The purpose of the study was to develop clothing that enhances comfort for children using gastrostomy tubes while maintaining a design that is no different from that of non-disabled children. The discomfort experienced by children with gastrostomy tubes wearing regular daily clothing was investigated through medical papers and blogs of their parents. The designs were then created to address the issues. The results were as follows: Because the location of the gastrostomy tube is in the upper body, four types of clothing items were developed: one sweatshirt for boys, two one-piece dresses for girls, and one windbreaker suitable for both boys and girls. Considering practicality for children’s clothing, cotton fabric was prioritized. For sweatshirts and windbreakers, a patched pocket with a dog pattern was placed over the area containing the gastrostomy tube to hide it. Frills were used to conceal the gastrostomy tube in one-piece dresses and designed to allow easy access for eating or disinfecting the area. This study aimed to address the challenges children with gastrostomy tubes face when wearing the regular daily clothes of non-disabled children while also offering aesthetically pleasing designs that enhance convenience for those using gastrostomy tubes. We believe this study will not only raise public awareness of disabilities but also inspire research on future clothing for both children and adults using gastrostomy tubes.

Kori Unit 1, the first commercial nuclear power plant (NPP) in Korea, was permanently shut down in 2017 and was scheduled for decommissioning. Various programs must be planned early in the decommissioning process to safely decommission NPPs. Radiological characterization is a key program in decommissioning and should be a high priority. Radiological characterization involves determining the decommissioning technology to be applied to a nuclear facility by identifying the radiation sources and radioactive contaminants present within the facility and assessing the extent and nature of the radioactive contaminants to be removed from the facility. This study introduces the regulatory requirements, procedures, and implementation methods for radiological characterization and proposes a methodology to link the results of radiological characterizations for each stage. To link radiological characteristics, this study proposes to conduct radiological characterization in the decommissioning phase to verify the results of radiological characterization in the transitional phase of decommissioning NPPs. This enables significantly reducing the scope and content of radiological characterization that must be performed in the decommissioning phase and maintaining the connection with the previous phase.

The present study describes Philodromus rufus Walckenaer, 1826 with detailed descriptions, taxonomic photographs, distribution map, and proposition of a new synonym. Due to morphological similarity between P. pseudoexilis Paik, 1979 and P. rufus, taxonomic identity of P. pseudoexilis has been doubtful to date. A detailed bibliographic study of types of P. pseudoexilis between P. rufus and examination of specimens from the type locality of P. pseudoexilis with specimens of P. rufus collected across the country showed that P. rufus has all diagnostic characters found in types of P. pseudoexilis. Therefore, P. pseudoexilis Paik, 1979 should be regarded as a new synonym of Philodromus rufus Walckenaer, 1826.

Drought is one of the environmental factors inhibiting plant productivity and growth, leading to oxidative damage. This study aims to identify the role of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) as a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor in drought stress tolerance in Brassica napus. Drought-induced stress symptoms appeared eight days after treatment, showing wilted leaves and a significant reduction of leaf water potential. Drought-induced increase of lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced by NaHS application. NaHS-treated plants mitigated stress symptoms under drought conditions by reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, confirmed with H2O2 localization in situ. Furthermore, NaHS promotes photosynthetic activity by maintaining chlorophyll and carotenoid content, thereby supporting plant growth under drought conditions. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate and proline contents were significantly increased by drought but further enhanced by NaHS treatment, indicating the important roles of proline accumulation in drought stress tolerance. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight into the roles of NaHS in alleviating drought stress by reducing oxidative stress and promoting proline accumulation. Therefore, NaHS may serve as an effective strategy to enhance crop production under drought-stress conditions.

This paper chronicles the evolution of load-sharing parameter estimation methodologies, with a particular focus on the significant contributions made by Kim and Kvam (2004) and Park (2012). Kim and Kvam's pioneering work underscored the inherent challenges in deriving closed-form solutions for load-share parameters, which necessitated the use of sophisticated numerical optimization techniques. Park's research, on the other hand, provided groundbreaking closed-form solutions and extended the theoretical framework to accommodate more general distributions of component lifetimes. This was achieved by incorporating EM-type methods for maximum likelihood estimation, which represented a significant advancement in the field. Unlike previous efforts, this paper zeroes in on the specific characteristics and advantages of closed-form solutions for load-share parameters within reliability systems. Much like the basic Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model enhances the understanding of real-life inventory systems dynamics, our analysis aims to thoroughly explore the conditions under which these closed-form solutions are valid. We investigate their stability, robustness, and applicability to various types of systems. Through this comprehensive study, we aspire to provide a deep understanding of the practical implications and potential benefits of these solutions. Building on previous advancements, our research further examines the robustness of these solutions in diverse reliability contexts, aiming to shed light on their practical relevance and utility in real-world applications.

