sustainable development, offering economic opportunities through access to niche markets both locally and internationally. However, effective management for pests and diseases remains a major challenge in organic horticulture. This review addresses pest and disease issues affecting non-traditional export crops in Uganda, such as pepper, bitter gourd, and aubergine. Additionally, it provides an overview of botanical pesticides currently used in Uganda, along with approved organic fungicides (e.g., lime sulfur, copper) and insecticides (e.g., paraffinic oils, pyrethrum). This review explores physical and chemical properties, target pests, benefits, drawbacks, and active ingredients of these substances. The ultimate aim is to offer Ugandan farmers expanded options for managing pests and diseases in organic horticulture.

This study investigates the strategies that teachers employ when presenting the meaning and form of a novel English word to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This case study observed and interviewed three teachers who taught five ASD students with diverse characteristics and varying language proficiency. Thematic analysis was conducted by integrating a top-down approach, based on the vocabulary teaching strategies commonly used with typically developing students, and a bottom-up approach, based on the emerging data. The results indicate that, similar to their typically developing peers, the meaning and form of the new English word were introduced by connecting to the first language, providing first language definitions, relating to real objects and phenomena, encouraging students’ active participation through elicitation, and conducting oral drills and word spelling. However, unlike typically developing students, the teachers presented English vocabulary to ASD students while making an effort to capture their attention and engagement in the learning process. This study offers suggestions for teachers and recommendations for future research.

This study aimed to evaluate quality characteristics and functionality of liqueurs made from different plum varieties (chu-hui and Blood Plum) with various maceration treatments. Liqueurs were prepared by adjusting plum extraction content and alcohol concentration from 10% to 50%. After 12 weeks of maceration, the pH ranged from 4.08 to 4.77. Both total acidity and soluble solidsincreased with higher alcohol content. Redness(a*), a key factor affecting consumer preference, was higher in blood plum liqueurs (17.15~52.69) than in Chu-hui liqueurs (－0.31~4.69). Antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability peaked at 8 weeks of maceration, showing variations among treatments. When the extraction ratio of plums was below 30%, the color appeared light. Liqueurs treated with 30% Blood Plum for 8 weeks showed the highest commercial potential. This study provides scientific information necessary for establishing a manufacturing process for plum-based liqueurs.

수전해는 물을 전기분해하여 수소를 생산하는 방법으로, 재생에너지와 연계할 경우 이산화탄소 배출이 없는 청정 수소생산이 가능하다. 수전해 기술 중, 알칼라인 수전해와 음이온교환막 수전해는 알칼라인 환경에서 구동되어 저렴한 비귀 금속 전극 사용이 가능하여, 재생에너지를 연계한 대용량 수소생산에 적합한 기술로 평가받는다. 수전해 시스템에서 분리막 은 안정성과 효율성을 담당하는 핵심부품으로, 안정적이고 효율적인 수소생산을 위하여 높은 기체차단성과 높은 이온전달능 을 필요로 한다. 수전해에 사용되는 분리막은 구조 및 특성에 따라 다공막, 이온솔베이팅 분리막, 박막 복합 분리막, 음이온교 환막으로 분류되고, 각각의 분리막은 구조 및 특성이 상이하여 각각의 특성을 보완하는 방향으로 연구가 진행되고 있다. 본 총설에서는 알칼라인 수전해 및 음이온교환막 수전해에 사용되는 분리막들의 구조 및 특성과 연구 현황에 대해 소개하고자 한다.

Chrysanthemum coronarium L (CC)., a leafy vegetable, has various biological properties, including anti-oxidative, antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, and anti-osteoporosis effects. However, the vascular protective effects of CC remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified the vascular protective effect of CC against ferroptosis in aortic thoracic smooth muscle A7r5 cells. The vascular protective effects of CC against erastin (Era)-induced A7r5 cells were assessed by estimating cell viability, glutathione (GSH) levels, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial morphological change, and using western blot analysis. The CC treatment effectively ameliorated Era-induced ferroptotic cytotoxicity, including cellular death. The treatment also suppressed mitochondrial morphological change in the Era-induced A7r5 cells. CC significantly regulated Era-induced abnormal mechanisms related to GSH, lipid peroxidation, cysteine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 (xCT), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein expression in A7r5 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicate that CC shows potential as a functional food supplement, nutraceutical, or medicinal food, with protective effects with respect to vascular health by regulating ferroptosis.

