• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제47권4호
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• pp.195-203
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• 2022

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine radioactive concentrations in fertilizers known to contain essential nutrients. Results of this study could be used as basic data to monitor the impact of chemical fertilizers on the environment and public health. Nitrogen fertilizers, calcium fertilizers, sulfur fertilizers, phosphate acid fertilizers, and potassium chloride fertilizers were used in this study. Materials and Methods: Five chemical fertilizers were pulverized, placed in polyethylene containers, and weighed. The time to measure each specimen was set to be 3,600 seconds for a scintillator-based gamma-ray spectroscopy system. Concentration of gamma radionuclide was analyzed based on obtained spectra. At the end of the measurement, the spectrum file was stored and used to calculate radioactive concentrations using a gamma-ray spectrometer software. Results and Discussion: In the nitrogen fertilizer, 3.49 ± 5.71 Bq/kg of ¹³⁷Cs, 34.43 ± 7.61 Bq/kg of ¹³⁴Cs, and 569.16 ± 91.15 of ⁴⁰K were detected whereas ¹³¹I was not detected. In the calcium fertilizer, 5.74 ± 4.40 Bq/kg of ¹³⁷Cs (the highest concentration among all fertilizers), 22.37 ± 5.39 Bq/kg of ¹³⁴Cs, and 433.67 ± 64.24 Bq/kg of ⁴⁰K were detected whereas ¹³¹I was not detected. In the sulfur fertilizer, 347.31 ± 55.73 Bq/kg of ⁴⁰K, 19.42 ± 4.53 Bq/kg of ¹³⁴Cs, 2.21 ± 3.49 of ¹³⁷Cs, and 0.04 ± 0.22 Bq/Kg of ¹³¹I were detected. In the phosphoric acid fertilizer, 70,007.34 ± 844.18 Bq/kg of ⁴⁰K (the highest concentration among all fertilizers) and 46.07 ± 70.40 Bq/kg of ¹³⁴Cs were detected whereas neither ¹³⁷Cs nor ¹³¹I was detected. In the potassium chloride fertilizer, 12,827.92 ± 1542.19 Bq/kg of ⁴⁰K was and 94.76 ± 128.79 Bq/kg of ¹³⁴Cs were detected whereas neither ¹³⁷Cs nor ¹³¹I was detected. The present study examined inorganic fertilizers produced by a single manufacturer. There might be different results according to the country and area from which fertilizers are imported. Further studies about inorganic fertilizers in more detail are needed to create measures to reduce ⁴⁰K. Conclusion: Measures are needed to reduce radiation exposure to ⁴⁰K contained in fertilizers including phosphoric acid and potassium chloride fertilizers.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• 제29권2A호
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• pp.119-130
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• 2009

Seismic fragility curves of a structure represent the probability of exceeding the prescribed structural damage state for a given various levels of ground motion intensity such as peak ground acceleration (PGA), spectral acceleration ($S_a$) and spectral displacement ($S_d$). So those are very essential to evaluate the structural seismic performance and seismic risk. The purpose of this paper is to develop seismic fragility curves for PSC box girder bridges. In order to construct numerical fragility curve of bridge structure using nonlinear time history analysis, a set of ground motions corresponding to design spectrum are artificially generated. Assuming a lognormal distribution, the fragility curve is estimated by using the methodology proposed by Shinozuka et al. PGA is simple and generally used parameter in fragility curve as ground motion intensity. However, the PGA has not good relationship with the inelastic structural behavior. So, $S_a$ and $S_d$ with more direct relationship for structural damage are used in fragility analysis as more useful intensity measures instead of PGA. The numerical fragility curves based on nonlinear time history analysis are compared with those obtained from simple method suggested in HAZUS program.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• 제46권2호
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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 Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.121-130
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• 2024

In this paper, we propose and design an NCS-based job matching system for individuals with disabilities. This system allows users with disabilities to access it, input basic information (personal and disability-related details), and take a simple test related to job performance. The system then provides NCS job-related information appropriate to their type and degree of disability. To effectively link various NCS-based jobs, it is essential to consider the degree of disability for each type of disability. However, most evaluation tools target specific types of disabilities or assess the vocational abilities of individuals with disabilities in a limited manner, focusing only on cognitive levels or certain physical functions. This makes it challenging to apply these tools to an NCS-based job matching system for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, in this paper, we utilize the ICF coresets for VR to assess the cognitive levels or physical functions required for performing specific jobs. Additionally, we use the NCS vocational competency evaluation tools to determine the levels of vocational competencies required for performing specific jobs. By doing so, we match NCS-based jobs according to the type and degree of disability. The proposed NCS-based job matching system relies on the user's interaction with the system, which may pose challenges for visually impaired individuals or those with intellectual and autism spectrum disabilities who have low literacy levels. Enhancing the accessibility of this system could enable individuals with disabilities to receive recommendations for NCS-based jobs that suit their vocational abilities.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.93-104
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• 2024

