This study aims to propose a simplified equation for estimating the bond strength of corroded reinforcing bars. To this end, extensive parametric analyses were performed using the detailed analysis method presented in the authors’ previous study, where a wide range of critical variables were considered, such as compressive strength of concrete, net cover thickness, and reinforcing bar diameter. The sensitivity in bond strength of the corroded reinforcing bar according to each variable was evaluated. On this basis, a simplified formula for the bond strength of the corroded reinforcing bar was derived through regression analysis. The proposed equation was rigorously tested and verified using the bond test results of corroded reinforcing bars collected from the literature. The results confirmed that the proposed equation could estimate the bond strengths of specimens with better accuracy than the existing models, providing a reliable tool for engineers and researchers. In addition, the proposed equation was used to analyze the development length required for corroded tensile reinforcement to exert its yield strength, and it showed that the cover thickness of concrete must be at least four times the diameter of the reinforcing bar to achieve the yielding strength of reinforcing bar even at a corrosion degree of more than 5.0%.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has produced weapon-grade plutonium in a graphite-moderated experimental reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear facilities. The amount of plutonium produced can be estimated using the Graphite Isotope Ratio Method (GIRM), even without considering specific operational histories. However, the result depends to some degree on the operational cycle length. Moreover, an optimal cycle length can maximize the number of nuclear weapons made from the plutonium produced. For conservatism, it should be assumed that the target reactor was operated with an optimal cycle length. This study investigated the optimal cycle length using which the Calder Hall MAGNOX reactor can achieve the maximum annual production of nuclear weapons. The results show that lower enrichment fuel produced a greater number of critical plutonium spheres with a shorter optimal cycle length. Specifically, depleted uranium (0.69wt%) produced 5.561 critical plutonium spheres annually with optimal cycle lengths of 251 effective full power days. This research is crucial for understanding DPRK’s potential for nuclear weapon production and highlights the importance of reactor operational strategy in maximizing the production of weapons-grade plutonium in MAGNOX reactors.

Background: This study focused on reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle, specifically the environmental factors affecting gestation length and birth weight. Methods: The records of 1,540 cows calved at the Hanwoo Research Institute from 2015 to 2023 were examined. This study analyzed two populations, linebreeding Hanwoo (LBH) and general Hanwoo (GH), with all cows undergoing estrus synchronization and artificial insemination. The R software was used to compare the differences between the two populations and analyze the environmental factors affecting each trait. Results: The results showed that the average gestation length for LBH was 283.28 ± 5.93 days, which was significantly shorter than that of the GH, which had an average of 285.63 ± 6.21 days (p < 0.001). The average birth weight of LBH calves was 25.10 ± 3.69 kg, significantly lighter than GH calves, which weighed 27.26 ± 4.11 kg on average (p < 0.001). Analysis of environmental factors revealed significant differences in the gestation length of LBH based on dam parity, year, and season of calving. However, no significant differences were observed based on calf sex. For LBH, birth weight showed significant differences based on dam parity, year of calving, and sex of the calf, but not the season of calving. In GH, gestation length varied with dam parity and calving season, but not with calving year or calf sex. The GH birth weight showed differences based on dam parity, year of calving, and calf sex, but not the season of calving. Conclusions: Reproductive traits in the Hanwoo cattle industry are economically vital but are heavily influenced by environmental factors due to their low heritability. An accurate evaluation of the genetic potential of these traits requires an analysis of the environmental factors affecting them. The results of this study serve as foundational data for predicting the potential for genetic improvement in the gestation length and birth weight of Hanwoo cattle.

Zooplankton biomass is essential for understanding the quantitative structure of lake food webs and for the functional assessment of biotic interactions. In this study, we aimed to propose a biomass (dry weight) estimation method using the body length of cyclopoid copepods. These copepods play an important role as omnivores in lake zooplankton communities and contribute significantly to biomass. We validated several previously proposed estimation equations against direct measurements and compared the suitability of prosomal length versus total length of copepods to suggest a more appropriate estimation equation. After comparing the regression analysis results of various candidate equations with the actual values measured on a microbalance-using the coefficient of variation, mean absolute error, and coefficient of determination-it was determined that the Total Length-DW exponential regression equation [W=0.7775×e2.0183L; W (μg), L (mm)] could be used to calculate biomass with higher accuracy. However, considering practical issues such as the morphological similarity between species and genera of copepods and the limitations of classifying copepodid stages, we derived a general regression equation for the pooled copepod community rather than a species-specific regression equation.