For domestic companies to enter the market, Vietnam’s rice industry value chain and strategies face the following problems. First, farmers outside the Mekong and Red River deltas suffer from low productivity and quality due to a lack of access to new varieties and technology. Second, quality control is difficult because of the small scale of milling companies and collectors. The double milling system increases distribution margins, leading to price hikes. Additionally, low margins for distributors further exacerbate this issue. Third, the government’s export price controls and advance purchase system result in losses and fluctuations in domestic rice prices, negatively affecting exports. The lack of branding and the perception of low-quality rice also diminish international competitiveness. Fourth, the annual import of one million tons through the southeastern border impacts domestic rice prices. To develop rice market in Vietnam, it would be beneficial to integrate production, milling, and distribution. Additionally, collaborating with organizations such as the KOPIA Center to provide cultivation technology support and establish large-scale demonstration complexes should be considered. Additionally, to increase domestic market share, it is necessary to prioritize marketing efforts such as enhancing promotions and building brands, while emphasizing urban consumers’ preferences for high quality and flavor rather than focusing on exports.

Chironomid larvae in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and tap water lead to highlights the urgent need for effective control measures. The use of combined disinfectant treatments is becoming increasingly common to achieve optimal disinfection efficiency while minimizing residual contamination. This study was conducted to study the effect of combined treatment of disinfectants used in DWTPs on the biological control potential of chironomid larvae. In the experiment, Glytotendipes tokunagai larvae reared according to OECD guidelines were exposed to NaOCl, UV, and O3 complex substances, and biological responses were analyzed using survival rate and body color change as key indicators for 24 hours. The survival rate of larvae exposed to combined disinfectants mostly decreased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and lightening of body color was observed. The most significant decrease (53%) of the survival rate was observed to a combination of UV and 4 ppm NaOCl disinfectants and body color change also showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (P<0.001). The change in body color is suggested to be a physiological change caused by oxidation of hemoglobin due to exposure to disinfectant complexes. The results of this study contribute to determining the biological impact of combined disinfectant treatment on chironomid larvae of DWTPs, and can be used as data to suggest the biological control potential of disinfectants. In addition, it will provide important information for setting standards for combined disinfectant treatment to improve water quality in the future.

수전해 시스템에서 제어되지 않은 수소 크로스오버(hydrogen crossover)는 효율 저하 및 폭발 위험성 등을 야기시 키는 위험 요인이다. 수전해 공정에서 양이온교환막(cation exchange membrane, CEM)은 완전히 수화된 상태로 운전되기 때 문에 이중상(two-phase) 물질로 취급하는 것이 중요하다. 본 총설에서는 수소 크로스오버의 특성 평가 중 발생할 수 있는 주 요 기술적 문제를 요약하였다. 특히, pressure decay method (PDM)는 수소 크로스오버를 정확하게 측정하기 위한 기법으로 평가되며, 막 내부 구조 분석에도 활용할 수 있다. 또한, 수소 크로스오버를 평가하는 데 있어 permeability (즉, 고유 물질 특 성) 차원의 고유한 한계를 논의하고, 공정 안전성을 위해 flux 기반(즉, 공정 파라미터)으로의 전환 필요성을 강조한다. 추가 적으로, 막-촉매 계면에서의 과포화(supersaturation) 현상이 크로스오버에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구 필요성을 강조한다.

The study examined the impact of adding acorn pomace dried powder (APDP) at different levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% w/w) on the quality, antioxidant potential, and consumer preference of garaetteok, a Korean rice cake. The findings showed that as the APDP content increased, moisture levels decreased, and pH levels were affected. Color analysis revealed a decrease in lightness (L), while yellowness (b) and redness (a) values increased. Texture analysis indicated an increase in gumminess, hardness, and chewiness, but a decrease in cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and springiness with higher APDP levels. Sensory evaluation of appearance, taste, flavor, texture, and overall preference identified the sample with 10% APDP as the most preferred. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the garaetteok demonstrated a positive correlation with the increasing APDP content. In conclusion, the incorporation of 10% APDP enhanced the quality characteristics of garaetteok, improving its nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and overall consumer appeal.

