Background: Logistics service workers (LSWs) face significant occupational challenges, with ankle sprains being the second most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Foot posture, assessed through the navicular drop test, can significantly influence dynamic balance performance, which is crucial for injury prevention in physically demanding occupational settings. Objects: This study aimed to investigate differences in dynamic balance performance among LSWs with pronated, supinated, and normal foot types using the Y-Balance test (YBT), comparing reach distances across anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Methods: A total of 205 LSWs were classified into three groups based on navicular drop measurements: supinated (n = 44), normal (n = 94), and pronated (n = 67) foot types. The YBT was performed on the dominant leg, measuring reach distances in three directions. Participants’ demographic characteristics were recorded, and statistical analyses were conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction. Results: Significant differences in YBT performance were observed across all three directions (anterior: p = 0.009, posterolateral: p = 0.015, posteromedial: p = 0.014). The supinated and normal foot groups showed significantly greater reach distances compared to the pronated group (p < 0.026 for anterior direction). In the posterolateral direction, the supinated group demonstrated significantly better performance compared to the pronated group (p = 0.014). Similarly, the posteromedial direction revealed significantly higher reach distances for the supinated group compared to the pronated group (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The study reveals that foot type significantly impacts dynamic balance performance among LSWs. Workers with pronated feet demonstrate reduced balance capabilities, while those with supinated feet show the most superior dynamic balance performance.

Road infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation are essential for sustainable development. However, many developing countries struggle to balance them. This study examines the impact of road construction in 24 African countries and evaluates strategies for achieving sustainability. Using a case study approach, road construction variables from individual country reports (2024) were quantitatively analyzed alongside Red List Index (RLI) scores from the Yale University's 2024 Environmental Performance Index Report. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were applied to assess the relationship between road development and biodiversity conservation to provide insights into effective mitigation strategies. Results indicate that in 2024, the average RLI score for the 24 African countries was 64.74, with a 10-year mean decline of -2.85. On average, 17,162.21 ha of biodiversity habitats were cleared for road construction, emphasizing the vulnerability of biodiversity. Burkina Faso (95.4), Mali (92.9), and Botswana (92.2) exhibited strong biodiversity health, whereas Kenya (24.9), South Africa (24.4), Uganda (15.7), and Tanzania (0) faced critical challenges. Wildlife crossing was the most significant predictor in lower-income economies (R² = 0.49, p < 0.0001), traffic volume in lower-middle income economies (R² = 0.35, p = 0.0007), and road width in upper-middle income economies (R² = 0.83, p = 0.0054). Habitat clearance exhibited a weak correlation. These findings highlight the crucial role of road construction variables—particularly wildlife crossings, road width, and traffic volume—in biodiversity conservation across income groups. Targeted road planning is required to mitigate biodiversity loss. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on the impact of infrastructure on conservation, policy guidance, and mitigation efforts in developing countries.

During an investigation of indigenous prokaryotic species in the Republic of Korea, 17 bacterial strains belonging to the phylum Bacteroidota and 4 strains belonging to the phylum Bacillota were isolated from freshwater environments. These isolated bacterial strains formed a robust phylogenetic clade with type strains of the closest related bacterial species, with 16S rRNA gene sequences sharing similarities of higher than 98.7%. To date, there have been no official report of these 21 isolates in the Republic of Korea. At the genus level, these unreported species were affiliated with Mucilaginibacter and Pedobacter of class Sphingobacteriia, Flavobacterium and Gillisia of class Flavobacteriia, Hymenobacter of class Cytophagia, and Paenibacillus and Planococcus of class Bacilli. These species were further examined by performing Gram staining, analyzing their colonies and cell morphologies, and determining their basic biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic positions. Detailed descriptions of the 21 previously unreported species are provided.

Freshwater environments serve as crucial habitats for diverse microorganisms, playing essential roles alongside plants and animals within the ecosystem. Bacteria in these environments are particularly important for maintaining ecosystem functions. Among them, members of the phylum Pseudomonadota are known to be involved in processes such as nitrogen fixation, ammonia oxidation, and biofilm formation. Pseudomonadota comprises six classes: Acidithiobacillia, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Hydrogenophilia, and Zetaproteobacteria. This study reports 43 previously unrecorded species belonging to the phylum Pseudomonadota. They were isolated from various freshwater habitats in Republic of Korea. These strains were isolated and cultured using nine different standard media, with classification based on Gram staining, cell morphology, and biochemical characteristics. Species identity was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with a similarity threshold of 98.7% for designation as unreported species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these 43 strains were distributed across three classes, 13 orders, 28 families, and 39 genera. This research emphasizes microbial diversity in freshwater ecosystems and provides valuable insights into ecological roles and potential novel functions of unreported bacterial species in Korea.

