Background: In patients with low back pain (LBP), weakened core muscles and impaired proprioception contribute to decreased spinal stability and LBP recurrence. Objectives: To investigate the effects of abdominal bracing exercises (BE) and kinetic link training (BEKLT) on pain, balance, and proprioception in LBP patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixteen adults with LBP were randomly assigned to a BE group or a BEKLT group. Both groups completed a four-week intervention (three sessions per week). Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), proprioception with the lumbar reposition sense test, and balance with the BT4 system. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in VAS and proprioception error (P<.05), with no inter-group differences. In dynamic balance (limits of stability), the BE group improved in rearward, left, and right angles, while the BEKLT group improved in forward, rearward, and left angles (P<.05). A significant difference was observed in the forward leaning angle between groups (P<.05). For static balance, both groups showed significant reductions in trace length and C90 area (P<.05), with no inter-group differences. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both BE and BEKLT are effective interventions for reducing pain and improving proprioception and balance in LBP, with BEKLT providing additional benefits for dynamic balance.

Agriculture plays a critical role in Uganda’s economy, contributing to 24% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and serving as the primary source of livelihood for a large portion of the population. Organic horticulture presents a promising pathway for sustainable development, offering economic opportunities through access to niche markets both locally and internationally. However, effective management for pests and diseases remains a major challenge in organic horticulture. This review addresses pest and disease issues affecting non-traditional export crops in Uganda, such as pepper, bitter gourd, and aubergine. Additionally, it provides an overview of botanical pesticides currently used in Uganda, along with approved organic fungicides (e.g., lime sulfur, copper) and insecticides (e.g., paraffinic oils, pyrethrum). This review explores physical and chemical properties, target pests, benefits, drawbacks, and active ingredients of these substances. The ultimate aim is to offer Ugandan farmers expanded options for managing pests and diseases in organic horticulture.

Coffee is a major traded item worldwide. Uganda, where the coffee sector provides a livelihood to 1.8 million households, is Africa’s second-biggest coffee exporter. Pests and diseases are significant constraints affecting coffee production. Although the Ugandan government has implemented strategies to assist farmers in addressing these constraints, coffee pests and diseases continue to affect the yield and quality of coffee crops. This ongoing issue highlights the need for more effective and sustainable solutions to protect coffee production in Uganda. This review examined two prevalent diseases and two major pests known to significantly impact Uganda’s coffee systems. It explored strategies that pathogens and pests would utilize to invade and colonize coffee plants. Furthermore, this review evaluated current challenges and prospects for improving coffee pest and disease management. By offering valuable insights and recommendations, it aims to equip agricultural stakeholders with the knowledge needed to develop and implement more effective strategies for combating these persistent threats to coffee production in Uganda.

This review examines the microstructural and mechanical properties of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced by wrought processing and powder metallurgy (PM), specifically laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and hot isostatic pressing. Wrought methods, such as forging and rolling, create equiaxed alpha (α) and beta (β) grain structures with balanced properties, which are ideal for fatigue resistance. In contrast, PM methods, particularly LPBF, often yield a martensitic α′ structure with high microhardness, enabling complex geometries but requiring post-processing to improve its properties and reduce stress. The study evaluated the effects of processing parameters on grain size, phase distribution, and material characteristics, guiding the choice of fabrication techniques for optimizing Ti-6Al-4V performance in aerospace, biomedical, and automotive applications. The analysis emphasizes tailored processing to meet advanced engineering demands.

