The clearwing moth, Synanthedon bicingulata (Staudinger, 1887), is a pest that infests various species of cherry trees. However, genetic information regarding the genus Synanthedon including S. bicingulata, is limited. In this study, we sequenced a complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the species. The 16,255 bp of S. bicingulata mitogenome differs from the typical gene arrangement formed in Lepidoptera: trnQ-trnS2-trnM-trnI arrangement between the A+T-rich region and the ND2 junction. Moreover, the genome has untranslated repetitive sequences in the intergenic space between lrRNA and trnV, as well as the CGA start codon in COI and the TTG start codon in ATP8. Similar observations are noted in species belonging to the tribe Synanthedonini within the genus Synanthedon.

Honey bee plays an important role in pollinating plants. Recently, however, declines in honey bee populations have been reported in many countries, and pesticides have been pointed out as one of the factors contributing to honey bee loss. To determine the effects of pesticides on honey bee behavior, we investigated the homing ability of honey bee exposed to four pesticides (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, fenitrothion, and carbaryl). In addition, the changes in expression levels of genes associated with ‘learning and memory’ (cGMP-dependent protein kinase foraging, Kruppel homolog 1, Adenlyate cyclase 3, Early growth response protein 1, Hormone receptor 38) were examined after pesticide treatment in forager bee. The four pesticides tested in this study generally reduced the homing ability of foragers. In the examination of gene expression, learning and memory-related genes were induced by the exposure to acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and carbaryl, whereas fenitrothion decreased the expression of these genes in honey bee. Although further studies are needed, this suggests that pesticides may have negative effects on honey bee behavior and behavior-related gene expression.

Scabies, caused by an infestation of the skin with the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), is highly contagious and classified as a prevalent neglected tropical diseases. The current diagnostic approach relies solely on clinical judgment based on symptoms, history, and microscopic observation by an experienced dermatologist. To enhance sensitivity and specificity, we developed an alternative method based on mite-derived DNA. Our method involves a quick DNA release from skin scraping samples and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) targeting the scabies mite-specific DNA sequences, enabling diagnosis within 30 minutes. Importantly, no cross-reactivity was observed when the sample was contaminated by two house dust mite species, and false positives were barely detected. Currently, we are in the process of developing a Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kit for a scabies survey targeting school-age children in Timor-Leste as a global health project.

본 연구는 검거세미밤나방(Agrotis ipsilon) 성페로몬 트랩에 혼재하여 유살되는 은무늬밤나방아과 형태적 분류와 동정법 수립을 위해, 날개 무늬의 형태계측학 분석을 실시하였다. 은무늬밤나방아과 개체는 2023년 11월 부터 12월까지 제주도 애월읍 일대에서 채집되었으며, 콩 해충으로 알려진 콩은무늬밤나방(Ctenoplusia agnata) 을 비롯하여, 다양한 농작물을 가해하는 것으로 알려진 붉은금무늬밤나방(Chrysodeixis eriosoma)의 수컷 성충이 포획되었다. 앞날개의 형태 및 무늬를 가지고 현장에서 쉽게 동정할 수 있는 형태적 특징을 도출하기 위하여, 각 성충 개체의 앞날개를 잘라 현미경 카메라로 촬영하고, 앞날개의 내횡선, 아외연선, 반점 크기 등 15개의 형질 을 측정하였다. 또한 각 형질 간의 상관관계를 분석하였으며 빈도분포를 통하여 두 종간 분리되는 형질을 파악하 였다. 최종적으로 다변량 분석법을 적용하여 두 집단이 어떻게 군집을 이루는지 분석하고, 날개형태만으로 붉은 금무늬밤나방과 콩은무늬밤나방을 구분할 수 있는 방안을 제시하였다.

The genus Acronicta Ochsenheimer, 1816 is known as a forest pest. The acronictine species is widely distributed across the Afrotropical, Oriental, Australian, and Neartic regions. This study presents a new record of an acronictine species from Korea, including descriptions, illustrations, and diagnostic characteristics. Additionally, the CO1 barcode data of the newly recorded species is compared with the global barcode reference at the species level. New data on the recently recorded species has been obtained from this study. This information will aid in the prompt identification and preparation for potential pest outbreaks.

