Background: In the South Korean private insurance sector, manual therapy faces increasing scrutiny, necessitating objective evidence for continued reimbursement. Traditional measurements often lack reproducibility or clinical practicality. Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility of belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometry (HHD) as an objective tool for documenting strength changes and informing insurance coverage decisions. Design: A two-case clinical report. Methods: Two adult males undergoing post-operative knee rehabilitation with manual therapy were included: (1) ACL reconstruction with medial meniscus injury and (2) ORIF after knee trauma. With participants seated at the table edge and the trunk stabilized by gripping the table, knee flexion was set at 95°. Belt-stabilized HHD was used to measure isometric knee extension and flexion (three trials; maximum value recorded in N). A single examiner (>15 years’ experience) used a standardized protocol across sessions. Results: Case 1 improved from 44% (extension) and 42% (flexion) limb symmetry to 71.4% and 69.6% by session 20, supporting continued care and reimbursement after 30 sessions. Case 2 showed 60.2% extension symmetry at session 20, but subsequent reassessments lacked consistent improvement, contributing to discontinuation. Conclusion: Belt-stabilized HHD may provide a practical, low-cost method to quantify strength changes and support transparent clinician–patient–insurer communication; larger prospective studies are needed.

Microorganisms perform a crucial function in the biogeochemical processes that maintain soil quality. Nonetheless, the influence of biochar on soil microbial communities and their ecological functions remains poorly understood in black soils. To investigate this, a 2-year field experiment was conducted with four biochar application treatments: 0 t ha− 1 (CK), 6 t ha− 1 (BC6), 12 t ha− 1 (BC12), and 24 t ha− 1 (BC24). Microbial diversity and community composition under each treatment were assessed using high-throughput sequencing techniques. PICRUSt2 and FUNGuild were employed to predict microbial functional profiles. Compared to the control (CK), biochar addition led to notable shifts in both bacterial and fungal community structures. It also significantly enhanced bacterial α-diversity, as reflected by increased Shannon index, OTU counts, and Chao1 richness. However, a gradual decline in bacterial diversity was observed with rising biochar application rates. Taxonomic analysis revealed that biochar treatment significantly elevated the relative abundances of specific bacterial groups—such as Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Candidatus_Solibacter, and Bryobacter—as well as fungal groups such as Ascomycota, Zygomycota, Mortierella, Penicillium, and Fusarium. These effects were most evident under the moderate application rate (BC6). These microbial community changes may contribute to maintaining agroecological functions and soil health in biochar-amended soils. Regarding ecological functions, biochar application enhanced soil bacterial metabolic potential and saprotrophic fungal abundance, with more significant effects in the BC6 treatment, while reducing plant pathogenic fungi. This suggests beneficial effects on soil health maintenance and elemental cycling. Therefore, from the perspective of soil microbial community characteristics, biochar application positively influences black soil quality improvement. Considering environmental and economic benefits, a lower biochar application rate (6 t ha⁻1) may represent an optimal strategy for carbon sequestration, soil quality enhancement, and agroecological function maintenance in the studied system.

This research highlights the use of a WO3: CeO2@MXene/gC3N4 (MGWC) nanodisk as a versatile material. MGWC demonstrates efficient photocatalytic degradation of moxifloxacin (MOF) in water under sunlight and also shows great promise for high-performance supercapacitor applications. MGWC was synthesized using a modified hydrothermal method and thoroughly characterized using various techniques. The MGWC showed a band gap energy of 2.79 eV determined through UV–Vis DRS analysis and an average crystallite size of 39.6 nm calculated from XRD. A promising photocatalytic activity was observed for the degradation of MOF, outperforming other photocatalysts. Additionally, preliminary studies examined variations in catalyst concentration, pH, kinetics, electrolytes, scavengers, reusability, and TOC, contributing valuable insights. Under optimal conditions, the MOF achieved almost complete degradation, reaching about 99.7% within 180 min using the MGWC photocatalyst. Additionally, MGWC exhibits promising potential in supercapacitor applications. EIS and CV studies have been used to examine MGWC’s exceptional charge transfer properties. CV tests confirm the pseudocapacitive nature of MGWC electrodes. GCD studies of MGWC exhibit a high specific capacitance of 551 F/g at 1 A/g with incomparable capacitance retention of 98.1% over 10,000 cycles. This research not only aids in reducing emerging environmental pollutants but also sets the stage for sustainable energy solutions.

