The objective of this study was to assess the effects of gypsum application on dry matter yield (DMY), mineral content of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and soil properties in reclaimed tidal land in South Korea. The experiment was conducted in Seokmun, located on the west coast of South Korea, which is reclaimed with approximately 70 cm depth of degraded island soil. Treatments consisted of a control with no gypsum application (G0), 2 ton ha-1 (G2), and 4 ton ha-1 (G4) of gypsum application. The first harvest was carried out when the alfalfa reached 10% flowering, and subsequent harvests were conducted at 35-day intervals. Over the three-year experimental periods (2019-2021), the total DMY of G2 treatment was significantly higher than those of G0 and G4 (p<0.05). Although both G2 and G4 gypsum application treatments lowered soil pH, the G4 treatment increased the electrical conductivity (EC) content of the soil. Additionally, gypsum application affected the mineral contents of alfalfa, resulting in reduced concentration of sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg). Therefore, this present study suggests that a gypsum application rate of 2 ton ha-1 is optimal for improving alfalfa dry matter yield and mineral balance, as well as enhancing soil chemical properties in reclaimed tidal land in South Korea.

Efficient yet realistic ship routing is critical for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions. However, conventional weather-routing algorithms often produce mathematically optimal routes that conflict with the paths mariners use. This study presents a hybrid approach that constrains physics-based weather routing within an AISderived maritime traffic network (MTN) built from one year of global Automatic Identification System data. The MTN represents common sea lanes as a graph of approximately 10,956 waypoints (nodes) and 17,561 directed edges. Using this network, an optimal low-emission route is computed via graph search and then compared against both a traditional unconstrained route and an advanced weather-routing model (VISIR-2). In a May transitionseason case (Busan–Singapore voyage), the AIS-constrained route reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by about 1.9% relative to the fastest feasible route, while closely following real traffic corridors (over 90% overlap with actual 2024 AIS tracks). While this 1.9% saving does not reach the high-end potential of an unconstrained, state-of-the-art model like VISIR-2 (which can demonstrate double-digit savings in certain conditions), it is achieved with an increase in transit time of ~6.5 h (≈3.2%). This represents a crucial trade-off, prioritizing operational realism and adherence to real-world traffic corridors over maximum theoretical efficiency.

Background: Dairy cows exposed to heat stress have reduced milk production, milk quality, and conception rates, leading to lower profits. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of heat stress according to Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) on the milk production of Korean Holstein cows. Methods: Monthly maximum temperature and average relative humidity data from January 2017 to August 2024 were obtained from 62 observation points used by the Korea Meteorological Administration to calculate the national average. Using this data, the THI, a key indicator for assessing heat stress in Korean Holstein cows, was calculated. Additionally, data from 240,088 Korean Holstein cows, collected through tests conducted by the Dairy Cattle Improvement Center of the NH-Agri Business Group, were analyzed. Results: Comparative analysis of the relationship between THI and milk production revealed that milk yield remained relatively stable until THI reached the “very severe” heat stress threshold (THI ≥ 79). Beyond this level, milk production showed a tendency to decline. Conversely, when THI dropped below this threshold, milk yield tended to recover. Notably, the temperature in September, typically considered part of the autumn season, has been rising in recent years, with THI values now approaching the very severe stress level (THI ≥ 79). Conclusions: These findings suggest that establishing an appropriate farm environment and implementing systematic THI management are essential for mitigating the decline in milk production, as well as the associated economic losses, caused by rising domestic temperatures due to global warming.

Sperm storage is a crucial reproductive adaptation that ensures fertilization success by maintaining viable sperm until ovulation. Birds and mammals have evolved anatomically distinct yet functionally analogous structures, sperm storage tubules (SSTs) in the avian female reproductive tract and the epididymis in the mammalian male reproductive tract, that represent a striking example of convergent evolution. These systems prolong sperm lifespan and regulate fertilization timing through shared physiological strategies. While each system has been studied independently, a direct comparison between SSTs and the epididymis has not been thoroughly explored. This review proposes that, although structurally distinct, SSTs and the epididymis exhibit shared physiological strategies such as metabolic suppression, pH and ion regulation, oxidative stress control, and hormonally mediated sperm release. By highlighting these parallels, we present a novel perspective on sperm storage as a case of evolutionary convergence in reproductive physiology. Understanding these shared mechanisms provides new insights into sperm viability regulation and offers practical implications for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as improved cryopreservation strategies and biomimetic sperm storage platforms designed to mimic SST or epididymal conditions.

