Background: Core stability exercises are widely applied in rehabilitation and training programs, but evidence regarding the effects of activation strategies and surface conditions on abdominal muscle recruitment during plank exercise remains inconsistent. Objects: This study aimed to investigate how different activation strategies (hollowing vs. bracing) and surface conditions (stable vs. unstable) influence selective activation of abdominal muscles during the plank exercise. Methods: Thirty-six healthy male adults in their 20s participated. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the relative thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) under four randomized conditions: stable-hollowing, stable-bracing, unstable-hollowing, and unstable-bracing. Relative thickness was calculated as [(contraction – rest) ÷ rest] × 100. Data were analyzed using three-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni comparison. Results: No significant three-way interaction was found (p = 0.840). However, a significant muscle × surface interaction indicated that TrA thickness increased more on a stable surface (p < 0.05), while IO and EO showed no difference. A significant muscle × strategy interaction revealed that hollowing induced greater relative thickness in all muscles, particularly in TrA, compared with bracing (p < 0.001). No significant strategy × surface interaction was observed (p = 0.512). Conclusion: Abdominal hollowing and a stable surface independently enhanced TrA thickness during plank exercise. These findings suggest that stable-surface plank exercise with hollowing is an effective strategy for selectively recruiting deep abdominal muscles, providing practical implications for clinical and sports settings. These findings may be specific to anklesling– induced instability and may not extend to other types of unstable surfaces.

The adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has attracted growing attention across industries due to its potential to transform organizational processes and value creation. Despite its high applicability, however, the diffusion of generative AI in the telecommunications industry remains limited. Existing studies have largely focused on identifying individual barriers to AI adoption, providing insufficient understanding of how these barriers interact and form a complex hierarchy of constraints. Addressing this gap, this study investigates the structural interrelationships among barriers to generative AI adoption in the telecommunications industry. Based on a comprehensive literature review and expert validation, fifteen key barriers were identified. Using a Delphi-based Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) approach, this study examined the hierarchical influence structure among the barriers. Subsequently, the Matrix Impact Cross-reference Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) technique was employed to classify the barriers according to their driving power and dependence. The results reveal a four-level hierarchical structure in which environmental barriers play a foundational role. In particular, the absence of alignment in institutional frameworks and technical standards emerges as a root-level barrier exerting strong influence on higher-level constraints. Regulatory uncertainty and concerns about job displacement function as independent drivers linking foundational environmental conditions to execution- level constraints. Most technical, organizational, and economic barriers are concentrated at the intermediate level, forming a highly interdependent execution layer. At the top level, delays and uncertainties in decision-making regarding generative AI adoption appear as outcome-oriented barriers resulting from the cumulative effects of lower-level constraints. By highlighting that barriers to generative AI adoption in the telecommunications industry operate as a structurally connected system rather than isolated factors, this study extends existing adoption research through a structural perspective. The findings provide practical insights for telecommunications firms in prioritizing adoption strategies and offer implications for addressing institutional and regulatory conditions that shape the diffusion of generative AI.

This study investigated the photosynthetic responses of the CAM ornamental plant Schlumbergera truncata ‘Pink Dew’ under low-temperature greenhouse conditions to evaluate the potential for energy-saving cultivation. Greenhouse production requires substantial energy for heating, and reducing temperature is a possible strategy to save energy. However, low temperatures can suppress photosynthesis and plant growth. CAM plants, which absorb CO2 mainly at night, may respond differently to temperature, making it important to determine temperature ranges that maintain carbon assimilation while reducing energy use. Plants were grown in a greenhouse at average temperatures of 15/11°C (January, early flowering) and 21/12°C (March, late flowering). Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and growth characteristics were measured, with comparisons made between top and second phylloclades. Results showed that during the early-flowering period, total net CO2 uptake was negative, indicating suppressed carbon assimilation under low temperature. During the late-flowering period, net CO2 uptake became positive, suggesting recovery of photosynthetic activity as temperatures increased. The second phylloclades generally exhibited higher CO2 uptake than the top phylloclades. The maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) increased from early to late flowering but remained below optimal values, indicating that plants experienced low temperature stress but maintained moderate photosynthetic function, suggesting some degree of acclimation. Morphological observations showed phylloclade discoloration and occasional lesions, which were consistent with symptoms of cold stress, although plants continued to grow and produce flower buds. Overall, the results indicate that low temperatures below the optimal range can suppress photosynthesis in S. truncata, but the plants retain a capacity for acclimation and recovery. These findings contribute to understanding the temperature sensitivity of CAM photosynthesis and may help define energy-saving temperature strategies in greenhouse cultivation.

