Hydride analysis is required to assess the mechanical integrity of spent nuclear fuel cladding. Image segmentation, which is a hydride analysis method, is a technique that can analyze the orientation and distribution of hydrides in cladding images of spent nuclear fuels. However, the segmentation results varied according to the image preprocessing. Inaccurate segmentation results can make hydride difficult to analyze. This study aims to analyze the segmentation performance of the Otsu algorithm according to the morphological operations of cladding images. Morphological operations were applied to four different cladding images, and segmentation performance was quantitatively compared using a histogram, betweenclass variance, and radial hydride fraction. As a result, this study found that morphological operations can induce errors in cladding images and that appropriate combinations of morphological operations can maximize segmentation performance. This study emphasizes the importance of image preprocessing methods, suggesting that they can enhance the accuracy of hydride analysis. These findings are expected to contribute to the advancements in integrity assessment of spent nuclear fuel cladding.

장미 속은 오랜 시간에 걸쳐 잡종화, 배수화 및 육종 등을 통해 약 250개의 종과 30,000여 품종이 존재하는 진화 역사를 가지고 있으며, 다양한 분류체계로 구분되고 있다. 이에, 본 연구 는 장미 속 자원의 다양성을 평가하고 자생식물 해당화의 육종적 활용을 위해 수행되었다. 장미 속 자원의 형태학적 다양성을 확인하기 위해 장미 속 자원 303점에 대해 형태적 특성조사를 실시하고 해당화 및 장미 속 자원 29점을 선발하여 SSR 분석을 실시하였다. 추가적으로, 해당화의 육종적 활용을 위한 자원 6점 을 선발하고 화분 검정을 실시하였다. 본 연구의 결과, 장미 속 자원 303점의 다양성 평가 결과에서 유사한 형태적 특징을 지닌 자원끼리 7개 그룹으로 나뉘었다. 선발된 29개 자원의 형태학적 데이터와 분자학적 데이터를 이용한 군집 분석 결과, 데이터의 유사성을 보인 자원끼리 각각 5개, 4개 그룹으로 구분되었다. 또한, 혼합분석 시에는 3개 그룹으로 확인되었다. 분류 결과를 바탕으로 자생 식물을 이용한 정원장미 육종을 위해 각각 특성이 다른 해당화를 3점 선발하였고 장미 속 자원에 속하는 정원 장미 3점을 선발하여 총 6자원을 선발하였다. 선발된 자원의 화분 검정 결과, 종간 교잡체를 제외한 5가지 자원에서 90% 이상의 정상화분율을 확인하였다. 본 결과는 자생식물 해당화를 재평가 하고 정원 장미 육종 전략 수립에 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다.

The objective of this study was to detect and identify the bee mites that were related to the colony collapse disorder of the western species of honey bee. From July 6, 2023 to August 2, 2023, total 367 bee larvaes and 243 adults bee were observed by 100-fold and 200-fold magnification microscopy. As a result of direct visual and microscopic examination on honeybee bodies, larvae and pupae, a total of 2,688 bee mites were found. Of their bee mites, it were 9 of Tropilaelaps clareae, 130 of Varroa jacobsoni, and 2,549 of Varroa destructor, respectively. Tropilaelaps clareae showed 7 females, 1 male, and 1 larva, Varroa jacobsoni had 94 females, 5 males, and 31 larvae, and Varroa destructor had 2,162 females, 346 males, and 41 larvae, respectively. In order to reduce the damage of the apiary caused by bee mites, it is mainly dependent on pharmaceutical control, continuously.

This study examined the spatial morphological patterns of forest habitats and the characteristics of roadkill occurrences in the forests of Mungyeong, Yecheon, Yeongju, Andong, and Bonghwa in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It involved building a resistance map between habitats and analyzing connectivity based on the least-cost distance. The analysis of the distance between the forest habitat Cores derived from MSPA and roadkill points showed that roadkill occurrences were concentrated approximately 74.11 m away from the Cores, with most roadkills happening within 360 m from the habitats. The connectivity analysis between core habitats larger than 1 km2 revealed 141 core habitats and 242 least-cost paths between them. The corridor distance value was found to be highest in Mungyeong city, indicating an urgent need for strategies to enhance habitat connectivity there. This research is expected to serve as foundational data for developing strategies to enhance ecosystem connectivity and restore habitats, by analyzing ecosystem connectivity and roadkill issues due to habitat fragmentation.