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common forefoot deformity that can lead to pain, altered gait, and musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Accurate severity assessment is essential for clinical decision-making, yet radiographic methods, though accurate—are costly and less accessible. Objects: This study aimed to develop and clinically validate an end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI)-based mobile application for HV severity classification from smartphone-captured dorsal foot photographs. Methods: The study comprised two phases. In Phase 1 (App & Model Development), we developed a mobile application integrating foot Red-Green-Blue (RGB) image capture, HV severity classification, and immediate reporting. Paired (weight-bearing anteroposterior foot) radiographs and smartphone dorsal foot photographs were collected from 180 adults with HV. Radiographic HV angle and intermetatarsal angle were measured to categorize severity (mild, moderate, severe) as ground truth. A MobileNetV2 convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained on dorsal foot images to predict severity. In Phase 2 (External Validation & Usability Assessment), 30 independent participants underwent both radiographic and app-based severity assessments. Diagnostic times were recorded for both assessments. Participants then completed a 10-item Likert-scale usability questionnaire, with internal consistency assessed using Cronbach’s α. Results: The CNN successfully classified HV severity based on radiographic ground truth and showed consistent performance on an external dataset. App-based assessment was on average approximately 12 minutes faster than radiographic evaluation (p < 0.001). Usability evaluation indicated positive user experience (overall mean = 3.84/5, Cronbach’s α = 0.706). Conclusion: This study presents fully operational mobile AI application that enables rapid, accurate, and user-friendly classification of HV severity directly from smartphone photographs. By combining machine learning with an accessible mobile platform, it can support point-ofcare screening, patient self-monitoring, and community-based care where radiographic evaluation is impractical.

The objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to investigate the Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) score and its components as prognostic markers in dogs with acute pancreatitis. Forty-seven dogs were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis based on satisfying two criteria: the presence of two acute clinical signs (vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, or lethargy) and confirmation via specific canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) testing. cPL concentration within the intermediate range supported by compatible ultrasonographic evidence. The dogs were categorized into survival and non-survival groups. The APPLE score components (mentation, respiratory rate, fluid score, SpO₂, WBC, creatinine, albumin, total bilirubin, and lactate) were assessed within 24 hours of admission. Statistical comparisons between the groups showed that the non-surviving dogs had significantly higher APPLE scores (39.36 ± 4.41) compared to the survivors (25.67 ± 9.63, p < 0.01). The predictive ability of the APPLE score for distinguishing the survival group from the non-survival group was excellent, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.900. Using the optimal cut-off value, a sensitivity of 1.000 (100.0%) and a specificity of 0.750 (75.0%) were achieved. There were also differences in mentation score, fluid score, SpO₂, creatinine, lactate, and cPL levels between the two groups, indicating poorer prognoses in the non-survivor group. In conclusion, the APPLE score serves as a valuable tool for predicting outcomes in dogs suffering from acute pancreatitis. Its use can help clinicians identify patients at risk, enhance risk assessment, inform treatment decisions, and improve communication with dog owners regarding prognosis.

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of bone regeneration following decortication and sequestrectomy combined with the application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2/absorbable collagen sponge (rhBMP-2/ACS) in 45 patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Each patient received 0.25 g of rhBMP-2/ACS at the surgical site. Facial computed tomography scans were obtained immediately postoperatively and at a six-month follow-up to assess volumetric changes in the alveolar bone. The results indicated that rhBMP-2 significantly enhanced bone regeneration. Notably, the number of residual bone walls was the only significant factor influencing the regenerative outcome (B = 19.47, standard error = 3.05, t = 6.39, p < 0.001). Four-wall defects exhibited the highest regeneration rate (85.2%), and the mandibular posterior region was the most frequently involved site (60.5%). Complications such as surgical site disruption did not significantly impact the regenerative outcomes. These findings suggest that the concomitant use of rhBMP-2 with decortication and sequestrectomy promotes bone healing, reduces recovery time, and improves treatment predictability for patients with MRONJ.

