• Title/Summary/Keyword: phase change materials

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Development of Robotic Inspection System over Bridge Superstructure (교량 상판 하부 안전점검 로봇개발)

  • Nam Soon-Sung;Jang Jung-Whan;Yang Kyung-Taek
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute Of Construction Engineering and Management
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    • autumn
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    • pp.180-185
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    • 2003
  • The increase of traffic over a bridge has been emerged as one of the most severe problems in view of bridge maintenance, since the load effect caused by the vehicle passage over the bridge has brought out a long-term damage to bridge structure, and it is nearly impossible to maintain operational serviceability of bridge to user's satisfactory level without any concern on bridge maintenance at the phase of completion. Moreover, bridge maintenance operation should be performed by regular inspection over the bridge to prevent structural malfunction or unexpected accidents front breaking out by monitoring on cracks or deformations during service. Therefore, technical breakthrough related to this uninterested field of bridge maintenance leading the public to the turning point of recognition is desperately needed. This study has the aim of development on automated inspection system to lower surface of bridge superstructures to replace the conventional system of bridge inspection with the naked eye, where the monitoring staff is directly on board to refractive or other type of maintenance .vehicles, with which it is expected that we can solve the problems essentially where the results of inspection are varied to change with subjective manlier from monitoring staff, increase stabilities in safety during the inspection, and make contribution to construct data base by providing objective and quantitative data and materials through image processing method over data captured by cameras. By this system it is also expected that objective estimation over the right time of maintenance and reinforcement work will lead enormous decrease in maintenance cost.

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Evaluation of the Usefulness of the Self-developed Kw-infrared Reflective Marker in Non-coplanar Treatment (비동일면 치료 시 자체 제작한 Kw-infrared Reflective Marker의 유용성 평가)

  • Kwon, Dong-Yeol;Ahn, Jong-Ho;Park, Young-Hwan;Song, Ki-Won
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.25-32
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    • 2010
  • Purpose: In radiotherapy that takes into account respiration using a RPM (Real time Position Management, Varian, USA) system, which can treat in consideration of the movement of tumor, infrared reflective markers supplied by manufacturers cannot obtain respiratory signal if the couch rotates at a certain angle or larger. In order to solve this problem, the author developed the 3D infrared reflective marker named 'Kw-marker' that can obtain respiratory signal at any angle, and evaluate its usefulness. Materials and Methods: In order to measure the stability of respiratory signal, we put the infrared reflective marker on the 3D moving phantom that can reproduce respiratory movement and acquired respiratory signal for 3 minutes under each of 3 conditions (A: $couch\;0^{\circ}$, a manufacturer's infrared reflective marker B: $couch\;0^{\circ}$, Kw-marker C: $couch\;90^{\circ}$, Kw-marker). By analyzing the respiratory signal using a breath analysis program (Labview Ver. 7.0), we obtained the peak value, valley value, standard deviation, variation value, and amplitude value. In order to examine the rotation error and moving range of the target, we placed a B.B phantom on the 3D moving phantom, and obtained images at a couch angle of $0^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ using OBI, and then acquired the X, Y and Z values (mm) of the ball bearing at the center of the B.B phantom. Results: According to the results of analyzing the respiratory signal, the standard deviation at the peak value was A: 0.002, B: 0.002 and C: 0.003, and the stability of respiration for amplitude was A: 0.15%, B: 0.14% and C:0.13%, showing that we could get respiratory signal stably by using the Kw-marker. When the couch rotated $couch\;90^{\circ}$, the mean rotation error of the ball bearing, namely, the target was X: -1.25 mm, Y: -0.45 mm and Z: +0.1 mm, which were within 1.3 mm on the average in all directions, and the difference in the moving range of the target was within 0.3 mm. Conclusion: When we obtained respiratory signal using the Kw-marker in non-coplanar treatment where the couch rotated, we could acquire respiratory signal stably and the Kw-marker was effective enough to substitute for the manufacturer's infrared reflective marker. When the rotation error and moving range of the target were measured, there was little difference, indicating that the displacement of the reflector movement in couch rotation is the cause of change in the scale and amplitude of respiratory signal. If the converted value of amplitude height according to couch angle is studied further and applied, it may be possible to perform non-coplanar phase-based gating treatment.

