The blackish cicada, Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius, 1775 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) was originally distributed mainly in the southernmost remote island, Jeju and rarely throughout low lands in South Korea, but has been explosively increased at the urban areas, where annual temperature is higher. In this study, we sequenced a partial mitochondrial COI from a total of 171 individuals collected throughout 12 localities in South Korea. The haplotype found with the highest frequency in Jeju island shares only with two inland localities in southern region with a low frequency, whereas the haplotype found with the highest frequency throughout inland localities was not found in Jeju island. These results showed that Jeju population, southern region, and other inland populations form somewhat different genetic groups.

The large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar (Haworth, 1803; Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) has been categorized as a near-threatened species (NT) in South Korea from 2012 mainly due to limited distribution. In this study, we visited 36 sites spread across all South Korean provinces to verify the distributional range of the species and sequenced mitochondrial COI for 53 individuals from nine sites. We observed L. dispar at 15 sites in six provinces, including the two previously known provinces, indicating a southward range expansion. The in-field monitoring and genetic data collectively suggested that L. dispar does not have a limited distribution nor is it isolated, indicating that it should be reclassified as less vulnerable. Our study demonstrates that the combination of field and genetic data can provide a more reliable assessment of the stability of a species.

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.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere is now annually arrives in Korea. In this study, we developed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, one of the main merits of which is a rapid identification of target species. Five among 11 FAW-specific loci tested successfully provided a consistent reaction when ten FAWs, which were collected from eight localities in four countries were tested, whereas the 13 non-target species were not amplified. To increase in-field applicability of the method all life stages, reaction time, and different periods after death was tested using the quick extracted DNA. Our FAW diagnostic protocol can be completed within 30 min, from the process of extracting genomic DNA from an egg or a 1st instar larva to species determination.

The increasing number of technology transfers from public research institutes in Korea has led to a growing demand for patent recommendation platforms for SMEs. This is because selecting the right technology for commercialization is a critical factor in business success. This study developed a patent recommendation system that uses technology transfer data from the past 10 years to recommend patents that are suitable for SMEs. The system was developed in three stages. First, an item-based collaborative filtering system was developed to recommend patents based on the similarities between the patents that SMEs have previously transferred. Next, a content-based recommendation system based on TF-IDF was developed to analyze patent names and recommend patents with high similarity. Finally, a hybrid system was developed that combines the strengths of both recommendation systems. The experimental results showed that the hybrid system was able to recommend patents that were both similar and relevant to the SMEs' interests. This suggests that the system can be a valuable tool for SMEs that are looking to acquire new technologies.

Some consumer goods containing radioactive substances are in circulation and used in everyday life. In accordance with the Nuclear Safety Act, consumer goods with radioactivity are regulated. However, since most consumer goods distributed in Korea have no information that can confirm the amount of radiation, it is necessary to analyze the radiation for safety regulation. Among these consumer goods, GTLS (Gaseous Tritium Light Source) contains gaseous tritium (tritium, written as 3H or T), which is a radioactive material. The gaseous composition ratio in GTLS was analyzed using a precision gas mass spectrometer (Thermo Fisher, model MAT 271). As a result of GTLS analysis, the H2, HD or H3 +(T) or 3He, HT or D2 or He, DT, and T2, which correspond to the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 2 to 6 and the air components were detected. In addition, substances corresponding to m/z=24 and m/z=21 were also detected. These were compared with pure CH4 and those fragmentation patterns. The ratios of CT4 (m/z = 24) to CT3 (m/z = 21) and CH4 (m/z = 16) to CH3 (m/z = 15) were compared and they agree within the measurement uncertainty. We also performed additional experiments to separate the water component in the GTLS samples, considering the possibility that the m/z = 21 to m/z = 24 region is tritium compounds based on H2O. Despite the removal of the water components, peaks were detected at m/z=21 and m/z=24. Therefore, we confirmed that the component of m/z = 24 in the GTLS sample was CT4.

The mobility of radionuclides is largely determined by their radiological properties, geochemical conditions, and adsorption reactions, such as surface adsorption, chemical precipitation, and ion exchange. To evaluate the safety assessments of radionuclides in nuclear sites, it is essential to understand the behavior and mechanism of radionuclides onto soils. Since nuclear power plants are located in coastal areas, the chemical composition of groundwater can vary depending on the intrusion of seawater, altering the adsorption distribution coefficient (Kd) values of radionuclides. This study examines the impact of seawater on the Kd values of clay minerals for cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr). The results of Cs+ adsorption experiments showed a broad range of Kd values from 36 to 1,820 mL/g at an initial concentration of 1 mg/L and a high sorption coefficient of 15-613 mL/g at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L. Montmorillonite, hydrobiotite, illite, and kaolinite were ranked in terms of their CEC values for Cs+ adsorption, with hydrobiotite having the highest adsorption at 1 mg/L. The results of Sr adsorption experiments showed a wide range of Kd values from 82 to 1,209 mL/g at an initial concentration of 1 mg/L and a lower adsorption coefficient of 6.68-344 mL/g at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L. Both Cs+ and Sr2+ demonstrated lower Kd values at higher initial concentrations. CEC of clays found to have a significant impact on Sr2+ Kd values. Ca2+ ions showed a significant impact on Sr2+ adsorption distribution coefficients, demonstrating the greater impact of seawater on Sr2+ compared to Cs+. These findings can inform future safety assessments of radionuclides in nuclear sites.