This study compares the microstructure and properties of pure Cu and Cu-5 wt.% Al2O3 composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering under strictly identical processing conditions at 800-1000°C. Pure Cu samples achieved near-full densification and exhibited a bimodal grain structure dominated by coarse grains with increasing sintering temperature. In contrast, the composite samples showed lower density and non-monotonic densification behavior, with a minimum relative density at 900°C and significantly refined equiaxed grains due to strong grain-boundary pinning by nano Al2O3 particles. The higher fractions of high-angle boundaries and pronounced orientation disruption were observed in the composite samples, while high-resolution analysis confirmed the presence of grain-boundary Al2O3-rich regions that restricted Cu grain coalescence and continuity of grain boundary migration. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the absence of reaction phases in both materials. Hardness peaked at 900°C for both samples, and the composite samples showed consistently lower hardness due to retained porosity. The apparent electrical conductivity of the composite displays a non-linear temperature dependence, reflecting the competing influences of densification, microstructural recovery, and the insulating nature of Al2O3.

We present the result from a comprehensive laboratory and on-sky characterization of the commercial spectrograph system consisting of a PIXIS 1300BX charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and an IsoPlane 320A spectrograph as part of the preparation of the forthcoming all-sky spectroscopic survey of nearby galaxies (A-SPEC). In the laboratory, we have quantified readout noise, dark current, gain, and full-well capacity via bias, dark, and photon transfer curve analysis at all acquisition modes. To do that, we have developed a gradient correction technique to address row-dependent signal gradients in the image, which are caused by the shutter-less condition of our CCD camera test setup. The technique successfully reproduces the values in the manufacturer specifications. We also have measured quantum efficiency exceeding 80% from 400–800 nm and ≳ 90% between 450–750 nm, with sub-second persistence decay, making it ideal for rapid, multi-object spectroscopy. Using a set of diffraction gratings (150, 300, and 600 grmm−1), we have evaluated the spatial separability of multiple spectra and spectral resolution. We have conducted a test observation with this spectrograph system at the Seoul National University Astronomical Observatory (SAO) 1 m telescope and successfully demonstrated its capability of multi-object spectroscopy with moderate resolution of R ≈ 600–2600. We release all Python codes for the test and recipes to facilitate further instrument evaluations.

Background: Palpation tenderness is a clinically relevant indicator of musculoskeletal pain, yet differences in immediate analgesic response among commonly used physiotherapeutic modalities remain unclear in real-world clinical settings. Objectives: To compare the immediate changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) among patients who received extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), interferential current therapy (ICT), or magnetotherapy (MT) as part of routine physical therapy care. Design: Retrospective clinical data analysis using a pre–post intervention comparison. Methods: A total of 105 patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were categorized into ESWT, ICT, or MT based on the device modality documented in the electronic medical records (EMR). PPT was assessed immediately before and after treatment. Within-category changes were analyzed using paired t-tests. Because changes in PPT scores violated normality assumptions, between-category comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn–Bonferroni post-hoc procedures. Results: ESWT produced the greatest immediate improvement in pressure pain (d<1.2, P<.001), demonstrating significantly larger reductions compared with ICT (d<.8, P<.01) and MT(d<.2, P>.05). Changes in PPT after ICT and MT did not differ significantly (P>.05). Conclusion: ESWT produced the greatest immediate reduction in palpation tenderness, outperforming both ICT and MT. ICT demonstrated moderate improvement, whereas MT showed minimal change. These findings suggest that ESWT may be the most effective modality for rapid short-term pain modulation in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

