This study aimed to analyze the performance of local government-led Esports industries in South Korea to support the development of effective strategies and actionable policies for revitalizing and branding the domestic Esports sector. A survey was conducted with 30 experts across various fields within the Esports industry. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 28, employing frequency analysis and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). The results of the IPA matrix indicated that ‘Esports Tournaments and Leagues’ exhibited the highest levels of performance, followed by ‘Facilities and Infrastructure’. In contrast, the area showing the lowest performance was identified as ‘Educational Programs’

We present a comprehensive solar flare forecast model with a probability and a statistically significant range of daily peak X-ray flux. For this, we consider μ-corrected total unsigned radial magnetic fluxes from the SOHO/MDI and SDO/HMI, and flare lists from GOES from 1996 to 2021. Our model predicts two types of forecast results when a magnetic flux of an active region (AR) is given. First, using a relationship between magnetic fluxes and flaring rates, a probability of C1.0 or greater flares and a probability of M1.0 or greater flares within a day are predicted respectively. Second, a mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ) of daily peak X-ray fluxes are given from a historical distribution between magnetic fluxes and daily peak X-ray fluxes. Using the mean and standard deviation, we provide the statistical range of possible flare sizes. We verify two forecast results by using various performance metrics and investigate the performance depending on the climatology event rate. Based on the metric values, our model can give a better performance than the climatology forecast. Solar flares are considered to be caused by specific triggers and physical mechanisms that have not yet been precisely identified. In addition, there is another perspective that the size of the flare that will occur due to a trigger is close to random because the flaring loop is in a self-organized critical state. Our model can give the simplest forecasting results considering these two perspectives.

Solar energetic particle (SEP) events, driven by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are occasionally accompanied by ground level enhancements (GLEs), detected by neutron monitors. While GLEs represent only a subset of SEP events, their occurrence may provide insight into the acceleration and propagation mechanisms of SEPs. In this study, we conducted a statistical analysis of 122 SEP events from 1997 to 2023, including 16 events associated with GLE and 106 without, using elemental composition data from the ACE/SIS instrument and X-ray fluence data from GOES/XRS. The results show that SEP events with GLE exhibit significantly higher fluences of SIS elements (He, C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Si) than those without, particularly at high energy channels. Notably, the fluences of carbon and oxygen were particularly enhanced in SEP events associated with GLE, suggesting a potential role for these elements in the generation of GLEs. A strong correlation (average r ≈ 0.75) was observed between the X-ray fluence of associated solar flares and the elemental fluences in SEP events with GLE, whereas a weaker correlation (average r ≈ 0.32–0.40) was found for SEP events without GLE. These findings imply that the presence of a GLE is linked to distinct acceleration conditions and enhanced ion production, particularly of light ions with large charge-to-mass ratios. This study contributes to a better understanding of SEP composition, GLE-associated mechanisms, and their relevance to space weather forecasting and radiation hazard assessments.

Atmospheric characterization has become a crucial area of study for exoplanets. The exoplanets known as ultra-hot Jupiters (UHJs) offer a natural laboratory for studying extreme atmospheric physics that cannot be observed in the solar system. One way to analyze their atmospheres is by transmission spectroscopy. However, it can be challenging to obtain such information because a planet’s signal is too weak compared to that of its host star, resulting in the planetary contribution to the observed spectrum being negligible. Therefore, the minimum observational requirements must be assessed first to distinguish the planetary signal from the stellar one to study these planets. In this context, we obtained the transmission spectra of UHJs TOI-1431 b and WASP-189 b by observing each exoplanet for one night with BOAO Echelle Spectrograph (BOES) on the 1.8 m telescope at Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO). We searched for various chemical species by cross-correlating the exoplanetary spectra with model synthetic spectra. Our search for atmospheric signal returned a detection confidence level less than 3 σ for both targets. Therefore, we applied model injection to recover the atmospheric signals of the planets and assessed the minimum signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) to achieve 5 σ detection. During our search, we successfully recovered the planet signals with detection significances of 5.11 σ after a 750% injection of the model signal for TOI-1431 b and 5.02 σ for a 90% injection forWASP-189 b. These signal injection exercises suggest that a higher S/N of the transmission spectra is required to detect the planetary absorption features, and this can be done by stacking data from the observations of more than three cycles of the transit of a planet with a small-scale height such as WASP-189 b at BOAO facilities.

