Background: Neck discomfort and movement limitations are common musculoskeletal problems among modern people. While cervical and thoracic joint mobilization are widely used interventions for cervical dysfunction, research comparing their immediate effectiveness in adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation is limited. Objectives: To compare the immediate effects of cervical versus thoracic joint mobilization in adults with adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation and discomfort. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty adults with left-right differences in cervical rotation of more than 5 degrees were randomly assigned to a cervical mobilization group (CMG, n=15) or thoracic mobilization group (TMG, n=15). Both groups received Grade III mobilization for 15 minutes. Range of motion (ROM), pain (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI) were measured before and after intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in ROM after intervention (P<.001). Within-group analysis revealed that the TMG showed significant pain reduction (P<.01) and significant reduction in left-right rotation asymmetry (P<.001), while the CMG showed improvement in ROM but no significant changes in asymmetry or pain (P>.05). Neither group showed significant changes in NDI. Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences in any outcome measures. Conclusion: Both cervical and thoracic joint mobilization increased cervical range of motion in adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation discomfort. The TMG demonstrated significant within-group improvements in left-right rotation asymmetry and pain reduction, suggesting potential clinical benefits of thoracic mobilization for certain aspects of cervical dysfunction.

Background: Functional sarcopenia, a subcategory of sarcopenia, has recently been introduced. It is defined by muscle weakness and reduced physical performance, regardless of muscle mass reduction, and may potentially affect overall rehabilitation outcomes in patients. Objectives: This study aimed to classify stroke patients into two groups based on the presence or absence of functional sarcopenia and to compare changes in balance and gait ability after receiving the same rehabilitation intervention. Design: A quasi-experimental design. Methods: A total of 44 stroke patients participated in this study and were classified into functional sarcopenia (n=22) and non-functional sarcopenia groups. Physical function tests were used to assess balance (Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale) and gait (10-Meter Walk Test, Functional Ambulation Category). All participants underwent a four-week convalescent rehabilitation program, receiving five sessions per week, with each session lasting four hours per day. Results: After four weeks of convalescent rehabilitation, both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (P<.05). However, when comparing the pre-post changes, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the changes of balance and gait outcomes (P>.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that stroke patients with functional sarcopenia can achieve a similar level of functional recovery as those without functional sarcopenia when provided with appropriate rehabilitation interventions.

Background: Prolonged use of computers and mobile devices has contributed to postural abnormalities such as Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP), which is characterized by muscle imbalances that can lead to pain and functional limitations. Correcting these imbalances through targeted stretching and strengthening exercises was expected to help improve postural alignment and muscle function. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week integrated exercise program targeting the pectoralis minor (PM), upper trapezius (UT), and lower trapezius (LT) on postural alignment and muscle activation in female adults with RSP. Design: Single-group pre-post test study. Methods: Eighteen female university students (aged 20–22 years) with RSP participated in a six-week intervention consisting of PM stretching, UT stretching, and LT strengthening exercises. RSP severity was assessed using acromion-to-ground distance, PM length was measured with a caliper, and surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to evaluate UT and LT muscle activity. Normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and paired t-tests were conducted for statistical analysis (α=0.05). Results: After the intervention, significant improvements were observed in all measured variables. Acromion-to-ground distance decreased (P<0.001), PM length increased (P<0.001), UT activation decreased (P<0.01), and LT activation increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: The six-week integrated exercise program effectively improved postural alignment and muscle activation in women with RSP by addressing muscle shortening, overactivity, and weakness. These findings suggest that combined stretching and strengthening exercises can serve as a practical and effective approach for RSP correction. Future studies with longer durations and diverse populations are recommended to further validate these results and enhance clinical applicability.

