• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.160-166
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• 2019

Cerium oxide ($CeO_2$, often called as Ceria) is one of the valuable rare earth oxide materials, which has been widely used for high temperature applications such as solid oxide fuel cells, automotive three-way catalysts and oxygen storage capacity. Considering those application, it is important to improve high redox and thermal stability with high surface morphology because the high surface area of $CeO_2$ could improve the catalytic reactivity at high temperature conditions. Herein we successfully fabricated hierarchical flower-like $CeO_2$ deposited via controlling pathway of precipitation reaction to supply carbonate ion lead to the flower-like morphology. The hexagonal lattice system of precipitated precursor shows better thermal stability then orthorhombic one during thermal cycling condition.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.82-94
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• 2022

In this study, chemically modified biochar (NSBP500, KSBP500, OSBP500) derived from starfish was utilized to improve the adsorption ability of the SBP500 (Starfish Biochar Pyrolyzed at 500℃) in a solution contaminated with heavy metals. According to the biochar modification performance evaluation batch tests, the removal rate and adsorption amount of NSBP500 increased 1.4 times for Cu, 1.5 times for Cd, and 1.2 times for Zn as compared to the control sample SBP500. In addition, the removal rate and adsorption amount of KSBP500 increased 2 times for Cu, 1.8 times for Cd, and 1.2 times for Zn. The removal rate and adsorption amount of OSBP500 increased 5.8 times for Cu. The FT-IR analysis confirmed the changes in the generation and movement of new functional groups after adsorption. SEM analysis confirmed Cu in KSBP500 was in the form of Cu(OH)₂ and resembled the structure of nanowires. The Cd in KSBP500 was densely covered in cubic form of Cd(OH)₂. Lead(Pb) was in the form of Pb₃(OH)₂(CO₃)₂ in a hexagonal atomic layer structure in NSBP500. In addition, it was observed that Zn was randomly covered with Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆ pieces which resembled plates in KSBP500. Therefore, this study confirmed that biochar removal efficiency was improved through a chemical modification treatment. Accordingly, adsorption and precipitation were found to be the complex mechanisms behind the improved removal efficiency in the biochar. This was accomplished by electrostatic interactions between the biochar and heavy metals and ion exchange with Ca²⁺.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.407-411
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• 2022

Bulk-sized PbTiO₃ (PT), which is widely known as a high-performance ferroelectric oxide but cannot be fabricated into a monolithic ceramic due to its high c/a ratio, was successfully prepared with a high tetragonality by partially substituting Ni ions for Pb ions using a solid-state reaction method. We found that Ni-doped PT was well-fabricated as a bulk monolith with a significant c/a ratio of ~1.06. X-ray diffraction on as-sintered and crushed samples revealed that NiTiO₃ secondary phase was present at the doping level of more than 2 at.%. Scanning electron microscopic study showed that NiTiO₃ secondary phase grew on the surface of PT specimens regardless of the doping level possibly due to the evaporation of Pb during sintering. We demonstrated that an unconventional introduction of Ni ions into A-site plays a key role on the fabrication of bulk PT, though how Ni ion functions should be studied further. We expect that this study contributes to a further development of displacive ferroelectric oxides with a high c/a ratio.

• Journal of Ceramic Processing Research
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• v.13 no.spc2
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• pp.341-345
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• 2012

[Li0.055(K0.5Na0.5)0.945](Nb1-xTax)O3 (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) ceramics were prepared by the partial sol-gel (PSG) method to improve the microstructure homogeneity of Ta5+ ion and were compared to those prepared by the conventional mixed oxide (CMO) method. For the PSG method, Ta(OC2H5)5 was directly reacted with calcined [Li0.055(K0.5Na0.5)0.945]NbO3 powders and the specimens sintered at 1100 ℃ for 5 hrs showed a single phase with a perovskite structure. Compared to the specimens prepared by conventional mixed oxide powders, the relative ratio of tetragonal phase to orthorhombic phase of the sintered specimens prepared by Ta(OC2H5)5 was larger than that of the sintered specimens prepared by Ta2O5. The electromechanical coupling factor (kp), piezoelectric constant (d33) and dielectric constant (εr) of the sintered specimens were increased with Ta5+ content. These results could be attributed to the decrease of the orthorhombic-tetragonal polymorphic phase transition temperature (To-t), which could be evaluated by oxygen octahedral distortion. Strain of the sintered specimens prepared by the PSG method was higher than that of specimens prepared by the CMO method due to the increase of relative density. The effects of crystal structure on the strain characteristics of the specimens were also discussed.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.269-278
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• 2023