This study aims to propose new grading standards that can be applied to AI-based automatic sorting machines, reflecting current distribution and consumption trends. The current domestic grading standards for onions in South Korea are based on the “Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act”. They classify onions based on criteria such as uniformity, shape, color, and the presence of foreign matter. Onion grading standards are divided into four categories based on bulb diameter and weight. However, in the actual domestic market, onions are distributed according to a five-grade classification based on bulb diameter. Therefore, this study classified onions into eight grades, reflecting current distribution and consumption trends in the domestic market. These grades are applicable to AI-based automatic sorting machines. Marketable onions were classified into A1 (extra large) to A5 (extra small) based on the diameter of a single bulb. Onions used for non-marketable purposes (processing) were classified as grade B. Additionally, grade C and grade D were designated for processing and disposal, respectively. By establishing quality grading classifications that align with current distribution and consumption market trends as well as the operational characteristics of AI-based automatic sorting machines, we can expect improvements in work efficiency and reductions in distribution costs. Following this study, it will be necessary to establish comprehensive quality grading standards that include both external criteria (such as bulb weight and size) and internal criteria (such as detection of internal decay and disease occurrence).

목적 : 안과의원에서 근무하는 안경사를 대상으로 타각적·자각적 굴절검사 기기의 업무 요구도, 해당 교과과정 이 도움이 되는 정도, 교육의 필요도를 분석하고자 하였다. 방법: 안경사 면허증을 보유하고 서울 소재의 안과의원에 근무하고 있는 안경사를 대상으로 설문조사를 진행하였 다. 일반적 특성과 타각적 굴절검사 기기(자동안굴절력계, 검영기, 각막곡률계)와 자각적 굴절검사 기기(시험렌즈/검안 렌즈와 포롭터)를 대상으로 업무 요구도, 해당 교과과정이 도움이 되는 정도, 교육의 필요도를 5점 리커트 척도를 이용하여 조사하였고, 독립표본 t-검정을 시행하여 성별, 근무경력, 그리고 교육수준에 따른 차이를 분석하였다. 결과 : 대상자의 평균나이는 29.73±3.62(범위: 24.00-37.00)세였으며, 성별은 남자가 17명(20.0%)이었고 여 자가 68명(80.0%)이었다. 타각적 굴절검사의 경우 자동안굴절력계, 각막곡률계, 검영기 순으로 업무 요구도가 높 았고, 자각적 굴절검사의 경우 시험렌즈/검안렌즈, 포롭터 순으로 업무 요구도가 높았다. 검영기를 이용한 검사를 하는 경우는 61명(71.8%)으로 그중에서 16명(26.2%)은 검영기를 이용한 검사 시 약제를 직접 점안하고 있었다. 대학에서 받은 교과내용이 업무에 도움이 되는 정도는 ‘도움이 된다’ 이상으로 응답한 경우가 32.90%로 낮았고, 교 육의 필요도는 필요하다 이상으로 응답한 경우가 62.30%로 높게 나타났다. 결론 : 본 연구를 통해 타각적 굴절검사와 관련된 안경사 업무영역이 존재함을 확인할 수 있었다.

In this study, in order to develop an eco-friendly filtration method that considers the health and safety of the aquatic ecosystem by differentiating it from chemical methods (coagulants, oxidants, etc.), which are mainly used as methods for managing the removal of algae in the algal bloom stage, an effective separation membrane for algae removal was reviewed, an appropriate technology was proposed through field application, and the effect of algae removal was evaluated. The membrane used was applied in the field by constructing an optimal technology through auxiliary facilities with an immersion tubular membrane and a pressurized tubular membrane resistant to adhesive pollutants and algae. As a result, the strong characteristics of Fouling (blocking) by adhesive algae were confirmed, and the effect of removing algae and particulate matter in the immersion type tubular membrane was 99% chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), 99.2% suspended solid (SS), and 96.7% of pressurized tubular membranes, showing excellent effects in removing algae and particulate organic matter. In addition, as a result of field application to eutrophic reservoirs where high-density algae are distributed, it was confirmed that stable operation of algae was possible during the process of filtering, separation, and concentration.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) trigger various metabolic diseases and accumulate in the organs during the onset of metabolic diseases. The AGE-receptor for AGE (RAGE) interactions are strongly associated with the onset of chronic renal disease and diabetic nephropathy. This study evaluated the effects of glyoxal-lysine dimer (GOLD) and methylglyoxal-lysine dimer (MOLD) accumulation on various mechanisms in SV40 MES 13 kidney cells, which are currently unclear. GOLD and MOLD showed different effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and apoptosis. GOLD did not induce cytotoxicity or interact with RAGE. By contrast, MOLD significantly reduced the cell viability and interacted with RAGE. This study tested whether the RAGE interaction could cause differences in the effects of GOLD and MOLD on the mechanisms studied. GOLD did not generate oxidative stress or interact with RAGE and did not show toxicity through other mechanisms. Nevertheless, MOLD caused oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis, which are representative glucotoxicity mechanisms of AGE-RAGE interactions, and autophagy. Overall, these findings suggest that AGEs may show different toxicities in various organs. GOLD accumulation in the kidneys might not affect disease occurrence, but MOLD accumulation can promote disease.