The corrosivity of molten salt presents a major challenge for the commercialization of molten salt reactors, which utilize molten salt as both fuel and coolant. To protect structural materials of molten salt reactors, minimizing moisture—the primary source of corrosion—is crucial, necessitating precise moisture concentration measurements. This study examines the role of an inert gas atmosphere in analyzing moisture in molten chloride salts. Four chloride salts with different hygroscopic properties (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and ZnCl2) were tested. Each was analyzed in three states: as-received and dried by heating for 6 and 12 hours. Karl Fischer titration was employed to measure the moisture concentrations in salts under both air and an argon-filled glove box. Results showed consistently lower and more stable moisture concentrations in the inert atmosphere, highlighting the necessity of an argon environment for accurate moisture analysis in molten salts.

The present study investigates the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools by pre-service teachers (PSTs) in lesson planning for a middle-school English as a foreign language (EFL) class, aiming to address gaps and inform teacher training. The case study examined PSTs in a South Korean university course who were tasked with creating lesson plans using generative AI to aid in lesson plan development for a middle school lesson that incorporated generative AI. Data were analyzed thematically, and results revealed that generative AI was used in topic selection, material creation, lesson organization, and language checking. While generative AI facilitated efficiency and creativity, challenges emerged, including the quality of outputs and limited incorporation of effective pedagogical strategies. These findings indicate a need for targeted training in prompt engineering, ethical considerations, pedagogy, and collaborative practices to enhance PSTs’ generative AI competencies. This study contributes to teacher education programs by providing insights into the practical integration of generative AI in pedagogical practices.

A new spider species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805, Pholcus osaek sp. nov., in the family Pholcidae C.L. Koch, 1850, is described from Korea. This new species belongs to phungiformes-group in the genus. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the shape and structure of genital organs of both males and females. It is found on and between rock walls in mountainous mixed forests. Additionally, the taxonomic status of Pholcus uksuensis Kim & Ye, 2014 is revalidated, re-diagnosed, and redescribed based on specimens collected from the type locality. Considering differences mentioned in the diagnosis through revalidation, P. uksuensis is regarded as a distinct species. Therefore, it should be removed from the synonymy of P. woongil Huber, 2011.

The efficient fabrication of uranium-based liquid fuels and the structural integrity of reactor materials are critical challenges for the deployment of chloride-based molten salt reactors (MSRs). As part of KAERI’s ongoing MSR development, this study investigates an optimized uranium chlorination process and a corrosion assessment of candidate structural materials under conditions more closely resembling actual reactor cores. To enhance process efficiency and scalability, metallic uranium was converted into uranium trihydride (UH3) via hydriding, achieving 34.1% efficiency. UH3 was chlorinated with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), yielding uranium trichloride (UCl3) with a conversion rate over 98% and purity above 99%, as confirmed by ICP-OES. The UCl3 was used to fabricate various uranium-based liquid fuels for MSR applications. Simultaneously, the corrosion behavior of SS304, SS316, and Hastelloy-N was evaluated using a natural convection loop filled with a NaCl– MgCl2 eutectic salt mixture. The system operated for 500 hours at 500–580°C to replicate MSR conditions. Corrosion analysis revealed that SS304 suffered severe degradation, SS316 showed moderate resistance, and Hastelloy-N demonstrated superior stability, although some cold leg samples experienced mass gain due to corrosion product deposition. These findings provide key insights into optimizing liquid fuel synthesis and selecting corrosion-resistant materials for safe, long-term MSR operation.