With the increasing demand for flexible electronic devices, smaller and lighter flexible supercapacitors have gained significant research attention. Among the various materials, self-supporting reduced graphene oxide (rGO) paper has emerged as one of the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors due to its low cost, high chemical/thermal stability, and excellent electrical conductivity. Nevertheless, a major drawback of rGO paper is the limited ion diffusion between stacked rGO layers, hindering the effective formation of electrochemical double-layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface. In this study, we prepared the rGO paper derived from ball-milled followed-by water oxidation process for reducing the sheet size. The smaller-sized rGO sheets facilitated ion transport between graphene layers, promoting efficient electric double-layer formation. Moreover, the increased presence of edge planes in ball-milled rGO sheets achieved high capacitance, further enhancing the performance of rGO as an electrode material. Notably, the 2-BMOX rGO paper obtained from ball-milling and wet-oxidized graphite exhibited a capacitance of 117.9 F/g in cyclic voltammetry (CV) and 128.6 F/g in galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) tests, approximately twice that of conventional rGO. Additionally, the capacitance retained 91% of its initial performance after 2,000 cycles, indicating excellent cycling stability.

Valerianella radiata (L.) Dufr., which is native to North America, was newly found in Gyeonggi-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. This species can be distinguished from other Valerianella species in Korea by its white flowers, and the fertile fruit locule lacks a corky mass on the abaxial surface. V. radiata grows on slopes and roadsides, suggesting that it is likely to have been introduced when green sites were installed and during road construction. Its introduction into Japan has been reported, but the associated ecological risk is unknown. Here, we provide a detailed morphological description, taxonomic key to related taxa, voucher specimens, photographs, and distribution maps of its habitat.

한국 분포가 확인되지 않았던 니토베은주둥이벌 Ectemnius nitobei (Matsumura, 1912)을 경기도 포천시 광릉숲에서 처음으로 확인하였다. 국립수목원 내 휴게광장의 가래나무과(Juglandaceae) 목재 벤치 구멍에서 암컷의 둥지 짓기 행동을 관찰하였으며, 유충의 먹이로 사용하기 위해 나방류 성충을 운반하는 행동을 확인하였다. 본 연구에서는 니토베은주둥이벌 암컷의 전신 사진, 주요 형태학적 진단 형질, 그리고 DNA 바코드 (COI) 서열을 함께 제시하여 향후 국내 분류학적 및 생태학적 연구의 기초 자료로 제공하고자 한다.

장미 ‘Sahara’는 국립원예특작과학원에서 2022년에 육성한 분홍톤 아이보리 스프레이 장미 품종으로 2013년 빨간색 스프레 이 품종 ‘Fangfare’에 아이보리색 스프레이 품종 ‘Vivien’을 부본으로 인공 교배 하였다. 총 73개의 교배 실생을 얻었으며 2015년부터 1, 2, 3차 특성검정을 통해,화색과 화형이 안정적이 며 생산성 및 절화 특성이 우수한 ‘원교 D1-360’을 최종 선발하 여 2022년 ‘Sahara’로 명명하고 국립종자원에 품종보호 출원· 등록하였다(등록번호 제9771호). 장미 ‘Sahara’ 품종은 분홍톤 크림색(155D)의 꽃잎수는 71.5매인 겹꽃으로 화폭과 화고는 각각 4.9, 3.1cm이며 소화수가 7.4개/줄기인 스프레이 장미이 다. 장미 ‘Sahara’ 품종의 절화장은 평균 73.8cm로 대조 품종 ‘Pink shin’56.9cm 대비 길며, 절화 수명은 약 17.8일로 ‘Pink shin’ 15.6일 보다 2일 정도 길다. ‘Sahara’는 절화 생산량은 연간 168본/m2로 ‘Pink Shine’ 140본 대비 생산량이 많다. 전자코를 이용한 PCA분석결과 주성분1과 2는 각각 99.3%와 0.6%로 전체 변이량의 99.9%를 반영하고 있다. Rader plot 분석결과 P10/2,P40/1 및 T30/1 센서 반응이 높았으며 총 6개 센서에서 모두 ‘Sahara’는 대조품종 ‘Pink Shine’에 비해 반응이 낮았다. 절화용 스프레이 장미 ‘Sahara’ 품종은 파스텔톤 의 중형 소화로, 균일한 절화 품질 및 우수한 수량으로 재배농가 의 선호도가 높아 국내에서 많이 재배될 것으로 기대된다.

