During an investigation of indigenous prokaryotic species in the Republic of Korea, 17 bacterial strains belonging to the phylum Bacteroidota and 4 strains belonging to the phylum Bacillota were isolated from freshwater environments. These isolated bacterial strains formed a robust phylogenetic clade with type strains of the closest related bacterial species, with 16S rRNA gene sequences sharing similarities of higher than 98.7%. To date, there have been no official report of these 21 isolates in the Republic of Korea. At the genus level, these unreported species were affiliated with Mucilaginibacter and Pedobacter of class Sphingobacteriia, Flavobacterium and Gillisia of class Flavobacteriia, Hymenobacter of class Cytophagia, and Paenibacillus and Planococcus of class Bacilli. These species were further examined by performing Gram staining, analyzing their colonies and cell morphologies, and determining their basic biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic positions. Detailed descriptions of the 21 previously unreported species are provided.

Freshwater environments serve as crucial habitats for diverse microorganisms, playing essential roles alongside plants and animals within the ecosystem. Bacteria in these environments are particularly important for maintaining ecosystem functions. Among them, members of the phylum Pseudomonadota are known to be involved in processes such as nitrogen fixation, ammonia oxidation, and biofilm formation. Pseudomonadota comprises six classes: Acidithiobacillia, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Hydrogenophilia, and Zetaproteobacteria. This study reports 43 previously unrecorded species belonging to the phylum Pseudomonadota. They were isolated from various freshwater habitats in Republic of Korea. These strains were isolated and cultured using nine different standard media, with classification based on Gram staining, cell morphology, and biochemical characteristics. Species identity was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with a similarity threshold of 98.7% for designation as unreported species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these 43 strains were distributed across three classes, 13 orders, 28 families, and 39 genera. This research emphasizes microbial diversity in freshwater ecosystems and provides valuable insights into ecological roles and potential novel functions of unreported bacterial species in Korea.

The first African swine fever (ASF) virus infection in wild boar was reported in October in 2019 in Yeoncheon-gun. ASF control measures including passive/active surveillance, fencing, or hunting have been applied by the Korean government from the beginning of disease outbreak. Despite significant financial investment in ASF control strategies, the virus has continued to circulate among wild boars up to 2024. A basic reproduction number (R0) can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of ASF control strategy by providing the disease spread speed. During the ASF epidemic period, the spread speed could be estimated with the average number of new cases generated by an infected case. The current study estimated R0 for the 2019/24 ASF epidemics in wild boars in the Republic of Korea by using the daily reported number of ASF cases and the serial interval of ASF virus. The estimated mean R0 was 2.19 (range: 0.03 - 65.00) for the 2019/24 ASF epidemics, 3.05 (range: 0.70 - 10.40) in 2019, 2.01 (range: 0.06 - 9.79) in 2020, 1.94 (range: 0.07 - 7.35) in 2021, 4.71 (range: 0.21 - 61.95) in 2022, 1.93 (range: 0.11 - 7.53) in 2023, and 3.08 (range: 0.09 - 24.59) in 2024, respectively. Despite the ASF control measures, the ASF epidemic situation in wild boars was exacerbated. Targeted wild boar population management and active carcass searches are necessary to reduce the spread of ASF.

Mauremys reevesii (Reeves’ turtle) is an endemic freshwater turtle species found throughout East Asia. Due to a rapid population decline, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Korean government have classified this species as Endangered (EN). The reported largest population size of M. reevesii in the Republic of Korea was previously estimated to be approximately 20-30 individuals. Our study assessed the population size and structure of M. reevesii at Geumho Reservoir, Republic of Korea, using a capture-recapture data. A total of 433 M. reevesii were incidentally captured during a 35-week trapping process conducted from March to October 2023. The sex ratio of the captured population exhibited a male bias of 1.3 : 1. Sexual size dimorphism was observed only in body weight. Individuals were recaptured up to 11 times during the study period, with males and females being recaptured at an average of 2.1±2.0 times and 1.5±0.9 times, respectively. The estimated population size of M. reevesii in Geumho Reservoir was approximately 891 turtles. The absence of notable sexual size dimorphism and significant sex ratio differences suggests that the population in this area may have been established relatively recently. Compared to previous records, the population in Geumho Reservoir represents the largest single population of M. reevesii, both within the Republic of Korea and globally.