줄수염나방아과는 나비목 중에서 가장 큰 분류군 중 하나인 밤나방과에 속한다. 분류군 내에서 날개무늬가 비슷한 경우가 있어 동정에 어려움이 많은 그룹 중 하나이다. 또한, 이 들은 산림 지역, 초지 및 물가 등 다양한 환경에 서식하며, 생활 습성에 따라 일부는 임업 및 농업에 피해가 큰 해충으로 알려져 있는 중요한 경제곤충 그룹이라 할 수 있다. 본 연구는 이와 같이 분류동정이 어려운 줄수염나방아과 곤충을 대상으로 야외채집조사, 표본제작, 생식기 해부검경 및 DNA 바코드 등을 수행하여 최종적으로 분류학적 동정지침서를 작성하고자 수행 되었다. 연구결과 19속 63종으로 정리되었다. 본 연구를 통해 확보된 DNA바코드 데이터는 정확한 바코드를 활용한 진단 및 동정 연구 등에 활용되고, 이들의 분포정보 구축, 형태적 특징 및 분자분석 연구의 기초데이터 확보를 통한 관련 분야 활성화 등에도 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

본 연구는 검거세미밤나방(Agrotis ipsilon) 성페로몬 트랩에 혼재하여 유살되는 은무늬밤나방아과 형태적 분류와 동정법 수립을 위해, 날개 무늬의 형태계측학 분석을 실시하였다. 은무늬밤나방아과 개체는 2023년 11월 부터 12월까지 제주도 애월읍 일대에서 채집되었으며, 콩 해충으로 알려진 콩은무늬밤나방(Ctenoplusia agnata) 을 비롯하여, 다양한 농작물을 가해하는 것으로 알려진 붉은금무늬밤나방(Chrysodeixis eriosoma)의 수컷 성충이 포획되었다. 앞날개의 형태 및 무늬를 가지고 현장에서 쉽게 동정할 수 있는 형태적 특징을 도출하기 위하여, 각 성충 개체의 앞날개를 잘라 현미경 카메라로 촬영하고, 앞날개의 내횡선, 아외연선, 반점 크기 등 15개의 형질 을 측정하였다. 또한 각 형질 간의 상관관계를 분석하였으며 빈도분포를 통하여 두 종간 분리되는 형질을 파악하 였다. 최종적으로 다변량 분석법을 적용하여 두 집단이 어떻게 군집을 이루는지 분석하고, 날개형태만으로 붉은 금무늬밤나방과 콩은무늬밤나방을 구분할 수 있는 방안을 제시하였다.

The box tree moth (BTM, Cydalima perspectalis Walker) is a pest that infests various plants within the Buxus genus. Although a specific parasitoid wasp species associated with the BTM has been observed in the Republic of Korea, no research on this species has been published. Here we describe the fundamental biological and morphological characteristics of this parasitoid. We placed the wasp under the genus Eriborus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae). Eriborus sp. parasitizes within the living host body, with one wasp emerging from each host. The parasitism rate in collected BTM populations was 33.1%. The emergence rate was 87.1%, with all emerging adults being females, resulting in a sex ratio of 0. The pupal period averaged 9.5 days, and the adult lifespan averaged 10.5 days. Eriborus sp. parasitized BTM larvae from the first to the fourth instar and reproduced by parthenogenesis. Eriborus sp. exhibited morphological differences compared with previously reported Eriborus species in Korea, particularly in the length of the ovipositor sheath. In addition, the proportion of the highest similarity in nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I DNA was only 94.53%, rendering species identification using GenBank’s mt cytochrome c oxidase 1 DNA sequences unfeasible. These data suggest Eriborus sp. could be used as a biological control agent for managing BTM infestations.

This study aimed to examine the morphological characteristics and variation in main traits by comparing the growth of individuals of Ecklonia cava Kjellman (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) under an aquaculture environment. This survey was conducted from April 2018 to November 2019 at the aquafarm in Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do (South coast of Korea). To classify the morphology of individuals in the aquaculture farm of E. cava, we investigated fourteen morphological characteristics and calculated four ratios between the measured values. Juvenile individuals showed a simple or oblong lanceolate, and at 3-4 months, a short stipe and holdfast developed, along with a bladelet that developed into the secondary blade form. At 5-7 months, secondary blades were found to develop irregularly on the primary blade. At 8-10 months, the primary blade expanded and secondary blades elongated. At 11-12 months, the secondary blades became oblong. At 13-14 months, the thallus area expanded. At 15-16 months, tertiary blades were formed, the thallus became more complex, the stipe thickened, and the holdfast widened. At 17-18 months, secondary blades clearly developed along with lobes. At 19-20 months, tertiary blades developed and became similar to mature natural blades. In the principal component analysis (PCA), the monthly population of the first year (Q1) and that of the second year (Q2) of the cultured population were divided along PC1, which is related to secondary blade morphological characteristics and the holdfast width. Q2 and natural populations are distributed in descending order of volume in Jeju (J), East Coast (E), and South Coast (S) along PC2, which is related to primary blade and stipe morphological characteristics. The results of this study were judged to offer important criteria for the development of different varieties of E. cava.

