본 논문은 한국형 미네르바 대학의 출현이 왜 어려운지에 대한 문제의식을 바탕으로, 고등교육 혁신을 위한 법·제도적 개선 방향을 검토하였다. 미네르바 대학은 스타트업과 유사한 방식으로 설립되었으며, 고등 교육의 기존 틀을 근본적으로 변화시킨 사례로 평가된다. 미네르바 대학의 가장 두드러진 특징은 정보통신 기술(ICT)을 활용한 100% 온라인 강의와 전 세계 7개국에 걸친 이동 학습이다. 또한 학생의 성공을 위한 실용적 지식 전달을 목표로 하는 독창적인 역량 중심 교육과정을 운영한다는 점도 주목할 만하다. 그러나 한국형 미네르바 대학의 출현은 현행 우리나라 고등교육 법제의 제약으로 인해 어려운 상황이다. 특히 대학 설립 운영·규정, 고등교육법, 사립학교법 등의 규제가 주요 장애물로 작용한다. 이러한 혁신적 시도가 제도 밖 실험으로 내몰리지 않도록, 헌법을 중심으로 한 법제도적 환경이 보다 우호적으로 조성될 필요가 있다.

시멘트 기반의 재료들은 친수성 및 다공성을 가지고 있어 물과 이온의 침투가 쉽게 발생함에 따른 다양한 내구성 저하를 가져올 수 있다. 현재 발수 코딩제, 페인트 등을 이용해 구조물 표면에 도포하여 외부 수분 침투를 방지하는 방법이 사용되고 있으나, 이러한 방법은 코팅제의 지속적인 재도포에 따른 유지관리 주기가 짧다는 단점이 있다. 이에 따라 본 연구에서는 발수성 혼화재료를 시멘트 혼입한 발수성 모르타르에 대한 연구를 진행하였다. 발수성 모르타르의 발수 성능을 분석하기 위하여 모세관 흡수, 염 결정화 내구성, 물의 접촉각 시험 등을 진행하였다. 또한 열중량 분석, X-선 회절 분석을 통하여 발수성 혼화재료가 시멘트 수화에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지에 대한 연구하였다. 실험 결과, 발수성 혼화제의 혼입은 압축 및 휨 강도를 일부 저하시켰으나, 모세관 흡수율 및 염 결정화 내구성 측면에서 우수한 성능을 나타냈다. 열중량분석 및 X-선 회절 분석 결과, 발수성 혼화제가 클링커 입자 표면에 흡착하여 초기 수화 반응을 지연시키는 경향을 보였으며, 장기적으로 총 수화물 생성량을 감소시켜 모르타르의 역학적 성능 저하를 초래하였다.

This study investigates the factors influencing the seed longevity of Quercus myrsinifolia, a species with recalcitrant seeds highly sensitive to desiccation and freezing. The effects of moisture content, seed collection date, and storage methods on seed viability were analyzed using exponential decay modeling. Interactions between these factors were also explored to refine conservation strategies. Seeds with moisture content above 40% demonstrated a predicted seed longevity of 2.19 years, whereas those with moisture content below 30% had seed longevity of less than 1 year. Late-season seeds collected in November and December exhibited superior germination percentages and longer predicted seed longevity (1.32 years) compared to early-season seeds collected in September and October (<1 year). In seed weight, large seeds (2.0 g) showed longer predicted seed longevity about 1.5 times greater than that of small seeds (<1.2g). Storage methods significantly affected seed longevity, with refrigerator (4°C) with silica gel maintaining viability for 2–3 years, while seeds stored at room temperature (25°C) exhibited a seed longevity of less than 1 year. Silica gel was found to prevent seed deterioration due to over-desiccation, emphasizing the importance of balanced moisture regulation. Q. myrsinifolia seeds exhibited 𝑏 values ranging from 0.30 to 2.04, demonstrating a close relationship between decay constant, moisture content, storage conditions, and seed longevity. These findings provide critical insights into optimizing seed storage and propagation strategies for Q. myrsinifolia, contributing to its conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