This study aimed to provide an accurate estimate of sodium intake from jangajji by examining the changes in sodium content according to the type of jangajji and the length of storage period, specifically differentiating between the solid ingredients and the seasoning liquid. It focused on six types of jangajji: chili pepper, perilla leaf, onion, radish, garlic scape, and cucumber. The sodium content in the solid ingredients and the seasoning was measured using a salinometer and ICP-AES. The results indicated that across all types of jangajji, the seasoning liquid consistently contained significantly higher levels of sodium than the solid ingredients. When comparing the sodium content measured by ICP-AES with that from a salinometer, the salinometer readings were significantly lower for both the solid ingredients and the seasoning liquid in all types of jangajji. Additionally, when comparing the sodium content of the solid ingredients with that listed in the nation’s representative nutritional databases, a substantial discrepancy was noted, with some cases potentially overstating the actual sodium intake from jangajji. Overall, this study suggests that an urgent review should be conducted to identify and resolve the causes of such discrepancies and accurately estimate the actual sodium intake from jangajji.

강재를 대처할 수 있는 다양한 복합재료 중 CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer)를 사용하여 인장 물성 실험을 실시한다. KS F ISO 10406 (콘크리트용 섬유강화 폴리며(FRP 보강재 - 시험방법) 에서 FRP의 측정길이는 지름 (D)의 40 배를 기준으로 제시되어진다. 그러나 25 mm 이상의 시험체는 양단 보강부를 포함하게 된다면 대략 2 m 이상으로 제작되어지게 되고 시험이 상당히 번거롭게 됨으 로써 시험법 개선을 위해서 측정 길이별로 설정하여 성능평가 후 비교분석 한다.

본 논문은 CFRP 그리드의 정착길이에 따른 콘크리트 보의 휨거동을 평가한 실험적 연구를 보고한다. 실험을 위해 폭 250 mm, 높이 125 mm, 길이 2000 mm의 실험체가 제작되었다. 실험변수로 CFRP 그리드의 정착길이(1000 mm, 800 mm, 700 mm, 600 mm, 500 mm, 400 mm, 300 mm, 200 mm)가 고려되었다. 실험체 제작 후 3점 휨실험이 수행되었다. 실험결과 모든 실 험체의 강성은 정착길이에 영향을 받지 않고 유사한 것으로 나타났다. 초기 균열하중은 모든 실험체에서 유사하게 나타났으나, 정착길이가 감소됨에 따라 최대하중, 최대하중 시의 처짐 및 변형률은 감소하는 경향을 나타냈다. 특히 부재 길이에 80% 이상 이 정착된 경우 부재 길이와 동일한 정착길이를 가진 콘크리트 보의 약 90% 이상의 구조성능을 확보할 수 있는 것으로 확인되 었다. 제안된 수치해석 모델은 CFRP 그리드의 정착길이가 감소됨에 따른 극한하중의 저하를 유사하게 예측하였으며, 극한하중 의 오차는 평균 13.1%로 CFRP 그리드의 정착길이에 따른 콘크리트 보의 휨성능을 비교적 정확하게 예측하는 것으로 나타났다.

