Background: Stroke often results in impaired postural control and asymmetric weight distribution, which negatively affect balance and functional mobility. Previous research has demonstrated that balance training interventions incorporating proprioceptive stimulation and visual feedback can enhance postural stability in stroke survivors. However, there remains debate regarding the relative effectiveness of these two approaches. While proprioception-based training emphasizes sensory input from mechanoreceptors to improve postural control, visual feedback-based training leverages external cues to facilitate balance adjustments. Objectives: To investigation the effects of proprioception-based trunk exercise and visual-auditory feedback-based trunk exercise on sitting balance in patients with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 24 participants diagnosed with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to two groups: the proprioception-based trunk exercise group (PTG, n=10) and the visual-auditory feedback-based trunk exercise group (VTG, n=11). Both groups participated in a 6-week intervention program, five sessions per week, lasting 25 minutes per session. Outcome measures included the Limitation of Stability (LOS), the Korean version of the Trunk Impairment Scale (K-TIS), and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests to evaluate within-group and between-group differences. Results: Both PTG and VTG groups demonstrated significant improvements in LOS, K-TIS, and PASS scores following the intervention (P<.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the amount of change observed. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both proprioception-based and visualauditory feedback-based trunk exercises are effective in improving sitting balance in chronic stroke patients. The lack of a significant difference between the groups indicates that both approaches provide comparable benefits. Future research should explore long-term effects and investigate potential differences in various functional domains beyond sitting balance.

The corrosivity of molten salt presents a major challenge for the commercialization of molten salt reactors, which utilize molten salt as both fuel and coolant. To protect structural materials of molten salt reactors, minimizing moisture—the primary source of corrosion—is crucial, necessitating precise moisture concentration measurements. This study examines the role of an inert gas atmosphere in analyzing moisture in molten chloride salts. Four chloride salts with different hygroscopic properties (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and ZnCl2) were tested. Each was analyzed in three states: as-received and dried by heating for 6 and 12 hours. Karl Fischer titration was employed to measure the moisture concentrations in salts under both air and an argon-filled glove box. Results showed consistently lower and more stable moisture concentrations in the inert atmosphere, highlighting the necessity of an argon environment for accurate moisture analysis in molten salts.

The present study investigates the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools by pre-service teachers (PSTs) in lesson planning for a middle-school English as a foreign language (EFL) class, aiming to address gaps and inform teacher training. The case study examined PSTs in a South Korean university course who were tasked with creating lesson plans using generative AI to aid in lesson plan development for a middle school lesson that incorporated generative AI. Data were analyzed thematically, and results revealed that generative AI was used in topic selection, material creation, lesson organization, and language checking. While generative AI facilitated efficiency and creativity, challenges emerged, including the quality of outputs and limited incorporation of effective pedagogical strategies. These findings indicate a need for targeted training in prompt engineering, ethical considerations, pedagogy, and collaborative practices to enhance PSTs’ generative AI competencies. This study contributes to teacher education programs by providing insights into the practical integration of generative AI in pedagogical practices.

The efficient fabrication of uranium-based liquid fuels and the structural integrity of reactor materials are critical challenges for the deployment of chloride-based molten salt reactors (MSRs). As part of KAERI’s ongoing MSR development, this study investigates an optimized uranium chlorination process and a corrosion assessment of candidate structural materials under conditions more closely resembling actual reactor cores. To enhance process efficiency and scalability, metallic uranium was converted into uranium trihydride (UH3) via hydriding, achieving 34.1% efficiency. UH3 was chlorinated with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), yielding uranium trichloride (UCl3) with a conversion rate over 98% and purity above 99%, as confirmed by ICP-OES. The UCl3 was used to fabricate various uranium-based liquid fuels for MSR applications. Simultaneously, the corrosion behavior of SS304, SS316, and Hastelloy-N was evaluated using a natural convection loop filled with a NaCl– MgCl2 eutectic salt mixture. The system operated for 500 hours at 500–580°C to replicate MSR conditions. Corrosion analysis revealed that SS304 suffered severe degradation, SS316 showed moderate resistance, and Hastelloy-N demonstrated superior stability, although some cold leg samples experienced mass gain due to corrosion product deposition. These findings provide key insights into optimizing liquid fuel synthesis and selecting corrosion-resistant materials for safe, long-term MSR operation.