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Dose comparison according to Smooth Thickness application of Range compensator during proton therapy for brain tumor patient (뇌종양 환자의 양성자 치료 시 Range Compensator의 Smooth Thickness 적용에 따른 선량비교)

  • Kim, Tae Woan;Kim, Dae Woong;Kim, Jae Weon;Jeong, Kyeong Sik
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.139-148
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    • 2016
  • Purpose : Range Compensator used for proton therapy compensates the proton beam dose which delivers to the normal tissues according to the Target's Distal Margin dose. We are going to check the improvement of dose on the target part by comparing the dose of PTV and OAR according to applying in different method of Smooth Thickness of Range Compensator which is used in brain tumor therapy. Materials and Methods : For 10 brain tumor patients taking proton therapy in National Cancer Center, Apply Smooth Thickness applied in Range Compensator in order from one to five by using Compensator Editor of Eclipse Proton Planning System(Version 10.0, Varian, USA). The therapy plan algorithm used Proton Convolution Superposition(version 8.1.20 or 10.0.28), and we compared Dmax, Dmin, Homogeneity Index, Conformity Index and OAR dose around tumor by applying Smooth Thickness in phase. Results : When Smooth Thickness was applied from one to five, the Dmax of PTV was decreased max 4.3%, minimum at 0.8 and average of 1.81%. Dmin increased max 1.8%, min 1.8% and average. Difference between max dose and minimum dose decreased at max 5.9% min 1.4% and average 2.6%. Homogeneity Index decreased average of 0.018 and Conformity Index didn't had a meaningful change. OAR dose decreased in Brain Stem at max 1.6%, min 0.1% and average 0.6% and in Optic Chiasm max 1.3%, min 0.3%, and average 0.5%. However, patient C and patient E had an increase each 0.3% and 0.6%. Additionally, in Rt. Optic Nerve, there was a decrease at max 1.5%, min 0.3%, and average 0.8%, however, patient B had 0.1% increase. In Lt. Optic Nerve, there was a decrease at max 1.8%, min 0.3%, and average 0.7%, however, patient H had 0.4 increase. Conclusion : As Smooth Thickness of Range Compensator which is used as the proton treatment for brain tumor patients is applied in stages, the resolution of Compensator increased and as a result the most optimized amount of proton beam dose can be delivered. This is considered to be able to irradiate the equal amount at PTV and reduce the unnecessary dose applied at OAR to reduce the side effects.

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β-elemene Induces Caspase-dependent Apoptosis in Human Glioma Cells in vitro through the Upregulation of Bax and Fas/FasL and Downregulation of Bcl-2

  • Li, Chen-Long;Chang, Liang;Guo, Lin;Zhao, Dan;Liu, Hui-Bin;Wang, Qiu-Shi;Zhang, Ping;Du, Wen-Zhong;Liu, Xing;Zhang, Hai-Tao;Liu, Yang;Zhang, Yao;Xie, Jing-Hong;Ming, Jian-Guang;Cui, Yu-Qiong;Sun, Ying;Zhang, Zhi-Ren;Jiang, Chuan-Lu
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.23
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    • pp.10407-10412
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    • 2015
  • Background: ${\beta}$-elemene, extracted from herb medicine Curcuma wenyujin has potent anti-tumor effects in various cancer cell lines. However, the activity of ${\beta}$-elemene against glioma cells remains unclear. In the present study, we assessed effects of ${\beta}$-elemene on human glioma cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: Human glioma U87 cells were used. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay and colony formation assay to detect the effect of ${\beta}$-elemene at different doses and times. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cell apoptosis with Hoechst 33258 staining and change of glioma apoptosis and cell cycling were analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blotting assay were performed to investigated the influence of ${\beta}$-elemene on expression levels of Fas/FasL, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax. The experiment was divided into two groups: the blank control group and ${\beta}$-elemne treatment group. Results: With increase in the concentration of ${\beta}$-elemene, cytotoxic effects were enhanced in the glioma cell line and the concentration of inhibited cell viability ($IC_{50}$) was $48.5{\mu}g/mL$ for 24h. ${\beta}$-elemene could induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. With Hoechst 33258 staining, apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were observed. Activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 was increased and the pro-apoptotic factors Fas/FasL and Bax were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was downregulated after treatment with ${\beta}$-elemene at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, proliferation and colony formation by U87 cells were inhibited by ${\beta}$-elemene in a time and does-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ${\beta}$-elemene inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro. The induction of apoptosis appears to be related with the upregulation of Fas/FasL and Bax, activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 and downregulation of Bcl-2, which then trigger major apoptotic cascades.

