본 연구는 소리곤충을 활용한 동물매개치료 프로그램이 노인의 우울에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 살펴보고자 하였다. 연구대상은 I시에 위치한 I치매안심센터에서 추천을 받은 우울 척도 검사에서 5점 이상을 받은 노인 20명이며, 실험집단과 통제집단 각 10명을 선정하였다. 프로그램은 2023년 6월부터 8월까지 주 1회, 회기당 50분 씩 총 12회기를 실시하였다. 효과 검증을 위해 SPSS v.26을 활용하여 집단 간 동질성 검증(Mann-Whitney U test)을 하여 동질성이 입증이 된 후 각 집단의 사전과 사후에 노인 우울 척도 측정을 실시하고 비모수 윌콕슨 부호 순위 검정(Wilcoxon signed-rank test)으로 분석하였다. 그 결과, 실험집단의 우울 전체의 사전・사후에 유의미한 차이 가 나타났다(Z=-3.53, p＜.05). 그러나 통제집단의 우울 전체의 사전・사후에는 유의미한 차이가 나타나지 않았 다(Z=-1.06, p>.05). 따라서 본 연구는 소리곤충을 활용한 동물매개치료 프로그램이 노인의 우울에 긍정적인 영향 을 준 것으로 확인이 되었다. 이번 연구결과는 소리곤충을 활용한 정서 및 심리 치료에 대한 과학적 근거를 제시하 여 관련 분야 활성화에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

Distractive marking, as conceptualized by Abbott H. Thayer, refers to diminutive patterns of contrasting colors on an animal’s body. Thayer hypothesized that these patterns augment camouflage by diverting predatory focus from the outline of the prey, however, the evidence was insufficient. In this study, we verified the hypothesis that the presence of distractive markings confers a survival advantage under specific conditions. Specifically, the experiment aimed to ascertain whether the existence of lichens on trees hinders the visual detection of prey, given that lichens resemble distractive markings. The experimental design involved human subjects as predators and artificial moth images on a monitor as prey. The survival of moths with and without distractive markings was compared, also considering the influence of the presence of lichens in the background. As an analysis result, the survival likelihood of moths was statistically significantly hindered when the distractive marking was present. This result contradicts Thayer‘s hypothesis and implies the presence of a function distinct other than the enhancement of camouflage.

Background: Leydig cells, crucial for testosterone production, express ion channels like ANO1 that influence hormone secretion. This study investigates the expression and role of the Tandem of P domains in a weak inward rectifying K+ channel-related Acid-Sensitive K+-1 (TASK-1) channel in these cells, exploring its impact on testicular function and steroidogenesis. Methods: TASK-1 expression in Leydig cells was confirmed using immunostaining, while RT-PCR and Western Blot (WB) validated its expression in the TM3 Leydig cell line. The effect of a TASK-1 channel blocker on cell viability was assessed through live/dead staining and MTT assays. Additionally, the blocker’s effect on testosterone secretion was evaluated by measuring testosterone levels. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a predominant presence of TASK- 1, along with c-Kit and ANO-1, in Leydig cells adjacent to seminiferous tubules and also in Sertoli and spermatogenic cells. Expression levels of TASK-1 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in TM3 Leydig cells compared to TM4 Sertoli cells. In addition, blocking TASK-1 in TM3 cells with ML365 induced cell death but did not affect LHinduced testosterone secretion. Conclusions: These findings suggest that TASK-1 in Leydig cells is crucial for their viability and proliferation, highlighting its potential importance in testicular physiology.

Kang, Yoojin. (2023). “Exploring Intertextuality in Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Discourse”. The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea, 31(4), 99-120. This study explores the intricacies of intertextuality within the conflict dynamics between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. By adopting an intertextual perspective that draws upon the analytical frameworks presented by van Langenhove and Harre (1999) on positioning and Tannen’s (2006) insights regarding recycling, reframing, and rekeying, this study sheds light on a significant social and cultural phenomenon. Through the application of these theoretical concepts, this study aims to unravel the ways in which a Korean mother-in-law engages in the recycling, reframing, and rekeying of arguments related to the expectations of being a good daughter-in-law. Additionally, it examines the distinct positioning of both the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law in two conflict themes. The primary focus is on understanding the interconnection between these conflict themes and analyzing whether the positions of the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law in one conflict undergo changes when navigating the other conflict.

