• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.401-412
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• 2013

Water footprint of a product and service is the volume of freshwater used to produce the product, measured in the life cycle or over the full supply chain. Since water footprint assessment helps us to understand how human activities and products relate to water scarcity and pollution, it can contribute to seek a sustainable way of water use in the consumption perspective. For the introduction of WFP scheme, it is indispensable to construct water inventory/accounting for the assessment, but there is no database in Korea to cover all industry sectors. Therefore, the aim of the study is to develop water footprint inventory within a nation at 403 industrial sectors using Input-Output Analysis. Water uses in the agricultural sector account for 79% of total water, and industrial sector have higher indirect water at most sectors, which is accounting for 82%. Most of the crop water is consumptive and direct water except rice. The greatest water use in the agricultural sectors is in rice paddy followed by aquaculture and fruit production, but the greatest water use intensity was not in the rice. The greatest water use intensity was 103,263 $m^3$/million KRW for other inedible crop production, which was attributed to the low economic value of the product with great water consumption in the cultivation. The next was timber tract followed by iron ores, raw timber, aquaculture, water supply and miscellaneous cereals like corn and other edible crops in terms of total water use intensity. In holistic view, water management considering indirect water in the industrial sector, i.e. supply chain management in the whole life cycle, is important to increase water use efficiency, since more than 56% of total water was indirect water by humanity. It is expected that the water use intensity data can be used for a water inventory to estimate water footprint of a product for the introduction of water footprint scheme in Korea.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.185-196
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• 2019

Abstract. This research was conducted to figure out the optimal size of the plug cell and seedling raising period in 'Nongwoo' and 'Nonghyeop' cultivars. In the first experiment on effect of plug cell size on growth of squash, seedlings were transplanted into hydroponic cultivation beds at different growing stages: Those in 32-cell trays with 3-4 true leaves at 25 days after sowing, those in 50-cell trays with 2 true leaves at 15 days after sowing, those in 105-cell trays just before a true leaf development, and those in 162-cell trays with only cotyledons at 8 days after sowing. In the second experiment on effect of seedling raising period on growth of squash, it was conducted to have different sowing dates. But the same transplanting date, based on the results of Experiment 1, and compared the differences in growth and fruit productivity as affected by plug cell size in the same way with experiment 1 including the cultivars and environmental conditions. After setting the transplanting date in advance, the number of days for sowing were calculated back for each treatment. In the first experiment, plant height was the greatest in 105-cell trays followed by 162, 50 and 32-cell trays in both cultivars. The best fruit quality was found in different treatments depending on the cultivars, although it was the lowest in 32-cell trays in both cultivars. The fruit quality was not significantly different among those from cell sizes. Therefore, when raising seedlings in 105-cell trays, the period of raising seedlings can be shortened as compared with the conventional 32-cell trays, and this change could reduce the workforce required for growing and transplanting seedlings. In the second experiment, after transplanting, shoot height and leaf width in the first measurement in both cultivars were greater in the 32-cell treatment. However, the last measurement after four weeks showed no significant difference in plant height, but significantly greatest leaf width in the smallest cell treatment, even as compared with that in 32-cell treatment. In case of 'Nongwoo', length and weight of the first harvested fruit showed the highest values in the treatment of 105-cell trays. In case of 'Nonghyeop' the 162-cell treatment along with the 105-cell treatment showed greatest length and weight of the first fruits. From these results, zucchini plug seedlings can be raised in plug trays with reduced cell sizes than the conventional 32-cell trays with improved fruit productivity.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