This study confirmed the fungal community of rice makgeolli sold in the eastern part of Jeollanam-do using ITS 2 sequence-based metagenome analysis. A total of 18 fungi were found in six makgeolli samples, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae being dominant in all samples at high rates ranging from 96.61~99.96%. The six makgeolli samples were classified into three groups based on the PCoA and UPGMA tree analysis results using the Jaccard distance matrix. Network analysis of the relationships among the 18 identified fungal species helped identify a fungus that demonstrated either a positive or negative correlation with the dominant species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study provides important foundational data for understanding the fungal composition in the makgeolli fermentation process.

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 원주지역의 초등학생 전 학년 원시안을 조절마비제 점안 전후의 굴절이상 정도를 비교하여 지역 내 굴절상태의 기초자료로 활용하고자 한다. 방법 : 나이에 따라 8세 17안, 9세 13안, 10세 6안, 11세 1안, 12세 9안, 13세 4안 모두 50안의 원시안으로 남자 13안, 여자 37안을 대상으로 하였다. 원시 정도에 따른 굴절력은 경도 원시 +0.25~+0.75 D, 중등도 원시 +1.00~+1.75 D, 고도 원시 +2.00 D 이상으로 그룹 분류하여 굴절검사를 진행하였다. 결과 : 나이별 원시안의 MR과 CR의 비교에서는 8세 어린이들의 CR의 원시도가 MR 보다 0.46±0.47 D 높게 측정되었으며(t=3.23, p<0.050), 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이들은 CR의 원시도가 MR보다 가장 많은 1.06± 0.63 D 정도 차이가 나타났다(t=1.89, p<0.059). 12세 어린이들은 0.44±0.30 D 정도의 차이가 나타났으며, 전체 나이 중 가장 적은 차이를 보였다(t=2.76, p<0.050). 그리고 원시 굴절 정도에 따라 MR과 CR 정도를 비교하였더 니 8세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값이 MR 값보다 0.55±0.55 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.54, p<0.050). 12 세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값은 MR 값보다 0.35±0.22 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.12, p<0.050). 결론 : 원주지역 원시안 초등학생을 대상으로 현성 굴절검사와 조절마비 굴절검사를 비교하였더니 12세 어린이 들에게서 가장 적은 MR과 CR의 굴절력 차이가 관찰되었고, 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이에게서 가장 많은 굴절 력 차이가 나타났다. 또한 원시 굴절 정도에 따른 비교에서는 경도 원시에서 고도 원시로 갈수록 더 많은 굴절 차 이가 나는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

This study was conducted to analyze New Zealand’s beekeeping industry and Manuka honey grading system to suggest characteristics and development plans for Korea’s honey grading system. Manuka honey in New Zealand is harvested from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It is known for its various bioactive properties, including antimicrobial activity and antioxidants. Since 2017, the New Zealand government has been implementing national certification and grading for all exported Manuka honey. For this purpose, compositions of Manuka honey across New Zealand have been investigated and four chemical indicators and one biological indicator have been established. Currently, Korea has been fully implementing a honey grading system since September 2023, which divides honey (acacia honey, chestnut honey, and miscellaneous honey) into 1+ grade, 1 grade, and 2 grade according to Enforcement Rules of the Livestock Act. The following seven indicators are used: carbon isotope consumption, moisture content, sugar ratio, hydroxytmethylfurfural, flavor, chromaticity, and defects, similar to Codex standards or European standards. However, details are modified to suit Korean conditions. To make the Korean honey grading system more stable, it is necessary to develop and introduce different indicators for honey functionality and honey grading system maturity. In addition, it is necessary to expand the participation of farmers in the honey grading system, secure consumer trust in the honey grading system, and continue to promote it.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the carbon storage capacity of broad-leaf forests in Republic of Korea through the analysis of studies related to carbon storage and carbon uptake, and to analyse the relationship between climatic factors affecting carbon storage capacity. We analysed the results of each previous study by summarising the research results of 55 previous studies collected through search, and organised the study area information and climate factors (elevation, average annual temperature, annual precipitation, etc.). And the carbon storage and net primary production of the above and below-ground and the whole plant were evaluated and the correlation with the climatic factors was statistically analysed. The analysis showed that the carbon storage of broad-leaved forests was positively correlated with altitude and negatively correlated with precipitation. These results mean that carbon accumulation in plants is more effective at higher altitudes with lower temperatures, and that broad-leaf forests are able to adapt and perform carbon storage functions in areas with low precipitation. Carbon uptake was negatively correlated with altitude and positively correlated with temperature. This means that the carbon absorption capacity of broad-leaved forests is greatly affected by temperature, and that the carbon absorption potential is greater in lowlands. Therefore, policies should be actively established to increase and preserve the carbon storage capacity of forests by considering the characteristics of the ecosystem functions of broadleaf forests and climate factors. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of the carbon cycle of broad-leaved forests and to the development of management measures, and to provide scientific data for carbon neutrality.

