Background: The climate of Korean peninsula is characterized by four distinct seasons. In recent years, global warming has accelerated, and summers in Korea are typically hot and humid. However, the precise extent of climatic damage caused in Hanwoo farming has not yet been reported, by long raise periods. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of birth and slaughter season on economical carcass characteristics in Hanwoo cattle. Methods: Hanwoo steer carcass data was collected from the Korean Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation database for 2021-2022. Hanwoo birth and slaughter season was classified as spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-November), and winter (December-February). Results: The carcass mass and loin area were significantly higher in winter- and spring-born Hanwoo than in summer- and fall-born cattle. However, back fat thickness was significantly higher in winter- and spring-slaughtered steers than in summerslaughtered cattle. In addition, the marbling score was highest in summer-slaughtered steers, but meat yield grade differed between Hanwoo steers of different ages. Conclusions: Out results indicate that carcass mass and loin area were correlated with birth season, whereas back fat thickness and marbling score were related with slaughter season. These results will contribute to improving meat production quality in the Hanwoo industry.

이 연구의 목적은 척추 자기공명영상 검사 시, 검사시간을 단축할 수 있는 기법인 SENSE와 CS-SENSE를 경추, 흉추, 요추 검사 시 어떤 기법을 적용하는 것이 효과적인지 알아보기 위함이다. 본 연구는 2022년 10월부터 2023년 3월까지 척추질환 및 의심 환자 102명을 대상으로 분석하였다. 사용된 장비는 필립스 사의 3.0T Ingenia Elition X와 20채널 두경부 코일과 44 채널 척추 코일을 사용하였다. 본 연구는 축상 T2강조 고속스핀에코를 SENSE와 CS-SENSE factor 1.5, 2, 3으로 각각 영상을 획득하고, 정량평가는 신호대잡음비와 대조대잡음비를 각 factor 별로 대응 표본 t-test를 진행하였고, 정성평가는 2명의 평가자의 평가점수를 Kruskal-wallis test로 비교하였다. 정량평가 결과, SENSE보다 CS-SENSE가 신호대잡음비와 대조대잡음비가 높게 나왔다. 정성평가 결과, 경추, 요 추는 CS-SENSE 사용 시 평가점수가 높게 나왔고, 흉추는 SENSE 사용 시 평가점수가 높게 나왔다. 결론적으로 척추 MRI 검사 시, 경추, 요추는 CS-SENSE를, 흉추는 SENSE를 사용하는 것이 효과적이다.

After the permanent shut down of Kori Unit 1, various decommissioning activities will be implemented, including decontamination, segmentation, waste management, and site restoration. During the decommissioning period, waste management is among the most important activities to ensure that the process proceeds smoothly and within the expected timeframe. Furthermore, the radioactive waste generated during the operation should be sent to a disposal facility to complete the decommissioning project. Square and cylindrical concrete re-package drums were generated during the 1980s and 1990s. The square, containing boron concentrates, and cylindrical, containing spent resin, concrete re-package drums have been stored in a radioactive waste storage building. Homogeneous radioactive waste, including boron concentrates, spent resin, and sludge, should be solidified or packaged in high-integrity containers (HICs). This study investigates the sequential segmentation process for the separation of contaminated and non-contaminated regions, the re-packaging process of segmented or crushed cement-solidified boron concentrate, and re-packaging in HICs. The conceptual design evaluates the re-packaging plan for the segmented and crushed cement-solidified waste using HICs, which is acceptable in a disposal facility, and the quantity of generated HICs from the treatment process.

Metals are recognized as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials owing to their high electrical conductivity. However, the need for light and flexible EMI shielding materials has emerged, owing to the heavyweight and inflexible nature of metals. Carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composites have been studied as promising flexible EMI shielding materials because of their lightweight nature due to the low density of CNTs and their high electrical conductivity. CNTs evenly dispersed in the polymer form an electrically conductive network, and the aspect ratio of the CNTs, which are one-dimensional nanofillers, is an important factor affecting electrical conductivity. In this study, we prepared three types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with different aspect ratios and fabricated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/MWNT composites. Subsequently, the electrical conductivities and electrical percolation thresholds of the three PDMS/MWNT composites with different MWNT aspect ratios were measured to analyze the behavior of electrically conducting network formation according to the aspect ratio. Furthermore, the total EMI shielding effectiveness of each composite was determined to evaluate the effect of the MWNT aspect ratio on the EMI shielding. Reflection and absorption of electromagnetic wave were measured for the PDMS/MWNT composite with the largest aspect ratio to analyze the EMI shielding mechanism of the composite. Additionally, the effects of the MWNT content on the conductivity and EMI shielding performance were examined. The results provide valuable guidance for designing polymer MWNT composites with good electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance under different aspect ratios of MWNTs.

