A new variety of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), named 'Alfaking' was developed between 2015 and 2023 at the Grassland and Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan, Republic of Korea. The variety was produced through artificial hybridization, with ‘Paravivo’ serving as the maternal line and ‘WL514’ as the paternal line. ‘Alfaking’ underwent field tests across four regions (Cheonan, Pyeongchang, Jeongeup, and Jinju) to evaluate its agronomic characteristics and forage production over two years (2022-2023). The dry matter yield of ‘Alfaking’ reached 22,516 kg/ha, which is 11% higher than the control variety, ‘Vernal.’ ‘Alfaking’ exhibited 2.1% higher crude protein content than ‘Vernal’ in forage nutritive value. The development of this new alfalfa variety, which exhibits excellent adaptability to challenging environmental conditions, is expected to enhance forage cultivation and productivity in Korea.

장내 미생물 군집은 소화 과정, 면역 시스템, 질병 발생 등 숙주의 다양한 면에 광범위한 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 주요 장내 미생물 종은 숙주의 생리 기능에 핵심적인 역할을 수행한다고 발표된 바 있다. 곤충의 장내 미생물 군집에 관한 연구가 최근 활발히 이루어지고 있으며, 이들 연구는 주로 장내 미생물 군집과 기생충, 병원체 간의 상호작용, 종간의 신호 전달 네트워크, 먹이의 소화 과정 등을 중심으로 이루어지고 있다. 이러한 연구들은 대부분 Illumina MiSeq을 활용하여 16S rRNA 유전자의 V1부터 V9 영역 중 선택된 특정 부분을 대상으로 짧은 서열 정보를 대상으로 진행되었다. 그러나, 최근에는 PacBio HiFi 기술이 상용화되면서 16S rRNA의 전장 분석이 가능할 수 있게 되었다. 이번 연구는 장수말벌(Vespa mandarinia)의 해부를 통해 gut과 carcass 부분을 분리한 뒤, 각 샘플을 Illumina MiSeq과 PacBio HiFi 기술을 활용하여 미생물 군집 간의 차이점을 확인하기 위하여 수행되었다.

갈색거저리 유충의 사료인 밀기울은 대부분 수입에 의존하고 있는데 일부 국가의 식량 수출 중단 조치 등에 따른 국제 곡물가격 상승으로 밀기울 가격은 인상되고, 식용곤충 판매가격이 하락하면서 생산비 절감을 위한 사료 개발이 요구되고 있다. 농업부산물 3종을 50% 이상 급이하게 되면 유충 생육이 저하되었기 때문에 본 연구는 적정한 배합비율을 선정하기 위해 첨가사료 20, 30% 함량으로 밀기울과 혼합하여 사료를 급이하였을 때 갈색거 저리 유충의 생육 특성과 영양성분 변화에 대해 밀기울만 제공한 대조구와 비교하였다. 부산물 A와 B, C를 각각 30% 함유한 처리구에서 갈색거저리 유충 무게는 대조구와 차이가 없음을 확인하였다. 먹이소화율은 부산물B를 20% 함유한 처리구가 80.5%로 대조구에 비해 높았고, 부산물C 30% 처리구에서 72.6%로 가장 낮았다. 갈색거저 리 유충의 생육일수 100일 기준으로 부산물B 30% 처리구에서 용화율이 76.1%로 대조구보다 1.6배 높았으며, 부산물A 20% 처리구는 29.2%로 용화율이 가장 낮았다. 갈색거저리 유충의 조단백질 함량은 부산물 C 30% 처리 구에서 대조구보다 10.3% 증가하여 아미노산 분석을 진행한 결과 sarcosine과 ornithine이 2.5배 이상 증가하였다. 이를 통해 부산물 B나 C를 30% 함유한 사료를 급이하였을 때 사육 원가를 절감하여 유충을 생산할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

The purpose of this study is to select various insect species for healing resources and develop a healing program in order to use insect as a healing agriculture. In this study, there are two kinds of breeding kit were developed, one for Gryllus bimaculatus and the other for Oxya chinensis sinuosa. Using these insect breeding kits, we conducted a survey of 60 children and the elderly. In the case of children, the results of the insect breeding satisfaction showed that 30.6% said that the sound of crickets was very good, and 11.1% said that it was good. In addition, the higher the child's awareness of insects, the higher the proportion of children who wanted to raise insects in the future. As a result of a survey of seniors, 45.2% do not like insects and 51.6% are not interested, meaning that most seniors are not very interested in insects. However, the emotions after breeding insects showed positive results, with 45.2% saying their personality became brighter, 48.4% reducing their anger, 48.4% relieving their irritation, 54.8% relieving loneliness, 58.1% feeling more responsible, and 51.6% developing intimacy.