본 연구는 영유아교사의 근무환경과 이직의도 관계를 알아보고 감정노동이 이 두 변수를 조절하는지 확인하는 데 목적이 있다. 연구를 위해 영유아교사 199명을 대상으로 빈도분석, 기술통계분석, 상관분석을 실시하였으며, 인구통계학적 주요변인의 차이검증을 위해 t-검증 (t-test) 및 일원분산분석(one-way ANOVA)을 실시하였다. 또한 감정노동 조절효과 검증을 위해 위계적 회귀분석과 단순기울기 분석을 적용하였다. 분석 결과, 근무환경의 하위 변인들은 감정노동의 내면적 행동에는 정적 상관관계를, 이직의도에는 부적 상관관계를 보여주었다. 영 유아 교사들의 감정노동은 표면적 행동과 내면적 행동에 정적 상관관계로 나타났으며 감정노 동의 표면적 행동은 이직의도와 정적 상관관계가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 낮은 물리적 환경과 대인관계에 기반 한 감정노동은 이직의도를 유도하지만 반면 감정노동은 근무환경과 이직의 도 간의 조절요인으로 작용하였다. 근무환경의 개선방안으로 영유아교사의 업무에 대한 코칭 개입 방법은 궁극적으로 이들의 이직의도를 낮추는 효과적인 방안일 수 있다. 즉 정서적인 지 지를 통해 스트레스적인 근무 환경을 정서 안정적이고 긍정적인 환경으로 변경하고, 물리적으 로 교재․교구비 지원, 근로시간 보장, 처우 개선을 통해 영유아 교사들의 근무환경에 대한 만족도를 높이는 것이 요구된다. 본 연구는 궁극적으로 코칭기법을 중심으로 교사 심리 상담 과 같은 정서적 지원프로그램을 제공하여 그들의 이직의도를 낮추는 방안을 제언한다.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ensemble optimal interpolation (EnOI) in improving the analysis of significant wave height (SWH) within wave models using satellite-derived SWH data. Satellite observations revealed higher SWH in mid-latitude regions (30o to 60o in both hemispheres) due to stronger winds, whereas equatorial and coastal areas exhibited lower wave heights, attributed to calmer winds and land interactions. Root mean square error (RMSE) analysis of the control experiment without data assimilation revealed significant discrepancies in high-latitude areas, underscoring the need for enhanced analysis techniques. Data assimilation experiments demonstrated substantial RMSE reductions, particularly in high-latitude regions, underscoring the effectiveness of the technique in enhancing the quality of analysis fields. Sensitivity experiments with varying ensemble sizes showed modest global improvements in analysis fields with larger ensembles. Sensitivity experiments based on different decorrelation length scales demonstrated significant RMSE improvements at larger scales, particularly in the Southern Ocean and Northwest Pacific. However, some areas exhibited slight RMSE increases, suggesting the need for region-specific tuning of assimilation parameters. Reducing the observation error covariance improved analysis quality in certain regions, including the equator, but generally degraded it in others. Rescaling background error covariance (BEC) resulted in overall improvements in analysis fields, though sensitivity to regional variability persisted. These findings underscore the importance of data assimilation, parameter tuning, and BEC rescaling in enhancing the quality and reliability of wave analysis fields, emphasizing the necessity of region-specific adjustments to optimize assimilation performance. These insights are valuable for understanding ocean dynamics, improving navigation, and supporting coastal management practices.

많은 연구에 따르면 Tenebrio molitor은 유충 단계에서 플라스틱을 섭취할 수 있다고 보고되었다. 이 연구의 목적은 T. molitor 유충의 성장과 발달에 발포폴리스티렌 섭취가 미치는 영향을 조사하는 것이다. 밀기울을 섭취한 유충의 성장률은 발포폴리스티렌을 섭취한 유충의 성장률보다 더 좋았고(p < 0.001) 발포폴리스티렌을 섭취한 유 충의 번데기로 전환되는 기간은 밀기울을 섭취한 유충의 번데기로 전환되는 기간보다 더 빨랐다(p < 0.001). 하지만 두 처리구간 생존율은 유의미한 차이가 없었다(p = 0.786). 이 결과에 따르면 발포폴리스티렌을 섭취한 유충은 체중 감소와 짧은 발육기간이 특징이지만 생존하는 것에는 문제가 없었다. 따라서 우리는 T. molitor가 플라스틱 폐기물 의 지속 가능하고 친환경적인 제거를 위한 주요 자원이라는 결론을 내렸다.

Human bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptors (hTAS2Rs) are expressed in various human tissues and may be associated with various cell signaling pathways, cell progression, and cell physiology in each tissue. hTAS2Rs can be a potential drug target because it is also expressed in some cancer cells. Xanthorrhizol (XNT) has various biological activities, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. XNT produces a bitter taste, but the specific hTAS2R activated is unknown, and the hTAS2R-mediated effect of XNT on cancer cells has not been studied. This study discovered the target receptor of XNT among 25 hTAS2Rs and confirmed the possibility of the hTAS2R-mediated inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. XNT activated only one receptor, hTAS2R38 (EC50=1.606±0.021 g/mL), and its activity was inhibited by probenecid, a hTAS2R38 antagonist. When HepG2 and MCF-7 cells were treated with XNT or phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), a known hTAS2R38 agonist, both chemicals inhibited cancer cell proliferation. XNT targets the human bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 and inhibits the proliferation of HepG2 and MCF-7 cells mediated by TAS2R38. This suggests that TAS2R38 may be a new target for disease treatment and a potential new factor for drug development.

