Background: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a prominent technology that can preserve superior genetic traits of animals and expand the population in a short time. Hematological characters and endocrine profiles are important elements that demonstrate the stability of the physiological state of cloned animals. To date, several studies regarding cloned camels with superior genes have been conducted. However, detailed hemato-physiological assessments to prove that cloned camels are physiologically normal are limited. In this study, We evaluated the hemato-physiological characteristics of cloned male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Methods: Therefore, we analyzed variations in hematological characteristics and endocrine profiles between cloned and non-cloned age-matched male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries ). Two groups each of male and female cloned and non-cloned camels were monitored to investigate the differences in hemato-physiological characteristics. Results: All the animals were evaluated by performing complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and endocrinological tests. We found no significant difference between the cloned and non-cloned camels. Furthermore, the blood chemistry and endocrine profiles in male and female camels before maturity were similar. Conclusions: These results suggest that cloned and non-cloned camels have similar hematological characteristics and endocrine parameters.

Background: Canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an attractive source for veterinary regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug development. Here we used vitamin C (Vc) to improve the reprogramming efficiency of canine iPSCs, and its functions in the reprogramming process were elucidated. Methods: Retroviral transduction of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc (OSKM), and GFP was employed to induce reprogramming in canine fetal fibroblasts. Following transduction, the culture medium was subsequently replaced with ESC medium containing Vc to determine the effect on reprogramming activity. Results: The number of AP-positive iPSC colonies dramatically increased in culture conditions supplemented with Vc. Vc enhanced the efficacy of retrovirus transduction, which appears to be correlated with enhanced cell proliferation capacity. To confirm the characteristics of the Vc-treated iPSCs, the cells were cultured to passage 5, and pluripotency markers including Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and Tra-1-60 were observed by immunocytochemistry. The expression of endogenous pluripotent genes (Oct4, Nanog, Rex1, and telomerase) were also verified by PCR. The complete silencing of exogenously transduced human OSKM factors was observed exclusively in canine iPSCs treated with Vc. Canine iPSCs treated with Vc are capable of forming embryoid bodies in vitro and have spontaneously differentiated into three germ layers. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize a straightforward method for enhancing the efficiency of canine iPSC generation and provide insight into the Vc effect on the reprogramming process.

Efficiently detecting the nearest navigational dangers in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) remains pivotal for maritime safety. However, the software implementation of ADMAR(Automatic Distance measurement and Ranging) functionality faced challenges, necessitating extensive computations across ENC cells and impacting real-time performance. To address this, we present a novel method employing dynamic programming. Our proposed algorithm strategically organizes nodes into a tree structure, optimizing the search process towards nodes likely to contain navigational hazards. Implementation of this method resulted in a notable sevenfold reduction in computation time compared to the conventional Brute Force approach. Our study established a direct correlation between the ADMAR functionality and node count, achieving error margins deemed acceptable for practical navigation scenarios. Despite this theoretical progress, minor errors in results prompt further refinement. Consequently, future iterations will explore varying values for N, considering hierarchy and cell sizes to enhance algorithmic precision. This research signifies a potential advancement in optimizing navigational danger detection within ECDIS, offering a promising avenue for improved efficiency. By introducing a dynamic programming-based approach, we have streamlined the detection process while acknowledging the scope for algorithmic refinement in subsequent studies. Our findings underline the feasibility of employing dynamic programming to enhance navigational danger detection, emphasizing its potential in ensuring maritime safety. This work lays a foundation for future research endeavors, aiming to fine-tune algorithms and advance navigational safety measures in ECDIS.