본 연구는 옛 장흥교도소가 빠삐용 Zip이라는 다크 투어리즘이 도입된 복합문화공간으로 재탄생한 사례를 분석하여 부정적 유휴공간의 가치 전 환과 문화적 활용 방식을 탐색하였다. 연구 방법은 단일 사례연구를 채택 하고 심층 인터뷰와 현장 관찰을 실시했다. 연구 결과, 공간 정체성의 재 정립 측면에서 ‘빠삐용Zip’은 교도소의 ‘갱생’을 핵심 가치로 설정하고 ‘문 화적 갱생의 발신지’로 재해석해 공간의 정체성을 재정립했다. 즉 다크 투 어리즘을 매개로 교도소를 ‘문화적 갱생의 발신지’로 재해석해 방문객에겐 공간의 원형 보존을 통한 ‘기억과 성찰의 장’을, 지역주민에겐 참여형 프 로그램을 통한 ‘개방형 소통 거점’을 제공한다. 교육 및 치유 효과 구현 측면에서 ‘빠삐용Zip’은 방문객에게 수용동, 공장동 등 어두운 수감 환경 을 체험하며 자유의 가치를 내재화하는 ‘살아있는 교육 현장’ 역할을 한 다. 또한, 과거의 부정적 공간 경험이 현재 삶과 대비되며 긍정성을 회복 하는 ‘치유의 장’으로도 기능했다. 다크 투어리즘 특유의 문화 프로그램 측면에서 대상지는 오락적 요소(Light)가 중점이 되는 ‘영화·드라마’와 몰 입형 수감 체험(Dark)인 ‘교도소 24시’를 통해 자유 박탈의 신체적 체감시 켜 방문객의 윤리적 교훈을 심화시키는 핵심 기제로 작동한다. 본 연구는 혐오시설의 부정적 기억을 ‘성찰적 갱생’이라는 긍정적인 가치로 전환하 고, 이를 체험형 프로그램으로 구현해 낸 유휴공간 재생 방식을 제시했다 는 점에서 의의가 있다.

본 연구는 생물음향 모니터링(Passive Acoustic Monitoring, PAM)을 통해 수집된 종 수준 조류 발성 데이터를 기반으로, Shannon 및 Simpson 지수를 활용한 조류 종다양성 정량 분석 체계를 제안하고, 이를 제주도에서 생태적으로 대비되는 두 보호지역인 동백동산과 1100고지 습지를 대상으로 실증하였다. 자동녹음장치(Song Meter SM4)를 설치하 여 2020년 1년간 매시간 1분씩 수집한 총 17,568개의 음향 자료를 분석하였으며, 청음 및 소노그램 판독을 통해 종을 식별하고, 종별 발성 탐지량()을 기반으로 상대 발성 빈도()를 산출하여 고전 생태학 지수에 적용하였다. 월 단위로 산출된 다양성 지수는 자기상관 함수 분석, 계층적 군집 분석, 변동계수(CV) 계산, 분산분석(ANOVA) 등의 통계 기법을 통해 시계열적 안정성, 계절 군집 전환, 서식지 간 구조 차이를 비교·해석하였다. 분석 결과, 동백동산 은 연중 다양성과 안정성이 유지된 반면, 1100고지 습지는 계절에 따른 다양성 급감과 군집 재편성이 반복되었다. 본 연구는 종 단위 식별을 기반으로 생물음향 자료를 정량 생태학 지표와 직접 연결할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 이를 통해 기존 음향지수 방식에서 나타나는 정보 부족 문제를 보완할 수 있으며, 음향 기반 자료도 종 구성의 변화를 해석하는 데 유용하게 활용될 수 있음을 보여주었다. 제안된 분석 체계는 생태계 변화의 구조적 추적, 보호지역 관리 효과 진단, 기계학습 기반 자동화 등 다양한 분야로 확장될 수 있어, 국내 조류 생물음향 연구의 이론적 기준점으로 기능할 수 있다.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of an unsupervised outlier-detection method as a surrogate safety measure (SSM) to estimate the effect of AI-based Bike-Safe monitoring system. An SSM that utilizes near-miss data immediately before an accident occurs must be developed to compensate for inadequate bicycle accident data and missing reports. In particular, the omission level of accident reports related to bicycle users is higher on bicycle paths, which implies that the importance of an SSM in safety management is much greater than in the general road environment. Therefore, the unsupervised outlier-detection method was set as the SSM because it can be learned without a label, is suitable for streaming data, and is generalizable under limited data. Additionally, the DeepAnT(deep learningbased anomaly detection) model was selected as the most appropriate time-series outlier-detection method. Using the time-series prediction module of the learned DeepAnT model, we analyzed the frequency of outliers or avoidance behaviors based on a linear relationship between estimated and observed values. The history data of the acceleration change rate of each bicycle were applied to the DeepAnT model to evaluate the possibility of using alternative safety indicators. Thus, those data are expected to be applicable as an alternative safety indicator for bicycle paths.