Jeju Island has been facing to threat of high-risk invasive pests from tropical areas. To protect domestic agriculture from those invasive pests, APQA has conducted a regular monitoring program on Jeju Island. We collected especially phototactic heteroceran pests by light bucket trap and identified them using their superficial appearances, and also mitochondria COI gene. As a result, a total of 24 families, 136 genera, 193 species, and 819 individuals were collected from around Jeju Island in 2023. Among them, two unidentified epidopteran pests, Palpita sp. (Crambidae) and Xyrosaris sp. (Yponomeutidae) were collected. In the present study, we report two unidentified micro-lepidopteran pests using superficial characteristics and mitochondria COI gene.

Scabies, caused by an infestation of the skin with the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), is highly contagious and classified as a prevalent neglected tropical diseases. The current diagnostic approach relies solely on clinical judgment based on symptoms, history, and microscopic observation by an experienced dermatologist. To enhance sensitivity and specificity, we developed an alternative method based on mite-derived DNA. Our method involves a quick DNA release from skin scraping samples and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) targeting the scabies mite-specific DNA sequences, enabling diagnosis within 30 minutes. Importantly, no cross-reactivity was observed when the sample was contaminated by two house dust mite species, and false positives were barely detected. Currently, we are in the process of developing a Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kit for a scabies survey targeting school-age children in Timor-Leste as a global health project.

Hypertension is characterized by excessive renin-angiotensin system activity, leading to blood vessel constriction. Several synthetic compounds have been developed to inhibit renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). These drugs often have adverse side effects, driving the exploration of plant protein-derived peptides as alternative or supplementary treatments. This study assessed the phenolic compound and amino acid content and the antioxidant and antihypertensive activity of 5 South Korean staple crops. Sorghum had the highest phenolic compound content and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Millet grains, particularly finger millet (38.86%), showed higher antihypertensive activity than red beans (14.42%) and sorghum (17.16%). Finger millet was found to contain a large proportion of branched-chain, aromatic, and sulfur-containing amino acids, which are associated with ACE inhibition. In particular, cysteine content was positively correlated with ACE inhibition in the crops tested (r=0.696, p<0.01). This study confirmed that the amino acid composition was more correlated with the antihypertensive activity of grains than the phenolic compound content. Finger millet mainly contained amino acids, which have higher ACE inhibitory activity, resulting in the strongest antihypertensive activity. These findings underscore the antihypertensive potential of select crops as plant-based food ingredients, offering insight into their biological functions.

The dismantling nuclear power plant is expected to continue to change the radiation working environment compared to the operating nuclear power plant. Contamination monitors and survey meters currently in use have limitations in accurate analysis source term and dose rates for continuous changes in radiation fields at dismantling sites. Due to these limitations, the use of semiconductor detectors such as HPGe and CZT detectors with excellent energy resolution and portability is increasing. The CZT detector performs as well as the HPGe detector, but there is no proven calibration procedure yet. Therefore, in this study, the HPGe calibration method was reviewed to derive implications for the CZT detector calibration method. The operating principle of a semiconductor detector that measures gamma emission energy converts them into electrical signals is the same. Two calibrations of HPGe detectors are performed according to the standard calibration procedure for semiconductor detectors for gamma-ray measurement issued by the Korea Association of Standards & Testing Organizations. The first is an energy calibration that calculates gamma-ray peak position measurements and relational expressions using standard source term that emit gamma-rays. The channel values for energy are measured using certified reference source term to determine radionuclides by identifying channels corresponding to the measured peak energy values. The second is the measurement efficiency of measuring the coefficient calibration device, which measures gamma rays emitted from the standard source term. The detector efficiency by sample or distance is measured in consideration of the shape, size, volume, and density of the calibration device. The HPGe detector performs calibration once every six months through a verified calibration method and is being used as a source term analyzer at the power plant. The CZT detector may also establish a procedure for identifying peak positions through energy calibration and calculating radioactivity through efficiency calibration. This will be a way to expand the usability of semiconductor detectors and further monitor radiation in a more effective way.