Facility diagnosis is essential for the smooth operation and life extension of rotating equipment used in industrial sites. Compared to other diagnostic methods, vibration diagnosis can find most of the initial defects, such as unbalance, alignment failure, bearing defects and resonance, compared to other diagnostic methods. Therefore, vibration analysis is the most commonly used facility diagnosis method in industrial sites, and is usefully used as a predictive preservation (PdM) technology to manage the condition of the facility. However, since the vibration diagnosis method is performed based on experience based on the standard, it is carried out by experts. Therefore, it is intended to contribute to the reliability of the facility by establishing a system that anyone can easily judge defects by establishing a vibration diagnosis method performed based on experience as a knowledgeable code system. An algorithm was developed based on the ISO-20816 standard for vibration measurement, and the reliability was verified by comparing the results of vibration measurement at various demonstration sites such as petrochemical plant compressors, hydrogen charging stations, and industrial machinery with the results of analysis using a development system. The developed algorithm can contribute to predictive maintenance (PdM) technology that anyone can diagnose the condition of the rotating machine at industrial sites and identify defects early to replace parts at the exact time of replacement. Furthermore, it is expected that it will contribute to reducing maintenance costs and downtime due to the failure of rotating machines when applied to various industrial sites such as oil refining facilities, transportation, production facilities, and aviation facilities.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.59-70
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• 2017

$SiO_2$ is one of the most abundant constituents of the Earth's crust and mantle. Probing its electronic structures at high pressures is essential to understand their elastic and thermodynamic properties in the Earth's interior. The in situ high-pressure x-ray Raman scattering (XRS) experiment has been effective in providing detailed bonding transitions of the low-z materials under extreme compression. However, the relationship between the local atomic structures and XRS features at high pressure has not been fully established. The ab initio calculations have been used to overcome such experimental difficulties. Here we report the partial density of states (PDOS) of O atoms and the O K-edge XRS spectra of ${\alpha}-quartz$, ${\alpha}-cristobalite$, and $CaCl_2$-type $SiO_2$ phases calculated using ab initio calculations based on the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The unoccupied O PDOSs of the $CaCl_2$-type $SiO_2$ calculated with and without applying the core-hole effects present significantly distinctive features. The unoccupied O p states of the ${\alpha}-quartz$, ${\alpha}-cristobalite$ and $CaCl_2$-type $SiO_2$ calculated with considering the core-hole effect present similar features to their calculated O K-edge XRS spectra. This confirms that characteristic features in the O K-edge XRS stem from the electronic transition from 1s to unoccupied 2p states. The current results indicate that the core-hole effects should be taken in to consideration to calculate the precise O K-edge XRS features of the $SiO_2$ polymorphs at high pressure. Furthermore, we also calculated O K-edge XRS spectrum for $CaCl_2$-type $SiO_2$ at ~63 GPa. As the experimental spectra for these high pressure phases are not currently available, the current results for the $CaCl_2$-type $SiO_2$ provide useful prospect to predict in situ high-pressure XRS spectra.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.44-52
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• 2011

Purpose: Cytogenetic analysis of spontaneous abortions (SABs) provides valuable information to establish the causes of fetal loss, information that is essential to provide accurate reproductive and genetic counseling couples. Such analysis also provides information on the frequencies and types of chromosomal abnormalities and associated risks of recurrence. However, there have only been a few reports of chromosomal abnormalities in small samples of SABs in the Korean population. Here, we report the incidence and spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities for cases of 470 SAB in Korea. Material and Methods: Between 2005 and 2010, a total of 470 products of conception (POC) resulting from SABs were submitted to our laboratory for cytogenetic analysis from various medical sites in Korea. The incidences and types of specific chromosomal abnormalities were determined. The abnormalities were distinguished by gestational age at the time of SAB and by maternal age. Results: The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in POCs was 54.3% (255/470), including 228 (89.3%) numerical and 27 (10.7%: 3 balanced and 24 unbalanced) structural abnormalities. Among the numerical abnormalities, trisomy was predominant (67.0%), followed by monosomy X (12.5%), polyploidy (8.2%), triple X (0.8%), and autosomal monosomy (0.8%). The overall sex ratio (male: female) among the 470 POCs with normal and abnormal karyotypes were 0.58 and 0.65, respectively. Trisomies were identified for each autosome, with the exceptions of 1, 3, and 19. Among the 171 autosomal trisomies, trisomy 16 was the most common (19.9%), followed by trisomy 22 (13.5%), trisomy 21 (12.3 %), trisomy 15 (9.9%), and trisomies 18 and 13 (5.3%). The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities decreased with gestational age and increased with maternal age, but only because of increases in trisomies and complex abnormalities. Conclusions: We have presented a large collection of cytogenetic data for SABs collected during the past 6 years and provided a database for prenatal genetic counseling of parents who have experienced SABs in Korea.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.121-126
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• 2012

