Visfatin, an adipokine secreted by cells, is crucial for intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ biosynthesis. Extracellularly, visfatin plays diverse roles in inflammatory conditions, including obesity, which is closely linked to osteoclastogenesis. We previously showed that visfatin enhances receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow-derived macrophages. However, its enzymatic activity during this process is poorly understood. Here, we investigated visfatin’s effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Our results demonstrate that visfatin promotes this differentiation, an effect inhibited by FK866, an inhibitor of visfatin’s enzymatic activity. Furthermore, FK866 also inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. These findings suggest that inhibiting visfatin’s enzymatic activity modulates osteoclast differentiation. Thus, visfatin plays an important role in osteoclastogenesis, both intracellularly and extracellularly, and FK866 has therapeutic potential for diseases characterized by imbalanced osteoclast formation, such as osteoporosis and periodontitis.

본 연구에서는 요리사이자 저자인 마이클 헵이 2018년에 발표한 『사 랑하는 사람과 저녁 식탁에서 죽음을 이야기합시다』의 경험적 이야기를 통해 가족의 긍정적 죽음문화를 강화시킬 수 있는 좋은 죽음에 대한 인 식의 직·간접적 사례를 깊이 있게 탐구하였다. 이 작품은 마이클 헵이 삶 의 가장 소중한 대화로 이끄는 만찬에 초대한 수천 명의 사람들과 죽음 에 관한 대화를 꺼내는 방법, 죽음의 만찬을 할 때마다 감사를 연습하는 과정, 식사라는 매개를 활용하여 죽음을 논의할 때 감정적으로 안전하게 끝내는 방법을 파악하면서 죽음에 관한 대화의 물꼬를 터나가는 진솔한 삶의 이야기다. 사회과학적 문학작품 사례를 분석한 결과, 좋은 죽음에 대한 인식은 가족의 발달단계마다 죽음에 대한 긍정적인 문화를 강화시켜 줄 수 있는 주요 요인인 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과를 근거로 가족의 죽음문화에 대한 강화요인으로서 좋은 죽음에 대한 인식을 확장할 수 있 는 방안을 논의하였다.

작물 증발산량은 잠재 증발산량에서 작물계수를 곱하여 작 물의 요수량을 산출할 수 있어 수자원 관리에 널리 사용되는　 방법이다. 특히 유엔식량농업기구(FAO)가 관개 및 배수 논 문 NO.56에서 발표한 Penman-Monteith　방정식(FAO 56-PM) 은 잠재 증발산량을 추정하는 표준방법으로, 평균온도, 최대 온도, 최소온도, 상대습도, 풍속 및 일사량의 6가지 기상 데이 터가 필요하다. 그러나　농경지 인근에 설치된 기상센서는 설 치 및 유지보수 비용이 높아 결측, 이상치와 같은 데이터 신뢰 성 문제를 야기하여 정확한 증발산량 계산을 복잡하게 만든 다. 본 연구에서는 인근 기상청의 데이터를 사용하여 필요한 6가지 기상 변수를 예측함으로써 기상 센서 없이 작물 증발산량을 추정할 수 있는지 조사하였다. 우리는 기상청의 API를 통해 수집할 수 있는 22개의 기상 변수를 입력 데이터로 활용 했다. 9개의 회귀 모델을 학습한 후 성능에 따라 상위 3개를 선 택하고 하이퍼파라미터 튜닝을 적용하여 최적의 모델을 식별 했다. 가장 좋은 성능을 보인 모델은 Extreme Gradient Boosting Regression(XGBR)이었으며 평균온도, 최대온도, 최소온도, 상대습도, 풍속 및 일사량에서 결정계수(R2)가 각 0.98, 0.99, 0.99, 0.91, 0.72, 0.86로 높은 결과를 얻을 수 있었다. 이러한 결과는 XGBR 모델이 작물 기상 데이터를 사용하여 작물 증 발산 모델에 필요한 입력 값을 정확하게 예측할 수 있어 값비 싼 기상 센서가 필요 없음을 시사한다. 이 접근 방식은 센서 설 치 및 유지보수가 어려운 지역에서 특히 유용할 수 있으며, 직 접적인 센서 데이터 없이도 표준 증발산 모델의 사용을 가능 하게 한다.

