• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.194-203
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• 2021

Background: Surface soil radiation monitoring around nuclear facilities is important to classify and characterize the contaminated areas. A scanning and direct measurement technique can survey the sites rapidly before starting sampling analysis. Materials and Methods: Regarding this, we test and suggest a measurement technique for gross alpha/beta and ⁹⁰Sr activities in surface soil based on a mobile ZnS(Ag)/PVT (polyvinyltoluene) array and a handheld PVT rod, respectively. To detect ⁹⁰Sr selectively in soil mixed with naturally occurring radioactive materials, chosen energy channel counts from the multichannel analyzers were used instead of whole channel counts. Soil samples contaminated with exempt liquid ⁹⁰Sr with 1 Bq·g^-1, 3 Bq·g^-1, and 10 Bq·g^-1 were prepared and hardened by flocculation. Results and Discussion: The mobile ZnS(Ag)/PVT array could discriminate gross alpha, gross beta, and gamma radiation by the different pulse-shaped signal features of each sensor material. If the array is deployed on a vehicle, the scan minimum detectable concentration (MDC) range will be about 0.11-0.17 Bq·g^-1 at 18 km·h^-1 speed, highly sensitive to actual sites. The handheld PVT rod with 12 mm (Φ) × 20 mm (H) size can directly measure ⁹⁰Sr selectively if channels on which energies are from 1,470 and 2,279 keV are gated, minimizing crossdetection of other radionuclides. These methods were verified by measuring soil samples fabricated with homogeneous ⁹⁰Sr concentrations, showing static MDC of 2.16 Bq·g^-1 at a measurement time of 300 seconds. Conclusion: Based on the results, comprehensive procedures using these detectors are suggested to optimize soil sites survey.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the artificial intelligence-based degradation index from the image of the cross-section of the microstructure taken with a scanning electron microscope of the specimen obtained by the creep test of DA-5161 SX, a nickel-based superalloy used as a material for high-temperature parts. It proposes a new method of quantification and proposes a model that predicts degradation based on Bayesian inference without destroying components of high-temperature parts of operating equipment and a creep life prediction model that predicts Larson-Miller Parameter (LMP). It is proposed that the new degradation indexing method that infers a consistent representative value from a small amount of images based on the geometrical characteristics of the gamma prime phase, a nickel-base superalloy microstructure, and the prediction method of degradation index and LMP with information on the environmental conditions of the material without destroying high-temperature parts.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.30
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• pp.23-46
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• 2023

The Jija Chongtong Gun, owned by Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University, is a tubedstyle heavy weapon of the battlefield in the mid-Joseon Dynasty and is the second largest firearm after Cheonja Chongtong. The original surface color of the Jija Chongtong Gun was obscured by foreign substances and therefore it was judged that its condition requires the conservation treatment. For stable conservation treatment, gamma ray and X-ray non-destructive transmission surveys was conducted to determine the internal structure and conservation condition. And the component analysis on the material components and surface contaminants of Jija Chongtong Gun was conducted by utilizing the p-XRF component analysis, SEM-EDS component analysis, and XRD analysis. As a result of the gamma-ray and X-ray non-destructive transmission investigation, a large amount of air bubbles was observed inside Jija Chongtong Gun, and the part that appeared to be a chaplet by visual observation was not identified. As a result of gamma-ray and p-XRF component analysis, it was confirmed that Jija Chongtong Gun was bronze made of copper (Cu), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb) alloy. As a result of surface analysis of foreign substances using SEM-EDS, it was confirmed that the main components of white foreign substances were calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and titanium (Ti). Titanium was presumed to be titanium dioxide (TiO₂), the main component of white correction fluid. The red foreign substance was confirmed to contain barium (Ba) as its main ingredient, and was presumed to be barium sulfate (BaSO₄), an extender pigment in paint. White and red contaminants, mainly composed of titanium and barium, are presumed to have been deposited on the surface in recent years. The yellow foreign substances were confirmed to be aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si), and were presumed to have originated from soil components. As a result of SEM-EDS and XRD component analysis, the white foreign substance was confirmed to be gypsum (CaS). Based on the results of component analysis, surface impurities were removed, stabilization treatment, and strengthening treatment were performed. During the conservation process, unknown inscriptions Woo (右), Byeong (兵), Sang (上), and Yi (二) were discovered through a portable microscope and precise 3D scanning. In addition, the carving method, depth, and width of the inscription were measured. Woo Byeong Sang is located above Happo Fortress in Changwon, and Yi can be identified as the second hill.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.31-52
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• 2024

