장미과의 과일 및 관상용 식물은 세계적으로 경제적, 원예적 가치가 뛰어나다. 장미과의 뱀딸기는 관상 및 약용 작물로써 이용가치가 매우 높은데, 증식방법이 마련되어 있지 않은 실정 이다. 뱀딸기의 종자 종자발아 특성을 조사하기 위해 내부형태 관찰, 수분흡수실험, 온도 별 배양, move-along test, GA3처리 실험을 수행하였다. 뱀딸기 종자는 탈리시점부터 성숙한 배를 지닌다. 수분흡수실험 결과, 침지 3시간만에 종자 무게가 초 기무게 대비 100% 이상 증가하였다. 온도 별 배양 실험 결 과, 25/15, 20/10, 15/6, 5, 25, 20, 15°C에서 각각 8주간 배양하였을 때 88, 71, 61, 12, 89, 39, 17%로 나타났다. Move-along test의 T125/15°C(12주)→20/10°C(4주)→ 15/6°C(4주)→5°C(12주)]에서 12주차까지 72%가 발아하였고 T2[4°C(12주)→15/6°C(4주)→20/10°C(4주)→25/15°C(12주)] 에선 20/10°C까지 발아하지 않았고 25/15°C에 도달하고 나서 발아하여 최종발아율은 16%로 나타났다. GA3처리구에선 배양 3주차에 발아를 시작한 반면에 대조구에선 배양 4주차부터 발 아하였다. 따라서 한반도 자생 뱀딸기 종자는 PD로 분류하였다. 뱀딸기속과 Potentilla속 식물은 서로 근연관계이고, 종간의 종 자휴면에 차이가 나타나 종자휴면 특성에 분화가 일어난 것으로 판단된다.

The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) is an important pest that causes significant damages to alfalfa crops, reducing yield and quality, but there’s a solution. This research had two main goals to evaluate the efficacy of insecticides available in Korea for alfalfa weevil control and to provide data for pest management studies. The experiment, conducted from 2023 to 2024 at the National Institute of Animal Science in Cheonan, Republic of Korea, included four treatment plots: control (CON), early-occurrence (EAR), mid-occurrence (MID), and late-occurrence (LAT). It also included two frequency plots with primary and secondary insecticide using 50% fenitrothion emulsion, which made it truly comprehensive study. The primary insecticide was applied at the first observation of the alfalfa weevil larvae, with subsequent secondary applications at specified intervals. The results showed that two-times insecticide applications significantly reduced larvae populations and increased yield and nutrient content compared to a single application. Specifically, control rates ranged from 94 to 94.7% on the third day after treatment and from 72.2 to 93.4% on the seventh day. Plots with two applications had higher yields and crude protein content. The study concluded that the timing and frequency of insecticide applications are critical to maximizing alfalfa yield and quality, emphasizing the importance of optimized application strategies for effective pest control.

This study aims to contribute to resolving the critical issue of weed management in newly established alfalfa fields, study has been conducted on effective herbicide use. The study evaluated the impact of various domestically available foliar herbicides on alfalfa phytotoxicity, weed control, yield, and nutritive value. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with four treatments. Alfalfa ‘SW 5615’ seeded in the spring of 2024 on a 1 ha field (March 18), with herbicide treatments including fluazifop-P-butyl (FPB), bentazone (BEN), and a mixture of these herbicides (MIX). Herbicide efficacy, alfalfa yield, and nutritive value were assessed 30 days post-application. Results indicated that the MIX treatment achieved superior weed control comparable to hand weeding (HW), although it exhibited higher phytotoxicity, requiring extended recovery periods. While MIX led to lower overall yield, it enhanced alfalfa purity, resulting in higher crude protein (CP) content and relative feed value (RFV) compared to other treatments. The study concludes that despite the potential for increased phytotoxicity, mixed herbicide treatments could offer a strategic advantage in enhancing the quality of alfalfa feed through effective weed management, thereby improving CP and RFV, critical factors for the nutritional value of alfalfa. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing weed management practices in alfalfa cultivation, suggesting that mixed herbicide application, although associated with increased phytotoxicity on the plants, could improve the overall feed quality by reducing weed competition.

