Natural populations of numerous species have decreased sharply in recent years, and a number of mammalian species are also now at elevated risk of extinction globally. The long-tailed goral Naemorhedus caudatus, a vulnerable and protected species designated by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), is distributed in Northeast Asia including the Korean Peninsula. In South Korea, the Seoraksan National Park is known as the largest core habitat for the long-tailed goral population. In this study, phylogenetic relationships and population genetic features of the Seoraksan goral population were analyzed using fecal samples with both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers. We found that Seoraksan gorals were the most closely related to Russian population, and also found that a unique Seoraksan lineage evolved there. In addition, the Seoraksan goral population showed higher genetic diversity than other South Korean populations, suggesting that this population might represent the most ecologically and evolutionarily important remnants of the long-tailed goral in South Korea. The Seoraksan goral population had a low level of genetic differentiation and a rather single genetic structure, suggesting that non-negligible levels of gene flow might have occurred across populations. Moreover, microsatellite genotype-based individual identification estimated that the population size was ≥81 in the Seoraksan National Park. Findings of our study suggest that effective conservation and restoration actions are needed for long-term conservation of N. caudatus in this protected area.

복숭아혹진딧물(Myzus persicae Sulzer, Hemiptera: Aphididae)은 채소작물, 과수작물과 화훼작물에 발생하여 농업과 원예작물에 경제적 피해를 주는 주요 해충이다. 복숭아혹진딧물과 기주내부 미생물간의 상호작용을 이해하기 위해, 격리된 사육시설에서 약 2년간 누대사육된 복숭아 혹진딧물 내의 미생물 군집구조는 16S rRNA gene을 이용하여 분석하였다. 복숭아혹진딧물에 우점하는 미생물은 γ-proteobacteria에 속하는 Buchnera sp., Pseudomonas sp., Propionibacterium sp. 등이 주요 우점하는 것을 확인되었다. 미생물 군집크기분석은 정량 PCR을 통해 분석하였 으며, 박테리아 군집의 크기가 곰팡이 군집보다 약 4,300배 큰 것을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과로부터 복숭아혹진딧물 내부에는 γ-proteobacteria 에 속하는 Buchnera sp.가 기주와 매우 밀접한 상호관계가가 이루어진다고 판단되어진다. 본 연구의 결과는 복숭아혹진딧물과 기주내부 미생물간 의 상호작용을 이해하는데 기초자료로 제공될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

산업 발전에 따라 도로 연장이 지속적으로 증가하면서 폐 아스팔트 발생량이 늘어나자, 국내에서는 순환골재를 의무적으로 사 용하도록 관련 규정을 마련하였다. 현장 플랜트에서 순환 아스팔트 혼합물을 생산할 때 재생첨가제를 투입해야 하는 경우, 국 토교통부 “아스팔트 콘크리트 포장 시공 지침“에서는 재생첨가제와 아스팔트를 동시에 투입하도록 명시하고 있다. 그러나 혼합 시간이 부족하거나 혼합 과정이 불량할 경우, 재생첨가제가 균일하게 분산되지 않아 혼합물 품질이 저하될 우려가 있다. 이에 본 연구에서는 기존의 건식 혼합 방식에서 발생하는 문제점을 해소하고자, 아스팔트 플랜트의 Pre-Mixer를 활용하여 아스팔트 바인더와 첨가제를 사전에 혼합하고, 혼합 시간을 달리한 시료를 추출하여 DSR(Dynamic Shear Rheometer) 장비를 통한 MSCR 시험을 수행하였다. 그 결과, 혼합시간이 증가함에 따라 Jnr 값은 증가하고, %Recovery 값은 감소하는 경향이 확인되었 으며, 혼합 시간이 바인더 특성 변화에 유의미한 영향을 미치는 것을 확인하였다. 추가적으로 t-검정을 통해 이러한 경향의 통 계적 유의성을 검증한 결과, Jnr 값은 3-5분, 7-9분, %Recovery 값은 1-3분, 3-5분, 7-9분 구간에서 p값이 0.05 이상으로 나타 나 통계적으로 유의미한 차이가 없었다.