Stone has been used for various purposes, such as for building stones, megaliths, ornamental stones, hunting and grinding throughout history. The global stone production amounted to around 153 million tons in 2018 excluding quarry waste, up 0.8% on year. Of them, stone residues accounted for 71%. The worldwide stone trading decreased 1.5 million tons to 56.5 million tons in 2018. The average price of stone was 34.1 USD per square meter, down 2.5% from the previous year. It's down 7% when only considering trading between the world's top twelve exporters. But in the three leading countries, Italy, Greece and Brazil, the price saw a sharp increase. In 2018, stone imports and exports totaled 815 million square meters, raising over 20 billion USD of revenue. Imports were largely led by six countries: China, Italy, Turkey, India, Brazil, Spain and Portugal, from largest to smallest.) In terms of stone use per 1,000 population, it was 117 square meters in 2001, and it increased to 264 square meters in 2017 and 266 square meters in 2018. The volume more than doubled during the period, but it has been declining slightly in recent years. China, India, Saudi Arabia and Belgium were the only countries that the stone use per 1,000 population exceeded 1,000 square meters. The increase rate was steepest in China, India and the United States, from largest to smallest. The global stone production is likely to grow to 69.85 million tons by 2025, despite the global economic downturn.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.19-26
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• 2023

Hydrogen, a clean energy source free of COx emissions, is poised to replace fossil fuels, with its usage on the rise. Despite its high energy content per unit mass, hydrogen faces limitations in storage and transportation due to its low storage density and challenges in long-term storage. In contrast, ammonia offers a high storage capacity per unit volume and is relatively easy to liquefy, making it an attractive option for storing and transporting large volumes of hydrogen. While NH₃ decomposition is an endothermic reaction, achieving excellent low-temperature catalytic activity is essential for process efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study examined the effects of different zeolite types (5A, NaY, ZSM5) on NH₃ decomposition activity, considering differences in pore structure, cations, and Si/Al-ratio. Notably, the 5A zeolite facilitated the high dispersion of Ni across the surface, inside pores, and within the structure. Its low Si/Al ratio contributed to abundant acidity, enhancing ammonia adsorption. Additionally, the presence of Na and Ca cations in the support created medium basic sites that improved N₂ desorption rates. As a result, among the prepared catalysts, the 15 wt%Ni/5A catalyst exhibited the highest NH₃ conversion and a high H₂ formation rate of 23.5 mmol/g_cat·min (30,000 mL/g_cat·h, 600 ℃). This performance was attributed to the strong metal-support interaction and the enhancement of N₂ desorption rates through the presence of medium basic sites.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.47
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• pp.15-32
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• 2002