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is highly polyphagous pest that damages over 400 plant species, including commercially grown crops and fruits. It was first described in Taiwan and has since invaded Japan and China. In 2021, B. dorsalis was reported on Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea (ROK). To investigate its origin and understand its colonization pathway in ROK, the genetic characteristics were analyzed by using mitochondrial genes. The study analyzed the haplotypes and genetic differences among populations oriental fruit flies collected from Southeast Aisa, including Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome B (CytB) were used for the analysis. The results showed that B. dorsalis had high levels of haplotype diversity among species. No major haplotype was found among populations. The present study enhances our understanding of the haplotype diversity of B. dorsalis in neighboring countries of ROK. This will expand our knowledge of the source of origin and invasive pathway for B. dorsalis.

Although insects lack the adaptive immunity characteristic of vertebrates, certain species exhibit enhanced subsequent immune responses upon re-encountering a pathogen, a phenomenon known as immune priming. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon is still elusive. This study evaluated the immune priming of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, induced by a nonpathogenic and commensal bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. Prior exposure of P. xylostella to B. subtilis significantly increased survival against a pathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, compared to larvae without pre-exposure. To extend the effect of the microbial commensals, two antibiotics, ampicillin and kanamycin, were treated to suppress their populations. In the axenic-like condition in the gut, cellular and humoral immune responses were significantly suppressed. An addition of B. subtilis to the diet of P. xylostella significantly enhanced the immune responses. Apolipoprotein D, known as a lipid carrier, acts like a vertebrate lipocalin in the immune priming of the other insect, Spodoptera exigua. The ortholog of this gene has been identified in P. xylostella, and its expression was induced upon B. subtilis treatment. This study sheds light on the potential role of commensal gut microbes, including B. subtilis, in the immune priming of these insects.

Xenorhabdus와 Photorhabdus 속은 각각 곤충병원성 선충인 Steinernema와 Heterorhabditis에 공생하는 공생세 균이다. 감염성 선충의 유충은 공생세균을 표적 곤충의 혈강에 전달하고, 여기서 세균이 증식하여 숙주 선충의 발달을 돕는다. 이러한 선충과 세균 복합체의 성공적 공생관계는 세균의 이차대사산물을 통한 숙주의 면역억제 에 달려져 있다고 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 서로 다른 살충력을 보이는 6종의 Xenorhabdus를 확보하고 이러한 차이가 세균의 성장속도와 NRPS (Non ribosomal peptide synthease)에 의해 생성되는 세균의 이차대사산물 발현에 서 기원한다는 것을 확인하였다. 서로 다른 균주들은 콩명나방 (Tenebrio molitor)에 대한 살충력에 차이를 가지고 있었다. 이러한 세균들은 TSB 배지에서는 세균 성장 속도에 차이가 존재하지 않았지만 콩명나방 혈강 내에서는 세균의 성장 속도에 차이가 존재하는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 각 세균의 이차대사산물 추출물을 통한 곤충의 면역 억제 실험 결과 PLA2 활성 억제, 세포독성 능력들이 살충력과 상관관계가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 이차대 사산물의 경우 많은 물질이NRPS (Non ribosomal peptide synthease)에 의해 생성되므로 각 세균 별 NRPS의 유전자 발현을 보았을 때 흥미롭게도 살충력이 더 높은 스트레인의 세균이 일부 NRPS 유전자의 발현이 더 높은 것으로 나타났다. NRPS에 의해 합성되는 물질을 포함한 세균의 이차대사산물의 차이를 서로 비교하기 위하여 이차대사 산물 추출액을 GC-MS/MS를 이용하여 분석하였다. 본 연구를 통해 곤충병원세균에 살충력의 기원이 NRPS를 통해 합성되는 이차대사산물에 있다는 것을 확인하였으며 이를 이용한 다양한 NRPS 유래 물질 연구는 신규 살충 물질 개발에 들어가는 비용과 시간을 획기적으로 줄일 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