In the case of nuclear projects, when developing a new reactor type, it is necessary to confirm the reactor type, secure the safety, and especially obtain the construction permit approval of the licensing authority for construction. Schedule management is necessary to carry out nuclear projects, and progress rate management of project progress management is largely composed of three elements: scope management, cost management, and resource management. However, in the case of the small modular reactor (SMR) project currently being carried out, it is difficult to calculate the progress rate including budget and resources due to the nature of the project. Therefore, in the SMR project, it took two years from the beginning to prepare the integrated project master schedule (IPMS) to prepare the draft, and then two revisions were made over a year and a half. In this SMR project, we will consider the entire construction period such as design, purchase and production, construction, commissioning, and operation in terms of scope management. The entire document list was created using the document review and approval sheet created at the beginning of the design. In the PMIS (Project Management Information System), the number of approved documents was calculated by comparing the list of engineering documents. In the purchase production part, the main core equipment such as the primary system nuclear steam supply system (NSSS), the secondary system turbine and condenser, and the man machine interface system (MMIS) are managed. Purchasing and manufacturing management shall be managed so that major equipment can be delivered in a timely manner in accordance with the schedule for delivery of equipment in the IPMS. In order to prevent delays in the start of production, it is necessary to minimize the waiting time for work through advance management tasks such as insurance of drawing, stocking of materials, availability of production facilities, etc. In this way, we decided to carry out the schedule management for the design, purchase and manufacturing part in the SMR project first, and the installation, construction and commissioning part will be prepared for the future schedule management.

Honey bees are crucial pollinators for agricultural and natural ecosystems, but are experiencing heavy mortality in Korea due to a complex suite of factors. Extreme winter losses of honey bee colonies are a major threat to beekeeping but the combinations of factors underlying colony loss remain debatable. Finding solutions involves knowing the factors associated with high loss rates. To investigate whether loss rates are related to Varroa control and climate condition, we surveyed beekeepers in korea after wintering (2021–2022 to 2022–2023). The results show an average colony loss rate of 46%(2022) and 17%(2023), but over 40% colony loss before wintering at 2022. Beekeepers attempt to manage their honey bee colonies in ways that optimize colony health. Disentangling the impact of management from other variables affecting colony health is complicated by the diversity of practices used and difficulties handling typically complex and incomplete observational datasets. We propose a method to 1) Varroa mite population Control by several methods , and 2) Many nursing bee put in hive before wintering.

Silicon (Si) has the potential to improve plant growth and stress tolerance. The study aimed to explore Si-involving plant responses and molecular characterization of different Si-responsive genes in alfalfa. In this study, the exogenous supplementation of Si enhanced plant growth, and biomass yield. Si-acquisition in alfalfa root and shoot was higher in Si-supplemented compared to silicon deficient (-Si) plants, implying Si-acquisition has beneficial on alfalfa plants. As a consequence, the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was significantly increased in silicon-sufficient (+Si) plants. The quantitative gene expression analysis exhibited a significant upregulation of the Lsi1, Lsi2, Lsi3, NIP5;1, and NIP6;1 genes in alfalfa roots, while BOR1, BOR4, NIP2, and NIP3 showed no significant variation in their expression. The MEME results further noticed the association of four motifs related to the major intrinsic protein (MIP). The interaction analysis revealed that NIP5;1 and Lsi1 showed a shared gene network with NIP2, BOR1, and BOR4, and Lsi2, Lsi3 and NIP3-1, respectively. These results suggest that members of the major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) family especially Lsi1, Lsi2, Lsi3, NIP5;1, and NIP6;1 genes helped to pass water and other neutral solutes through the cell membrane and those played significant roles in Si uptake and transport in plants. Together, these insights might be useful for alfalfa breeding and genome editing approaches for alfalfa improvement.

White rot fungus Cerrena unicolor IUM 5400 produced ethanol from diverse sugars, including glucose, mannose, galactose, and cellobiose at 0.38, 0.28, 0.08, and 0.27 g of ethanol per g of sugar consumed, respectively. The fungus produced relatively high amounts of ethanol from xylose (0.28 g of ethanol per g of sugar consumed); however, the ethanol conversion rate of arabinose was relatively low (at 0.08 g of ethanol per g sugar consumed). When cultured in a basal medium containing 20 g/L rice straw or corn stalks, C. unicolor IUM 5400 produced 0.18 g and 0.18 g of ethanol per g of rice straw and corn stalks, respectively. The results suggest that C. unicolor IUM 5400 is a white rot fungus that can effectively hydrolyze cellulose or hemicellulose to sugars and simultaneously convert them to ethanol.

