This study investigates the rheological properties of shear thickening fluids (STFs) formulated by dispersing silica particles in polyethylene glycol (PEG), with the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The influences of silica particle content, carbon nanotube (CNT) loading, and surface functionalization were systematically examined. Rotational rheometry demonstrated that CNT addition significantly reduced the critical shear rate while enhancing the maximum viscosity of the STF. Systematic analysis demonstrated that MWNT incorporation significantly reduces the critical shear rate and enhances the maximum viscosity of the STF by forming bridging networks that reinforce shear-induced hydro-clusters. Crucially, acid-functionalization was established as a viable technique to improve CNT dispersion and stability, allowing for higher loadings and stronger shear thickening responses necessary for designing lightweight, high-performance protective materials. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis provided microstructural evidence, confirming that the enhanced performance arises from the high-aspect-ratio CNTs forming a physical bridging network between the silica particles, which effectively stabilizes and reinforces the shear-induced hydro-clusters. These findings offer crucial design guidelines by defining the optimal concentration window and necessity of surface functionalization to maximize the high-performance potential of lightweight CNT-modified shear thickening fluids. Excessive CNT loading, however, induced agglomeration, leading to a deterioration of shear thickening.

To control western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), a significant pest of peppers, the control effects of eco-friendly agricultural materials were tested when treated alone and in combination. The control effects of yellow sticky roll traps installed on the stem, predatory natural enemy (Hypoaspis miles) inoculated on the stem, and plant extracts (50% custard apple seed oil + 10% cinnamon extract) sprayed on the foliage were 45.3%, 36.6%, and 50.2%, respectively, when treated individually. Meanwhile, when three eco-friendly agricultural materials were comprehensively applied, the control effect was maintained between 62.4% and 80.9% compared to untreated conditions during the pepper harvesting season. These methods can be utilized for the eco-friendly control of western flower thrips in pepper greenhouses.

This paper presents factors to consider when designing DeFi regulations. DeFi regulations may be established by imposing obligations on developers and operators, who exist even in extreme decentralization cases. However, the requirements in current financial legislation, which heavily rely on intermediaries’ organization and personnel, are difficult to apply to DeFi. Instead, under DeFi, information can be obtained, analyzed, and aggregated on the blockchain and reported to the authority automatically and regulatory requirements may be reflected in the smart contract and automatically executed. This may require mandatory code audits by supervisory authorities and civil technology experts prior to execution, to check whether legal requirements are embedded in the code. In addition, measures addressing the risk-contagion effects in macroeconomic crisis, potentially arising from DeFi’s connectivity with traditional finance, must be considered.

One of cosmopolitan pest, Agrotis ipsilon, causes serious economic damages in horticultural crops. This study compared the host fitness of A. ipsilon among nine major horticultural crops in Korea. Among the nine crops, the population of A. ipsilon failed to complete its development in spinach, cucumber, melon, and kidney bean. The host effects on development and reproduction of A. ipsilon were further investigated in the remained five crops. Host plants significantly (P < 0.05) affected the development-related factors of A. ipsilon eggs, larvae, and pupae. They also affected the adult reproduction-related factors including preoviposition period, oviposition period and number, and longevity except for the prepupa stage. A positive relationship was found be tween biological factors. Among the nine crops in this study, napa cabbage showed the highest suitability for the A. ipsilon populations. These findings in this study would be helpful to understand the ecology and develop the man agement tactics of A. ipsilon in horticultural crops.

시금치의 주요 해충인 흰띠명나방(Spoladea recurvalis) 유충의 살충제 5종에 대한 감수성을 검정하였다. Lufenuron EC, chromafenozide EC, chlorantraniliprole WP, tebufenozide WP, pyridalyl EW는 각각 2(12.5 ppm), 4(12.5 ppm), 8(2.5 ppm), 4(20.0 ppm), 8(12.5 ppm)배 의 희석농도에서 90% 이상의 높은 살충활성을 보였다. 추천농도로 경엽처리 후 7일이 경과된 시금치 잎에 흰띠명나방 유충이 72시간 동안 노출되 었을 경우 chromafenozide EC, chlorantraniliprole WP, tebufenozide WP, pyridalyl EW의 살충률은 각각 98.3%, 100%, 95.0%, 100%로 나타나 높은 잔효성을 보였다. 흰띠명나방에 대한 방제효과를 2개소(화성, 연천)에서 포장검정 결과, 5종의 약제 모두 2개소에서 약제처리 7일 경과 후 90% 이상의 방제효과를 보였으며 2배량에서도 약해가 없어 향후 흰띠명나방 방제약제로 시금치에 활용이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.