Jeonbuk National University

This study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the innovative behavior of Korean public officials. To this end, it examined the relationship between transformational leadership and innova- tive behavior of public officials, the mediating effect of organi- zational change management, and the moderating effect of public service motivation (PSM) of public officials on transfor- mational leadership and change management. The results showed that transformational leadership and change manage- ment positively affected innovative behavior. Additionally, the mediating effect of change management was significant. However, PSM moderated only the relationship between change management and innovative behavior, not the relation- ship between transformational leadership and innovative behavior. It is recommended that organizations hire employees who have internalized PSM and can actively carry out innova- tive actions in accordance with the organization’s innovation direction, operation, and management guidelines reflecting the characteristics of the Korean public service sector. Furthermore, organizations can develop change management and provide training to cultivate their members’ PSM to institutionalize their innovative behavior. Finally, organizational executives who pre- pare long-term plans can benefit from the insights of external experts in the private sector who can carry out creative destruction rather than those in public service and dedicated to a single organization.

This study proposes an efficient method for analyzing complex fracture patterns in the cross‐sections of unidirectional (UD) composites, influenced by the volume fraction (VF) and fiber arrangement, and for predicting the corresponding transverse mechanical responses. Traditional finite element (FE) analysis incurs high computational costs when evaluating responses for every configuration. To address this, deep learning (DL), particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have been applied, but these approaches have typically focused on limited VF spaces, leading to large data requirements and reduced prediction accuracy for new configurations. In this research, a novel DL approach is introduced that can be effectively extended to broader VF spaces by integrating low‐cost, physically insightful auxiliary features as multi‐modal inputs. Specifically, the Mori–Tanaka (MT) feature and stress concentration factor (SCF) are selected as auxiliary inputs and incorporated them into the conventional CNN model for comparative analysis. The results showed that the model incorporating the MT feature significantly improved extrapolation performance in unseen VF spaces while maintaining robust predictive performance as the training dataset size increased. In contrast, the SCF feature does not demonstrate similar benefits. These findings illustrate that integrating advanced features like the MT feature into the DL model can offer more effective and versatile solutions for predicting material properties.

In aesthetic plastic surgery, nasal septal extension grafts are crucial for influencing nasal lengthening, tip projection, rotation, and overall shape. Establishing robust binding between the septal graft and cartilage is vital for achieving favorable surgical outcomes. This study evaluated three linking methods (overlapping, bilateral overlapping, and digitating types) for cartilage connection, aiming to identify the method with the highest structural stability. Using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to simulate soft and hard cartilage, mechanical properties were assessed through tension, compression, and bending tests. The digitating method showed superior structural stability in shear bending test, but no significant differences were observed for other loading types. The findings suggest that the pretension balance of sutures is more crucial than the choice of linking methods.

Fowl typhoid (FT) poses a significant threat to the poultry industry and can cause substantial economic losses, especially in developing regions. Caused by Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), vaccination can prevent FT. However, existing vaccines, like the SG9R strain, have limitations, including residual virulence and potential reversion of pathogenicity. This study aims to develop safer and more effective SG vaccine strains through targeted genetic modifications, focusing on genes involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis and modification. We evaluated two novel mutant SG strains, JOL3015 and JOL3016, carrying in-frame deletions in ΔlonΔrfaLΔarnT and ΔlonΔrfaLΔpagL, respectively. Intramuscular immunisation of 4-week-old young birds with JOL3015 and JOL3016 strains showed minimal impact on their growth. However, the immunisation significantly increased antigen-specific IgY, sIgA secretion, and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell responses while inducing lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels than SG9R. Histopathological evaluations revealed substantial protection in the immunised birds, with minimal tissue damage and inflammatory responses, thus reducing the in vivo bacterial burden. Furthermore, none of the immunised birds died. This outcome highlights the significant safety and protection the selected genetic modifications conferred. Our results indicate that JOL3016 provided comparable protective outcomes on par with SG9R, yet with significantly lower endotoxicity responses during the lethal challenge with SG WT JOL422. The novel detoxified SG strains, particularly JOL3016, offer a promising alternative to existing vaccines for FT. They provide effective protection with minimal impact on poultry growth, thereby minimising the risks associated with reversion and endotoxicity. The study highlights the potential of genetically engineered vaccine strains in improving poultry health and productivity, emphasising the importance of continued research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13567-024-01413-8.

Anti-inflammatory, osteogenic nanoparticles (TMPs) promoted tissue regeneration in compromised tooth-extraction sockets of a canine model, offering insight for clinical applications.

Purpose To determine effects of colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) in general wards on characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Methods This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with HAP admitted to 16 tertiary or university hospitals in Korea from July 2019 to December 2019. From the entire cohort, patients who developed pneumonia in general wards with known colonization status before the onset of pneumonia were included in this study. Patients were categorized into a colonization group and a non-colonization group according to MDRB colonization. Patients of the two groups were then compared. Results Among a total of 400 patients, 63 were in the MDRB colonization group. HAP caused by MDR-Staphylococcus aureus or MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more common in the colonization group than in the non-colonization group (24.4% vs. 8.1%, P = 0.006 or 20.0% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.013, respectively). Colonization with certain bacteria was correlated with subsequent infection with the same bacteria. Carbapenem use (36.5% vs. 24.3%, P = 0.044) and appropriateness of initial antibiotics (50.8% vs. 12.8%) were higher in the colonization group than in the non-colonization group. Although in-hospital mortality was similar in the two groups (34.9% vs. 32.9%, P = 0.759), hospital length of stay was longer (38 days vs. 31 days, P = 0.009) and rate of discharge to home was lower (34.1% vs 59.7%, P = 0.002) in the colonization group. Conclusions Colonization with MDRB might influence characteristics and treatment of HAP. However, prognosis of HAP was not associated with MDRB colonization.

