• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.568-585
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• 2022

In the present study, we proposed a numerical method for simulating thermally induced fracture slip using a grain-based distinct element model (GBDEM). As a part of DECOVALEX-2023, the thermo-mechanical loading test on a saw-cut rock fracture conducted at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology was simulated. In the numerical model, the rock sample including a saw-cut fracture was represented as a group of random Voronoi polyhedra. Then, the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of grains and their interfaces was calculated using 3DEC. The key concerns focused on the temperature evolution, thermally induced principal stress increment, and fracture normal and shear displacements under thermo-mechanical loading. The comparisons between laboratory experimental results and the numerical results revealed that the numerical model reasonably captured the heat transfer and heat loss characteristics of the rock specimen, the horizontal stress increment due to constrained displacement, and the progressive shear failure of the fracture. However, the onset of the fracture slip and the magnitudes of stress increment and fracture displacement showed discrepancies between the numerical and experimental results. We expect the numerical model to be enhanced by continuing collaboration and interaction with other research teams of DECOVALEX-2023 Task G and validated in further study.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.38-51
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• 2022

Whole-plant corn (Zea may L.) and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are major summer crops that can be fed as direct-cut or silage. Proso millet is a short-season growing crop with distinct agronomic characteristics that can be productive in marginal lands. However, information is limited about the potential production, feed value, and ensilability of proso millet forage. We evaluated proso millet as a silage crop in comparison with conventional silage crops. Proso millet was sown on June 8 and harvested on September 5 at soft-dough stage. Corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid were planted on May 10 and harvested on September 10 at the half milk-line and soft-dough stages, respectively. The fermentation was evaluated at 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 days after ensiling. Although forage yield of proso millet was lower than corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, its relative feed value was greater than sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. Concentrations of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and water-soluble carbohydrate decreased commonly in the ensiling forage crops. The DM loss was greater in proso millet than those in corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. The in vitro dry matter digestibility declined in the forage crops as fermentation progressed. In the early stages of fermentation, pH dropped rapidly, which was stabilized in the later stages. Compared to corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen was greater in proso millet. The count of lactic acid bacteria reached the maximum level on day 10, with the values of 6.96, 7.77, and 6.95 Log₁₀ CFU/g fresh weight for proso millet, corn, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, respectively. As ensiling progressed, the concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid of the three crops increased and lactic acid proportion became higher in the order of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, corn, and proso millet. Overall, the shorter, fast-growing proso millet comparing with corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid makes this forage crop an alternative option, particularly in areas where agricultural inputs are limited. However, additional research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of viable strategies such as chemical additives or microbial inoculants to minimize ammonia-nitrogen formation and DM loss during ensiling.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.203-213
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• 2022

To understand an underlying geological structure via seismic imaging, the velocity information of the subsurface medium is crucial. Although the full-waveform inversion (FWI) method is considered useful for estimating subsurface velocity models, 3D FWI needs a lot-of computing power and time. Herein, we compare the calculation efficiency and accuracy of frequency-domain 2D and 3D acoustic FWIs. Thereafter, we demonstrate that the artifacts from 2D approximation can be partially suppressed via frequency-domain 2D FWI by employing diffraction angle filtering (DAF). By applying DAF, which employs only big reflection angle components, the impact of noise and out-of-plane reflections can be reduced. Additionally, it is anticipated that the DAF can create long-wavelength velocity structures for 3D FWI and migration.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.189-207
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• 2023

In the present study, the thermoshearing experiment on a rough rock fracture were modeled using a three-dimensional grain-based distinct element model (GBDEM). The experiment was conducted by the Korea Institute of Construction Technology to investigate the progressive shear failure of fracture under the influence of thermal stress in a critical stress state. The numerical model employs an assembly of multiple polyhedral grains and their interfaces to represent the rock sample, and calculates the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of the grains (blocks) and the interfaces (contacts) using 3DEC, a DEM code. The primary focus was on simulating the temperature evolution, generation of thermal stress, and shear and normal displacements of the fracture. Two fracture models, namely the mated fracture model and the unmated fracture model, were constructed based on the degree of surface matedness, and their respective behaviors were compared and analyzed. By leveraging the advantage of the DEM, the contact area between the fracture surfaces was continuously monitored during the simulation, enabling an examination of its influence on shear behavior. The numerical results demonstrated distinct differences depending on the degree of the surface matedness at the initial stage. In the mated fracture model, where the surfaces were in almost full contact, the characteristic stages of peak stress and residual stress commonly observed in shear behavior of natural rock joints were reasonably replicated, despite exhibiting discrepancies with the experimental results. The analysis of contact area variation over time confirmed that our numerical model effectively simulated the abrupt normal dilation and shear slip, stress softening phenomenon, and transition to the residual state that occur during the peak stress stage. The unmated fracture model, which closely resembled the experimental specimen, showed qualitative agreement with the experimental observations, including heat transfer characteristics, the progressive shear failure process induced by heating, and the increase in thermal stress. However, there were some mismatches between the numerical and experimental results regarding the onset of fracture slip and the magnitudes of fracture stress and displacement. This research was conducted as part of DECOVALEX-2023 Task G, and we expect the numerical model to be enhanced through continued collaboration with other research teams and validated in further studies.