Galaxy evolution studies require the measurement of the physical properties of galaxies at different redshifts. In this work, we build supervised machine learning models to predict the redshift and physical properties (gas-phase metallicity, stellar mass, and star formation rate) of star-forming galaxies from the broad-band and medium-band photometry covering optical to near-infrared wavelengths, and present an evaluation of the model performance. Using 55 magnitudes and colors as input features, the optimized model can predict the galaxy redshift with an accuracy of σ(Δz/1+z) = 0.008 for a redshift range of z < 0.4. The gas-phase metallicity [12 + log(O/H)], stellar mass [log(Mstar)], and star formation rate [log(SFR)] can be predicted with the accuracies of σNMAD = 0.081, 0.068, and 0.19 dex, respectively. When magnitude errors are included, the scatter in the predicted values increases, and the range of predicted values decreases, leading to biased predictions. Near-infrared magnitudes and colors (H, K, and H −K), along with optical colors in the blue wavelengths (m425–m450), are found to play important roles in the parameter prediction. Additionally, the number of input features is critical for ensuring good performance of the machine learning model. These results align with the underlying scaling relations between physical parameters for star-forming galaxies, demonstrating the potential of using medium-band surveys to study galaxy scaling relations with large sample of galaxies.

국내 수박(Citrullus lanatus) 품종의 발아율에 대한 Solid Matrix Priming(SMP)의 영향을 평가하였다. Micro cel-E가 SMP 처리에 가장 이상적인 matrix로 밝혀졌으며, 종자:matix:물의 비율은 10:5:10(w/w/w)로, 25°C 에서 3일 동안 처리했을 때 유근의 돌출없이 발아속도가 촉진되었다. SMP 처리 과정 동안 초기 4시간 동안의 수분 흡수율은 급격하게 증가했으며, 이후 72시간 동안은 더 느린 속도로 흡수되었고, 처리 마지막 시간까지 수분 흡수 율은 41%이었다. 발아 온도와 상관없이, SMP 처리된 종자는 발아 시간이 단축되면서 발아율이 향상되었다. 특히, 최적 발아 온도보다 낮은 온도에서 발아율이 높았다. 품종별 차이는 있었으나, 특히 ‘해찬꿀’과 ‘리코스위트’ 품종 에서 발아율이 유의미하게 증가하였다. 또한 일부 품종에서 SMP 처리 종자의 유묘출현율과 초장, 생체중이 무처 리에 비하여 증가한 값을 보였으며, SMP 처리로 종자의 발아속도 및 유묘활력을 증진시켜 우량 묘 확보가 가능한 것으로 판단되었다.

Background/Aim: This study investigated the relationship between albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade and advanced liver fibrosis in patients with a history of gallstone disease and cholecystectomy, focusing on those diagnosed with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatohepatitis (MASH) using the acMASH algorithm. Methods: Data from 566 subjects in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020 dataset were analyzed. MASH and advanced fibrosis (AF) were determined using acMASH and acFibroMASH algorithms, respectively. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), ALBI grade, and other fibrosis indices were evaluated. Results: Of 566 subjects, 13 (2.3%) were diagnosed with MASH, and 65 (11.48%) had AF. MASH subjects showed significantly higher LSM values compared to non-MASH subjects (p=0.032). ALBI grade demonstrated weak positive correlations with LSM, FIB- 4, and acFibroMASH in non-MASH subjects. The AUROC for ALBI grade in identifying AF was 0.631 (95% CI 0.590-0.671). Multivariate analysis confirmed ALBI grade as an independent predictor of AF (odds ratio 0.193, 95% CI 0.1025-0.2837, p<0.001). Conclusions: ALBI grade shows potential as a non-invasive marker for advanced liver fibrosis in patients with a history of gallstone disease and cholecystectomy, particularly in those with MASH. Further studies with larger MASH cohorts are needed to validate these findings.