본 연구는 축산업의 집약화로 인한 가축분뇨 과잉 문제를 해결하고, 이를 유기질 비료로 자원화하기 위해 계분 바이오차(CMBC)의 비료적 가치를 평가하였다. CMBC는 계분과 목질계 바이오매스를 80:20 비율로 혼합하여 400℃에서 2시간 열분해하여 제조하였으며, 이를 포트실험에 적용해 배추(Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) 생육, 토양 특성, 질소 이용효율에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. 실험은 무처리(CN), 무기질비료(IF), 그리고 계분 바이오차(CMBC)를 3, 5, 7 및 10 t ha-1의 시용량으로 전량 기비 처리한 처리구(CMBC3, CMBC5, CMBC7 및 CMBC10)로 구성하였다. IF 처리구는 작물별 표준시비량을 기준으로 시용하였다. 수확 후 토양은 CMBC 시용량 증가에 따라 pH, EC, CEC, 유기물, 총질소, 유효인산이 유의하게 증가하는 경향을 나타내었고 특히 CMBC10 처리구의 pH는 무처리구 대비하여 5.86에서 7.67로 증가하였으며, EC는 0.19 dS m-1에서 6.91 dS m-1로 크게 상승하였다. 또한 유효인산은 86.3에서 1,959 mg kg-1까지 증가하여, 계분 바이오차의 인 공급 효과가 두드러졌다. 이와 함께 O.M, T-N 및 CEC 역시 각각 126%, 143% 및 268% 증가하여 토양 비옥도가 전반적으로 향상되었다. 생육은 CMBC5 처리구에서 339 mg plant-1로 가장 우수하였으며 IF 처리구 대비 생중량, 건중량, 구중의 둘레 및 엽수가 각각 20.6%, 15.5%, 2.8% 및 11.7% 증가하였다. 질소 흡수량 또한 CMBC5 처리구에서 가장 높은 것을 확인하였으며, 겉보기 질소 회수 효율(Apparent Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency, AE_N)과 농업적 질소 이용 효율(Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency, ARF_N)은 CMBC3 처리구에서 최대치(28.6 kg N ha-1, 164%)를 기록하였다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 3~5 t ha-1의 계분 바이오차 시용이 배추 생육 증진, 토양 비옥도 개선 및 질소 이용효율 향상 측면에서 가장 효과적인 것으로 판단되었다. 이러한 결과는 계분 바이오차가 유기질 비료로써 실질적인 활용 가능성을 시사하며, 다양한 작물과 실제 농경지 조건에서의 효과를 검증하기 위한 추가적인 연구가 필요하다.

Using highway accident data, this study predicts the probability of rollover, overturning, and fire accidents and identifies the related risk factors. Whereas existing studies rely primarily on limited explanatory variables and classical statistical models, this study simultaneously enhances predictive performance and interpretability by applying and comparing machine learning-based nonlinear prediction-analysis systems (XGBoost and Shapley additive explanations) with logistic regression, which offers advantages in statistical reasoning. The analysis identifies speeding, segment characteristics (tunnel, ramp, shoulder), and vehicle type (SUV, truck, trailer, and tank lorry) as common key risk factors. These results suggest the necessity of establishing a multilayered management system for speeding, improving facilities centered on high-risk sections (tunnel in/out, ramp, and downhill), performing custom inspections for each vehicle type (load, tire, and brake system), and improving driving behavior (enhancing forward attention, introducing a drowsiness warning system, etc.). This study provides a datadriven empirical basis for identifying the causes of major highway accidents and for designing effective prevention policies.

This study presents a career-integrated English education model incorporating generative AI through two tracks: (1) content development, where English education majors in four career-oriented groups (teaching vs. non-teaching; decided vs. undecided) created TOEIC-format listening materials aligned with their interests; and (2) classroom application, where the AI-generated content was implemented in first-year general classes with 103 students. Career maturity was measured by a 30-item scale, and content effectiveness by ratings of difficulty, appropriateness, usefulness, and effectiveness. Results showed that content-related factors, not learner background, best predicted overall satisfaction. Although no statistically significant differences were found, education majors tended to rate the materials as slightly more useful and slightly less difficult. Pre–post tests showed improved decisiveness, suggesting that AI-integrated, career-oriented instruction enhanced students’ confidence in career decision-making and demonstrated the potential of generative AI in fostering professional competence and career readiness.

