Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a thorny, nitrogen-fixing shrub native to Europe and Asia. Known as the “vitamin tree,” sea buckthorn is an important fruit resource for the Mongolian people. However, comparative studies on the antioxidant activity of wild sea buckthorn in Mongolia are still lacking. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the optimal extraction method to maximize its functional properties and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of wild Mongolian sea buckthorn berry extracts. The wild Mongolian berries were extracted using hot water, 70% methanol, and 70% ethanol through three different extraction methods: homogenizer-assisted extraction, ultrasonication-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet extraction. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the sea buckthorn extracts were assessed by measuring total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), reducing power, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging capacity, nitrite scavenging activity, and the diameters of inhibition zones against foodborne pathogens. The DPPH free radical scavenging capacity and FRAP of the sea buckthorn berries extracted using Soxhlet with 70% ethanol were 57.36% and 1.035 mg FSE/g, respectively. The Soxhlet 70% ethanol extract also exhibited the highest reducing power (1.961), NO radical scavenging ability (64.7%), and nitrite scavenging ability (62.4%) among the tested samples. The hot water, 70% methanol, and 70% ethanol extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. The homogenizer-assisted 70% ethanol extract formed a clear inhibition zone of 13 mm against Salmonella enteritidis.

Background: During daily activities, stability is maintained to enhance the function of muscles surrounding the lumbopelvic and hip structures. The core muscles such as the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) responsible for this stability. One effective static exercise for strengthening these muscles is the plank. Objects: This study aimed to compare abdominal electromyographic activation when an unstable support surface was applied to the upper and lower extremities during a standard and a knee plank. Methods: A total of 30 adults (15 males and 15 females) participated in this study. Surface electromyography electrodes were placed on the RA, EO, and IO muscles. Data were collected under six conditions for males, including two plank postures (standard and knee planks) and three unstable surface conditions (a dynamic balance cushion applied to the upper extremities, lower extremities, or no cushion). Female participants performed only the knee plank. A mixed-effects model with a random intercept was used to analyze muscle activation across plank posture and surface position, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05. Results: In males, the standard plank elicited greater muscle activation than the knee plank across all muscles (p < 0.0001). Additionally, applying an unstable support surface to the upper extremities significantly increased muscle activation in both plank postures in EO and IO (p < 0.001). Other muscle, RA, was only affected by the unstable support surface in the standard plank position only. In females, the knee plank with upper limb instability resulted in the highest muscle activation for all muscles. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of surface instability in core muscle engagement. However, future studies should further investigate abdominal muscle activation with a more detailed analysis and the inclusion of a control group to enhance comparative validity.

Though Farnesiferol C (FC) derived from Ferula asafoetida is known to have antiangiogenic and apoptotic effect in gastric, breast, nonsmall lung cancers, the underlying antitumor mechanism of FC is not fully understood so far. Hence, in the current study, apoptotic mechanism of FC was explored in colon cancers in association with carbon catabolite repression 4-negative on TATA-less 2 (CNOT2)/c-Myc signaling. Herein FC significantly increased cytotoxicity and reduced the number of colonies in HCT116 cells more effectively than in SW480 cells, though FC enhanced sub-G1 cell population in HCT116 and SW480 cells compared to untreated control. Consistently, FC activated the cleavages of Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and Bax and attenuated the expression of pro-PARP and Cyclin D1 in HCT116 cells better than SW480 cells. Also, FC significantly reduced the expression of CNOT2 and c-Myc. Also, FC reduced of c-Myc stability in HCT116 cells by cycloheximide assay. Notably, CNOT2 depletion reduced the expression of c-Myc, while c-Myc depletion also attenuated the expression of CNOT2 in HCT116 cells, implying the crosstalk between CNOT2 and c-Myc. Furthermore, overexpression of c-Myc or CNOT2 promoted the expression of pro-PARP in HCT116 cells. Overall, these findings suggest that FC induces apoptosis via inhibition of CNOT2 and c-Myc in colon cancers for a potent anticancer candidate for further agriculture cultivation in Korea.