Bavachinin (BVC), a prenylated flavonoid from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, is a reported natural PPAR agonist, but its metabolic efficacy and potential skeletal effects are unclear. This study examined the functional actions of BVC across various metabolic, inflammatory, and skeletal systems. BVC moderately activated PPAR, enhanced aP2 expression, and promoted adipogenic differentiation in hMSCs and in a de novo fat pad model. In high-fat diet-induced obese mice, BVC improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, restored Ser273-dependent PPAR target gene expression, and inhibited PPAR phosphorylation at Ser273 without inducing TZD-like side effects such as fluid retention, cardiac hypertrophy, or ENaC upregulation. BVC also suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and nitric oxide production in adipocytes, macrophages, and adipose tissue. In contrast to its metabolic benefits, BVC inhibited the osteoblast differentiation of hMSCs and impaired bone regeneration in a rat calvarial defect model. Hence, BVC acts as a selective PPAR modulator with metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits but has adverse skeletal effects, highlighting its therapeutic potential benefits but noting important safety considerations regarding its use.

목적 : 회절성 다초점 인공수정체(IOL) 삽입 후 시각적 결과를 알아보고자 하였다. 방법 : 회절성 다초점 Liberty 인공수정체를 삽입한 25명(48안)의 환자를 대상으로 백내장 수술 후 1주, 1개월, 3개월 및 6개월 시점에서 분석하였다. 수술 후 원거리, 근거리 및 중간거리의 나안시력(UCVA)을 측정하고, 시각 적 결과에 대한 만족도 설문조사를 시행하였다. 결과 : 대상자의 평균 연령은 66.23±6.02세였다. 수술 전 구면굴절력은 +1.33±1.78 D였으며, 난시량은 –1.01±0.58 D였다. 수술 전 원거리 나안시력(UCDVA)은 0.75±0.27 (logMAR)이었다. 수술 1주 후 UCDVA는 0.10±0.10 (logMAR), 근거리 나안시력(UNVA)은 0.14±0.10 (logMAR), 중간거리 나안시력(UIVA)은 0.22± 0.12 (logMAR)로 개선되었다. 이러한 개선은 6개월 후에도 지속되어 UCDVA 0.08±0.08 (logMAR), UNVA 0.12±0.09 (logMAR), UIVA 0.20±0.11 (logMAR)로 나타냈다. 1주 후, 평균 구면굴절력은 -0.02±0.50 D, 난 시량은 -0.71±0.47 D였다. 6개월 시점에서 구면굴절력은 0.08±0.49 D, 난시량은 -0.77±0.48 D로 나타났 으며, 이는 수술 전 수치 대비 통계적으로 유의미한 감소(구면굴절력 p<0.001, 난시 p=0.004)를 보였습니다. 백내 장 수술 후 전반적인 만족도는 83.9%였고, UCDVA, UCIVA, UCNVA에 대한 만족도는 각각 76.1%, 65.8%, 73.3%였다. 결론 : 본 연구에서 원거리 나안시력이 가장 우수한 결과를 보였고, 중간거리 나안시력은 원거리 및 근거리 시 력과 비교하여 상대적으로 낮았지만 받아드릴 수 있는 수준이었다. 이러한 임상 결과는 회절성 다초점 IOL이 적절 하게 선별된 백내장 환자에게는 신뢰할 수 있는 선택이라고 생각된다.

This study presents the results of a comprehensive investigation of the macrofungal diversity in South Korea conducted between 2022 and 2025. Our approach has integrated detailed morphological observations with molecular analyses of large subunit (LSU) sequences. In the present study, we have identified four species, Retiboletus fuscus, R. sinensis, R. sinogriseus, and R. zhangfeii —that were previously unrecorded in South Korea. These findings significantly enhance the current understanding of fungal biodiversity within this region and also provide essential foundational data for advancing local and international mycological research.

