• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제55권7호
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• pp.2613-2620
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• 2023

Excellent thermal neutron absorption performance of boron expands the potential use of boron rich slag to prepare epoxy resin matrix nuclear shielding composites. However, shielding attenuation behaviors and mechanism of the composites against gamma rays are unclear. Based on the radiation protection theory, Phy-X/PSD, XCOM, and ⁶⁰Co gamma ray source were integrated to obtain the shielding parameters of boron rich slag/epoxy resin composites at 0.015-15 MeV, which include mass attenuation coefficient (µ_t), linear attenuation coefficient (µ), half value thickness layer (HVL), electron density (N_eff), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and exposure absorption buildup factor (EABF).µ_t, µ, HVL, N_eff, Z_eff, EBF and EABF are 0.02-7 cm²/g, 0.04-17 cm^-1, 0.045-20 cm, 5-14, 3 × 10²³-8 × 10²³ electron/g, 0-2000, and 0-3500. Shielding performance is BS4, BS3, BS3, BS1 in descending order, but worse than ordinary concrete. µ and HVL of BS1-BS4 for ⁶⁰Co gamma ray is 0.095-0.110 cm^-1 and 6.3-7.2 cm. Shielding mechanism is main interactions for attenuation gamma ray by BS1-BS4 are elements with higher content or higher atomic number via Photoelectric Absorption at low energy range, and elements with higher content via Compton Scattering and Pair Production in Nuclear Field at middle and higher energy range.

• 천문학회지
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• 제55권1호
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• pp.11-22
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• 2022

We introduce the Transformable Reflective Telescope (TRT) kit that applies an aluminum profile as a base plate for precise, stable, and lightweight optical system. It has been utilized for optical surface measurements, developing alignment and baffle systems, observing celestial objects, and various educational purposes through Research & Education projects. We upgraded the TRT kit using the aluminum profile and truss and isogrid structures for a high-end optical test device that can be used for prototyping of precision telescopes or satellite optical systems. Thanks to the substantial aluminum profile and lightweight design, mechanical deformation by self-weight is reduced to maximum 67.5 ㎛, which is an acceptable misalignment error compared to its tolerance limits. From the analysis results of non-linear vibration simulations, we have verified that the kit survives in harsh vibration environments. The primary mirror and secondary mirror modules are precisely aligned within 50 ㎛ positioning error using the high accuracy surface finished aluminum profile and optomechanical parts. The cross laser module helps to align the secondary mirror to fine-tune the optical system. The TRT kit with the precision aluminum mirror guarantees high quality optical performance of 5.53 ㎛ Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) at the field center.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.401-408
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• 2023