Background: Flexible flatfoot impairs gait and posture by weakening arch support, potentially leading to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Strengthening exercises, such as the short foot exercise (SFE), have shown promise in correcting this condition. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of SFE with visual feedback on medial arch height and foot function in adults with flexible flatfoot. Design: Experimental research. Methods: Adults diagnosed with flexible flatfoot were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group performed SFE with visual feedback, whereas the control group performed the same exercises without feedback. Both groups trained three times per week for five weeks. Outcome measures included the Navicular Drop Test (NDT), YBalance Test (YBT), and Tetrax postural analysis. Results: In the NDT, both groups showed significant improvements (P<.05), while in the YBT, only the experimental group showed a significant improvement (P<.05). In contrast, there were no significant changes in the Weight Distribution Index (WDI) and Stability Test (ST) areas of the Tetrax system in either group (P>.05). Conclusion: SFE effectively improved arch height regardless of visual feedback, though only the visual feedback group showed significant improvements in dynamic balance. However, between-group differences were not statistically significant, suggesting that visual feedback provides subtle rather than substantial additional benefits. Further research with larger samples is needed to establish the clinical value of adding visual feedback to SFE protocols.

In this study, we analyzed the structural and mechanical properties of aluminum foams fabricated using aluminum powders of varying sizes and mixtures. The effects of sintering and pore structure at each size on the integrity and mechanical properties of the foams were investigated. Structural characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy and micro–computed tomography, while mechanical properties were evaluated through compression testing. The experimental results demonstrated that smaller powder sizes improved foam integrity, reduced porosity and pore size, and resulted in thinner cell walls. In combination, these effects increased compressive strength as the powder size decreased. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding and improvement of the mechanical properties of aluminum foams and highlight their potential for use in a wide range of applications.

Lithium (Li) metal is a promising anode for next-generation batteries due to its high capacity, low redox potential, and low density. However, dendrite growth and interfacial instability limit its use. In this study, an artificial solid electrolyte interphase layer of LiF and Li-Sn (LiF@Li-Sn) was fabricated by spray-coating SnF2 onto Li. The LiF@Li-Sn anode exhibited improved air stability and electrochemical performance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated a charge transfer resistance of 25.2 Ω after the first cycle. In symmetric cells, it maintained a low overpotential of 27 mV after 250 cycles at 2 mA/cm2, outperforming bare Li. In situ microscopy confirmed dendrite suppression during plating. Full cells with NMC622 cathodes and LiF@Li-Sn anodes delivered 130.8 mAh/g with 79.4% retention after 300 cycles at 1 C and 98.8% coulombic efficiency. This coating effectively stabilized the interface and suppressed dendrites, with promising implications for practical lithium metal batteries.