A new annual dose evaluation system called E-DOSE has been developed. The system is based on the methodology of the previous version, K-DOSE60, which uses the dose evaluation methods of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP-60). However, E-DOSE is coded in ABAP to be compatible with the KHNP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, SAP. This allows E-DOSE to use the real-time data from SAP, which minimizes the need for user intervention. The socio-environmental data, which was previously managed by the staff of each plant sites, can now managed in the system in a centralized manner. This is a significant improvement over the previous system, as it reduces the risk of errors and makes it easier to track and manage data. The system also automatically generates the reports required by regulations. EDOSE is expected to minimize the occurrence of human errors in preparing and managing the input data. This is because the system uses the data from SAP, which is less prone to errors than manually entered data. Additionally, the automatic generation of reports reduces the risk of errors in report preparation. E-DOSE is also expected to improve work efficiency. This is because the system automates many of the tasks involved in annual dose evaluation, such as data entry, calculation, and report generation. Overall, E-DOSE is a significant improvement over the previous annual dose evaluation system. It is more efficient, accurate, and user-friendly.

The mobility of radionuclides in the subsurface environment is governed by a interaction of radioactivity characteristics and geochemical conditions with adsorption reactions playing a critical role. This study investigates the characteristics and mechanisms of radionuclides adsorption on site media in viewpoint of nuclear safety, particularly focusing on the potential effect of seawater infiltration in coastal site near nuclear power plant. Seawater intrusion alters the chemistry in groundwater, including parameters such as pH, redox potential, and ionic strength, thereby affecting the behavior of radionuclides. To assess the safety of site near nuclear power plant and the environmental implications of nuclide leakage, this research conducted various experiments to evaluate the behavior of radionuclides in the subsurface environment. High distribution coefficients (50-2,500 ml/g) were observed at 10 mg/L Co, with montmorillonite > hydrobiotite > illite > kaolinite. It decreased with competing cations (Ca2+) and was found to decrease significantly by 90% with a decrease in pH to 4. It is believed that the adsorption capacity of cationic radionuclides decreases significantly as the clay mineral surface becomes less negatively charged. For Cs, the distribution coefficient (180-560 ml/g) was higher for montmorillonite > hydrobiotite > illite > kaolinite. Compared to Co, it was found to be less influenced by pH and more influenced by competing cations. For Sr, the distribution coefficient (100-380 ml/g) was higher in the order of hydrobiotite > montmorillonite > illite > kaolinite. Compared to Cs, it was found to be less affected by pH and also less affected by the effect of competing cations compared to Cs. Seawater samples from Gampo and Uljin site near Nuclear Power Plant in Korea were analyzed to determine their chemical composition, which was subsequently used in adsorption experiments. Additionally, the seawater-infiltrated groundwater was synthesized in laboratory according to previous literature. The study focused on the adsorption and behavior of three key radionuclides such as cesium, strontium, and cobalt onto four low permeability media (clay minerals) such as kaolinite, illite, hydrobiotite, and montmorillonite known for their high adsorption capacity at a site of nuclear power plant. At concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/L, the adsorption coefficients followed the order of cobalt > cesium > strontium for each radionuclide. Notably, the distribution coefficient (Kd) values exhibited higher values in seawater-infiltrated groundwater environments compared to seawater with relatively high ionic strength. Cobalt exhibited a substantial adsorption coefficient, with a marked decrease in Kd values in seawater conditions due to elevated ionic strength. In contrast, cesium displayed less dependency on seawater compared to other radionuclides, suggesting distinct adsorption mechanisms, possibly involving fractured edge sites (FES) in clay. Strontium exhibited a significant reduction in adsorption in seawater compared to groundwater in all Kd sorption experiments. The adsorption data of cobalt, cesium, and strontium on clay minerals in contact with seawater and seawater-infiltrated solutions offer valuable insights for assessing radioactive contamination of groundwater beneath coastal site near nuclear power plant sites. This research provides a foundation for enhancing the safety assessment protocols of nuclear power plant sites, considering the potential effects of seawater infiltration on radionuclide behavior in the subsurface environment.

