• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.31-37
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• 2023

Since tunnels are built underground, it is impossible to check visually the location and degree of deterioration of steel ribs. Therefore, in tunnel maintenance, GPR images are generally used to detect steel ribs. While research on GPR image analysis employing artificial neural networks has primarily focused on detecting underground pipes and road damage, there have been limited applications for analyzing tunnel GPR data, specifically for steel rib detection, both internationally and domestically. In this study, a one-step object detection algorithm called YOLO, based on a convolutional neural network, was utilized to automate the localization of steel ribs using GPR data. The performance of the algorithm is then analyzed. Two datasets were employed for the analysis. A dataset comprising 512 original images and another dataset consisting of 2,048 augmented images. The omission rate, which represents the ratio of undetected steel ribs to the total number of steel ribs, was 0.38% for the model using the augmented data, whereas the omission rate for the model using only the original data was 7.18%. Thus, from an automation standpoint, it is more practical to employ an augmented dataset.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1A
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• pp.53-59
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• 2010

Recently, NDTs (Non-Destructive Techniques) using infrared camera are widely studied for detection of damage and void in RC (reinforced concrete) structures and they are also considered as an effective techniques for maintenance of infrastructures. The temperature on concrete surface depends on material and thermal properties such as specific heat, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusion coefficient. Different porosity on cement mortar due to different mixture proportions can show different heat behavior in cooling stage. The porosity can affect physical and durability properties like strength and chloride diffusion coefficient as well. In this paper, active thermography which uses flash for heat induction is utilized and thermal characteristics on surface are evaluated. Samples of cement mortar with W/C (water to cement ratio) of 0.55 and 0.65 are prepared and physical properties like porosity, compressive strength, and chloride diffusion coefficient are evaluated. Then infrared thermography technique is carried out in a constant room condition (temperature $20{\sim}22^{\circ}C$ and relative humidity 55-60%). The mortar samples with higher porosity shows higher residual temperature at the cooling stage and also shows reduced critical time which shows constant temperature due to back wall effect. Furthermore, simple equation for critical time of back wall effect is suggested with porosity and experimental constants. These characteristics indicate the applicability of infrared thermography as an NDT for quality assessment of cement based composite like concrete. Physical properties and thermal behavior in cement mortar with different porosity are analyzed in discussed in this paper.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.167-174
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• 2023

Background: A nondestructive test is commonly used to inspect the surface defects and internal structure of an object without any physical damage. X-rays generated from an electron accelerator or a tube are one of the methods used for nondestructive testing. The high penetration of X-rays through materials with low atomic numbers makes it difficult to discriminate between these materials using X-ray imaging. The interaction characteristics of neutrons with materials can supplement the limitations of X-ray imaging in material discrimination. Materials and Methods: The radiation image acquisition process for air-cargo security inspection equipment using X-rays and neutrons was simulated using a GEometry ANd Tracking (Geant4) simulation toolkit. Radiation images of phantoms composed of 13 materials were obtained, and the R-value, representing the attenuation ratio of neutrons and gamma rays in a material, was calculated from these images. Results and Discussion: The R-values were calculated from the simulated X-ray and neutron images for each phantom and compared with those obtained in the experiments. The R-values obtained from the experiments were higher than those obtained from the simulations. The difference can be due to the following two causes. The first reason is that there are various facilities or equipment in the experimental environment that scatter neutrons, unlike the simulation. The other is the difference in the neutron signal processing. In the simulation, the neutron signal is the sum of the number of neutrons entering the detector. However, in the experiment, the neutron signal was obtained by superimposing the intensities of the neutron signals. Neutron detectors also detect gamma rays, and the neutron signal cannot be clearly distinguished in the process of separating the two types of radiation. Despite these differences, the two results showed similar trends and the viability of using simulation-based radiation images, particularly in the field of security screening. With further research, the simulation-based radiation images can replace ones from experiments and be used in the related fields. Conclusion: The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has developed air-cargo security inspection equipment using neutrons and X-rays. Using this equipment, radiation images and R-values for various materials were obtained. The equipment was reconstructed, and the R-values were obtained for 13 materials using the Geant4 simulation toolkit. The R-values calculated by experiment and simulation show similar trends. Therefore, we confirmed the feasibility of using the simulation-based radiation image.

• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.375-387
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• 2023

The subsea power cables are increasingly important for harvesting renewable energies as we develop offshore wind farms located at a long distance from shore. Particularly, the continuous flexural motion of inter-array dynamic power cable of floating offshore wind turbine causes tremendous fatigue damages on the cable. As the subsea power cable consists of the helical structures with various components unlike a mooring line and a steel pipe riser, the fatigue analysis of the cables should be performed using special procedures that consider stick/slip phenomenon. This phenomenon occurs between inner helically wound components when they are tensioned or compressed by environmental loads and the floater motions. In particular, Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) can be generated by currents and have significant impacts on the fatigue life of the cable. In this study, the procedure for VIV fatigue analysis of the dynamic power cable has been established. Additionally, the respective roles of programs employed and required inputs and outputs are explained in detail. Demonstrations of case studies are provided under severely sheared currents to investigate the influences on amplitude variations of dynamic power cables caused by the excitation of high mode numbers. Finally, sensitivity studies have been performed to compare dynamic cable design parameters, specifically, structural damping ratio, higher order harmonics, and lift coefficients tables. In the future, one of the fundamental assumptions to assess the VIV response will be examined in detail, namely a narrow-banded Gaussian process derived from the VIV amplitudes. Although this approach is consistent with current industry standards, the level of consistency and the potential errors between the Gaussian process and the fatigue damage generated from deterministic time-domain results are to be confirmed to verify VIV fatigue analysis procedure for slender marine structures.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.84-89
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• 2024

Light is an important component among which plays a crucial role in determining the production and quality of fruit trees. Since the disturbance of light directly leads to reduced photosynthetic efficiency, their damage can be increased especially in fruit trees such as Japanese apricots with a short growing time. In this study, we investigated how the effects of shading condition can affect the production and quality of Japanese apricots according to increased damages by light disturbance in the main orchard complex. The average photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) level in Japanese apricots was rapidly dropped as the shading time was increased compared to the control (304 μmol/m²/s) and the PAR level decreased to 142 μmol/m²/s after shaded for eight hours. The maximum photosynthetic efficiency, with a PAR value of 900 to 1,000 μmol/m²/s, corresponds to the time period without shading and the time period with 2 hours of shading, and these times range from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. And the time period for shading for 4 hours was from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and under conditions of shading for 6 and 8 hours, the effect was a low amount of light. There was no difference in the weight of Japanese apricots during 2 hours shading time, however, it was significantly reduced as shading time were increased. The difference of the acid content and L/D ratio was not significant on shading time, but the SSC was decreased as times going on. In conclusion, our results indicate that the shading for more than 2 hours make negative effects to decrease the weight and SSC and the yield and affects directly to drop in fruit quality.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.57-71
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• 2024

This study aims to develop an evaluation method for solar power facilities considering disaster impacts and to analyse the vulnerabilities of existing facilities. Haenam-gun in Jeollanam-do, where the reassessment of existing facilities is urgent, was selected as the study area. To evaluate the vulnerability from a more objective perspective, principal component analysis and entropy methods were utilised. Seven vulnerability assessment indicators were selected: maximum hourly rainfall, maximum wind speed, number of typhoon occurrence days, number of rainfall days lasting more than five days, maximum daily rainfall, impermeable area ratio, and population density. Among these, maximum hourly rainfall, maximum wind speed, maximum daily rainfall, and number of rainfall days lasting more than five days were found to have the highest weights. The overlay of the derived weights showed that the southeastern regions of Haenam-eup and Bukil-myeon were classified as Grade 1 and 2, whereas the northern regions of Hwawon-myeon, Sani-myeon, and Munnae-myeon were classified as Grade 4 and 5, indicating differences in vulnerability. Of the 2,133 facilities evaluated, 91.1% were classified as Grade 3 or higher, indicating a generally favourable condition. However, there were more Grade 1 facilities than Grade 2, highlighting the need for countermeasures. This study is significant in that it evaluates solar power facilities considering urban disaster resilience and is expected to be used as a basic resource for the installation of new facilities or the management and operation of existing ones.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.238-245
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• 2024

In this study, as part of the development of a monitoring system for the efficient maintenance of steel pipes, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the performance of steel pipes treated with modified polyethylene coating. In the case of the conventional mechanical pre-coating method, there was a deterioration in polyethylene adhesion during expansion testing, which led to the application of a chemical pre-treatment process using a calcium-mixed phosphate zinc film to resolve this issue. SEM and EDX analyses showed that the densest structure was observed at a Zn/Ca ratio of 1.0, and improved heat resistance compared to the conventional method was confirmed. Additionally, to prevent coating detachment during expansion, an evaluation of adhesion and elongation was conducted on steel pipes with modified polyethylene coating, incorporating materials such as elastomers based on maleic anhydride grafting, metal oxides, blocking agents, and slip agents. Experimental results showed that the specimen (S4) containing all modified materials exhibited more than a 25% performance improvement compared to the specimen (S2) containing only metal oxides. Lastly, the development and performance evaluation of wedge-shaped socketing and pressing wheels, which are part of the pipe fixing accessories, were conducted to prevent surface coating damage on the completed pipes.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.368-378
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• 2024