In this paper, the design feasibility of the high-temperature rotation test jig for the operating state of gas turbine blades was confirmed through thermal structural analysis and modal analysis. The structural analysis model was composed of assembled blade, disc, cover, and shaft. Here, the disc was designed to be assembled with two types of blade. First, thermal analysis was performed by applying the blade surface temperature of 800°C. Next, structural analysis was performed at 3600 RPM, the normal operating condition, and 4320 RPM, the overspeed operation condition. Lastly, modal analysis was performed to examine the natural frequency and deformation of the jig. The FE analysis showed that the temperature decreased from the blade to disc dovetail. Additionally, both the blade and disc showed structural stability as the maximum stress was below the yield strength. Also, the first natural frequency was 636.35Hz and 639.43Hz at 3600RPM and 4320RPM, respectively, satisfying gas turbine design standards and guidelines. Ultimately, the designed test jig was confirmed to be capable of high temperature and rotation testing of various blades.

Biodiversity encompasses species diversity, which includes species richness and species evenness. High species diversity is known to contribute to community stability and the potential for maintaining healthy ecosystem functioning. However, the most commonly used species diversity indices have some limitations, as they require species-specific abundance data for each community. In contrast, phylogenetic diversity measures the evolutionary distances between species within a community, reflecting ecological and/or evolutionary divergences and niche differences, without requiring abundance data. This study assessed biodiversity by calculating phylogenetic diversity indices for freshwater fishes (19 species) and aquatic insects (49 species) at three sites within Seoraksan and Odaesan National Parks. The aquatic insects studied belong to the EPT group (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera), which are widely used as bioindicators of aquatic ecosystems. Two mitochondrial DNA genes were used as molecular markers: COI and cyt b for fish, and COI and 16S rRNA for the EPT - group. Overall, Odaesan National Park exhibited higher phylogenetic diversity in both fishes and aquatic insects compared to Seoraksan National Park, although this difference was not statistically significant. The highest phylogenetic and species diversity were observed for fish at the OD2 site (Woljeong District) and for the EPT group at the OD1 (Gyebangsan) and SA2 (Jangsudae) sites. Correlation analysis revealed that phylogenetic diversity indices were more positively associated with species richness than species diversity indices. This study serves as a pilot project for establishing standardized methods for assessing biodiversity in national park habitats using phylogenetic diversity. It also aims to inform various policies, such as the development of biodiversity assessment systems and the prioritization of protected areas within national parks.

Solar energy has been recognized as an alternative energy source that can help address fuel depletion and climate change issues. As a renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels, it is an eco-friendly and unlimited energy source. Among solar cells, thin film Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) is currently being actively studied as an alternative to heavily commercialized Cu (In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin film solar cells, which rely upon costly and scarce indium and gallium. Currently, the highest efficiency achieved by CZTSSe cells is 14.9 %, lower than the CIGS record of 23.35 %. When applied to devices, CZTSSe thin films perform poorly compared to other materials due to problems including lattice defects, conduction band offset, secondary phase information, and narrow stable phase regions, so improving their performance is essential. Research into ways of improving performance by doping with Germanium and Cadmium is underway. Specifically, Ge can be doped into CZTSSe, replacing Sn to reduce pinholes and bulk recombination. Additionally, partially replacing Zn with Cd can facilitate grain growth and suppress secondary phase formation. In this study, we analyzed the device’s performance after doping Ge into CZTSSe thin film using evaporation, and doping Cd using chemical bath deposition. The Ge doped thin film showed a larger bandgap than the undoped reference thin film, achieving the highest Voc of 494 mV in the device. The Cd doped thin film showed a smaller bandgap than the undoped reference thin film, with the highest Jsc of 36.9 mA/cm2. As a result, the thin film solar cells achieved a power conversion efficiency of 10.84 %, representing a 20 % improvement in power conversion efficiency compared to the undoped reference device.

