This study used an in-house beta version code, developed on the Microsoft® Excel platform and based on the Regulatory Guide 1.109 model, for radiation dose calculations. The results were compared with those of NRCDose3 Code Version 1.1.4. Although most results were compatible, five significant discrepancies were identified. First, potential errors in the effective dose for 3H inhalation and ingestion were due to inadequate incorporation of dose coefficients based on chemical forms or absorption types in the GASPAR module. Second, potential errors in 14C effective doses resulted from incorrect application of age-specific consumption values and dose coefficients. Third, potential errors for 131I inhalation doses occurred due to inadequate consideration of dose coefficients for chemical form or absorption type in the GASPAR. Fourth, potential errors in equivalent dose for radionuclides (e.g., 60Co and 131I) were caused by inconsistencies in the ordering of organs or tissues in dose coefficients and output files. Fifth, in the LADTAP module, when “Salt water” was selected and the International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 72 was applied, liquid effluent doses were incorrectly output for only three age groups instead of six. This study analyzes these errors and proposes interim corrective measures to ensure accuracy pending software revisions.

본 연구에서는 국내에서 처음 발견된 Aulacophoroides hoffmanni (Takahashi, 1937)를 최초로 보고한다. 2024년 야외조사에서 한국의 서부 2개 지역의 등나무(Wisteria floribunda (Willdenow))에서 심각한 피해를 주고 있는 A. hoffmanni를 확인하였다. 무시성충의 상세한 형태 기재와 계측값을 제시하였으며, 생체 및 슬라이드 표본 사진을 포함하였다. 이 종은 등나무에 심각한 피해를 주고 있어 관상용 등나무의 주요 해충이 될 것으로 예상된다.

Ecological indicators are tools used to evaluate the state of specific environments by monitoring the ecological characteristics and changes of organisms, and they are widely utilized in environmental monitoring and management. Such indicators should be sensitive to environmental changes, maintain long-term stability, and be easy to investigate and analyze. This study aimed to evaluate whether the spraint density of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) can monitor the state and changes in river ecosystems. Using spraint density data over nine years (2014~2024), we analyzed temporal and spatial changes in otter distribution. Generalized Additive Models were applied to assess annual variability, and spatial clustering and distribution changes were examined using Hotspot Analysis and Geo-SOM (Geo-Self-Organizing Map). The results indicated stable spraint density trends in most sub-watersheds, with higher variability in developed areas. This study highlights the potential of spraint density as a cost-effective and simple ecoological indicator for long-term river ecosystem monitoring.

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into all cell types in the body. They have the potential to replenish cells in tissues and organs, and have unique properties that make them a powerful tool for regenerative therapy. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst of pre-implantation embryo and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from the epiblast layer of post-implantation embryo are the well-known PSCs. These stem cells can differentiate into any of three germ layers of germ cells (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm). Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) refer to adult somatic cells reprogrammed to return to the pluripotent state by introducing specific factors. This is a breakthrough in stem cell research because ethical concerns such as fertilized embryo destruction can be avoided. PSCs have tremendous potential in treating degenerative cells by generating the cells needed to replace damaged cells, which can also allow to generate specific cell types to study the mechanisms of the disease and create disease models that screen for potential drugs. However, if the proliferative capacity of PSCs is not controlled, there is a risk that tumors will form, as this can lead to uncontrolled growth in their proliferative capacity. In addition, when PSCs are used for therapeutic purposes, there is a risk that the body’s immune system rejects the transplanted cells when the transplanted cells do not originate from the patient’s own tissue. Taken together, PSC is the foundation of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, providing disease treatment and animal development understanding. We would like to explain the classification of PSCs based on their developmental potential, the types of PSCs (ESCs, EpiSCs and iPSCs), their pluripotent status (naïve vs. primed) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in PSCs and PSCs in domestic animals.

Moringa oleifera, a versatile plant, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments and is gaining scientific attention due to its potential as a medicine. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions, thriving in Asia, Africa, and South America, especially in arid climates. This study explores the antioxidant potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE), employing a comprehensive screening approach with various solvents to identify the most effective extraction method. Initial experiments assessed antioxidant efficacy and yield using distilled water (D.W.), 95% ethanol, and 95% methanol. Among these, 95% ethanol extract demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, confirmed through assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-14 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, total polyphenol content analysis, and reducing power assay. In addition, with the 95% ethanol MOLE, a higher extraction efficiency was yielded compared to other solvents, making it the most effective for large-scale preparation. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of key bioactive compounds, including ellagic acid, rutin, Q-3-O, quercetin, and kaempferol. Results revealed that MOLE, prepared using 95% ethanol, exhibited remarkable antioxidant properties, attributed to its rich polyphenolic content. This research underscores the therapeutic potential of MOLE as a natural antioxidant source and highlights the importance of solvent optimization in phytochemical extractions.

Environmental changes play a significant role in the introduction, dispersal, and establishment of invasive species. This study aims to predict the habitat suitability of the newly invasive pest P. absoluta in South Korea by thoroughly considering key environmental factors, including climate and land cover changes. First, the MaxEnt model was developed to simulate changes in habitat suitability using global occurrence data and future climate change scenarios. Subsequently, potential risk areas (PRAs) for P. absoluta within agricultural regions were analyzed based on land cover changes. The results indicated that under all Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenario combinations, the PRA for SSP1 and SSP3 in 2055 were similar, with values of 47.85% and 48.62%, respectively. However, by 2085, these areas showed a marked decrease to 39.28% and 28.52%, respectively. These findings suggest that the PRA for P. absoluta is expected to be most critical in the near future as climate and land-use changes continue to progress. This study emphasizes the urgent need for ongoing monitoring and management to prevent further invasion and spread of P. absoluta into new regions of South Korea. Additionally, it provides scientific evidence to support the development of effective control and management strategies. By thoroughly evaluating the impact of climate and land cover changes on invasive species management, this research presents a foundational framework for predicting the spread and risks of P. absoluta under future climate scenarios.