Following the previous study, the toxicity of a single subcutaneous administration of the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) and the side effects that may occur at therapeutic doses were confirmed. The Thyrokitty injection (I-131) was administered subcutaneously once at a dose of 0, 2.0, 6.0, and 18.0 mCi/kg, 5 male and female rats per group, and mortality, general symptom observation, and weight measurement were performed for 2 weeks, followed by observation of autopsy findings. There were no deaths, and no statistically significant weight change was observed. Mild hair loss, fissures, and crusting were observed by general symptom observation, but it was not a toxic change related to the Thyrokitty injection (I-131). Gastric atrophy and a decrease in the size of the spleen were observed by the autopsy. As a results of single subcutaneous administration of the Thyrokitty Injection (I-131) to rats at a maximum dose of 18.0 mCi/kg, a decrease in the size of the spleen and gastric atrophy were observed as the dose of the Thyrokitty Injection (I-131) increased, which may be related to the test substance. No abnormal findings related to the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) were observed. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose of the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) was 18.0 mCi/kg or more. In addition, as reported for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism with radioiodine (131I), side effects of the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) are expected to be extremely rare. Temporary dysphagia and fever may occur, but it will recover naturally. It should be administered with caution in cats with diseases such as urinary system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system and endocrine system, especially with kidney disease. And it should not be used in cats who are pregnant, lactating, or likely. It is expected that the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) can be used for clinical treatment in Korea as a veterinary drug.

Radioiodine (131I) has been used for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism since the 1990s in the USA and Europe, and it is recommended as the most effective treatment for feline hyperthyroidism because it has a high therapeutic effect, small side effects, and does not require anesthesia. In this study, the pharmacological properties of the Thyrokitty injection (I-131), which is being developed as a treatment for feline hyperthyroidism, using radioiodine (131I) as an active ingredient, was tested. The %cell uptake of the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) in FRTL- 5 thyroid cells was 0.410 ± 0.016%, which was about 18 times higher compared to Clone 9 hepatocytes, and it was decreased by 30.7% due to the competitive reaction with iodine (sodium iodide). In addition, the %cell growth of the FRTL-5 thyroid cells was reduced by 25.0% by treatment with the Thyrokitty injection (I-131). As a result of the tissue distribution test, the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) was distributed at the highest concentration at 0.083 hours (5 minutes) after subcutaneous administration to animals in most organs except the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, muscle and thyroid gland, and it was excreted mainly through the kidneys. The stomach and thyroid gland showed a typical distribution pattern observed when radioiodine (131I) was administered. In addition, about 78.45% of the total amount of excretion was excreted within 48 hours, of which more than 85% was excreted in urine. In conclusion, the Thyrokitty injection (I-131) has the same mechanism of action, potency, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion characteristics as radioiodine (131I) reported in connection with the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. In the future, using the results of this study, it is expected that the Thyrokitty (I-131) could be safely used in the clinical treatment of feline hyperthyroidism.

In this study, the process of compressing/packaging the spent filters of Kori Unit 1, which was conceptually presented in the previous study, is advanced so that disposal suitability for each step can be secure efficiently. In particular, the differences between the previous study and this study are that the disposable filters are screened using an In-Situ Object Counting System (ISOCS), and the method of collecting representative samples for development of scaling factor is specified. The process of compressing/packaging the spent filters consists of 7 stages as follows. 1) Collecting: The spent filters temporarily stored in the filter room are collected by dose and type remotely using a robot system to minimize the radiation exposure of workers according to a pre-established packaging plan. 2) Screening: The gamma activity concentration of the spent filters received by the robot system is measured by ISOCS. The spent filters below the low-level waste concentration limit and the surface dose are transferred into the compression system, while the others are returned in the filter room again. 3) Sampling: The external perforator drilling/cutting the filter was developed for sampling required for the new scaling factors. Since the sampling is collected remotely, the risk of exposure to workers can be reduced. The newly developed scaling factor will be used to verify the disposal suitability of the packages. 4) Compression: According to the pre-established plan, the spent filter collected by dose and type, is supplied to the compression system considering the dose and radionuclide inventory. Whether to additionally store the compressed filter in the drum is determined by checking the accumulated dose. 5) Immobilization: Immobilization with a safety material is necessary when inhomogeneous wastes, like spent filters, have the total radionuclide concentration with a half-life of more than 20 years is 74,000 Bq/g or more and for filling rate or non-dispersible treatment of particulates. 6) Packaging and Analysis: Waste information is labelled onto the package after the measurements of surface dose rate and surface contamination. Finally, using the drum assay system, the gamma radionuclide concentration is measured to identify at least 95% of the total radioactivity concentration of the package. 7) Temporary Storage and Delivery: The packages are moved to temporary storage in the plant prior to disposal. After establishing the plan for delivery and applying for a takeover request to KORAD, if the acceptance inspection is passed, the packages are transported to the disposal facility.