The endeavors enhancing the grain quality of high-yielding japonica rice were steadily continued during 1980s-1990s along with the self-sufficiency of rice production and the increasing demands of high-quality rices. During this time, considerably great progress and success was obtained in development of high-quality japonica cultivars and quality evaluation techniques including the elucidation of interrelationship between the physicochemical properties of rice grain and the physical or palatability components of cooked rice. In 1990s, some high-quality japonica rice cultivars and special rices adaptable for food processing such as large kernel, chalky endosperm, aromatic and colored rices were developed and its objective preference and utility was also examined by a palatability meter, rapid-visco analyzer and texture analyzer, Recently, new special rices such as extremely low-amylose dull or opaque non-glutinous endosperm mutants were developed. Also, a high-lysine rice variety was developed for higher nutritional utility. The water uptake rate and the maximum water absorption ratio showed significantly negative correlations with the K/Mg ratio and alkali digestion value(ADV) of milled rice. The rice materials showing the higher amount of hot water absorption exhibited the larger volume expansion of cooked rice. The harder rices with lower moisture content revealed the higher rate of water uptake at twenty minutes after soaking and the higher ratio of maximum water uptake under the room temperature condition. These water uptake characteristics were not associated with the protein and amylose contents of milled rice and the palatability of cooked rice. The water/rice ratio (in w/w basis) for optimum cooking was averaged to 1.52 in dry milled rices (12% wet basis) with varietal range from 1.45 to 1.61 and the expansion ratio of milled rice after proper boiling was average to 2.63(in v/v basis). The major physicochemical components of rice grain associated with the palatability of cooked rice were examined using japonica rice materials showing narrow varietal variation in grain size and shape, alkali digestibility, gel consistency, amylose and protein contents, but considerable difference in appearance and texture of cooked rice. The glossiness or gross palatability score of cooked rice were closely associated with the peak, hot paste and consistency viscosities of viscosities with year difference. The high-quality rice variety "IIpumbyeo" showed less portion of amylose on the outer layer of milled rice grain and less and slower change in iodine blue value of extracted paste during twenty minutes of boiling. This highly palatable rice also exhibited very fine net structure in outer layer and fine-spongy and well-swollen shape of gelatinized starch granules in inner layer and core of cooked rice kernel compared with the poor palatable rice through image of scanning electronic microscope. Gross sensory score of cooked rice could be estimated by multiple linear regression formula, deduced from relationship between rice quality components mentioned above and eating quality of cooked rice, with high probability of determination. The $\alpha$-amylose-iodine method was adopted for checking the varietal difference in retrogradation of cooked rice. The rice cultivars revealing the relatively slow retrogradation in aged cooked rice were IIpumbyeo, Chucheongyeo, Sasanishiki, Jinbubyeo and Koshihikari. A Tonsil-type rice, Taebaegbyeo, and a japonica cultivar, Seomjinbyeo, showed the relatively fast deterioration of cooked rice. Generally, the better rice cultivars in eating quality of cooked rice showed less retrogradation and much sponginess in cooled cooked rice. Also, the rice varieties exhibiting less retrogradation in cooled cooked rice revealed higher hot viscosity and lower cool viscosity of rice flour in amylogram. The sponginess of cooled cooked rice was closely associated with magnesium content and volume expansion of cooked rice. The hardness-changed ratio of cooked rice by cooling was negatively correlated with solids amount extracted during boiling and volume expansion of cooked rice. The major physicochemical properties of rice grain closely related to the palatability of cooked rice may be directly or indirectly associated with the retrogradation characteristics of cooked rice. The softer gel consistency and lower amylose content in milled rice revealed the higher ratio of popped rice and larger bulk density of popping. The stronger hardness of rice grain showed relatively higher ratio of popping and the more chalky or less translucent rice exhibited the lower ratio of intact popped brown rice. The potassium and magnesium contents of milled rice were negatively associated with gross score of noodle making mixed with wheat flour in half and the better rice for noodle making revealed relatively less amount of solid extraction during boiling. The more volume expansion of batters for making brown rice bread resulted the better loaf formation and more springiness in rice breed. The higher protein rices produced relatively the more moist white rice bread. The springiness of rice bread was also significantly correlated with high amylose content and hard gel consistency. The completely chalky and large grain rices showed better suitability far fermentation and brewing. The glutinous rice were classified into nine different varietal groups based on various physicochemical and structural characteristics of endosperm. There was some close associations among these grain properties and large varietal difference in suitability to various traditional food processing. Our breeding efforts on improvement of rice quality for high palatability and processing utility or value-adding products in the future should focus on not only continuous enhancement of marketing and eating qualities but also the diversification in morphological, physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of rice grain suitable for processing various value-added rice foods.ice foods.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.64-71
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• 2016