The Expression of Oncogenes on the Radiation-induced Apoptosis in SCK Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (SCK 선암세포주에서 방사선 조사에 의해 유도되는 Apoptosis에 미치는 암유전자의 발현)

  • Lee Hyung Sik;Park Hong Kyu;Moon Chang Woo;Yoon Seon Min;Hur Won Joo;Jeong Su Jin;Jeong Min Ho;Lee Sang Hwa
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.70-77
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    • 1999
  • Purpose : The expression of p53, P211WAF/CIP, Bcl-2, and Bax underlying the radiation-induced apoptosis in different pH environments using SCK mammary adenocarcinoma cell line was investigated. Materials and Methods Mammary adenocarcinoma cells of hi) mice (SCK cells) in exponential growth phase were irradiated with a linear accelerator at room temperature. The cells were irradiated with 12 Gy and one hour later, the media was replaced with fresh media at a different pHs. After Incubation at 37Microbioiogy, College of Medicine Dong A University for 0$\~$48 h, the extort of apoptosis was determined using agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The progression of cells through the cell cycle after irradiation in different pHs was also determined with flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to monitor p53, p211WAFfCIP, Bcl-2, and Bu protein levels. Results : The induction of apoptosis by irradiation in pH 6.6 medium was markedly less than that in pH 7.5 medium. The radiation-induced G2IM arrest in pH 6.6 medium lasted markedly longer than that in pH 7.5 medium. Considerable amounts of p53 and p21 proteins already existed at pH 7.5 and increased the level of p53 and p21 significantly after 12 Gy X-irradiation. An incubation at pH 6.6 after 12 Gy X-irradiation did not change the level of p53 and p21 protein levels significantly. Bcl-2 proteins were not significantly affected by radiation and showed no correlation with cell susceptibility to radiation-induced apoptosis in different pHs. An exposure to 12 Gy of X-rays increased the level of Bax protein at pH 7.5 but at pH 6.6, it was slight. Conclusions : The molecular mechanism underlying radiation-induced apoptosis in dinerent pH environments using SCK mammary adenocarcinoma cell line was dependent of the expression p53 and P211YVAF/CIP proteins. We may propose following hypothesis that an acidic stress augments the radiation-induced G2iM arrest, which inhibiting the irradiated cells undergo post-mitotic apoptosis. The effects of environmental acidity on anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic function of Bcl-2 family was unclear in SCK mammary adenocarcinoma cell line.

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Is $^{99m}Tc$-MDP Mammoscintigraphy Useful in Patients with Breast Mass Lesions? ($^{99m}Tc$-MDP 유방 스캔은 유방 종괴의 감별진단에 임상적인 유용성이 있는가?)

  • Park, Seok-Gun;Lee, Yeon-Hee;Rhyu, Jin-Woo;You, Sun-Mee
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.151-160
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    • 1998
  • Purpose: Piccolo et al. advocated the usefulness of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP breast scan in differential diagnosis of breast mass with high accuracy. But there are little or no follow-up studies about it as we know. We studied $^{99m}Tc$-MDP uptake pattern and lesion/background ratio in patients complaining palpable breast lesions to evaluate the clinical usefulness of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP scan. Materials and Methods: Total 34 patients were studied with physical examination, mammo-gram and $^{99m}Tc$-MDP scan prospectively. Anteroposterior and both lateral view of breast were obtained 5 minutes after iv injection of 740 MBq $^{99m}Tc$-MDP. Breast uptake pattern of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP was analyzed by a grade system: 0=no uptake, grade 1=bilateral diffuse uptake, grade 2=asymmetric faint uptake, grade 3=focal hot uptake. 20 cases were pathologically confirmed by excision biopsy or aspiration biopsy. 14 cases were normal in physical examination and mammogram. Results: Pathologic results showed 7 carcinomas, 6 benign solid tumors, and 7 fibrocystic changes. Grade 3 pattern of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP uptake was noted in 4/7 carcinomas, 3/6 benign solid tumors, and 1/7 fibrocystic changes. Grade 2 pattern was 217, 0/7, 3/7 respectively. The average L/B ratio was 1.66 in carcinomas, 1.68 in benign solid masses, 1.20 in fibrocystic diseases, 1.05 in normal patients. L/B ratio was higher in carcinoma and benign mass groups than in fibrocystic change and normal control groups(p=0.005). But there was no statistical difference between L/B ratio of malignant mass group and benign mass group. Conclusion: $^{99m}Tc$-MDP scan is not suitable to routine clinical use for breast mass diagnosis. It might be used in limited conditions when whole body bone scan is planned.