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.

The aggressive scaling of dynamic random-access memory capacitors has increased the need to maintain high capacitance despite the limited physical thickness of electrodes and dielectrics. This makes it essential to use high-k dielectric materials. TiO2 has a large dielectric constant, ranging from 30~75 in the anatase phase to 90~170 in rutile phase. However, it has significant leakage current due to low energy barriers for electron conduction, which is a critical drawback. Suppressing the leakage current while scaling to achieve an equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) below 0.5 nm is necessary to control the influence of interlayers on capacitor performance. For this, Pt and Ru, with their high work function, can be used instead of a conventional TiN substrate to increase the Schottky barrier height. Additionally, forming rutile-TiO2 on RuO2 with excellent lattice compatibility by epitaxial growth can minimize leakage current. Furthermore, plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) can be used to deposit a uniform thin film with high density and low defects at low temperatures, to reduce the impact of interfacial reactions on electrical properties at high temperatures. In this study, TiO2 was deposited using PEALD, using substrates of Pt and Ru treated with rapid thermal annealing at 500 and 600 °C, to compare structural, chemical, and electrical characteristics with reference to a TiN substrate. As a result, leakage current was suppressed to around 10-6 A/cm2 at 1 V, and an EOT at the 0.5 nm level was achieved.

The development of thermoelectric (TE) materials to replace Bi2Te3 alloys is emerging as a hot issue with the potential for wider practical applications. In particular, layered Zintl-phase materials, which can appropriately control carrier and phonon transport behaviors, are being considered as promising candidates. However, limited data have been reported on the thermoelectric properties of metal-Sb materials that can be transformed into layered materials through the insertion of cations. In this study, we synthesized FeSb and MnSb, which are used as base materials for advanced thermoelectric materials. They were confirmed as single-phase materials by analyzing X-ray diffraction patterns. Based on electrical conductivity, the Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity of both materials characterized as a function of temperature, the zT values of MnSb and FeSb were calculated to be 0.00119 and 0.00026, respectively. These properties provide a fundamental data for developing layered Zintl-phase materials with alkali/alkaline earth metal insertions.

Background: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxic metabolite generated by Aspergillus species and is commonly detected during the processing and storage of food; it is considered a group I carcinogen. The hepatotoxic effects, diseases, and mechanisms induced by AFB1 owing to chronic or acute exposure are well documented; however, there is a lack of research on its effects on the intestine, which is a crucial organ in the digestive process. Dogs are often susceptible to chronic AFB1 exposure owing to lack of variation in their diet, unlike humans, thereby rendering them prone to its effects. Therefore, we investigated the effects of AFB1 on canine small intestinal epithelial primary cells (CSIc). Methods: We treated CSIc with various concentrations of AFB1 (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μM) for 24 h and analyzed cell viability and transepithelial-transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) value. Additionally, we analyzed the mRNA expression of tight junction-related genes (OCLN, CLDN3, TJP1, and MUC2), antioxidant-related genes (CAT and GPX1), and apoptosis-related genes (BCL2, Bax, and TP53). Results: We found a significant decrease in CSIc viability and TEER values after treatment with AFB1 at concentrations of 20 μM or higher. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated a downregulation of OCLN, CLDN3, and TJP1 in CSIc treated with 20 μM or higher concentrations of AFB1. Additionally, AFB1 treatment downregulated CAT , GPX1, and BCL2. Conclusions: Acute exposure of CSIc to AFB1 induces toxicity, and exposure to AFB1 above a certain threshold compromises the barrier integrity of CSIc.