한국산 복숭아거위벌레속(딱정벌레목: 바구미상과: 주둥이거위벌레과)의 분류학적 재검토를수행한 결과 애복숭아거위벌레(Rhynchites (Rhynchites) fulgidus Faldermann, 1835)를 국내 처음으로 확인하였다. 본 연구에서는 한국산 복숭아거위벌레속 2종(애복숭아거위벌레, 복숭아 거위벌레)의 형태학적 재기재를 제공한다. 또한, 한국산 복숭아거위벌레속 종들의 분류학사에 대한 고찰과 2종에 대한 분류 검색표를 제시한다.

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.

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic effective against aerobic gram-negative bacteria and is also used in veterinary medicine, particularly in the swine and bovine industries. However, no gentamicin product is currently approved for treating equine diseases in Korea. The present study aims to examine the time-dependent residue of gentamicin in horses after intravenous injection (IV) via jugular vein. The test product was injected at 6.6 mg/kg BW via jugular vein in nine horses. Blood was collected from the horse's jugular vein at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours after injection. To purify the gentamicin in serum, 100μL of 20 mM HFBA in DW, 100 μL of 30% trichloroacetic acid and 300 μL of 20 mM heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA) in acetonitrile (ACN) were added to 500 μL of serum and supernatant was applied to LC-MS/MS after centrifugation. LC-MS/MS-8050 analyzed the level of gentamicin in serum with Electrospray ionization (ESI) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) positive mode. Gentamicin C1 was 478 m/z and product ions were 322, 157 m/z. Precursor ion of Gentamicin C1a was 450 m/z and product ions were 322, 160 m/z. Precursor ion of Gentamicin C2 and C2a was 464 m/z and product ions were 322, 160 m/z. The LC column was a C18 and mobile phase composed of 20 mM HFBA in 5% ACN and 20 mM HFBA in 50% ACN. The amount of gentamicin was calculated by adding four components of gentamicin (C1, C1a, C2 and C2a). The pharmacokinetic parameters of gentamicin were calculated by the WinNonlin program. The Cmax of gentamicin in horse serum was 93 ± 17 μg/kg and the Tmax was 0.25 ± 0 hours. The T1/2 was 6.41 ± 2.32 hours and the CLt was 0.05 ± 0.01L/hr/kg. The Vd was shown as 0.44 ± 0.13 L/kg and the MRT was 1.98 ± 0.55 hours. In conclusion, our data provides useful pharmacokinetic parameters for gentamicin in horses following IV injection.

인공관절 치환술 환자의 합병증 진단을 위한 자기공명영상 검사에서 발생한 금속 인공물을 감소시키는 VAT(view angle tilting) 기법과 딥러닝 알고리즘 중 K-공간 기반의 deep resolve(boost, sharp, DR)를 적용하여 그 유용성 에 대해 평가하고자 하였다. 자체 제작 팬텀과 3T 장비로 일반적인 VAT, DR이 적용된 VAT로 T1 강조영상, T2 강조영상, 단시간 반복 회전 연쇄기법(short tau inversion recovery, STIR) 영상들을 병렬영상 가속계수 2, 3, 4를 적용하여 획득하였다. 획득된 영상에서 왜곡도, 팬텀 바닥에서 금속 인공물까지 거리, 신호대잡음비를 정량적 평가하였고, 영상 품질은 정성적 평가하였다. 왜곡도는 일반적인 VAT와 DR이 적용된 VAT의 T1 강조영상, T2 강 조영상, STIR 모두 유의한 차이가 없었다(p>0.05). 또한 금속 인공물까지 거리도 T1 강조영상, T2 강조영상, STIR 모두 유의한 차이가 없었다(p>0.05). 신호대잡음비는 일반적인 VAT보다 DR이 적용된 VAT의 가속계수 4에서 T1 강조영상은 103%, T2 강조영상은 85.2%, STIR은 73.3% 최대로 증가하였고, 영상품질 평가점수는 T1 강조영상은 5점, T2 강조영상은 4.6점, STIR은 4.8점으로 가장 좋았다. 본 연구를 통해 VAT 기법의 영상품질 저하를 DR 기술 로 개선할 수 있었다. 금속 인공물이 발생했을 때 DR이 적용된 VAT의 가속계수를 4로 적용한다면, 검사시간을 단 축하면서 보다 진단적 가치가 높은 영상을 획득할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