순간증모제는 산화철, 이산화 타이타늄 등의 다양한 금속을 함유하고 있으며 이들은 대체로 금속 인공물을 발생시키 는 원인이 된다. 본원에서 발생한 순간증모제에 의한 자화율 인공물 사례를 공유함으로써 뇌 자기공명영상 검사 전 순간증모제의 사용 여부 확인 및 제거의 필요성을 강조하고자 하였다. 본원의 사례에서 주 자장 세기에 따라 3.0T에 서 검사한 영상에 비해 1.5T에서 검사한 영상에서 자화율 인공물의 강도가 적음을 확인하였다. 시퀀스에 따라서 스핀 에코 기법 영상보다 경사 에코 시퀀스와 EPI에서 큰 자화율 인공물을 발견할 수 있었다. 또한, 순간증모제는 인공물의 원인이 될 뿐만 아니라 영상의 진단적 가치에 영향을 미쳐 뇌 질환을 진단하는데 오진을 초래할 가능성이 있음을 확인하였다. 따라서 자화율 인공물의 발생을 감소시키기 위해서 뇌 자기공명영상 검사 전 순간증모제 사용 여부를 확인하고 되도록 제거한 후 검사를 시행할 것을 권고한다.

본 연구는 코마개의 사용 여부에 따라 MRI 영상을 분석함으로써 숨 참기의 정확도를 향상할 도구로써 코마개가 실 효성이 있는지 검증하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 수검자에게 코마개가 없는 자연 호흡과 코마개를 사용한 구강 호흡 상태에서 호기 후 숨 참기를 지시하고 MRI 영상을 획득하였다. 영상은 2D 경사 자기장 에코 시퀀스로 획득하였고 초당 1장씩, 총 15장을 얻어 숨 참기 상태를 분석하였다. 숨 참기의 상태를 정량적으로 평가하기 위해 우측 폐 면적 을 측정하였다. 그리고 첫 번째 영상의 폐 면적을 기준으로 나머지 영상들에서 폐 면적의 절대 오차값을 구해 비교하 였다. 더불어 첫 번째 영상을 기준으로 나머지 영상들의 기하학적 유사도를 평가하기 위해 SSIM 값을 계산하였다. 실험 결과, 자연 호흡 상태에서 절대 오차는 평균 216.79 ㎟로 나타났다. 반면, 코마개를 사용한 구강 호흡의 경우 평균 55.94 ㎟로 나타나 자연 호흡과 비교하여 약 74.19% 감소하였다. SSIM 값은 자연 호흡 시 평균 0.7, 구강 호흡 시 0.76으로 나타나 기하학적 유사도가 약 6% 향상되었다. 이는 코마개 사용 시 호흡의 초기 상태를 잘 유지함 으로써 숨 참기의 정확도가 향상되어 능동적으로 호흡 상태를 조절할 수 있는 도구로써 충분한 가치가 있음을 증명한 다. 따라서 복부 MRI 검사에서 호흡에 따른 인공물을 개선하는 데 코마개가 도움을 줄 수 있으며 영상 개선 및 업무 효율을 높이는 도구로써 충분히 활용할 수 있다.

When aluminum is in an alkaline state, the aluminum oxide film surrounding aluminum is dissolved and moisture penetrates the exposed aluminum surface, causing corrosion of aluminum. At this time, hydrogen gas is generated and there is a risk of explosion due to the generated hydrogen gas. Aluminum radioactive waste is difficult to permanently dispose of because it does not meet the standards for the acquisition of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste cave disposal facilities currently managed and operated by the Korea Nuclear Environment Corporation. However, because of this risk, it is necessary to study how to safely treat and dispose aluminum waste. In this study, overseas cases were investigated and analyzed to ensure the safety of aluminum waste disposal, and the current status of aluminum radioactive waste generated during decommissioning of the Korea Research Reactor 1&2 and a treatment plan to secure disposal suitability were presented. The process of removing a little remaining oxygen in molten steel during the reduction of iron oxide in the iron refining process is called deoxidation, and a representative material used for deoxidation is aluminum. In the case of metal melting decontamination, which is one of the decontamination processes of radioactive metal waste, a method of treating aluminum waste by using aluminum as a deoxidizer is proposed.

The radioactive waste generated within radiation-controlled areas is classified and processed according to relevant laws and regulations based on contamination levels. In cases where such radioactive waste complies with the legally defined clearance concentration or dose criteria, it is disposed of as non-radioactive waste by means of incineration, reclamation, recycling, etc. Within radiation controlled areas, various consumables are periodically replaced to ensure the proper operation of the area. It is necessary to have appropriate disposal methods for these consumables. In particular, waste items such as fire extinguishers, fluorescent lamps, batteries, and pressure vessels (hereinafter referred to as “Special Waste Type”), which may contain hazardous substances within their internal components and contents, should be considered for appropriate disposal methods that comply with nuclear safety and environmental laws. In the present case, the specified special waste type do not come into direct contact with radiation sources, and they have impermeable surfaces, which significantly reduces the risk of external contamination infiltrating the interior. However, the current method of clearance is not suitable for these items (Typically, nuclear energy-related business operators are required to classify clearance target waste based on internal and external components and demonstrate compliance with the criteria. Nevertheless, for special waste type, it is difficult to separate and measure internal and external components within the radiation-controlled area). In this case, the Clearance Procedure for special waste type applied to Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute was introduced. Additionally, we have extracted considerations for future domestic clearance of the type.