We develop a manufacture procedure for the production of a patient specific customized bolus (PSCB) using a 3D printer (3DP). The dosimetric accuracy of the 3D-PSCB is evaluated for electron beam therapy. In order to cover the required planning target volume (PTV), we select the proper electron beam energy and the field size through initial dose calculation using a treatment planning system. The PSCB is delineated based on the initial dose distribution. The dose calculation is repeated after applying the PSCB. We iteratively fine-tune the PSCB shape until the plan quality is sufficient to meet the required clinical criteria. Then the contour data of the PSCB is transferred to an in-house conversion software through the DICOMRT protocol. This contour data is converted into the 3DP data format, STereoLithography data format and then printed using a 3DP. Two virtual patients, having concave and convex shapes, were generated with a virtual PTV and an organ at risk (OAR). Then, two corresponding electron treatment plans with and without a PSCB were generated to evaluate the dosimetric effect of the PSCB. The dosimetric characteristics and dose volume histograms for the PTV and OAR are compared in both plans. Film dosimetry is performed to verify the dosimetric accuracy of the 3D-PSCB. The calculated planar dose distribution is compared to that measured using film dosimetry taken from the beam central axis. We compare the percent depth dose curve and gamma analysis (the dose difference is 3%, and the distance to agreement is 3 mm) results. No significant difference in the PTV dose is observed in the plan with the PSCB compared to that without the PSCB. The maximum, minimum, and mean doses of the OAR in the plan with the PSCB were significantly reduced by 9.7%, 36.6%, and 28.3%, respectively, compared to those in the plan without the PSCB. By applying the PSCB, the OAR volumes receiving 90% and 80% of the prescribed dose were reduced from $14.40cm^3$ to $0.1cm^3$ and from $42.6cm^3$ to $3.7cm^3$, respectively, in comparison to that without using the PSCB. The gamma pass rates of the concave and convex plans were 95% and 98%, respectively. A new procedure of the fabrication of a PSCB is developed using a 3DP. We confirm the usefulness and dosimetric accuracy of the 3D-PSCB for the clinical use. Thus, rapidly advancing 3DP technology is able to ease and expand clinical implementation of the PSCB.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.1114-1124
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• 1997

Background : Endothelin(ET) is a very potent vasoconstrictive peptide produced by endothelial cells of pulmonary artery. The endothelin level was increased in plasma of primary pulmonary hypertension and acute pulmonary thromboembolism and it was suggested that the endothelin might do a critical role in the cardiopulmonary dysfunction in these two conditions. But the exact mechanism of increase of ET has not been known. In these two conditions, platelet activation and thrombosis are the main pathophysiologic findings. So there is a possibility that the platelet might stimulate endothelin secretion from endothelial cells. Therefore, we performed this study to evaluate the role of platelet and its mediators on endothelin production in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial(BPAE) cells. Method : Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells, ATCC certified cell line 209, were cultured and treated with human platelets($10^6{\sim}10^8/ml$), thrombin (0.1~10u/ml), TGF-${\beta}1$(1~100uM), serotonin(1~100uM), and endotoxin(1ug/ml) in a final volume of 500ul for 18 hours. Levels of ir(immunoreactive)-ET in each conditioned medium were measured by a radioimmunoassay specific for ET. Result : The increase of ir-ET levels was platelet number and time dependent over 18 hours. When washed human platelets were added($10^8/ml$), the ir-ET levels were significantly higher than that of control(p<0.05) at 8 and 18 hours after culture. Subthreshold concentration of platelets($10^7/ml$) coincubated with endotoxin(1ug/ml) or subthreshold dose of thrombin(0.1u/ml) stimulated ir-ET secretion from BPAE cells significantly(p<0.05) compared with control. Thrombin(1ug/ml, 10ug/ml) and TGF-${\beta}1$(100pM, 1000pM) significantly increased ir-ET secretion from BP AE cells(p<0.05) compared with control, but serotoin(1~100uM) and endotoxin(1ug/ml) did not stimulate the ir-ET secretion. Conclusions : Platelets stimulate endothelin secretion from bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells. The mechanism of increase of endothelin secretion seems to be a stimulation by platelet itself or by mediators, such as TGF-${\beta}1$, secreted from activated platelets. And, in this study, the priming effect of platelets on endothelin secretion from BPAE cells could be another possibility.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.90-97
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• 2018