산마늘(Allium microdictyon)과 울릉산마늘(A. ulleungense) 은 수선화과(Amaryllidaceae) 부추속(Allium)에 속하는 다년 초 식물로 산마늘은 우리나라에서는 지리산, 오대산 등의 고산 지대, 울릉산마늘은 울릉도에 분포하고 있다. 본 연구는 산마늘 과 울릉산마늘의 휴면과 발아특성을 조사하여 효과적인 대량증 식법을 위한 기초자료를 제공하고자 수행하였다. 실험은 2021 년 7월에 강원도 정선에서 재배한 산마늘 종자와 2021년 8월에 울릉도에서 채종한 종자를 사용하였다. 수분흡수 실험결과, 산 마늘과 울릉산마늘 모두 수분흡수 3시간 만에 20% 이상의 수분 흡수율을 보여 물리적 휴면이 없는 것으로 판단하였다. 온도 처리(25/15, 20/10, 15/6, 5℃) 실험에서 패트리디쉬에 종자 를 치상 후 30일 이전에 5℃를 제외한 나머지 온도 처리에서 모두 발아가 나타났으며, 산마늘과 울릉산마늘 종자의 발아 적 온은 20~25℃인 것으로 확인되었다. 저온층적(0, 4, 8, 12주)처 리 결과, 산마늘과 울릉산마늘 종자 모두 발아율 향상에는 큰 효과가 없었지만, 저온층적처리 기간이 길어질수록 발아세가 증가하는 양상을 보였다. GA3 처리 결과, 산마늘 종자는 처리 농도 간 유의성이 나타나지 않았지만, 울릉산마늘 종자는 처리 농도가 높아질수록 평균발아일수 및 발아균일도에서 유의적인 차이를 나타냈다. 이러한 결과를 통하여 산마늘과 울릉산마늘 종자는 non-deep PD 유형인 것으로 판단된다.

The swelling capacity of bentonite buffers is vital in high-level radioactive waste (HLW) repositories, as it minimizes groundwater infiltration, prevents nuclides from reaching the biosphere, and stabilizes the HLW canisters. As swelling capacity is a function of temperature, understanding bentonite’s behavior at approximately 100°C (its presumed upper limit) is essential. However, research on this subject has been scarce. Hence, this study explored the effects of thermal treatment of Ca-bentonite at 105°C under injected water pressures. The results suggest a 19% reduction in “swell index” and a 35%–36% decrease in the total pressure in thermally treated bentonite. The heated samples demonstrated higher hydraulic conductivity than the non-heated ones, indicating potential performance deterioration in controlling the fluid movement. Furthermore, the injected water pressure (base pressure) was not fully transmitted to the sample owing to the difference between the base and back pressures, leading to variations in the total pressure despite maintaining a constant differential pressure. Thus, the results demonstrated a degradation in bentonite’s swelling capacity and its compromised role in safe HLW disposal, when subjected to treatment at 105°C. The insights from this research can assist in HLW repository design, while highlighting the need for further research into bentonite’s performance.

