• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.1491-1510
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• 2021

This work presents an illustration of Nagra's AMAC (Advanced Methodology for Activation Characterization) approach to the South Korean pressurized water reactor Kori-1 decommissioning. The results achieved are supported by the existing experience from the detailed AMAC applications to Swiss NPPs and are used not only for a demonstration of the applicability of AMAC to South Korean NPPs, but also for a first approximation of the activated waste volumes to be expected from Kori-1. A packaging concept based on the above activation characterization is also presented, using the AMAC algorithmic optimization software ALGOPACK leading to the minimum number of waste containers needed given the selected packaging constraints. Nagra's AMAC enables effective planning before and during NPP decommissioning, including recommendations for cutting profiles for diverse reactor components and building structures. Finally, it is expected to lead to significant cost savings by reducing the number of expensive waste containers, by optimizing a potential melting strategy for metallic waste as well as by significantly limiting the number of radiological measurements. All information about Kori-1 used for the purpose of this study was collected from publicly available sources.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.60-68
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• 2022

In this study, we developed and validated a sensitive analytical method to quantify baphicacanthin A in mouse plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The standard calibration curves for baphicacanthin A ranged from 0.5 to 200 ng/mL and were linear, with an r² of 0.985. The inter- and intra-day accuracy and precision and the stability fell within the acceptance criteria. Besides, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of baphicacanthin A following its intravenous (5 mg/kg) and oral administration (30 mg/kg). Intravenously injected baphicacanthin A showed biphasic elimination kinetics with high clearance and volume of distribution values. Furthermore, baphicacanthin A showed a rapid absorption but low aqueous solubility (182.51±0.20 mg/mL), resulting in low plasma concentrations and low oral bioavailability (2.49 %). Thus, we successfully documented the pharmacokinetic properties of baphicacanthin A using this newly developed sensitive LC-MS/MS quantification method, which could be used in future lead optimization and biopharmaceutic studies.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.4024-4041
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• 2022

Robust reversible watermarking has attracted widespread attention in the field of information hiding in recent years. It should not only have robustness against attacks in transmission but also meet the reversibility of distortion-free transmission. According to our best knowledge, the most recent robust reversible watermarking methods adopt a single image as the carrier, which might lead to low efficiency in terms of carrier utilization. To address the issue, a novel dual-image robust reversible watermarking framework is proposed in this paper to effectively utilize the correlation between both carriers (namely dual images) and thus improve the efficiency of carrier utilization. In the dual-image robust reversible watermarking framework, a two-layer robust watermarking mechanism is designed to further improve the algorithm performances, i.e., embedding capacity and robustness. In addition, an optimization model is built to determine the parameters. Finally, the proposed framework is applied in different domains (namely domain-independent), i.e., Slantlet Transform and Singular Value Decomposition domain, and Zernike moments, respectively to demonstrate its effectiveness and generality. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed dual-image robust reversible watermarking framework.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.73-82
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• 2023

Optimization of Construction Site Layout Planning (CSLP) heavily relies on workers' travel paths. However, traditional path generation approaches predominantly focus on the shortest path, often neglecting critical variables such as individual wayfinding tendencies, the spatial arrangement of site objects, and potential hazards. These oversights can lead to compromised path simulations, resulting in less reliable site layout plans. While Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) has been proposed as a potential alternative to address these issues, it has shown limitations. Despite presenting more realistic travel paths by considering these variables, DRL often struggles with efficiency in complex environments, leading to extended learning times and potential failures. To overcome these challenges, this study introduces a refined model that enhances spatial navigation capabilities and learning performance by integrating workers' visibility into the reward functions. The proposed model demonstrated a 12.47% increase in the pathfinding success rate and notable improvements in the other two performance measures compared to the existing DRL framework. The adoption of this model could greatly enhance the reliability of the results, ultimately improving site operational efficiency and safety management such as by reducing site congestion and accidents. Future research could expand this study by simulating travel paths in dynamic, multi-agent environments that represent different stages of construction.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.281-295
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• 2022

Tensile property is one of the excellent properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), and uniaxial tensile test is an important and challenging mechanical performance test of UHPC. Traditional uniaxial tensile tests of concrete materials have inherent defects such as initial eccentricity, which often lead to cracks and failure in non-test zone, and affect the testing accuracy of tensile properties of materials. In this paper, an original integrated design scheme of mould and end fixture is proposed, which achieves seamless matching between the tension end of specimen and the test fixture, and minimizes the cumulative eccentricity caused by the difference in the matching between the tension end of specimen and the local stress concentration at the end. The stress analysis and optimization design are carried out by finite element method. The curve transition in the end of specimen is preferred compared to straight line transition. The rationality of the new integrated design is verified by uniaxial tensile test of strain hardening UHPC, in which the whole stress-strain curve was measured, including the elastic behavior before cracking,strain hardening behavior after cracking and strain softening behavior.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.11
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• pp.4246-4251
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• 2023

The optimized design of a Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) system, including Delayed Gamma NAA (DGNAA) and Prompt Gamma NAA (PGNAA), has been proposed in this research based on Mevex Linac with 5 MeV electron energy and 50 kW power as a neutron source. Based on the MCNPX 2.6 simulation, the optimized configuration contains; tungsten as an electron-photon converter, BeO as a photoneutron target, BeD₂ and plexiglass as moderators, and graphite as a reflector and collimator, as well as lead as a gamma shield. The obtained thermal neutron flux at the beam port is equal to 2.06 × 10⁹ (# /cm².s). In addition, using the optimized neutron beam, the detection limit has been calculated for some elements such as H-1, B-10, Na-23, Al-27, and Ti-48. The HPGe Coaxial detector has been used to measure gamma rays emitted by nuclides in the sample. By the results, the proposed system can be an appropriate solution to measure the concentration and toxicity of elements in different samples such as food, soil, and plant samples.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.6
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• pp.567-581
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• 2024