Laurencia is a red algal genus that was described by J.V. Lamouroux in 1813. The main characteristics of this genus have been known as the presence of four pericentral cells in an axial segment, secondary pit connections between adjacent epidermal cells, and the presence of corps en cerise in both epidermal and trichoblast cells. Additionally, the tetrasporangia are arranged in a parallel manner, and male branches feature terminal cup-shaped spermatangial pits. Currently, sixteen Korean Laurencia species have been reported based on their morphological characteristics. In this study, Laurencia decussata and L. pacifica have been added as new records to the Korean algal flora based on a combination of morphological observations and molecular analyses of rbcL sequences. Laurencia decussata has expanded from Australia and New Zealand to Korea, while the distribution of L. pacifica has expanded from USA and Mexico to Korea.

The root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus spp. is the most important plantparasitic nematode due to its worldwide distribution, wide host ranges, and migratory endoparasitic characteristics. One population of Pratylenchus collected from the giant pussy willow (Salix chaenomeloides Kimura) in the Andong area as part of a nematode survey in Korea was characterized morphologically and by molecular methods. The analysis of morphological measurements and morphometric characteristics, as well as DNA sequencing of the rRNA large subunit (LSU) D2/D3 expansion segments and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequence, confirmed the identity of this population as P. hippeastri. This study is the first report of P. hippeastri associated with Salix chaenomeloides in Korea and worldwide. Further studies on distribution and pathogenicity in different P. hippeastri host crops, such as grapevines, strawberries, and apples, are necessary. The taxonomic keys to 16 Pratylenchus species in Korea are provided.

This study aims to distinguish between various Ethiopian durum wheat varieties based on their genetic identity using chemical and morphological characterization of seeds. Combinatorial employment of five chemical tests on seeds showed marked qualitative variation among the test varieties, with high discriminatory potential noted for the standard phenol test, followed by the modified phenol and iodide tests. The modified phenol test was instrumental in further discriminating between the varieties that were not identified using the standard phenol test. Unlike the iodide and phenol tests, the NaOH and KOH tests did not show significant variation among the varieties. These results underscore the efficacy of phenol and iodide tests in differentiating between durum wheat varieties. Although the morphological traits were advantageous in seed characterization, they lacked discriminatory power compared with that of the chemical tests. This study concludes that a single test is inadequate for varietal discrimination; rather, a combination of chemical tests can augment the discriminatory potential.

Background: Water deer and sika deer, which breed in the wild environment, are known to have similar reproductive physiology mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the differences in uterine development between water deer and sika deer during estrus. Methods: MMPs and uterine development-related factors were analyzed and morphological differences were compared in the uterus of sika deer captured near Russia near Korea and water deer captured in the wild in Korea. Results: In terms of morphological differences in the uterus, the glands that form villus within the endometrium of the water deer were newly developed, and the formation of small glands was high, but the villus and glands of the sika deer were expanded, and the stroma zone in the myometrium was higher than that of the water deer. Development has increased. Additionally, the expression of PAPP-A and VEGF factors was increased in the endometrium of water deer than in sika deer, but the actions of MMPs were increased in sika deer. Conclusions: As a result of this study, there is a significant difference in the development of glands in the endometrium of water deer and sika deer during estrus, and it is believed that there is a significant difference in the development of the uterus due to the physiological effects of estrus between water deer and sika deer. Additionally, it is believed that there will be differences in the timing at which pregnancy can be decided.

To identify some significant phenotypic characteristics of maize(zea mays) seeds, we have obtained Red, Green, Blue(RGB) digital image data from 82 recombinant inbred lines. Based on the collected image data, their morphological and color data were analyzed, and seven significant parameters were selected, including area, perimeter, length, width, circularity, roundness, and surface texture. The extracted RGB data were converted into color hex codes to visualize the representative colors of the seeds. These visualized colors were categorized into six groups: gray, yellowish white, yellow, grayish orange, purple, and brown. The results of maize seed phenotypic analysis using the RGB digital images in this study will serve as a useful tool for constructing a database of seed phenotyping database and establishing a standardized classification system.