최근 국내에서 개발된 송풍식 양파 줄기절단기를 수확기 양 파 엽 절단에 활용할 경우 적정 작업 조건을 구명하기 위해서 이 실험을 수행하였다. 처리구 중 식물체 엽 건조가 가장 많이 진행된(엽 건조 정도 : 66.3%, 엽 수분함량 : 50.5%) 6월 20일 엽 절단 처리구에서 평균 잔여 엽장은 6.7±3.5cm로서 작업 후 적정 잔여 엽장에 해당되는 범위인 4－10cm에 포함되므로 기계 엽 절단 성능이 처리구 중 가장 우수한 것으로 판단된다. 줄기절단기 이용 양파 엽 기계 절단 시 평균 작업 속도는 0.17m·s-1였는데, 이는 인력 엽 절단 처리구의 평균 작업 속도 인 0.05m·s-1보다 3.4배 정도 빨랐으며, 이를 통해 해당 기종 을 이용하여 10a 면적을 작업할 경우에는 인력 작업(1인 기준) 에 비해 2.6시간 정도를 절감할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다. 또한 기계 엽 절단 처리구에서의 손상구 발생률은 1.3%로서 인력 엽 절단 처리구의 0.0%에 비해 높았는데, 이로 인해 기계 엽 절단 처리구가 인력 엽 절단 처리구보다 저장 중 양파 구 부패 율이 평균적으로 높았던 것으로 판단된다. 처리별 저장 특성 을 살펴보면, 저장 8개월 후 구 부위(기부, 정부)별 부패율은 기계 엽 절단 후 잔여 엽장이 5.0cm 미만인 처리구에서 잔여 엽장이 5.0cm 이상인 처리구보다 높았다. 이는 잔여 엽 길이 가 5.0cm 미만인 처리구에서는 5.0cm 이상인 처리구보다 저 장 중 구 부패를 유발하는 병원균의 감염이 쉬우므로 장기 저 장 시 부패율이 높은 것으로 생각된다. 본 실험 결과와 실험 기 종의 성능 목표(작업 후 잔여 엽장 : 5cm) 및 양파 수확 시 적정 잔여 엽장에 관한 기존의 연구결과 등을 종합적으로 고려할 경우, 본 실험에 사용된 줄기절단기 이용 양파 엽 절단 시 양파 의 적정 잔여 엽장은 5－10cm 정도일 것으로 판단된다.

Determining the size or area of a plant's leaves is an important factor in predicting plant growth and improving the productivity of indoor farms. In this study, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model to accurately predict the length and width of lettuce leaves using photographs of the leaves. A callback function was applied to overcome data limitations and overfitting problems, and K-fold cross-validation was used to improve the generalization ability of the model. In addition, ImageDataGenerator function was used to increase the diversity of training data through data augmentation. To compare model performance, we evaluated pre-trained models such as VGG16, Resnet152, and NASNetMobile. As a result, NASNetMobile showed the highest performance, especially in width prediction, with an R_squared value of 0.9436, and RMSE of 0.5659. In length prediction, the R_squared value was 0.9537, and RMSE of 0.8713. The optimized model adopted the NASNetMobile architecture, the RMSprop optimization tool, the MSE loss functions, and the ELU activation functions. The training time of the model averaged 73 minutes per Epoch, and it took the model an average of 0.29 seconds to process a single lettuce leaf photo. In this study, we developed a CNN-based model to predict the leaf length and leaf width of plants in indoor farms, which is expected to enable rapid and accurate assessment of plant growth status by simply taking images. It is also expected to contribute to increasing the productivity and resource efficiency of farms by taking appropriate agricultural measures such as adjusting nutrient solution in real time.

Laser cutting has many advantages, including high-speed cutting potential, no reaction forces, narrow kerf widths, ease of remote control, and more. This makes it the next generation cutting technology for nuclear decommissioning. For this reason, various groups in countries with nuclear power plants have been working on applying laser cutting to nuclear decommissioning. Our group has also been developing in-air and underwater laser cutting technologies. Previous research has focused on efficiently cutting thicker steels. To accomplish this, a cutting head with a long focusing element with a focal length of 600 mm was utilized. A long focusing head is advantageous for cutting thick objects at high speeds because it can maintain a high power density over a long distance. However, with such a long focused beam, the residual laser power that remains after passing through the target object can cut or damage other unwanted objects located behind the target. Utilizing a short focused element can solve this problem, but if the focal length is too short, the cutting capability will be reduced. In this work, we developed and applied a cutting head that utilizes a focused element with a short focal length of 300 mm. Cutting tests with this head allowed us to cut 10-60 mm thick stainless steel plates at a laser power of 6 kW. We also obtained the maximum cutting speed and kerf width for each thickness while increasing the laser power by 1 kW from 1 to 6 kW. The results obtained in this work are expected to be utilized for safe cutting in future nuclear decommissioning applications.