It is essential to evaluate the quality of Hanji record paper without damaging the record paper by previous destructive methods. The samples were Hanji record paper produced in the 1900s. Near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer was used as a non destructive method for evaluating the quality of record papers. Fourier transform (FT) spectrometer was used with 12,500 to 4,000 $cm^{-1}$ wavenumber range for quantitative analysis and it has high accuracy and good signal-to-noise ratio. The acidity and moisture content of Hanji record paper were measured by integrating sphere as diffuse reflectance type. The acidity (pH) of chemical factors as a quality evaluated factor of Hanji was correlated to NIR spectrum. The NIR spectrum was pretreated to obtain the coefficients of optimum correlation. Multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) and First derivative of Savitzky-Golay were used as pretreated methods. The coefficients of optimum correlation were calculated by PLSR (partial least square regression). The correlation coefficients ($R^2$) of acidity had 0.92 on NIR spectra without pretreatment. Also the standard error of prediction (SEP) of pH was 0.24. And then the NIR spectra with pretreatment would have better correlation coefficient ($R^2$ = 0.98) and 0.19 as SEP on pH. For moisture contents, the linearity correlation without pretreatment was higher than the case with pretreatment (MSC, $1^{st}$ derivative). As the best result, the $R^2$ was 0.99 and SEP was 0.45. This indicates that it is highly proper to evaluate the quality of Hanji record papers speedily with integrated sphere and FT NIR analyzer as a non-destructive method.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• 제55권4호
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• pp.166-177
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• 2022

The Shiveet Khairkhan is located on Tsengel Som in the middle of Bayan-ulgi Aimag in the Altai region. Various remains have been identified, and it has been found to be an important area of the Eurasian steppe. In this study, the characteristics of textile fibers and dyes excavated from the tombs of the 1st~3rd century Xianbei period in the sites of Shiveet Khairkhan, Mongolia were investigated. As a result of analysis using optical microscopic observation and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) for fiber identification, green and yellow fabrics were identified as silk fabrics. To investigate the properties of the dye, the surface reflectance of the dyed fabric was measured using an fiber optic reflectance spectrophotometer for non-destructive analysis. The green fabric appeared similar to the reflection spectrum of indigo dye. In addition, as a result of component analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, isatin and indigotine were detected. Isatin and indigotine are characteristic components of indigo dye, and it was found that the green fabric of the tombs of the Xianbei period was dyed using indigo dye. It was difficult to identify the type of dye in the yellow fabric as a result of reflectance spectrum and gas chromatography analysis. Indigo plants are a dye used for blue dyeing from thousands of years ago, and many species are distributed around the world. It was confirmed that the fabric was relatively well preserved and indigo dye was used for the green Jikryeongui (garment with a straight collar) in the ancient tomb of the Xianbei period about 1,800 years ago, even though it was buried for a long time. Scientific investigation of textile cultural heritage is an essential process for conservation treatment, restoration, exhibition, and the creation of a conservation environment. It is expected that related research will be activated in the future and will be helpful in interpreting the living culture at the time, preserving textiles, and a conservation environment.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2014

Probing the electronic structures of crystalline Mg-silicates at high pressure is essential for understanding the various macroscopic properties of mantle materials in Earth's interior. Quantum chemical calculations based on the density functional theory are used to explore the atomic configuration and electronic structures of Earth materials at high pressure. Here, we calculate the partial density of states (PDOS) and O K-edge energy-loss near-edge structure (ELNES) spectra for $MgSiO_3$ perovskite at 25 GPa and 120 GPa using the WIEN2k program based on the full-potential linearized projected augmented wave (FP-LPAW) method. The calculated PDOS and O K-edge ELNES spectra for $MgSiO_3$ Pv show significant pressure-induced changes in their characteristic spectral features and relative peak intensity. These changes in spectral features of $MgSiO_3$ Pv indicate that the pressure-induced changes in local atomic configuration around O atoms such as Si-O, O-O, and Mg-O length can induce the significant changes on the local electronic structures around O atoms. The result also indicates that the significant changes in O K-edge features can results from the topological densification at constant Si coordination number. This study can provide a unique opportunity to understand the atomistic origins of pressure-induced changes in local electronic structures of crystalline and amorphous $MgSiO_3$ at high pressure more systematically.