• Title/Summary/Keyword: Nuclear engineering

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In Vitro Experiment to Evaluate 137Cs Dissolution in the Digestion Process of Mushrooms

  • Nishiono, Kanoko;Yamanishi, Hirokuni
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.45 no.4
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    • pp.154-162
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    • 2020
  • Background: Several studies have reported that wild mushrooms contain high amounts of radioactive cesium (137Cs). After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident, a significantly high concentration of 137Cs has been detected in wild mushrooms, and their consumption may be the cause of the chronic internal exposure of local consumers to radioactivity. Therefore, an accurate evaluation of the internal radioactivity resulting from mushroom ingestion is needed. Materials and Methods: The 137Cs elution rate through the cooking and digestion stages was evaluated using in vitro experiments. The edible mushroom Pleurotus djamor was taken as a sample for the experiments. The mushrooms were cultivated onto solid media containing 137Cs. We evaluated the internal dose based on the actual conditions using the elution rate data. For various cooking methods, the results were compared with those of other wild edible mushrooms. Results and Discussion: From the elution experiment through cooking, we proved that 25%-55% of the 137Cs in the mushrooms was released during soaking, boiling, or frying. The results of a simulated digestion experiment after cooking revealed that almost all the 137Cs in the ingested mushrooms eluted in the digestive juice, regardless of the cooking method. The committed effective dose was reduced by 20%-75% when considering the dissolution through the cooking process. Conclusion: We found that cooking lowers 137Cs concentration in mushrooms, therefore reducing the amount of radioactivity intake. Besides, since there were differences between mushroom types, we demonstrated that the internal exposure dose should be evaluated in detail considering the release of 137Cs during the cooking stages.

Calculation of the NMR Cheimical Shift for a 4d$^1$ System in a Strong Crystal Field Environment of Trigonal Symmetry with a Threefold Axis of Quantization

  • Ahn, Sang-Woon;Oh, Se-Woung;Ro, Seung-Woo
    • Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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    • v.7 no.3
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    • pp.170-178
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    • 1986
  • The NMR chemical shift arising from 4d electron angular momentum and 4d electron angular momentum and 4d electron spin dipolar-nuclear spin angular momentum interactions for a $4d^1$ system in a strong crystal field environment of trigonal symmetry, when the threefold axis is chosen to be the axis of quantization axis, has been examined. A general expression using the nonmultipole expansion method (exact method) is derived for the NMR chemical shift. From this expression all the multipolar terms are determined. We observe that along the (100), (010), (110), and (111) axes the NMR chemical shifts are positive while along the (001) axis, it is negative. We observe that the dipolar term (1/R3) is the dominant contribution to the NMR chemical shift except for along the (111) axis. A comparison of the multipolar terms with the exact values shows also that the multipolar results are exactly in agreement with the exact values around $R{\geqslant}0.2$ nm. The temperature dependence analysis on the NMR chemical shifts may imply that along the (111) axis the contribution to the NMR chemical shift is dominantly pseudo contact interaction. Separation of the contributions of the Fermi and the pseudo contact interactions would correctly imply that the dipolar interaction is the dominant contribution to the NMR chemical shifts along the (100), (010), (001), and (110) axes, but along the (111) axis the Fermi contact interaction is incorrectly the dominant contribution to the NMR chemical shift.

High-Performance Compton SPECT Using Both Photoelectric and Compton Scattering Events

  • Lee, Taewoong;Kim, Younghak;Lee, Wonho
    • Journal of the Korean Physical Society
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    • v.73 no.9
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    • pp.1393-1398
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    • 2018
  • In conventional single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), only the photoelectric events in the detectors are used for image reconstruction. However, if the $^{131}I$ isotope, which emits high-energy radiations (364, 637, and 723 keV), is used in nuclear medicine, both photoelectric and Compton scattering events can be used for image reconstruction. The purpose of our work is to perform simulations for Compton SPECT by using the Geant4 application for tomographic emission (GATE). The performance of Compton SPECT is evaluated and compared with that of conventional SPECT. The Compton SPECT unit has an area of $12cm{\times}12cm$ with four gantry heads. Each head is composed of a 2-cm tungsten collimator and a $40{\times}40$ array of CdZnTe (CZT) crystals with a $3{\times}3mm^2$ area and a 6-mm thickness. Compton SPECT can use not only the photoelectric effect but also the Compton scattering effect for image reconstruction. The correct sequential order of the interactions used for image reconstruction is determined using the angular resolution measurement (ARM) method and the energies deposited in each detector. In all the results of simulations using spherical volume sources of various diameters, the reconstructed images of Compton SPECT show higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) without degradation of the image resolution when compared to those of conventional SPECT because the effective count for image reconstruction is higher. For a Derenzo-like phantom, the reconstructed images for different modalities are compared by visual inspection and by using their projected histograms in the X-direction of the reconstructed images.

