• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.58.1-59
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• 2021

Exploration of asteroids' internal structure is essential for understanding their evolutional history. It also provides a fundamental information about the history of coalescence and collision of the solar system. Among several models of the internal structures, the rubble-pile model, confirmed by the near-Earth asteroid (25143) Itokawa by Hayabusa mission [1], is now widely regarded as the most common to asteroids with size ranging from 200 m to 10 km [2]. On the contrary, monolithic and core-mantle structures are also possible for small asteroids [3]. It is, however, still challenging to look through the interior of a target object using remote-sensing devices. In this presentation, we introduce our ongoing research conducted at Seoul National and propose an idea to infer the internal structure of Apophis using available instruments. Itokawa's research provides an important benchmark for Apophis exploration because both asteroids have similar size and composition [4][5]. We have conducted research on Itokawa's evolution in terms of collision and space weathering. Space weathering is the surface alteration process caused by solar wind implantation and micrometeorite bombardment [6]. Meanwhile, resurfacing via a collision acts as a counter-process of space weathering by exposing fresh materials under the matured layer and lower the overall degree of space weathering. Therefore, the balance of these two processes determine the space weathering degrees of the asteroid. We focus on the impact evidence on the boulder surface and found that space weathering progresses in only 100-10,000 years and modifies the surface optical properties (Jin & Ishiguro, KAS 2020 Fall Meeting). It is important to note that the timescale is significantly shorter than the Itokawa's age, suggesting that the asteroid can be totally processed by space weathering. Accordingly, our result triggers a further discussion about why Itokawa indicates a moderately fresh spectrum (Sq-type denotes less matured than S-type). For example, Itokawa's smooth terrains show a weaker degree of space weathering than other S-type asteroids [7]. We conjecture that the global seismic shaking caused by collisions with >1 mm-sized interplanetary dust particles induces granular convection, which hinders the progression of space weathering [8]. Note that the efficiency of seismic wave propagation is strongly dependent on the internal structure of the asteroid. Finally, we consider possible approaches to investigate Apophis's internal structure. The first idea is studying the space weathering age, as conducted for Itokawa. If Apophis indicates a younger age, the internal structure would have more voids [9]. In addition, the 2029 close encounter with Earth provides a rare natural opportunity to witness the contrast between before and after the event. If the asteroid exhibits a slight change in shape and space weathering degree, one can determine the physical structure of the internal materials (e.g., rubble-pile monolithic, thick or thin regolith layer, the cohesion of the materials). We will also consider a possible science using a seismometer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.1-18
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• 2023

The Ecosystem Conservation Levy (formerly known as the Ecosystem Conservation Cooperation Fund) system has been in place for 20 years, and it can be said that it has now entered the settlement stage. Based on an analysis of publicly available project implementation data from 2014 to 2020, we found that: 1) As the number of return projects increases, the targets of restoration technologies are also strengthening, and it is necessary to frame a series of processes from application, creation, and monitoring for some detailed projects to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of utilizing the levy. 2) Most of the implemented projects are applied as micro-ecosystem creation, but there are many cases where the contents of the project can be seen as other project categories. This shows that the purpose of the return project needs to be approached more clearly and suggests that institutional complementation is needed from the project application stage. 3) The detailed technologies applied tend to be gradually expanding, but most of them are technologies that are not differentiated from general development projects. It is urgent to secure a more technical identity, such as a range and list of utilized technologies suitable for the characteristics and purposes of return projects. 4) It is necessary to establish a relevant evaluation system or framework to utilize the monitoring results of restoration projects. 5) There have been few cases of application of single restoration technologies since the beginning, but the content and scope of the complexity tend to expand in recent years. Even if the objectives are not comprehensive and diverse, it can be seen that many parts of the projects are oriented toward convergence, so it is necessary to conduct separate research on this. 6) As for the direction of improvement of the return project, it is possible to consider expanding the restoration and conservation focus to partially accommodate the complexity of the natural environment and human ecology. It seems that the expansion of restoration technologies that consider the role and function of humans in the natural environment should be explored.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.37-46
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• 2023

Due to the aging, advancement, and complexity of chemical facilities, non-routine work such as facility inspection, repair, or maintenance work is increasing. Of the 1,483 accidents that occurred over the past 10 years at chemical product manufacturing sites subject to PSM, accidents that occurred during non-routine work accounted for 56% (932 Cases) of the total. It can be seen that more accidents occur during non-routine work than during routine work. In particular, in order to improve the economy and efficiency of factory operation, there are cases where some facilities are stopped without stopping the entire factory and then inspection, repair, or maintenance work is performed while isolated from the operating facilities. Therefore, first, a safe isolation method must be selected by establishing an isolation standard (Baseline Isolation Standard) based on the chemicals handled, operating conditions, and risk level of the equipment in the chemical plant. Second, since current domestic laws and standards do not suggest the need for specific quarantine standards, it is necessary to institutionalize the preparation of quarantine standards. Technical and institutional improvements are needed to prevent fires, explosions, and poisoning accidents caused by leaks of chemical substances.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.1246-1254
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• 2024

