In May 2023, a free-living marine nematode species from the genus Parapinnanema was identified in the subtidal zone of Ulleungdo Island, the East Sea, Korea. Specimens were collected using the Smith-McIntyre Grab. These specimens exhibited close similarities to Parapinnanema imbricatum from the sublittoral of Moneron Island, particularly in terms of general characteristics, such as the detailed structure of the buccal cavity, the complex and ringed structure of the cuticle, the copulatory apparatus, spinneret, and the female genital system. However, the Korean specimens of Parapinnanema imbricatum also displayed distinctive features compared to the original description, including a relatively elongated body (3,317-4,339 μm vs. 3,100-4,200 μm) and a narrower body width (66-77 μm vs. 71-85 μm). Additionally, the diameter of the head was relatively shorter (24-29 μm vs. 28-36 μm). This paper offers a comprehensive morphological description, along with illustrations and DIC photomicrographs, of P. imbricatum from Korean waters.

Hypertension is characterized by excessive renin-angiotensin system activity, leading to blood vessel constriction. Several synthetic compounds have been developed to inhibit renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). These drugs often have adverse side effects, driving the exploration of plant protein-derived peptides as alternative or supplementary treatments. This study assessed the phenolic compound and amino acid content and the antioxidant and antihypertensive activity of 5 South Korean staple crops. Sorghum had the highest phenolic compound content and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Millet grains, particularly finger millet (38.86%), showed higher antihypertensive activity than red beans (14.42%) and sorghum (17.16%). Finger millet was found to contain a large proportion of branched-chain, aromatic, and sulfur-containing amino acids, which are associated with ACE inhibition. In particular, cysteine content was positively correlated with ACE inhibition in the crops tested (r=0.696, p<0.01). This study confirmed that the amino acid composition was more correlated with the antihypertensive activity of grains than the phenolic compound content. Finger millet mainly contained amino acids, which have higher ACE inhibitory activity, resulting in the strongest antihypertensive activity. These findings underscore the antihypertensive potential of select crops as plant-based food ingredients, offering insight into their biological functions.

The subgenus Tricoma Cobb, 1894 comprises free-living marine nematodes encompassing a total of 83 validated taxa. Within this diversity, twenty-one taxa thrive in the deep sea, while twenty-three are found in coral reefs, flat areas, or green algae. Additionally, eleven taxa inhabit the sublittoral zone at depths exceeding 10 meters, and the remaining taxa are situated on beaches, coasts, or in habitats lacking detailed information. In the course of a survey focused on the East Sea free-living marine nematodes, we identified four new and two previously unrecorded species belonging to the subgenus Tricoma. Specifically, two new species, Tricoma (Tricoma) breviseta sp. nov. and T. (T.) donghaensis sp. nov., were discovered in mud-sandy sediment in deepsea environments below 2000 meters within the Ulleung Basin and Hupo Bank. Two previously unrecorded species [T. (T.) paralucida Decraemer, 1987 and T. (T.) similis Cobb, 1912] and the two newly found species [T. (T.) longicauda sp. nov. and T. (T.) ulleungensis sp. nov.] were obtained from subtidal coarse sand at a depth of 20 meters during a survey of the waters surrounding Ulleungdo Island. The distribution and information on validated taxa within the subgenus Tricoma were systematically collected, reviewed, and cataloged. Detailed morphological features and illustrations of Tricoma species from Korea were provided through the use of differential interference contrast microscopy.

Henricia specimens were collected using a dual approach of trimix scuba diving and fishing nets. This inclusive collection encompasses the discovery of two species highlighted in this study and introduces and provides comprehensive descriptions for Henricia kinkasana and Henricia longispina aleutica. The descriptions offered in this study were derived from the thorough examinations of external morphological characteristics. The documentation provides detailed insight into key traits related to the abactinal and actinal skeletons and spines of these newly recorded species in Korea. This comprehensive examination contributes to our understanding of the distinct morphological characteristics defining each species within the genus Henricia.

The present study describes Philodromus paiki sp. nov., which was previously misidentified as P. fuscomarginatus (De Geer, 1778), P. poecilus (Thorell, 1872), and P. spinitarsis Simon, 1895 in Korea, as a new species with diagnosis, detailed descriptions, and taxonomic photographs. Additionally, P. spinitarsis is also described to correct previous misidentifications of Korean records of the species.