간의 단순 낭종은 임상에서 흔히 보는 질환으로 대부분은 증상이 없고 영상검사에서 우연히 발견되고 있다. 이 중 약 5% 정도가 크기와 위치 또는 합병증의 발생으로 증상을 호소한다고 보고되고 있다. 증상을 유발하는 간낭종은 경피적 또는 내시경초음파 유도하에 경화술을 시행하거나 수술적 치료를 하여 없애거나 크기를 줄여 증상을 호전시킬 수 있다. 낭종내의 액체만 배액하는 치료는 높은 재발률이 문제가 되어서 경화술을 병행하는데 경화제로는 에탄올, tetracycline, polidocanol 등이 사용되고 있다. 이러한 비수술적 경화술은 증상을 완화시키고 낭종의 크기를 효과적으로 줄이며 안전성이 입증되고 있다. 본 종설에서는 간낭종에 대한 2가지 새로운 접근법을 주장하고자 하는데 첫째는 간낭종이 커져서 증상이 나타나기 전에 조기에 치료하자는 것이다. 크기가 증가하고 있는 간낭종을 조기에 치료하지 않고 추적관찰만 하게 되면 증상을 유발하고 또한 합병증도 병발할 가능성이 있으며 또한 치료가 침습적인 수술적 절제가 될 가능성이 높기 때문이다. 둘째는 간낭종의 주치료 방법은 수술적 치료가 아닌 경피적 또는 내시경초음파를 이용한 비수술적 치료가 되어야 한다는 점이다. 최근에 비수술적 치료의 효과와 안전성이 대한 연구가 지속적으로 발표되고 있기 때문이다. 이러한 접근 방식의 변화로 간낭종을 더 안전하고 효과적으로 관리하고 치료할 수 있다고 생각된다.

본 연구는 지난 10여년간 고려대학교 및 한국과학기술연구원(KIST)에서 AMS를 이용하여 측정된 우주선유발 동위원소 10 Be의 준비 및 측정 과정을 다룬 보고서이다. 총 2 4세트의 표준물질과 107개의 Blank시료가 분석되었으며, 2017년 이후 표준물질의 측정 재현성이 크게 향상되어 국제적인 주요 실험실의 결과와 비교할 만한 수준의 성과를 보였다. 그러나 Blank 값은 사용된 9 Be 캐리어의 종류 및 석영 추출 과정과 AMS 측정 세팅 등 실험 조건에 따라 영향 을 받는 것으로 나타났으며, 이는 잠재적인 오염원을 체계적으로 추적하고 관리할 필요성을 시사한다. 본 연구는 10 Be Background 값을 줄이는 것이 우주선유발 동위원소 연구의 범위를 넓히는 데 중요한 역할을 함을 강조한다. 낮은 Background 값은 상대적으로 최근에 형성된 지형이나 오랜 시간 매몰되어 방사성 핵종이 상당량 감소한, 저준위 10 Be 지형의 연대측정을 가능하게 한다. 향후 연구에서는 실험 과정을 개선하고 가중평균 계산법 등의 새로운 통계적 방법을 도입하여 측정 오차를 최소화하는 데 중점을 둘 예정이다. 본 연구는 다양한 시간적 및 공간적 규모에서 지구표면과학 연구를 발전시키기 위한 우주선유발 동위원소 분석의 기반을 제공한다.

Background: Stroke patients often exhibit excessive kyphosis of the spine and a forward head posture (FHP), which negatively impacts their daily activities. These postural abnormalities not only negatively affect functional movement but also exacerbate musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of backward walking on FHP in stroke patients. Design: Single-case experimental design (A-B-A’ design). Methods: The study was conducted over a total of 8 weeks, comprising 24 sessions: 3 baseline sessions (A), 18 intervention sessions (B), and 3 regression baseline sessions (A'). No backward walking intervention was performed during baseline (A) and regression baseline (A’). To determine changes in FHP, the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured at all sessions. Results: The CVA increased in the intervention (B) and regression baseline (A’) compared to the baseline (A). Conclusion: Backward walking was effective in improving FHP, and the effect was maintained after intervention (B) in patients with stroke. Therefore, backward walking was effective in improving the postural alignment of stroke patients.