• ALGAE
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.141-150
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• 2023

Light quality is a common environmental factor which influences the metabolism of biochemical substances in algae and leads to the response of algal growth and development. Pyropia yezoensis is a kind of economic macroalgae that naturally grows in the intertidal zone where the light environment changes dramatically. In the present study, P. yezoensis thalli were treated under white light (control) and monochromatic lights with primary colors (blue, green, and red) for 14 days to explore their physiological response to light quality. During the first 3 days of treatment, P. yezoensis grew faster under blue light than other light qualities. In the next 11 days, it showed better adaptation to green light, with higher growth rate and photosynthetic capacity (reflected by a higher rETR_max = 61.58 and E_k = 237.78). A higher non-photochemical quenching was observed in the treatment of red light than others for 14 days. Furthermore, the response of P. yezoensis to light quality also results in the difference of photosynthetic pigment contents. The monochromatic light could reduce the synthesis of all pigments, but the reduction degree was different, which may relate to the spectral absorption characteristics of pigments. It was speculated that P. yezoensis adapted to a specific or changing light environments by regulating the synthesis of pigments to achieve the best use of light energy in photosynthesis and premium growth and metabolism.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1102-1113
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• 2023

Objective: To elucidate the use of radiological studies, including nuclear medicine, and biopsy for the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer (PCA) in clinical practice and understand the current status of PCA in Asian countries via an international survey. Materials and Methods: The Asian Prostate Imaging Working Group designed a survey questionnaire with four domains focused on prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), other prostate imaging, prostate biopsy, and PCA backgrounds. The questionnaire was sent to 111 members of professional affiliations in Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan who were representatives of their working hospitals, and their responses were analyzed. Results: This survey had a response rate of 97.3% (108/111). The rates of using 3T scanners, antispasmodic agents, laxative drugs, and prostate imaging-reporting and data system reporting for prostate MRI were 21.6%-78.9%, 22.2%-84.2%, 2.3%-26.3%, and 59.5%-100%, respectively. Respondents reported using the highest b-values of 800-2000 sec/mm² and fields of view of 9-30 cm. The prostate MRI examinations per month ranged from 1 to 600, and they were most commonly indicated for biopsy-naïve patients suspected of PCA in Japan and Singapore and staging of proven PCA in Korea and Taiwan. The most commonly used radiotracers for prostate positron emission tomography are prostate-specific membrane antigen in Singapore and fluorodeoxyglucose in three other countries. The most common timing for prostate MRI was before biopsy (29.9%). Prostate-targeted biopsies were performed in 63.8% of hospitals, usually by MRI-ultrasound fusion approach. The most common presentation was localized PCA in all four countries, and it was usually treated with radical prostatectomy. Conclusion: This survey showed the diverse technical details and the availability of imaging and biopsy in the evaluation of PCA. This suggests the need for an educational program for Asian radiologists to promote standardized evidence-based imaging approaches for the diagnosis and staging of PCA.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.5_1
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• pp.669-681
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• 2023

Studies have tried to apply remote sensing technology, a non-destructive survey method, instead of the existing destructive survey, which requires relatively large labor input and a long time to estimate chlorophyll content, which is an important indicator for evaluating the growth of fruit trees. This study was conducted to non-destructively evaluate the chlorophyll content of pear tree leaves using unmanned aerial vehicle-based hyperspectral imagery for two years(2021, 2022). The reflectance of the single bands of the pear tree canopy extracted through image processing was band rationed to minimize unstable radiation effects depending on time changes. The estimation (calibration and validation) models were developed using machine learning algorithms of elastic-net, k-nearest neighbors(KNN), and support vector machine with band ratios as input variables. By comparing the performance of estimation models based on full band ratios, key band ratios that are advantageous for reducing computational costs and improving reproducibility were selected. As a result, for all machine learning models, when calibration of coefficient of determination (R²)≥0.67, root mean squared error (RMSE)≤1.22 ㎍/cm², relative error (RE)≤17.9% and validation of R²≥0.56, RMSE≤1.41 ㎍/cm², RE≤20.7% using full band ratios were compared, four key band ratios were selected. There was relatively no significant difference in validation performance between machine learning models. Therefore, the KNN model with the highest calibration performance was used as the standard, and its key band ratios were 710/714, 718/722, 754/758, and 758/762 nm. The performance of calibration showed R²=0.80, RMSE=0.94 ㎍/cm², RE=13.9%, and validation showed R²=0.57, RMSE=1.40 ㎍/cm², RE=20.5%. Although the performance results based on validation were not sufficient to estimate the chlorophyll content of pear tree leaves, it is meaningful that key band ratios were selected as a standard for future research. To improve estimation performance, it is necessary to continuously secure additional datasets and improve the estimation model by reproducing it in actual orchards. In future research, it is necessary to continuously secure additional datasets to improve estimation performance, verify the reliability of the selected key band ratios, and upgrade the estimation model to be reproducible in actual orchards.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.49-60
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• 2016