Environments inside and outside levees may exert different effects on the occurrence of mid-to large-sized mammals in riparian areas. To effectively conserve these species, it is important to understand how land cover across levees influences their presence. This study, conducted from March to June 2024 in Yeongyang, South Korea, monitored mammal occurrence using unmanned sensor cameras at 28 sites. Linear models were used to analyze mammal species diversity, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was applied to assess species-specific habitat associations at the community level, and occupancy models were used to evaluate influential factors for each species. Our results showed that mammal species diversity increased with a higher proportion of orchards inside levees, but decreased with greater proportions of orchards inside levees, and non-irrigated arable fields outside levees. For carnivores, land cover types in inside levees-including grasslands, barren areas, and water-provided important food resources and shelter. For omnivorous and herbivorous mammals, coniferous forests inside levees played a key role by offering abundant food and shelter, whereas highly disturbed land covers such as non-irrigated fields and orchards outside levees were less suitable as habitats. To enhance habitat conservation, management efforts inside levees should prioritize maintaining grasslands and coniferous forests. Outside levees, establishing undisturbed zones with barren areas and coniferous forests may help mitigate human disturbances. These findings provide essential baseline data for developing effective conservation strategies tailored to levee-associated riparian landscapes.

무궁화(Hibiscus syriacus L.)는 여름에 크고 화려한 꽃을 피 우는 수종으로 전 세계적으로 주요한 관상수 중 하나로 재배되 고 있다. 분화 재배에 적합한 신품종 육성을 위해 꽃이 크고 개화 기간이 긴 품종 ‘근형’을 모수(母樹)로, 생육이 느리고 가지 정단부에 꽃눈이 집중적으로 형성되는 품종 ‘임진홍’을 수분수 (授粉樹)로 교배하여 단심이 크고 뚜렷한 신품종 ‘라온’을 개발 하였다. 육성과정은 2012년에 양친을 인공교배하여 총 36립의 종자를 수확하여 파종하였고, 2015년에 주요 형질을 평가하여 차대묘 9개체 중 2개체를 1차적으로 선발하였다. 2016년부터 2019년까지 1차선발된 2 개체에 대한 삽목증식과 안정성 평가 를 거쳐 최종적으로 ‘라온’을 선발하였다. ‘라온’은 중앙에 크고 뚜렷한 단심이 있는 백단심계 홑꽃이다. 꽃 직경은 84.2mm로 모수보다 작고, 가지의 길이생장이 연간 평균 13.8cm으로 모수 (연간 평균 33.0cm)보다 느리다. ‘라온’의 개화기간은 68일 정 도이며, 모수에 비해 꽃과 잎이 작고 수고가 낮아져 분화용으로 재배하기에 적합한 것으로 보인다. ‘라온’은 2020년에 제8378 호로 품종보호 등록되었다.

This study investigated the process of reclaiming Mo from calcined waste hydrotreating (CWHT) catalysts using tributyl phosphate (TBP) as an extractant with electron-withdrawing properties. Using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technology, the optimal operating conditions for Mo recovery were determined based on the metal ion content in different processes. Considering the pH impact on metal species in solution, an acid leaching solution with 6 M sulfuric acid was employed. After 3 h of reaction, 94 wt% of the Mo was transferred from the WHT catalyst to the acid leaching solution. Adjusting the filtrate to a pH of 1.5 allowed the TBP to selectively extract over 98.8 wt% of Mo from the aqueous filter solution into the organic phase. MC-Cabe-Thiele theory predicts that a three-stage countercurrent extraction can reduce Mo to less than 0.2 wt%. Stripping moved approximately 98 wt% of the Mo from the organic to the inorganic phases. The recovered colorless organic tributyl phosphate can be used in the recycled extraction process.

This study explores trends in skincare products for pregnant women using text mining to analyze consumer preferences for safety and functionality. Data were collected from Naver blogs, cafes, and Facebook between September 2023 and August 2024 and processed using the Textom platform. Through text mining and semantic network analysis, 50 significant keywords were selected, and centrality measurements such as degree and eigenvector centrality were applied to assess keyword importance. CONCOR analysis categorized these keywords into structural equivalence groups, revealing key consumer priorities, including ingredient safety, moisturizing properties, and product recommendations. The findings highlight the growing demand for dual-purpose skincare products suitable for both pregnant women and infants, as well as the increasing influence of consumer reviews in product selection. Academically, this research underscores the effectiveness of text mining in understanding niche consumer markets. However, the study's reliance on specific online platforms presents a limitation, as it may not fully represent broader consumer preferences. Future research should incorporate diverse data sources and quantitative analyses to further validate product efficacy and consumer satisfaction.

This study seeks to explore how key restaurant attributes differently influence customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction across pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods, as well as across various economic segments. By employing impact asymmetry analysis (IAA), the research identifies the primary drivers of customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction, examining their uneven on customer satisfaction in Korean restaurants. The findings underscore the non-linear and asymmetric nature of customer responses to various service attributes, highlighting the significant influence of economic factors and the pandemic on dining expectations and experiences. This research deepens our understanding of the factors shaping customer satisfaction dynamics, particularly in the context of the evolving post-pandemic restaurant industry.