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into all cell types in the body. They have the potential to replenish cells in tissues and organs, and have unique properties that make them a powerful tool for regenerative therapy. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst of pre-implantation embryo and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from the epiblast layer of post-implantation embryo are the well-known PSCs. These stem cells can differentiate into any of three germ layers of germ cells (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm). Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) refer to adult somatic cells reprogrammed to return to the pluripotent state by introducing specific factors. This is a breakthrough in stem cell research because ethical concerns such as fertilized embryo destruction can be avoided. PSCs have tremendous potential in treating degenerative cells by generating the cells needed to replace damaged cells, which can also allow to generate specific cell types to study the mechanisms of the disease and create disease models that screen for potential drugs. However, if the proliferative capacity of PSCs is not controlled, there is a risk that tumors will form, as this can lead to uncontrolled growth in their proliferative capacity. In addition, when PSCs are used for therapeutic purposes, there is a risk that the body’s immune system rejects the transplanted cells when the transplanted cells do not originate from the patient’s own tissue. Taken together, PSC is the foundation of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, providing disease treatment and animal development understanding. We would like to explain the classification of PSCs based on their developmental potential, the types of PSCs (ESCs, EpiSCs and iPSCs), their pluripotent status (naïve vs. primed) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in PSCs and PSCs in domestic animals.

This study developed and implemented an elementary English writing program using image-generative AI to examine its effects on students’ writing abilities and affective domains. The program was designed following the ADDIE model and aligned with the 2022 Revised English National Curriculum. It used Padlet’s ‘I Can’t Draw,’ allowing students to create images based on their prompts. Eighty sixth-grade students participated, with data collected through pre- and post-writing tests, affective domain surveys, student work, reflections, and teacher interviews. A mixed-methods analysis, combining ANCOVA and content analysis, revealed the following: (1) The program improved the syntactic and lexical complexity and fluency of students’ writing, but not accuracy. (2) Students’ situational interest significantly increased, but individual interest did not. Additionally, students’ engagement and motivation in learning English improved. These findings indicate that image-generative AI is an effective tool for enhancing English writing lessons and providing feedback. The study also emphasizes the critical role of teacher competence in successfully integrating AI into language instruction.

In a previous study, beverages containing Centella asiatica extracts (CAE) that exhibited anti-inflammatory effects were prepared. This study aimed to establish the optimal extraction conditions for CAE to enhance its anti-inflammatory activity in functional labeling beverages (FLB-CCS) containing Aloe vera gel powder and Codonopsis lanceolata extract, and to determine their effects on intestinal epithelial cells. Initially, FLB-CCS 1 (containing 3% CAE) and FLB-CCS 2 (containing 1% CAE), which had varying CAE extraction ratios, displayed no significant cytotoxicity in IL-1β-induced inflammatory intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells. FLB-CCS 1 significantly more effectively inhibited the production of inflammatory factors, such as IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), compared to FLB-CCS 2. FLB-CCS 1 also reduced the mRNA expression of genes encoding IL-6 and MCP-1. Additionally, FLB-CCS 1 regulated the expression of IL-1 receptor type 1 by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB transcription factor p65. In conclusion, these results suggest that an increased CAE extraction ratio (FLB-CCS 1) could enhance the anti-inflammatory activity and serve as materials in functional labeling beverages for intestinal health.