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.

Considering the various health problems associated with obesity in dogs, including renal diseases, joint disorders, and skin diseases, effective management strategies and guidelines are urgently needed. This situation has led to a growing demand for veterinary medications aimed at addressing obesity in dogs. However, the field faces a significant hurdle due to the absence of standardized guidelines for assessing the effectiveness of these anti-obesity medications in dogs. In response to this gap, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) in Korea has made a crucial step by introducing clinical trial guidelines to evaluate the efficacy of treatments for canine obesity, specifically aimed at approving veterinary medicinal products. The guidelines outlined the selection criteria for target dogs, highlighting the importance of consistency within the control and treated groups. Treatment efficacy is subsequently evaluated by physical examination, body fat reduction, and biochemical indicators. In addition, the guidelines cover dosage and administration, monitoring after dosing, and statistical analysis. By doing so, this guideline not only highlights the significance of the APQA’s initiative in improving the care of obese dogs but also provides practical insights to enhance the standardization and effectiveness of clinical trials in veterinary medicine.

This study evaluated the immunogenicity of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in a guinea pig model to refine preclinical assessment methods. 24 guinea pigs were divided into four groups for immunohistochemical, histopathological, and molecular analyses, including qRT-PCR and ELISA. The ELISA results revealed significant elevations in interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN- ), and tuberculosis-specific antibodies in vaccinated guinea pigs, particularly γ notable after 6 weeks. Although lung cytokine levels remained unchanged, spleen gene expression showed significant differences in interleukin-17, interleukin-12, interleukin-1β, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 after 6 weeks. Immunohistochemistry revealed peak IL-2 expression at 8 weeks and significant IFN-γ and TNF-α expression at 6 weeks. This study confirmed the effectiveness of BCG vaccine in guinea pigs, providing crucial insights for future tuberculosis vaccine development and standardizing immune response indicators.

가는납작벌레과의 미기록종인 Ahasverus advena (Waltl) (곡식가는납작벌레, 신칭), Psammoecus trimaculatus Motschulsky (닮은모래가 는납작벌레, 신칭)을 한국에서 처음으로 보고한다. 각 종에 대한 외형과 진단형질, 분포지도를 제공한다.

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.

최근 딥러닝은 자기공명영상 검사에서의 화질 개선을 위해 다양하게 활용되고 있다. 하지만 다양한 자기공명영상 검사에서 딥러닝이 적용된 기법과 상황에 대한 평가는 부족한 편이다. 이에 본 연구에서는 모션 ACR(American College of Radiology) 팬텀을 활용하여 일반적인 상황과 움직이는 상황에서 T2-PROPELLER(periodically, rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction, PROPELLER)와 T2-FSE(fast spin echo, FSE) 기법의 화질을 비교 평가해 보고자 하였다. 연구 결과 움직이지 않는 상황에서의 딥러닝 프로세스를 적용하였을 때 유의미한 신호대잡음비와 대조대잡음비의 상승을 보였다. 하지만 팬텀에 움직임을 주는 동적인 상황 에서 딥러닝 프로세스를 적용하였을 때 유의미한 화질 개선을 보이지 않았다. 이러한 결과는 딥러닝 프로세스를 절대 적으로 사용하기보다 다양한 상황에 맞게 선택적으로 적용하는 것이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

이 연구의 목적은 척추 자기공명영상 검사 시, 검사시간을 단축할 수 있는 기법인 SENSE와 CS-SENSE를 경추, 흉추, 요추 검사 시 어떤 기법을 적용하는 것이 효과적인지 알아보기 위함이다. 본 연구는 2022년 10월부터 2023년 3월까지 척추질환 및 의심 환자 102명을 대상으로 분석하였다. 사용된 장비는 필립스 사의 3.0T Ingenia Elition X와 20채널 두경부 코일과 44 채널 척추 코일을 사용하였다. 본 연구는 축상 T2강조 고속스핀에코를 SENSE와 CS-SENSE factor 1.5, 2, 3으로 각각 영상을 획득하고, 정량평가는 신호대잡음비와 대조대잡음비를 각 factor 별로 대응 표본 t-test를 진행하였고, 정성평가는 2명의 평가자의 평가점수를 Kruskal-wallis test로 비교하였다. 정량평가 결과, SENSE보다 CS-SENSE가 신호대잡음비와 대조대잡음비가 높게 나왔다. 정성평가 결과, 경추, 요 추는 CS-SENSE 사용 시 평가점수가 높게 나왔고, 흉추는 SENSE 사용 시 평가점수가 높게 나왔다. 결론적으로 척추 MRI 검사 시, 경추, 요추는 CS-SENSE를, 흉추는 SENSE를 사용하는 것이 효과적이다.