With South Korea increasingly focusing on nuclear energy, the management of spent nuclear fuel has attracted considerable attention in South Korea. This study established a novel procedure for selecting safety-relevant radionuclides for long-term safety assessments of a deep geological repository in South Korea. Statistical evaluations were performed to identify the design basis reference spent nuclear fuels and evaluate the source term for up to one million years. Safety-relevant radionuclides were determined based on the half-life criteria, the projected activities for the design basis reference spent nuclear fuel, and the annual limit of ingestion set by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission Notification No. 2019-10 without considering their chemical and hydrogeological properties. The proposed process was used to select 56 radionuclides, comprising 27 fission and activation products and 29 actinide nuclides. This study explains first the determination of the design basis reference spent nuclear fuels, followed by a comprehensive discussion on the selection criteria and methodology for safety-relevant radionuclides.

굴파리과에 기생하는 종으로 알려진 Bitomus (갗고치벌속)는 한국에 4종 보고되어있다. Bitomus는 Fischer (1987, 1994)에 의해 개정되었 고, Papp (1978, 1981)에 의해 한국에서 보고되었다. Bitomus는 움직이지 않게 연결된 마치 껍질과 같은 2-3번째 또는 4번째 복부마디로 다른 속들 과 구별된다. 본 조사연구 결과로 Bitomus indicus를 국내 최초로 보고한다. 기술과 진단형질도판을 수록한다.

Two newly recorded sea stars, Henricia densispina (Sladen, 1879) and H. reniossa asiatica Djakonov, 1958, collected from the East Sea of Korea using fishing nets, were described in this study. Morphologically, H. densispina is characterized by the shape (sub-triangular) similarity of the intermarginal plates to the superomarginal plates. Henricia reniossa asiatica Djakonov, 1958, has long and slender arms (R/r=7.2- 9.1); clustered abactinal paxillae with 3-13 abactinal spinelets; a denuded abactinal skeleton made up of crescentic, elongated cross-shaped, the presence of small ossicles that divided the papular areas; and an adambulacral armature comprised of 14-17 spinelets. This study provides the first occurrence of H. densispina and H. reniossa asiatica in the Korean fauna and a detailed morphological description of these species’ key characteristics is provided.

뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방은 쌀, 밀, 옥수수와 같은 농작물에 피해를 주는 해충이다. 본 연구에서는 국내 뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방의 미토콘드리아 게놈(15,314b)을 분석하였다. 13개의PCG와2개의 rRNA (13,376bp)를 연결한 서열을 사용한 계통발생 분석 결과, 뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방과 멸 강나방 사이의 가장 높은 노드 수치로 자매분류군을 형성하였다. 밤나방상과(Noctuoidea)의 각 과(Noctuidae, Euteliidae, Nolidae, Erebidae 및 Notodontidae)들은 가장 높은 노드수치로 단계통을 형성하였다.

본 연구에서는 한국산 미기록속인 이마줄불청객파리속(신칭)과 미기록종인 작은눈이마줄불청객파리(신칭)를 처음으로 보고한다. 우리는 이 종이 포식성 거미의 섭식과정에 관여하는 phoretic relationship의 습성을 갖는 것을 확인하였다. 이 종의 성충에 대한 기재문과 사진 및 DNA바 코드 서열을 제공한다.

Helina Robineau-Desvoidy (어리가시집파리속, 신칭)은 집파리과(Muscidae) 가시집파리아과(Phaoniinae)에 속하는 큰 분류군 중 하나 로 전세계에 540여종이 기록되어 있다. 그러나 한국에서는 아직까지 기록이 이루어진 바가 없으며, 이번 연구를 통해 한국미기록속 Helina Robineau-Desvoidy 및 미기록종 H. deleta (Stein, 1914), H. evecta (Harris, 1780), H. subpubiseta Xue, 1986을 처음으로 보고한다. 또한, 분류 학적 정보, 형태학적 사진 및 검색표를 작성하였다.

본 연구에서는 쑥에서 서식하는 Pleotrichophorus pseudoglandulosus (Palmer, 1952) 를 처음으로 보고한다. 무시성충에 대한 형태학적 정보, 기주식물, 분포지역, 한국에 분포하는 Pleotrichophorus 속 종들에 대한 분류키를 제공한다.

Aligned with the recent shift in fruit consumption trends, there is a growing increase in the cultivation of these fruits. Thus, various types of small fruits, including blueberries, have recently been introduced and cultivated in Korea. According to the data, there has been a notable uptick in blueberry farming, in stark contrast to the decline in cultivation of black raspberries, black chokeberries, and blackcurrants. New varieties of blueberries continue to be introduced and cultivated, aligning with the recent consumption trends and are expected to be consistently cultivated in the future. Despite the decrease in the other berries, health benefits associated with all berries have ignited growing consumer interest, resulting in domestic and international market expansion. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of identifying plant varieties that are well-suited to Korea's climatic conditions, validating efficient cultivation strategies, and establishing robust distribution networks to foster sustainable development in the berry industry.

