• Title/Summary/Keyword: Particle counts

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Evaluation of neutron attenuation properties using helium-4 scintillation detector for dry cask inspection

  • Jihun Moon;Jisu Kim;Heejun Chung;Sung-Woo Kwak;Kyung Taek Lim
    • Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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    • v.55 no.9
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    • pp.3506-3513
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    • 2023
  • In this paper, we demonstrate the neutron attenuation of dry cask shielding materials using the S670e helium-4 detector manufactured by Arktis Radiation Ltd. In particular, two materials expected to be applied to the TN-32 dry cask manufactured by ORANO Korea and KORAD-21 by the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) were utilized. The measured neutron attenuation was compared with our Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport simulation results, and the difference is given as the root mean square (RMS). For the fast neutron case, a rapid decline in neutron counts was observed as a function of increasing material thickness, exhibiting an exponential relationship. The discrepancy between the experimentally acquired data and simulation results for the fast neutron was maintained within a 2.3% RMS. In contrast, the observed thermal neutron count demonstrated an initial rise, attained a maximum value, and exhibited an exponential decline as a function of increasing thickness. In particular, the discrepancy between the measured and simulated peak locations for thermal neutrons displayed an RMS deviation of approximately 17.3-22.4%. Finally, the results suggest that a minimum thickness of 5 cm for Li-6 is necessary to achieve a sufficiently significant cross-section, effectively capturing incoming thermal neutrons within the dry cask.

Application of Epifluorescence, Microscopy for Measurement of Bacterial Population in Water Supplies (용수중(用水中) 세균계수(細菌計數)를 위한 형광검경법(螢光檢鏡法)의 응용(應用))

  • Rhee, Young-Hwan;Shin, Seung-Yee
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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    • v.1 no.1
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    • pp.48-52
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    • 1982
  • Methods for the measurement of aquatic bacteria can be divided into two groups. The first group of these methods is based on the 'replicon' concept that live bacterial cells, when diluted and transferred to a suitable medium, produce colonies. These methods distinguish living from dead bacteria, but they massively underestimate bacterial numbers. The second group of enumeration methods uses visual counting technique using specific apparatus such as a microscope. These methods are generally direct and simple, but it is very hard to distinguish between live and dead bacteria and between small particle and bacteria. Recently developed technique in staining methods has provided a reliable method of visual determination of aquatic bacteria. This uses epifluorescence microscopy to measure the total bacterial population. In order to present the fluorescence microscopy as a new methodology for the determination of bacterial numbers in water supplies, data were obtained from chlorine and monochloramine doses added to samples. Total counts by fluorescence microscopy were compared with standard plate count method. The total number of bacteria in water supplies can be determined with fluorescence microscopy. This technique allows better resolution of small bacteria and differentiation of particle from bacteria. Chloramine was found to persist longer in natural waters and prevent bacterial regrowth.

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Size-segregated Allergenic Particles Released from Airborne Cryptomeria japonica Pollen Grains during the Yellow Sand Events within the Pollen Scattering Seasons