본 연구는 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관용 초화류 식물 선발을 위하여, 4종의 초본화훼식물(Zinnia elegans, Salvia splendens, Catharanthus roseus, Gomphrena globose )을 대상으로 무관 수 처리에 따른 내건성을 구명하고자 실시하였다. 4종 식물의 영구위조점을 알아본 결과, 무관수 후 백일초가 23일째 가장 먼저 고사하였고, 그 다음으로 살비아는 29일째, 일일초는 51일 째, 천일홍은 61일째에 고사하였다. 무관수 처리에 따른 4종의 용적수분함량 변화를 비교한 결과, 용적수분함량은 무관수 이후 지속적으로 감소하였고, 용적수분함량이 0%에 도달한 것은 백 일초가 무관수 16일째로 가장 빨랐으며, 그 다음으로 살비아 25일, 일일초 35일, 천일홍 40일 순으로 나타났다. 4종의 지상 부생체중의 감소율을 영구위조점에서 보았을 때 4종의 식물중 백일초의 감소율이 가장 높았고, 그 다음은 살비아, 천일홍, 일일초 순으로 높게 나타났다. 또한 지상부와 지하부 건물중의 증가율은 일일초가 가장 높았으며 통계적으로 유의하였다. 무관 수 처리에 따른 광합성 형광 변수 중 하나인 Fv/Fm 측정 결과, 백일초는 일시위조점인 15일째부터 감소하였고, 살비아는 무관 수 29일째, 일일초는 37일째, 천일홍은 43일째부터 감소하였 으며, 통계적으로 유의하였다. 무관수 처리에 따른 4종의 각 개체별 측정된 식생지수의 변화를 알아본 결과, 정규식생지수 (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI), 광화학 반사율 지수(photochemical reflectance index, PRI), 안토 시아닌 반사율 지수(anthocyanin Reflectance Index, ARI) 가 무관수 기간동안 백일초, 살비아보다 일일초, 천일홍이 장기 간 건강한 잎의 범위에 속하였다. 본 연구결과를 종합해 볼 때, 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관용 식물 선정 시 거리화단의 수분관 리 측면을 고려한다면 무관수 처리 후 약 50-60여 일간 생존하 여 내건성이 강한 것으로 나타난 일일초, 천일홍이 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관 조성 시 적용 가능성이 매우 높은 식물로 판단되었다. 거리화단 화훼경관 조성 후 물관리가 어려운 거리 화단 화훼경관의 지속적인 유지, 관리에 대한 어려움이 부각되 어왔다. 따라서 저관리형 거리화단 화훼경관용 식물의 다양한 적용 및 관리를 위해서는 향후 보다 많은 식물종을 대상으로 한 실험뿐만 아니라 식물 내에서 품종 간의 비교에 대한 후속 연구도 필요한 것으로 생각되었다.

Background: Dairy cows exposed to heat stress have reduced milk production, milk quality, and conception rates, leading to lower profits. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of heat stress according to Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) on the milk production of Korean Holstein cows. Methods: Monthly maximum temperature and average relative humidity data from January 2017 to August 2024 were obtained from 62 observation points used by the Korea Meteorological Administration to calculate the national average. Using this data, the THI, a key indicator for assessing heat stress in Korean Holstein cows, was calculated. Additionally, data from 240,088 Korean Holstein cows, collected through tests conducted by the Dairy Cattle Improvement Center of the NH-Agri Business Group, were analyzed. Results: Comparative analysis of the relationship between THI and milk production revealed that milk yield remained relatively stable until THI reached the “very severe” heat stress threshold (THI ≥ 79). Beyond this level, milk production showed a tendency to decline. Conversely, when THI dropped below this threshold, milk yield tended to recover. Notably, the temperature in September, typically considered part of the autumn season, has been rising in recent years, with THI values now approaching the very severe stress level (THI ≥ 79). Conclusions: These findings suggest that establishing an appropriate farm environment and implementing systematic THI management are essential for mitigating the decline in milk production, as well as the associated economic losses, caused by rising domestic temperatures due to global warming.

Emerging RNA viruses continue to pose serious threats to animal and human health, necessitating the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents within a One Health framework. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral potential of Desmodesmus multivariabilis extracts against three representative RNA viruses: influenza A virus (IAV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and hepatitis A virus (HAV). Extracts derived from four closely related microalgal isolates were tested using pre- and post-treatment protocols in vitro. Among them, strain ME749 demonstrated the most potent and consistent antiviral activity, with low cytotoxicity and high selectivity index (SI), particularly against IAV (SI = 23.8), followed by PEDV (SI = 10.7) and HAV (SI = 6.2). ME752 also showed moderate antiviral efficacy. RT-qPCR confirmed significant reductions in viral RNA levels for all three viruses, with ME749 achieving up to 3-log₁₀ reduction in IAV and 2.4-log₁₀ reduction in HAV. These results suggest that the antiviral effect may be mediated through mechanisms beyond direct virucidal activity, potentially involving host immune modulation. Although the active compounds remain unidentified, carotenoids are hypothesized as key bioactive components. This study highlights Desmodesmus multivariabilis, particularly ME749, as a promising source of novel, natural antiviral agents with applications in both veterinary and zoonotic disease control. Future studies including metabolomic profiling, mechanism-of-action analyses, and in vivo validation are warranted to further explore its potential in combating current and emerging RNA virus threats.