A scintillator using organic materials can be easily manufactured in various shapes and sizes to suit the user’s purpose. A quantum dot (QD)-based scintillator has a number of advantages over commercial scintillators, including emission wavelength control, high-purity emission of a specific wavelength, high photoluminescence efficiency, and good photostability. The organic scintillators doping with various agents into the polymer media to increase scintillation efficiency and to control the emissioning wavelength through energy transfer process. In this study, scintillator enhancement was observed with different QDs material and detection response to gamma and neutron was investigated in energy spectrum. Multishell- structure QDs (CdS/CdZnS/ZnS) were fabricated and utilized to offset the shortcomings of single-shell-structure QDs, and the optical properties and the gamma and neutron detection performance capabilities were evaluated. The results of the evaluation of the detection response of the QD-based scintillator confirmed that the neutron/gamma classification performance was similar to that of a commercial scintillator. Furthermore, the gamma detection efficiency was improved by 34–38% (in the case of 137Cs) compared to a commercial scintillator. This study is especially notable in that the organic scintillator incorporated with the newly fabricated QDs can be utilized for gamma and neutron detection for the operation and decommissioning various nuclear facilities.

Increasing resource use is the primary motivator for the development of technology industries, which is leading to severe consequences, such as the release and disposal of radioactive waste containing radionuclides in the environment. Cesium (137Cs) is one of the most hazardous radionuclides in the environment. In particular, the steel manufacturing process produces hazardous waste in the form of electric arc furnace dust contaminated with 137Cs. In this study, the tolerances of five legume species to different activity concentrations of 137Cs in both seed germination and initial seedling growth were compared. To determine 137Cs tolerance, several parameters related to the growth and development of legumes were measured. Among the five legumes studied, Crotalaria juncea L. was the most 137Cs tolerant at 50,000 Bq·L−1. Sesbania javanica Miq. and Vigna mungo L. Hepper were moderately tolerant to 30,000 Bq·L−1 137Cs. After 10 days, the stress tolerance indices in all legume species decreased by more than 50% at activity concentrations greater than or equal to 20,000 Bq·L−1 137Cs. This approach allows the selection of desirable traits, making more-effective application possible in the phytoremediation of 137Cs through stress tolerance. In conclusion, legumes are promising candidates for the phytoremediation of environmental pollutants.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in Paraguay, playing a crucial role in the daily diet of the population. Onion production is mainly concentrated in the Eastern Region, especially in the departments of Caaguazú, Paraguarí, and Itapúa. However, despite its importance, Paraguay continues to rely on onion imports from Argentina and Brazil to meet the growing domestic demand. This dependence is concerning, as national yields are approximately 40% lower than those obtained in these neighboring countries. There are several problems affecting onion production in Paraguay. Among them, the most important problem is the lack of local varieties adapted to the country’s climate conditions. Another problem is the absence of adequate and well-defined agricultural practices. This study aims to review the agroclimatic conditions of the main production areas, as well as the production technologies currently employed and local research efforts. A significant aspect of the research is the KOPIA-IPTA (Paraguayan Institute of Agricultural Technology) cooperation project, which sought to promote innovation in onion cultivation by transferring technologies and technical knowledge. Trials of different onion varieties were conducted at three IPTA regional institute of Caacupé, Choré, and San Juan Bautista across three planting seasons. Additionally, demonstration fields in Cordillera, Paraguarí, Misiones, and San Pedro showed an increase in gross income between 145% and 438% compared to the national average. This project has demonstrated that developing appropriate technologies and farmer training are essential to improving onion production and quality in Paraguay. Furthermore, the prospect emphasizes the need for the implementation of an internal program where the main focus is the development o f appropriate technologies and their transfer to farmers to ensure sustainable and high- quality local production.

This study examined consumer perceptions and market trends of Korean food products sold on Amazon, focusing on keyword and review analysis. As Korean cuisine gains global attention, particularly in the U.S., it is essential to understand how international consumers perceive these products. Data were collected from Amazon, encompassing product details and customer reviews of Korean food categories. Frequently mentioned keywords in the reviews were identified, and customer sentiments were explored using Python-based data analysis. The results suggest that taste, especially spiciness and sweetness, is a key determinant of consumer satisfaction. Although Korean food was generally well-received, packaging and delivery issues were common complaints. These findings provide strategic insights for Korean food manufacturers aiming to expand globally, emphasizing the need for tailored product development and enhanced logistics.