  • Wang, Qingyue;Gong, Xiumin;Suzuki, Miho;Lu, Senlin;Sekiguchi, Kazuhiko;Nakajima, Daisuke;Miwa, Makoto
    • Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.191-198
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    • 2013
  • Cryptomeria japonica pollen is the most common pollen, which are scattering during each spring season in Japan. Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis is one of seasonal allergic rhinitis that mainly occurs in Japan. In addition, long range transportation of Yellow Sand from the East Asian continent was also found during the pollen scattering seasons in Japan. Therefore, the interaction or impact between pollen and Yellow Sand should be concerned. In this study, our objective was to investigate the airborne behaviour of Cryptomeria japonica pollen grains and its size-segregated allergenic (Cry j 1) particles as the airborne tracer of Cryptomeria japonica pollen during the Yellow Sand events. Airborne Cryptomeria japonica pollen grains and its size-segregated allergenic particles were collected at roadside of urban residential zones of Saitama city during the pollination periods from February to March in two year investigation of 2009 and 2010. The overlap of Yellow Sand events and dispersal peak of pollen grains was observed. According to the Meteorological data, we found that the peaks of airborne pollen grains appeared under higher wind speed and temperature than the previous day. It was thought that Yellow Sand events and airborne pollen counts were related to wind speed. From the investigation of the airborne behavior of the size-segregated allergen particles by determining Cry j 1 with Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), the higher concentrations of the allergenic Cry j 1 were detected in particle size equal to or less than $1.1{\mu}m$($PM_{1.1}$) than other particle sizes during Yellow Sand events, especially in the rainy day. We conclude that rainwater trapping Yellow Sand is one of the important factors that affect the release of allergenic pollen species of Cry j 1. Therefore, it is very important to clarify the relationships between Cryptomeria japonica pollen allergenic species and chemical contents of the Yellow Sand particles in further studies.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Lactobacillus brevis in Low-fat Milk by Pulsed Electric Field Treatment: A Pilot-scale Study

  • Lee, Gun Joon;Han, Bok Kung;Choi, Hyuk Joon;Kang, Shin Ho;Baick, Seung Chun;Lee, Dong-Un
    • Food Science of Animal Resources
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    • v.35 no.6
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    • pp.800-806
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    • 2015
  • We investigated the effects of a pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on microbial inactivation and the physical properties of low-fat milk. Milk inoculated with Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or Lactobacillus brevis was supplied to a pilot-scale PEF treatment system at a flow rate of 30 L/h. Pulses with an electric field strength of 10 kV/cm and a pulse width of 30 µs were applied to the milk with total pulse energies of 50-250 kJ/L achieved by varying the pulse frequency. The inactivation curves of the test microorganisms were biphasic with an initial lag phase (or shoulder) followed by a phase of rapid inactivation. PEF treatments with a total pulse energy of 200 kJ/L resulted in a 4.5-log reduction in E. coli, a 4.4-log reduction in L. brevis, and a 6.0-log reduction in S. cerevisiae. Total pulse energies of 200 and 250 kJ/L resulted in greater than 5-log reductions in microbial counts in stored PEF-treated milk, and the growth of surviving microorganisms was slow during storage for 15 d at 4℃. PEF treatment did not change milk physical properties such as pH, color, or particle-size distribution (p<0.05). These results indicate that a relatively low electric-field strength of 10 kV/cm can be used to pasteurize low-fat milk.

A Study on the Process Selection for Two-stage and Dual Media Filtration System for Improving Filtration Performance (여과 성능향상을 위한 이단이층 복합여과시스템의 공정선정 연구)

  • Song, Si Bum;Jo, Min;Nam, Sang Ho;Woo, Dal Sik
    • Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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    • v.21 no.2
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    • pp.203-214
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    • 2007
  • This study aimed at researching the process selection for two-stage and dual media filtration system, as a technology substituting the existing sand filter without expanding the site when retrofitting an old filter bed or designing a new one. In order to select the process for optimum complex filtration system, three running conditions have been tested. Test results demonstrated that Run 3 in which the 1st stage was filled with anthracite and coarse sand, and the 2nd stage was filled up with activated carbon and fine sand reduced the head loss and the load of turbidity substances. Also, Run 3 showed better performance in removing TOC, particle counts, THMFP and HAAFP, compared to other two conditions. 99 % of Cryptosporidium was removed. Bisphenol-A was rarely removed from the 1st stage of coarse sand and 2nd stage of fine sand, but 99 % of it was removed from the 2nd stage of activated carbon. In conclusion, when it is required to retrofit an old rapid filter bed or design a new one for the purpose of improving filtration performance, the following two-stage and dual media filtration system is suggested: the 1st stage of filter bed needs to be filled up with coarse sand to remove turbidity as the pretreatment for extending duration of filtering, the top part of 2nd stage needs to be filled up with granular activated caron to remove dissolved organic matters and others as the main process, and finally the bottom part of 2nd stage needs to be filled up with fine sand as the finishing process.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Cudrania tricuspidata (CT) Leaves, Fruit Powder and CT Fruit in Pork Patties during Storage