The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases pose ongoing threats to public health. This study aims to develop an agent-based simulation model (ABM) to predict the spread of novel infectious diseases during early outbreak phases and evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, specifically focusing on the impact of interventions such as maskwearing, vaccination, and social distancing on outbreak dynamics and the reduction of symptomatic cases. Using demographic and COVID-19 outbreak data from South Korea, we constructed a detailed contact network model encompassing workplaces, schools, households, and communities. Using demographic and COVID-19 outbreak data from Seoul, South Korea, we constructed a detailed contact network model encompassing workplaces, schools, households, and communities. Key transmission parameters were inferred using Approximate Bayesian Computation. The resulting ABM platform, implemented in a C-based R package, allows for flexible scenario simulation involving 56 adjustable parameters, including mask-wearing, vaccination coverage, and social distancing. Simulation outputs demonstrated the model’s capacity to reproduce observed transmission patterns in workplace and school outbreaks, enabling public health authorities to anticipate outbreak dynamics and assess interventions. This framework provides a valuable decision-support tool for controlling future infectious disease incursions.

본 연구는 우리나라에 자생하는 목본 관상용 식물인 먼나무 (Ilex rotunda)와 으름덩굴(Akebia quinata)을 대상으로 삽목 효율을 분석하였다. 삽수는 녹지와 숙지로 구분하고 생장조절 제 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)와 시판용 발근촉진제 루톤 (Rootone)을 처리하여 대조군과 비교하였다. 그 결과, 발근율 (녹지, 숙지)은 먼나무(50.9, 19.0%) 및 으름덩굴(52.8, 28.5%) 로 두 수종 모두 숙지보다는 녹지가 손쉽게 발근되었다. 생장조절 제의 발근 촉진 효과는 녹지보다는 숙지에서 두드러졌으며, 생장 조절제 효과는 두 수종에서 상이하게 나타났으며, IBA와 루톤에 대한 두 수종의 발근 반응이 다르게 나타냈다. IBA 1,000ppm 처리는 먼나무의 발근을 촉진시켰고(65.9%) 으름덩굴에서는 고 사에 따른 발근율 저하를 야기하였으며(5.0%), 오히려 으름덩굴 은 루톤 처리로 발근이 촉진되었다(83.3%).

This study evaluated the effects of solid and water-soluble extracts derived from torrefied Pinus densiflora on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) germination and growth, as well as the cultivation efficiency of torrefied materials combined with plant nutrient solutions. Torrefied samples were prepared under various conditions (200°C, 220°C, 240°C for 20–80 minutes) and mixed with sand at ratios from 20% to 100%. Liquid extracts were formulated with macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg) and micronutrients (Mn, B, Fe, Cu) and applied to leafy and root vegetables. Germination tests showed that 60% and 80% torrefied treatments had the highest and most consistent rates, with torrefied samples promoting more rapid and stable germination than controls. A two-way ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between treatment and concentration (p = 0.043), suggesting concentration-specific effects. While shoot length showed no significant difference, root growth was marginally significant (p = 0.064), with washed torrefied material producing the longest roots. Physical analysis revealed that torrefied materials improved soil thermal retention and moisture-holding capacity. However, increasing torrefied content reduced porosity, likely due to fine particles filling soil pores. In conclusion, torrefied P. densiflora materials exhibit strong potential to enhance germination, root development, and soil condition. Optimal results were achieved with 40–60% solid mixtures for germination and 60–80% diluted extracts for rapid and consistent seedling growth. When optimally applied, they may serve as effective, sustainable amendments in cultivation systems.