The development of existing radioactive waste (RI waste) management technologies has been limited to processing techniques for volume reduction. However, this approach has limitations as it does not address issues that compromise the safety of RI waste management, such as the leakage of radioactive liquid, radiation exposure, fire hazards, and off-gas generation. RI waste comes in various forms of radioactive contamination levels, and the sources of waste generation are not fixed, making it challenging to apply conventional decommissioning and disposal techniques from nuclear power plants. This necessitates the development of new disposal facilities suitable for domestic use. Various methods have been considered for the solidification of RI waste, including cement solidification, paraffin solidification, and polymer solidification. Among these, the polymer solidification method is currently regarded as the most suitable material for RI waste immobilization, aiming to overcome the limitations of cement and paraffin solidification methods. Therefore, in this study, a conceptual design for a solidification system using polymer solidification was developed. Taking into account industrial applicability and process costs, a solidification system using epoxy resin was designed. The developed solidification system consists of a pre-treatment system (fine crush), solidification system, cladding system, and packing system. Each process is automated to enhance safety by minimizing user exposure to radioactive waste. The cladding system was designed to minimize defects in the solidified material. Based on the proposed conceptual design in this paper, we plan to proceed with the specific design phase and manufacture performance testing equipment based on the basic design.

Radioactive iodine-129, a byproduct of nuclear fission in nuclear power plants, presents significant environmental and health risks due to its high solubility in water and volatility. Iodine-129, with its half-life of 1.57×1017 years, necessitates safe management and disposal. Therefore, safely capturing and managing I-129 during spent nuclear fuel reprocessing is of paramount importance. To address these challenges, various glass waste forms containing silver iodide have been developed, such as borosilicate, silver phosphate, silver vanadate, and silver tellurite glasses. These glasses effectively immobilize iodine, but the high cost of silver raises affordability concerns. This study introduces CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glass waste forms for iodine immobilization, a novel approach. The cost-effectiveness of copper, in contrast to silver, makes it an attractive alternative. The CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glass waste forms were synthesized with varying CuI content (x) in (1-x)(0.3Cu2O·0.7TeO2) glass matrices. Xray diffraction (XRD) confirmed amorphous structures, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) quantified composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy provided insights into structural properties. Durability assessments using a 7-day product consistency test (PCT-A) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed compliance with U.S. glass regulations, making CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glasses a promising choice for iodine immobilization in radioactive waste.

This study investigates how native Korean speakers, who moved from Kyungsang province to Seoul, acquire /w/ retainment in Seoul Korean (SK). The specific objective is to examine how mobile speakers adopt the SK-like /w/ retainment and evaluate how linguistic and non-linguistic factors influence this acquisition. Furthermore, the study aims to establish whether having explicit awareness of the SK-like /w/ retainment is a prerequisite for acquiring it. The overall results suggest that most speakers have successfully adopted the SK-like /w/ retention, but there is noticeable diversity among speakers in terms of the extent to which they retain /w/. This variability can be linked to linguistic and non-linguistic factors, such as where /w/ appears in speech and individual attitudes towards SK. This research sheds light on the acquisition of /w/ retainment among native Korean speakers who have relocated from Kyungsang province to Seoul, highlighting the impact of linguistic and non-linguistic factors. It underscores the role of explicit awareness and reveals significant interspeaker variation in the adoption of SK-like /w/ retainment, contributing to our understanding of dialect acquisition dynamics.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), commonly known as Holy Basil is a revered herb with a rich history in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia. For its medicinal properties, Tulsi has been regarded as an “Elixir of Life” and has been used to treat various ailments. However, the comprehensive investigation of Tulsi extracts and their potential pharmacological benefits, specifically in relation to antioxidant activity remains limited. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Tulsi leaf and stem extract using various screening methods. We investigate the antioxidant activity exhibited by the extract using three different methods involved the utilization of the total polyphenol content assay, the ferric reducing power assay and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-14 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The results revealed that the Tulsi leaf extract (TLE) exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity when compared to the Tulsi stem extract (TSE) in all the performed assays. The higher content of phenolics in TLE may have contributed to its superior antioxidant activity. The HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis of TLE revealed the presence of eugenol, active compound for several therapeutic properties. These findings provide an understanding of the bioactive compounds present in Tulsi extracts and their potential antioxidant benefits.