Pitfall traps that use ethylene glycol as a preservative solution are commonly used in arthropod research. However, a recent surge in cases involving damage to these traps by roe deer or wild boars owing to the sweet taste of ethylene glycol has prompted the addition of quinone sulfate, a substance with a pungent taste, to deter such wildlife interference. This study aimed to assess the effects of quinone sulfate on arthropods collected from pitfall traps containing ethylene glycol. We strategically positioned 50 traps using ethylene glycol alone and 50 traps containing a small amount of quinone sulfate mixed with ethylene glycol in a grid pattern for systematic sampling at the Gwangneung Forest long-term ecological research (LTER) site. Traps were collected 10 days later. The results revealed a notable effect on ants when quinone sulfate was introduced. Specifically, it decreased the number of ants. In a species-specific analysis of ants, only Nylanderia flavipes showed a significant decline in response to quinone sulfate, whereas other ant species remained unaffected. Additionally, among the arthropod samples obtained in this survey, we identified species or morpho-species of spiders, beetles, and ants and assessed species diversity. Consequently, the utilization of quinone sulfate should be undertaken judiciously, taking into account the specific species composition and environmental characteristics of the monitoring site. Our study also highlighted the significant response of various arthropod groups to variations in leaf litter depth, underscoring the crucial role of the leaf litter layer in providing sustenance and shelter for ground-foraging arthropods. Furthermore, we have compiled comprehensive species lists of both spiders and ants in Gwangneung forest by amalgamating data from this investigation with findings from previous studies.

Spent ion exchange resins have been generated during the operation of nuclear facilities. These resins include radioactive nuclides. It is needed to fabricate them into a stable form for final disposal. Cement solidification process is a useful method for the fabrication of them into a waste form for final disposal. In this study, proper conditions for the fabrication of them into a stable waste form were determined using the cement solidification process. In-drum waste forms were then produced at the conditions, where the stability of representative samples was evaluated for final disposal. The samples were satisfied to the Waste Acceptance Criteria for low and intermediate level radioactive waste disposal sites. This result can be utilized to derive optimal conditions for the fabrication of spent ion exchange resins into a final disposal form.

Advanced countries in the field of nuclear research and technology are currently examining the feasibility of deep geological disposal as the most appropriate method for the permanent management of high-level radioactive waste, with no intention of future retrieval. Deep geological disposal involves the placement of such waste deep underground within a stable geological formation, ensuring its permanent isolation from the human environment. To guarantee the enduring isolation and retardation of radionuclides with half-lives spanning tens of thousands to millions of years from the broader ecosystem, it is imperative to comprehend the long-term evolution of deep disposal systems, especially the role of natural barriers. These natural barriers, typically consisting of bedrock, encase the repository and undergo long-term evolutions due to tectonic movements and climate variations. For the effective disposal of high-level radioactive waste, a thorough assessment of the site’s long-term geological stability is essential. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its tectonic evolution and development characteristics, including susceptibility to seismic and magmatic events like earthquakes and intrusions. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of alterations in the hydrogeological and geochemical environment resulting from tectonic movements over extended time frames is required to assess the potential for the migration of radionuclides. In this paper, we have examined international evaluation methodologies employed to elucidate the predictive long-term evolution of natural barriers within disposal systems. We have extracted relevant methods from international case studies and applied a preliminary scenario illustrating the long-term evolution of the geological environment at the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) site. Nevertheless, unlike international instances, the scarcity of quantitative data limits the depth of our interpretation. To present a dependable scenario in the future, it is imperative to develop predictive technologies aimed at comprehensively studying the geological evolution processes in the Korean peninsula, particularly within the context of radioactive waste disposal.

참깨는 건전 유기 종자생산을 위해서는 Corynespora cassicola 등과 같은 종자전염 병원균의 감염을 최소화해 야 하므로 비가림하우스 내에서의 종자생산이 필수적이다. 그러나 비가림하우스 재배 시 진딧물의 대발생으로 참깨의 생산량 저하 되므로 본 연구에서는 참깨 비가림하우스 내 유기 재배 시, 진딧물에 대한 효과적인 유기농업 자재를 선발하고자 한다. 등록된 유기농업자재 8종 중 4종을 기내에서 선발하였으며 선발된 유기농업자재 4종을 참깨 재배기간 중 주 1회 처리한 결과, 처리 간 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 수확기인 8월 3일 기준 무처리구 대비 데리스추출물 70%와 데리스 20%+시트로넬라 30%+계피추출물 10%은 12.3%, 9.0%만이 고사하여 우수한 방제 효과를 나타냈다. 본 연구 결과는 참깨 재배 시 농림현장에서 발생하는 복숭아혹진딧물에 대한 유기농업자재 효과를 검정함으로써 유기재배 농가의 자재 선택에 대한 정보를 제공하고자 한다