After the permanent shut down of Kori Unit 1, various decommissioning activities will be implemented, including decontamination, segmentation, waste management, and site restoration. During the decommissioning period, waste management is among the most important activities to ensure that the process proceeds smoothly and within the expected timeframe. Furthermore, the radioactive waste generated during the operation should be sent to a disposal facility to complete the decommissioning project. Square and cylindrical concrete re-package drums were generated during the 1980s and 1990s. The square, containing boron concentrates, and cylindrical, containing spent resin, concrete re-package drums have been stored in a radioactive waste storage building. Homogeneous radioactive waste, including boron concentrates, spent resin, and sludge, should be solidified or packaged in high-integrity containers (HICs). This study investigates the sequential segmentation process for the separation of contaminated and non-contaminated regions, the re-packaging process of segmented or crushed cement-solidified boron concentrate, and re-packaging in HICs. The conceptual design evaluates the re-packaging plan for the segmented and crushed cement-solidified waste using HICs, which is acceptable in a disposal facility, and the quantity of generated HICs from the treatment process.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by continuous inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that varies in intensity over time. IBD is caused by several factors including aberrant gut flora, immunological dysregulation, altered environmental conditions, and genetic variations. However, the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear. Studies have indicated that an imbalance between T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells contributes significantly to the development of IBD. Intestinal Tregs suppress inflammation and are critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Th17 cells are known to play an important role in the development and pathogenesis of IBD and provide non-inflammatory support for the integrity of the intestinal barrier against bacterial and fungal infections. Therefore, the Th17/Treg cell balance is crucial in the pathogenesis of IBD and gut integrity. The microenvironment of the intestinal mucosal immunity is regulated by the secretion of cytokines associated with Th17 cells and Tregs. Several studies have indicated that the gut bacteria contribute to the control of the immune milieu and play a key role in the regulation of Th17 cell development. Intestinal bacteria and cytokines control Th17 cell development. Th17 cells secrete cytokines that regulate the immune microenvironment in the gut mucosa. This review provides an overview of Th17 cells and examines the strategies for treating patients with IBD using Th17 cell-targeted drugs.

Background: Despite its anticancer activity, cisplatin exhibits severe testicular toxicity when used in chemotherapy. Owing to its wide application in cancer therapy, the reduction of damage to normal tissue is of imminent clinical need. In this study, we evaluated the effects of catechin hydrate, a natural flavon-3-ol phytochemical, on cisplatin-induced testicular injury. Methods: Type 2 mouse spermatogonia (GC-1 spg cells) were treated with 0-100 μM catechin and cisplatin. Cell survival was estimated using a cell proliferation assay and Ki-67 immunostaining. Apoptosis was assessed via flow cytometry with the Dead Cell Apoptosis assay. To determine the antioxidant effects of catechin hydrate, Nrf2 expression was measured using qPCR and CellROX staining. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by analyzing the gene and protein expression levels of iNOS and COX2 using qPCR and immunoblotting. Results: The 100 μM catechin hydrate treatment did not affect healthy GC-1 spg cells but, prevented cisplatin-induced GC-1 spg cell death via the regulation of anti-oxidants and inflammation-related molecules. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells, cleaved-caspase 3 level, and BAX gene expression levels were significantly reduced by catechin hydrate treatment in a cisplatin-induced GC-1 spg cell death model. In addition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory marker genes, including Nrf2 , iNOS, and COX2 were significantly downregulated by catechin hydrate treatment in cisplatintreated GC-1 cells. Conclusions: Our study contributes to the opportunity to reintroduce cisplatin into systemic anticancer treatment, with reduced testicular toxicity and restored fertility.

To non-destructively determine the burnup of a spent nuclear fuel assembly, it is essential to analyze the nuclear isotopes present in the assembly and detect the neutrons and gamma rays emitted from these isotopes. Specifically, gamma-ray measurement methods can utilize a single radiation measurement value of 137Cs or measure based on the energy peak ratio of Cs isotopes such as 134Cs/137Cs and 154Eu/137Cs. In this study, we validated the extent to which the results of gamma-ray measurements using cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) sensors based on 137Cs could be accurately simulated by implementing identical conditions on MCNP. To simulate measurement scenarios using a lead collimator, we propose equations that represent radiation behavior that reaches the detector by assuming “Direct hit” and “Penetration with attenuation” situations. The results obtained from MCNP confirmed an increase in measurement efficiency by 0.47 times when using the CZT detector, demonstrating the efficacy of the measurement system.