As part of the 2024 research initiative, “Investigation and Discovery of Prokaryotes in Freshwater Systems,” samples were collected from diverse freshwater habitats, including both water and soil environments. Approximately 2,000 bacterial strains were isolated as single colonies and identified through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Among these, 38 strains shared ≥98.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with those of known bacterial species not previously reported in Korea. These strains were thus categorized as newly recorded bacterial species in Korea. These 38 bacterial strains displayed significant phylogenetic diversities, spanning 2 phyla, 4 classes, 15 orders, 24 families, and 34 genera. These unrecorded species were classified into the following classes: Actinomycetia (with genera including Microcella, Conyzicola, Curtobacterium, Leucobacter, Microbacterium, Frigoribacterium, Lysinibacter, Streptomyces, Nonomuraea, Actinocorallia, Ruania, and Actinoplanes), Alphaproteobacteria (Paracoccus, Youngimonas, Loktanella, Corticibacterium, Neorhizobium, Onobrychidicola, Ferranicluibacter, Aureimonas, Asticcacaulis, and Novosphingobium), Betaproteobacteria (Rhodoferax, Rugamonas, and Cupriavidus), and Gammaproteobacteria (Rheinheimera, Shewanella, Kosakonia, Leclercia, Hafnia, Yersinia, Pseudomonas, Lysobacter, and Acinetobacter ). Further characterization included assessment of Gram reaction, colony and cell morphology, biochemical properties, and phylogenetic relationships. This report presents detailed phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics of these bacterial species.

Galaxy evolution studies require the measurement of the physical properties of galaxies at different redshifts. In this work, we build supervised machine learning models to predict the redshift and physical properties (gas-phase metallicity, stellar mass, and star formation rate) of star-forming galaxies from the broad-band and medium-band photometry covering optical to near-infrared wavelengths, and present an evaluation of the model performance. Using 55 magnitudes and colors as input features, the optimized model can predict the galaxy redshift with an accuracy of σ(Δz/1+z) = 0.008 for a redshift range of z < 0.4. The gas-phase metallicity [12 + log(O/H)], stellar mass [log(Mstar)], and star formation rate [log(SFR)] can be predicted with the accuracies of σNMAD = 0.081, 0.068, and 0.19 dex, respectively. When magnitude errors are included, the scatter in the predicted values increases, and the range of predicted values decreases, leading to biased predictions. Near-infrared magnitudes and colors (H, K, and H −K), along with optical colors in the blue wavelengths (m425–m450), are found to play important roles in the parameter prediction. Additionally, the number of input features is critical for ensuring good performance of the machine learning model. These results align with the underlying scaling relations between physical parameters for star-forming galaxies, demonstrating the potential of using medium-band surveys to study galaxy scaling relations with large sample of galaxies.

Background: The increasing demand for real-time professional fitness coaching has led to a need for accurate exercise posture recognition using artificial intelligence. Objectives: To compare the performance of Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) and Stacked Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models in classifying fitness posture images using detailed joint coordinate labeling. Design: Comparative analysis of machine learning models using a labeled dataset of fitness posture images. Methods: A dataset from AI-hub containing images and data of 41 exercises was used. Five exercises were selected and processed using a custom program. Data was converted from JSON to CSV format, augmented with joint condition information, and analyzed using Google Colab. Results: The best FNN model achieved a training error of 1.21% and test error of 9.08%. The Stacked LSTM model demonstrated superior performance with a training error of 1.05% and test error of 6.09%. Conclusion: Both FNN and Stacked LSTM models effectively classified sequential fitness images, with Stacked LSTM showing superior performance. This indicates the potential of Stacked LSTM models for accurate fitness posture classification in real-time coaching scenarios.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) research on physical fitness posture estimation has been limited by a lack of comprehensive datasets and guidelines. This study analyzes the fitness image dataset provided by Korea's AIHub platform to advance posture estimation algorithms from exercise prescription and behavioral analysis perspectives. Objectives: To analyze fitness movements and guide correct exercise posture using AI-based visual and auditory feedback. Design: Descriptive analysis of a large-scale dataset. Methods: The study examined image and JSON labeling files from AI-Hub, analyzing 6.39 million fitness images across 41 exercise types. Data structure, exercise states, and annotation characteristics were analyzed in detail. Results: The dataset encompasses 816 distinct exercise states, captured from five camera angles with 24 key body points labeled per posture. Exercises were categorized into full-body workouts (17), barbell/dumbbell exercises (16), and furniture exercises (8). Gender distribution was 76% male and 24% female, with 41% in the 27-29 age group. The dataset allows for detailed analysis of correct and incorrect postures. Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis of the AI-Hub fitness dataset provides a robust foundation for developing AI models for fitness posture evaluation and feedback, benefiting exercise coach web/app service developers.