This study investigated the characteristics of personal PM2.5 exposure among 109 participants residing in Seoul over a two-month period, from February 2024 to April 2024. The participants were categorized into four sub-populations, and personal exposure to PM2.5 was assessed using portable monitors, GPS, and time-activity diaries. To understand the time-activity patterns, the daily occupancy rate for different microenvironments was calculated. Additionally, daily PM2.5 exposure contribution and integrated exposure were quantified. A time series analysis was conducted to identify differences in time-activity patterns and PM2.5 exposure among the sub-populations. ANOVA analysis indicated statistically significant differences in PM2.5 concentrations across populations and microenvironments (p<0.05). However, post-hoc analysis revealed specific microenvironments within certain sub-populations where PM2.5 concentration differences were not significant (p>0.05). All sub-populations spent more than 90% of their time indoors, and the results for exposure contribution and integrated exposure indicated that the home, which had the highest occupancy rate, was the most significant contributor to PM2.5 exposure. This study is expected to serve as foundational data for future indoor air quality management and the development of personalized strategies for reducing PM2.5 exposure.

이동 물체의 전역 경로 탐색에 있어 출발지점과 도착지점은 반드시 필요한 조건 중 하나이다. 선박의 경로 탐색에 있어 도착 가능 지점은 부두 이외 선박의 입출항 전 대기 장소 및 선박 수리 등 다양한 목적으로 이용되는 정박지(Anchorage)도 포함될 수 있다. 이 러한 정박지는 연안 해역 환경에 따라 특정 형태로 설계된 공간으로 경로 탐색을 위한 도착지점은 선박이 정박을 위한 투묘 지점이라고 볼 수 있다. 이에, 본 연구에서는 샘플링 기반 탐색 알고리즘 중 PRM 및 계산 기하학 알고리즘을 통해 정박지라는 특정 공간에 대해 다른 선박이 점유하지 않는 공간 탐색을 통한 투묘 지점 산출 방법을 제시하였다. 또한, 개발된 알고리즘을 검증하기 위하여 국내 목포항 11번 정박지를 대상 해역으로 선정하고 시뮬레이션을 수행한 결과 다른 선박이 점유하지 않는 공간에 대해 투묘 지점을 탐색할 수 있었다. 본 연구의 결과는 향후 선박의 의사 결정 및 VTS의 정박지 관리를 위한 지원 방안으로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

In this paper, a shot peening was conducted to improve fatigue life by increasing resistance to hydrogen embrittlement of STS316 steel, which is widely used in hydrogen environments. First, considering the efficiency of the shot peening process, an effective Almen intensity was selected and applied to the specimen surface. Second, the specimen was hydrogen embrittled at room temperature (25°C) and high temperature (60°C) using electrochemical hydrogen charging. Third, the mechanical property tests (tensile, hardness, roughness) and 4-points rotational bending fatigue tests of the specimen were performed. All mechanical properties decreased, but the fatigue life of the shot peened specimens improved at the both temperature conditions. Ultimately, the fatigue characteristics against hydrogen embrittlement of STS316 steel, which is used in various industrial fields, are improved through an effective shot peening process, and the effect is believed to be very significant.

This study evaluated the importance of assessing personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by monitoring indoor, outdoor, and personal VOC levels in 15 Seoul residents over a 3-month period using passive samplers. Results indicated that limonene had the highest concentrations across indoor, outdoor, and personal samples, with this compound primarily originating from household cleaners and air fresheners. Other VOCs, such as 2-butanone and toluene, also varied by location. Health risk assessments showed that most VOCs had a Hazard Index (HI) below 1, while the HI of individual exposures were relatively higher. Notably, cancer risk assessments for chloroform and ethylbenzene exceeded permissible levels in some scenarios, suggesting potential cancer risks. This underscores the importance of diverse microenvironment monitoring for accurate health risk evaluations, as relying solely on indoor and outdoor levels can underestimate actual exposure risks. This study highlights the need for future research to monitor VOC levels in various microenvironments, in addition to the necessity of investigating personal activity patterns in depth to accurately assess personal exposure levels. Such an approach is crucial for precise health risk assessments, and it provides valuable foundational data for evaluating personal VOC exposures.