Distribution and behavior of baseline soil CO₂ were investigated in a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site in Pohang, with measuring CO₂ concentrations and carbon isotopes in the vadose zone as well as CO₂ fluxes and concentrations through ground surface. This investigation aimed to assess the baseline CO₂ levels and to build the CO₂ monitoring system before injecting CO₂. The gas in the vadose zone was collected using a peristaltic pump from the depth of 60 cm below ground surface, and stored at gas bags. Then the gas components (CO₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄) and δ¹³C_CO2 were analyzed using GC and CRDS (cavity ringdown spectroscopy) respectively in laboratory. CO₂ fluxes and CO₂ concentrations through ground surface were measured using Li-COR in field. In result, the median of the CO₂ concentrations in the vadose zone was about 3,000 ppm, and the δ¹³C_CO2 were in the wide range between −36.9‰ and −10.6‰. The results imply that the fate of CO₂ in the vadose zone was affected by soil property and vegetations. CO₂ in sandy or loamy soils originated from the respiration of microorganisms and the decomposition of C₃ plants. In gravel areas, the CO₂ concentrations decreased while the δ¹³C_CO2 increased because of the mixing with the atmospheric gas. In addition, the relation between O₂ and CO₂, N₂, and the relation between N₂/O₂ and CO₂ implied that the gases in the vadose zone dissolved in the infiltrating precipitation or the soil moisture. The median CO₂ flux through ground surface was 2.9 g/m²/d which is lower than the reported soil CO₂ fluxes in areas with temperate climates. CO₂ fluxes measured in sandy and loamy soil areas were higher (median 5.2 g/m²/d) than those in gravel areas (2.6 g/m²/d). The relationships between CO₂ fluxes and concentrations suggested that the transport of CO₂ from the vadose zone to ground surface was dominated by diffusion in the study area. In gravel areas, the mixing with atmospheric gases was significant. Based on this study result, a soil monitoring procedure has been established for a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site. Also, this study result provides ideas for innovating soil monitoring technologies.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.23-28
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• 2021

This experiment was conducted to compare the seed productivity of Spring sown Italian ryegrass(Lolium multiflorum Lam.) depending on the seeding rates(20kg/ha, 30kg/ha, 40kg/ha) in Gangwon region. The experiment was a randomized block design with three replications. The test plots were located in alpine areas of about 600 m above sea level in Gangwon province. The tested Italian ryegrass variety was 'Greencall' developed by the National Institute of Animal Science, RDA. Italian Ryegrass was sown on March 26, 2020, and the seed harvesting was on the 60th day(2 July) from heading date. The heading date was May 8 with no difference, There were no significant differences in the agronomic characteristics including plant height. 30kg/ha seed rate was the highest at 146.8 seed/spike and 40kg/ha seed rate was the lowest at 114.7 seed/spike for the number of seeds per spike. The number of spikes per unit area was the highest in 40kg/ha at 886/㎡ and the lowest in 20kg/ha at 750/㎡. The yield of seed and straw was the highest in 40kg/ha at 1,288kg/ha and 2,970kg/ha respectively, but there was no difference. From the above results, the production of Italian ryegrass seeds through spring sowing in the Gangwon region is not much than autumn seeding, requiring the input of various technologies to increase productivity in the future, and it is desirable to determine the production cost through economic analysis was evaluated.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2021

This experiment was conducted to study on the growth characteristics and seed productivity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., IRG) planted in the Spring in Gangwon Highland according to the seeding distance (20, 30 and 40 cm). The field was located in highland around 600 m above sea level. The experimental design was randomized block design with three replication and the tested IRG variety was 'Greencall' developed by National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS). IRG was sown on March 26, 2020, and harvested on July 2. The plant height was the shortest at 80.5 cm in the 40 cm seeding distance plot (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the 20 and 30 cm seeding distance. The number of spike per square meter (㎡) was significantly higher in the 20 cm seeding distance plot than that of 40 cm (937 vs. 571). The dry matter (DM) content of seed and straw after harvesting was 49.70 and 33.36 % on average, and there was no significant difference between treatments (P>005). However, there was a significant difference in the fresh and DM yield of seeds and straw (P<0.05). DM yield of seeds was significantly higher in 20 cm distance than that of 40 cm, and the yield of straw was the same trend. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in DM yield between 20 cm and 30 cm and also in the feed value of straw after seed harvesting among seeding distance. The average CP, ADF, NDF, and TDN contents were 6.91, 36.76, 61.75 and 59.86%, respectively, and the RFV value was 91. Considering the above results, the production of Italian ryegrass seeds sown in the spring in the highlands of the Gangwon is lower than that of autumn sowing, but it is judged that it needs to be reviewed in case it is unavoidable. In the future, there should be an economic analysis and the development of technology that can increase production.