The global character market is expanding worldwide. Many character brands are being newly launched in a number of countries, reflecting character features that appeal more to the target market. Uzbekistan is one of the countries showing rapid economic growth, and it is in the early stage of accepting diverse character brands and goods. This study aims to explore the determinants of the purchase intention of character goods among Uzbekistan consumers. Specifically, it investigates the effect of character features (i.e., dynamism, familiarity, similarity, and attractiveness) on ‘attitudes toward characters’ and ‘the fit of characters to goods’. Further, it examines the impact of ‘attitudes toward characters’ and ‘the fit of characters to goods’ on the purchase intention of character goods. A total of 250 Uzbek consumers aged 18 and older participated in the online experimental survey with stimuli (i.e., images of characters). The results revealed that the familiarity and attractiveness of characters positively influenced ‘attitudes toward characters’, while their dynamism did not. Moreover, the similarity of characters negatively influenced ‘attitudes toward characters’ and ‘the fit of characters to goods’. In addition, familiarity, attractiveness, and dynamism positively influenced ‘the fit of characters to goods’. Both ‘attitudes toward characters’ and ‘the fit of characters to goods’ positively affected the purchase intention of character goods. In conclusion, to effectively target the Uzbekistan market, character goods should emphasize familiarity and attractiveness, with careful consideration of dynamism and similarity to address cultural and religious differences across countries.

This study aims to identify factors influencing clothing consumption behavior among college students, focusing on body image perception and self-esteem. Data were collected from 207 students at two universities in Jinju city, using a structured questionnaire from July 1 to August 20, 2024. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis with SPSS 23. The study found moderate levels of body image perception, self-esteem, and clothing consumption among the college students. A negative correlation was found between body image perception and self-esteem r=–.372, p=<.001). The regression model for factors influencing clothing consumption behavior was significant (F=6.33, p≤001), with self-perception of body shape (β=–.257, p=.015), body image perception (β=.241, p=.001), age (β=–.183, p=.008), and academic major (β=.153, p=.025) as significant factors. These variables explained 16.2% of the variance. The results suggest the need for programs that prevent body image distortion and promote positive body image perception among college students, as well as guidance to encourage rational clothing consumption behavior. This study is significant in examining the clothing consumption behavior of college students and will serve as fundamental data for developing desirable programs based on the study results.

This study explored the development direction of punk fashion through 3D digital fashion design by analyzing the expressive characteristics and inherent meanings of the punk fashion expressed in Vivienne Westwood’s creations. To this end, the concept underlying punk and its expressive characteristics were examined, and the eco-friendly expressive attributes of punk fashion were scrutinized through photos of Vivienne Westwood’s collections. The analysis focused on 10 seasonal collections showcased over the past five years, from the designer’s 2018 S/S to 2022 F/W collections. The results revealed that Westwood’s punk expression was characterized by traditionality, eco-friendliness, playfulness, resistance, and deconstruction. Traditionality appeared in the form of a harmonious redesign of classics to create new works, while eco-friendliness was manifested through the use of slogans and eco-friendly materials and methods. Playfulness conveyed positive messages through comedic situations or characters, and resistance emerged as a means of delivering messages for improving social issues. Finally, the deconstruction of punk was reflected as resistance, boldly destroying fashion structures to express dissatisfaction with society. Punk design in fashion is one of the avenues in which designers effectively express the messages that they want to communicate to society. This study is significant, as it provides foundational data for exploring punk characteristic design strategies to be used in future fashion. The scope of application for 3D virtual clothing programs is expected to expand in the fashion industry, and continuous research on digital fashion design is anticipated.

미선나무는 한국특산의 낙엽관목이며 위기종(Endangered; EN)으로 평가된다. 먼저 전국적인 분포현황을 세부적으로 평가하였다. 관찰된 분포 유형에 따라 개체군구조를 평가하였다, 또한 서로 다른 개체군 구조에 미치는 식생, 토양기질을 평가하였다. 미선나무는 총 13개의 아개체군이 조사되었다. 가장 안정적인 개체군은 충청북도 진천군에 위치하였다. 주로 낙엽활엽수림의 하부에 분포하였고 침엽수, 활엽수 혼효림에 분포지가 위치하기도 하였다. 어린개체로만 구성된 경우, 큰 개체로만 구성된 경우 및 소수의 큰 개체와 크기가 작은 개체로 구성된 경우가 조사되었다. 분포지는 돌서렁 (Scree) 및 하안의 급경사지에 위치하였다. 토양기질에는 서로 다른 크기의 자갈이 약 50% 포함되어 있었고 경사도는 높았다. 분포지에서 관찰된 서로 다른 크기의 개체군 구조는 토양기질, 유기물함량, 식생구조 등이 복합적으로 작용하였 다. 이와 더불어 서로 다른 정착시기에 따라 서로 다른 개체군 구조를 나타내었다. 지역적색목록평가 항목과 기준을 적용하여 재평가하였다. 점유면적 및 개체수가 변동되었지만 분포지에서 관찰되는 생육지의 질적 저하와 아개체군내에 서의 집단간 파편화 증가에 따라 위기종(EN; B2ab(iii))이 유지되었다. 각각의 아개체군별로 종의 특성을 고려한 보전관 리계획의 수립과 시행이 필요함을 제안하였다.