Cordycepin, a valuable bioactive component isolated from Cordyceps militaris, has been reported to possess anti-cancer potential and the property to enhance the effects of chemotherapeutic agents in various types of cancers. However, the ability of cordycepin to chemosensitize cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells to gemcitabine has not yet been evaluated. The current study was performed to evaluate the above, and the mechanisms associated with it. The study analyzed the effects of cordycepin in combination with gemcitabine on the cancer stem-like properties of the CCA SNU478 cell line, including its anti-apoptotic, migratory, and antioxidant effects. In addition, the combination of cordycepin and gemcitabine was evaluated in the CCA xenograft model. The cordycepin treatment significantly decreased SNU478 cell viability and, in combination with gemcitabine, additively reduced cell viability. The cordycepin and gemcitabine co-treatment significantly increased the Annexin V+ population and downregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, suggesting that the decreased cell viability in the cordycepin+gemcitabine group may result from an increase in apoptotic death. In addition, the cordycepin and gemcitabine co-treatment significantly reduced the migratory ability of SNU478 cells in the wound healing and trans-well migration assays. It was observed that the cordycepin and gemcitabine cotreatment reduced the CD44^highCD133^high population in SNU478 cells and the expression level of sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox-2), indicating the downregulation of the cancer stem-like population. Cordycepin also enhanced oxidative damage mediated by gemcitabine in MitoSOX staining associated with the upregulated Kelch like ECH Associated Protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression ratio. In the SNU478 xenograft model, co-administration of cordycepin and gemcitabine additively delayed tumor growth. These results indicate that cordycepin potentiates the chemotherapeutic property of gemcitabine against CCA, which results from the downregulation of its cancer-stem-like properties. Hence, the combination therapy of cordycepin and gemcitabine may be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of CCA.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.627-637
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• 2023

Background: Damage to the healthy intestinal epithelial layer and regulation of the intestinal immune system, closely interrelated, are considered pivotal parts of the curative treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Plant-based diets and phytochemicals can support the immune microenvironment in the intestinal epithelial barrier for a balanced immune system by improving the intestinal microecological balance and may have therapeutic potential in colitis. However, there have been only a few reports on the therapeutic potential of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) and the underlying mechanism in colitis. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of PENs from Panax ginseng, ginseng-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GENs), in a mouse model of IBD, with a focus on the intestinal immune microenvironment. Method: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of GENs on acute colitis, we treated GENs in Caco2 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and analyzed the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we further examined bacterial DNA from feces and determined the alteration of gut microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice after administration of GENs through 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Result: GENs with low toxicity showed a long-lasting intestinal retention effect for 48 h, which could lead to effective suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 production through inhibition of NF-κB in DSS-induced colitis. As a result, it showed longer colon length and suppressed thickening of the colon wall in the mice treated with GENs. Due to the amelioration of the progression of DSS-induced colitis with GENs treatment, the prolonged survival rate was observed for 17 days compared to 9 days in the PBS-treated group. In the gut microbiota analysis, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota was decreased, which means GENs have therapeutic effectiveness against IBD. Ingesting GENs would be expected to slow colitis progression, strengthen the gut microbiota, and maintain gut homeostasis by preventing bacterial dysbiosis. Conclusion: GENs have a therapeutic effect on colitis through modulation of the intestinal microbiota and immune microenvironment. GENs not only ameliorate the inflammation in the damaged intestine by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines but also help balance the microbiota on the intestinal barrier and thereby improve the digestive system.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.38.1-38.9
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• 2022

Background: This study investigated the risk perceptions, prevalence of environmental diseases (EDs) and associated factors with the prevalence of environmental disease among the population living near an incinerator Methods: Study area were divided into 3 local areas near the incinerator by distance (A, B, C) and control area (D) by distance and geographic isolation. A Questionnaire was conducted with 1,380 in local residents (A, B, C) and 390 in control area (D), gathered information of demographic characteristics, lifestyle, perception of damage by incinerators, experience of EDs (atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma) diagnosed by physician. Analysis of variance, χ² test, and Kruskal Wallis test was applied to determine the difference by area. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Results: Residents residing closer to the incinerator had negative perception in most items in questionnaire compared with control. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was higher as they lived nearby the incinerator (p = 0.008). The associated factors with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis were carpet (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79, p = 0.001), residential area (marginally significant), duration of residence (OR: 1.09, p < 0.001). The perception of environmental pollution around the residential area was inversely associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis: perceived as very dissatisfied (OR: 4.21, p = 0.02) compared with very satisfied. Conclusions: As closer to the incinerator, the risk perception tend to negative and prevalence of EDs were increased. Carpet, residential area, duration of residence and perception of environmental air pollution around the residential area were associated with prevalence of allergic rhinitis. These results may be useful for the communication with residents to discuss the environmental problems caused by the incinerator.