Most of real-world decision-making processes are used to optimize problems with many objectives of conflicting. Since the betterment of some objectives requires the sacrifice of other objectives, different objectives may not be optimized simultaneously. Consequently, Pareto solution can be considered as candidates of a solution with respect to a multi-objective optimization (MOP). Such problem involves two main procedures: finding Pareto solutions and choosing one solution among them. So-called multi-objective genetic algorithms have been proved to be effective for finding many Pareto solutions. In this study, we suggest a fitness evaluation method based on the achievement level up to the target value to improve the solution search performance by the multi-objective genetic algorithm. Using numerical examples and benchmark problems, we compare the proposed method, which considers the achievement level, with conventional Pareto ranking methods. Based on the comparison, it is verified that the proposed method can generate a highly convergent and diverse solution set. Most of the existing multi-objective genetic algorithms mainly focus on finding solutions, however the ultimate aim of MOP is not to find the entire set of Pareto solutions, but to choose one solution among many obtained solutions. We further propose an interactive decision-making process based on a visualized trade-off analysis that incorporates the satisfaction of the decision maker. The findings of the study will serve as a reference to build a multi-objective decision-making support system.

A conventional porous carbon is still a very promising material for the removal of gaseous pollutants because of its abundant surface functional groups and a high specific surface area. Here, we prepared an environment-friendly uniform N-rich narrow micropore activated carbon, for the removal of formaldehyde, based on steam activation and N-rich with chitin as the starting material. A sample carbonized at 500 °C and steam activated at 800 °C (CAC800) showed a reasonable yield (55%) with uniform and narrow micropores without mesopores but having a balanced nitrogen functionality. CAC800 possesses outstanding formaldehyde removal capabilities under both dry and wet (humidity 45%) conditions. In addition, when compared with commercial activated carbon materials, we clearly demonstrated that the existence of high nitrogen content with uniform and narrow micropores simultaneously removed formaldehyde, effectively.

The safe, efficient and cost-effective decommissioning and dismantling of radioactive facilities requires the accurate characterization of the radionuclide activities and dose rate environment. And it is critical across many nuclear industries to identify and locate sources of radiation accurately and quickly. One of the more challenging aspects of dealing with radiation is that you cannot see it directly, which can result in potential exposure when working in those environments. Generally, semiconductor detectors have better energy resolution than scintillation detectors, but the maximum achievable count rates are limited by long pulse signals. Whereas some high pure germanium detectors have been developed to operate at high count rates, and these HPGe detectors could obtain gamma-ray spectra at high count rates exceeding 1 Mcps. However, HPGe detectors require cooling devices to reduce the leak currents, which becomes disadvantageous when developing portable radiation detectors. Furthermore, chemicalcompound semiconductor detectors made of cadmium telluride and cadmium zinc telluride are popular, because they have good energy resolution and are available at room temperature. However, CdTe and CZT detectors develop irradiation-induced defects under intense gamma-ray fields. In this Review, we start with the fundamentals of gamma rays detection and review the recent developments in scintillators gamma-ray detectors. The key factors affecting the detector performance are summarized. We also give an outlook on the field, with emphasis on the challenges to be overcome.

Iris laevigata, which belongs to the Iridaceae, is now designated as an “endangered” (EN) grade by Korea Forest Service because it does not have many natural sites known for its reckless development and damage to its natural habitats. This study was carried out to establish the propagation protocol from seed to restore the native habitat of the I. laevigata and to utilize it for ornamental purposes. Basically, the appearance and internal structure of seeds were observed and imbibition experiments were conducted. Germination rate was measured by cold stratification experiment, after warm followed by cold stratification experiment, and GA3 treatment experiment. The seeds had underdeveloped embryos, which had grown to about 25% of those of fully matured seed before germination. In the controlled laboratory experiment, after cold stratification at 5°C for 0, 4, 8, or 12 weeks, the seeds germinated to 0, 11.7, 43.4, or 51.7%, respectively, after 4 weeks of incubation at 25°C. After warm stratification (25°C, 8 weeks) followed by cold stratification for 0, 4, 8, or 12 weeks, the seeds germinated to 0, 51.7, 85.0, or 88.3%, respectively, after 4 weeks of incubation at 25°C. GA3 treatment did not overcome the dormancy. Our study determined the dormancy type of I. laevigata seed. Imbibition experiments showed that there was no physical dormancy, and it was also found that there was an underdeveloped embryo when it was observed that the embryo was growing according to the period of incubation. A nd t he e m bryo grew a t relatively w arm temperatures. It is concluded that the seeds of I. laevigata have morphophysiological dormancy (deep simple MPD). This is the first report to determine the dormancy type in seeds of this valuable ornamental plant.

Water electrolysis is a representative technology for tritium enrichment in water. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis has received great attention to replace traditional alkaline water electrolysis which generates concentrated tritiated water containing a large amount of salts. Nafion has been widely used as a polymeric electrolyte for the PEM electrolyzer. However, its low gas barrier property causes explosion, corrosion or degradation of electrolyzer. Furthermore, the traditional polymeric electrolytes have negligible differences in conductivity between hydrogen isotopes. To enhance the tritium separation by water electrolysis, we designed a composite membrane (Nafion/ hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)). The monolayer hBN has a high proton conductivity and gas barrier property, and the hBN can enhance conductivity differences between hydrogen isotopes. We prepared Nafion/hBN composite membranes, and water electrolysis performances and proton/deuterium separation behaviors were investigated.

This study deals with replacement analysis of deteriorated equipment for improving productivity of production system. Frequent breakdown of the deteriorated equipment causes a situation that reduces productivity such as low product quality, process delay, and repair cost. However, the replacement of new equipment will be required a high initial investment cost, so it is important to analysis the economic feasibility. Therefore, we analyze the effect of the production system due to the aging effect of the equipment and the feasibility of equipment replacement based on the economic analysis. The process flow, working time, logistics movement, etc. are analyzed in order to build the simulation modeling for a ship and land switchboard production system. Using numerical examples, the economic feasibility analysis of equipment replacement through replacement of existing deteriorated equipment and additional arrangement of new facilities is performed.