Sparse and low-rank feature selection for multi-label learning

  • Lim, Hyunki
    • Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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    • v.26 no.7
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    • pp.1-7
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    • 2021
  • In this paper, we propose a feature selection technique for multi-label classification. Many existing feature selection techniques have selected features by calculating the relation between features and labels such as a mutual information scale. However, since the mutual information measure requires a joint probability, it is difficult to calculate the joint probability from an actual premise feature set. Therefore, it has the disadvantage that only a few features can be calculated and only local optimization is possible. Away from this regional optimization problem, we propose a feature selection technique that constructs a low-rank space in the entire given feature space and selects features with sparsity. To this end, we designed a regression-based objective function using Nuclear norm, and proposed an algorithm of gradient descent method to solve the optimization problem of this objective function. Based on the results of multi-label classification experiments on four data and three multi-label classification performance, the proposed methodology showed better performance than the existing feature selection technique. In addition, it was showed by experimental results that the performance change is insensitive even to the parameter value change of the proposed objective function.

Directions for the Development of Digital Twins Applying the Grounded Theory Methods (근거이론을 활용한 디지털 트윈 발전 방향성 제시)

  • Kang, Minshik
    • Journal of Industrial Convergence
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    • v.19 no.1
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    • pp.65-70
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    • 2021
  • This study aims to propose specific directions for developing digital twin contents. This aim is achieved by thorough literature review and applying the grounded theory. Based on customers' need analysis, this study suggests the priorities of contents development of digital twins. As a result, complex workflows and dangerous training contents are adequate to be developed. Moreover, large-scale projects such as nuclear powerplants that are hard to build the mock-ups were considered to be effective. This study provides significant information for not only software developers but also clients who desire to reduce training fees and improve the complex workflows. Since these client companies operate based upon multiple complex workflows, this study encourages stakeholders to make effective decisions. This research needs further analysis of current digital twin technology- possibilities and limitations.

Assesment of Domestic Import Risk for Liquefied Natural Gas in Korea (국내 액화천연가스 도입구조의 위험성 평가)

  • Yu, Hyejin;Oh, Keun-Yeob;Cho, Wonjun;Lim, Oktaeck
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.30-39
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    • 2021
  • Natural gas is globally emerging as an important energy source for environmental, political and regional reasons. In Korea, natural gas imported from oversea natural gas resources as a LNG, it is increased for an applications as a fuel and feedstock which replace the coal and nuclear energy. Because it is relied on the import market in Korea, it is very important to analyze the security for supply. Therefore, this study suggested a method for reducing supply risk and for providing stable supply and demand through risk analysis of Korea's import structure. In order to reduce the supply risk, the concentration of importing countries should be lowered and it is necessary to lower the proportion of countries with relatively low GSSI and increase the imports from Russia. Finally increasing the number of importing countries or maintaining friendly relations with countries where the supply is stable could give us the positive impact in terms of total GSSI.

Age-Specific Thyroid Internal Dose Estimation for Koreans

  • Kwon, Tae-Eun;Yoon, Seokwon;Ha, Wi-Ho;Chung, Yoonsun;Jin, Young Woo
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.46 no.4
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    • pp.170-177
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    • 2021
  • Background: The International Commission on Radiological Protection is preparing to provide reference dose coefficients for environmental radioiodine intake based on newly developed age-specific biokinetic models. However, the biokinetics of iodine has been reported to be strongly dependent on the dietary intake of stable iodine; for example, the thyroidal uptake of iodine may be substantially lower in iodine-rich regions than in iodine-deficient regions. Therefore, this study attempted to establish a system of age-specific thyroid dose estimation for South Koreans, whose daily iodine intakes are significantly higher than that of the world population. Materials and Methods: Korean age-specific biokinetic parameters and thyroid masses were derived based on the previously developed Korean adult model and the Korean anatomical reference data for adults, respectively. This study complied with the principles used in the development of age-specific biokinetic models for world population and used the ratios of baseline values for each age group relative to the value for adults to derive age-specific values. Results and Discussion: Biokinetic model predictions based on the Korean age-specific parameters showed significant differences in iodine behaviors in the body compared to those predicted using the model for the world population. In particular, the Korean age-specific thyroid dose coefficients for 129I and 131I were considerably lower than those calculated for the world population (25%-76% of the values for the world population). Conclusion: These differences stress the need for Korean-specific internal dose assessments for infants and children, which can be achieved by using the data calculated in this study.