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) play a critical role in maintaining skin integrity and promoting tissue repair, but are highly susceptible to apoptosis under stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option due to their regenerative potential and ability to secrete bioactive factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADSC-derived paracrine signaling on apoptosis in HDFs and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a Transwell co-culture system, we found that ADSCs significantly reduced apoptosis in HDFs subjected to low-serum stress, as confirmed by APOPercentage™ staining and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Among several soluble factors secreted by ADSCs, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) exhibited the most pronounced time-dependent increase in culture supernatants. The anti- apoptotic effect of ADSCs was abolished by neutralizing antibodies against HGF, indicating a key role of this factor in mediating fibroblast survival. Further, HDFs were found to express the HGF receptor c-Met at both the mRNA and protein levels. Inhibition of c-Met signaling reversed the cytoprotective effect of ADSCs, suggesting that HGF functions through this receptor. Mechanistically, only the PI3K/AKT pathway—among the major survival pathways tested—was selectively activated in HDFs by ADSC co-culture. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling using LY294002 abolished the protective effect, while inhibition of ERK or p38 MAPK had no significant impact. These findings demonstrate that ADSC-derived HGF protects HDFs from stress-induced apoptosis primarily through activation of the c-Met–PI3K/ AKT pathway. This mechanistic insight may provide a basis for the development of stem cell– based therapies aimed at enhancing skin regeneration and fibroblast viability in degenerative or wound-healing contexts.

Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display (VR HMD)-based flight simulators have recently emerged as promising tools for enhancing pilot training effectiveness. This study aims to establish a set of evaluation criteria for the development of VR HMD-based flight simulators and to determine their relative importance and priority using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Through an extensive review of the literature, a hierarchical evaluation model was constructed, consisting of three primary criteria and ten sub-criteria. A structured questionnaire was administered to experienced pilots, and the collected data were analyzed using the AHP methodology to assess the relative weights of each criterion. The analysis revealed that the fidelity of system performance is the most influential factor in evaluating VR HMD-based flight simulators. These findings present a structured evaluation framework and offer practical insights for guiding the strategic development and optimization of VR HMD-based flight training systems.

본 사례 보고는 소아 뇌 자기공명영상(MRI) 검사에서 협조가 원활하지 않아 움직임에 의한 인공물이 발생하고, 이로 인해 시간차 자기공명혈관촬영(TOF MRA) 영상의 획득이 어려운 상황에서, 삼차원 구조화 자기공명영상(3D MPRAGE)을 수평면(axial) 방향으로 획득한 후 최대강도투사(MIP) 기법을 적용하여 혈관 형태를 성공적으로 시각 화한 사례를 소개하고, 그 임상적 유용성을 평가하고자 한다. 영상 획득 시, TOF MRA는 약 7분, 3D MPRAGE는 약 4~5분의 검사 시간이 소요되었으며, 3D MPRAGE는 짧은 촬영 시간과 인코딩 방향 변경으로 인한 움직임 감소 효과를 보였다. 수평면 3D MPRAGE 영상은 주요 뇌혈관을 효과적으로 시각화하였고, 진단 해상도 면에서도 TOF 영상과 비교해 손색이 없었다. 본 사례 보고는 특히 협조가 어려운 1세에서 7세 사이의 소아 환자에서 3D MPRAGE 기반 MIP 영상이 TOF 영상의 효과적인 대안이 될 수 있음을 시사한다. 또한 혈류 흐름 방향에 맞추어 MPRAGE의 획득 단면을 조정하고 수평면 영상에 MIP 기법을 적용함으로써 뇌혈관 구조 시각화를 최적화할 수 있었다. 비록 미세혈관 표현에는 TOF 영상 대비 한계가 있었으나, 주요 대혈관 영상은 충분한 진단 정보를 제공하였다. TOF 영상 이 혈관에 특화된 반면, 3D MPRAGE는 뇌 실질 영상과 함께 뇌혈관 형태 영상까지 제공할 수 있어, 진정이 필요한 소아 환자에게 보다 유리한 대안이 될 수 있다. 이러한 접근은 검사 시간을 단축시키고, 뇌혈관 질환과 관련된 부가 적인 임상 정보를 함께 제공함으로써 영상의 진단적 가치를 향상시킬 것으로 기대된다.