A new spider species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805, Pholcus osaek sp. nov., in the family Pholcidae C.L. Koch, 1850, is described from Korea. This new species belongs to phungiformes-group in the genus. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the shape and structure of genital organs of both males and females. It is found on and between rock walls in mountainous mixed forests. Additionally, the taxonomic status of Pholcus uksuensis Kim & Ye, 2014 is revalidated, re-diagnosed, and redescribed based on specimens collected from the type locality. Considering differences mentioned in the diagnosis through revalidation, P. uksuensis is regarded as a distinct species. Therefore, it should be removed from the synonymy of P. woongil Huber, 2011.

목적 : 본 연구에서는 강원도 강릉지역의 중학교 3학년의 굴절 상태를 분석하여 지역적 기초자료로 사용하고자 한다. 방법 : 남학생 208안, 여학생 117안 총 325 안을 대상으로 연구를 진행하였으며, 등가구면 굴절이상 정도의 분 류는 정시 기준은 –0.25 D ~ +0.25 D, 경도 근시 –0.50 D~ -2.75 D, 중등도 근시 –3.00 D ~ 5.75 D, 고도 근 시 –6.00 D 이상으로 나누어 분류하여 굴절 상태를 분석하였다. 결과: 근시 291안 평균 굴절력은 –2.94±1.91 D, 남학생은 –2.85±1.89 D, 여학생은 –3.11±1.94 D로 조사되었 다. 근시 정도의 분류를 비교했을 때 경도 근시는 –1.40±0.75 D, 중등도 근시는 –4.06±0.87 D, 그리고 고도 근시는 –6.78±0.89 D으로 나타났으며 총 325안의 평균 굴절력은 –2.63±2.03 D로 나타났다. 성별에 따른 근시의 평균 굴절 력은 경도 근시는 남학생 –1.37±0.71 D, 여학생 –1.47±0.82 D, 중등도 근시는 남학생 –4.03±0.86 D, 여학생 –4.11±0.89 D, 고도 근시는 남학생 –6.63±0.86 D, 여학생 –7.09±0.94 D으로 나타났다. 난시의 평균 굴절력을 비교해 본 결과 남학생 –1.43±1.00 D, 여학생은 –1.34±0.98 D로, 경도 근시는 남학생 –1.24±0.97 D, 여학생 –0.92±0.41 D(t=-2.10, p<0.050)로, 고도 근시는 남학생 –1.44±0.49 D, 여학생 –2.50±1.76 D(t=2.34, p< 0.050)으로 나타났다. 결론 : 학생들은 근시 범위 중에서 중등도 근시의 비율이 가장 높았으며 여학생에서 경도 중등도 그리고 고도 근시 범위 모두 더 높은 굴절력이 나타났고, 난시 비교에서는 고도 근시 범위에 해당되는 난시에서만 여학생이 높 게 나타났다. 앞으로도 시력 관리에 도움이 될 만한 연구가 계속되어야 할 것으로 생각된다.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on the growth performance and structural development of female and male growing goats. A 4×4 Latin square design was used, involving 8 goats with an average age of 3 months: 4 females and males with an initial body weight (BW) of 10.6 kg and 16.0 kg, respectively. Goats were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: T1 (1.5% BW barnyard millet), T2 (1.5% BW Bermuda hay), T3 (2.0% BW barnyard millet), and T4 (2.0% BW Bermuda hay) over a 22-week period. Results indicated that the highest final body weight (FBW) was significantly observed at the highest feeding level (T4), with females reaching 14.9 kg and males 20.9 kg, while the highest average daily gain (ADG) values were recorded for females in T3 at 75.7 g/d and males in T4 at 81.0 g/d (p<0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was highest in the T4 group for both females (437.4 g/d) and males (635.9 g/d), with significant differences observed across treatments (p<0.05), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed an improving trend, particularly with a value of 6.0 for females in T4. For structural development, the highest feeding levels led to significant increases in body length, body depth, chest width, and chest girth of both sex. Female and male in T4 achieved body lengths of 53.5 cm and 61.8 cm, and body depths of 45.2 cm and 54.8 cm, respectively. Chest width and girth reached 15.9 cm and 66.5 cm in males, and 13.5 cm and 56.5 cm in females. In conclusion, higher feeding levels, especially with Bermuda hay, may positively influence the growth performance and structural development of goats.