Wolsong Unit 1 nuclear power plant, which was permanently shut down in 2019, has a 678 MWe calandria vessel of the CANDU-6 type pressurized heavy-water reactor model. The calandria inside the vault is a horizontal cylindrical vessel made of stainless steel with a length of 7.8 m and a thickness of 28.6 mm. For the entire dismantling processes of a nuclear power plant, dismantling works cannot be performed using only one cutting technology and method, and when performing dismantling of a calandria vessel, various systems and components can be used for cutting and dismantling. The calandria vessel is located in a concrete compartment called a vault, and in order to safely dismantle the calandria vessel, the spread of radioactive contaminants from inside of the vault to the outside must be prevented. We designed dismantling processes using the laser cutting method to dismantle the calandria vessel and end shields. We must minimize the risk of internal radiation exposure to workers from aerosols derived from the thermal cutting processes. Therefore, we need a way to prevent secondary contamination from spreading outside the vault and within the reactor building. The path through which radioactive contaminants move is that the flying airborne products generated during the cutting process inside the vault where the calandria is located do not stay in place but spread outward through the opening of the RM-Deck structure at the top. Therefore, facilities or devices are needed to effectively prevent the spread of radioactive contaminants by blocking the expected movement path. By using these facilities or devices, it is possible to prevent the movement of radioactive aerosol particles between the location of the worker and the location of the cutting area where the calandria is located, thereby preventing internal exposure through the worker’s breathing. In addition, by using these, the cutting area where airborne pollutants are generated can be designed as an isolated work space to prevent the spread of radioactive contaminants. In this study, we propose a method of facilities for confining radioactive aerosol particles and preventing the spread of contamination when thermal cutting of the calandria vessel within the vault.

The radwaste repository consists of a multi-barrier, including natural and engineered barriers. The repository’s long-term safety is ensured by using the isolation and delay functions of the multi-barrier. Among them, natural barriers are difficult to artificially improve and have a long time scale. Therefore, in order to evaluate its performance, site characteristics should be investigated for a sufficient period using various analytical methods. Natural barriers are classified into lithological and structural characteristics and investigated. Structural factors such as fractures, faults, and joints are very important in a natural barrier because they can serve as a flow path for groundwater in performance evaluation. Considering the condition that the radioactive waste repository should be located in the deep part, the drill core is an important subject that can identify deep geological properties that could not be confirmed near the surface. However, in many previous studies, a unified method has not been used to define the boundaries of structural factors. Therefore, it is necessary to derive a method suitable for site characteristics by applying and comparing the boundary definition criteria of various structural factors to boreholes. This study utilized the 1,000 m deep AH-3 and DB-2 boreholes and the 500 m deep AH-1 and YS- 1 boreholes drilled around the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) site. Methods applied to define the brittle structure boundary include comparing background levels of fracture and fracture density, excluding sections outside the zone of influence of deformation, and confining the zone to areas of concentrated deformation. All of these methods are analyzed along scanlines from the brittle structure. Deriving a site-specific method will contribute to reducing the uncertainties that may arise when analyzing the long-term evolution of brittle structures within natural barriers.

농가에서 곤충자원을 활용한 치유농업프로그램의 개발 요구가 증가함에 따라 기존 곤충 돌보기 중심의 치유프로그램과 더불어 활용할 수 있는 야간 곤충채집 활동을 치유농업프로그램으로 개발하 고 시범 적용하였다. 야간곤충채집 활동은 대학생 9명에게 사전에 참여 동의를 획득하고, 전남대학교 학술림(장성)에서 1박 2일간 진행하였다. 18시부터 24시까지 야간 채집 활동과 익일 오전에는 채집한 곤충을 이용한 곤충 표본 제작 활동으로 프로그램을 구성하였다. 프로그램의 효과 분석을 위해 사전 (활동 전), 중간(채집활동 직후), 사후(표본제작 직후)에 뇌파, 맥파 검사 그리고 설문조사를 실시하였 다. 뇌파 분석 결과, 야간 채집활동 직후 뇌파의 기초율동이 향상(10.67→11.44)하였다(p<0.05). 요인 분석을 통한 스트레스 분석 결과, 내적 스트레스는 3.22(사전)→2.96(사후)로 감소(p<0.1)하였고, 문제 수행능력 관련 스트레스는 2.92(중간)→2.70(사후)로 감소하였다. 이러한 결과는 야간 채집 활동 속에 서 이용되는 근육의 움직임이 뇌 기능 향상과 스트레스 감소에 영향을 줄 것으로 생각된다. 참여자가 적은 연구의 한계를 극복하기 위해 향후 연령대별, 성별 등 다양한 참여자를 대상으로 추가적인 채집 프로그램의 개발 및 적용이 필요하다.