Antibiotics either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. However, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are difficult to treat with antibiotics. Infections caused by such bacteria often lead to severe diseases. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) can be horizontally transmitted across different bacterial species, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of how ARGs spread across various environments. In this study, we analyzed the plasmid sequences of 33 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli isolated from pigs, farms, and their owners. We conducted an antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) with aztreonam and seven other antibiotics, as well as whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the strains using MinION. Our results demonstrated that the plasmids that did not harbor ARGs were mostly non-conjugative, whereas the plasmids that harbored ARGs were conjugative. The arrangement of these ARGs exhibited a pattern of organization featuring a series of ARG cassettes, some of which were identical across the isolates collected from different sources. Therefore, this study suggests that the sets of ARG cassettes on plasmids were mostly shared between pigs and their owners. Hence, enhanced surveillance of ARG should be implemented in farm environments to proactively mitigate the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.543-549
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• 2023

Thallium-201 (²⁰¹Tl) is a medical radioisotope which emits gamma rays when it decays and used in myocardial perfusion scans in single-photon emission tomography due to its similar properties to potassium. Currently, the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences is the only institution producing ²⁰¹Tl in Korea, and optimization of ²⁰¹Tl production research is necessary to meet supply compared to domestic demand. To this end, technical analysis of plating target production and chemical separation methods essential for ²⁰¹Tl production research is conducted. It deals with the process of generating and separating ²⁰¹Tl radioisotope and target production, It can be generated through a nuclear reaction such as ^natHg(p,xn)²⁰¹Tl, ²⁰¹Hg(p,n)²⁰¹Tl, ^natPb(p,xn)²⁰¹Bi → ²⁰¹Pb → ²⁰¹Tl, ²⁰⁵Tl(p,5n)²⁰¹Pb → ²⁰¹Tl, and considering impure nuclide generated simultaneously with the use of proton beam energy of 35 MeV or less, it is intended to be produced using the ²⁰³Tl(p,3n)²⁰¹Pb→²⁰¹Tl nuclear reaction. In particular, the chemical separation of Tl is a very important element, and the chemical separation methods that can separate it is broadly divided into four types, including solid phase extraction, liquid-liquid, electrochemical, and ion exchange membrane separation. Some chemical separations require additional separation steps, such as methods using selective adsorption. Therefore, this technical report describes four chemical separation methods and seeks to separate high-purity ²⁰¹Tl using a method without additional separation steps