Strategic item export control aims to maintain international peace and safety and serves as a significant nuclear non-proliferation regime that directly impacts a nation’s security. Therefore, establishing an autonomous export control system at the state level is crucial, and one of the most efficient methods to achieve this is by enhancing an export company’s management system. Accordingly, many advanced countries, such as the United States, Europe, and Japan, have operated their own internal compliance programs (CP or ICP) to manage and screen the export of strategic items as a corporate social responsibility and risk mitigation measure. In Korea, which has a high dependence on trade, the need for CP was continuously confirmed, but the system was introduced in 2004, relatively late compared to other advanced countries. So far, the Korean government has made steady efforts to develop and establish the system and is actively encouraging businesses to obtain Compliance Program certification to autonomously manage strategic items. Major technologically advanced countries utilize technology transfer as a tool for economic sanctions, trade security, and strategic technology management, and they continue to strengthen their control regimes. In these countries, CP certification is considered a standard practice for export control among mid-sized and large enterprises. It serves as a vital risk management system that protects companies from unforeseen incidents. However, in Korea, the application of CP under the Foreign Trade Act is limited to dual-use items and does not extend to the nuclear export control system. Therefore, this paper analyzes international cases and CP requirements in countries like the United States, Japan, Europe, and Singapore. As a result of the review, the application of CP into Korea’s nuclear export control could be a coexistence means that can strengthen supply chain control as well as provide benefits not to impede technical research, international trade, and exchanges.

This study analyzed the relationship between efficient pitchers and teams advancing to the postseason in Korean professional baseball through DEA. A total of 1,133 pitchers who threw more than one inning from the 2014 season to the 2018 season were selected for this study. For DEA analysis, input variables were selected as annual salary and inning output variables as Wins, Saves, and Holds and the number of efficient pitchers for each season was classified using the input-oriented BCC model. After that, it was divided into two groups based on joining the postseason or not, and the number of efficient pitchers was compared through a prop test. As a result of the analysis, the groups that advanced to the postseason in the rest of the season except for the 2014 and 2017 seasons had more efficient pitchers. Considering that the 2014 season recorded the highest WAR (Wins Above Replacement) at 183.56 compared to other seasons, most pitchers threw well, and in the 2017 season, they made more mistakes in pitching than in other seasons, but they performed well in batters. The results of this study have expanded the research field using efficiency analysis in professional baseball and can be used as useful data for practical research.

It is essential to provide a safe working environment for radiation workers. At a research reactor decommissioning site in Seoul (KRR1 & KRR2), radioactive waste drum disposal work is in progress. Before performing radiation work, it is necessary to determine the radioactivity of the waste drum to ensure safety. In this reason, we conducted a study to determine the detection efficiency of waste drums using the EXVol code. Determination of the full energy absorption peak efficiency (detection efficiency) is one of the important processes of the gamma-ray activation analysis. For the large voluminous gamma-ray sources like waste drum, the geometrical and attenuation effect should be considered. EXVol (Efficiency calculator for eXtended Voluminous source) code is a detection efficiency calculation code using the effective solid angle method. EXVol can calculate both coaxial and asymmetric structure. In addition, the introduction of a collimator made it possible to reduce the radiation intensity of a high radiation source. And it is possible to determine the precise detection efficiency according to the energy of a gamma ray at a specific position of the volume source. To verify the performance of the EXVol, a high resolution gamma spectroscopy system was constructed and measurement and analysis were performed. Measurements were performed on coaxial, asymmetric and collimated structures with standard point source, standard 1 L liquid volume source and HPGe detector. The measured results were compared with the calculation results of EXVol. The relative deviation of the measurement and calculation in the coaxial and asymmetric structures was 10%, and that of the collimation structure was 20%. Results can be available in analysis of waste drums’ radioactivity determination at a specific position.