Background: Grip strength is a widely accepted clinical indicator of upper limb function. The grip strength measurement validity and clinical relevance of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) and suboptimal postures, such as slumped sitting, remain unclear. Objects: This study aimed to investigate whether sitting postures, including slumped posture, influence grip strength and upper limb muscle activation and to determine the clinical significance of grip strength assessment in the slumped position. Methods: Forty healthy adult males participated in a cross-over design study. Grip strength and surface electromyography of the triceps brachii, biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, and upper trapezius were measured in ASHT-recommended, slumped, and self-balanced postures. The Friedman test was used to compare outcomes across postures, and the relationship between grip strength and muscle activation was determined using Pearson correlation. Results: Grip strength significantly differed across postures (χ² = 25.37, p < 0.001), with ASHT posture having the highest values and slumped posture the lowest. Triceps brachii and upper trapezius showed significant variations in muscle activity across postures (p < 0.05). The electromyography-to-force ratio, representing neuromuscular efficiency, was the highest in ASHT posture. Grip strength strongly correlated with triceps brachii activity (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Postural alignment significantly affects grip strength and upper limb muscle efficiency. These results highlight the clinical relevance that grip strength assessment should consider both ideal and habitual postures to improve the validity of functional evaluation and rehabilitation planning.

Background: Cryopreserved semen and embryos are essential tools in livestock reproduction, enabling genetic improvement and herd management. Although these materials are theoretically stable in liquid nitrogen (LN2), viability often decreases over time, particularly in farm settings. Micro-ice crystals (MICs) are hypothesized to form under poor LN2 handling conditions, potentially compromising the survival of frozen genetic resources. However, the extent and impact of MIC accumulation have not been thoroughly quantified. Methods: This study evaluated MIC accumulation and its effects on the viability of cryopreserved bovine semen and embryos under different LN2 storage environments and conditions. MIC content was measured by filtering 10 L of LN2 through nonwoven fabric and weighing the retained crystals and debris. The viability of sperm and embryos were assessed using a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and blastocoel re-expansion. Results: MIC content was 3.5 times higher in farm-stored LN2 than in laboratory LN2, with significantly more debris also detected. Progressive motility and velocity parameters (VCL, VAP, VSL) were similarly reduced. Blastocyst survival dropped significantly under farm conditions after six months (42.4%) compared to laboratory storage (84.4%, p < 0.05). These findings suggest a strong correlation between MIC accumulation and decreased post-thaw viability of cryopreserved materials. Conclusions: MICs formed in LN2 due to environmental exposure and poor handling can severely impair the viability of cryopreserved sperm and embryos. Regular filtration and improved LN2 management, especially in farm environments, are essential to reduce MIC-related damage. These practices may enhance the long-term usability and reliability of genetic resources in livestock breeding programs.

It is challenging to treat canine brucellosis due to the immune evading and stealthy characteristic of the causative bacteria, Brucella (B.) canis. Gold nanoparticle aptamer (AuNP-Apt) conjugated antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is a promising alternative to antibiotics for various bacterial infections. However, the toxicity of AuNP-Apt has been variable throughout research, and the in vivo toxic mechanism has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential against B. canis, and the toxicity of AuNP-Apt conjugated antimicrobial peptide, RW-BP100 (AuNP-AptHis-RW-BP100His), in a mouse model. Intravenous (IV) treatment with AuNP-AptHis-RW-BP100His reduced the bacteria burden and histopathologic lesions. The IV treatment also induced CD4+ T cell differentiation and modulated serum cytokine levels. However, high-dose AuNP-Apt was lethal, resulting in tissue accumulation and vessel embolism. Therefore, AuNP-AptHis-RW-BP100His is a promising therapeutic agent for B. canis treatment, but due to its toxicity, further studies are needed for its utilization in clinical practice.

Macrofungi remain underexplored in various regions of the world. Because macrofungi play an important role in terrestrial ecosystems, it is essential to investigate their biodiversity in such regions. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the macrofungal diversity of Taebaeksan National Park, South Korea. We sampled macrofungi from the park in 2023 and conducted detailed morphological observations and molecular analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. Our analysis revealed six previously unknown species: Cortinarius iliopodius, Cotylidia fibrae, Fulvoderma australe, Lyophyllum infumatum, Russula velenovskyi, and Strobilomyces cingulatus. Herein, we provide detailed morphological descriptions, high-resolution photographs, and molecular phylogenetic analyses to support the taxonomic placement and identification of these taxa. Our findings enable a more comprehensive understanding of macrofungal biodiversity in this region.