The function of coolant in machining is to reduce the frictional force in the contact area in between the tool and the material, and to increase the precision by cooling the work-piece and the tool, to make the machining surface uniform, and to extend the tool life. However, cutting oil is harmful to the human body because it uses chlorine-based extreme pressure additives to cause environmental pollutants. In this study, the effect of cutting temperature and surface roughness of titanium alloy for medical purpose (Ti-6Al-7Nb) in eco-friendly ADL slot shape machining was investigated using the response surface analysis method. As the design of the experiment, three levels of cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut were designed and the experiment was conducted using the central composite planning method. The regression expressions of cutting temperature and surface roughness were respectively obtained as quadratic functions to obtain the minimum value and optimal cutting conditions. The values from this formula and the experimental values were compared. As a result, this study makes and establishes the basis to prevent environmental pollution caused by the use of coolant and to replace it with ADL (Aerosol Dry Lubricant) machining that uses a very small amount of vegetable oil with high pressure.

In biosphere assessment modeling for the safety assessment of the Wolsong LILW disposal facility, the multi-compartment modeling in which all radionuclides transport is described quantitatively in terms of transfer factors between various environmental compartments has been implemented. In order to reflect the actual transfer mechanisms of 14C in the environment the specific activity (SA) modeling approach can be applied as an alternative to the previous transfer factors (TF) approach. The assumption of full SA equilibrium throughout the terrestrial environment is completely satisfactory for 14C release to the atmosphere if the 12C is emitted as 14CO2. This is the only form that is readily taken up by plants, so that active carbon is incorporated into the plant via photosynthesis at the same rate as stable carbon. Accordingly, the 14C concentration in Bq/g stable carbon is the same in the plant as it is in the air. And animals take up carbon almost entirely through ingestion and the SA ratio in the plant is maintained in the animal. In this study, a specific activity model for 14C was implemented in a GoldSim biosphere assessment model. From the literature survey for existing specific activity models developed, the IAEA model was selected. The farming scenario utilizing well water was simulated and the resulting ingestion dose conversion factors (DCFs) from the IAEA SA model were compared with those of the TF approach. The parameter value for the concentration of stable carbon in the air (gC/m3) is used as 0.20 gC/m3 considering the Suess effect. The dose coefficient for food ingestion used for dose calculations was taken from ICRP-72 as 5.8E-10 Sv/Bq. It was found that the ingestion DCFs of the SA model showed about 3 times lower than those of the TF model in the farming scenario through irrigation of well water, so it is expected that the SA approach could be applied for a more realistic assessment. Though the comparisons were made on the results from the terrestrial ecosystem only in this study, it would be necessary to investigate the applicability of the SA modeling approach for 14C through extensive comparisons and analysis including an aquatic ecosystem, and through parameters survey suitable to the domestic condition.

The purpose of using coolant in machining is both to increase a tool life and also to prevent product deformation and thus, stabilize the surface quality by lubricating and cooling the tool and the machining surface. However, a very small amount of cutting mist should be used because chlorine-based extreme pressure additives are used to generate environmental pollutants in the production process and cause occupational diseases of workers. In this study, medical titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb) was subjected to a processing experiment by selecting factors and levels affecting cutting power in the processing of the Aerosol Dry Lubrication (ADL) method using vegetable oil. The machining shape was a slot to sufficiently reflect the effect of the cutting depth. As for the measurement of cutting force, the trend of cutting characteristics was identified through complete factor analysis. The factors affecting the cutting force of ADL slot processing were identified using the reaction surface analysis method, and the characteristics of the cutting force according to the change in factor level were analyzed. As the cutting speed increased, the cutting force decreased and then increased again. The cutting force continued to increase as the feed speed increased. The increase in the cutting depth increased the cutting force more significantly than the increase in the cutting speed and the feed speed. Through the reaction surface analysis method, the regression equation for predicting cutting force was identified, and the optimal processing conditions were proposed. The cutting force was predicted from the secondary regression equation and compared with the experimental value.