Demonstration of the Effectiveness of Monte Carlo-Based Data Sets with the Simplified Approach for Shielding Design of a Laboratory with the Therapeutic Level Proton Beam

  • Lai, Bo-Lun;Chang, Szu-Li;Sheu, Rong-Jiun
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.47 no.1
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    • pp.50-57
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    • 2022
  • Background: There are several proton therapy facilities in operation or planned in Taiwan, and these facilities are anticipated to not only treat cancer but also provide beam services to the industry or academia. The simplified approach based on the Monte Carlo-based data sets (source terms and attenuation lengths) with the point-source line-of-sight approximation is friendly in the design stage of the proton therapy facilities because it is intuitive and easy to use. The purpose of this study is to expand the Monte Carlo-based data sets to allow the simplified approach to cover the application of proton beams more widely. Materials and Methods: In this work, the MCNP6 Monte Carlo code was used in three simulations to achieve the purpose, including the neutron yield calculation, Monte Carlo-based data sets generation, and dose assessment in simple cases to demonstrate the effectiveness of the generated data sets. Results and Discussion: The consistent comparison of the simplified approach and Monte Carlo simulation results show the effectiveness and advantage of applying the data set to a quick shielding design and conservative dose assessment for proton therapy facilities. Conclusion: This study has expanded the existing Monte Carlo-based data set to allow the simplified approach method to be used for dose assessment or shielding design for beam services in proton therapy facilities. It should be noted that the default model of the MCNP6 is no longer the Bertini model but the CEM (cascade-exciton model), therefore, the results of the simplified approach will be more conservative when it was used to do the double confirmation of the final shielding design.

The Treatment Effect of Ulcerative Colitis of Supercritical Heat-Treated Radish Extracts

  • Kim, Hyun-Kyoung
    • International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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    • v.13 no.2
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    • pp.145-155
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    • 2021
  • With the recent rapid improvement in the standards of life and westernization of dietary lifestyles, the consumption of high-calorie diets such as high-fat and high-protein red meat and instant foods has increased, while less vegetables containing dietary fiber are consumed. In addition to that, stress, erroneous dietary behaviors, and contaminated environments are linked to the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, which is on the rise. Another cause of ulcerative colitis is that involve laxative abuse, including repeated, frequent use of laxatives, and include such conditions as deteriorated bowel function, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, etc. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative evaluation of pharmacological efficacy between sulfasalazine alone and combination with herbal medicine on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Balb/c mice received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): group I-normal group, group II-DSS control group, group III-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg), group IV-DSS + sulfasalazine (60 mg/kg), group V-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg) + Radish Extract mixture (30 mg /kg) (SRE). DSS-treated mice developed symptoms similar to those of human UC, such as severe bloody diarrhea and weight loss. SRE supplementation, as well as sulfasalazine, suppressed colonic length and mucosal inflammatory infiltration. In addition, SRE treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules through suppression both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, and prevented the apoptosis of colon. Moreover, SRE administration significantly led to the up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme including SOD and Catalase. This is the first report that Radish extract mixture combined with sulfasalazine protects against experimental UC via the inhibition of both inflammation and apoptosis, very similar to the standard-of-care sulfasalazine.

Porphyra tenera induces apoptosis of oral cancer cells (구강암 세포주에서 김 추출물에 의한 세포자멸사 유도)

  • Kim, Sang Chan;Lee, Jong Rok;Park, Sook Jahr
    • The Korea Journal of Herbology
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    • v.30 no.2
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    • pp.25-30
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    • 2015
  • Objectives : Laver (Porphyra tenera), a red algae species, is one of the most widely consumed edible seaweed in Korea. Laver contains various substances such as essential amino acid, fiber, minerals and polyphenols that benefit human health. In the present study, we prepared ethanol extracts from commercially processed product of Porphyra tenera, and evaluated the growth inhibitory effect against human oral squamous carcinoma YD-10B cells. Methods : Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry with the green fluorescent dye FITC annexin V entering apoptotic cells and the red fluorescent dye PI not entering. The expression of the relevant proteins was detected using Western blot. Results : Ethanol extracts of Porphyra tenera (PTE, $50-200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) caused a significant decrease of cell viability in a dose dependant manner. The cell death occurred as a result of apoptotic process as determined by TUNEL assay and flow cytometric analysis. In line with this observation, decrease in procaspase proteins and increase in cytosolic cytochrome c were observed in cells treated with PTE. In addition, exposure to PTE decreased the expression levels of Bcl-2, and induced PARP cleavage and AIF translocation from mitochondria to nucleus. Conclusions : In conclusion, PTE exerts anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis via caspase activation and AIF nuclear translocation in YD-10B cells. These results provide evidence for the possible therapeutic effect of Porphyra tenera in oral cancer cells.