The increase in radioactive waste increased the demand for transportation to the disposal facility. Prior to transporting radioactive waste, confirming that the potential exposure is insignificant is crucial. Overland transportation risk assessment models were developed tailored to domestic characteristics. Dose assessment using this model requires selecting appropriate factors. However, users may struggle to derive appropriate values, leading to inaccuracies. Additionally, if assessment results show outliers, prioritizing factors for review can be challenging. Therefore, sensitivity analysis is necessary to prioritize factors for accurate assessment. In this study, sensitivity analysis was conducted on the on-link public risk assessment model factors for radioactive waste overland transportation. Initially, assessment models were analyzed by each detailed exposure scenario. Subsequently, uncertainty propagation-based sensitivity analysis methodology was applied. The default values for the assessment model factors were set, and sensitivity analysis was conducted based on road type for maximum individual and collective dose assessment models. For the maximum individual dose model, the distance to the samedirection vehicle was the most sensitive, whereas for the collective dose model, vehicle velocity was the most sensitive. The results of this study can be used as the basic data on radioactive waste transportation risk assessment in Korea in the future.

Malaria remains a significant public health issue, particularly in regions such as the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Effective malaria control and prevention require precise prediction of mosquito density across both monitored and unmonitored areas. This study aimed to develop predictive models to estimate the abundance of malaria vector mosquitoes by integrating meteorological and geographical data. Data from mosquito surveillance sites and NASA MODIS land cover datasets acquired between 2009 and 2022 were utilized. Two predictive models, the Gradient Boosted Model (GBM) and Principal Component Regression (PCR), were employed and evaluated. Model performance was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²). Results showed that PCR outperformed GBM in predictive accuracy, suggesting that PCR is more robust in handling multicollinearity among variables. However, both models did not show practically-usable level of prediction performance. This study provides a preliminary but foundational framework for extending predictive modeling to broader regions, thereby supporting malaria prevention efforts through improved risk mapping.

국가어항은 어촌경제의 핵심 거점으로, 전통적으로 수산업 활동을 지원하는 기능을 수행해 왔다. 그러나 현대에는 관광과 레크 리에이션 기능도 요구되고 있으며, 어항의 다기능화가 필요해지고 있다. 이에 따라 국가어항의 기능을 체계적으로 분류하고, 그 기능에 영향을 미치는 요인을 분석하는 것이 중요한 과제로 부각되었다. 따라서 본 연구는 국가어항의 기능을 분류하고, 각 기능에 미치는 주요 요인들을 실증 분석한다. 이를 통해 어항 기능을 극대화하고, 어촌경제와 지역사회 발전에 기여할 수 있는 전략을 제시하고자 한다. 연구 는 2021년 기준 115개 국가어항을 대상으로 자료를 수집하여 분석하였다. 분석 결과, 국가어항은 기초어업형, 경제적 진흥형, 관광특화형, 취약형, 다목적형의 5가지 유형으로 분류되었다. 또한 다중회귀분석을 통해 수산 및 관광 기능에 미치는 주요 요인들을 도출하였다. 중도 매인 수, 관광매출액, 숙박시설 수, 항별 이용 면적 등이 관광과 수산 기능에 유의미한 영향을 미친다는 점을 확인하였다. 이 연구는 국가 어항의 다기능화를 위한 구체적인 요인들을 규명하고, 각 유형의 어항에 맞는 개발 전략을 제시할 수 있는 기초자료를 제공한다. 특히, 취 약형 어항에 대한 맞춤형 개발 전략이 필요이 중요한 과제로 제시되었다.

본 연구에서는 자료포락분석(DEA) 기법을 이용하여 해양환경 요인의 영향을 받는 남해 주요 해역의 어업생산활동 효율성을 비교하고, 해양환경 재해요인이 효율성 변동에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 분석하였다. 분석에는 남해 서부 여자만부터 동부 진해만 해역까 지 18개 해역을 업무구역으로 하는 12개 지구별 수협의 10년간(2013-2022년) 계통출하 생산자료를 사용하였다. 분석기간 동안 여수와 고흥 수협이 상대적으로 적은 생산자수와 어업비용을 투입하여 높은 생산량과 생산금액을 산출함으로써 높은 기술적 효율성을 달성하였으며, 멸치 생산금액과 김 생산량이 각각 높은 효율성의 기반으로 추정되었다. 평균 기술적 효율성은 2013년 49.3%에서 2022년 40.7%으로 감소 하였으며, 통영 수협이 96.4%에서 34.5%로 가장 크게 감소하였다. 삼천포 수협은 기술적 효율성 대비 규모 효율성이 가장 높아 생산기술 의 순수기술적인 비효율을 해결해야 하는 것으로 나타났다. 정태적 분석에서 기술적 효율성을 달성했던 여수와 고흥 수협의 경우, 5년 단 위의 Window-DEA 분석 결과 동태적인 비효율성이 존재하는 것을 확인하였다. 해양환경 재해요인의 경우, 진해만 해역의 수협과 여수 수 협의 어업생산 효율성이 연도별로 빈산소수괴 발생횟수와 유의한 부(-)의 상관관계를 나타내었다.