Forward head posture (FHP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes neck pain. Several exercise interventions have been used in South Korea to improve craniovertebral angle (CVA) and relieve neck pain. There has been no domestic literature review study over the past 5 years that has investigated trends and effects of exercise intervention methods for CVA with neck pain. This domestic literature review aimed to evaluate the trends and effects of exercise interventions on CVA and neck pain in persons with FHP. A review of domestic literature published in Korean or English language between 2018 and 2022 was performed. Literature search was conducted on Google Scholar and Korea Citation Index by using the following keywords: “exercise,” “exercise therapy,” “exercise program,” “forward head posture,” and “neck pain.” Ten studies were included in this review. All of the studies showed positive improvements after intervention programs that included exercises. Notably, four of these studies demonstrated significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Among the 10 studies, nine measured visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale scores and reported significant reductions in pain following interventions, including exercise programs. Five of these studies showed significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Furthermore, six studies that used neck disability index exhibited a significant decrease in symptoms after implementing intervention programs that included exercise, and significant differences in results were found between the experimental and control groups. This domestic literature review provides consistent evidence to support the application of various exercise intervention programs to improve CVA and relieve neck pain from FHP. Further studies are warranted to review the effects of various exercise interventions on FHP reported not only in domestic but also in international literature.

Fungal contaminant in the indoor air is one of risk factors that could damage valuable paper-based records preserved in libraries. In the process of monitoring airborne fungi at the Nara Repository, the National Archives, Seoul, Korea, three fungal strains, DUCC 16098, DUCC 17764, and DUCC17767 were isolated from the archive’s air samples. Fungal identification was performed based on the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the 28S LSU rDNA, and β-tubulin gene (BenA), and TEF1-α gene. These DUCC 16098, DUCC 17764 and DUCC17767 strains were identified as Clonostachys farinosa, Penicillium cosmopolitanum, and Cephalotrichum purpureofuscum. These species have not been recorded before in Korea. Information on these fungi will help the monitoring and management of airborne fungi in the archival facilities.

Brachydeutera Loew, 1862(코주부물가파리속, 신칭)는 물가파리과, 물가파리아과에 속하는 작은 분류군이다. 지금까지 이 속에는 전 세계 적으로 16종이 기록되어 있으며, 모든 동물구계에서 발견되지만 아열대 및 열대 지방, 특히 아프리카와 아시아에서 종 다양성이 풍부하다. 본 연구 를 통해 Brachydeutera속을 국내 미기록종 B. meridionalis (Rondani, 1856)(코주부물가파리, 신칭)과 함께 처음으로 보고하며, 이 종에 대한 진단 형질, 형태학적 사진 및 생태사진을 제공하였다.

Air conditioner filters purify the air of indoor environments by removing air pollutants and supporting the efficiency of the unit’s cooling function. However, an air conditioner filter can become a microenvironment in which some fungi can grow as dust continues to accumulate and favorable humidity conditions are formed. Fungal growth in air conditioner filters could lead to fungal allergies or fungal diseases, in addition to emitting a foul odor. In an effort to understand what species causes this malodorous problem, we investigated the diversity of fungi found in air conditioners. Fungi were sampled from the collected air conditioner filters and grown on DG18 agar media. After purification for pure isolates, species identification was undertaken. Colony morphology was observed on PDA, MEA, CYA, and OA media. Microstructures of fruiting body, mycelia, and spores were examined using a light microscope. Molecular identification was performed by PCR and sequencing of PCR amplicons, and molecular phylogenetic analysis of sequenced DNA markers, including the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS), the 28S large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU rDNA), the β-tubulin (BenA) gene, the Calmodulin (CaM) gene, and the DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2) gene. Through this identification process, we found two fungal species, Aspergillus miraensis and Dichotomopilus ramosissimus, which are unrecorded species in Korea. We will now report their morphological and molecular features.