본 연구는 벼 화분에 잔류한 네오니코티노이드계 약제가 꿀벌 봉군 내로 유입하여 만성적으로 피해를 주는지 에 대해 실험적으로 검증하고자 한다. 벼 꽃 개화기에 맞춰 논 인근의 세 지역에 각 6개 봉군을 설치하였다. 3개의 지역 중 두 지역은 벼 꽃 개화기 항공 방제 수행지역이고, 1개 지역은 미수행 지역이다. 지역마다 봉군 3개에는 채분기를 설치하여 벌통 내 화분 유입을 차단한 그룹과 미설치 그룹 간 봉세와 꿀벌 면역 및 수명 관련 유전자 발현량을 비교하였다. 약제 방제가 수행된 지역에서 채분기를 설치한 봉군의 봉세는 미설치 봉군보다 상대적으 로 강한 것을 확인하였다. 또한, 약제 처리 지역에서 채분기 설치 봉군에서 채분기를 설치한 봉군의 봉세는 미설치 봉군보다 상대적으로 강한 것을 확인하였다. 또한, 약제 처리 지역에서 채분기 설치 봉군에서 채집된 꿀벌의 면역 및 수명 관련 유전자 발현량이 미설치 그룹과 차이가 있는 것을 확인하였다.

The walking-stick insects, Ramulus mikado, are outbreaks in several mountainous areas from 2020 to 2022. In recent, some population of the insect are showed rapidly decline in their abundance, while some of them are still maintained high population density. In worldwide, insects belonging to Phasmida are reported to outbreak in their habitats as mentioned above environments, but knowledge about outbreak pattern of the walking-stick insects is still lacking. In this study, we aimed which biological and environmental factors are related to wax and wane of the insect population. From 2022 to 2023, we studied host tree preferences in natural conditions, ecological stoichiometry in major host trees, overwintering ecology of R. mikado eggs, and infection rate by entomophathogenic fungi during growing season.

본 연구는 간 담도기 이미지에서 CAIPIRINHA, 압축 센싱(CS), 딥러닝(DL) 기법을 비교하여 주관적 영상의 질과 국소병변 을 평가하였다. 후향적 연구로 간 담도기 이미지를(획득 시간, CAIPIRINHA 16초, DL 11초, CS 15초; 절편두께, 3mm, 3mm, 1.5mm) 포함한 가도세틱산 조영증강 자기공명영상을 시행한 51명의 환자에서 3개의 이미지와 국소 간 병변은 주관적 이미지 질 평가를 분석하였다. 간 가장자리 선명도는 CAIPIRINHA(3.9±0.8), DL(4.5±0.6), CS(4.5±0.8), 호흡에 의한 운동 허상은 CAIPIRINHA(4.3±0.9), DL(4.7±0.6), CS(4.5±0.8)를 보였다. 21명 환자의 48개 병변에서, 가장자리 선예 도는 CAIPIRINHA(4.3±0.7), DL(4.5±0.6), CS(4.6±0.5), 선명도는 CAIPIRINHA(4.4±0.7), DL(4.7±0.5), CS (4.7±0.5)을 보였다. DL은 검사 시간을 줄이면서 CAIPIRINHA와 비슷한 질을 보이고 호흡 허상을 줄일 수 있다. CS는 얇은 절편 영상의 획득이 가능하여 비슷한 영상의 질을 보여 선택적으로 유용하게 사용할 수 있다.

Two sets of analyses for the cases of groundwater release to well and sea ecosystems were conducted for the environmental impact assessment of high-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. After obtaining the respective BDCF (Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor) results for the scenarios of well-farming and marine water fishing using different biosphere assessment conceptual models implemented in ECOLEGO, they were compared each other. The purposes of these analyses are to identify reference generic biosphere conceptual models and to get insight on model uncertainty. In this study, the endpoint used for the comparison of the ECOLEGO biosphere models was the socalled Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor (BDCF), which is defined as the maximum value of the total dose to the exposed group, in Sv/yr, resulting from a continuous unit release of 1 Bq/yr during the whole simulation time either to the well compartment (BDCF_Well) or to the marine water compartment (BDCF_Sea). The radionuclides considered in the comparison were Cs-137, I-129, Nb-94, Ni-59, Ni- 63, Sr-90 and Tc-99. The conceptual models used in the biosphere assessment of the releases to a well are based on models that have been used by the DOE (simple-soil model) and SKB (complex-soil model) in safety assessments of radioactive waste repositories, respectively. Difference between two conceptual models used in the assessment of the releases to a sea is the number of compartments representing the sea; i.e., one model represents the sea with one compartment for the water and one for the sediment (singlecompartment model), whereas the alternative model uses two compartments for the water and the sediments: one for the inner coast and one for the outer coast (double-compartment model). The results of the BDCF_Well to a farmer obtained with the DOE and SKB models are shown to be very close to each other. Despite the differences in conceptual models and parameters, the results are within a maximum difference of a factor of 4. The results from the SKB model were higher for all radionuclides. The values of the BDCF_Sea obtained with the single- and double-compartment models are shown to be larger differences with a maximum order of 2. For all studied radionuclides, the double-compartment model produces higher BDCFs than does the single-compartment model. The differences would be due to activity concentrations in both water and sediments. Since the hydrodynamic behavior assumed for flow in the sea could significantly influence the dilution volumes and hence the concentrations, it is found that site-specific investigations are necessary to establish an appropriate marine biosphere conceptual model.