In this study, an experiment was conducted on the domestic cultivar 'White and Cool' on a farm in Taean to compare the effects of conventional soil cultivation and net cultivation to increase yield and reduce labor input time during outdoor gladiolus cultivation. The above- and below-ground growth, yield, and input labor time were investigated after cultivating half of the seedlings using the conventional cultivation method and the other half using the net cultivation method. There was no difference in the above- or below-ground growth between net cultivation and conventional cultivation. However, the labor input time decreased 2.57 times, the yield of the irrigated area increased by 3%, and the self-fertilization yield increased by 28%. Based on these results, several factors should be considered during net cultivation. First, loose netting should be used for root development. Second, care should be taken while flattening when planting seedlings, and after sowing, the area should be covered with a net to prevent drying. Third, after completion of the installation, compaction should be performed to ensure close contact between the soil and netting, and after removing the space between the nets, the seedlings should be irrigated to induce early rooting.

This study was aimed to isolate bacterial inoculants producing chitinase and evaluate their application effects on corn silage. Four corn silages were collected from four beef cattle farms to serve as the sources of bacterial inoculants. All isolates were tested against Fusarium graminearum head blight fungus MHGNU F132 to confirm their antifungal effects. The enzyme activities (carboxylesterase and chitinase) were also measured to isolate the bacterial inoculant. Based on the activities of anti-head blight fungus, carboxylesterase, and chitinase, L. buchneri L11-1 and L. paracasei L9-3 were subjected to silage production. Corn forage (cv. Gwangpyeongok) was ensiled into a 10 L mini silo (5 kg) in quadruplication for 90 days. A 2 × 2 factorial design consists of F. graminearum contamination at 1.0104 cfu/g (UCT (no contamination) vs. CT (contamination)) and inoculant application at 2.1 × 105 cfu/g (CON (no inoculant) vs. INO (inoculant)) used in this study. After 90 days of ensiling, the contents of CP, NDF, and ADF increased (p<0.05) by F. graminearum contamination, while IVDMD, acetate, and aerobic stability decreased (p<0.05). Meanwhile, aerobic stability decreased (p<0.05) by inoculant application. There were interaction effects (p<0.05) on IVNDFD, NH3-N, LAB, and yeast, which were highest in UCT-INO, UCT-CON, CT-INO, and CT-CON & INO, respectively. In conclusion, this study found that mold contamination could negatively impact silage quality, but isolated inoculants had limited effects on IVNDFD and yeast.

Extensive research and testing continue to be conducted for the development of vaccines targeting zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis. In this study, the potential of the DapB as a recombinant protein vaccine to effectively combat Brucella abortus 544 infection in BALB/c mice was evaluated. Western blotting assay results showed that recombinant protein DapB reacted with Brucella-positive serum, indicating its potential immunoreactivity. In vivo results showed that the peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cell population significantly increased in the DapB-immunized mice group after the first, second and third blood collection, compared to the control group that received PBS. Additionally, at the fourth blood collection, an increase in CD4+ T cell activation was observed in three vaccination groups compared to PBS negative control group. These results indicate the potential of DapB in stimulating cellular immunity. Fourteen days after infection, the bacterial load in the spleen was evaluated. The reduction in bacterial replication in the spleen by both DapB and RB51 highlights their protective efficacy against Brucella infection. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts in developing effective vaccines against brucellosis and provide valuable insights for further research in this field.

Corn silage is extensively utilized in ruminant feeding on a global scale, with substantial research efforts directed towards enhancing its nutritional worth and managing moisture content. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of normal cutting height and elevated cutting height on whole-crop corn silage. Corn was harvested at heights of 15 cm and 45 cm above the ground, respectively, 45 days after heading. The harvested corn was cut into 2-3 cm lengths and packed into 20-liter plastic silos in triplicate. The results showed that dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of C45 were significantly higher than those of the control, while the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly lower in C45 (p<0.05). The C15 had higher yields than C45 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total digestible nutrients (TDN) yield of whole-crop corn silage. The increase in cutting height resulted in a larger change in moisture content and NDF per centimeter. After 60 days-ensiling, C45 showed significantly lower NH3-N concentrations. Moreover, C45 had significantly higher lactic acid concentration, lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, and lactic acid bacteria count compared to the control. Mold was not detected and the yeast count was less than 2 log10 cfu/g fresh matter in both control and C45. In summary, C45 improved the feeding value and fermentation quality of whole-crop corn silage at the expense of forage productivity.