In order to extend the business viability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), research on CNT dispersion in a solvent as well as in polymer matrix should be established. Herein, three kinds of dispersing agents, sodium deoxycholate (DOC), sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (NaDDBS), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), are selected and applied to quantify the dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNT aqueous dispersion. The dispersibility of CNT dispersion with the PVP, evaluated via viscosity and particle size analyses, are superior to those with the DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. CNT aqueous solution dispersed with PVP showed slightly higher viscosity and narrower particle size distribution than those with DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. In addition, the dispersion stability of CNT dispersion with the PVP, measured via lumisizer analyses, are superior to those with the DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. HR-TEM analysis verifies that the outstanding dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNTs in aqueous solution are due to the effect of the robust polymer wrapping of the PVP dispersing agent on the CNT surface. From the results of this study, the guidelines for the selection of the suitable dispersing agents and the systematic evaluation of dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNT dispersions can be suggested.

Admirandus multicavus Belogurov and Belogurova, 1979, a new record of free-living marine nematode species belonging to family Oncholaimidae is reported based on the specimens collected from the intertidal sediments of Korea. Admirandus multicavus is characterized by the following unique characteristics: cephalic setae (1-2 μm long), spicules (71-126 μm long) and gubernaculum (15-31 μm long), midventral preanal supplementary organ, three glandular duct openings of the Demanian system, and stoma length measuring twice the width. A comparative analysis of the biogeographical and ecological characteristics of Admirandus species is presented. DIC (Differential interference contrast) photomicrographs of the species are also provided herein. This report represents the first taxonomic analysis of the genus Admirandus Belogurov and Belogurova, 1979 discovered from the Korean seawaters.

한약재로 사용되는 더덕과 도라지에 표고의 유용성분을 함유한 소재를 개발하고자 더덕표고균사발효물(FCLM)과 더덕도라지균사발효물(FPLM)을 제조하였다. 두 가지 발효물의 일반성분, 유리당, 유기산, β-glucan, ergothioneine, ergosterol, vitamin D2 함량 및 3T3-L1 지방전구세포의 분화에 미치는 영향을 연구하였다. 일반성분 분석결과, FCLM에서 조섬유와 조지방함량이 FPLM에 비하여 높게 나타났으며, FPLM은 조단백질과 가용성무질소물의 함량 이 FCLM에 비하여 높게 나타났다. 유리당은 FCLM과 FPLM 모두 arabinose, glucose, sucrose 3종이 검출되었으며, 총 유리당 함량은 FPLM에서 높게 나타났다. 유기 산 함량은 발효 전 더덕과 도라지에 비하여 발효 후 FCLM과 FPLM에서 낮게 나타났다. β-Glucan 함량은 FCLM과 FPLM 두 발효물에서 대조구로 사용한 표고보다 높은 함량을 보였다. 항산화 물질로 알려진 ergothioneine의 함량은 FCLM이 FPLM보다 높게 나타났다. Ergosterol 함량은 대조구로 사용한 표고에서 가장 높게 나타났으며, 발효물들은 비슷한 함량을 나타내었다. Vitamin D2는 발효물들에서만 검출되었으며, FPLM (0.58±0.01 mg%)가 FCLM (0.47±0.01 mg%)보다 높은 함량을 보였다. 더덕과 도라지 표고균사발효물인 FCLM과 FPLM는 3T3-L1 지방전구세포에 대하여 발효 전 더덕과 도라지에 비하여 높은 수준의 세포 생존율을 나타내었다. 또한 FCLM과 FPLM은 3T3-L1 지방전구세포 분화를 발효 전 더덕과 도라지에 비하여 높은 수준으로 억제하여, 비만 억제 효과 가 있는 것으로 기대된다.

Barnyard millet is a short-lived tropical, short-term C4 plant and has superior vitality in humid conditions owing to its freshwater habitat. It shows strong adaptability to soils with poor drainage and low fertility, and efficiently competes with rice in paddy fields. Barnyard millet grain is used as feed in the Indian region and is a great source of dietary fiber, proteins, fats, vitamins, and some essential amino acids. Considering its high nutritional value and its potential as a food resource and fodder crop, various countries are showing interest in cultivating barnyard millet. However, in Korea, farm households have not yet recognized the benefits of cultivating barnyard millet, and research regarding this is scarce. In this review, the features of forage barnyard millet and its related research trends are discussed, with the aim of improving interest in this crop and promoting its cultivation.