목적 : 본 연구에서는 강원도 강릉지역의 중학교 3학년의 굴절 상태를 분석하여 지역적 기초자료로 사용하고자 한다. 방법 : 남학생 208안, 여학생 117안 총 325 안을 대상으로 연구를 진행하였으며, 등가구면 굴절이상 정도의 분 류는 정시 기준은 –0.25 D ~ +0.25 D, 경도 근시 –0.50 D~ -2.75 D, 중등도 근시 –3.00 D ~ 5.75 D, 고도 근 시 –6.00 D 이상으로 나누어 분류하여 굴절 상태를 분석하였다. 결과: 근시 291안 평균 굴절력은 –2.94±1.91 D, 남학생은 –2.85±1.89 D, 여학생은 –3.11±1.94 D로 조사되었 다. 근시 정도의 분류를 비교했을 때 경도 근시는 –1.40±0.75 D, 중등도 근시는 –4.06±0.87 D, 그리고 고도 근시는 –6.78±0.89 D으로 나타났으며 총 325안의 평균 굴절력은 –2.63±2.03 D로 나타났다. 성별에 따른 근시의 평균 굴절 력은 경도 근시는 남학생 –1.37±0.71 D, 여학생 –1.47±0.82 D, 중등도 근시는 남학생 –4.03±0.86 D, 여학생 –4.11±0.89 D, 고도 근시는 남학생 –6.63±0.86 D, 여학생 –7.09±0.94 D으로 나타났다. 난시의 평균 굴절력을 비교해 본 결과 남학생 –1.43±1.00 D, 여학생은 –1.34±0.98 D로, 경도 근시는 남학생 –1.24±0.97 D, 여학생 –0.92±0.41 D(t=-2.10, p<0.050)로, 고도 근시는 남학생 –1.44±0.49 D, 여학생 –2.50±1.76 D(t=2.34, p< 0.050)으로 나타났다. 결론 : 학생들은 근시 범위 중에서 중등도 근시의 비율이 가장 높았으며 여학생에서 경도 중등도 그리고 고도 근시 범위 모두 더 높은 굴절력이 나타났고, 난시 비교에서는 고도 근시 범위에 해당되는 난시에서만 여학생이 높 게 나타났다. 앞으로도 시력 관리에 도움이 될 만한 연구가 계속되어야 할 것으로 생각된다.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding DDGS and full-fat soybean in the finishing diet on the performance, carcass characteristics and unsaturated fatty acid composition of Hanwoo steers. Thirty Hanwoo steers (average age, 26.4 months; weight, 756.69 kg) were assigned into Control (no additive), DS (DDGS supplemented) and FS (full-fat soybean supplemented). The feeding rate of DDGS and full-fat soybean was set at 10% and 5% in the finishing diet, respectively, and the in vivo trial was conducted for 122 days. The final body weight was 779.81, 774.20 and 791.95 kg for Control, DS and FS, respectively, and the average daily gain was not different among treatments. The feed conversion ratio was lower in FS compared to Control. Carcass cold carcass weight, backfat thickness, M. longissimus dorsi area and marbling scores were not different among treatments, and moisture, crude protein, and crude fat content in carcass were not different. The melting point of sirloin ranged from 25 to 26℃ among treatments. The saturated fatty acid, C18:0, was lower in the FS than in Control. C18:1, the main unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) in carcasses, did not show any difference among treatments, but C18:2 was higher in DS than in Control. Total UFAs were higher in the FS than in Control. Based on the above results, DDGS feeding was effective in improving feed conversion ratio and C18:2 content, and full-fat soybean feeding was effective in improving feed conversion ratio and increasing UFA content.

This study assessed the effects of fescue toxicosis on ruminal metabolism and physiology in steers. Twelve ruminally cannulated Angus steers [body weight (BW) = 547 ± 9 kg] were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to six blocks. The steers were fed alfalfa cubes (1.5× NEm) and dosed (1 kg/d) with either endophyte-infected tall fescue seed (E+) or endophyte-free tall fescue seed (E-) via rumen cannula for 21 days. Ruminal dry matter (DM) content was tended to have a higher (p=0.052) in steers in E+ than in E- group. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate concentrations, as well as the acetate:propionate ratio, were higher (p=0.084, 0.095, and <0.001, respectively) in the E+ group, while propionate was lower (p<0.001). Ruminal pH and temperature were similar between treatment groups (p=0.62 and 0.95, respectively), but ruminal pressure was higher (p<0.001) in E-. Additionally, serum prolactin levels was lower (p<0.001) in the E+ group. These findings suggest that consumption of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed may impair ruminal VFA absorption, potentially due to changes in ruminal motility.