갯까치수염은 다육성의 2년생 초본 자생식물로서, 제주도, 울릉도를 비롯하여 남해안 지역에서 자라며 자생지의 환경에 맞게 내염성이 크다는 특징이 있고, 다양한 환경에 적응하며 관상가치가 높다. 관련 문헌을 보면 발아조건과 개화조절에 대한 연구만 보고되었고 그 중간단계인 재배에 관한 연구가 부족하여 대량생산을 위한 공정육묘법 개발의 일환으로 이 실 험을 수행하였다. 실험은 플라스틱온실 내에서 발아시킨 1cm 전후의 묘를 50, 128, 200구 트레이에 이식하여 한국원시표 준액(N-P-K-Ca-Mg, 15-3-6-8-4)을 각각 권장 EC농도의 0, 0.5, 1, 2배 농도로 매일 5분간 순환식으로 저면 관수하여 6주간 재배 후 초장, 근장, 엽수, 뿌리수, SPAD, 생체중, 건물 중을 측정하였다. 갯까치수염 생육은 플러그 셀 크기 50셀에 서 생육이 가장 높았다. 양액농도에 따른 갯까치수염의 생육 은 0.5배액에서 초장과 근장의 수치가 가장 높았으며, 모든 생육지표가 양액 농도변화에 따른 차이가 발생하는 것으로 나 타났고 실질적인 총 생산량의 지표라고 할 수 있는 지상부와 지하부의 건물중에 영향을 미치지 않았다는 결과가 나온 것으 로 미뤄 육묘단계에서 양액의 농도가 셀 크기보다 갯까수치염 의 묘 생육에 더 영향이 큰 것으로 보인다. 갯까치수염의 조직 충실도 면에서 0.5, 1, 2배액의 200구에서 가장 높은 결과값 들이 나왔다. 결과적으로 기존 원시표준액에 비해 생장에 유 리한 결과를 보이며 비료도 절약할 수 있는 0.5배 양액처리조 건이 갯까치수염 육묘 재배에 더 효율적이였다.

실내 벽면녹화용으로 많이 이용되고 있는 덩굴식물 스킨답 서스(Epipremnum aureum)는 줄기의 상·하 유인방향에 생장 차이를 보이는 것으로 알려져 있으나 그 원인에 대해서는 구 체적으로 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구에서는 광원의 위치(상· 하)와 줄기 유인방향(상·하)에 따른 스킨답서스의 생장반응을 15주간 조사하였다. 그 결과 정상적인 식물 생장 환경조건인 광원이 위에 있고 줄기를 위로 유인한 처리를 제외하고는 광 원이 아래에 위치하거나 줄기를 아래로 유인한 처리에서는 굴 곡과 뒤틀림 정도가 매우 컸다. 이것은 굴광성과 항굴지성에 대한 식물체 지상부의 반응 결과이며, 굴광성과 항굴지성의 경합반응은 식물체 아래 광원이 위치하고 줄기를 아래로 유인 했을 때 더욱 뚜렷하였다. 광원의 위치와 줄기 유인방향에 따 른 스킨답서스의 생장 반응은 굴광성과 항굴지성으로 설명 가 능하며 굴광성의 영향이 상대적으로 높게 나타났다.

Antimicrobial resistance significantly threatens human and animal health globally, with considerable mortality and economic impact. This study investigated antimicrobial usage in small animal clinics in South Korea, focusing on understanding the trends in prescriptions for therapeutic and preventive purposes. Data were collected from 12 small animal clinics that were analyzed for antimicrobial prescriptions from 2018–2020. A comprehensive dataset was used, including patient signalment, clinical notes, and prescription details, and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The results indicated that most antimicrobials (93.1%) were prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases, with a smaller portion (6.9%) used for preventive measures, such as surgery. High prescription rates were observed for the treatment of cutaneous and otological diseases, which may reflect common diseases in companion animals. The study highlighted a higher prescription rate for adult age groups, possibly because of the higher prevalence in those groups. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into common prescription patterns in veterinary practice and underscores the need for more stringent antimicrobial stewardship to curb the rise of antimicrobial resistance. This suggests that ongoing surveillance and education on appropriate antimicrobial use are crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and minimizing the development of resistance.