Considering the significant relationship between a tree's branch structure and physiology, understanding the detailed branch structure is crucial for fields such as species classification, and 3D tree modelling. Recently, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and quantitative structure model (QSM) have enhanced the understanding of branch structures by capturing the radius, length, and branching angle of branches. Previous studies examining branch structure with TL S and QSM often relied on mean or median of branch structure parameters, such as the radius ratio and length ratio in parent-child relationships, as representative values. Additionally, these studies have typically focused on the relationship between trunk and the first order branches. This study aims to explore the distribution of branch structure parameters up to the third order in Aesculus hippocastanum, Ginkgo biloba, and Prunus yedoensis. The gamma distribution best represented the distributions of branch structure parameters, as evidenced by the average of Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics (radius = 0.048; length = 0.061; angle = 0.050). Comparisons of the mode, mean, and median were conducted to determine the most representative measure indicating the central tendency of branch structure parameters. The estimated distributions showed differences between the mode and mean (average of normalized differences for radius ratio = 11.2%; length ratio = 17.0%; branching angle = 8.2%), and between the mode and median (radius ratio = 7.5%; length ratio = 11.5%; branching angle = 5.5%). Comparisons of the estimated distributions across branch orders and species were conducted, showing variations across branch orders and species. This study suggests that examining the estimated distribution of the branch structure parameter offers a more detailed description of branch structure, capturing the central tendencies of branch structure parameters. We also emphasize the importance of examining higher branch orders to gain a comprehensive understanding of branch structure, highlighting the differences across branch orders.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.60-64
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• 2011

Purpose: The brain perfusion SPECT is the examination which is able to know adversity information related brain disorder. But brain perfusion SPECT has also high failure rates by patient's motions. In this case, we have to use two days method and patients put up with many disadvantages. We think that we don't use two days method in brain perfusion SPECT, if we can use registration method. So this study has led to look over registration method applications in brain perfusion SPECT. Materials and Methods: Jaszczak, Hoffman and cylindrical phantoms were used for acquiring SPECT image data on varying degree in x, y, z axes. The phantoms were filled with $^{99m}Tc$ solution that consisted of a radioactive concentration of 111 MBq/mL. Phantom images were acquired through scanning for 5 sec long per frame by using Triad XLT9 triple head gamma camera (TRIONIX, USA). We painted the ROI of registration image in brain data. So we calculated the ROIratio which was different original image counts and registration image counts. Results: When carring out the experiments under the same condition, total counts differential was from 3.5% to 5.7% (mean counts was from 3.4% to 6.8%) in phantom and patients data. In addition, we also run the experiments in the double activity condition. Total counts differential was from 2.6% to 4.9% (mean counts was from 4.1% to 4.9%) in phantom and patients data. Conclusion: We can know that original and registration data are little different in image analysis. If we use the image registration method, we can improve disadvantage of two days method in brain perfusion SPECT. But we must consider image registration about the distance differences in x, y, z axes.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 1996