Thyroid uptake measurements can be subject to measurement errors due to the scoping and positioning of the thyroid gland. To compensate for these limitations, the clinical utility of the thyroid simultaneous counting method as an alternative to thyroid uptake measurement was analyzed and evaluated experimentally through quantitative analysis of images acquired after thyroid scanning. Experimental data were obtained using a Gamma camera (GE infinia), a thyroid uptake system (KOROID 1), and a thyroid neck phantom. Based on the thyroid uptake rate of 1-5% according to the protocol of thyroid scan test (^99mTcO₄ - , 370 MBq) in normal results, ^99mTcO₄ - was set in the range of 3.7-18.5 MBq (Matrix: 256×256, Scan time: 1 min, collimator: pin hole, phantom-collimator distances: 7 cm). The acquired images were corrected for the attenuation of isotopes due to the set-up time and half-life by applying the Auto Region of interest (ROI) drawing system, and the significance of the experimental results was evaluated by Multiple linear regression analysis (SPSS, ver. 22, IBM). The thyroid uptake rate showed a significant correlation between the dose and the measured counts when using the thyroid uptake system equipment. Meanwhile, the quantitative analysis counts of phantom images using Gamma camera also showed a significant correlation. Thus confirmed that the correlation between these two experiments was statistically significant (P<0.05). The simultaneous counting protocol, which indirectly measures thyroid uptake from thyroid scans, is likely to be clinically relevant if complemented by additional studies with different variables in patients with thyroid disease.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권10호
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• pp.1708-1718
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) characteristics and applicability of new, uniform, extremely small iron-based nanoparticles (ESIONs) with 3-4-nm iron cores using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Materials and Methods: Seven types of ESIONs were used in phantom and animal experiments with 1.5T, 3T, and 4.7T scanners. The MR characteristics of the ESIONs were evaluated via phantom experiments. With the ESIONs selected by the phantom experiments, animal experiments were performed on eight rabbits. In the animal experiments, the in vivo kinetics and enhancement effect of the ESIONs were evaluated using half-diluted and non-diluted ESIONs. The between-group differences were assessed using a linear mixed model. A commercially available gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) was used as a control. Results: All ESIONs showed a good T1 shortening effect and were applicable for MRA at 1.5T and 3T. The relaxivity ratio of the ESIONs increased with increasing magnetic field strength. In the animal experiments, the ESIONs showed peak signal intensity on the first-pass images and persistent vascular enhancement until 90 minutes. On the 1-week follow-up images, the ESIONs were nearly washed out from the vascular structures and organs. The peak signal intensity on the first-pass images showed no significant difference between the non-diluted ESIONs with 3-mm iron cores and GBCA (p = 1.000). On the 10-minutes post-contrast images, the non-diluted ESIONs showed a significantly higher signal intensity than did the GBCA (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the phantom experiments, the ESIONs with 3-4-nm iron oxide cores showed a good T1 shortening effect at 1.5T and 3T. In the animal experiments, the ESIONs with 3-nm iron cores showed comparable enhancement on the first-pass images and superior enhancement effect on the delayed images compared to the commercially available GBCA at 3T.

• 한국간호교육학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.140-148
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impacts of alternative clinical practice on nursing professionalism in nursing students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used for this study. Data were collected from 178 junior and senior nursing students from December 28, 2022 to January 6, 2023. The nursing students' characteristics, nursing professionalism, clinical competence, extent of alternative clinical practice, and satisfaction with alternative clinical practice were self-reported through an on-line survey. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the impacts of alternative clinical practice on nursing professionalism along with the confounding variables. Results: The nursing students reported that they performed alternative clinical practice for more than half of their clinical practice throughout 2022. The extent of alternative clinical practice (β=-.11, p=.028), satisfaction with content (β=.14, p=.045), and evaluation of the alternative clinical practice (β=.17, p=.007) were found to have impacted nursing professionalism. These variables explained 55.6% of the variance in nursing professionalism. Conclusion: The study results suggest that the alternative nursing practice could impact nursing students' professionalism. However, it would be possible to develop nursing professionalism if the students' satisfaction with the alternative clinical practice were increased. Nurse educators need to improve the content and evaluation methods of alternative clinical practice to promote nursing professionalism during the implementation of such alternative clinical practice.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.131-139
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• 2011

Star-shot 영상을 이용한 선형가속기의 방사선중심점(radiation isocenter)에 대한 정도관리를 정량적으로 할 수 있는 방법을 개발하고 이를 컴퓨터 프로그램으로 구현하였다. 구현한 프로그램의 정확도를 검증하고 프로그램을 사용하여 2008년 6월부터 2010년 12월 사이에 수행한 선형가속기 Clinac 21EX (Varian, USA)의 방사선중심점의 정도관리 정보로부터 방사선중심점의 크기를 측정하여 어떤 변화가 있는지 분석하였다. 개발한 방법은 먼저 star-shot 영상의 빔(ray)들 각각의 중심선 위에 있는 두 개의 점들을 찾아서 모든 중심선들의 방정식을 구하고 구한 방정식을 이용하여 중심선들을 모두 가로지르는 원의 최소의 직경을 찾아 방사선중심점의 크기를 구하는 것이다. 프로그램은 중심선의 x-절편과 y-절편을 0.084 mm 이하의 정확도로 찾아냈고 방사선중심점의 크기는 0.053 mm의 정확도로 구하여 검증에 사용한 영상의 해상도 0.085 mm보다 작았다. Clinac 21EX의 radiation isocenter의 크기는 콜리메이터, 갠트리, 테이블 각각 $0.33{\pm}0.27mm$, $0.71{\pm}0.36mm$, $0.50{\pm}0.16mm$였고 측정 기간 동안 2.0 mm보다 작게 나와 모두 허용한도를 만족하였다. 개발한 프로그램은 충분한 정확도로 방사선중심점의 크기를 계산해주어 정기적인 정도관리에 많은 도움이 될 것으로 생각된다.