This study aims to examine total factor productivity (TFP) and its determinants in offshore fisheries under the worsening fishing environment and to propose policy improvement based on the estimation results. We identified a decline in TFP of offshore fisheries from 2012 to 2020 employing the global Malmquist productivity index (GMPI), with the primary cause being the regression of the production possibility frontier due to the reduction of fishery resources. Moreover, utilizing the system generalized method of moments (GMM), we found that the determinants, such as the cessation of operations in Japan’s EEZ, vessel age, fishing experience, and oil prices, contribute to a decrease in the TFP of offshore fisheries. Therefore, this study suggests implementing a total allowable catch (TAC)-centered fishery resource management policy, along with reducing loan interest rates and extending the repayment period for the vessel modernization project. Furthermore, it is necessary to improve the TFP of offshore fisheries by providing regular training for fishermen, implementing the tax-free petroleum stockpiling project, and developing alternative fishing grounds.

This study aimed to assess the global and domestic efforts regarding the reduction of environmental-impact-factor emissions in the production and construction processes of concrete pavements. By utilizing internationally commercialized programs, this study sought to calculate the environmental impact factors generated by specific domestic concrete-pavement projects and identify areas for improvement. This study evaluated the global and domestic efforts of environmental impact reduction by focusing on the production and construction of concrete pavements. This study calculated the environmental impact factors for five cases using internationally commercialized software. The analysis revealed that, during the production and construction of concrete pavements, Portland cement production is a dominant cause of global warming, smog, acidification, and non-carcinogenic factors, whereas aggregate production is a dominant cause of ozone depletion, eutrophication, carcinogenicity, respiratory issues, environmental toxicity, and fossil-fuel depletion. This study analyzed the environmental impact factors of material mix and process during concrete pavement production and construction using foreign life-cycle inventory (LCI) databases. The environmental impact of each input material was identified. In the future, if an LCI and life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) database for domestic road pavement materials is established and analyzed based on the conditions presented in this study, it is expected to lay the foundation for the development of environmentally friendly materials.

The purpose of this study was to optimize the design of asphalt concrete pavements for Jeju Island by considering the regional characteristics of the island. This study employed an MEPDG program to determine the allowable traffic loads for class 4 vehicles by considering the axle loads, climate, and material properties. Samples of basalt asphalt concrete from Jeju were used to measure the dynamic modulus for material property estimation. The climate input was based on 30-year climate data from Jeju. The thicknesses and moduli of the subgrade, subbase, and asphalt layers were incorporated into the design. The regression-analysis program SPSS was used to develop a regression equation for the overlay design, factoring in the modulus and thickness ratios between the existing and overlay asphalt layers. A pavement-thickness design formula tailored to Jeju's characteristics was derived. An equivalent single-axle load factor (ESALF) formula was developed to facilitate traffic-load estimation for different roads, enabling the easy incorporation of varying traffic volumes into the design. The ESALF formula demonstrated a high correlation with the pavement thickness, subgrade conditions, and axle loads, whereas the pavementthickness design formula exhibited strong correlations with the pavement thickness, subgrade state, thickness ratios, and modulus ratios. The use of basalt aggregates in asphalt concrete pavements provides an economically viable and technically sound solution for Jeju. The proposed design methodology not only reduces costs but also enhances pavement performance and road safety. The developed formulas offer flexibility in adjusting designs based on specific traffic conditions, providing optimal pavement solutions for different road categories.