담배가루이는 전세계의 온대 및 아열대 지방에 넓게 분포하고 있으며, 한국에서는 시설재배작물의 주요 해충 이다. 1998년 충북 친천군 장미재배지에서 처음 확인되었으며, 이후 전국적으로 확산된 것으로 추정된다. 담배가 루이는 고추, 토마토, 오이 등 300종이 넘는 넓은 기주범위를 가지며, 식물체를 흡즙하여 작물의 생산성을 저하시 키고 토마토황화잎말림바이러스(tomato yellow leaf curl virus, TYLCV) 등 100여종이 넘는 바이러스를 매개한다. 담배가루이는 주로 살충제를 이용한 방제가 이루어진다. 하지만 살충제를 이용한 방제법은 살충제 저항성 개체 를 발생시킨다. 살충제 저항성 개체가 발생하게 되면 방제 효율이 급감하여 농가에 추가적인 경제적 피해를 야기 한다. 본 연구는 국내 지역별 담배가루이를 대상으로 약제별 살충제 저항성의 발생 현황을 조사하여, 지역별 효과적인 약제를 탐색하고 향후 방제 전략 수립에 기여하고자 한다. 담배가루이는 전국 15지역(파주, 양평, 화성, 양구, 횡성, 평창, 당진, 천안, 공주, 예천, 구미, 사천, 남원, 나주, 고흥)에서 채집되었다. 살충제는 작용기작 별 사용량이 많은 8종을 선정하였으며, 엽침지법을 사용하여 살충률을 확인하였다. 곤충생장조절제(insect growth regulators, IGR) 피리프록시펜계 약제는 알을 대상으로, 그 외 7개 약제는 2령약충을 대상으로 살충률을 확인하였 다. 모든 지역에서 높은 살충력을 보인 약제는 아버멕틴과 밀베마이신계, 스피노신계, METI살충제, 디아마이드 계 약제이다. 특히 아버멕틴과 밀베마이신계 약제는 살충제 권장사용농도(10ppm)보다 낮은 8.9ppm이하의 LC90 값을 보여 감수성으로 추정되며, 예외적으로 천안 지역의 25.6ppm으로 상대적으로 높은 LC90값을 보였다. 낮은 살충력을 보인 약제는 네오니코티노이드계, 설폭시민계, 피리프록시펜계, 테트론산 및 테트람산 유도체 약제이 다 특히 네오니코티노이드계 약제는 모든 지역에서 살충제 권장사용농도(50ppm)보다 높은 715ppm이상의 LC90 값을 보여, 모든 지역에서 살충제 저항성이 발생한 것으로 추정된다. 실험결과를 통해 살충제 별 살충력의 차이와 지역별 살충제 저항성을 검정하였다. 연구결과를 통해 지역별/약제별 저항성관리 및 대응전략을 수립하여 농업 생산성을 향상시키는 것에 도움이 되고자 한다.

Climate change has led to increased insect pests and pest distribution changes. Traditionally, chemical control using synthetic pesticides has been the main method for pest management, but the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests has become a problem. There is a need to develop new pest control agents to overcome these issues. Entomopathogenic fungi used in pest management have minimal environmental side effects and possess a mechanism of action distinct from that of synthetic pesticides. However, there is a need for the development of technologies to maximize the insecticidal effects of fungi against pests, and expressing and releasing dsRNA within the fungi can preemptively knock out the activation of the insect’s defense system, thereby enhancing the insecticidal effect. Controlling insect defense genes and using entomopathogenic fungi as bio-carriers forms a new pest management strategy. This approach, described as a “microbial insecticide agents development strategy of cassette concept, ” can versatilely modify genes and microbes. It is expected to overcome the limitations of synthetic pesticides.

In this study, we introduce a novel TiN/Ag embedded TiO2/FTO resistive random-access memory (RRAM) device. This distinctive device was fabricated using an environmentally sustainable, solution-based thin film manufacturing process. Utilizing the peroxo titanium complex (PTC) method, we successfully incorporated Ag precursors into the device architecture, markedly enhancing its performance. This innovative approach effectively mitigates the random filament formation typically observed in RRAM devices, and leverages the seed effect to guide filament growth. As a result, the device demonstrates switching behavior at substantially reduced voltage and current levels, heralding a new era of low-power RRAM operation. The changes occurring within the insulator depending on Ag contents were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Additionally, we confirmed the correlation between Ag and oxygen vacancies (Vo). The current-voltage (I-V ) curves obtained suggest that as the Ag content increases there is a change in the operating mechanism, from the space charge limited conduction (SCLC) model to ionic conduction mechanism. We propose a new filament model based on changes in filament configuration and the change in conduction mechanisms. Further, we propose a novel filament model that encapsulates this shift in conduction behavior. This model illustrates how introducing Ag alters the filament configuration within the device, leading to a more efficient and controlled resistive switching process.

Ni-CNT nanocomposites were synthesized via the electrical explosion of wire (EEW) in acetone and deionized (DI) water liquid conditions with different CNT compositions. The change in the shape and properties of the Ni-CNT nanopowders were determined based on the type of fluids and CNT compositions. In every case, the Ni nanopowder had a spherical shape and the CNT powder had a tube shape. However, the Ni-CNT nanopowders obtained in DI water exhibited irregular shapes due to the oxidation of Ni. Phase analysis also revealed the existence of nickel oxide when using DI water, as well as some unknown peaks with acetone, which may form due to the metastable phase of Ni. Magnetic properties were investigated using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) for all cases. Nanopowders prepared in DI water conditions had better magnetic properties than those in acetone, as evidenced by the simultaneous formation of super paramagnetic NiO peaks and ferromagnetic Ni peaks. The DI water (Ni:CNT = 1:0.3) sample revealed better magnetic results than the DI water (Ni-CNT = 1:0.5) because it had less CNT contents.

