Background: Core stabilization exercises are widely used to improve trunk stability, balance, and functional movement by enhancing the activation and endurance of deep trunk muscles such as the transversus abdominis (TrA). However, evidence comparing the effects of sling-based unstable surface training and mat-based stable surface training remains limited. Objects: To investigate the effects of mat based core stabilization exercises and sling based unstable surface core stabilization exercises on transversus abdominis thickness and core endurance. Methods: Forty-six healthy adults were randomly assigned to a mat exercise group (MEG, n=23) or a mat with sling exercise group (MSEG, n=23). Both groups performed 30-minute core stabilization exercises twice per week for four weeks. TrA thickness was measured using ultrasonography (SONON 300L), and core endurance was evaluated using the Bourban test for the anterior muscle chain. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in transversus abdominis thickness (MEG: P<.05; MSEG: P<.00) and core endurance (P<.00) after the intervention. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in post-intervention TrA thickness or Bourban test. Conclusion: Both mat based and sling based core stabilization exercises effectively enhanced TrA thickness and core endurance in healthy adults.

Background: Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested core stabilization exercise as a conservative treatment approach for scoliosis. Objectives: To investigate the effects of sling exercise and unilateral core exercise on the angle, balance ability, and muscle tone in individuals with scoliosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-one students in their twenties with mild scoliosis were recruited as participants and randomly assigned to one of three groups: a sling exercise group (n=7), a unilateral core exercise group (n=6), and a combined sling and unilateral core exercise group (n=6). Two participants dropped out during the study. Each group performed its designated exercise program individually, three times per week for five weeks. Measurements of scoliosis angle, balance, and muscle tone were taken before and after the intervention. Results: The sling exercise intervention significantly reduced the scoliosis angle (P<.05) and significantly increased muscle tone on the convex side (P<.05). In the combined sling and unilateral core exercise group, a significant improvement in static balance ability was observed (P<.05). Conclusion: Among the core stabilization exercises applied to scoliosis, sling exercise may be considered a potential intervention for mild scoliosis.

활성슬러지 생물반응기 내 핵심 미생물군은 하수처리장에서 미생물 군집이 수행하는 생태학적 역할을 이해하는 데 중요한 기반이 된다. 본 연구에서는 이러한 핵심 미생물군의 생태학적 중요성을 규명하기 위해, 한국과 중국에 위치한 6개의 실규모 하수처리장에서 채취한 총 39개의 시료를 대상으로 고효율 염기서열 분석 기반의 미생물 군집 분석을 수행하였다. 분석 결과, 각각의 하수처리장에서 관찰된 미생물 군집 변동성은 하수처리장 간의 변동성보다 낮은 패치 동역학이 관찰되었다. 이 결과는 핵심 미생물군이 공간적 스케일보다는 시간적 스케일에서 정의될 수 있음을 보여준다. 또한, 미생물의 기능적 동역학을 비교한 결과, 하수처리장 전반에 걸쳐 통계적으로 유사한 기능적 대사경로가 관찰되었으며, 이는 활성슬러지 생물반응기 내 미생물 군집이 분류학적으로 상이하더라도 유사한 기능을 수행하고 있음을 시사한다. 종합적으로, 본 연구는 하수처리장 미생물 군집의 기능적 중복성에 대한 통찰력을 제공한다.

Background: Core stabilization exercises are a key component of exercises for the conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of two different home-based exercise instruction methods (leaflets versus video materials) for children with AIS performing core stabilization exercises. Design: A retrospective study. Methods: Pediatric outpatients diagnosed with AIS were assigned to either a leaflet group or a YouTube video group. They were instructed to perform core stabilization exercises at home daily, completing three sets per day for six months. Pre- and post-exercise (6 months) evaluations included X-rays to measure the Cobb angle and the degree of vertebral rotation. Additionally, endurance in maintaining the Superman and Bird-dog positions was assessed. Results: After 6 months of intervention, the leaflet and YouTube groups showed no significant differences regarding Cobb angle, rotational degree, or endurance in the Bird-Dog and Superman positions. However, within-group comparisons before and after the 6-month exercise period showed a significant improvement in Cobb angle in the leaflet group. If exercise leaflets are effectively utilised, they could facilitate the implementation of core stabilization exercises in children with AIS, potentially improving their prognosis. Conclusion: Providing exercise instruction via a leaflet may be more effective than using a YouTube video in facilitating adherence to core stabilization exercises and improving spinal alignment in children with AIS.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of a disaster nursing education program using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) on nursing students’ competency in emergency patient triage, core competencies, confidence in disaster nursing, and self-efficacy in disaster response. Methods: This study utilized a nonequivalent control group design. The experimental group (n=25) participated in a disaster nursing education program that incorporated the KTAS, whereas the control group (n=27) did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. Results: The two groups differed significantly in both competency in emergency patient triage (t=3.47, p=.001) and confidence in disaster nursing (t=2.51, p=.015). Conclusions: This study indicates that a disaster nursing education program using the KTAS, a tool currently employed in clinical practice, rather than theory-based instruction alone, contributed to enhancing nursing students’ practical competencies. Such training can improve the emergency patient triage and confidence in disaster nursing required in emergency situations, ultimately enabling future nurses to better protect the lives and health of individuals affected by disasters.

