• The KSFM Journal of Fluid Machinery
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.43-53
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• 2010

This study investigates a design optimization of a rotating two-pass rectangular cooling channel with staggered arrays of pin-fins. The radial basis neural network method is used as an optimization technique with Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer with shear stress transport turbulent model. The ratio of the diameter to height of the pin-fins and the ratio of the streamwise spacing between the pin-fins to height of the pin-fin are selected as design variables. The optimization problem has been defined as a minimization of the objective function, which is defined as a linear combination of heat transfer related term and friction loss related term with a weighting factor. Results are presented for streamlines, velocity vector fields, and contours of Nusselt numbers, friction coefficients, and turbulent kinetic energy. These results show how fluid flow in a two-pass square cooling channel evolves a converted secondary flows due to Coriolis force, staggered arrays of pin-fins, and a $180^{\circ}$ turn region. These results describe how the fluid flow affects surface heat transfer. The Coriolis force induces heat transfer discrepancy between leading and trailing surfaces, having higher Nusselt number on the leading surface in the second pass while having lower Nusselt number on the trailing surface. Dean vortices generated in $180^{\circ}$ turn region augment heat transfer in the turning region and in the upstream region of the second pass. As the result of optimization, in comparison with the reference geometry, thermal performance of the optimum geometry shows the improvement by 30.5%. Through the optimization, the diameter of pin-fin increased by 14.9% and the streamwise distance between pin-fins increased by 32.1%. And, the value of objective function decreased by 18.1%.

• KIEE International Transactions on Power Engineering
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• v.5A no.2
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• pp.116-124
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• 2005

This paper presents an application of the parallel Genetic Algorithm-Tabu Search (GA- TS) algorithm, and that is to search for an optimal solution of a reconfiguration in distribution systems. The aim of the reconfiguration of distribution systems is to determine the appropriate switch position to be opened for loss minimization in radial distribution systems, which is a discrete optimization problem. This problem has many constraints and it is very difficult to solve the optimal switch position because of its numerous local minima. This paper develops a parallel GA- TS algorithm for the reconfiguration of distribution systems. In parallel GA-TS, GA operators are executed for each processor. To prevent solution of low fitness from appearing in the next generation, strings below the average fitness are saved in the tabu list. If best fitness of the GA is not changed for several generations, TS operators are executed for the upper 10$\%$ of the population to enhance the local searching capabilities. With migration operation, the best string of each node is transferred to the neighboring node after predetermined iterations are executed. For parallel computing, we developed a PC-cluster system consisting of 8 PCs. Each PC employs the 2 GHz Pentium IV CPU and is connected with others through switch based rapid Ethernet. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method, the developed algorithm was tested and is compared to a distribution system in the reference paper From the simulation results, we can find that the proposed algorithm is efficient and robust for the reconfiguration of distribution system in terms of the solution quality, speedup, efficiency, and computation time.

• KIEE International Transactions on Power Engineering
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• v.5A no.3
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• pp.269-279
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• 2005

This paper presents an application of the parallel Adaptive Evolutionary Algorithm (AEA) to search an optimal solution of a reconfiguration in distribution systems. The aim of the reconfiguration is to determine the appropriate switch position to be opened for loss minimization in radial distribution systems, which is a discrete optimization problem. This problem has many constraints and it is very difficult to find the optimal switch position because of its numerous local minima. In this investigation, a parallel AEA was developed for the reconfiguration of the distribution system. In parallel AEA, a genetic algorithm (GA) and an evolution strategy (ES) in an adaptive manner are used in order to combine the merits of two different evolutionary algorithms: the global search capability of GA and the local search capability of ES. In the reproduction procedure, proportions of the population by GA and ES are adaptively modulated according to the fitness. After AEA operations, the best solutions of AEA processors are transferred to the neighboring processors. For parallel computing, a PC-cluster system consisting of 8 PCs·was developed. Each PC employs the 2 GHz Pentium IV CPU, and is connected with others through switch based fast Ethernet. The new developed algorithm has been tested and is compared to distribution systems in the reference paper to verify the usefulness of the proposed method. From the simulation results, it is found that the proposed algorithm is efficient and robust for distribution system reconfiguration in terms of the solution quality, speedup, efficiency, and computation time.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.7.1-7.11
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• 2023

The gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne intracellular pathogen that is widespread in the environment. The functions of hypothetical proteins (HP) from various pathogenic bacteria have been successfully annotated using a variety of bioinformatics strategies. In this study, a HP Imo0888 (NP_464414.1) from the Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e strain was annotated using several bioinformatics tools. Various techniques, including CELLO, PSORTb, and SOSUIGramN, identified the candidate protein as cytoplasmic. Domain and motif analysis revealed that the target protein is a PemK/MazF-like toxin protein of the type II toxin-antitoxin system (TAS) which was consistent with BLASTp analysis. Through secondary structure analysis, we found the random coil to be the most frequent. The Alpha Fold 2 Protein Structure Prediction Database was used to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the HP using the template structure of a type II TAS PemK/MazF family toxin protein (DB ID_AFDB: A0A4B9HQB9) with 99.1% sequence identity. Various quality evaluation tools, such as PROCHECK, ERRAT, Verify 3D, and QMEAN were used to validate the 3D structure. Following the YASARA energy minimization method, the target protein's 3D structure became more stable. The active site of the developed 3D structure was determined by the CASTp server. Most pathogens that harbor TAS create a crucial risk to human health. Our aim to annotate the HP Imo088 found in Listeria could offer a chance to understand bacterial pathogenicity and identify a number of potential targets for drug development.

• Journal of Broadcast Engineering
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.450-462
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• 2009

So far, many methods for segmenting single images or video have been proposed, but few methods have dealt with multiple images with analogous content. These images, which we term consistent scene images, include concurrent images of a scene and gathered images of a similar foreground, and may be collectively utilized to describe a scene or as input images for multi-view stereo. In this paper, we present a method to segment these images with minimum user input, specifically, manual segmentation of one image, by iteratively propagating information via multi-level cues with adaptive confidence depending on the nature of the images. Propagated cues are used as the bases to compute multi-level potentials in an MRF framework, and segmentation is done by energy minimization. Both cues and potentials are classified as low-, mid-, and high- levels based on whether they pertain to pixels, patches, and shapes. A major aspect of our approach is utilizing mid-level cues to compute low- and mid- level potentials, and high-level cues to compute low-, mid-, and high- level potentials, thereby making use of inherent information. Through this process, the proposed method attempts to maximize the amount of both extracted and utilized information in order to maximize the consistency of the segmentation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on several sets of consistent scene images and provide a comparison with results based only on mid-level cues [1].

• Clean Technology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.269-274
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• 2021

Bioenergy is generally considered to be one of the options for pursuing carbon neutrality. However, for a period of time, combustion of harvested plant biomass inevitably causes more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than combustion of fossil fuels. This paper proposes a method that predicts and minimizes the total amount and payback period of this carbon debt. As a case study, a carbon cycle impact assessment was performed for immediate switching of the currently used fossil fuels to biomass. This work points out a fundamental vulnerability in the concept of carbon neutrality. As an action plan for the sustainability of bioenergy, formulas for afforestation proportional to the decrease in the forest area and surplus harvest proportional to the increase in the forest mass are proposed. The results of optimization indicate that the carbon debt payback period is about 70 years, and the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases by more than 50% at a maximum and 3% at a steady state. These are theoretically predicted best results, which are expected to be worse in reality. Therefore, biomass is not truly carbon neutral, and it is inappropriate as an energy source alternative to fossil fuels. The method proposed in this work is expected to be able to contribute to the approach to carbon neutrality by minimizing present and future carbon debt of the bioenergy that is already in use.

• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.6
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• 2009

Introduction: GTPases known as translation factor play a vital role as ribosomal subunit assembly chaperone. The bacterial Obg proteins ($Spo{\underline{0B}}$-associated ${\underline{G}}TP$-binding protein) belong to the subfamily of P-loop GTPase proteins and now it is considered as one of the new target for antibacterial drug. The majority of bacterial Obgs have been commonly found to be associated with ribosome, implying that these proteins may play a fundamental role in ribosome assembly or maturation. In addition, one of the experimental evidences suggested that Bacillus subtilis Obg (BsObg) protein binds to the L13 ribosomal protein (BsL13) which is known to be one of the early assembly proteins of the 50S ribosomal subunit in Escherichia coli. In order to investigate binding mode between the BsObg and the BsL13, protein-protein docking simulation was carried out after generating 3D structure of the BsL13 structure using homology modeling method. Materials and Methods: Homology model structure of BsL13 was generated using the EcL13 crystal structure as a template. Protein-protein docking of BsObg protein with ribosomal protein BsL13 was performed by DOT, a macro-molecular docking software, in order to predict a reasonable binding mode. The solvated energy minimization calculation of the docked conformation was carried out to refine the structure. Results and Discussion: The possible binding conformation of BsL13 along with activated Obg fold in BsObg was predicted by computational docking study. The final structure is obtained from the solvated energy minimization. From the analysis, three important H-bond interactions between the Obg fold and the L13 were detected: Obg:Tyr27-L13:Glu32, Obg:Asn76-L13:Glu139, and Obg:Ala136-L13:Glu142. The interaction between the BsObg and BsL13 structures were also analyzed by electrostatic potential calculations to examine the interface surfaces. From the results, the key residues for hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction between the two proteins were predicted. Conclusion and Prospects: In this study, we have focused on the binding mode of the BsObg protein with the ribosomal BsL13 protein. The interaction between the activated Obg and target protein was investigated with protein-protein docking calculations. The binding pattern can be further used as a base for structure-based drug design to find a novel antibacterial drug.