The Korean government has been implementing international development cooperation projects on smart greenhouse for high-valued crops through the Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (EPIS). These projects have been carried out in four Asian countries – the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia – since 2020. The main objectives of these projects are to enhance agricultural productivity, provide innovative capacity building, and establish effective marketing systems in collaboration with recipient organizations in each country. By focusing on medium- and small-scale farmers who are susceptible to climate shocks, these projects have successfully increased crop yields and the average income of farm households that have adopted advanced greenhouse facilities. This has been achieved through improved planting and marketing strategies for high-valued crops. In summary, these projects are playing a crucial role in the modernization of agriculture through the Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture (VSA) scheme, while also collecting policy data to effectively address climate change vulnerabilities. This is being done through a tripartite mechanism involving research, extension activities, and education, all aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural growth in developing countries.

김정한의 소설은 오랫동안 문학 교과서에서 정전의 자리를 차지했으나, 2012 고시 교육과정 이후 소외 되었다. 이 논문은 김정한 소설이 현대의 독자들에게 공명하지 못하는 이유에서 역설적으로 문학교육적 가 치를 찾고자 한다. 창작 과정에 개입한 이데올로기와 창작 당시 맥락에 주목하면, 비판적 문식성을 함양하 기 위한 교육 제재로서 김정한 소설의 가치를 재발견할 수 있다. 김정한 소설을 본문 제재로 수록한 마지막 교과서는 ｢산거족｣에서 주인공의 정의로움과 저항적 의지를 부각하며 학습자가 그것을 내면화하기를 유도 한다. 이는 현대의 독자들에게 크게 공명하기 어렵다. 이 논문은 ｢산거족｣에서 인물 형상화 과정에 개입된 창작 당시의 이데올로기와 맥락에 주목하여, 애국주의와 영웅주의 그리고 당대 심층적 토대였던 근대적 동 일성이 작가에게 영향을 미쳤다는 사실을 교육내용으로 제안한다. 이 교육내용은 비판적 문식성을 함양하 고, 창작 당시 망탈리테와 더불어 작가의식의 유동성과 구성성 그리고 망탈리테의 역사성과 상대성까지 교 육할 수 있다.

This study investigated the microscopic characteristics and genetic relationships of Ganoderma applanatum fruiting bodies. Basidiospores were brown, ellipsoid, and had one or two large vacuoles and a double wall. The surface of basidiospores was smooth or wrinkled and most had numerous small and shallow holes. The length and width of basidiospores of Ganoderma applanatum isolates GBGA-01, GBGA-02, ASI 50167, ASI 52821, ASI 52822, ASI 52823, and ASI 53399 were on average 7.6×4.8 mm, 7.9×4.6 mm, 7.7×4.9 mm, 8.2×5.3 mm, 7.7×5.0 mm, 8.0×4.9 mm, and 7.9×4.9 mm, respectively. In contrast, the basidiospores of Ganoderma lucidum isolate ASI 7125 were 7.7×5.2 mm. Using the universal ITS1/ITS4 primer set, the ITS region of the isolates were amplified and sequenced. The ITS sequences were very closely related to G. applantum isolate GBGA-01, GBGA-02, ASI 50167, ASI 52821, ASI 52822, ASI 52823 and ASI 53399, but were not the same species. Whereas, G. lucidum isolate ASI 7125 belongs to different group.

New motor development requires high-speed load testing using dynamo equipment to calculate the efficiency of the motor. Abnormal noise and vibration may occur in the test equipment rotating at high speed due to misalignment of the connecting shaft or looseness of the fixation, which may lead to safety accidents. In this study, three single-axis vibration sensors for X, Y, and Z axes were attached on the surface of the test motor to measure the vibration value of vibration. Analog data collected from these sensors was used in classification models for anomaly detection. Since the classification accuracy was around only 93%, commonly used hyperparameter optimization techniques such as Grid search, Random search, and Bayesian Optimization were applied to increase accuracy. In addition, Response Surface Method based on Design of Experiment was also used for hyperparameter optimization. However, it was found that there were limits to improving accuracy with these methods. The reason is that the sampling data from an analog signal does not reflect the patterns hidden in the signal. Therefore, in order to find pattern information of the sampling data, we obtained descriptive statistics such as mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, and percentiles of the analog data, and applied them to the classification models. Classification models using descriptive statistics showed excellent performance improvement. The developed model can be used as a monitoring system that detects abnormal conditions of the motor test.