• 대기
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.293-305
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• 2013

대류가 유도하는 중규모 흐름에 미치는 비정역학 효과를 조사하기 위하여 기존의 무차원화된 정역학 모형을 바탕으로 무차원화된 비정역학 모형을 개발하였다. 모형을 검증하기 위하여 정역학 방정식 계의 해석해와 비정역학성이 아주 작은 경우의 수치 실험 결과를 비교하였고, 두 결과가 거의 같음을 확인하였다. 무차원화된 비정역학 모형을 이용하여 선형 계와 비선형 계에서 대류가 유도하는 중규모 흐름에 미치는 비정역학 효과를 조사하였다. 선형 계와 비선형 계 모두에서 비정역학성 인자가 작은 경우 열원 꼭대기 위에서 연직 방향으로, 비정역학성 인자가 상대적으로 큰 경우 주 상승 기류의 풍하측에서 수평 방향으로 상승 운동과 하강 운동이 교대하는 파동 형태의 섭동장이 나타났다. 풍하측에서 나타나는 상승 운동과 하강 운동을 분석하기 위하여 선형, 정상 상태, 비점성 흐름에 대한 Taylor-Goldstein 방정식을 구하였다. 주 상승기류의 풍하측에서 교대로 나타나는 상승 하강 기류세포는 전파파의 수평 방향 전파 성분과 에바네센트파, 즉 비정역학성 인자에 의해 결정되는 임계 파장보다 파장이 짧아 연직 방향으로 전파되지 못하고 수평 방향으로만 전파되는 중력파의 중첩으로 설명할 수 있다. 선형 계에 대한 수치 실험 결과에서 나타난 상승 하강 기류 세포의 수평 방향 길이는 선형 계에 대한 방정식에서 얻은 에바네센트 파의 임계 파장 길이의 절반과 일치하였으나, 약한 비선형 계에 대한 수치 실험 결과에서 나타난 상승 하강 기류 세포의 수평 방향 길이는 선형 계에 대한 방정식에서 얻은 에바네센트 파의 임계 파장 길이의 절반보다 다소 길었다. 주 상승 기류 지역 내에서 최대 상승 기류의 위치는 비선형성과 비정역학성 정도에 따라 다르게 나타났다.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.84-102
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• 1978