In this paper, an effort is made to present a detailed analysis of dynamic behavior of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced pipes under the influence of an accelerating moving load. Again, the material properties of the nanocomposite pipe will be determined by following the rule of mixtures, considering a specific distribution and volume fraction of CNTs within the pipe. In the present study, temperature-dependent material properties have been considered. The Navier-Stokes equations are used to determine the radial force developed by the viscous fluid. The structural analysis has been carried out based on Reddy's higher-order shear deformation shell theory. The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton's principle. The resulting differential equations are solved using the Differential Quadrature and Integral Quadrature methods, while the dynamic responses are computed with the use of Newmark's time integration scheme. These are many parameters, ranging from those connected with boundary conditions to nanotube geometrical characteristics, velocity, and acceleration of the moving load, and, last but not least, volume fraction and distribution pattern of CNTs. The results indicate that any increase in the volume fraction of CNTs will lead to a decrease in the transient deflection of the structure. It is also observed that maximum displacement occurs with an increase in the load speed, slightly delayed compared to decelerating motion.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2006

A parallel plate detector containing PTFE films in FEP film for relative dosimetry was designed to measure the response of detectors to S and 10 MV X-rays from a medical linear accelerator through different thicknesses of lead. The dielectric materials were 100 m thick. The set-up conditions for measurements with this detector were as follows: SSD=100 cm the test detector was at a depth of 5 cm and the reference chamber was at a depth of 10 cm from the phantom surface for 6 and 10 MV X-rays. Lead blocks were designed to cover the irradiated field. They were added to the tray to increase thickness sequentially. We found that the detector response decreased exponentially with the thickness of lead added. The linear attenuation coefficients of the test detector and reference chamber were 0.1414 and 0.541, respectively, for 6 MV X-rays and 0.1358 and 0.5279 for 10 MV X-rays. The test detector response was greater than that of the reference chamber. The response function was calculated from the measured values of the test detector and reference chamber using optimization. These optimized constants for the detector response function were independent of theenergy. As a result of optimizing the response function between detectors, the use of a relative dosimeter was validated, because the response of the test detector was 1% for 6 MV X-rays and 4% for 10 MV X-rays.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering Conference
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• 2010.05a
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• pp.48-48
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• 2010

Sound quality and NVH-issues(Noise, Vibration and Harshness) of vehicles has become very important for car manufacturers. It is interpreted as among the most relevant factors regarding perceived product quality, and is important in gaining market advantage. The general sound quality of vehicles was gradually improved over the years. However, today the development cycles in the automotive industry are constantly reduced to meet the customers' demands and to react quickly to market needs. In addition, new drive and fuel concepts, tightened ecological specifications, increase of vehicle classes and increasing diversification(increasing market for niche vehicles), etc. challenge the acoustic engineers trying to develop a pleasant, adequate, harmonious passenger cabin sound. Another aspect concerns the general pressure for reducing emission and fuel consumption, which lead to vehicle weight reductions through material changes also resulting in new noise and vibration conflicts. Furthermore, in the context of alternative powertrains and engine concepts, the new objective is to detect and implement the vehicle sound, tailored to suit the auditory expectations and needs of the target group. New questions must be answered: What are appropriate sounds for hybrid or electric vehicles? How are new vehicle sounds perceived and judged? How can customer-oriented, client-specific target sounds be determined? Which sounds are needed to fulfil the driving task, and so on? Thus, advanced methods and tools are necessary which cope with the increasing complexity of NVH-problems and conflicts and at the same time which cope with the growing expectations regarding the acoustical comfort. Moreover, it is exceedingly important to have already detailed and reliable information about NVH-issues in early design phases to guarantee high quality standards. This requires the use of sophisticated simulation techniques, which allow for the virtual construction and testing of subsystems and/or the whole car in early development stages. The virtual, testing is very important especially with respect to alternative drive concepts(hybrid cars, electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars), where complete new NVH-problems and challenges occur which have to be adequately managed right from the beginning. In this context, it is important to mention that the challenge is that all noise contributions from different sources lead to a harmonious, well-balanced overall sound. The optimization of single sources alone does not automatically result in an ideal overall vehicle sound. The paper highlights modern and innovative NVH measurement technologies as well as presents solutions of recent NVH tasks and challenges. Furthermore, future prospects and developments in the field of automotive acoustics are considered and discussed.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-24
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• 2006

Now, the Korean footwear industry needs the concrete enhancement of its competitive edge for regaining of its previous well known reputation. For this purpose, this study emphasizes the cooperation between the members through the supply chain of Korean footwear industry, as a c-SCM(Collaborative Supply Chain Management) by aid of information system. The key issue will be how well to coordinate operations flow not only through internal process stages, but also through entire external supply chain stages. In other words, the target goal must be the system optimization through the entire supply chain beyond the local optimization of internal supply chain process. We, at first, analyze the traditional structure of supply chain in Korean footwear industry and find out critical problems, and then, we develop the collaborative information framework in conjunction with several collaborative process modules. The suggested collaborative production & supply planning system was designed for sharing information and it is based on ebXML(electronic business eXtensible Markup Language) framework. In this way, the enhancement of the efficiency and competitiveness can be expected through the synergy effect of coordination of information and material flow, the reduction of lead times, and production costs.