Background: Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is essential for various biological processes, including fetal Leydig cell differentiation. The PDGFRαEGFP mouse model, which expresses an eGFP fusion gene under the native Pdgfrα promoter, serves as a valuable resource for exploring PDGFRα’s expression and function in vivo. This study investigates PDGFRα expression in adult testicular cells using PDGFRαEGFP mouse model. Methods: Genotyping PCR and gel electrophoresis were used to confirm the zygosity of PDGFRαEGFP mice. Histological examination and fluorescence imaging were used to identify PDGFRα expression within testicular tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis assessed the co-expression of PDGFRα with c-Kit, ANO-1, and TASK-1 in testicular cells. Results: Genotyping confirmed the heterozygous status of the mice, which is crucial for studies due to the embryonic lethal phenotype observed in homozygotes. Histological and fluorescence imaging revealed that PDGFRα+ cells were primarily located in the interstitial spaces of the testis, specifically within Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells (PMCs). Immunohistochemical results showed PDGFRα co-localization with c-Kit and ANO-1 in Leydig cells and a complete co-localization with TASK-1 in both Leydig cells and PMCs. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate specific expression of PDGFRα in Leydig cells and PMCs in adult testicular tissue. The co-expression of PDGFRα with c-Kit, ANO-1, and TASK-1 suggests complex regulatory mechanisms, possibly influencing testicular function and broader physiological processes.

The threat of North Korea's long-range firepower is recognized as a typical asymmetric threat, and South Korea is prioritizing the development of a Korean-style missile defense system to defend against it. To address this, previous research modeled North Korean long-range artillery attacks as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and used Approximate Dynamic Programming as an algorithm for missile defense, but due to its limitations, there is an intention to apply deep reinforcement learning techniques that incorporate deep learning. In this paper, we aim to develop a missile defense system algorithm by applying a modified DQN with multi-agent-based deep reinforcement learning techniques. Through this, we have researched to ensure an efficient missile defense system can be implemented considering the style of attacks in recent wars, such as how effectively it can respond to enemy missile attacks, and have proven that the results learned through deep reinforcement learning show superior outcomes.

본 연구는 다국적 기업 해외 자회사 직원의 언어 능력이 본사의 주재원 파견에 어떤 영향을 미치 는지 고찰한다. 전 세계 55개국에 위치한 한국 다국적 기업의 9,580개 해외 자회사를 다층 모델링 을 사용하여 분석한 결과, 현지 노동력의 영어 능력이 낮은 국가에 위치한 해외 자회사에서는 다국 적 기업들이 더 많은 주재원을 파견하는 경향이 있음을 밝혀내었다. 또한, 본 연구는 다국적 기업 의 해외 자회사 현지 운영 기간이 증가함에 따라 현지 노동력의 영어 능력이 낮은 국가에 위치한 자회사 내에서 주재원에 대한 의존도가 현저하게 감소함을 보여준다. 이러한 결과는 현지 노동력의 언어 능력이 상이한 다양한 국가에 진출하여 활동하는 다국적 기업들의 해외 자회사 관리에 있어 의미 있는 이론적, 실무적 시사점을 제공한다.

In this study, laser-induced graphene oxide (LIGO) was synthesized through a facile liquid-based process involving the introduction of deionized (DI) water onto polyimide (PI) film and subsequent direct laser irradiation using a CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 μm). The synthesized LIGO was then evaluated as a sensing material for monitoring changes in humidity levels. The synthesis conditions were optimized by precisely controlling the laser scribing speed, leading to the synthesis of LIGO with different structural characteristics and varying oxygen contents. The increased number of oxygen-containing functional groups contributed to the hydrophilic properties of LIGO, resulting in a superior humidity sensing capabilities compared with laser-induced graphene (LIG). The LIGO-based sensors outperformed LIG-based sensors, demonstrating approximately tenfold higher sensing responsivity when detecting changes at each humidity level, along with 1.25 to 1.75 times faster response/recovery times, making LIGO-based sensors more promising for humidity-monitoring applications. This study demonstrated laser ablation in a renewable and natural precursor as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient approach to directly synthesize LIGO with controllable oxidation levels.