Objective: The goal of the current study was to investigate the impact of various concentrations of xylanase in energy-deficient corn-based diets on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and digesta viscosity in broilers from 7 to 35 days of age. Methods: A total of 280 seven-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to one of the five dietary treatments following a completely randomized design with 8 replicates and 7 birds per cage. The treatments were: i) positive control (PC, without xylanase); ii) NC-1 (80 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC); iii) NC-2 (100 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC); iv) NCX-1 (NC-1 + 2,000 U/kg xylanase); and v) NCX-2 (NC-2 + 3,000 U/kg xylanase). Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were determined weekly to evaluate growth performance. One bird per pen was sacrificed for ileal digesta collection to determine the viscosity and digestibility of energy, dry matter, crude protein on days 24 and 35, however breast and leg meat samples were obtained for proximate analysis (moisture, crude protein, fat, and ash) on day 35. Results: Birds fed diets supplemented with xylanase regardless of the amount had higher (p<0.05) body weights, daily gains, and improved feed efficiency compared to NC diets all throughout the experimental period. Feed intake was not affected (p>0.05) by the addition of xylanase. Moreover, lowered (p<0.05) viscosity of the ileal digesta were observed upon xylanase inclusion in the diets compared to the birds fed NC diets on day 24. Ileal nutrient digestibility and meat proximate composition were not affected (p>0.05) by xylanase. Conclusion: The present study indicated that the xylanase at 2,000 U/kg and 3,000 U/kg levels compensates for the 80 kcal/kg and 100 kcal/kg dietary energy levels, respectively, without having adverse effects on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and digesta viscosity of broilers.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2024

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of chronic hyperglycaemia affecting normal kidney functioning. The ayurvedic medicine curcumin (CUR) is pharmaceutically accepted for its vast biological effects. Objectives: The Curcuma-derived diferuloylmethane compound CUR, loaded on Poly (lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles was utilized to combat DN-induced renal apoptosis by selectively targeting and modulating Bcl2. Methods: Upon in silico molecular docking and screening study CUR was selected as the core phytocompound for nanoparticle formulation. PLGA-nano-encapsulated-curcumin (NCUR) were synthesized following standard solvent displacement method. The NCUR were characterized for shape, size and other physico-chemical properties by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy studies. For in vivo validation of nephro-protective effects, Mus musculus were pre-treated with CUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. and NCUR at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. (dose 1), 12.5 mg/kg b.w (dose 2) followed by alloxan administration (100 mg/kg b.w) and serum glucose levels, histopathology and immunofluorescence study were conducted. Results: The in silico study revealed a strong affinity of CUR towards Bcl2 (dock score -10.94 Kcal/mol). The synthesized NCUR were of even shape, devoid of cracks and holes with mean size of ~80 nm having -7.53 mV zeta potential. Dose 1 efficiently improved serum glucose levels, tissue-specific expression of Bcl2 and reduced glomerular space and glomerular sclerosis in comparison to hyperglycaemic group. Conclusion: This study essentially validates the potential of NCUR to inhibit DN by reducing blood glucose level and mitigating glomerular apoptosis by selectively promoting Bcl2 protein expression in kidney tissue.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.347-358
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• 2009

Recently, it is getting into a good situation for the flat-plate slab system to be applied. The flat-plate slab without beam, however, is often too weak to control deflection properly compared to other typical slab-beam structures, for which the post-tension method is generally regarded as one of best solutions. The post-tension (PT) method can effectively control deflection without increase of slab thickness. Despite this good advantage, however, the application of PT method has been very limited due to cost increase, technical problems, and lack of experiences. Therefore, in order to reduce difficulties on applying full PT method under the current domestic circumstances and to enhance constructability of PT system, this research proposed the partial PT method with top jacking anchorage applied in a part of span as need. For the top jacking anchorage system, the efficiency of deflection control shall be considered in detail because it can vary widely depending on the location of anchorage that can be placed anywhere as need, and tensile stresses induced at back of the anchorage zone also shall be examined. Therefore, in this study, analysis were performed on the efficiency of deflection control depending on the location of anchorage and on tensile stresses or forces using finite element method and strut and tie model in the proposed top jacking anchorage system. The proposed jacking system were also applied to the floor slabs at a construction site to investigate its applicability and the analysis results of slab behavior were compared to the measured values obtained from the PT slab constructed by the partial PT method. The result of this study indicates that the partial PT method can be very efficiently applied with little cost increase to control deflection and tensile stresses in the region as a need basis where problem exists.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.391-396
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• 2016

The absorption efficiency of amine $CO_2$ absorbent (KoSol-5) developed by KEPCO research institute was evaluated using a 0.1 MW test bed. The performance of post-combustion technology to capture two tons of $CO_2$ per day from a slipstream of the flue gas from a 500 MW coal-fired power station was first confirmed in Korea. Also the analysis of the absorbent regeneration energy was conducted to suggest the reliable data for the KoSol-5 absorbent performance. And we tested energy reduction effects by improving the absorption tower inter-cooling system. Overall results showed that the $CO_2$ removal rate met the technical guideline ($CO_2$ removal rate : 90%) suggested by IEA-GHG. Also the regeneration energy of the KoSol-5 showed about $3.05GJ/tonCO_2$ which was about 25% reduction in the regeneration energy compared to that of using the commercial absorbent MEA (Monoethanolamine). Based on current experiments, the KoSol-5 absorbent showed high efficiency for $CO_2$ capture. It is expected that the application of KoSol-5 to commercial scale $CO_2$ capture plants could dramatically reduce $CO_2$ capture costs.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.67-77
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• 2015