  • Kim, Haeun;Chin, Koo Bok
    • Food Science of Animal Resources
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    • v.40 no.6
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    • pp.881-895
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    • 2020
  • The objective of this study was to assess antioxidant activities of leaves and fruit powder of Cudrania tricuspidata (CT) with different particle sizes (crude, 500 ㎛, 150 ㎛), and determine the physicochemical properties and microbial counts of pork patties with various levels of CT fruit powder (CTFP) during refrigerated storage. Total phenolic content of crude leaves had the highest value of 3.54 g/100 g (p<0.05). Overall, CT leaves (CTLP) had higher total phenolic content than CTFP (p<0.05). 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of CTFP was higher than that of CTLP (p<0.05), which showed higher iron chelating ability and reducing power than CTFP (p<0.05). After pork patties were manufactured with 0.5% and 1.0% of CTFP at 500 ㎛, pH, color values, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and peroxide values (POV) were then measured. The addition of CTFP into pork patties significantly (p<0.05) increased redness and yellowness values of patties. TBARS values of pork patties containing CTFP were lower (p<0.05) than those of CTFP-0 patties after 10 days of storage. Pork patties added with CTFP showed no significant (p>0.05) difference TBARS values among different storage periods. POV values of pork patties containing CTFP were lower than those of the control from 3 days up to the end of refrigerated storage (p<0.05). These results suggest that CTFP could be used as a natural antioxidant to retard lipid oxidation in meat products during refrigerated storage.

Improving the Accuracy of a Heliocentric Potential (HCP) Prediction Model for the Aviation Radiation Dose

  • Hwang, Junga;Yoon, Kyoung-Won;Jo, Gyeongbok;Noh, Sung-Jun
    • Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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    • v.33 no.4
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    • pp.279-285
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    • 2016
  • The space radiation dose over air routes including polar routes should be carefully considered, especially when space weather shows sudden disturbances such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), flares, and accompanying solar energetic particle events. We recently established a heliocentric potential (HCP) prediction model for real-time operation of the CARI-6 and CARI-6M programs. Specifically, the HCP value is used as a critical input value in the CARI-6/6M programs, which estimate the aviation route dose based on the effective dose rate. The CARI-6/6M approach is the most widely used technique, and the programs can be obtained from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, HCP values are given at a one month delay on the FAA official webpage, which makes it difficult to obtain real-time information on the aviation route dose. In order to overcome this critical limitation regarding the time delay for space weather customers, we developed a HCP prediction model based on sunspot number variations (Hwang et al. 2015). In this paper, we focus on improvements to our HCP prediction model and update it with neutron monitoring data. We found that the most accurate method to derive the HCP value involves (1) real-time daily sunspot assessments, (2) predictions of the daily HCP by our prediction algorithm, and (3) calculations of the resultant daily effective dose rate. Additionally, we also derived the HCP prediction algorithm in this paper by using ground neutron counts. With the compensation stemming from the use of ground neutron count data, the newly developed HCP prediction model was improved.