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.

거저리는 식품으로 사용되기 때문에 유충기가 오래 지속되면 더 좋다. 반면에 거저리의 개체수 유지를 위 해 성장을 가속화하기 위해서는 유충이 빨리 성충이 되면 더 좋다. 이 연구에서는 개체군 밀도가 거저리의 발달 시 간에 미치는 영향을 구명하였다. 이를 위해 상단 7 cm, 하단 5 cm, 높이 3 cm 크기의 용기를 사용했다. 거저리는 용기 당 1, 2, 5, 10, 20마리의 밀도로 용기에서 서식하였다. 용기에 밀기울 1 g을 넣고 거저리의 먹이 여부에 따라 라벨을 붙였다. 실험은 세 번 반복되었다. 모든 실험에서 개체군 밀도가 높을수록 유충에서 번데기로의 변환 시간이 짧았 지만 번데기에서 성충으로 변환되는 시간은 크게 다르지 않았다. 또한 먹이가 있는 그룹에서 번데기로의 변환 시간 이 단축되었지만, 성충으로 변환되는 시간에는 차이가 없었다. 이 연구 결과는 유충기를 연장하기 위해 더 낮은 밀 도가 필요하고 더 빠른 속도로 성충이 필요하다면 밀도가 더 높아야 한다는 것을 보여주었다. 결론적으로 거저리의 발달 시간은 개체수 밀도에 의해 제어할 수 있을 것이다.

This study aimed to identify changes in upper body measurements and body shape types among women over a 10-year period based on data from the 6th and 8th Size Korea Anthropometric Surveys. The study used regression analysis to explore the relationship between various dimensions, enabling the prediction of different upper body dimensions based on height and waist circumference. The sample consisted of 1,179 women in their 20s who participated in the 6th (2010) and 8th (2020) Size Korea Anthropometric Surveys, with 33 items analyzed. Initially, most items, except those related to height, exhibited larger values in the 8th Survey than in the 6th, suggesting a general increase in the upper body dimensions of females in their 20s over the 10-year period. Subsequent factor analysis revealed three factors crucial for determining the upper body shape of women in this age group. The body shapes were then categorized into four distinct clusters. Regression analysis indicated that both waist circumference and height significantly influence most of the measured items, with waist circumference having a more substantial impact in most models. Through this research, we aim to provide foundational data that reflects the evolving upper body shapes of women in their 20s to enhance clothing production and improve the sizing system.

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.

Because most spent nuclear fuel storage casks have been designed for low burnup fuel, a safety-significant high burnup dry storage cask must be developed for nuclear facilities in Korea to store the increasing high burnup and damaged fuels. More than 20% of fuels generated by PWRs comprise high burnup fuels. This study conducted a structural safety evaluation of the preliminary designs for a high burnup storage cask with 21 spent nuclear fuels and evaluated feasible loading conditions under normal, off-normal, and accident conditions. Two types of metal and concrete storage casks were used in the evaluation. Structural integrity was assessed by comparing load combinations and stress intensity limits under each condition. Evaluation results showed that the storage cask had secured structural integrity as it satisfied the stress intensity limit under normal, off-normal, and accident conditions. These results can be used as baseline data for the detailed design of high burnup storage casks.

A poorly known spider, Pholcus kwangkyosanensis Kim & Park, 2009 is redescribed with diagnosis, detailed descriptions, and taxonomic photographs of diagnostic characters. P. kwangkyosanensis is similar in appearance to P. kwanaksanensis Namkung & Kim, 1990, in terms of the shape of the genital organ and body, but it can be easily distinguished from the latter by the shape of the cheliceral apophysis, uncus, and procursus in males, as well as the shape of the epigynum and pore plates in females. The specimens of this spider were collected at the type locality (Mt. Gwanggyosan, Suwon), specifically under the bridge on a local stream in an agricultural landscape surrounded by rice fields, upland fields, or horticultural greenhouses.