The leopard plant has the characteristic of being used for ornamental purposes when there are yellow spots on the leaves, and is widely used as a bed plant for viewing flowers. To set several indicators to predict the growth of crops with ornamental value, and to quantitatively express the relationship between the indicators are necessary. In this study, we determine a model that estimates the leaf area and the number of flower of Farfugium japonicum Kitam. using leaf length and width, and conducting a regression analysis on some regression models. As an indicator for estimating the leaf area and the number of flower, the leaf length and width of F. japonicum were measured and applied to 8 regression models. As a result of regression analysis of 8 models that estimated leaf area and the number of flower, R2 values of the linear models were all higher than 0.84 and 0.80. As a result of validation, using the most reliable model among the models for estimating the leaf area and the number of flowering, R2 was 0.90 and 0.82, respectively. Using a model that estimates various indicators that can be used for quality evaluation from easy-to-measure morphological factors, the evaluation of ornamental plants will be facilitated.

토마토의 생육과 수확량을 예측하기 위한 중요한 요소 중의 하나는 엽면적이다. 이러한 엽면적을 정확하게 예측하는 것 은 토마토 식물 생장 평가 모델의 시작이라고 할 수 있다. 이를 위해 본 연구는 토마토 잎의 측정을 통해 엽면적(LA)을 추정 하는 효과적인 모델을 확인하기 위해 수행하였다. 토마토 식 물 잎 조사를 위해 2주 간격으로 5개체의 토마토 식물체의 전 개된 모든 잎에 대해 엽면적(LA), 엽장(L), 엽폭(W), 엽신장 (La)를 측정하였다. LA와 토마토 잎 독립변수의 상관관계는 La × W, L × W, La + W, L + W의 식이 강한 양의 관계를 나타 냈다. LA 추정은 LA = a + b(La2 + W2) 을 사용하는 선형 모델 이 가장 정확한 추정치를 나타내었다(R2 = 0.867, RMSE = 88.76). 9월부터 12월까지 토마토 잎의 위치에 따른 상, 중, 하 엽의 모델을 살펴본 결과, 상, 중, 하로 잎 위치에 따른 모델별 결정계수(R2) 값은 각각 0.878, 0.726, 0.794였다. 상위엽을 바탕으로 추정된 모델의 정확도가 가장 높았는데, 이는 10월 이후 토마토 재배 농가에서 중위엽과 하위엽에 실시한 반적엽 의 영향으로 판단된다.

A GoldSim Total System Performance Assessment has been developed and utilized for assessment of the various conceptual HLW repositories for spent nuclear fuels during last a few decades. Even though, almost all required parameter values associated with the repository system are frequently assumed or sometimes overestimated, they are still far from being highly reliable. Uncertainties nested in nuclide transport modeling around the repository are mainly dominated by these parametric uncertainties aside from intrinsic model uncertainty. Reliable estimate of the parameter values commonly expressed as probability density functions (PDFs) always require a large amount of measured data. Such input distributions are used as input to the probabilistic assessment program through Monte Carlo simulation to quantitatively provide possible uncertainty of the results. However, in most cases, especially in the safety assessment of the repository which is typically related with both long-time span and wide modeling domain, inefficient observed data from the field measurements are common, making conventional probabilistic calculations rather even uncertain. Since Bayesian approach is known to be especially powerful and efficient in the case of lacking of available data measured, such short data could be compensated by coupling with a priori belief, reducing uncertainty. By allowing the a priori knowledge for incorporating insufficient observed data, which include expert’ elicitation, their beliefs and judgment regarding the parameters as well as recent site-specific measurements, based on the Bayes’ theorem, the older parameter distributions, “prior” distribution can be updated to a rather newer and reliable “posterior” distribution. Newer distributions are not necessarily expressed as PDFs for probabilistic calculation. These updates could be done even iteratively as many times as data values are sequentially available, which calls sequential Bayesian updating, making belief of posterior distributions become much higher by reducing parametric uncertainty. To show a possible way to enhance the belief as well as to reduce the uncertainty involved in parameter for the Bayesian scheme, nuclide travel length in the far-field area of a hypothetical deep borehole spent fuel Repository was investigated. The algorithm and module that have been developed and implemented in GSTSPA through current study was shown to work well for all assumed prior, three sequential posterior distributions and likelihoods.