• KEPCO Journal on Electric Power and Energy
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.257-262
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• 2019

Lattice steel towers for overhead transmission lines have been replaced by tubular steel poles due to the visual impact of large and complex shape of truss type. Demand for tubular steel poles consisting of a single frame member continues to grow because of its advantages such as visual minimization, architectural appeal and minimal site consumptions. However, there are some constraints on the transportation and construction. As the diameter of tower base has been enlarged, it may exceed minimum height limit required to pass the tunnel in case of land transportation. Also, in a narrow place where it is not easy to secure the installation areas such as mountainous places, there might be some areas wherein it must secure a wide working space so that large vehicles and working cranes will be allowed to enter. In this paper, we presented a vertical separated tubular steel pole, which is a new type of support that can be implemented for general purpose such as mountainous areas or narrow areas to improve the issues raised by breaking away from the conventional design and fabrication methods. Technical approaches for overcoming the limit of the cross-sectional size is to separate and modularize the cross-section of the tubular steel pole designed with a size that cannot be carried or assembled, and to lighten it with a weight capable of being transported and assembled in a narrow space or mountainous area. As a result of this research, it will be possible to enter small and medium sized vehicles in locations where it is restricted to transport by large-sized vehicles. In the case of mountainous areas, it will be possible to divide it into a weight capable of being carried by a helicopter and it will be easy to adjust and fabricate it with individual modules. Furthermore, in order to break away from the traditional construction method, we proposed the equipment that can be applied to the assembly of Tubular Steel Pole without using a large crane in locations where there is no accessible road or in locations wherein large cranes cannot enter. In particular, this paper shows the movable assembling equipment and some methods that are specialized for vertical separated tubular steel pole consisting of members with reduced weight. The proposed assembly equipment is a device for assembling the body of the Tubular Steel Poles. It will be installed inside the support and the modules can be lifted by using the support itself.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.343-356
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• 2016

The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) has developed a dual-purpose metal cask for the dry storage of spent nuclear fuel that has been generated by domestic light-water reactors. The metal cask was designed in compliance with international and domestic technology standards, and safety was the most important consideration in developing the design. It was designed to maintain its integrity for 50 years in terms of major safety factors. The metal cask ensures the minimization of waste generated by maintenance activities during the storage period as well as the safe management of the waste. An activation evaluation of the main body, which includes internal and external components of metal casks whose design lifetime has expired, provides quantitative data on their radioactive inventory. The radioactive inventory of the main body and the components of the metal cask were calculated by applying the MCNP5 ORIGEN-2 evaluation system and by considering each component's chemical composition, neutron flux distribution, and reaction rate, as well as the duration of neutron irradiation during the storage period. The evaluation results revealed that 10 years after the end of the cask's design life, $^{60}Co$ had greater radioactivity than other nuclides among the metal materials. In the case of the neutron shield, nuclides that emit high-energy gamma rays such as $^{28}Al$ and $^{24}Na$ had greater radioactivity immediately after the design lifetime. However, their radioactivity level became negligible after six months due to their short half-life. The surface exposure dose rates of the canister and the main body of the metal cask from which the spent nuclear fuel had been removed with expiration of the design lifetime were determined to be at very low levels, and the radiation exposure doses to which radiation workers were subjected during the decommissioning process appeared to be at insignificant levels. The evaluations of this study strongly suggest that the nuclide inventory of a spent nuclear fuel metal cask can be utilized as basic data when decommissioning of a metal cask is planned, for example, for the development of a decommissioning plan, the determination of a decommissioning method, the estimation of radiation exposure to workers engaged in decommissioning operations, the management/reuse of radioactive wastes, etc.