Now that it is the current situation that the smooth supply and demand are necessary for 2nd phase of beginning construction and stable development of Gaesung Industrial Complex, this study was willing to offer the planning criteria and model to establish the lodging for the workers in Gaesung Industrial Complex based on the agreement that both South and North Korea agreed in 2007. Regarding the plan, its standard and the alternative were reviewed considering welfare of workers, economic efficiency, technical validity, possibility of agreement and long-term development. The exclusive area per capita was calculated through Labor Standards Act of Korea and status survey of lodging for the workers provided to border line area between China and North Korea and the economic alternative based on one room for 6 persons with the public restroom was compared with that of development type based on one room for 4 persons with indoor restroom. Especially regarding the proposed site, the area with the optimized position was set by considering gradient, accessibility and convenience of development out of the area of Dongchang-ri where was agreed already and the priority of the proposed site that can keep the existing building site and provide was offered. The necessary period for whole construction was set as approximately 36 months. Regarding construction method, RC Rahmen method was selected as the optimized alternative considering the workmanship of manpower of North Korea and conditions of supply and demand of materials and cluster-type vehicle allocation plan based on 4~6 units considering the efficiency of supplying service facilities and convenient facilities along the simultaneous accommodation of 15,000 people was offered. It was analyzed that total business expenses of approximately 80~100 billion Korean Won would required though there were the difference for each alternative in the charged rental way that the development business owner develops by lending the inter-Korea Cooperation Fund and withdraws the rent by the benefit principle. The possibility of withdrawing the rent was analyzed assuming that the period of withdrawing the investment is 30 years. Especially for the operation management after moving, the establishment of the committee of operating the lodging for the workers of Gaesung Industrial Complex (tentative name) was offered with the dualized governance that the constructor takes charge of operational management, collecting fees and management of infrastructure and human resource management is delegated to North Korea.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7367-7369
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• 2013

Background: Inoperable and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis and low chemotherapeutic efficiency. Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor exerting its effects via the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-${\beta}$) tyrosine kinases. Randomized studies have shown a significant contribution of sorafenib to life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of sorafenib therapy in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Data for 103 patients (82 males, 21 females) receiving sorafenib therapy in 13 centers from February 2008 to December 2012 were evaluated. Median age was 61 years and median ECOG performance status was 1 (range: 0-2). 60 patients (58%) had hepatitis B, 15 patients (15%) had hepatitis C infection and 12 patients (12%) had a history of alcohol consumption. All of the patients had Child scores meeting the utilization permit of the drug in our country (Child A). Results: A total of 571 cycles of sorafenib therapy were administered with a median of four per patient. Among the evaluable cases, there was partial response in 15 (15%), stable disease in 52 (50%), and progressive disease in 36 (35%). Median progression-free survival was 18 weeks and median overall survival was 48 weeks. The dose was reduced only in 6 patients and discontinued in 2 patients due to grade 3-4 toxicity, 18 patients (17%) suffering hand-foot syndrome, 7 (7%) diarrhea, and 2 (2%) vomiting. Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated better efficacy of sorafenib therapy in patients with advanced HCC compared to the literature while progression-free survival and overall survival findings were comparable. The side effect rates indicate that the drug was tolerated well. In conclusion, among the available treatment options, sorafenib is an efficient and tolerable agent in patients with inoperable or metastatic HCC.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.65-78
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• 2018

According to the in social aspects such as population growth, urbanization and industrialization, development of livestock industry by meat consumption, amount of organic wastes (containing sewage sludge and food waste, animal manure, etc) has been increased annually in South Korea. Precise monitoring of 11 organic wastes biogas facilities were conducted. The organic decomposition rate of organic wastewater was 68.2 % for food wastes, 66.8 % for animal manure and 46.2 % for sewage sludge and 58.8 % for total organic wastes. As a result of analyzing the biogas characteristics before and after the pretreatment, the total average of the whole facility was measured to be 560 ppm using iron salts and desulfurization, and decreased to 40 ppm when the reduction efficiency was above 90 %. Particularly, when iron salt is injected into the digester, the treatment efficiency is about 93 %, and the average is reduced to 150 ppm. In the case of dehumidification, the absolute humidity and the relative humidity were analyzed. The dew point temperature of the facility where the dehumidification facility was well maintained as $14^{\circ}C$, the absolute humidity was $12.6g/m^3$, and the relative humidity was 35 %. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate for the disadvantages of biogasification facilities of organic waste resources and optimize utilization of biogas and improve operation of facilities. This study was conducted to optimize biogas utilization of type of organic waste(containing sewage sludge and food waste, animal manure) through precision monitoring.