The US is in conflict with China over various trade issues. Although both countries agreed to temporarily suspend tariffs for the next 90 days, this trend is expected to continue after then. New related to tariffs has been a daily occurrence in the first 100 days of the Trump presidency, and yet a gap remains between the US and China that is difficult to bridge. This seems to stem from the fact that President Trump wants to “Make America Great Again” with a vengeance. In addition to implementing a new tariff system, the US seems to be moving towards supporting “strong patents” to safeguard intellectual property rights. These policies will significantly impact both the US and other nations worldwide. This article explores the external developments in the aftermath of the US presidential election and reviews current issues related to intellectual property in the US, focusing on tariff imposition and the prevailing emphasis on strong patent rights.

Lithium- and manganese-rich layered oxide (LMRO) is considered a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries owing to its high capacity and energy density. However, operation at a high voltage of 4.8 V leads to several issues including low Coulombic efficiency, poor cycle life, slow kinetics, and voltage decay due to spinel phase transition, hindering commercialization. Herein, we synthesized a cobalt-free LMRO cathode and studied the effect of Nb2O5 and Sb2O3 coating layers on electrochemical performance. The Nb2O5 coating facilitated the formation of a LiNbO3 layer, which enhanced the initial electrochemical performance, including Coulombic efficiency and energy density. Meanwhile, Sb2O3 not only coated the surface but also doped into the bulk structure, thereby increasing capacity and improving rate capability. Comparative analysis using materials with different structural solubility revealed how oxide coatings influenced lithium-ion transport and electrochemical behavior. This study highlights the importance of interfacial engineering for optimizing LMRO cathodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

In this study, proteins were extracted from sesame and perilla meals (agricultural by-products) by using hot-water defatting and acid precipitation, and their functional properties were compared with those of a commercial soy protein isolate (SPI). According to the SDS-PAGE results, the sesame meal protein extract (SMPE) exhibited a higher content of hydrophobic amino acids than the perilla meal protein extract (PMPE), alongside a relatively lower intensity of the 7S globulin band. SMPE showed 1.41-fold higher solubility than SPI at pH 10 and 1.72- and 1.66-fold higher emulsifying activity indices (EAIs) at pH 8 and 10, respectively. PMPE exhibited similar trends in solubility and EAI as SPI at the corresponding pH values. However, the emulsifying stability indices of SMPE and PMPE were lower than that of SPI. In particular, the fat absorption capacity of SMPE was significantly higher than those of SPI and PMPE, likely because of its higher content of hydrophobic or nonpolar amino acid residues. These results suggest that SMPE and PMPE are promising alternative protein sources for food applications and may promote value-added utilization of plant-derived by-products in the food industry.

In this study, conjugates were prepared via dry heat-induced glycosylation with maltodextrin (MD) to enhance the functional properties of sesame meal protein extract (SMPE). With the progress of conjugation, the specific protein bands of SMPE decreased and new bands appeared in the higher molecular weight range (approximately 170 kDa). The FT-IR spectra confirmed the structural modifications resulting from Maillard reaction-driven covalent bonding between SMPE and MD. The solubility and emulsifying properties—emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsifying stability index (ESI)—of the conjugates showed little variation with dry-heat treatment time, but they were significantly influenced by the dextrose equivalent (DE) of MD. Solubility was highest when SMPE was conjugated with MD of DE 4–7 at both 12 h (19.38%) and 24 h (20.54%) and decreased as DE increased. Notably, the three-way ANOVA results showed that the emulsifying properties improved significantly with higher DE of MD. The EAI and ESI of SMPE conjugated with MD of DE 16.5–19.5 increased by 1.52- and 1.41-fold, respectively, when compared with the control SMPE. These findings suggest that the SMPE-MD conjugates have promising potential for applications in food systems that require enhanced emulsifying properties.

Recent global efforts to combat climate change have accelerated, with nations adopting carbon strategies such as carbon taxes and emission trading system (ETS) to support their net-zero commitments. These initiatives enable governments to enforce mitigation while maintaining their dual goal of fostering economic growth. Vietnam, a developing country, has emerged as a proactive participant by launching a national ETS, drawing from international best practices and domestic geographical advantages. This article examines the process and challenges involved in designing and implementing an ETS in Vietnam, exploring the necessary policy frameworks, institutional structures, and market mechanisms. It highlights key considerations such as the selection of sectors and entities to be covered, the allocation of emission allowances, and the establishment of new market management solutions. This article concludes with strategic recommendations to support the development of a successful and sustainable ETS mechanism in developing country like Vietnam.

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.