현대 군사 환경에서 병력 보충 방식은 부대의 전투력 유지와 직접적인 연관이 있으며, 한국군의 경우 기존의 개인보충 방식이 부대 응집력 저하 및 전투력 약화의 원인으로 작용하고 있다. 특히, 2021년 12월 병 복무기간이 18개월로 단축된 이후, 개인보충 방식이 과거와 동일하게 유지되면서 연간 병력 교체율이 66%를 상회하게 되었으며, 이로 인해 부대의 전투 효율성 유지가 더욱 어려워지고 있다. 또한, 현재 동원 부대의 편성 방식 역시 개별 동원지정을 기반으로 하고 있어 부대 고정율이 낮고, 짧은 동원훈련 기간으로 인해 유사시 신속한 전투력 발휘에 한계가 존재한다. 이에 따라, 기존 개인보충 방식의 한계를 극복할 수 있는 새로운 병력 보충 방식의 도입이 필요하다. 본 연구는 한국군의 현역 및 동원전력 보충 방안으로 ‘중대단위 부대보충’ 개념을 제안하고, 이를 통해 전투력 유지 및 응집력 강화를 도모하는 방안을 모색하였다. 이를 위해 독일, 이스라엘, 미국 등의 부대보 충 사례를 분석하고, 이를 한국군에 적용할 수 있는 정책적 시사점을 도출하였다. 또한, 부대보충 방식이 부대의 전투력과 조직 응집력에 미치는 영향을 실증적으로 분석하기 위해 전투력 평가 실험을 설계하고, 경제적 타당성 분석을 수행하였다. 분석 결과, 중대단위 부대보충 방식은 병력 운영의 안정성을 높이고, 장기적으로 전투력 유지 및 국가 방위력 강화에 기여할 수 있는 것으로 평가되었다. 본 연구는 한국군의 병력 보충 방식에 대한 새로운 접근법을 제시하고, 부대보충 방식이 기존 개인보충 방식에 비해 효과적인 대안이 될 수 있음을 실증적으로 검토하였다. 이를 통해, 향후 군사정책 수립 및 동원체제 개편에 있어 중요한 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the carbon storage capacity of broad-leaf forests in Republic of Korea through the analysis of studies related to carbon storage and carbon uptake, and to analyse the relationship between climatic factors affecting carbon storage capacity. We analysed the results of each previous study by summarising the research results of 55 previous studies collected through search, and organised the study area information and climate factors (elevation, average annual temperature, annual precipitation, etc.). And the carbon storage and net primary production of the above and below-ground and the whole plant were evaluated and the correlation with the climatic factors was statistically analysed. The analysis showed that the carbon storage of broad-leaved forests was positively correlated with altitude and negatively correlated with precipitation. These results mean that carbon accumulation in plants is more effective at higher altitudes with lower temperatures, and that broad-leaf forests are able to adapt and perform carbon storage functions in areas with low precipitation. Carbon uptake was negatively correlated with altitude and positively correlated with temperature. This means that the carbon absorption capacity of broad-leaved forests is greatly affected by temperature, and that the carbon absorption potential is greater in lowlands. Therefore, policies should be actively established to increase and preserve the carbon storage capacity of forests by considering the characteristics of the ecosystem functions of broadleaf forests and climate factors. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of the carbon cycle of broad-leaved forests and to the development of management measures, and to provide scientific data for carbon neutrality.

This study reassessed two KBA sites in the Republic of Korea following the KBA guidelines. Both sites met the sub-criteria A1a, A1b, and D1a, confirming their status as KBA. These assessments provide a scientific foundation for discussions on designating new protected areas or expanding existing ones. Through this study, we confirmed that continuous biodiversity conservation is essential for Geum-gang river and estuary and Yubu-do to maintain their KBA status. This KBA reassessment provides an important scientific foundation for discussions on the designation of new protected areas or the expansion of existing ones. Furthermore, this study was based on a previously evaluated taxonomic group, birds, highlighting the need for future assessments to include other biological taxa and evaluation criteria, such as Criteria B or E, for a more comprehensive analysis.

본 연구는 저출산고령사회에 직면한 우리나라의 상황 안에서 향후 우 리나라의 사회보장제도에 대한 개선방안을 고찰하고 제안하는데 목적이 있다. 연구결과, 첫째, 보장목적별 접근방안으로는 소득보장제도는 사회 보험제도 유지하되, 아동수당제도와 장애인수당제도의 수정개편 및 기초 연금제도를 확대수정한 기본생활보장연금제도(가칭)가 필요하다. 둘째, 경제활동기별 접근방안으로 경제활동준비기에는 아동보험제도(가칭) 신설 과 아동수당제도의 수정개편이 필요하며, 경제활동휴지기에는 현행 기초 연금제도를 수정개편한 직업과 직종의 유무에 상관없는 정액제 기본생활 연금제도(가칭)와 국민연금제도와 특수직역연금제도를 통합한 직종에 구 분없이 모든 직장가입자를 대상으로 하는 정률제 생활안정연금제도(가칭) 의 수정개편이 필요하다.