본 연구에서는 스웨덴의 신예 작가 요나스 요나슨이 2009년에 발표한 문학작품 『창문 넘어 도망친 100세 노인』을 중심으로 삶의 비극성을 긍 정적으로 재조명하고 전환시키기 위한 온작품읽기 과정을 통해 노년기 삶의 의미를 강화시킬 수 있는 미래시간조망과 희망의 직·간접적 사례를 탐구하고자 하였다. 이 작품은 알란 칼손이란 100세 노인을 세계사의 여 러 현장에 등장시키고 작가 특유의 개그 요소와 묵직하지 않은 문체로 서술해내면서 알란만의 '될 대로 될 것이다'라는 마인드와 새로운 삶의 시점을 풀어낸 소설이다. 텍스트 사례를 분석한 결과, 미래시간조망과 희 망은 노년기 삶의 의미를 강화시켜 줄 수 있는 중요요인으로 작용할 가능 성이 매우 높은 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과를 근거로 노년기 삶의 의미 에 대한 보호요인으로서 미래시간조망과 희망을 확장할 수 있는 방안을 논의하였다.

This paper evaluates the use of Factor Analysis (FA) in English education research in Korea and suggests improvements in methodology. A detailed coding protocol was used to review 179 FA cases from 12 major English education journals (2014-2023). The review identified several key issues, including small sample sizes and lenient criteria for sample size selection, insufficient reporting on data appropriateness and normality, confusion between principal component analysis and FA, overreliance on the Eigenvalue > 1 criterion for determining the number of factors, inappropriate factor rotation methods, inconsistency between factor rotation and extraction methods, inadequate reporting on factor loadings and cross loadings criteria, and excessive reliance on SPSS as a statistical tool for FA. This study provides specific guidelines for applying FA appropriately and reporting results accurately.

This study investigates the role of the NAC transcription factor ANAC032 in regulating abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent stress responses and its involvement in sugar signaling pathways. Arabidopsis seedlings with overexpressed or knock-out ANAC032 were examined for their sensitivity to ABA, glucose, and fluridone to elucidate the functional role of ANAC032 in ABA and high glucose-mediated growth retardation. Our results showed that ANAC032 negatively regulates ABA responses, as ANAC-overexpressing plants exhibited higher ABA sensitivity, while anac032 mutants were less sensitive. Under high glucose conditions, anac032 mutants demonstrated hyposensitivity, with germination rates higher than wild-type and ANAC032-overexpressing plants. Additionally, yeast two-hybrid screening identified three NAC proteins, ANAC020, ANAC064, and ANAC074, interact with ANAC032. These findings highlight ANAC032’s role in stress signaling pathways and its potential interactions with other NAC proteins, contributing to a better understanding of transcriptional regulation in plant stress responses and possibly expanding to forage crop development.

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase-2 (NTRK2), are well known for their roles in the central nervous and animal reproductive systems. Several studies have observed the extensive expression of BDNF and NTRK2 in non-neuronal tissues, especially reproductive organs. However, most of these studies focused on ovarian development and regulation; thus, scientific research on BDNF and NTRK2 in males is required to determine their roles in the male reproductive system. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate BDNF and NTRK2 expression in bovine testes. Methods: Testes were collected from six Hanwoo bulls (6-8 months old). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of BDNF and NTRK2 in the testes. Western blot analysis was performed to verify the cross-reactivity of BDNF and NTRK2 antibodies with bovine testicular tissues. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to determine BDNF and NTRK2 protein expression in the testes. Results: RT-PCR analysis revealed BDNF and NTRK2 mRNA expression in bovine testes. In Western blotting, BDNF and NTRK2 protein bands were observed at 32 and 45 kDa, respectively. Immunofluorescence demonstrated BDNF expression in the nuclei of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells as well as in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. NTRK2 was exclusively expressed in Sertoli cells. These results suggest that BDNF plays a potential role in spermatogenesis via BDNF and NTRK2 signaling in bovine testes, a finding supported by previous results in different animal species. Conclusions: The expression patterns of BDNF and NTRK2 indicate their functional importance in the bovine reproductive system.

Ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs) are important plant transcription factors (TFs) that regulate plant responses against various abiotic stresses. However, little information of ERF genes involved in abiotic stress is available in petunia (Petunia ×hybrida). In this study, a petunia ERF gene, PhERF039, was cloned and functional analysis was performed. The quantitative PCR analysis revealed that PhERF039 was induced at the early stage of water deficit stress. Under-expression of PhERF039 (UE) exhibited rosette growth habit, higher number of branches, and delayed flowering compared to the wild type (WT). The UE petunia was evaluated under various volumetric water contents (θ): 0.25, 0.15, 0.10, or 0.05 m3·m-3 using an automated irrigation system. Transgenic plants did not delay plant wilting, but the θ for UE reached to the set point later than that for WT. A lower stomatal conductance was observed in UE than WT under all treatments. These results suggested that PhERF039 could be involved in plant responses under water deficit by regulating stomatal movements as well as branching pattern and flower development.