Strains of epiphytic and toxic dinoflagellates were collected from the seawaters surrounding Ulleungdo and Dokdo islands in Korea, and their morphology, molecular phylogeny, and toxicity were analyzed. Each dinoflagellate strain was examined under a microscope for genus-level identification, while species-level confirmation was achieved for Amphidinium operculatum, Ostreopsis sp. (type 1), Protoceratium reticulatum, Coolia canariensis, and C. malayensis through molecular phylogenetic analysis. The genera Gambierdiscus, Heterocapsa, and Prorocentrum were identified based on morphological traits, with Gambierdiscus characterized by a round-flattened shape with distinct thecal plates, Heterocapsa exhibiting a fusiform to oval shape, and Prorocentrum showing an oblong-to-ovate shape. Toxicity assessments for five species involved exposing Artemia salina nauplii to concentration-dependent extracts of the dinoflagellates. At a concentration of 100 ppm, P. reticulatum, A. operculatum, C. canariensis, and Ostreopsis sp. resulted in significant mortality among the nauplii, with survival rates dropping to as low as 0% over a 24-hour period. These findings underscore the potential ecological and toxicological impacts of these species and highlight the necessity for further research to evaluate their behavior under varying environmental conditions. This study marks the first documentation of subtropical epiphytic dinoflagellates in the waters around Ulleungdo and Dokdo islands, encompassing twelve strains from eight epiphytic species. Additionally, we investigated the toxicity of five species, including a toxic planktonic dinoflagellate. The results suggest a potential northeastward shift in their distribution, likely originating from Jeju Island, and being transported by the Tsushima Warm Current through the East Sea. This shift has enabled the successful establishment of populations in these areas under favorable conditions influenced by changes in the oceanic climate.

Current investigations provide a comprehensive understanding of the occurrence and biodiversity of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in the major citrusproducing regions of Jeju Island, South Korea. Our survey identified five genera and five species of PPNs from 82 infested Citrus unshiu field samples collected across 116 sites in the Jeju provinces. Community analysis revealed the highest prevalence of PPNs (39.02%) at Namwon-eup, significantly driven by Tylenchulus semipenetrans, followed by Paratylenchus sp., Helicotylenchus sp., Meloidogyne sp., and Pratylenchus sp. Data indicate that all 82 sites were infested with T. semipenetrans (70.68%), marking a considerable increase in prevalence compared to previous surveys and posing a significant threat to citrus cultivation. The study results also demonstrate the influence of soil type on PPNs communities, revealing correlations between soil texture and nematode diversity. Citrus orchards cultivated in black clay loam soil exhibited significant PPN infestations. Overall, the PPN survey underscores the economic importance of monitoring citrus nematode infection rates and maintaining economic threshold levels in citrus production. It also emphasizes the need for developing effective management strategies to control PPNs, which are essential for maintaining crop yield and ensuring agricultural sustainability.

Maturity at harvest is the key factor influencing storage life and the final quality of fruit. This study examined how the firmness of ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruit at harvest affects its post-ripening characteristics to create a maturity chart. Throughout the storage period, firmness decreased in all categories of fruit: hard, medium, and soft. ‘Soft’ fruits lost 40% of their firmness within 2 days after harvest, whereas ‘hard’ fruits remained firmer than soft fruits throughout the storage period and had the least soluble solids content, indicating a slower ripening progression. The acidity of ‘soft’ kiwifruit was very low from the day of harvest, suggesting that it was utilized as a respiratory substrate during ripening. The a-values (indicating redness) for ‘soft’ fruits gradually increased until day 6, stabilizing thereafter. ‘Soft’ fruits exhibited the highest ethylene production rate throughout storage. They showed a climacteric rise in ethylene on day 13, compared to ‘medium’ and ‘hard’ fruits, which exhibited increases on days 19 and 21, respectively. This data can help determine the optimal ethylene treatment duration for ripening ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruit. The firmness of ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruit at harvest is a crucial factor in determining its marketability and can effectively serve as a maturity index to estimate its shelf life.