대맥(大麥) 무배아반편종자(無胚芽半片種子)에 $10{\mu}M$ GA를 처리(處理)하여 배양(培養) 10시간(時間)에 배지(培地)에서 ABA의 농도(濃度)가 각각(各各) $0.1{\mu}M,\;5{\mu}M$ 및 $10{\mu}M$이 되도록 ABA 용액(溶液)을 첨가하여 ${\alpha}-amylase$ 생성(生成)의 소장(消長)을 그리고 $10{\mu}M$ GA와 $10{\mu}M$ ABA 혼합액(混合液) 처리(處理)하여 10시간(時間) 배양(培養) 후(後) 핵산(核酸)의 거동을 $10{\mu}M$ GA처리구(處理區)의 그것과 비교(比較)하였다. 대맥(大麥) 초엽(？葉)에 $10{\mu}M$ GA와 $10{\mu}M$ ABA를 처리(處理)하여 초엽의 생육(生育), chlorophyll, RNase의 활성(活性), 단백질(蛋白質) 및 총(繼) RNA 함량(含量)의 소장(消長)을 처리구(處理區)의 그들과 비교(比較)하였고 이들 hormone 처리(處理) 20시간(時間) 배양후(培養後) 핵산(核酸)의 거동 및 polysome과 menosome의 상대적(相對的) 분포(分布)를 조사(調査)하여 몇 가지 결론(結論)을 얻었으며 그 결과(結果)를 요약(要約)하면 다음과 같다. 1) GA 처리(處理)에 의(依)한 총(總) ${\alpha}-amylase$의 생성(生成)은 시간(時間)의 경과(經過)에 따라 직선적(直線的)으로 증가(增加)하였으며 ${\alpha}-amylase$의 분비(分泌)는 배양(培養) 18시간(時間)부터 활발(活潑)하였다. 2) $0.1{\mu}M$ ABA 첨가는 ${\alpha}-amylase$의 생성(生成)을 부분적(部分的)으로 저해(沮害)시켰으나 $5{\mu}M$ 및 $10{\mu}M$ ABA 첨가는 다같이 첨가 4시간(時間) 후(後)에 완전(完全)히 ${\alpha}-amylase$의 생성(生成)을 저해(沮害)시켰으며, 배양과정중(培養過程中) $5{\mu}M$ ABA 첨가는 GA의 농도(濃度)에 관계(關係)없이 완전(完全)히 ${\alpha}-amylase$의 생성(生成)을 저해(沮害)시켰다. 3) ABA는 무배아반편종자(無胚芽半片種子)에서 ${\alpha}-amylase$의 분비(分泌)에 별(別) 영향(影響)을 주지 않았다. 4) 무배아반편종자(無胚芽半片種子)에서 GA 단독(單獨) 처리구(處理區)와 GA-ABA 처리구간(處理區間)에 핵산(核酸)의 분획(分劃)에서 별(別) 이(異)가 없었다. 5) 초엽에서 GA의 처리(處理)는 r-RNA 획분(劃分)을 증가(增加)시킨 반면(反面) ABA 처리(處理)는 r-RNA 획분(劃分)을 감소(減少)시킴과 동시(同時)에 s-RNA 획분(劃分)을 증가(增加)시켰는권(權) 이는 이들 hormone이 RNase의 활성(活性)에 상이(相異)한 영향(影響)을 준 것으로 보였다. 6) 초엽에서 ABA 처리(處理)는 RNA-DNA 획분(劃分)의 성분비(成分比)를 감소(減少)시켰다. 7) 초엽에서 GA 처리(處理)는 RNase의 활성(活性)을 감소(減少)시켰으나 ABA 처리(處理)는 이의 활성(活性)을 증대(增大)시켰다. 8) 초엽에서 GA 처리(處理)는 총(總) RNA에 큰 영향(影響)을 주지 않았으나 ABA 처리(處理)는 이를 현저히 감소(減少)시켰다. 9) 초엽에 있어서 GA 처리(處理)는 초엽의 생장(生長) 및 chlorophyll 함량(含量)을 증가(增加)시켰으나 ABA 처리(處理)는 이들을 감소(減少)시켰다. 10) 초엽에서 GA 처리(處理)는 단백질(蛋白質) 및 polysome의 형성(形成)을 촉진(促進)시켰으나 ABA 처리(處理)는 이들을 감소(減少)시켰다. 11) ABA 처리(處理)는 polysome의 형성(形成)이 저해(沮害)되는 까닭은 ABA가 r-RNA의 합성(合成)을 저해(沮害)하는 것으로 보였다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.123-127
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• 1978