본 연구는 금속 인공물을 감소시키기 위한 VAT(view angle tilting)와 SEMAC(slice encoding for metal correction) 기법 적용에 따른 온도 변화 범위를 관찰하고자 하였다. 제작된 인체 모방 팬텀을 활용하였고, 검사방법으로는 임상에서 실제로 사용하고 있는 고속스핀에코(fast spin echo, FSE) 기법의 영상 파라미터들을 그대로 이용하였다. VAT 와 SEMAC 기법은 FSE와 같은 파라미터로 설정한 다음 VAT 파라미터는 100%와 SEMAC 파라미터는 25로 설정하였다. 온도 측정 방법으로는 수소원자 공명주파수전이법(proton resonance frequency shift, PRFS)기법을 활용하였으며, 광 섬유 온도계(fiber-optic sensor, FOS)로 절대 온도를 측정한 후 비교 분석하였다. 온도 변화는 SEMAC 기법에서 기존 FSE 기법 (0.28℃±0.10℃)에 비해 1.63℃±0.12℃로 약 6배 상승하였고(SEMAC-FOS = 1.59℃), VAT 기법은 약 2배 증가(VAT-FOS = 0.51℃)가 확인되었다. 특히, SEMAC 기법은 VAT 기법(VAT-FOS = 0.51℃, VAT-PRFS = 0.54℃ ±0.02℃)과 비교하여 약 3배가 증가하여 가장 높은 온도 상승이 관찰되었다. 이는 SEMAC 기법 적용 시 자기공명영상 전자파 인체 영양에 대한 안전기준을 충족하기 위해 영상 파라미터 최적화 작업의 필요성을 시사한다.

DWI 검사 시 인체 조직 및 병변에 근접한 공기는 영상왜곡을 가중해 병변 감별에 어려움을 준다. 이에 본 연구는 팬텀을 제작하 여 기하학적 왜곡을 줄여주는 SMS RESOLVE DWI를 통해 공기 자화율에 의한 왜곡 변화를 정량화하였다. 팬텀은 원통형으로 내부에 공기가 존재하도록 설계하였다. 제한된 환경 속에서 다양한 자화율에 의해 왜곡이 영상에 구현되도록 팬텀 내부에는 증류수, 젤라틴 외 혼합 물질과 공기를 구분되게 채웠다. 팬텀의 정렬을 다르게 하여 공기 있는 상태 실험을 진행 후, 공기 대신 혼합액 넣은 상태 실험을 같은 방식으로 진행하였고 혼합액 대신 증류수 넣은 상태 실험을 진행하였다. 3T MRI 장비로 T2WI, C DWI, SMS-RESOLVE DWI를 촬영하였고 파이썬 OpenCV로 이미지 유사도를 측정 후 비교 분석하였다. 실험 결과 공기 있는 상태 SMS-RESOLVE DWI b0에서 SSIM 평균 0.898, MSE 평균 0.068로 영상왜곡이 가장 적었다. SMS-RESOLVE DWI의 공기 자화율 왜곡 변화는 b0 기준 SSIM, MSE 모두 –0.033~0.003 이미지 유사도 차이를 보였다. SMS-RESOLVE DWI b1000은 수치상 이미지 유사도 차이가 크지 않거나 감쇄되는 때도 있어서 향후 SNR 보완에 초점을 둔다면 보다 개선된 영상진단 성능을 제공할 것으로 기대되고 오픈 소스 라이브러리를 통해 오차를 최소화한 이미지 처리와 유사도를 분석하는 새로운 시도는 앞으로의 연구 방향에 새 모델을 제시한다.

In the realm of dental prosthesis fabrication, obtaining accurate impressions has historically been a challenging and inefficient process, often hindered by hygiene concerns and patient discomfort. Addressing these limitations, Company D recently introduced a cutting-edge solution by harnessing the potential of intraoral scan images to create 3D dental models. However, the complexity of these scan images, encompassing not only teeth and gums but also the palate, tongue, and other structures, posed a new set of challenges. In response, we propose a sophisticated real-time image segmentation algorithm that selectively extracts pertinent data, specifically focusing on teeth and gums, from oral scan images obtained through Company D's oral scanner for 3D model generation. A key challenge we tackled was the detection of the intricate molar regions, common in dental imaging, which we effectively addressed through intelligent data augmentation for enhanced training. By placing significant emphasis on both accuracy and speed, critical factors for real-time intraoral scanning, our proposed algorithm demonstrated exceptional performance, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 0.91 and an unrivaled FPS of 92.4. Compared to existing algorithms, our solution exhibited superior outcomes when integrated into Company D's oral scanner. This algorithm is scheduled for deployment and commercialization within Company D's intraoral scanner.