This study conducted to investigate potential differences in the activity of genes involved in volatile fatty acid (VFA) absorption, pH regulation, and energy metabolism in epithelial cells of forestomach administered either endophyte-infected (E+; 4.45 mg ergovaline/kg) or endophyte-free (E−) tall fescue seed. Twelve steers [body weight (BW) = 547 ± 9 kg] were fed alfalfa cubes at 1.5 × NEm and dosed 1 kg of ground tall fescue seed daily via rumen cannula for 21 days. On day 22, steers were slaughtered, and tissue samples were collected from the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Gene expression analysis revealed that monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), isoform 1 and MCT4 expression levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the rumen epithelium of steers dosed with E+ seed, while MCT2 expression remained unchanged. Similarly, sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE), isoform 2 expression was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the E+ seed, whereas NHE1 and NHE3 were unaffected by the seed treatment. Additionally, expression levels of down regulated in adenoma (DRA) and anion exchanger (AE), isoform 2 were lower (p<0.05) in the rumen epithelium of E+ steers, while putative anion transporter 1, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter, isoform 1, 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase, isoform 2, and sodium potassium ATPase pump, isoform 1 expression levels were not influenced by the seed treatment. Notably, gene expression in the reticulum, omasum, and abomasum epithelia was unaffected (p>0.05) by seed exposure. These findings suggest that endophyte-infected tall fescue seed may impair ruminal VFA absorption in its dissociated state (pH > 5.8) by downregulating MCT1 and MCT4, along with suppressing NHE2, DRA, and AE2. Therefore, this mechanism may partially explain the reduced weight gain associated with fescue toxicosis in cattle.

본 연구에서는 국내에서 처음 발견된 Aulacophoroides hoffmanni (Takahashi, 1937)를 최초로 보고한다. 2024년 야외조사에서 한국의 서부 2개 지역의 등나무(Wisteria floribunda (Willdenow))에서 심각한 피해를 주고 있는 A. hoffmanni를 확인하였다. 무시성충의 상세한 형태 기재와 계측값을 제시하였으며, 생체 및 슬라이드 표본 사진을 포함하였다. 이 종은 등나무에 심각한 피해를 주고 있어 관상용 등나무의 주요 해충이 될 것으로 예상된다.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on the growth performance and structural development of female and male growing goats. A 4×4 Latin square design was used, involving 8 goats with an average age of 3 months: 4 females and males with an initial body weight (BW) of 10.6 kg and 16.0 kg, respectively. Goats were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: T1 (1.5% BW barnyard millet), T2 (1.5% BW Bermuda hay), T3 (2.0% BW barnyard millet), and T4 (2.0% BW Bermuda hay) over a 22-week period. Results indicated that the highest final body weight (FBW) was significantly observed at the highest feeding level (T4), with females reaching 14.9 kg and males 20.9 kg, while the highest average daily gain (ADG) values were recorded for females in T3 at 75.7 g/d and males in T4 at 81.0 g/d (p<0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was highest in the T4 group for both females (437.4 g/d) and males (635.9 g/d), with significant differences observed across treatments (p<0.05), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed an improving trend, particularly with a value of 6.0 for females in T4. For structural development, the highest feeding levels led to significant increases in body length, body depth, chest width, and chest girth of both sex. Female and male in T4 achieved body lengths of 53.5 cm and 61.8 cm, and body depths of 45.2 cm and 54.8 cm, respectively. Chest width and girth reached 15.9 cm and 66.5 cm in males, and 13.5 cm and 56.5 cm in females. In conclusion, higher feeding levels, especially with Bermuda hay, may positively influence the growth performance and structural development of goats.