This study was conducted to investigate changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, nutrient content, and microbial communities of fresh and heat-treated Holstein colostrum collected from a colostrum bank operated by a local agricultural technology center in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. Of the 16 colostrum samples, 8 were heated at 60℃ for 30 min under a pressure of 0.9–1 bar. The colostrum samples were stored at −70℃ until use, at which time they were thawed at 50–55℃ in a water bath to analyze IgG levels, chemical composition, and microbiome, which was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq-PE250 platform. The IgG concentrations were similar in fresh and heat-treated colostrum. The fat, protein, and lactose contents also did not differ in these samples. However, somatic cell count (SCC) was lower in heat-treated colostrum than those in fresh colostrum (p<0.05). At the phylum level for the microbiome of fresh colostrum, Proteobacteria (44.16%) was the most abundant taxa, followed by Bacteroidota (33.26%), Firmicutes (10.04%), Actinobacteriota (7.14%), and a marginal difference in the order of abundance was observed in heat-treated colostrum. At the genus level, bacteria belonging to Sphingomonas, Delftia, Ochrobactrum, Simplicispira, and Lactobacillus were more abundant (p<0.05) in the heat-treated colostrum, while the abundance of Acinetobacter in the fresh colostrum was four times more (p<0.05) than that in the heat-treated colostrum. Our results demonstrated that heating does not affect IgG level and colostrum composition but reduces SCC (p<0.05), suggesting that heat-treated colostrum can potentially be put to further use (e.g., feeding Hanwoo calves) without compromising its quality. Differences in the microbiome between the fresh and heat-treated colostrum were limited. Further studies are required to extensively investigate the quality and safety of colostrum collected from dairy farms to ensure better utilization and processing at a local agricultural technology center.

Background: South Korea has recently faced record-high temperatures, which have adversely affected dairy production. Holstein cows, the primary dairy breed globally, are particularly sensitive to heat stress. In contrast, Jersey cows have shown greater heat tolerance, as demonstrated by phenotypic studies. Methods: We investigated physiological and molecular responses to heat stress in Holstein and Jersey cows by measuring rectal temperature, milk yield, and average daily gain, confirming Holstein cows’ greater vulnerability. To explore molecular mechanisms, we analyzed circulating microRNA profiles from whole blood samples collected under heat stress and normal conditions using microRNA-sequencing. Differential expression patterns were compared between the two breeds to identify biological pathways associated with heat stress. Results: Four microRNAs (bta-miR-20b, bta-miR-1246, bta-miR-2284x, and bta-miR- 2284y) were significantly differentially expressed in both breeds under heat stress (|FC| ≥ 2, p < 0.05). Notably, bta-miR-20b and bta-miR-1246 were linked to corpus luteum function and progesterone biosynthesis, while bta-miR-2284x and bta-miR- 2284y were associated with immune responses. A comparison of 11 potential heat stress-related microRNAs identified in previous studies of Holstein cows revealed consistent expression trends in Jersey cows, albeit with lower fold changes, suggesting their superior heat resilience. Conclusions: Our study highlights the physiological and microRNA-based differences in heat stress responses between Holstein and Jersey cows. Jersey cows exhibited greater resilience, supported by more stable microRNA expression profiles and improved heat stress indicators, making them a promising breed for dairy production in increasingly hot climates.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various washing pre-treatments of native Codium fragile as a feed additive on in vitro ruminal fermentation and CH4 production in ruminants. Seaweed was included at 0.5% dry matter (DM) based on the experimental feed (forage : concentrate = 3:7). Treatment groups were classified as follows: experimental feed (C), no washing (T1), washing at 0°C (T2), washing at 22°C (T3) and washing at 70°C (T4) each immersed for 6 minutes in distilled water. The pH consistently fell within the ruminal stability range. In vitro dry matter digestibility was significantly highest in T2, T3, T4 and C, T4 was the lowest at 48 h (p<0.05). NH3-N concentration was significantly highest in T4 at 48 h (p<0.05). Total gas production at 48 h was 19% lower in T4 compared to C (p<0.01). CH4 production (mL/g DM) at 48 h was lower in all treatment groups compared to C, with T3 showing a 31% reduction (p<0.01). Similarly, CH4 production (mL/g dry matter degradability, DMD) at 48 h was 39% lower for T3 compared to C (p<0.01). At 24 h, total VFA was significantly highest in T1 and T4 (p<0.05). The proportions of acetate was significantly highest in C and T3 was the lowest at 48 h (p<0.01). The proportions of propionate was significantly highest in T3 and C was the lowest at 48 h (p<0.01). The acetate to propionate ratio was singnificantly highest in C at 48 h (p<0.01). The proportions of butyrate at 24 h was lower for T3 compared to C (p<0.05). Therefore, this study confirms that Codium fragile can reduce CH4 production when used as a feed additive for ruminants and this effect is not significantly influenced by the washing pre-treatment. However, if washing process is necessary, washing at 22°C is the most appropriate method to remove foreign objects.