The role of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) development has garnered attention, highlighting probiotics as potential adjuncts in CRC prevention and treatment. In recent years, probiotics and their derivatives have demonstrated mechanisms that may contribute to anticancer properties. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum KCTC 3357, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus KCTC 5033, Limosilactobacillus reuteri VA 103, Bacillus galactosidilyticus VA 107, and Lactococcus taiwanensis VE101 on CT-26 mouse colon carcinoma cells using live cells, heat-killed cells (paraprobiotics), and cell-free supernatants (CFS, postbiotics) through an MTT assay. The results indicate that live bacterial strains, such as KCTC 3357, VA 103, and VA 107, promoted CT-26 cell viability, while heat-killed cells and CFS exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Inactivated forms of KCTC 3357 and VE 101, as well as CFS at 10 mg/mL concentration of KCTC 5033, VA 103, and VE 101, showed the strongest antiproliferative effects. These findings suggest that non-viable probiotic derivatives, such as paraprobiotics and postbiotics, offer promising therapeutic potential for CRC, providing a safer and more stable alternative to live probiotics. However, further research is required to explore their mechanisms of action, in vivo efficacy, and potential clinical applications.

This study explored factors affecting variability in second language (L2) learning motivation among Korean university students and how they appraised their L2 learning experience. In this study, 85 undergraduate students majoring in English or English education from three universities in Seoul, South Korea, reflected on their past English learning experience. They drew a motigraph and wrote a retrospective reflection essay covering their English learning that spanned over ten years. Researchers divided participants into two groups: a high variability (HV) group and a low variability (LV) group. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Findings suggest thncontextual factors such as the learning method, atmosphere, and situation were main (de)motivational factors for the HV group. In contrast, the LV group was (de)motivated by intrapersonal factors, including the learning context appraisal. These results imply that visualizing long and short-term goals and positive appraisal of the L2 learning experience can help L2 learners maintain a stable pattern in L2 learning motivation.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is very common disease. Strength exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise were used to improvement of function for CAI. Isokinetic strength and balance are related to functional movement of lower extremity. Objectives: The purpose was to analyze the effect of muscle strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise on isokinetic strength and balance in young adults with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults with CAI. The subjects randomly divided into three groups: strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise. They performed each exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. They measured isokinetic strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec, static and dynamic balance before and after exercise. Results: The isokinetic strengths of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were significantly higher in the strengthening exercise group than in the balance exercise group. The static and dynamic balance was significantly higher in the balance exercise group than in other two groups. Conclusion: Strengthening exercise, balance exercise, proprioceptive exercise can improve the muscle strength for CAI. Strengthening exercise and balance exercise can more improve balance than proprioceptive exercise for CAI.