Background: Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is essential for various biological processes, including fetal Leydig cell differentiation. The PDGFRαEGFP mouse model, which expresses an eGFP fusion gene under the native Pdgfrα promoter, serves as a valuable resource for exploring PDGFRα’s expression and function in vivo. This study investigates PDGFRα expression in adult testicular cells using PDGFRαEGFP mouse model. Methods: Genotyping PCR and gel electrophoresis were used to confirm the zygosity of PDGFRαEGFP mice. Histological examination and fluorescence imaging were used to identify PDGFRα expression within testicular tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis assessed the co-expression of PDGFRα with c-Kit, ANO-1, and TASK-1 in testicular cells. Results: Genotyping confirmed the heterozygous status of the mice, which is crucial for studies due to the embryonic lethal phenotype observed in homozygotes. Histological and fluorescence imaging revealed that PDGFRα+ cells were primarily located in the interstitial spaces of the testis, specifically within Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells (PMCs). Immunohistochemical results showed PDGFRα co-localization with c-Kit and ANO-1 in Leydig cells and a complete co-localization with TASK-1 in both Leydig cells and PMCs. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate specific expression of PDGFRα in Leydig cells and PMCs in adult testicular tissue. The co-expression of PDGFRα with c-Kit, ANO-1, and TASK-1 suggests complex regulatory mechanisms, possibly influencing testicular function and broader physiological processes.

본 연구는 성인 학습자의 대학동아리 활동 만족도와 지속 요인이 학업 스트레스 간 관계에서 자아존중감의 매개효과를 검증하여, 성인 학습자의 동아리활동과 학교생활에 더욱 만족할 수 있는 방안을 제시하고자 하였다. 대구·경북 지역 25세 이상 성인학습자 250명을 대상으로 2020년 9월 25 일부터 2020년 11월 24일까지 직접 방문 및 구글을 활용한 설문조사를 실시하였다. 회수된 설문지는 215부로 이중 불성실한 응답을 한 4부의 설 문지는 제외하고 총 211부를 최종분석에 활용하였다. 분석 결과, 성인 학 습자의 대학동아리 활동 만족도는 자아존중감과 학업 스트레스에 영향을 미 치지 않은 것으로 확인되었다. 다만 성인 학습자의 동아리 활동 지속 요인 은 자아존중감, 학업 스트레스에 통계적으로 유의하게 나타났다. 그리고 성 인학습자의 대학동아리 활동 지속 요인이 학업 스트레스 간 관계에서 자아 존중감의 완전 매개효과를 검증하였다. 이러한 연구 결과를 통해 대학동아 리 활동이 성인 학습자의 자아존중감을 향상 시키고 학업 스트레스를 완화 함을 시사한다.

PURPOSES : The study aims to establish a comprehensive life cycle assessment model for bridges in South Korea considering domestic carbon emission factors. The main aims are to evaluate the carbon emission of bridge construction, focusing on the Seong-ri Bridge as a case study, and to improve national environmental policies and management strategies. METHODS : We utilized the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, adhering to standards set by ISO, to categorize each phase of the bridge's life cycle. The process involved selecting the bridge type based on the compilation of a detailed analysis range. The analysis covered various stages from raw material supply (A1-A3) to construction (A4-A5) and maintenance (B2-B5), excluding certain stages due to data unavailability. Carbon emission factors were then applied to quantify emissions at each stage. RESULTS : The findings indicate that the raw material production phase (A1-A3) contributes to approximately 96% of the total carbon emissions, highlighting its significant impact. We report detailed calculations of emissions using domestically developed emission factors for materials such as steel and concrete and establish a carbon emission per unit length measure for comparative analysis with other infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS : We leveraged LCA ISO standards to analyze each stage of the Seong-ri bridge, calculating its carbon emissions based on domestic factors for CO2, CH4, and N2O. By tailoring the study to Korea-specific emission factors, we develop a greenhouse gas model closely aligned with the nation’s environmental conditions. The results contribute to improving environmental impact assessments and strategically aiding national policy and management decisions.