With the increasing integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, there is a growing demand for accessible AI-powered platforms for teachers and students. This study examines the efficacy of an online question-making platform using GPT-3.5 generated content to develop Korean students’ question-asking skills in English. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we assessed the platform’s impact on students’ question making abilities and its feasibility in classroom settings. Participants included thirty students from a 4th grade elementary school English classroom in Korea and seven elementary school teachers. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-tests measuring students’ question-making skills, while qualitative insights were gathered from semi-structured teacher interviews. Results indicated that the application was able to significantly improve students’ question-making abilities. Thematic analysis of interviews indicated positive perceptions of the platform’s usability and p otential f or l anguage learning. Findings m ay contribute to the growing body of research on using artificial intelligence in L2 education and offer practical insights for educators seeking to leverage advance language models in their instructions.

본 논문은 학교폭력을 경험한 청소년이 학교폭력을 어떻게 바라보고 있는지를 밝히기 위해 학교폭력을 경험한 청소년 6명을 대상으로 2019년 6월부터 2023년 7월까지 심층인터뷰 방법을 통하여 자료수집을 했다. 이 자료를 바탕으로 현상학적 방법으로 분석했다. 분석결과 청소년의 학교폭력 경험은 4개의 상위범 주인 ‘구별짓기를 강요하는 학교’, ‘폭력의 트라이앵글’, ‘돌림노래 같은 가해자와 피해자’, ‘공동체 내에서 존중 획득하기’로 나타났다. 또한 각 상위범주에 따라 10개의 하위범주가 도출되었다. 이런 연구결과를 바 탕으로 청소년의 학교폭력에 대한 함의 및 제언을 제안했다.

This paper focuses on the role of the Chinese classical texts in Japan from the 3rd to the 8th century. By looking at them, we can understand the characteristics of Japanese culture, which is to adopt foreign culture in different forms. In China, The Analects was included in the Imperial Examination, however, in Japan, according to Yasutami Suzuki, “it was regarded as an important text for learning Chinese characters”. This paper examined how Chinese classics were received and utilized in Japan. In the beginning, descendants of immigrants, whom we call ‘Toraijin 渡来人’ in Japan, were taught Chinese classics, likely for the purposes of indoctrination, similar to the teaching of Chinese. However, with time, a political system was established, and Chinese classics began to be used as a teaching tool for learning the Chinese characters in support of the system. Reading and writing Chinese characters would have been understood as a status symbol. The method of teaching, reading, writing using the Chinese classics may have been passed down from parents to children and from children to grandchildren. This study considers for whom these Chinese books were imported into Japan, where at the time there was no written language. It also considers what kind of education system was being built at the time of the establishment of the Yamato court. This type of research has been sparsely studied, but is significant in considering the implications for the foundations of education in Japan.

Nanoparticles, especially those derived from plant extracts, are becoming increasingly popular as a bio-based, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional technologies. The Maui rose, a flowering plant with medicinal and therapeutic properties, is one of the most important of these materials because its extract component has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological activity. In this work, we report on synthesizing and characterizing iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3) extracted from flower plants (Borago), to create persistent and environmentally friendly antibacterial agents. As part of the chemical formation process, Fe2O3 nanoparticles were extracted from specific flower plants utilizing a series of carefully regulated chemical reactions. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the samples were studied. The nanoparticles produced were analyzed using common microbiological methods and studies (EDS). The antibacterial activity of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles and their effect on a range of microorganisms were evaluated. The results demonstrated that Fe2O3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with a specific crystal structure and good anti-bacterial activities.

The death penalty is a controversial topic due to its implications for human rights, particularly the right to life, considered a fundamental right. Some argue that the death penalty violates this right, while others believe it is a form of justice for severe crimes. This research explores the debate between the death penalty and human rights using a normative, juridical method and literature review. Some countries still practice the death penalty, while others have abolished it, citing concerns about justice and fairness. The criminal justice system often exhibits disparities, with marginalized groups facing higher rates of execution than wealthier or majority individuals. These inequalities challenge the principle of equality before the law and the integrity of justice. Efforts to reform include restricting or abolishing the death penalty due to concerns about law enforcement abuse, judicial errors, and ineffectiveness in deterring crime. The debate over its place in justice systems remains ongoing.