Due to the complexity of urban area, the city vehicle routing problem has been a difficult problem. The problem has involved factors such as parking availability, road conditions, and traffic congestion, all of which increase transportation costs and delivery times. To resolve this problem, one effective solution can be the use of parcel lockers located near customer sites, where products are stored for customers to pick up. When a vehicle delivers products to a designated parcel locker, customers in the vicinity must pick up their products from that locker. Recently, identifying optimal locations for these parcel lockers has become an important research issue. This paper addresses the parcel locker location problem within the context of urban traffic congestion. By considering dynamic environmental factors, we propose a Markov decision process model to tackle the city vehicle routing problem. To ensure more real situations, we have used optimal paths for distances between two nodes. Numerical results demonstrate the viability of our model and solution strategy.

Teaching is often regarded as a profession with a high probability of job burnout. Research has shown a close relationship between teachers’ motivation and their burnout, but it has not been closely explored among EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers in Chinese contexts. Considering the large number of college English teachers in Chinese universities and recent changes in their role, the study explores the relationship between their motivation and burnout, as well as the factors that affect teacher burnout among Chinese college English teachers. For this purpose, a total of 261 college English teachers from ten Chinese universities participated in the survey. Among them, 68 teachers submitted their narratives on teacher burnout using the narrative frame. The results showed that high mastery and relational goals and a low level of work avoidance goals contributed to higher motivation and less teacher burnout. The demand for research, lack of autonomy, and guanxi-based practices influenced Chinese teachers’ burnout. The results show that teacher burnout is highly context-dependent and affected by the organizational structure and cultural practices. An organizational support needs to be provided for teachers to maintain their mastery goal orientations and increase their autonomy as professional teachers.

Probiotic lactic acid bacteria are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when administered in adequate amounts and may exhibit antiproliferative effects on various cancer cell lines, including colon cancer. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of three Lactobacillus strains - Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri VA 102, Ligilactobacillus (L.) animalis VA 105, and Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri KCTC 3594 (ATCC 23272) - on mouse colon carcinoma cells (CT-26). Live cells, heat-killed cells, and cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lactobacillus sp. were prepared and used to treat CT-26 cells at different concentrations. The cytotoxic effect was assessed using the MTT assay. The results indicated that the CFS of all strains significantly reduced the viability of CT-26 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with the VA 102 strain showing the most pronounced effect. Heat-killed cells of L. reuteri VA 102 and L. reuteri KCTC 3594 (ATCC 23272) also reduced cell viability. These findings suggest the potential anticancer properties of these Lactobacillus strains and indicate that CFS and heat-killed cells may offer a safer and more effective alternative to live bacteria for therapeutic applications. Our study contributes to the understanding of the potential of Lactobacillus strains, particularly L. reuteri VA 102, L. reuteri KCTC 3594 (ATCC 23272), and L. animalis VA 105, as possible candidates for cancer treatment and control.

This study explores the development of English textbooks in North Korea through corpus-based analysis aimed at illuminating the differences between materials produced during the Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un regimes. In the context of educational reforms and changing political ideology, this study investigates BNC/COCA-based lexical coverage and the key lexical features of North Korean middle school English textbooks, highlighting the complexity, vocabulary, and readability of the learning materials. The findings revealed that the Kim Jong-un regime had implemented reforms to improve English language education, with increased lexical diversity, textual complexity, and vocabulary exposure. Although no significant differences were found between the two regimes regarding the lexical coverage of textbooks, the Kim Jong-un regime’s textbooks exhibited improvements in diversity, readability, and complexity. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the interplay between political ideology and English language education in North Korea, offering insights that have implications beyond the North Korean context and encouraging reflection on the nation-driven educational reform.

We have intended and preparation of hierarchically absorbent materials were covered with a NiMn2O4 and acts as a catalyst for azo dye degradation. The polyaromatic-based (PA) absorbent compounds were initially constructed by bromomethylated aromatic hydrocarbons which undergo self-polymerization in presence of ZnBr as a reagent and cross linker is bromomethyl methyl ether. The absorbent black materials with a 3D network were prepared by direct carbonization and activation of the as-prepared PA. The hydrothermal method was adapted for the preparation of carbon hybrid material C@NiMn2O4 powder's catalytic activity is effective in reducing p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol and decolorizing carbon-based dyes like methyl orange (MO), methyl yellow (MY), and Congo red (CR) in aqueous media at 25 °C when NaBH4 is added. UV–visible spectroscopy was used to analyze the dyes' breakdown at regular interval.