Reviving culture is not limited to preservation or reconstruction; it requires revealing its values and engaging the public, thereby establishing communication between the past and the present. A decade has passed since the fire at Sungnyemun, and citizens’ memories of the event have gradually faded. Although the gate has been restored to its place within the daily fabric of the city, its painful history is slowly being forgotten. This study seeks an architectural approach that reconnects citizens with Sungnyemun through spatial narrative and feng shui interpretation, emphasizing the historical and geomantic meanings of the site. Here, place is defined not as a physical environment but as a living space composed of human behavior, relationships, and accumulated time—an intersection of history and memory. Recognizing indifference as a key cause of the fire, this research proposes a memorial space as a medium to reawaken public awareness and revive the cultural value of Sungnyemun, enabling citizens to reflect upon history through collective experience.

본 연구에서는 사회과학적 문학작품 분석모델을 적용하여 한강의 『소 년이 온다』(2014)에 나타난 존엄 훼손과 회복의 서사, 죽음의 공간적·상 징적 구조, 그리고 죽음의 가치와 사회적·윤리적 죽음담론을 확장시킬 수 있는 청년의 좋은 죽음에 대한 인식의 직·간접적 사례를 깊이 있게 탐구 하였다. 이 작품에서 삶의 마지막 공간은 단순한 임종의 장소가 아니라, 청년의 자기정체성과 존엄 회복의 서사적 공간으로 기능한다. 또한 작품 속 청년의 죽음은 국가폭력과 사회적 침묵 속에서 인간의 존재 가치가 체계적으로 파괴되는 존엄 훼손의 과정으로 재현되지만, 이들의 죽음을 기억하고 재서사화하는 행위를 통해 존엄의 복원과 사회적 연대의 가능 성이 드러난다. 이러한 결과를 근거로 청년세대의 죽음에 대한 인식을 존 엄의 윤리와 사회적 기억의 관점에서 재조명함으로써 현대사회의 죽음담 론이 나아가야 할 방향을 논의하였다.

농촌은 인구감소, 고령화, 정주환경 악화 등으로 위기를 맞고 있다. 본 연구는 이러한 문제에 대응하 기 위해 농촌공간 회복력을 정량적으로 평가하기 위한 농촌재생지수를 개발하고 농촌지역에 적용 하였다. 이를 위해 농촌회복력 평가를 지표를 선정하고 시계열 자료를 활용하여 적응요소와 쇠퇴 요소로 구분하고 정규화, 증감률 분석, 지수화를 통해 농촌재생지수를 도출하였다. 대상지인 충청 남도 부여군과 당진시에 대한 농촌재생지수를 분석한 결과, 두 지역 모두 재생지수가 지속적으로 감소하는 경향을 보여 회복력이 약화되고 있음을 확인할 수 있었으며 주요 원인은 고령인구 증가와 노후주택 비율 상승인 것으로 나타났다. 부여군은 지속적으로 낮은 재생지수를 보인 반면 당진시 는 상대적으로 높은 재생지수를 보이다가 2021년부터는 부여군과 유사하게 낮은 회복력 기준인 1 이하의 값을 보였다. 본 연구를 통해 농촌지역에 대한 회복력을 시계열적이고 정량적으로 분석하 여 향후 농촌공간계획 정책 수립의 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 보인다.

In response to the contemporary demands of the construction industry for climate-change action and carbon neutrality, this study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the applicability of Portland limestone cement (PLC)—a notable sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)—for highway pavement applications. PLC is an eco-friendly material that reduces carbon-dioxide emissions and energy consumption compared with OPC by reducing the clinker ratio in its manufacturing process. This study examines the fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms of PLC concrete and compares its mechanical performance and durability characteristics with those of OPC concrete. The results indicate that PLC concrete exhibits performance levels equivalent to or superior to those of OPC in key metrics such as compressive and flexural strengths, with particularly outstanding performance in durability aspects such as chloride-penetration resistance. However, the potential for early-age cracking and compatibility issues with certain admixtures are identified as challenges that must be addressed for the wider field application of PLC concrete. Thus, this study proposes the integration of nanotechnology to overcome these technical limitations and maximize performance. Specifically, methods to significantly improve the strength, abrasion resistance, fatigue resistance, and crack-control performance by utilizing nanomaterials such as Nano- , Nano- , and graphene oxide ( ) to control the microstructure of PLC concrete are presented. Finally, a comprehensive roadmap is proposed to enhance the field applicability of PLC concrete for highway pavements and contribute to the construction of sustainable social infrastructure through three key strategies: mix design optimization, consideration of regional environmental conditions, and integration of nanotechnology.