Multistack and multimotor powertrain systems have significant potential for improving the efficiency and performance of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) compared to conventional powertrain systems. To achieve a superior powertrain system, the major components such as the stack, motor, and transmission of the multistack and multimotor systems should be optimized. To analyze the energy efficiency and dynamic performance of the FCEV, an FCEV analysis model was developed. This model included a two-stack and two-motor powertrain system (2S2M) employing a stack power and motor torque distribution strategy. An optimization problem was formulated with stack transition power, motor torque distribution, and transmission gear ratios as the optimization variables and hydrogen consumption and acceleration time as the objectives for efficiency and performance measures, respectively. An artificial neural network (ANN) model-based optimization method was used to address the computational burden of multiobjective optimization. The optimization results highlighted the Pareto front for the FCEV employing 2S2M, showing a trade-off relationship between the efficiency and performance of the FCEV. Compared to the conventional powertrain system, the 2S2M can reduce hydrogen consumption and acceleration time by up to 7.9% and 6.2%, respectively. An analysis of the distribution of optimal solutions and a comparison of the Pareto fronts for each optimization variable highlighted the necessity for the proposed system optimization method. Furthermore, a comparison between the FCEV and ANN models in terms of computational time for the optimization demonstrated the effectiveness of the ANN model-based multiobjective optimization.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of cancer with a high recurrence rate. Studies are in the progress to identify effective treatments for CRC patients. We aimed to compare the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in stages III and IV CRC patients and evaluate the clinicopathological significance associated with their expression. A total of 169 stages III and IV CRC specimens was tested for ALK (D5F3) and PD-L1 (SP142 and SP263) expression using immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Clinicopathological characteristics were obtained through a review of the medical records and hematoxylin and eosin slides. Expression of PD-L1 SP142 and PD-L1 SP263 was detected in 17.8% and 28.4% of CRC patients, respectively. ALK D5F3 expression was detected in 4 cases. PD-L1 SP142 expression was significantly correlated with tumor site and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. PD-L1 SP263 expression was associated with serum tumor marker level and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. In univariate analysis, PD-L1 expression was correlated with shorter survival in CRC patients. PD-L1 SP263 expression was an independent indicator of shorter survival in multivariate analysis. PD-L1 expression was associated with poor prognostic factors, including shorter survival. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms of the association between PD-L1 expression and unfavorable CRC prognosis.

Background Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) is a traditional Korean ingredient that has long been part of Korean cuisine. Commercial, mass‐produced doenjang products are prevalent in the Korean market, and consumer demand for traditionally produced doenjang is steadily decreasing. An understanding of consumers' perceptions of traditional doenjang can serve as a foundation for sales and marketing strategies that are informed by consumer insights. The objective of the current study was to determine consumers' perception of traditional doenjang using a free word association test. Results A total of 339 participants responded to the survey, each carefully recruited from a predetermined demographic quota. A total of 906 valid words were elicited, representing 2.67 words per person, and these were categorized into six dimensions and 11 sub‐categories. Significant differences according to residential area were observed in four dimensions: ‘sensory,’ ‘foods,’ ‘health’ and ‘fermentation.’ Overall, the sensory dimension was the most dominant psychological concept relating to traditional doenjang among all consumers. Conclusion Consumers' sensory perceptions of traditional doenjang were mostly flavor‐related under sensory dimension such as ‘gu‐soo flavor,’ a well‐aged, and well‐fermented flavor. There was a difference in the perceptions of traditional doenjang according to age and residential area. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Autophagy is a vital mechanism that eliminates large cytoplasmic components via lysosomal degradation to maintain cellular homeostasis. The role of autophagy in cancer treatment has been studied extensively. Autophagy primarily prevents tumour initiation by maintaining genomic stability and preventing cellular inflammation. However, autophagy also supports cancer cell survival and growth by providing essential nutrients for therapeutic resistance. Thus, autophagy has emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming resistance and enhancing anti‐cancer therapy. Inhibiting autophagy significantly improves the sensitivity of lung, colorectal, breast, liver and prostate cancer cells to tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL). This review investigates the intricate interplay between autophagy modulation and TRAIL‐based therapy, specifically focussing on comparing the efficacy of late‐stage autophagy inhibition versus early‐stage inhibition in overcoming cancer resistance. We expose the distinctive advantages of late‐stage autophagy inhibition by exploring the mechanisms underlying autophagy's impact on TRAIL sensitivity. Current preclinical and clinical investigations are inspected, showing the potential of targeting late‐stage autophagy for sensitizing resistant cancer cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. This review emphasizes the significance of optimizing autophagy modulation to enhance TRAIL‐mediated therapy and overcome the challenge of treatment resistance in cancer. We offer insights and recommendations for guiding the development of potential therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by treatment‐resistant cancers.