Nasal and Pulmonary Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Rats

  • Kwon, Soonjin;Yang, Young-Su;Yang, Hyo-Seon;Lee, Jinsoo;Kang, Min-Sung;Lee, Byoung-Seok;Lee, Kyuhong;Song, Chang-Woo
    • Toxicological Research
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    • v.28 no.4
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    • pp.217-224
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    • 2012
  • In recent decades, titanium dioxide ($TiO_2$) nanoparticles have been used in various applications, including paints, coatings, and food. However, data are lacking on the toxicological aspects associated with their use. The aim of this study was to assess the inhalation toxicity of $TiO_2$ nanoparticles in rats by using inhalation exposure. Male Wistar rats were exposed to $TiO_2$ nanoparticles for 2 weeks (6 hr/day, 5 days/week) at a mean mass concentration of $11.39{\pm}0.31mg/m^3$. We performed time-course necropsies at 1, 7, and 15 days after exposure. Lung inflammation and injury were assessed on the basis of the total and individual cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and by biochemical assays, including an assay for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Furthermore, histopathological examination was performed to investigate the lungs and nasal cavity of rats. There were no statistically significant changes in the number of BALF cells, results of biochemical assays of BALF and serum, and results of cytokine analysis. However, we did observe histopathological changes in the nasal cavity tissue. Lesions were observed at post-exposure days 1 and 7, which resolved at post-exposure day 15. We also calculated the actual amounts of $TiO_2$ nanoparticles inhaled by the rats. The results showed that the degree of toxicity induced by $TiO_2$ nanoparticles correlated with the delivered quantities. In particular, exposure to small particles with a size of approximately 20 nm resulted in toxicity, even if the total particle number was relatively low.

Changes in milk production and blood metabolism of lactating dairy cows fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture fluid under heat stress

  • Lim, Dong-Hyun;Han, Man-Hye;Ki, Kwang-Seok;Kim, Tae-Il;Park, Sung-Min;Kim, Dong-Hyeon;Kim, Younghoon
    • Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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    • v.63 no.6
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    • pp.1433-1442
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    • 2021
  • In this study, Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture fluid (SCCF) has been added to a diet of lactating dairy cows to attempt to improve the ruminal fermentation and potentially increase the dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of SCCF on the milk yield and blood biochemistry in lactating cows during the summer. Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (1) total mixed ration (TMR-1) (Control); (2) TMR-1 supplemented with SCCF (T1); (3) TMR-2 (containing alfalfa hay) (T2); and (4) TMR-2 supplemented with SCCF (T3). SCCF (5 ml/head, 2.0×107 CFU/mL) was mixed with TMRs daily before feeding to dairy cows. The mean daily temperature-humidity index (THI) during this trial was 76.92 ± 0.51 on average and ranged from 73.04 to 81.19. For particle size distribution, TMR-2 had a lower >19 mm fraction and a higher 8-9 mm fraction than TMR-1 (p < 0.05). The type of TMR did not influence the DMI, body weight (BW), milk yield and composition, or blood metabolites. The milk yield and composition were not affected by the SCCF supplementation, but somatic cell counts were reduced by feeding SCCF (p < 0.05). Feeding SCCF significantly increased the DMI but did not affect the milk yield of dairy cows. The NEFA concentration was slightly decreased compared to that in the control and T2 groups without SCCF. Feeding a yeast culture of S. cerevisiae may improve the feed intake, milk quality and energy balance of dairy cows under heat stress.

Comparison of Scattered Light of ex vivo Mouse Neutrophils by Different Wavelength Laser Irradiation (2개의 레이저 파장에 따른 마우스 호중구의 산란광 비교 연구)

  • Park, Jae-Sung;Son, Min-Ji;Hwang, Chang-Soon;Lee, Ho
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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    • v.25 no.3
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    • pp.365-378
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    • 2022
  • Complete blood cell count(CBC) is a technique that counts leukocytes for each type of blood cell being analyzed. The principle is that laser is incident to ex vivo flowing leukocytes in a microcapillary tube and scattered light occurs by laser and leukocytes. By collecting the scattered light, we can count the types of cells because different cells generate different light-scattering patterns. However, the technique has an intrinsic limitation, scattering pattern is shown in a wide range region in the resulting, which makes it difficult to accurate analyze and use fluorescent dyes. To overcome this limitation, a new design of CBC with a dual laser, which irradiates with orthogonal angles for collecting quad-scattering information was proposed. Before development, the scattering difference depending on wavelength must be investigated to only catch up to the scattered signal by angles. Some studies, which focused on simple particles, have been conducted to theoretically and experimentally investigate different scatterings by wavelength. In this study, we propose an optical system for measuring scattered light and investigate a complex particle. As a result, the green laser made strong scattering signals in both the forward and side direction: 10% and 30%, respectively.