Two spider species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805, Pholcus muju sp. nov. and Pholcus yeongheung sp. nov. in the family Pholcidae C. L. Koch, 1850 are newly described from Korea. These two new species belonging to phungiformes-group in the genus can be distinguished from their congeners by the shape and structure of genital organs of both males and females. They are found on rock walls in mountainous mixed forests. This work provides diagnoses, detailed descriptions, and taxonomic photographs for these new species.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a significant cereal crop from the Gramineae family, serves as a vital source of protein, essential minerals, B-group vitamins, and dietary fiber. However, its productivity is often hindered by issues such as poor seed germination, which can adversely affect yield and crop quality. This study investigated the effects of different silicon concentrations and priming durations on wheat germination and seedling growth. Analysis of variance revealed that silicon treatment significantly influenced key parameters of germination and growth, including germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), vigor index (VI), radicle length (RL), plumule length (PL), and seedling dry weight (SDW). Priming with silicon at a concentration of 1 mM resulted in notable improvements, increasing GP, GI, VI, RL, and PL by 10.6%, 65.5%, 29.4%, 18.6%, and 28.6%, respectively, after 6 hours of priming. Certain germination traits demonstrated strong positive correlations, particularly GP and GI (r = 0.96) and VI and RL (r = 0.94), after 4 hours of priming. These improvements in seed germination and seedling development may result from enhanced water uptake, stimulated cell division, and increased hydrolytic enzyme activity, which facilitate the mobilization of seed reserves and accelerate the growth of embryonic tissues.

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.

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 원주지역의 초등학생 전 학년 원시안을 조절마비제 점안 전후의 굴절이상 정도를 비교하여 지역 내 굴절상태의 기초자료로 활용하고자 한다. 방법 : 나이에 따라 8세 17안, 9세 13안, 10세 6안, 11세 1안, 12세 9안, 13세 4안 모두 50안의 원시안으로 남자 13안, 여자 37안을 대상으로 하였다. 원시 정도에 따른 굴절력은 경도 원시 +0.25~+0.75 D, 중등도 원시 +1.00~+1.75 D, 고도 원시 +2.00 D 이상으로 그룹 분류하여 굴절검사를 진행하였다. 결과 : 나이별 원시안의 MR과 CR의 비교에서는 8세 어린이들의 CR의 원시도가 MR 보다 0.46±0.47 D 높게 측정되었으며(t=3.23, p<0.050), 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이들은 CR의 원시도가 MR보다 가장 많은 1.06± 0.63 D 정도 차이가 나타났다(t=1.89, p<0.059). 12세 어린이들은 0.44±0.30 D 정도의 차이가 나타났으며, 전체 나이 중 가장 적은 차이를 보였다(t=2.76, p<0.050). 그리고 원시 굴절 정도에 따라 MR과 CR 정도를 비교하였더 니 8세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값이 MR 값보다 0.55±0.55 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.54, p<0.050). 12 세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값은 MR 값보다 0.35±0.22 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.12, p<0.050). 결론 : 원주지역 원시안 초등학생을 대상으로 현성 굴절검사와 조절마비 굴절검사를 비교하였더니 12세 어린이 들에게서 가장 적은 MR과 CR의 굴절력 차이가 관찰되었고, 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이에게서 가장 많은 굴절 력 차이가 나타났다. 또한 원시 굴절 정도에 따른 비교에서는 경도 원시에서 고도 원시로 갈수록 더 많은 굴절 차 이가 나는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

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.

Probiotics have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment in an increasing number of studies. This study investigated the inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of specific Lactobacillus strains on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29). The strains assessed were Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri VA 102, Ligilactobacillus (L.) animalis VA 105, and Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri KCTC 3594 (ATCC 23272). The viability of HT-29 cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. The findings revealed that cell-free supernatants (CFS) exhibited significant anticancer effects. Heat-inactivated L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri KCTC 3594 induced a pronounced reduction in cell viability. Furthermore, live cultures of L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri VA 102 also showed reduced cell viability compared to the control group. These results suggest that CFS and heat-inactivated cells may be more suitable for therapeutic applications than live bacteria owing to their improved safety profiles and reduced potential for adverse effects. Our findings also emphasize the potential anticancer benefits of these LAB strains.

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.