본 연구에서는 열유도상분리법으로 제조한 polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) 중공사막의 오염성과 화학적 세척에 대한 실험을 진행하였다. 오염수는 소 혈청 단백질(bovine serum albumin, BSA)과 카올린(kaolin)을 이용해 제조하였으며, 차아 염소산나트륨(NaOCl), 구연산(citric acid), 황산(H2SO4)으로 화학적 세척을 진행한 후 뒤 표면 전하 분석기, 주사전자현미경 (scanning electron microscope, SEM) 그리고 에너지 분산 X선 분광법(energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, EDX)을 통해 세 척 효율을 평가하였다. PVDF 분리막은 높은 내화학성과 열적 안정성을 가지는 분리막으로 화학적 세척을 진행한 결과 가장 좋은 효율은 차아염소산나트륨으로 세척한 것으로 그 결과 투과도는 793.2 L/(m2.h.bar)로 초기 투과량인 945.3 L/(m2.h.bar) 값과 비교하였을 때 약 84% 회복률을 보여주었다. 이는 수처리 공정에서의 막 오염 방지 및 세척의 중요성을 제시한다.

To mitigate carbon emissions, the government aims to transition to renewable energy sources including hydrothermal energy, specifically through wastewater heat recovery. This process involves extracting heat from wastewater or treated water. However, assessments of demand sources for local cooling and heating have predominantly focused on the proximity of nearby facilities, without conducting comprehensive demand analyses or defining explicit supply areas. This study proposes a methodology for prioritizing suitable wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for the implementation and expansion of renewable energy. The methodology is based on the gross floor area of potential wastewater heat demand surrounding WWTPs. Initially, potential supply and demand sources were identified based on the capacity of WWTPs and the gross floor area of buildings capable of utilizing wastewater heat. In the Republic of Korea, 330 WWTPs with a capacity of 5,000 m3/day or more have been recognized as demand sources for wastewater heat recovery. The provision of treated wastewater to structures located within a 500 m radius of the WWTPs for heat recovery is considered a feasible option. The potential wastewater heat demand and renewable energy cluster were identified among the surrounding buildings and complexes A total of 13 potential supplies were identified, provided that the gross floor exceeded 60,000 m². Finally, after prioritizing based on WWTPs with these conditions, the underground plant located in the downtown area was ranked as the highest priority. If further analysis of economic feasibility, CO2 reduction, and energy efficiency are conducted, this approach can be expanded and applied within the framework the Water-Energy Nexus. Wastewater heat can be utilized not only as a renewable energy source but also as a means to enhance wastewater reuse through the supply of treated wastewater.

Background: This study explores the potential of discarded male layer embryos as a sustainable and non-GMO cell source for cultivated chicken meat production. The research aims to identify efficient methods for isolating muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) with high proliferative potential by conducting transcriptome analysis on thigh muscle tissues from both male and female chick embryos. Methods: Transcriptome analysis was performed on the thigh muscle tissues of male and female chick embryos, aged 12-13 days, (n = 4 each), to investigate the gene expression profiles and identify strategies for efficiently isolating MPCs. This approach aims to pinpoint techniques that would allow for the selection of MPCs with optimal growth and proliferation capabilities. Results: Using heatmap, hierarchical clustering, and multidimensional scaling (MDS), we found no significant sex-based differences in gene expression, except for the overexpression of the female-specific gene LIPBLL. The expression of muscle stem cell factors, including PAX3, PAX7, and other myogenic regulatory genes, showed no significant variation. However, to recover MPC-rich cells isolated from male thigh muscle, we found that by the pre-plating 7 stage, myogenesis-related genes, MYHs and MUSTN1 were minimally expressed, while the cell cycle arrest gene CDKN1A sharply increased. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that simple cell isolation directly from tissue is a more scalable and efficient approach for cultivated meat production, compared to labor-intensive pre-plating methods, making it a viable solution for sustainable research and resource recycling.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an essential crop in the Paraguayan diet. It plays a crucial role in food security. It is a source of income for family agriculture. It has a significant potential to adapt to various climatic and soil conditions in Paraguay, making it a promising crop for improving productivity. However, Paraguay faces a deficit in the development of sweet potato cultivation technology, resulting in a low productivity of 5.3 ton/ha. Efforts have been made to collect and characterize sweet potato genotypes, covering a diversity of native varieties. These efforts have laid the groundwork for future sweet potato research and development. Still, ongoing research and development of strategies are needed to address existing challenges of improving genetic resource traits and developing cultivation technology and to fully exploit growth opportunities in this sector. This review summarizes sweet potato cultivation in Paraguay, focusing on several key technical aspects. It analyzes current market situation and production conditions as well as the availability of genetic materials adapted to different ecoregions. Additionally, it explores prospects for the development of advanced sweet potato crops, including the production of high-quality, virus-free sweet potato plants with improved productivity.