The role of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) development has garnered attention, highlighting probiotics as potential adjuncts in CRC prevention and treatment. In recent years, probiotics and their derivatives have demonstrated mechanisms that may contribute to anticancer properties. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum KCTC 3357, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus KCTC 5033, Limosilactobacillus reuteri VA 103, Bacillus galactosidilyticus VA 107, and Lactococcus taiwanensis VE101 on CT-26 mouse colon carcinoma cells using live cells, heat-killed cells (paraprobiotics), and cell-free supernatants (CFS, postbiotics) through an MTT assay. The results indicate that live bacterial strains, such as KCTC 3357, VA 103, and VA 107, promoted CT-26 cell viability, while heat-killed cells and CFS exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Inactivated forms of KCTC 3357 and VE 101, as well as CFS at 10 mg/mL concentration of KCTC 5033, VA 103, and VE 101, showed the strongest antiproliferative effects. These findings suggest that non-viable probiotic derivatives, such as paraprobiotics and postbiotics, offer promising therapeutic potential for CRC, providing a safer and more stable alternative to live probiotics. However, further research is required to explore their mechanisms of action, in vivo efficacy, and potential clinical applications.

목적 : 본 연구는 근시에서 굴스트란드 모형안에 편심 렌즈를 적용했을 때의 광학적 효과를 분석하고자 하였다. 방법 : 굴스트란드 모형안은 3D 시뮬레이션 프로그램을 사용하여 정밀하게 설계하였으며, 근축 근사 없이 정확 한 분석을 제공하는 광선 추적 기술을 적용하여 편심 렌즈로 인한 초점거리와 굴절력의 변화를 정밀하게 조사하 였다. 결과 : 렌즈 중심축의 편심이 초점거리, 굴절력, 광 경로 차이에 미치는 영향을 다양한 편심 조건에서 분석하였 으며, 특히 중심축으로부터 일정 높이에서 평행광선이 입사하는 경우를 집중적으로 조사하였다. 광선의 입사 높이 가 극도로 커짐에 따라 편심의 효과는 감소하고, 출사 광선의 초점은 서로 가까운 지점으로 위치하는 것이 확인되 었다. 렌즈와 눈의 굴절력과 편심에 따른 프리즘 굴절력 효과를 포함하는 전체 굴절력은 광선의 입사 높이가 감소 함에 따라 크게 변화하는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 본 연구 결과는 사시 및 사위와 같은 시각적 이상을 교정하기 위해서, 의도적으로 편심된 렌즈를 설계하 고 처방하는 데 유용한 정보를 제공할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다. 또한, 편심 렌즈 설계 시 발생할 수 있는 비선형적 광학 효과를 최소화하여 사용자에게 최적의 시각적 성능 제공을 보장할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

This study explored factors affecting variability in second language (L2) learning motivation among Korean university students and how they appraised their L2 learning experience. In this study, 85 undergraduate students majoring in English or English education from three universities in Seoul, South Korea, reflected on their past English learning experience. They drew a motigraph and wrote a retrospective reflection essay covering their English learning that spanned over ten years. Researchers divided participants into two groups: a high variability (HV) group and a low variability (LV) group. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Findings suggest thncontextual factors such as the learning method, atmosphere, and situation were main (de)motivational factors for the HV group. In contrast, the LV group was (de)motivated by intrapersonal factors, including the learning context appraisal. These results imply that visualizing long and short-term goals and positive appraisal of the L2 learning experience can help L2 learners maintain a stable pattern in L2 learning motivation.

목적 : 근시 어린이를 대상으로 2년 동안 OK-렌즈 착용자의 근시 감소에 대한 효능을 평가하고자 하였다. 방법 : OK-렌즈 그룹은 OK 렌즈 착용 기준에 부합하는 30명의 대상자로 구성되었고, 단초점 안경을 착용한 대조군에는 31명이 포함되었다. 이 연구에 사용된 OK-렌즈는 CRT였고, 굴절이상 측정은 조절마비제 사용없이 자 동굴절검사기와 자각적 굴절검사를 통하여 이루어졌다. 결과 : 총 61명(OK-렌즈 그룹과 대조군은 각각 30명, 31명)의 대상자가 2년 동안의 검사를 완료했다. 연구 초 기의 OK-렌즈군과 대조군의 평균 연령±SD는 각각 10.13±1.81세와 10.32±1.73세였고, 등가구면굴절력은 OK-렌즈군에서 –2.53±0.96 D, 대조군에서 -2.56±1.10 D로 두 그룹 간 유의미한 차이는 없었다. 2년 동안 등 가구면굴절력의 증가는 OK-렌즈군과 대조군에서 각각 –0.70±0.56 D, -1.27±0.78 D였으며, 그 차이는 통계적 으로 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.001). 결론 : OK-렌즈 치료는 학령기 어린이의 근시 진행을 늦추는 데 도움이 될 수 있다.