본 연구는 부식에 취약한 강재의 대체 보강재로써 주목받는 CFRP 보강재의 피로 예측에 머신러닝을 적용하는 것이 타당한지 검토하였다. 이를 위해 선행 연구의 피로 시험 결과를 바탕으로 섬유-체적 비율 40, 50, 60, 80%의 데이터를 수집하였으며, 이 중 40, 50, 60% 섬유 함침율을 학습 데이터, 80% 섬유 함침율을 검증 데이터로 활용되었다. 머신러닝 학습에는 랜덤 포레스트 알고리즘 이 활용되었으며, K-폴드 교차 검증을 통해 알고리즘 내부의 하이퍼파라미터를 추정하였다. 그 결과, 최종 하이퍼파라미터는 결정 나무 200, 최대 깊이 20등으로 결정되었다. 해당 하이퍼파라미터를 적용한 피로 성능 예측 결과, 전반적으로 0.92∼0.97의 높은 결정 계수를 보여 충분한 예측 성능을 기대할 수 있을 것으로 나타났지만, 예측값과 실험값을 비교하는 산점도 분석 결과에서 3 mm 변위 수준의 예측값이 약 117만 사이클의 MAE를 보였다. 이는 적은 표본 수로 인해 학습 데이터에 과적합 되었음을 의미하는 명백한 증거 이며, 향후 지속적인 연구를 통해 개선할 필요가 있다.

Enhancing the energy density of electrodes by increasing thickness and mass loading is a technological challenge. Thick electrodes suffer from severe deterioration in electrochemical performance due to insufficient structural integrity and sluggish charge transport, particularly under high current density. Herein, we fabricated thick LiFePO4 (LFP) electrodes with thicknesses ranging from 85.7 to 90.3 μm and an average mass loading of 17.68 mg/cm2 by tailoring the ratio of zero-dimensional (Super P, SP) and one-dimensional (multi-walled carbon nanotube, MWCNT) conductive additives. The electrodes containing MWCNT exhibited crack-free structure and enhanced electrochemical performance with increasing MWCNT ratio because of the superior mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of MWCNT. However, the electrochemical performance of the electrode containing only MWCNT deteriorated due to aggregation of the MWCNT and poor point to point contact with the LFP particles. The multi-dimensional conductive additives improve the dispersion of components within the electrode and the structural stability of the electrode. As a result, the tailored electrode exhibited a lower degree of electrode thickness expansion (1.4 %), lower polarization (60.8 mV at 0.1 C), excellent high-rate capability (132.7 mAh/g at 2 C), superior capacity retention (27.5 % at 3 C), and lower electrical resistivity and interfacial resistance (14.9 Ω cm and 3.8 Ω cm2, respectively) compared to other samples.

Zooplankton are dominant pelagic consumers in lake ecosystems with high population and biomass. Their broad geographical distribution, ease of quantification, and rapid responses to abiotic environmental factors, such as eutrophication, acidification, and climate change, make them highly suitable as indicator organisms for assessing lake ecosystem health. The multi-metric index (MMI) provides an effective framework for capturing the complex responses of biological communities to varying environmental stressors, making it a valuable approach for improving the practical effectiveness of lake ecosystem management based on biological assessments. This study introduces the Lake Zooplankton Assessment Index (LZAI), developed for 90 lakes in South Korea. The LZAI comprises four components: a sensitive species index based on cladocerans, a eutrophication index based on rotifers, a food web index based on copepods, and a habitat index based on species diversity. Applying the LZAI to 90 lakes showed that lake grades followed a normal distribution regardless of sampling season, though A-grade and E-grade lakes exhibited greater seasonal variability. When compared with the clustering results based on zooplankton community composition, the LZAI closely reflected the underlying patterns in community structure. However, in brackish lakes-where population densities are lower and Calanoida copepods dominate relative to freshwater lakes-the M1 and M4 indices were consistently low, while M2 and M3 were high. This suggests that the LZAI requires index adjustments tailored to regional and lake-type factors, including size, depth, and salinity. Incorporating biomass data into the index would further improve the accuracy of assessing community structure and its role in nutrient and energy cycling.