원전에서 발생 가능한 중대사고 중 하나인 용융 노심-콘크리트 상호작용(Molten Core Concrete Interaction, MCCI)은 노심의 용융물이 격납용기 하부의 콘크리트를 침투하면서 콘크리트의 물리적 및 화학적 분해를 유도하고, 이로 인해 구조적 손상이 발생하게 된다. 더불어, 분해 과정에서 발생하는 비응축성 가스와 수증기로 인해 내부압력이 급격히 상승할 수 있다. 본 연구는 MCCI 가 발생하는 상황에서 원전 프리스트레스트 콘크리트 격납용기(Prestressed Concrete Containment Vessel, PCCV)의 내부압력 저 항능력을 평가하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 이를 위해 APR1400을 대상으로 MELCOR 코드 기반의 사고 시나리오를 통해 압력 및 온도 상승을 모사하였으며, 검증된 유한요소 해석모델을 이용해 구조응답을 분석하였다. 내부압력 저항능력은 글로벌 후프 변형률(global hoop strain)과 등가소성변형률(equivalent plastic strain) 두 가지 한계상태 기준에 따라 비교 분석하였다.

Background: During daily activities, stability is maintained to enhance the function of muscles surrounding the lumbopelvic and hip structures. The core muscles such as the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) responsible for this stability. One effective static exercise for strengthening these muscles is the plank. Objects: This study aimed to compare abdominal electromyographic activation when an unstable support surface was applied to the upper and lower extremities during a standard and a knee plank. Methods: A total of 30 adults (15 males and 15 females) participated in this study. Surface electromyography electrodes were placed on the RA, EO, and IO muscles. Data were collected under six conditions for males, including two plank postures (standard and knee planks) and three unstable surface conditions (a dynamic balance cushion applied to the upper extremities, lower extremities, or no cushion). Female participants performed only the knee plank. A mixed-effects model with a random intercept was used to analyze muscle activation across plank posture and surface position, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05. Results: In males, the standard plank elicited greater muscle activation than the knee plank across all muscles (p < 0.0001). Additionally, applying an unstable support surface to the upper extremities significantly increased muscle activation in both plank postures in EO and IO (p < 0.001). Other muscle, RA, was only affected by the unstable support surface in the standard plank position only. In females, the knee plank with upper limb instability resulted in the highest muscle activation for all muscles. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of surface instability in core muscle engagement. However, future studies should further investigate abdominal muscle activation with a more detailed analysis and the inclusion of a control group to enhance comparative validity.

유묘기의 저온 스트레스는 벼의 초기 생육 및 성장을 방해하여 수량 감소에 영향을 준다. 유묘기 내냉성 육종을 위해서는 내냉성을 조절하는 유전자좌를 탐색하고, 유용한 대립유전자를 도입하여 유묘기의 내냉성을 향상시킬 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 한국형 벼 핵심집단 134 계통의 유묘기 내냉성을 검정하고 전장유전체 연관 분석을 통해 해당 형질과 연관된 QTL 및 후보 유전자를 탐색하였다. 생육 10일 된 벼 유묘에 8°C의 저온을 3일 동안 처리한 후, 달관평가를 통해 1-10단계로 내냉성을 평가하였다. 1,781,068개의 SNP 마커를 이용한 전장유전체 분석을 통해 3, 5, 6, 9번 염색체에서 유묘기 내냉성 형질과 높은 연관성을 보인 4개의 QTL을 탐지하였다. 4개의 QTL 지역 중 염색체 5번에 위치한 qCTS5는 2개의 분석 모델에서 일관적으로 발견되어 높은 신뢰성을 보였다. qCTS5의 물리적 위치를 기준으로 24개의 유전자가 확인되었고, 이중 8개 유전자가 내냉성 형질과 관련 있다고 보고되었다. 추후 bi-parental population을 이용하여 유전자를 동정하고, 저온 환경에서의 역할을 명확히 밝히고자 한다.