The major objective of this research is to identify those hospital characteristics that best explain cost variation among hospitals and to formulate linear models that can predict hospital costs. Specific emphasis is placed on hospital output, that is, the identification of diagnosis related patient groups (DRGs) which are medically meaningful and demonstrate similar patterns of hospital resource consumption. A casemix index is developed based on the DRGs identified. Considering the common problems encountered in previous hospital cost research, the following study requirements are estab-lished for fulfilling the objectives of this research: 1. Selection of hospitals that exercise similar medical and fiscal practices. 2. Identification of an appropriate data collection mechanism in which demographic and medical characteristics of individual patients as well as accurate and comparable cost information can be derived. 3. Development of a patient classification system in which all the patients treated in hospitals are able to be split into mutually exclusive categories with consistent and stable patterns of resource consumption. 4. Development of a cost finding mechanism through which patient groups' costs can be made comparable across hospitals. A data set of Medicare patients prepared by the Social Security Administration was selected for the study analysis. The data set contained 27,229 record abstracts of Medicare patients discharged from all but one short-term general hospital in Connecticut during the period from January 1, 1971, to December 31, 1972. Each record abstract contained demographic and diagnostic information, as well as charges for specific medical services received. The 'AUT-OGRP System' was used to generate 198 DRGs in which the entire range of Medicare patients were split into mutually exclusive categories, each of which shows a consistent and stable pattern of resource consumption. The 'Departmental Method' was used to generate cost information for the groups of Medicare patients that would be comparable across hospitals. To fulfill the study objectives, an extensive analysis was conducted in the following areas: 1. Analysis of DRGs: in which the level of resource use of each DRG was determined, the length of stay or death rate of each DRG in relation to resource use was characterized, and underlying patterns of the relationships among DRG costs were explained. 2. Exploration of resource use profiles of hospitals; in which the magnitude of differences in the resource uses or death rates incurred in the treatment of Medicare patients among the study hospitals was explored. 3. Casemix analysis; in which four types of casemix-related indices were generated, and the significance of these indices in the explanation of hospital costs was examined. 4. Formulation of linear models to predict hospital costs of Medicare patients; in which nine independent variables (i. e., casemix index, hospital size, complexity of service, teaching activity, location, casemix-adjusted death. rate index, occupancy rate, and casemix-adjusted length of stay index) were used for determining factors in hospital costs. Results from the study analysis indicated that: 1. The system of 198 DRGs for Medicare patient classification was demonstrated not only as a strong tool for determining the pattern of hospital resource utilization of Medicare patients, but also for categorizing patients by their severity of illness. 2. The wei틴fed mean total case cost (TOTC) of the study hospitals for Medicare patients during the study years was $11,27.02 with a standard deviation of $117.20. The hospital with the highest average TOTC ($1538.15) was 2.08 times more expensive than the hospital with the lowest average TOTC ($743.45). The weighted mean per diem total cost (DTOC) of the study hospitals for Medicare patients during the sutdy years was $107.98 with a standard deviation of $15.18. The hospital with the highest average DTOC ($147.23) was 1.87 times more expensive than the hospital with the lowest average DTOC ($78.49). 3. The linear models for each of the six types of hospital costs were formulated using the casemix index and the eight other hospital variables as the determinants. These models explained variance to the extent of 68.7 percent of total case cost (TOTC), 63.5 percent of room and board cost (RMC), 66.2 percent of total ancillary service cost (TANC), 66.3 percent of per diem total cost (DTOC), 56.9 percent of per diem room and board cost (DRMC), and 65.5 percent of per diem ancillary service cost (DTANC). The casemix index alone explained approximately one half of interhospital cost variation: 59.1 percent for TOTC and 44.3 percent for DTOC. Thsee results demonstrate that the casemix index is the most importand determinant of interhospital cost variation Future research and policy implications in regard to the results of this study is envisioned in the following three areas: 1. Utilization of casemix related indices in the Medicare data systems. 2. Refinement of data for hospital cost evaluation. 3. Development of a system for reimbursement and cost control in hospitals.