Iron oxide (ε-Fe2O3) is emerging as a promising electromagnetic material due to its unique magnetic and electronic properties. This review focuses on the intrinsic properties of ε-Fe2O3, particularly its high coercivity, comparable to that of rare-earth magnets, which is attributed to its significant magnetic anisotropy. These properties render it highly suitable for applications in millimeter wave absorption and high-density magnetic storage media. Furthermore, its semiconducting behavior offers potential applications in photocatalytic hydrogen production. The review also explores various synthesis methods for fabricating ε-Fe2O3 as nanoparticles or thin films, emphasizing the optimization of purity and stability. By exploring and harnessing the properties of ε-Fe2O3, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of next-generation electromagnetic materials with potential applications in 6G wireless telecommunications, spintronics, high-density data storage, and energy technologies.

Efficient and safe maritime navigation in complex and congested coastal regions requires advanced route optimization methods that surpass the limitations of traditional shortest-path algorithms. This study applies Deep Q-Network (DQN) and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms to generate and refine optimal ship routes in East Asian waters, focusing on passages from Shanghai to Busan and Ulsan to Daesan. Operating within a grid-based representation of the marine environment and considering constraints such as restricted areas and Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS), both DQN and PPO learn policies prioritizing safety and operational efficiency. Comparative analyses with actual vessel routes demonstrate that RL-based methods yield shorter and safer paths. Among these methods, PPO outperforms DQN, providing more stable and coherent routes. Post-processing with the Douglas-Peucker (DP) algorithm further simplifies the paths for practical navigational use. The findings underscore the potential of RL in enhancing navigational safety, reducing travel distance, and advancing autonomous ship navigation technologies.

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.

In story writing, interjections are used in dialogue to enhance the emotional tone of the text. However, crafting realistic dialogues that effectively incorporate interjections can be a challenging task for young learners with developing writing skills. This study examines how young learners utilize interjections in their story writing. The study analyzed the narratives of 242 students from three different English proficiency groups: lower and higher level EFL elementary school students and native English speakers in seventh to twelfth grade. The analysis aimed to understand the relationship between interjection frequency and writing qualities. The findings revealed a negative correlation between the occurrence of interjections and both content quality and vocabulary diversity. Additionally, comparisons across proficiency groups indicated that certain types of interjections were more prevalent in specific groups. These results suggest that learners should use interjections judiciously in story writing. Although interjections may seem peripheral, they warrant closer attention as they can subtly detract from writing qualities.

This article aims to compile key information to describe the current production situation of potatoes f or c onsumption and v irus- free s eed potatoes i n Paraguay, and to identify the main challenges for developing a self-sufficient production system. The study describes the climatic conditions of the production of potatoes and the national production and distribution situation, highlighting the dependence on imports for more than 90% of market demand. It analyzed the issues surrounding the production and supply of virus-free seed potatoes, which depend on imports from Argentina, averaging 799.9 tons per year. Additionally, this study collects information on virus detection in local potatoes and the risks associated with introducing viruses through imported seeds. To address these issues, the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) and the Paraguayan Institute of Agricultural Technology (IPTA) cooperation project promoted the production of virus-free seed potatoes for their distribution to smallholder farmers across various country regions, strengthening the foundations for future virus-free seed potato production and distribution systems. Improving self-sufficiency in potato production in Paraguay requires an integrated strategy that includes analyzing suitable regions for seed potato production, implementing advanced technologies, and strengthening farmers’ technical capacity. Establishing virus-free seed potato production areas and securing governmental and legal support are crucial steps toward achieving sustainable seed potato production and reducing dependence on imports.

Probiotics have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment in an increasing number of studies. This study investigated the inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of specific Lactobacillus strains on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29). The strains assessed were Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri VA 102, Ligilactobacillus (L.) animalis VA 105, and Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri KCTC 3594 (ATCC 23272). The viability of HT-29 cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. The findings revealed that cell-free supernatants (CFS) exhibited significant anticancer effects. Heat-inactivated L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri KCTC 3594 induced a pronounced reduction in cell viability. Furthermore, live cultures of L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri VA 102 also showed reduced cell viability compared to the control group. These results suggest that CFS and heat-inactivated cells may be more suitable for therapeutic applications than live bacteria owing to their improved safety profiles and reduced potential for adverse effects. Our findings also emphasize the potential anticancer benefits of these LAB strains.