• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.2253-2261
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• 2022

In this study, nano-scaled shielding materials were assembled and fabricated by doping different weight percentages of Nano-mercuric oxide (N-HgO) into Nano-Bentonite (N-Bent) based on using (100-x% N-Bent + x% N-HgO, x = 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt %). The fabricated N-HgO/N-Bent nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, and SEM and evaluated to evaluate their shielding properties toward gamma radiation by using four different γ-ray energies form three point sources; 356 keV from ¹³³Ba, 662 keV from ¹³⁷Cs as well as 1173, and 1332 keV from ⁶⁰Co. The γ-rays mass attenuation coefficients were plotted as a function of the doped N-HgO concentrations into N-HgO/N-Bent nanocomposites. The computed values of mass attenuation coefficients (µ_m), effective atomic number (Z_eff) and electron density (N_el) by the as-prepared samples were found to increase, while the half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) were identified to decrease upon increasing the N-HgO contents. It was concluded also that the increase in N-HgO concentration led to a direct increase in the mass attenuation coefficient from 0.10 to 0.17 cm²/g at 356 keV and from 0.08 to 0.09 cm²/g at 662 keV. However, a slight increase was observed in the identified mass attenuation coefficients at (1172 and 1332 keV).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.645-656
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• 2022

Gossypol, a natural phenolic aldehyde present in cotton plants, was originally used as a means of contraception, but is currently being studied for its anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects on various cancers. However, the intracellular mechanism of action regarding the effects of gossypol on pancreatic cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of gossypol on human pancreatic cancer cells (BxPC-3 and MIA PaCa-2). Cell counting kit-8 assays, annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays, and transmission electron microscopy showed that gossypol induced apoptotic cell death and apoptotic body formation in both cell lines. RNA sequencing analysis also showed that gossypol increased the mRNA levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in pancreatic cancer cell lines. In addition, gossypol facilitated the cleavage of caspase-3 via protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), CHOP, and Bax/Bcl-2 upregulation in both cells, whereas the upregulation of ATF was limited to BxPC-3 cells. Finally, a three-dimensional culture experiment confirmed the successful suppression of cancer cell spheroids via gossypol treatment. Taken together, our data suggest that gossypol may trigger apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells via the PERK-CHOP signaling pathway. These findings propose a promising therapeutic approach to pancreatic cancer treatment using gossypol.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.155-169
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• 2022

In the present paper an analytical model was developed to study the non-linear vibrations of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube (FG-CNT) reinforced doubly-curved shallow shells using the Multiple Scales Method (MSM). The nonlinear partial differential equations of motion are based on the FGM shallow shell hypothesis, the non-linear geometric Von-Karman relationships, and the Galerkin method to reduce the partial differential equations associated with simply supported boundary conditions. The novelty of the present model is the simultaneous prediction of the natural frequencies and their mode shapes versus different curvatures (cylindrical, spherical, conical, and plate) and the different types of FG-CNTs. In addition to combining the vibration analysis with optimization algorithms based on the genetic algorithm, a design optimization methode was developed to maximize the natural frequencies. By considering the expression of the non-dimensional frequency as an objective optimization function, a genetic algorithm program was developed by valuing the mechanical properties, the geometric properties and the FG-CNT configuration of shallow double curvature shells. The results obtained show that the curvature, the volume fraction and the types of NTC distribution have considerable effects on the variation of the Dimensionless Fundamental Linear Frequency (DFLF). The frequency response of the shallow shells of the FG-CNTRC showed two types of nonlinear hardening and softening which are strongly influenced by the change in the fundamental vibration mode. In GA optimization, the mechanical properties and geometric properties in the transverse direction, the volume fraction, and types of distribution of CNTs have a considerable effect on the fundamental frequencies of shallow double-curvature shells. Where the difference between optimized and not optimized DFLF can reach 13.26%.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.171-180
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• 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors in staphylococci isolated from canine otitis externa. A total 295 causative microorganisms were isolated. The most common isolated species were Staphylococcus (S) pseudintermedius (94 isolates) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (60 isolates), S. schleiferi (25 isolates), Escherichia coli (23 isolates) and Proteus mirabilis (20 isolates). Staphylococci isolates were showed high resistance to penicillin (78.6%), erythromycin (55.9%), tetracycline (52.4%), clindamycin (51.7%) and ciprofloxacin (42.8%). Of the 145 staphylococci isolates, 49 (33.8%) methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) were observed, distributed among S. pseudintermedius (n=34), S. schleiferi (n=6), S. epidermis (n=4), S. hominis (n=2), S. aureus, S. caprae and S. saprophyticus (n=1, respectively). Forty-three (87.8%) of 49 MRS and 10 (10.4%) of 96 methicillin-susceptibility staphylococci harbored mecA gene. About 80% of MRS were multidrug-resistant with resistance to at least one antibiotic in three or more antibiotic classes. Resistance genes blaZ (93/114, 81.5%), ermB (35/81, 43.2%), ermC (3/81, 3.7%), aacA-aphD (50/54, 92.5%), tetM (69/76, 90.7%) and tetK (6/76, 7.8%) were detected among resistant isolates. Virulence factors genes lukF and lukS were found in 100%(145/145) and 43.4%(63/145), respectively. Genes encoding ermA, eta, etb and tsst were not detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which investigated for the presence of genes encoding antimicrobial resistance and staphylococcal toxins in staphylococci isolated from canine otitis externa. A continuous monitoring and surveillance program to prevent antimicrobial resistance in companion animals is demanded.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.441-452
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• 2022