The optimum vitrification conditions of the radioactive waste using high-temperature furnace and HIP (Hot Isostatic Press) were studied for the successful reduction of the solidification volume, radioactive level, satisfying the disposal criteria such as leaching rate and compressive strength. Vitrification is receiving attention for the solidification disposal of intermediate and low-level radioactive wastes for its chemical-physical stability and leachability. Its principle is to trap the radioactive material in a fixed structure of the glass type materials, such as Boron Trioxide, Silicon Dioxide and Phosphorus Pentoxide. Sludge targeted in this study is assembly of materials while sludge is stored in the stainless-steel tank before disposal, which consists of Fe3O4 (14.9wt%), Fe2O3 (3.8wt%), and Cr2O3 (6.3wt%), cement paste (25wt%) and detergent/shower sludge (50wt%). The detergent/shower sludge generated from the washing the clothes that were worn during the work at the laboratory and nuclear power plant contains organic materials that are vulnerable to chemical reactions, therefore, immobilization of organic material by the incinerating step, which can also immobilize the radioactive substance, was applied. Its composition – containing Cs-133 and Co-59 substitution for Cs-134 and Co-60 that are radioactive – was analyzed by XRD before and after the mineralization of the sludge using high temperature furnace in different temperature, to identify the remaining element and the features of the mineralized sludge. Targeted sludge was vitrificated using Hot Isostatic Press in with different pressure and temperature conditions, to find out the optimum vitrification conditions. Vitrificated waste was evaluated in many aspects - leaching evaluation following ANS16.1, compressive strength evaluation of 3.44 MPa (waste disposal criteria), volume reduction before and after the sequence.

This study was conducted at the National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) from 2010 to 2017 to develop a late-maturing variety with high productivity for cultivation in the southern region of South Korea. The new variety of Italian ryegrass, ‘IR901’, was a late-maturing variety, and its heading date was 22 May, 17 days later than that of the control variety ‘Kowinearly’. ‘IR901’ had a flag leaf width of 11.2 mm, flag leaf length of 31.8 cm, and plant length of 103 cm on its heading date. The combined average dry matter yield of ‘IR901’ in all three adaptability evaluation regions (Cheonan, Pyeongchang and Haenam) was 7,747 kg/ha, which was similar to that of the ‘Kowinearly’ variety (7,734 kg/ ha). However, the average dry matter yield over three years in Cheonan and Pyeongchang was 82% and 96%, respectively, compared to that of the control, which was most likely because of the poor cold tolerance of ‘IR901’. By contrast, in Haenam, in the southern region, the average dry matter yield of ‘IR901’ was 19% higher than that of the ‘Kowinearly’ variety. The proportions of crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in ‘IR901’ were 8.6%, 59.7%, 36.9%, and 54.8%, respectively; the proportions were 0.2% lower, the same, the same, and 2.5% lower than those in the ‘Kowinearly’ variety. The determined in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of ‘IR901’ was 72.2% higher than that of ‘Kowinearly’ (67.2). In general, of the two varieties, the forage quality of ‘IR901’ was marginally superior to that of ‘Kowinearly’.

This study conducted a survey and evaluation on ‘The 2021 Jeju World Natural Heritage Festival’ with a framework of various stakeholders related to festivals. While aiming for the essential context of the celebration, we tried to find suggestions to ensure the continuity of the celebration and the designation of the World Natural Heritage. As a methodology, surveys and interview surveys were conducted in parallel with the framework of multifaceted evaluation. To summarize the important contents presented as policy suggestions, first, it is necessary to expand the concept of ' encounter with hidden nature' from the positivity of the concept of 'encounter with hidden nature' to have fellowship with mankind about natural heritage. For reference to this, efforts should be made to secure the continuity of the designation of World Natural Heritage through a contextual approach using the frame of 'encounter'. Second, since the participation of experts can help in many ways, it is necessary to encourage many experts to participate as a staff or activist. Third, it is necessary to sublimate Jeju's natural heritage into a public celebration without damaging it. Finally, it should be a festival centered on local communities and local residents. It is necessary to actively seek a system in which the World Natural Heritage Village Preservation Association, which will be created (tentative name), will be centered and promoted by the villagers.