Oral cancer has a high mortality rate, making early diagnosis crucial for effective treatment and prognosis. Unlike other cancers, oral cancer develops in the oral cavity, enabling direct contact between saliva and cancer cells. Therefore, saliva is a more useful diagnostic tool than serum or tissue. When DNA, RNA, or proteins produced by cancer cells enter the saliva, they can be easily detected as tumor markers. Therefore, salivary biomarkers can serve as a noninvasive alternative to serum- or tissue-based biomarkers. Early diagnosis is essential for increasing the treatment success rate, improving prognosis, and enhancing post-treatment recovery, ultimately improving the quality of life. Proteins are essential molecules involved in key processes, such as the development, growth, death, and metastasis of oral cancer. Recent advancements in molecular biology and salivary proteomics have enabled the detection and analysis of numerous proteins in saliva. Many of these protein molecules are currently the focus of extensive research. This article aims to review the potential of saliva as a diagnostic tool, techniques for detecting protein biomarkers, and salivary protein biomarkers for oral cancer diagnosis.

생성형 인공지능의 급속한 발전은 사회 전반에 광범위한 영향을 미치며, 일상생활을 포함한 다양한 분야 에 활용되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 인공지능 기술의 발전 동향을 대규모 언어모델(Large Language Models, LLM)을 중심으로 살펴보고 생성형 인공지능 기반 솔루션이 정치 및 공공 부문의 효율성과 서비스 최적화 에 기여하고 있음을 확인하였다. 본 연구는 미국, 싱가포르, 인도 등의 사례분석을 통해 인공지능 도구가 선거의 확장성과 시민과의 상호작용 개선에 역할 할 수 있다는 것을 주장한다. 동시에, 대규모 언어모델의 실사용 과정에서 제기되는 편향성, 허위정보 확산, 규제 공백 등의 쟁점들을 고찰할 필요가 있음을 지적한 다. 요컨대, 생성형 인공지능은 민주주의 발전과 공공서비스 증진에 대한 가능성을 제공하지만, 기술의 지속 가능하고 적실한 활용을 위해 투명성, 공정성과 책임성을 고려한 사용이 요구된다.

최근 몇 년 동안 높은 감도, 빠른 응답 및 쉬운 제작 공정을 갖춘 습도 센서가 상당한 주목을 받고 있다. 여기서는 PET 기판의 깍지낀 전극(IDE)에 감지 층을 증착하여 길이 대 직경의 종횡비가 낮고 (PVP-ZnO-1), 높은(PVP-ZnO-2) PVP 개질 ZnO 나노막대 센서(PVP-ZnO)의 쉬운 제작 공정을 보고 한다. PVP-ZnO-2는 PVP-ZnO-1 센서(41,647%)에 비해 85% 상대 습도(RH)에서 99,397%의 더 높은 정전용량성 습도 감도를 보였다. PVP-ZnO-2 센서는 또한 순환 습도 조건에서 응답시간 7초 및 복구시간 10초를 나타냈다. PVP-ZnO-2의 높은 습도 감도 성능의 이점을 활용하여 다양한 호흡 정도의 정전용량 변화와 모스 부호 메시징을 시연하였다. 이 연구는 높은 표면적을 갖는 고성능 나노소재 기반 습도 센서의 엄청난 잠재력을 보여준다.