The purpose of this study is to identify the major peacekeeping activities that the Korean armed forces has performed from the past to the present. To do this, we collected 692 press releases from the National Defense Daily over the past 20 years and performed topic modeling and social network analysis. As a result of topic modeling analysis, 112 major keywords and 8 topics were derived, and as a result of examining the Korean armed forces's peacekeeping activities based on the topics, 6 major activities and 2 related matters were identified. The six major activities were 'Northeast Asian defense cooperation', 'multinational force activities', 'civil operations', 'defense diplomacy', 'ceasefire monitoring group', and 'pro-Korean activities', and 'general troop deployment' related to troop deployment in general. Next, social network analysis was performed to examine the relationship between keywords and major keywords related to topic decision, and the keywords ‘overseas’, ‘dispatch’, and ‘high level’ were derived as key words in the network. This study is meaningful in that it first examined the topic of the Korean armed forces's peacekeeping activities over the past 20 years by applying big data techniques based on the National Defense Daily, an unstructured document. In addition, it is expected that the derived topics can be used as a basis for exploring the direction of development of Korea's peacekeeping activities in the future.

Mecysolobini족에 속하는 Sternuchopsis (Sternuchopsis) waltoni (Boheman, 1844) (메꽃통바구미; 신칭) 암컷 1개체를 한반도의 남단인 부 산의 가덕도 야산에서 떨어잡기를 통해 채집하였다. 이 바구미가 국내 식물방역법상 검역해충으로 지정되어 있어 침입종 또는 자생종 인지 여부를 판단할 필요가 있으나 현재 작물에 대한 피해가 확인되지 않고 있고, 그 밖의 채집정보도 없어 그 판단은 무리가 있다고 생각된다. 본 연구는 이 바구 미에 관한 국내 발생정보를 더 확보하기 위한 정확한 진단정보 및 생태정보를 제공하고자 한다.

본 연구는 국내 꽃 정기구독 서비스에 대한 소비자의 인식 과 이용 현황 및 선호도를 파악하기 위해 국내 성인 남녀 중 이용자 225명과 비이용자 291명을 대상으로 설문을 진행하 였다. 대부분의 응답자들은 주로 인터넷과 SNS를 통해 꽃 정 기구독 서비스를 접하였고, 꽃 정기구독 서비스 이용자들은 주로 1~2주에 1회(76.9%), 2~4만 원 가격대(60.4%)의 혼합 된 꽃 상품을 구독하고 있었으며, 대부분 이용 기간은 1년 이 내(84.4%)였다. 꽃 정기구독 서비스를 이용하는 곳은 대부분 집(71.6%)으로, 많은 이용자들이 자기 자신(65.8%)을 위해 서비스를 이용하고 있었다. 꽃 정기구독 서비스에 대하여 이 용자와 비이용자 모두 긍정적으로 인식하고 있었으나, 이용자 들은 비이용자들에 비해 꽃 정기구독 서비스의 가격이 합리적 이고, 삶의 질이 향상되었다고 응답해, 서비스 장점에 대하여 이용자가 비이용자에 비해 더욱 긍정적인 것을 알 수 있었다 (p<0.001). 비이용자들은 꽃 정기구독 서비스 단점으로 포장 쓰레기가 많이 나올 것 같고, 신선도가 떨어질 것으로 우려하 였지만, 이와 반대로 이용자들은 그렇지 않다고 응답하였고, 그 외 단점 문항들에 대해서도 서비스 이용 시 크게 불편함을 느끼지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 응답자들은 꽃 정기구독 서비 스 이용 시 선호하는 상품으로 다양한 꽃이 2~4가지 정도 혼 합된 중간 크기(18~20cm×30~40cm, W×H) 상품을 선호 한다고 응답하였고, 꽃 정기구독 서비스 업체를 선정하기 위 해 고려해야 할 요인으로 이용자와 비이용자 모두 신선도, 꽃 구성, 구매 후기를 중요한 요인으로 응답하였다. 꽃 정기구독 서비스 이용 중 추가로 비용을 지불하면서 이용하고 싶은 서 비스에 대하여 응답자들 모두 절화보존제와 프리미엄 디자인 에 대하여 추가 비용을 지불할 의사가 있다고 응답하였다. 꽃 정기구독 서비스 이용자들은 서비스에 대하여 전반적으로 업 체가 제공하는 정보나 상품에 대해 신뢰하고 있었고, 꽃 정기 구독 서비스 비용은 합리적이라며 긍정적으로 평가하였다. 또 한, 본 서비스에 대한 재이용 의사도 높은 것으로 나타났다. 꽃 정기구독 서비스를 통해 본인을 위한 꽃 소비가 점차 늘어 나고 국내 소비자들의 화훼 소비 형태가 다양하게 변화되었음 을 확인하였으며, 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 앞으로 새로운 국 내 화훼산업 시장이 활성화되고, 지속적인 화훼 소비와 국내 화훼 문화의 발전이 이루어질 것으로 기대한다.