미디어아트 제작방식중 하나인 미디어 파사드는 화려한 이미지와 색상, 영상표현 기법으로 관람객의 시각적 몰입을 강화하고 호응을 이끈다. 하지만 시각적 이미지 표현에만 집중하는 경우, 제작자가 의도한 메시지나 의미가 관람객에게 전달되기 어려울 수 있으며, 미디어파사드 의 기대효과도 낮아지는 한계점이 있다. 본 연구는 미디어파사드 콘텐츠인 <보물선을 깨우다, 아시아 해양실크로드> 제작 및 전시사례를 통해 전시구성, 서사구조, 시청각적 요소를 분석하 였으며, 이미지 재현과 스토리텔링을 연구하였다. 이를 통해 미디어파사드를 효과적으로 전시 하기 위해서는 선형적 이미지 제시가 아닌 서사구조의 시각이미지가 필요하며, 연속성과 반복 성이 수반되어야 한다는 점, 또 은유와 상징으로 스토리를 재구성하는 방식이 필요하다는 것 을 확인하였다. 향후 이러한 개발방향을 고려한 미디어파사드는 관람객에게 더욱 풍부한 문화 향유 기회를 제공하고 제작자가 의도한 메시지와 의미를 더욱 효과적으로 전달할 수 있을 것 이다.

Safe radiation management is essential not only for operational nuclear power plants but also for nuclear plants to be decommissioned. When spent nuclear fuel is present on-site, meticulous radiation emergency plans are necessary to ensure safety. In Korea, numerous radiation emergency plans have been established for operational nuclear reactors. These plans delineate distinct response mitigation measures for white, blue, and red emergencies. However, clear regulations are yet to be devised for radiation emergency plans for reactors to be decommission. Therefore, this study investigated the decommissioning plan and status of Kori unit 1 to comprehensively analyze the current status of decommissioning safety in Korea. In this study, radiation emergency plans of decommissioning nuclear power plants abroad were reviewed to confirm radiation emergency action levels. Furthermore, radioactive waste treatment facilities, to be used for decommissioning reactors in Korea were evaluated. Moreover, the study assessed emergency plans (especially, emergency initiating conditions) for operational nuclear power plants in Korea for potential use in the decommissioning phase. This study proposed an emergency initiating condition that can be used for decommissioning reactors in Korea. Considering the anticipated introduction of plasma torch melting facility in Korea, this study examined the conditions of radiation emergency plans can be altered. This study identified effective measures and guidelines for managing radiological emergency initiating conditions, and effective decommissioning of nuclear power plants in Korea.

최근에 생성형 인공지능 활용에 관한 많은 연구가 진행되고 있다. Generative AI 도구와 플랫 폼 수량이 증가하고 있는 추세에 따라, Generative AI 도구는 텍스트와 이미지, 소리, 비디오, 그리고 3D 모델을 생성하는 기능을 가지고 있을 뿐만 아니라 프롬프트만으로도 아이디어와 콘텐츠를 포함하여 복잡한 작품을 생성할 수 있다. 본 연구는 Generative AI 도구와 플랫폼이 디지털 아트 전공학생들에게 미치는 영향을 탐구 하였으며, 특히 창작 과정에 그들의 역할과 작품에 미치는 영향을 구체적으로 살펴보았다. 또한, 본 연구는 Generative AI 작품에 의해 디지털 아트 전공 학생들에게 필요한 기술이나 특징에 대한 질적 연구법 중의 주체 분석 방법으로 자세히 연구하였다.

In this study, we investigated the suppression of the corrosion of cast iron in a copper–cast iron double-layered canister under local corrosion of the copper layer. The cold spray coating technique was used to insert metals with lower galvanic activity than that of copper, such as silver, nickel, and titanium, between the copper and cast iron layers. Electrochemically accelerated corrosion tests were performed on the galvanic specimens in KURT groundwater at a voltage of 1.0 V for a week. The results revealed that copper corrosion was evident in all galvanic specimens of Cu–Ag, Cu–Ni, and Cu–Ti. By contrast, the copper was barely corroded in the Cu–Fe specimens. Therefore, it was concluded that if an inactive galvanic metal is applied to the areas where local corrosion is concerned, such as welding parts, the disposal canister can overcome local or non-uniform corrosion of the copper canister for long periods.