본 연구는 신품종으로 등록된 길뚝사초 ‘설맥’의 형태적 특성을 구명하고자 하였다. 조사방법은 양적특성과 질적 및 유사질적 특성으로 구분하여 재배시험을 실시하였으며, 양적특성은 독립표본 t-검증(Independent sample t-test)을 이용하여 분석하였다. 질적 및 유사질적 특성은 국제 식물 신품종 보호연맹(UPOV : International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants)에서 발행한 지침(TGP 8/1 PARTⅡ : 8)을 참고하여 균일성을 확인하였다. 그 결과 총 28개의 특성 중 10개의 특성에서 구별성이 있었으며, 8개의 특성에서 균일성과 안정성을 확인하였다. 양적 특성 결과는 일반종보다 엽신의 수와 크기 등 영양기관 부위에서는 작았고, 화경 소수의 수, 소수화수 암꽃 수 와 같은 생식기관에서는 많았다. 질적 특성은 잎 가장자리 세로의 노란 무늬가 명확하였다. 길뚝사초 ‘설맥’은 형태적으로 일반종과 다른 새로운 품종임을 확인하였으며, 왜성의 노란색 세로 무늬종으로서 조경의 관상용으로 활용할 수 있을 것이다.

The occurrence of shear failure in a rock mass, resulting from the sliding of joint surfaces, is primarily influenced by the surface roughness and contact area of these joints. Furthermore, since joints serve as crucial conduits for the movement of water, oil, gas, and thermal energy, the aperture and geometric complexity of these joints have a significant impact on the hydraulic properties of the rock mass. This renders them critical factors in related industries. Therefore, to gain insights into the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of a rock mass, it is essential to identify the key morphological characteristics of the joints mentioned above. In this study, we quantified the morphological characteristics of tensile fractures in granitic rocks using X-ray CT imaging. To accomplish this, we prepared a cylindrical sample of Hwang-Deung granite and conducted splitting tests to artificially create tensile fractures that closely resemble rough joint surfaces. Subsequently, we obtained 2D sliced X-ray CT images of the fractured sample with a pixel resolution of approximately 0.06 mm. By analyzing the differences in CT numbers of the rock components (e.g., fractures, voids, and rock matrix), we isolated and reconstructed the geometric information of the tensile fracture in three dimensions. Finally, we derived morphological characteristics, including surface roughness, contact area, aperture, and fracture volume, from the reconstructed fracture.

In this study, a third metal layer with a higher corrosion potential than copper was introduced between the copper and cast iron layer to strengthen the corrosion resistance of the copper layer which is considered as a corrosion resistant barrier in the disposal container for spent nuclear fuel. Three types of corrosion-resistant metals, silver, nickel, and titanium, were selected as the intermediate insertion layer, and the galvanic specimens of two bonded metals were exposed to KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) groundwater and a high voltage of 1.0 V was applied to corrode the specimens at electrochemically accelerated condition. Corrosion of copper part was confirmed in Cu-Ti, Cu-Ni, and Cu-Ag galvanic specimens, but copper part was not corroded in Cu-Fe galvanic specimen. If the corrosion-resistant intermediate layer proposed in this study works properly, the local corrosion problem of copper disposal canister is expected to be some degree solved, which can apply to a welding part or a stress concentrated part.

산화아연 막은 투명한 전도성 물질로써 다양한 분야의 광전자소자에 이용되고 있다. 그러므로 산화아연 막의 특성을 규명하는 것은 광전자소자의 성능을 높이는데 매우 중요한 역할을 할 것이다. 본 논 문에서는 이러한 산화아연 막을 용액공정 기반으로 제작하여 형태적, 구조적 특성을 평가하고자 한다. 구 체적으로는 졸-겔 방법을 반복적으로 시행하여, 시행 횟수에 따른 산화아연 막의 물성의 변화를 관찰할 것 이다. 일정한 용액 조건하에서, 5회의 반복적인 졸-겔 방법을 시행한 결과 결정화가 진행되는 것을 확인하 였다. 7회 이상에서는 원소 구성 및 결정화도가 특정 값에 수렴하는 경향을 보였다. 최종적인 산화아연 막 의 평균결정의 크기는 약 10.7 nm 정도로 계산되었다. 본 연구를 통해 최적의 결정화를 보이는 공정횟수 는 7회였다. 본 연구 결과 및 방법론은 다양한 용액공정 변수를 가변시키면서 적용할 수가 있고 최적의 공 정조건을 확립하는데 기여할 것으로 기대한다.