Additive manufacturing makes it possible to improve the mechanical properties of alloys through segregation engineering of specific alloying elements into the dislocation cell structure. In this study, we investigated the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of CoNi-based medium-entropy alloys (MEAs), including the refractory alloying element Mo with a large atomic radius, manufactured via laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF). In an analysis of the printability depending on the processing parameters, we achieved a high compressive yield strength up to 653 MPa in L-PBF for (CoNi)85Mo15 MEAs. However, severe residual stress remained at high-angle grain boundaries, and a brittle μ phase was precipitated at Mo-segregated dislocation cells. These resulted in hot-cracking behaviors in (CoNi)85Mo15 MEAs during L-PBF. These findings highlight the need for further research to adjust the Mo content and processing techniques to mitigate cracking behaviors in L-PBF-manufactured (CoNi)85Mo15 MEAs.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) represent a revolutionary class of materials characterized by their multi-principal element compositions and exceptional mechanical properties. Powder metallurgy, a versatile and cost-effective manufacturing process, offers significant advantages for the development of HEAs, including precise control over their composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties. This review explores innovative approaches integrating powder metallurgy techniques in the synthesis and optimization of HEAs. Key advances in powder production, sintering methods, and additive manufacturing are examined, highlighting their roles in improving the performance, advancement, and applicability of HEAs. The review also discusses the mechanical properties, potential industrial applications, and future trends in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of HEA development using powder metallurgy.

The increase in radioactive waste increased the demand for transportation to the disposal facility. Prior to transporting radioactive waste, confirming that the potential exposure is insignificant is crucial. Overland transportation risk assessment models were developed tailored to domestic characteristics. Dose assessment using this model requires selecting appropriate factors. However, users may struggle to derive appropriate values, leading to inaccuracies. Additionally, if assessment results show outliers, prioritizing factors for review can be challenging. Therefore, sensitivity analysis is necessary to prioritize factors for accurate assessment. In this study, sensitivity analysis was conducted on the on-link public risk assessment model factors for radioactive waste overland transportation. Initially, assessment models were analyzed by each detailed exposure scenario. Subsequently, uncertainty propagation-based sensitivity analysis methodology was applied. The default values for the assessment model factors were set, and sensitivity analysis was conducted based on road type for maximum individual and collective dose assessment models. For the maximum individual dose model, the distance to the samedirection vehicle was the most sensitive, whereas for the collective dose model, vehicle velocity was the most sensitive. The results of this study can be used as the basic data on radioactive waste transportation risk assessment in Korea in the future.

A scintillator using organic materials can be easily manufactured in various shapes and sizes to suit the user’s purpose. A quantum dot (QD)-based scintillator has a number of advantages over commercial scintillators, including emission wavelength control, high-purity emission of a specific wavelength, high photoluminescence efficiency, and good photostability. The organic scintillators doping with various agents into the polymer media to increase scintillation efficiency and to control the emissioning wavelength through energy transfer process. In this study, scintillator enhancement was observed with different QDs material and detection response to gamma and neutron was investigated in energy spectrum. Multishell- structure QDs (CdS/CdZnS/ZnS) were fabricated and utilized to offset the shortcomings of single-shell-structure QDs, and the optical properties and the gamma and neutron detection performance capabilities were evaluated. The results of the evaluation of the detection response of the QD-based scintillator confirmed that the neutron/gamma classification performance was similar to that of a commercial scintillator. Furthermore, the gamma detection efficiency was improved by 34–38% (in the case of 137Cs) compared to a commercial scintillator. This study is especially notable in that the organic scintillator incorporated with the newly fabricated QDs can be utilized for gamma and neutron detection for the operation and decommissioning various nuclear facilities.