PURPOSE : The purpose of this study is to know the ability of detecting malignant tumor tissue by Tl-201 scan, and to compare with that of Tc-99m-MIBI and Tc-99m-MDP scan. MATERIAL AND METHODS : Between February 1994 and December 1995,38 unselected patients with various bone pathologies were studied prospectively. Eighteen had malignant bone and soft tissue pathologies, while twenty had benign. All patients were studied with Tl-201, Tc-99mMIBI and Tc-99m-MDP scan prior to surgical biopsy. PICKER Prism 2000 gamma camera with high resolution parallel hole collimator was used for scanning. To avoid the interaction of isotope, the early(30min.) and delayed phase(3hrs.) of Tl-20l scan was performed first and Tc-99m-MIBI scan was performed after 30 minutes, and then Tc-99m-MDP scan 48 hours later. The scan images were visually evaluated by a blinded nuclear medicine physician. We could find true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative by the comparison of results with those of biopsy. We calculated positive and negative predictive value(%), sensitivity(%), specificity(%) and diagnostic accuracy(%) of each scan. RESULT : The results of each scan were 85.7, 100, 100, 85, 92.1% in Tl-201, 81, 94.1, 94.4, 80, 86.8% in Tc-99m-MIBI and 50, 66.7, 88.9, 20, 52.6% in Tc-99m-MDP scan. As a conclusion, Tl-201 scan was the most specific and accurate method for detecting malignant tumor tissue. Tc-99m-MIBI scan was also good for malignant tumor searching. CONCLUSION : With our results, we can use Tl-201 scan to differentiate benign from malignant tumor, and to evaluate the response of preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and to determine the residual tumor or local recurrence. For the better result, we need to have a more detail information about false positive cases and a more objective and quantitative reading technique.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.11
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• pp.537-543
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• 2019

Alumina(Al₂O₃) is a ceramic material used in industry with a range of particle sizes and characteristics. In this study, a boehmite sol was prepared by a hydrolysis and peptizing process using the Sol-Gel method from aluminum isopropoxide (AIP). γ-Al₂O₃ was prepared by drying and calcining. To prevent particle agglomeration during the manufacturing process, four kinds of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with molecular weights of 9,000~10,000, 31,000~50,000, 89,000~98,000, and 130,000 were added and three concentrations of HNO₃ (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 molar ratio) were added to determine their effects on the particles. The crystal structure, composition, particle size and shape of the prepared γ-Al₂O₃ were confirmed through x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF), particle size analyzer (PSA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). As a result, γ-Al₂O₃ with a purity of approximately 98.2% was synthesized, and the particle size decreased and the uniformity increased with increasing ratio of HNO₃ addition and PVA molecular weight. From these results, the particle size can be controlled during the manufacturing process of γ-Al₂O₃ by controlling the addition ratio of PVA and HNO₃.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1459-1469
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• 2008

Using a rotating biological contactor modified with a sequencing bath reactor system (SBRBC) designed and operated to remove phosphate and nitrogen [58], the microbial community structure of the biofilm from the SBRBC system was characterized based on the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) constituents, electron microscopy, and molecular techniques. Protein and carbohydrate were identified as the major EPS constituents at three different biofilm thicknesses, where the amount of EPS and bacterial cell number were highest in the initial thickness of 0-100${\mu}m$. However, the percent of carbohydrate in the total amount of EPS decreased by about 11.23%, whereas the percent of protein increased by about 11.15% as the biofilm grew. Thus, an abundant quantity of EPS and cell mass, as well as a specific quality of EPS were apparently needed to attach to the substratum in the first step of the biofilm growth. A FISH analysis revealed that the dominant phylogenetic group was $\beta$- and $\gamma$-Proteobacteria, where a significant subclass of Proteobacteria for removing phosphate and/or nitrate was found within a biofilm thickness of 0-250${\mu}m$. In addition, 16S rDNA clone libraries revealed that Klebsiella sp. and Citrobacter sp. were most dominant within the initial biofilm thickness of 0-250${\mu}m$, whereas sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, such as Beggiatoa sp. and Thiothrix sp., were detected in a biofilm thickness over 250${\mu}m$. The results of the bacterial community structure analysis using molecular techniques agreed with the results of the morphological structure based on scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, the overall results indicated that coliform bacteria participated in the nitrate and phosphorus removal when using the SBRBC system. Moreover, the structure of the biofilm was also found to be related to the EPS constituents, as well as the nitrogen and phosphate removal efficiency. Consequently, since this is the first identification of the bacterial community and structure of the biofilm from an RBC simultaneously removing nitrogen and phosphate from domestic wastewater, and it is hoped that the present results may provide a foundation for understanding nitrate and phosphate removal by an RBC system.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.427-432
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• 1997