작물의 스트레스 조기 진단은 농업에 있어 빠른 대응을 가능하게 해 피해를 경감시킬 수 있어 중요한 기술이다. 기존의 스트레스 진단이 가진 파괴적인 형식의 시료 채집과 양분 분석에 많은 노동력을 필요로 한다는 단점 극복을 위해 새로운 기술 개발이 필요하다. 미래에는 대단위 영상을 이용한 생육 진단 기술에 대한 수요가 높아질 것으로 예상되어 이를 이용한 연구를 진행하였다. 본 연구는 2023년 경상남도 밀양시에 위치한 국립식량과학원 실험 포장에서 수행되었으며, 무인항공기(UAV)를 이용하여 양분 결핍 처리(관행시비, 질소 결핍, 인 결핍, 칼륨 결핍, 무비)에 따른 벼의 생육을 조사했다. UAV를 이용해 생육 기간 중 총 6회에 걸쳐 포장을 촬영하였고, 영상을 기반으로 11개의 식생 지수를 산출하여 기계학습을 통해 양분 결핍을 진단하는 모델을 구축하여 평가했다. 연구 결과에 따르면, 엽록소 함량과 관련된 지수인 NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge)가 가장 높은 중요도를 나타내어 벼의 양분 상태를 효과적으로 진단하는 데 유용하다는 것을 확인하였다. 6개의 각 단계별로 모델을 평가하였을 때 모든 단계에서 accuracy가 0.7 이상으로 나타났다. 조기 진단을 위해 첫 촬영 날짜인 7월 5일의 자료로 모델을 만들어 다른 회차에 적용하여 모델의 성능을 평가한 결과, 5개의 모든 단계에서 0.9 이상의 accuracy를 얻었다. 종합적으로, UAV 영상 기반의 식생 지수를 활용한 양분 결핍 진단은 벼의 생육을 조기에 예측하는 데 효과적이며, 이는 정밀 농업 분야에서 시간과 노동을 절감하고 양분 관리를 개선하는 데 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다.

본 연구에서는 탄소나노튜브(CNT) 패치 센서를 기반으로 하여 구조물의 이상 거동을 감지하고 대 응할 수 있도록 하는 첨단 스마트 모니터링 시스템을 제안한다. 복합소재로 제작되는 CNT 센서는 유 연한 특성을 갖게 되어 다양한 형태의 구조물 표면에 적용할 수 있으며, 이를 통해 충격이나 피로 등 에 의해 발생되는 균열과 같은 비정상적인 거동을 감지할 수 있다. CNT 센서를 통해 수집한 데이터 는 IoT 시스템을 통해 실시간으로 분석되어 구조물의 거동 상태를 확인하고 건전성을 모니터링 할 수 있게 한다. 이 시스템의 성능 검증 및 사용성 검토를 위해 미국 소재 교량에서 실증 테스트를 하였으 며, 테스트 결과 CNT 센서를 이용한 구조물 거동 감지 시스템을 통해 구조물의 이상 거동을 효과적 으로 감지하고 모니터링하여 구조물에서 발생 될 수 있는 잠재적 문제를 사전에 예방할 수 있음을 확 인하였다. 이와 같은 기술은 추후 다양한 분야에서 적극적으로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

In ecosystems within limited resources, interspecific competition is inevitable, often leading to the competitive exclusion of inferior species. This study aims to provide foundational information for the conservation and restoration management of Microphysogobio rapidus by evaluating species’ ecological response to biological factors within its habitat. To understand this relationship, we collected food web organisms from site where M. rapidus coexist with Microphysogobio yaluensis, a specie ecologically similar to M. rapidus, and evaluated the trophic levels (TL), isotopic niche space (INS), and the overlap of INS among fishes within the habitat using stable isotope analysis. Our analysis revealed that the M. rapidus exhibited a higher TL than M. yaluensis, with TL of 2.6 and 2.4, respectively. M. yaluensis exhibited a broad INS, significantly influencing the feeding characteristics of most fish. Conversely, M. rapidus showed a narrow INS and asymmetric feeding relationships with other species, in habitats with high competition levels. This feeding characteristics of M. rapidus indicate that the increase in competitors sharing the similar resources lead to a decrease in available resources and, consequently, is expected to result in a decrease in their density.