Congenital diarrheal disorders (CDDs) with genetic etiology are uncommon hereditary intestinal diseases characterized by chronic, life-threatening, intractable watery diarrhea that starts in infancy. CDDs can be mechanistically divided into osmotic and secretory diarrhea. Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE), also known as intestinal epithelial dysplasia, is a type of secretory CDD. CTE is a rare autosomal recessive enteropathy that presents with intractable neonatal-onset diarrhea, intestinal failure, severe malnutrition, and parenteral nutrition dependence. Villous atrophy of the intestinal epithelium, crypt hyperplasia, and irregularity of surface enterocytes are the specific pathological findings of CTE. The small intestine and occasionally the colonic mucosa include focal epithelial tufts. In 2008, Sivagnanam et al. discovered that mutations in the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM, MIM# 185535) were the genetic cause of CTE (MIM# 613217). More than a hundred mutations have been reported to date. Furthermore, mutations in the serine peptidase inhibitor Kunitz type 2 (SPINT2, MIM# 605124) have been linked to syndromic CTE. In this study, we report the case of a 17-month-old male infant with congenital diarrhea. Despite extensive etiological workup, no etiology could be established before admission to our center. The patient died 15 hours after being admitted to our center in a metabolically decompensated state, probably due to a delay in admission and diagnosis. Molecular autopsy with exome sequencing revealed a previously reported homozygous missense variant, c.757G>A, in EpCAM, which was confirmed by histopathological examination.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.59-86
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• 2023

Purpose: Information regarding functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in infants is currently lacking in Indonesia. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors of FGIDs in infants aged 6 weeks to 4 months in Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 433 infants was conducted between September 2018 and February 2020. Information on FGIDs was collected using the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire and the Feeding Practice and Gut Comfort Questionnaire. Adapted Rome IV criteria were used to define the FGIDs. Results: The prevalence of regurgitation was 26.3%; 16.8% of the infants presented cryingrelated symptoms and 5.5% exhibited constipation. The statistical analyses revealed that constipation was associated with sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-7.71; p=0.043), employment of the father (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.12-0.77; p=0.01), and education of the mother (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.07-3.51; p=0.031). Length at birth (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55-0.99; p=0.042) was associated with constipation. Length at visit (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91; p<0.001) was associated with regurgitation, and the weight at visit (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.96; p=0.038) was associated with crying and/or colic. A history of parental FGIDs was associated with crying-related symptoms (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.23-3.68; p=0.007). Conclusion: Regurgitation, crying, and constipation are common FGIDs in infants. Some parental and infant characteristics may be predictors for FGIDs. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings. Understanding the determinants of FGIDs will benefit healthcare professionals and parents to improve infant's quality of life and better manage these condition.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.72-77
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• 2023

In many manufacturing settings, including the semiconductor industry, products are completed by producing and assembling various components. Sorting out from randomly mixed parts and classification operations takes a lot of time and labor. Recently, many efforts have been made to select and assemble correct parts from mixed parts using robots. Automating the sorting and classification of randomly mixed components is difficult since various objects and the positions and attitudes of robots and cameras in 3D space need to be known. Previously, only objects in specific positions were grasped by robots or people sorting items directly. To enable robots to pick up random objects in 3D space, bin picking technology is required. To realize bin picking technology, it is essential to understand the coordinate system information between the robot, the grasping target object, and the camera. Calibration work to understand the coordinate system information between them is necessary to grasp the object recognized by the camera. It is difficult to restore the depth value of 2D images when 3D restoration is performed, which is necessary for bin picking technology. In this paper, we propose to use depth information of RGB-D camera for Z value in rotation and movement conversion used in calibration. Proceed with camera calibration for accurate coordinate system conversion of objects in 2D images, and proceed with calibration of robot and camera. We proved the effectiveness of the proposed method through accuracy evaluations for camera calibration and calibration between robots and cameras.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2023