Re-188 is useful candidate for therapeutic radionuclide because it has a physical half life of 17 hours, contains beta emissions suitable for therapy(maximum energy 2.12MeV) and emits a gamma ray that is suitable for quantitative diagnostic scanning(155keV). To use Re-188 as a radionuclide compound of angioplasty balloon radiotherapy, we investigated the labelling method and biodistribution of Re-188-DTPA We postulated that labeled Re-188-DTPA is preferable because it would be excreted via urinary system more easily than other compounds. To label Re-188 with DTPA, 1ml of 222MBq(6mCi) of Re-188 was added to DTPA solution(DTPA 20mg, $SnCl_2{\cdot}2H_2O$ 10mg, pH 3.5) and boiled at $100^{\circ}C$ for 120min in water bath. pH was adjusted to 5 with 2.3% sodium acetate. Labeling efficiency was measured using TLC-SG(acetone, saline). We evaluated biodistribution of Re-188-DTPA in sacrificed mice at 10 and 60 minutes after injection. We acquired images of kidneys, and drew time-activity curves in normal dogs and rats and calculated Tmax and Tl/2 in rats. The labelling efficiency was 95.7% on average. Labelling of Re-188-DTPA was.stable(90% after 5hours) in vitro at room temperature. According to time-activity curves of dogs and rats, it took 15 to 20 minutes after injection for Re-188-DTPA to be washed out through kidneys. In conclusion, Re-188-DTPA was successfully labeled, Re-188-DTPA was stable in vitro and was excreted early via kidneys in animals. We could recommend Re-188-DTPA as radionuclide of potential use in angioplasty balloon radiotherapy.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.237-243
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• 1990

Pulmonary embolism demands rapid and accurate diagnosis. And ventilation imaging has greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of pulmonary embolism in addition to perfusion imaging. Agents currently used include xenon-133, krypton-81m and technetium-99m radioaerosols. However radioactive gases are compromised by availability and cost for krypton-81m, radiation dose, gamma energy and non?physiologic behaviour for xenon-133. Radioaerosols of technetium-99m componds are rapidly cleared from the lung after inhalation, and their relative low effeciency (specific radioactivity) and wide distribution of particle sizes make them also suboptimum. A new ventilation agent, Technegas is a suspension of structured graphite ellipsoids with diameter below 20nm, labelled with $^{99m}Tc$ in a carrier gas of Argon. This report describes the authors' clinical experience with Technegas. This is the first reported clinical study of this agent in Korea. A comparison of Technegas and $^{99m}Tc-DTPA$ aerosol was performed in 12 patients with various pulmonary diseases such as COPD, pulmonary tuberculosis and pleural effusion. All patients were studied with $^{99m}Tc-DTPA$ aerosol inhalation and Technegas ventilation. In both studies image quality was assessed (1) semiquantitatively by scoring bronchial and gastric activity, (2) subjectively by direct visual comparison of peripheral lung images and (3) quantitatively by computing the peripheral penetration index(PI) for each lungs. The bronchial activites were seen in 7 out of 12 cases with $^{99m}Tc-DTPA$ aerosol and in 5/12 with Technegas. The gastric activities were seen in 5/12 and 1/12 cases respectively. The average values of PI were 61.26% with $^{99m}Tc-DTPA$ aerosol and 69.20% with Technegas (p>0.05). Using $^{99m}Tc-DTPA$ aerosol, COPD patients showed deposition in the central airways with poor visualization of the peripheral areas of the lungs. In Technegas studies these phenomena were less prominent, and the examination is well tolerated by pateients and requires only a minimum of patient cooperation. With superiority of easy availability and handling, better physical characteristics and favorable Image quality, Technegas is a Promising agent for lung ventilation scanning.