The purpose of this study is to determine the concepts of heterotopic image and fashion space, and the characteristics of fashion space and images from the perspective of fashion brands and users. This study examines the evolution of fashion space and consumers with it, based on Foucault’s theory of heterotopia, which refers to spaces that blend contradictory features not typically found within a single physical structure. This is accomplished by employing a single case study of Ader Error’s Ader Space, a Seoul-based brand known for its unique approach to presenting and communicating fashion. Based on an analysis of Instagram posts of Ader Error along with the hashtag searches “aderspace” and “adererror”, this study categorizes heterotopia from the perspective of fashion brands into three properties: fashion space as a medium for selling fashion products; fashion space as getaway to hybrid fashion practices; and fashion space as an illusionary place to experience fashion. From the user perspective, the heterotopic image of Ader Space portrayed on Instagram is characterized by the image of fashion products in an extraordinary fashion space, the image of a fashion space beyond space and time, and the image of exposing the hidden and the illusioncompensation of fashion space. This study contributes to a heightened understanding of the evolutionary concept of the fashion space.

The thermoelectric effect, which converts waste heat into electricity, holds promise as a renewable energy technology. Recently, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based alloys are being recognized as important materials for practical applications in the temperature range from room temperature to 500 K. However, conventional sintering processes impose limitations on shape-changeable and tailorable Bi2Te3 materials. To overcome these issues, three-dimensional (3D) printing (additive manufacturing) is being adopted. Although some research results have been reported, relatively few studies on 3D printed thermoelectric materials are being carried out. In this study, we utilize extrusion 3D printing to manufacture n-type Bi1.7Sb0.3Te3 (N-BST). The ink is produced without using organic binders, which could negatively influence its thermoelectric properties. Furthermore, we introduce graphene oxide (GO) at the crystal interface to enhance the electrical properties. The formed N-BST composites exhibit significantly improved electrical conductivity and a higher Seebeck coefficient as the GO content increases. Therefore, we propose that the combination of the extrusion 3D printing process (Direct Ink Writing, DIW) and the incorporation of GO into N-BST offers a convenient and effective approach for achieving higher thermoelectric efficiency.

Extant studies assessing determinants of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation prices have mainly focused on individual listing-level analysis, with a less attention to inter-regional dynamics between cooperation and competition. While Airbnb has announced how to set a pricing strategy tool called “smart pricing” to help hosts gauge rental rates, many hosts find that its suggesting prices are too low, failing to offer a robust picture of their destination market (Jiang et al., 2022). This calls for a research on how P2P accommodation hosts can benefit from coopetitive pricing strategy – a hybrid behavior of cooperation and competition that occurs among hosts or regions (Chim-Miki & Batista-Canino, 2018).

Metaverse is a virtual world where users can engage in various activities, and its market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years (Hwang, 2021). Generation Z, also known as digital natives, are heavily involved in social media and often share selfies, making them more sensitive to body image concerns (Ameen, 2022). In the metaverse, users can create customized avatars, allowing them to experience an ideal body image. This study applies the “extraordinary self” theory to avatar creation, a concept that explains how people create an ideal, fantastic, or transcendent self by consuming experiences that set them apart from their mundane real self (Procter, 2021). Based on the theory, this study examines how dissatisfaction with body image of Generation Z can lead to the creation of avatars that manifest an ideal body image, which in turn, can influence self-congruence with the avatar and self-esteem in the metaverse. This study also looks into the possible effects of enhanced self-esteem on user’s intention to purchase virtual products and their loyalty to a specific metaverse platform. Therefore, the following hypotheses are developed.

This study proposes a new collaborative filtering model that integrates Restricted Boltzmann Machines. The proposed two-stage model is applied to household-level supermarket purchase data. Results show that our model fits the data better and outperforms existing collaborative filtering methods in predicting shopping patterns. The proposed model also improves interpretations of market complexity and common causes of coincidence associated with customers’ multi-category purchases.

In ethical consumerism, the issue of ethical attitudes not translating to ethical behaviors has been highly debated. While previous studies attribute this attitude-behavioral mismatch to the lack of education, hypocrisy, or low commitment, we propose a novel approach of applying Moral Foundation Theory (MFT) to account for the phenomenon. MFT identifies two dimensions of morality: individualizing moral foundations (INDI) which focuses on justice and harm, and binding moral foundations (BIND) which emphasizes authority and loyalty. Using responses from more than 4,000 consumers from four culturally and regionally diverse markets, we investigate the differing roles of moral foundations in response to a scenario on a sweatshop issue of a supplier whose factory is in a developing country. We use the mediator-moderator model of MFT-anticorporate attitude-boycott behavioral intention sequence to examine the differing role of INDI and BIND. Our results show that INDI and BIND are both positively related to anticorporate attitude; However, BIND is negatively related to boycott behavioral intention while INDI is positively related. That is, consumers with a strong BIND may show an attitude-behavioral mismatch although they are highly ethical.

Voice assistant devices (VADs), driven and improved by artificial intelligence, have been adapted for consumers (e.g., Hey Google and Alexa) and are widely used for their daily lives (Guha et al., 2022; Rabassa, Sabri, & Spaletta, 2022). Consumers benefit from the use of a VAD as it makes their daily lives more convenient, more comfortable, and simpler (Zierau et al., 2022). At the same time, companies can also benefit from interactions with VADs by collecting consumer-related data and storing it in large databases for marketing purposes (Guha et al., 2022; Rabassa et al., 2022).

Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected online advertising market. The pandemic has changed customers’ shopping behavior by decreasing customer traffic in offline businesses but increasing customers’ online activities that has led to growth of online shopping and advertising. While the outbreak of Covid-19 has sparked growth of online advertising in general, its impact on various industries may not be the same, given the differences in product characteristics and consumer behavior across different products and services. This paper aims to address this question by empirically examining how Covid-19 has affected online search advertising market. First, we examine how Covid-19 has affected the behavior of online users and advertisers, the main stakeholders in the search advertising market, in terms of user traffic and clicks and advertiser bids and payments. Second, we examine if the impacts of Covid-19 on behavior of online users and advertisers would be different in various industries.

Metaverse provides technology for people to connect, find communities, and grow businesses. Its sales have seen growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an era of metaverse, luxury brands such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Balenciaga, and Dolce & Gabbana are trying to adapt to new changes. They launched NFT(Non-fungible token) goods, digital fashion, and virtual luxury goods on various metaverse platforms such as Zepeto, Roblox, and Fortnite. For example, Ralph Lauren in Zepeto provides various types of luxury items, immerses in virtual performances, and has a game plot interaction. As people immerse themselves in the Metaverse, they feel happy from various activities—such as watching advertisements, drinking juice, and playing with friends. Thus, what factors should be considered when the luxury brands manage the metaverse?

In recent years, with its amazing online interactive promotion ability, e-commerce live streaming has attracted the attention of theoretical scholars and practical experts. This study takes “co-presence (CP) ” and “social presence (SP) ”, which are the prominent features of e-commerce live streaming, as the breakthrough point to explore the mechanism of the influence of co-presence and social presence on purchase intention. In this study, consumers with e-commerce live streaming watching experience are taken as participants, and the method of structural equation modeling is used. It is found that: presence significantly impacts flow experience and consumer purchase intention, while the impact of the two kinds of presence (SP, CP) is variable. the promotion effect of the two kinds of presence (SP, CP) on consumer purchase intention is completely mediated by flow experience. The mediating effect of co-presence on consumer purchase intention through flow experience is regulated by e-commerce live streaming topicality, but social presence doesn’t.

Metaverse blends the physical and virtual worlds, transforming the customer's shopping experience. This study aims to identify the psychological mechanism in the metaverse environment and the relationship between metaverse experience and consumer happiness. To identify metaverse experiences, both behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were conducted. In a behavioral study, we found that consumers' happiness increased when participants were in an immersive metaverse space. In the fMRI study, we found greater activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and lateral occipital cortex (LOC) regions in the high level of the immersive metaverse and found a positive relationship with consumers' happiness. This paper is the first attempt in marketing to provide an integrative brain map for the metaverse experience. This brain map helps marketers better understand the consumer experience. This study suggests that only in the immersive metaverse space where virtual and physical experiences interact can consumers become one with the virtual space and maximize customer experience values.

Evaporative emission generated through the fuel supply system of a gasoline automobile is prevented into the atmosphere through an activated carbon canister system. In this study, the oxygen functional group of activated carbon was controlled using a simple gas phase treatment to improve evaporative emission reduction performance, and the adsorption/desorption performance of evaporative emissions was evaluated according to microwave heating conditions. Microwave heating was used to remove the oxygen functional group of the activated carbon efficiently. Microwave heating was found to remove oxygen functional groups in a short treatment time (1–7 min). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were employed to investigate modifying the oxygen functional group of the activated carbon. Using N2/ 77K adsorption/desorption isotherm, the textural properties of the activated carbon according to microwave heating conditions were examined. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) equation was used to calculate the specific surface area of the activated carbon, and the Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) equation was used to calculate the micropore volume of activated carbon. Microwave heating effectively increased the butane working capacity, which is the neat adsorption capacity of activated carbon, from 7.12 g/100 ml to a maximum of 8.04 g/100 ml.

To broaden the utilization of nuclear energy, uranium as a fuel should be mined indispensably. Mining accounts for the largest portion of the cost of producing the uranium assembly. Therefore, this study analyzes the trends of uranium prices, which have a significant impacts on the mining cost. Uranium production contributing to the price fluctuations is explained in five periods from 1945 to the present. Moreover, the series of events affecting uranium prices from the 1970s until the present are verified. Among them, the most recent incidents considered in this study are the following: COVID-19 pandemic, Kazakhstan unrest, and Russia-Ukraine war. European countries have started to reconsider the transition to nuclear power to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas, which has contributed to the surge in uranium prices. Based on the results of this study, various international issues have been closely associated with the nuclear power industry and uranium, affecting the production of uranium and its price.