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) play a critical role in maintaining skin integrity and promoting tissue repair, but are highly susceptible to apoptosis under stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option due to their regenerative potential and ability to secrete bioactive factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADSC-derived paracrine signaling on apoptosis in HDFs and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a Transwell co-culture system, we found that ADSCs significantly reduced apoptosis in HDFs subjected to low-serum stress, as confirmed by APOPercentage™ staining and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Among several soluble factors secreted by ADSCs, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) exhibited the most pronounced time-dependent increase in culture supernatants. The anti- apoptotic effect of ADSCs was abolished by neutralizing antibodies against HGF, indicating a key role of this factor in mediating fibroblast survival. Further, HDFs were found to express the HGF receptor c-Met at both the mRNA and protein levels. Inhibition of c-Met signaling reversed the cytoprotective effect of ADSCs, suggesting that HGF functions through this receptor. Mechanistically, only the PI3K/AKT pathway—among the major survival pathways tested—was selectively activated in HDFs by ADSC co-culture. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling using LY294002 abolished the protective effect, while inhibition of ERK or p38 MAPK had no significant impact. These findings demonstrate that ADSC-derived HGF protects HDFs from stress-induced apoptosis primarily through activation of the c-Met–PI3K/ AKT pathway. This mechanistic insight may provide a basis for the development of stem cell– based therapies aimed at enhancing skin regeneration and fibroblast viability in degenerative or wound-healing contexts.

고속 스핀 에코를 이용한 T2 강조 영상에서 재자화 펄스의 FA 크기 변화에 따라 발생하는 전자파 유도 열을 정량적 으로 측정하고, 상변화 물질의 열 저장 특성을 활용하여 열 발생을 효과적으로 감소시킬 수 있는 방안을 모색하고자 하였다.실험에서는 상변화 물질을 적용한 조건과 적용하지 않은 조건에서 각각 FA의 증가에 따른 온도 변화를 평가 하였으며, 그 결과는 다음과 같다. 고속 스핀 에코 기반 T2 강조 영상에서 FA 크기의 증가에 따라 계산된 SAR 값은 상변화 물질 적용 여부와 관계없이 각각 0.64±0.048, 0.87±0.042, 1.33±0.042, 1.88±0.031 W/kg로 유사한 경향을 보였다.온도 변화 분석 결과, 상변화 물질을 적용하지 않은 조건에서 돼지 비계의 초기 스캔 온도는 19.3°C였으며, FA 증가에 따라 최대 21.9°C까지 상승하여 총 2.6°C의 온도 증가가 관찰되었다. 반면, 상변화 물질 을 적용한 조건에서는 동일한 초기 온도 19.3°C에서 19.7°C까지 상승하는 데 그쳐 0.4°C의 온도 증가만 나타났으며, 두 조건 간 약 2.2°C의 온도 차이를 보였다. 한편, 돼지 비계에 온열 경피 패치를 부착한 조건에서도 유사한 경향이 나타났다. 상변화 물질을 적용하지 않은 경우, 스캔 시작 온도 20.6°C에서 23.1°C로 총 2.5°C 상승하였으나, 상변화 물질을 적용한 경우에는 20.1°C에서 20.5°C로 0.4°C 상승하는 데 그쳐 약 2.1°C의 차이를 나타냈다. 이와 같은 결과 는 상변화 물질이 반복되는 고주파 자극에 의해 유도되는 온도 상승을 효과적으로 억제할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 전자파 흡수율 및 열 발생 저감에 대한 과학적 근거를 제공함으로써, 향후 MRI 검사 환경의 안전성 향상에 기초자료 로 활용되기를 기대한다.

This study examined the effects of pre-soaking solvents and repeated steaming-drying (SD) cycles on the antioxidant activity and active compound content of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata(RRP), the processed root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. SD treatments were conducted for 1 to 9 cycles using four different pre-soaking solvents: Takju (a traditional rice wine), Spirits, Honey, and Sugar solution. The results showed no significant differences in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities or in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents among the pre-soaking treatments, although samples pre-soaked in honey and Takju exhibited slightly higher levels. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased progressively with the number of SD cycles, reaching levels 2–3 times higher after nine cycles. Catalpol content remained relatively constant regardless of treatment, whereas aucubin content increased in all groups, with the highest accumulation observed in the Takju treatment. Similarly, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) content increased with the number of SD cycles, with the highest levels found in the honey group, followed by Takju, Sugar, and Spirits. In conclusion, while the type of pre-soaking solvent had minimal influence on antioxidant activities and catalpol content, both aucubin and 5-HMF contents increased with additional SD cycles, with Takju proving particularly effective in enhancing their accumulation.