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Hydrothermal Synthesis of Kaolinite and Change of Its Properties (캐올리나이트의 수열합성 및 특성변화)

  • Jang, Young-Nam;Ryu, Gyoung-Won;Chae, Soo-Chun
    • Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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    • v.22 no.3
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    • pp.241-248
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    • 2009
  • Kaolinite was synthesized from amorphous $SiO_2$ and $Al(OH)_3{\cdot}xH_{2}O$ as starting materials by hydrothermal reaction conducted at $250^{\circ}C$ and $30\;kg/cm^2$. The acidity of the solution was adjusted at pH 2. The synthesized kaolinite was characterized by XRD, IR, NMR, FE-SEM, TEM and EDS to clarify the formational process according to the reaction time from 2 to 36 hours. X-ray diffraction patterns showed after 2 h of reaction time, the starting material amorphous $Al(OH)_3{\cdot}xH_{2}O$ transformed to boehmite (AlOOH) and after the reaction time 5 h, the peaks of boehmite were observed to be absent thereby indicating the crystal structure is partially destructed. Kaolinite formation was identified in the product obtained after 10 h of reaction and the peak intensity of kaolinite increased further with reaction time. The results of TGA and DTA revealed that the principal feature of kaolinite trace are well resolved. TGA results showed 13 wt% amount of weight loss and DTA analysis showed that exothermic peak of boehmite observed at $258^{\circ}C$ was decreased gradually and after 10 h of reaction time, it was disappeared. After 5 h of the reaction time, the exothermicpeak of transformation to spinel phase was observed and the peak intensiy increased with reaction time. The results of FT-IR suggested a highly ordered kaolinite was obtained after 36 hours of reaction. It was identified by the characteristic hydroxide group bands positioned at 3,696, 3670, 3653 and $3620\;cm^{-1}$. The development of the hydroxyl stretching between 3696 and $3620\;cm^{-1}$, depends on the degree of order and crystalline perfection. TEM results showed that after 15 h reaction time, curved platy kaolinite was observed as growing of (001) plane and after 36 h, the morphology of synthetic kaolinite exhibited platy crystal with partial polygonal outlines.

Annually Reproductive Cycles of Gonadotropic Cells, Endocrine Materials and Plasma Components in Special Relation to Oogenesis in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (번식주기에 있어서 자성무지개송어 (Oncorhynchus mykiss) 뇌하수체의 생식소자극호르몬 분비세포와 난형성에 특이하게 작용하는 내분비물질 및 혈장성분의 연중변화)

  • Yoon, Jong-Man;Kim, Gye-Woong;Park, Kwan-Ha
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.31 no.1
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    • pp.19-35
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    • 2001
  • Outlines for plasma $estradiol-17\beta$, components, electrophoretic patterns, and ultrastructural changes were obtained in female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during the seasonal reproductive cycles. Plasma $estradiol-17\beta$ under the natural conditions, exhibited distinct seasonal variation, peaking very late in vitellogenic season during September, decreasing gradually the halt of spawning in December, and ultimately falling during the early stages of seasonal ovarian recrudescence in February and March. This change in $estradiol-17\beta$ appeared to stimulate vitellogenin production as evidenced by increases in plasma calcium, phosphorus, glucose, albumin and total protein levels. The electrophoretic patterns of late maturing or spawning oocytes were stained more intensively than those of late perinucleolus oocytes (molecular weights of approximately 70,000 and 200,000). Two protein bands were found in the SDS-PAGE separation, coincident with the $estradiol-17\beta$ hormone peak. Gonadosomatic indices (GSI) significantly increased from October to January, and showed the highest peak in January, coinciding with the numerically abrupt increase of ripe ova in female. A positive correlation (r=0.701, p<0.01) was established between plasma $estradiol-17\beta$ levels and the gonadosomatic index during the prespawning. The highest level of hepatosomatic index (HSI) observed in December. During the breeding season (December), the gonadotropes were large and filled with GTH-containing inclusions such as granules and globules. The vitellogenic phase began as late perinurleolus oocytes became transformed into early maturing oocytes through the accumulation of yolk, and oocytes reached the late maturing stages as the ooplasm was completely packed with yolk. Marked ultrastructural changed in the granulosa cells during nuclear migration involve the dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the appearance of the rod-shaped mitochondria with tubular cristae. Microvilli (finger-like projections), from the zona radiata and from the oocyte grew, and made contact with each other in the pore canals of the zona radials during vitellogenesis, but were withdrawn as the zona radiata became more compact and devoid of pore canals during oocyte maturation. The zona radiata grew to a tripartite structure such as an outer thin homogeneous layer, and two inner thick helicoidal layers (zona radials interna and zona radiata externa). Under the normal conditions, the ovarian follicle influenced the histological development and periodical secretion of the hormones , sufficient for a oogenesis and gonadal steroid production.