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.59-64
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a flexible eye shield phantom to acquire artifact-free computed tomography (CT) images for electron beam radiotherapy. Methods: A flexible eye shield phantom for a newly designed eye shield was fabricated. Because of metal artifacts caused by an eye shield composed of high-density materials such as tungsten or lead, CT image acquisition is not appropriate for treatment planning because of inaccurate dose calculation and organ-at-risk delineation. To acquire artifact-free CT images, a mold of the same size as the outer dimension of the metallic eye shield was manufactured using 3D printing. The flexible eye shield phantom was imaged using a Philips Brilliance CT Big Bore under the same condition as the measurement. The phantom image with an average of 200 Hounsfield unit (HU) was imported into the treatment planning systems (TPS) and assigned a value of 26,750 HU to consider the material density of tungsten. The dosimetric comparison using a 6-MeV electron beam was performed. Measurement was performed using a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor detector for point doses at 3 and 10 mm. Results: The artifact-free CT images using a flexible eye shield phantom without air bubbles were transferred into the TPS. The dose at 10 mm calculated using the TPS agreed with the ion-chamber measurements within 2 cGy. Conversely, a larger dose discrepancy between the measured and calculated doses was found at 3 mm depth. Conclusions: The flexible eye shield phantom was successfully fabricated to apply electron treatment planning by acquiring artifact-free CT images. The dose calculated using the artifact-free image was comparable to the measured dose at lens depth when applying an eye shield.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.903-909
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the effect of changes in the patient's central position on the exposure dose and image quality of surrounding organs during a chest lateral examination using an Auto Exposure Control(AEC). The experiment was conducted on a human body phantom. A needle was attached to the lower part of the center of the coronal plane of the phantom, and a lead ruler was attached to the lower part of the detector so that the 50 cm point was located at the lower center of the AEC ion chamber. The exposure conditions were 125 kVp, 320 mA, the distance between the source and the image receptor was 180 cm, and the exposure field size was 14 × 17 inches. Only one AEC ion chamber was used at the bottom center, and the density was set to '0' and sensitivity to 'Middle', and the central X-ray was incident vertically toward the 6th thoracic vertebra. With AEC mode applied, the 50 cm point of the needle and lead ruler were aligned and the phantom was moved 5 cm toward the stomach (F5) and 5 cm toward the back (B5), and the dose factor was analyzed by measuring ESD. The ESD of the thyroid gland according to the change in patient center position was 232.60±2.20 μGy for Center, 231.22±1.53 μGy for F5, and 184.37±1.19 μGy for B5, and the ESD of the breast was 288.54±3.03 μGy for Center, F5 was 260.97±1.93 μGy, B5 was 229.80±1.62 μGy, and the ESD of the center of the lung was 337.02±3.25 μGy for Center, F5 was 336.09±2.29 μGy, and B5 was 261.76±1.68 μGy. As a result of comparing the average values of dose factors between each group, the difference in average values was statistically significant (p<0.01), and each group appeared to be independent. As a result of the study, there was no significant difference in the dose to the thyroid, breast, and center of the lung according to the change in the patient's central position, except for the breast (10%) when the patient moved forward about 5 cm. However, movement of about 5 cm posteriorly resulted in an average dose reduction of 23.7%. Additionally, when the patient's central position was moved to the rear, image quality deteriorated.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.37-42
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• 2003

Purpose : Computed tomographic equipment is essential for diagnosis by means of radiation. With passage of time and development of science computed tomographic was developed time and again and in future examination by means of this equipment is expected to increase. In this connection these authors measured rate of scatter ray generation at front of lead glass for patients within control room of computed tomographic equipment room and outside of entrance door for exit and entrance of patients and attempted to ind out method for minimizing exposure to scatter ray. Material and Method : From November 2001 twenty five units of computed tomographic equipments which were already installed and operation by 13 general hospitals and university hospitals in Seoul were subjected to this study. As condition of photographing those recommended by manufacturer for measuring exposure to sauter ray was use. At the time objects used DALI CT Radiation Dose Test Phantom fot Head (${\oint}16\;cm$ Plexglas) and Phantom for Stomache(${\oint}32\;cm$ Plexglas) were used. For measurement of scatter ray Reader (Radiation Monitor Controller Model 2026) and G-M Survey were used to Survey Meter of Radical Corporation, model $20{\times}5-1800$, Electrometer/Ion Chamber, S/N 21740. Spots for measurement of scatter ray included front of lead glass for patients within control room of computed tomographic equipment room which is place where most of work by gradiographic personnel are carried out and is outside of entrance door for exit and entrance of patients and their guardians and at spot 100 cm off from isocenter at the time of scanning the object. The results : Work environment within computed tomography room which was installed and under operation by each hospital showed considerable difference depending on circumstances of pertinent hospitals and status of scatter ray was as follows. 1) From isocenter of computed tomographic equipment to lead glass for patients within control room average distance was 377 cm. At that time scatter ray showed diverse distribution from spot where no presence was detected to spot where about 100 mR/week was detected. But it met requirement of weekly tolerance $2.58{\times}10^{-5}\;C/kg$(100 mR/week). 2) From isocenter of computed tomographic equipment to outside of entrance door where patients and their guardians exit and enter was 439 cm in average, At that time scatter ray showed diverse distribution from spot where almost no presence was detected to spot with different level but in most of cases it satisfied requirement of weekly tolerance of $2.58{\times}10^{-6}\;C/kg$(100 mR/week). 3) At the time of scanning object amount of scatter ray at spot with 100 cm distance from isocenter showed considerable difference depending on equipments. Conclusion : Use of computed tomographic equipment as one for generation of radiation for diagnosis is increasing daily. Compared to other general X-ray photographing field of diagnosis is very high but there is a high possibility of exposure to radiation and scatter ray. To be free from scatter ray at computed tomographic equipment room even by slight degree it is essential to secure sufficient space and more effort should be exerted for development of variety of skills to enable maximum photographic image at minimum cost.