Freshwater environments are rich ecosystems that support diverse microbial communities, including members of the phylum Actinomycetota critical for nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and water quality maintenance. Actinomycetota known to produce numerous bioactive secondary metabolites are valuable in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. Despite their significance, the diversity and distribution of Actinomycetota in freshwater habitats, especially in the Republic of Korea, are underexplored. This study aimed to report the isolation and characterization of 22 previously unrecorded bacterial species of Actinomycetota from various freshwater environments in Korea. Using standard dilution plating techniques on six different culture media, 22 bacterial strains were isolated, incubated, and characterized based on colony and cellular morphologies, Gram staining, and biochemical properties. Genomic DNA was extracted and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to determine species identity using the EzBioCloud service with a cutoff of 98.7% sequence similarity for classification as unreported species. These strains were phylogenetically diverse, belonging to two classes, ten orders, and eighteen genera. This study enhances our understanding of bacterial diversity in freshwater ecosystems and underscores the importance of exploring microbial diversity in underexplored habitats, potentially leading to discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Findings of this study contribute valuable insights into ecological roles and biotechnological potential of Actinomycetota in freshwater environments.

As part of the research program “Freshwater Prokaryotic Organisms Research and Discovery,” freshwater samples were collected from the Nakdonggang River. After plating the samples on several culture media and incubating aerobically, approximately 900 bacterial strains were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequences. Among the bacterial isolates showing higher than 98.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with those of already confirmed bacterial species previously unreported in Korea, 29 strains were selected. These strains were phylogenetically diverse and belonged to 3 phyla, 6 classes, 13 orders, and 21 genera. At the genus level, these previously unreported species were found to be affiliated with Novosphingobium, Sphingomonas, Polymorphobacter, Croceibacterium, Devosia, Endobacterium, Agaricicola, Bradyrhizobium, Paracoccus, and Pseudotabrizicola of the class Alphaproteobacteria; Undibacterium, Azonexus, and Dechloromonas of the class Betaproteobacteria; Acinetobacter and Budvicia of the class Gammaproteobacteria; Streptomyces, Nocardioides, Mycobacterium, and Cellulomonas of the phylum Actinomycetota; Flavobacterium and Pedobacter of the phylum Bacteroidota. These species were further characterized by examining their Gram reaction, colony and cell morphologies, biochemical properties, and phylogenetic positions. Detailed descriptions of these 29 previously unreported species are provided.

The Sinology circle in the Republic of Korea (ROK) has always been paying close attention to the study of Chinese classical literature, especially the study of the works of key writers. Wang Wei research shows distinct temporal characteristics at different times. With the establishment of diplomatic relations between the ROK and China in 1992 as the demarcation point of time, this article summarizes and analyzes the research in Wang Wei in the Korean academic community, consisting of two major periods. On the whole, after the official establishment of diplomatic relations between the ROK and China, the research in Wang Wei in the ROK truly got on the right track. Especially in the 21st century, the research in Wang Wei in the ROK showed signs of prosperity, and with the increasing exchange and cooperation with China and other countries in Sinology research, has become an important component of cross-cultural literary research. It involves extensive content and research perspectives, including the relationship between Wang Wei’s poetry and his paintings, the overall characteristics of Wang Wei’s poetry, the imagery of Wang Wei’s poetry, the relationship of Wang Wei and his poetry with Buddhism, comparative studies of Wang Wei’s poetry, and the reception and dissemination of Wang Wei by Korean poets. This article classifies and analyzes these research findings, sorts out the development process of the research in Wang Wei in the Sinology circle in the ROK, analyzes its current research status, and explore its future development focus and direction.

독도는 한반도와는 다른 기후와 생태계로 특이성과 고유한 가치를 지닌다. 본 연구는 독도의 전반적인 생태계를 관찰하고, 주요 식생에 고정조사구 를 지정하여 시계열적인 변화를 모니터링함으로써 독도 식생 경쟁 및 천이 연구에 기초자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 연구 결과, 독도의 식생은 시기와 계절에 따라 다양하게 변화하는 것으로 확인되었다. 독도 외부유입종인 큰이삭풀, 왕호장근의 세력 확산이 확인되었으며, 산림생태계복원사업 시행으 로 식재된 사철나무, 섬괴불나무의 군락이 소규모 안정적으로 정착한 것으로 나타났다.