High-temperature and high-pressure post-processing applied to sintered thermoelectric materials can create nanoscale defects, thereby enhancing their thermoelectric performance. Here, we investigate the effect of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) as a post-processing treatment on the thermoelectric properties of p-type Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te_3.0 compounds sintered via spark plasma sintering. The sample post-processed via HIP maintains its electronic transport properties despite the reduced microstructural texturing. Moreover, lattice thermal conductivity is significantly reduced owing to activated phonon scattering, which can be attributed to the nanoscale defects created during HIP, resulting in an ~18% increase in peak zT value, which reaches ~1.43 at 100℃. This study validates that HIP enhances the thermoelectric performance by controlling the thermal transport without having any detrimental effects on the electronic transport properties of thermoelectric materials.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.215-227
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a mobile app-based musculoskeletal exercise program (AMSEP) for operating room (OR) nurses and evaluate its effects on self-efficacy, the flexibility of the shoulders, lower back, and legs, and musculoskeletal symptoms and fatigue. Methods: The AMSEP was developed based on the information-motivation-behavioral skill model. In total, 48 OR nurses were recruited at a university hospital in Korea and divided into an experimental group (n=24) and a control group (n=24), matched for career experience in the OR. The experimental group participated in the AMSEP, while the control group received a booklet regarding musculoskeletal exercise. Results: The experimental group showed significant increases in self-efficacy (t = -2.77, p = .008) and flexibility of the right shoulder (t = -4.08, p < .001), left shoulder (t = -3.28, p = .002), lower back (t = -3.75, p < .001), and legs (t = -3.96, p < .001) compared to the control group. Musculoskeletal symptoms (t = 2.75, p = .008), and fatigue (Z = -1.98, p = .048) significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the AMSEP for OR nurses provided information on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and methods of exercise, as well as an opportunity for continued exercise performance through self-management. The AMSEP was easily accessible and effective in increasing self-efficacy and flexibility and reducing musculoskeletal symptoms and fatigue.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2023.05a
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• pp.510-510
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• 2023

집중호우의 증가는 저수지 내 탁수의 증가로 이어지며, 저수지에서의 탁수 배제는 하천의 탁수 문제로 연결될 수 있다. 탁수의 발생은 정수처리 비용 증가와 하천 생태계 문제 등을 발생시키므로, 이에 대한 해결책이 지속적으로 요구되고 있다. 특히 낙동강 유역의 임하호는 태풍 및 집중호우 발생 시 고탁수의 유입 빈도가 높다. 탁수가 임하호에 유입되면 일반적으로 저수지 탁수 예측 수치해석을 수행하여 탁수의 저수지 내 탁수 거동과 방류량에 따른 탁수 저감 정도를 파악하고, 탁수 배제를 위한 저수지 운영계획을 수립한다. 그러나 방류된 고탁수의 하천 거동에 대한 수치해석은 국내에서는 수행하고 있지 않은 실정이다. 임하댐 하류에서 내성천합류부까지는 약 0.325 m³/s의 물을 취수하고 있으므로(2022년 기준), 하천의 탁수도 저수지 탁수와 동시에 고려되어야 할 필요가 있다. 저수지와 하천의 유사 거동 분석에 대해 격자 구성 등의 이유로 일반적으로 각각 다른 tool을 사용하고 있으나, 모델구축 및 입□출력 data의 변환 등 구축, 구동, 분석 과정 모두 효율적이지 못하다. 이에 본 연구에서는 하천과 저수지에서의 탁수 거동을 동시에 예측할 수 있는 일원화된 수치해석 모델을 구축(임하호~낙본C)하였다. 준3차원 모델인 EFDC를 이용하였으며, 격자는 저수지는 직사각격자, 하천은 Curvlinear를 적용하였다. 연직방향으로는 저수지와 하천의 수심 차이가 크므로 EFDC 내에 탑재되어 있는 𝜎-z(uniform)레이어 옵션을 선택하여, 저수지 연직 레이어는 40개, 하천은 2개로 구축되었다. 하천에서의 탁수 거동 예측은 지류의 유량, 탁도 등의 경계조건 data를 얻기가 쉽지 않기 때문에, 유량은 임하호 유입유량에 유역면적비를 적용하였으며, 탁도는 TSS(Total Suspended Solid)-SSC(Suspended Sediment Concentration)-유량의 관계를 각각 회귀분석 등을 통해 도출하여 연구 범위 내 7개 지류하천에 적용하였다. 모의 시기는 2개의 태풍으로 연속적인 탁수가 발생한 2020년 08~10월로 결정하였다. 모의 결과 저수지와 하천의 PBIAS는 각각 13.6과 8.4로(Very Good 등급) 하천과 저수지를 동시에 모의하는 탁수 예측의 적용 가능성은 충분한 것으로 확인되었다. 그러나 이벤트별 지류의 유량과 탁도는 일정한 관계로 계산될 수 없으므로, 향후 유역 모델과 연계하여 지류 유입 유량 및 탁도의 정확도를 개선할 것이다.