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Annealing Effect on Magnetic and Electrical Properties of Amorphous Ge1-xMnx Thin Films (비정질 Ge1-xMnx 박막의 전기적, 자기적 특성에 미치는 열처리 효과)

  • Lee, Byeong-Cheol;Kim, Dong-Hwi;Anh, Tran Thi Lan;Ihm, Young-Eon;Kim, Do-Jin;Kim, Hyo-Jin;Yu, Sang-Soo;Baek, Kui-Jong;Kim, Chang-Soo
    • Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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    • v.19 no.3
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    • pp.89-93
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    • 2009
  • Amorphous $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ semiconductor thin films grown by low temperature vapor deposition were annealed, and their electrical and magnetic properties have been studied. The amorphous thin films were $1,000{\sim}5,000\;{\AA}$ thick. Amorphous $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ thin films were annealed at $300^{\circ}C$, $400^{\circ}C$, $500^{\circ}C$, $600^{\circ}C$ and $700^{\circ}C$ for 3 minutes in high vacuum chamber. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that as-grown $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ semiconductor thin films are amorphous and are crystallized by annealing. Crystallization temperature of amorphous $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ semiconductor thin films varies with Mn concentration. Amorphous $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ thin films have p-type carriers and the carrier type is not changed during annealing, but the electrical resistivity increases with annealing temperature. Magnetization characteristics show that the as-grown amorphous $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ thin films are ferromagnetic and the Curie temperatures are around 130 K. Curie temperature and saturation magnetization of annealed $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ thin films increase with annealing temperature. Magnetization behavior and X-ray analysis implies that formation of ferromagnetic $Ge_3Mn_5$ phase causes the change of magnetic and electrical properties of annealed $Ge_{1-x}Mn_x$ thin films.

Evaluation of Composting Characteristics According to the Air Supply Change in Farm-Sized Swine Manure (농가규모 양돈분뇨 퇴비화시 공기공급량 변화에 따른 퇴비 특성 평가)

  • Lee, Sunghyoun;Jeong, Gwanghwa;Lee, Dongjun;Lee, Donghyeon;Jang, Yuna;Kwag, Junghoon
    • Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.49-61
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    • 2019
  • Swine manure has been recognized as a organic sources for composting and many research was conducted to efficiently utilize and treat. This study was to evaluate a feasibility for producing swine manure compost under various treatment with mixture of swine manure and saw dust. Treatments were designed as follows; non aerated composting pile(REF), aerated composting pile of $100L/m^3$(EXP1), and aerated composting pile of $150L/m^3$(EXP2). The total days of fermentation were 28 days and each samples were collected at every 7 days from starting of composting. Temperature sensors were installed under 30~40cm from the surface of composting pile. Inner temperature in composting piles of EXP1 and EXP2 was rapidly increased to $67{\sim}75^{\circ}C$ within 1~2 days. The elevated temperatures found during the thermophilic phase are essential for rapid degradation of organic materials. While swine manure composted, moisture content, total nitrogen, EC of EXP1, EXP2 in sample at 28 days were lower than those of REF. But, pH and organic matter of EXP1, EXP2 in sample at 28 days were higher than those of REF. After finishing fermentation experiment, maturity was evaluated with germination test. Calculated germination index(GI) at REF, EXP1 and EXP2 were 23.49, 68.50 and 51.81, respectively. The values of germination index were higher at EXP1 and EXP2 which is aerated composting piles than REF which is non aerated composting pile. According to the results, composting process by aerated static pile compost had significant effect on the reduction of required period for composting. Supplying adequate amount of air to compost swine manure will greatly reduce composting period.