This study aimed to develop the in vitro method using domestic commercial diets to estimate nutrient digestibility in dogs. The existing in vitro method were tested and compared with literature data to develop new in vitro method. The development of in vitro method progressed as follows: modification of pepsin solution to an activated form and supplementation with 1% lipase. All the in vitro method progressed to 4 hours of stomach simulation and 2 hours of small intestine simulation. In vivo digestibility was measured using the same diets as beagle dogs. The supplementation of lipase methods showed significantly improved (p < 0.05) DM, OM, and EE than the existing and modified pepsin solution methods. The correlation between in vitro and in vivo data in DM, OM, and EE digestibility was high (r2 = 0.889, 0.907, and 0.721, respectively), and the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data in CP and GE digestibility was medium (r2 = 0.681 and 0.536, respectively). The current in vitro method is similar to in vivo digestibility and helps potentially predict digestibility for dogs. In conclusion, this developed in vitro method suggests that it can help estimate the nutrient digestibility of dogs' diets without in vivo experiments.

A tick survey was conducted to monitor ticks using tick traps attached dry ice method at each four sites in Ulju and Gimhae counties, Gyeongsangnam-do from April to November, 2023. Two species belonging to one genera were collected with tick traps. A total of 1,064 ticks were collected as Haemaphysalis longicornis (Trap Index; TI 11.0), Haemaphysalis flava (TI <0.1) in Ulju and A total of 843 ticks were collected as Haemaphysalis longicornis (Trap Index; TI 8.7), Haemaphysalis flava (TI 0.1) in Gimhae 2023. Haemaphysalis longicornis was the most frequently collected, representing 99.2% in Ulju, 98.9% in Gimhae. In the collection environments, a total number of 685, 268, 64, and 47 ticks were collected from a glassland, a copse, a mountain path, and a grave of Ulju a total number of 469, 216, 83, and 75 ticks were collected from a glassland, a copse, a Grave, and a mountain path of Gimhae respectively. In the results of the isolation of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) from the ticks, no pathogens were detected from RNA of 101 pools (Ulju), 98 pools (Gimhae) of the ticks using a Polymerase Chain Reaction method in 2023.

담배가루이는 전세계의 온대 및 아열대 지방에 넓게 분포하고 있으며, 한국에서는 시설재배작물의 주요 해충 이다. 1998년 충북 친천군 장미재배지에서 처음 확인되었으며, 이후 전국적으로 확산된 것으로 추정된다. 담배가 루이는 고추, 토마토, 오이 등 300종이 넘는 넓은 기주범위를 가지며, 식물체를 흡즙하여 작물의 생산성을 저하시 키고 토마토황화잎말림바이러스(tomato yellow leaf curl virus, TYLCV) 등 100여종이 넘는 바이러스를 매개한다. 담배가루이는 주로 살충제를 이용한 방제가 이루어진다. 하지만 살충제를 이용한 방제법은 살충제 저항성 개체 를 발생시킨다. 살충제 저항성 개체가 발생하게 되면 방제 효율이 급감하여 농가에 추가적인 경제적 피해를 야기 한다. 본 연구는 국내 지역별 담배가루이를 대상으로 약제별 살충제 저항성의 발생 현황을 조사하여, 지역별 효과적인 약제를 탐색하고 향후 방제 전략 수립에 기여하고자 한다. 담배가루이는 전국 15지역(파주, 양평, 화성, 양구, 횡성, 평창, 당진, 천안, 공주, 예천, 구미, 사천, 남원, 나주, 고흥)에서 채집되었다. 살충제는 작용기작 별 사용량이 많은 8종을 선정하였으며, 엽침지법을 사용하여 살충률을 확인하였다. 곤충생장조절제(insect growth regulators, IGR) 피리프록시펜계 약제는 알을 대상으로, 그 외 7개 약제는 2령약충을 대상으로 살충률을 확인하였 다. 모든 지역에서 높은 살충력을 보인 약제는 아버멕틴과 밀베마이신계, 스피노신계, METI살충제, 디아마이드 계 약제이다. 특히 아버멕틴과 밀베마이신계 약제는 살충제 권장사용농도(10ppm)보다 낮은 8.9ppm이하의 LC90 값을 보여 감수성으로 추정되며, 예외적으로 천안 지역의 25.6ppm으로 상대적으로 높은 LC90값을 보였다. 낮은 살충력을 보인 약제는 네오니코티노이드계, 설폭시민계, 피리프록시펜계, 테트론산 및 테트람산 유도체 약제이 다 특히 네오니코티노이드계 약제는 모든 지역에서 살충제 권장사용농도(50ppm)보다 높은 715ppm이상의 LC90 값을 보여, 모든 지역에서 살충제 저항성이 발생한 것으로 추정된다. 실험결과를 통해 살충제 별 살충력의 차이와 지역별 살충제 저항성을 검정하였다. 연구결과를 통해 지역별/약제별 저항성관리 및 대응전략을 수립하여 농업 생산성을 향상시키는 것에 도움이 되고자 한다.

Scrub typhus is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and trombiculid mite larvae, also known as chigger, are known vector. Until recently, O. tsutsugamushi is the only species of the genus. However, two new species Candidatus O. chuto and Candidatus O. chiloensis that causes scrub typhus were reported recently in the Middle East, southern Chile, and Africa. In addition, Orientia spp. bacteria detected from field collected free-living Eutrombicula chigger mites in the United States. Despite these trends, research on new species is insufficient in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, we focused on finding the presence of novel species or strains from chiggers. Specimen chiggers harvested from rodents collected in 16 regions in October 2022 collaborating with the Regional Center for Vector Surveillance against Climate Change were selected. A total of 1,249 specimen belonging 4 genera and 14 species were identified by using a fluorescence microscope and 266 pools were produced by pooling up to 10 individuals per species chiggers. To detect Orientia spp., we screened by using a real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Overall minimum infection rate was 0.56% (7 pools/1,249 tested specimen). After screening, conventional nested-PCR for targeting 47-kDa htrA gene was conducted to obtain sequences, and four of the positive pools were amplified. Through phylogenetic analysis, three pools were clustered with O. tsutsugamushi Gilliam and UT221 strain, and the other pool was formed a clade that was distinct from O. tsutsugamushi. These results suggest that novel species of Orientia may exist in the Republic of Korea.

About 1 billion cases of vector-borne infectious diseases occur every year, of which more than 1 million is dead in worldwide. Japanese encephalitis and malaria continue to occur, and infectious diseases such as dengue fever being imported aborad have been increasing significantly due to the increasing number of overseas travelers in Korea. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has established local centers to monitor pathogen vector population density related to chimate change at 16 locations. We collected 59,389 mosquitoes in traps at 36 collection sites in 30 urban regions and migratory bird habitats in 2023. The trap index was 34.6, and the predominant mosquito species were the Culex pipiens complex, Aedes albopictus, Armigeres subalbatus, Aedes vexans, and Ochlerotatus Koreacus. The mosquitoes were pooled into 4,371 pools to monitor flavivirus infection. In flavivirus dietection, no virus was detected.

2022년 1월부터 11월까지 부산지역에서 유통 중인 신선 농산물 210건을 대상으로 리스테리아균 분포 현황 및 병 원성 여부를 조사하였으며, 분리된 균주를 대상으로 혈청 형 및 유전자 지문분석을 통해 역학적 연관성을 확인하였 다. 조사 대상 신선농산물에서 총 40건의 리스테리아균이 검출되었으며, Listeria monocytogenes 등 4종의 리스테리 아균이 검출되었다. 이 중 L. innocua가 22건, L. monocytogenes 10건, L. grayi 6건, L. rocourtiae 2건으로 나타났으며, 이 중 식중독을 유발하는 L. monocytogenes균 은 팽이버섯에서만 검출되었다. L. monocytogenes의 병원 성을 유발하는 유전자인 iap, prfA, inlA, inlC, inlJ 및 hly 6종에 대한 분석 결과, 총 10개 균주 중 6개 균주에서 iap 등 6종의 병원성 유발 유전자가 검출되었으며, 4개 균주 에서 hly를 제외한 5종의 유전자가 검출되어 식중독 발생 잠재위험이 있음이 확인되었다. 지역 유통 식재료에 분포 하는 L. monocytogenes의 유전학적 유사도 및 오염원 추 이를 확인하기 위해 신선농산물에서 분리한 L. monocytogenes 10균주 및 2022년 부산지역 유통 가금류에 서 분리한 L. monocytogenes 2균주를 대상으로 혈청형 분 석 및 PFGE를 실시한 결과, 신선농산물 분리균주의 혈청 형은 1/2a 및 1/2b 두 가지 serotype으로 확인되었으며, 가 금류 분리균주는 모두 1/2a형으로 나타났다. 유전자지문 분석결과, 전체 균주의 유사도는 100-45.7%로 나타났고, 이 중 100% 상동성을 보인 균주들은 동일 생산농장 또는 동일지역 유래 팽이버섯에서 분리되어 오염원의 출처가 같음을 추측할 수 있었다. 신선농산물 분리균주와 유통 가금육 분리균주와의 유사도 확인 결과, 일부 팽이버섯 분 리균주와 가금육 분리균주의 유사도가 90.9-84.6%로 나타 났다. 농산물 및 축산물 생산시설간 오염원 이동 및 교차 가능성을 유추할 수 있었다.