Purpose The lung segment ratio which is obtained through quantitative analyses of lung perfusion scan images is calculated to evaluate the lung function pre and post surgery. In this Study, the planar image production methods by using Q-Metrix (GE Healthcare, USA) program capable of not only quantitative analysis but also computation of the segment ratio after having performed SPECT/CT are comparatively evaluated. Materials and Methods Lung perfusion scan and SPECT/CT were performed on 50 lung cancer patients prior to surgery who visited our hospital from May 1, 2015 to September 13, 2016 by using Discovery 670(GE Healthcare, USA) equipment. AP(Anterior Posterior)method that uses planar image divided the frontal and rear images into three rectangular portions by means of ROI tool while PO(Posterior Oblique)method computed the segment ratio by dividing the right lobe into three parts and the left lobe into two parts on the oblique image. Segment ratio was computed by setting the ROI and VOI in the CT image by using Q-Metrix program and statistically analysis was performed with SPSS Ver. 23. Results Regarding the correlation concordance rate of Q-Metrix and AP methods, RUL(Right upper lobe), RML(Right middle lobe) and RLL(Right lower lobe) were 0.224, 0.035 and 0.447. LUL(Left upper lobe) and LLL(Left lower lobe) were found to be 0.643 and 0.456, respectively. In the PO method, the right lobe were 0.663, 0.623 and 0.702, respectively, while the left lobe were 0.754 and 0.823. When comparison was made by using the Paired sample T-test, Right lobe were $11.6{\pm}4.5$, $26.9{\pm}6.2$ and $17.8{\pm}4.2$, respectively in the AP method. Left lobe were $28.4{\pm}4.8$ and $15.4{\pm}5.6$. The right lobe of PO had values of $17.4{\pm}5.0$, $10.5{\pm}3.6$ and $27.3{\pm}6.0$, while the left lobe had values of $21.6{\pm}4.8$ and $23.1{\pm}6.6$, thereby having statistically significant difference in comparison to the Q-Metrix method for each of the lobes (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in Right middle lobe (P>0.05). Conclusion The AP method showed low concordance rate in correlation with the Q-Metrix method. However, PO method displayed high concordance rate overall. although AP method had significant differences in all lobes, there was no significant difference in Right middle lobe of PO method. Therefore, at the time of production of lung perfusion scan results, utilization of Q-Metrix method of SPECT/CT would be useful in computation of accurate resultant values. Moreover, it is deemed possible to expect obtain more practical sectional computation result values by using PO method at the time of planar image acquisition.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.61-71
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• 2015

Purpose : 3D Printers are used to create three-dimensional models based on blueprints. Based on this characteristic, it is feasible to develop a bolus that can minimize the air gap between skin and bolus in radiotherapy. This study aims to compare and analyze air gap and target dose at the branded 1 cm bolus with the developed customized bolus using 3D printers. Materials and Methods : RANDO phantom with a protruded tumor was used to procure images using CT simulator. CT DICOM file was transferred into the STL file, equivalent to 3D printers. Using this, customized bolus molding box (maintaining the 1 cm width) was created by processing 3D printers, and paraffin was melted to develop the customized bolus. The air gap of customized bolus and the branded 1 cm bolus was checked, and the differences in air gap was used to compare $D_{max}$, $D_{min}$, $D_{mean}$, $D_{95%}$ and $V_{95%}$ in treatment plan through Eclipse. Results : Customized bolus production period took about 3 days. The total volume of air gap was average $3.9cm^3$ at the customized bolus. And it was average $29.6cm^3$ at the branded 1 cm bolus. The customized bolus developed by the 3D printer was more useful in minimizing the air gap than the branded 1 cm bolus. In the 6 MV photon, at the customized bolus, $D_{max}$, $D_{min}$, $D_{mean}$, $D_{95%}$, $V_{95%}$ of GTV were 102.8%, 88.1%, 99.1%, 95.0%, 94.4% and the $D_{max}$, $D_{min}$, $D_{mean}$, $D_{95%}$, $V_{95%}$ of branded 1cm bolus were 101.4%, 92.0%, 98.2%, 95.2%, 95.7%, respectively. In the proton, at the customized bolus, $D_{max}$, $D_{min}$, $D_{mean}$, $D_{95%}$, $V_{95%}$ of GTV were 104.1%, 84.0%, 101.2%, 95.1%, 99.8% and the $D_{max}$, $D_{min}$, $D_{mean}$, $D_{95%}$, $V_{95%}$ of branded 1cm bolus were 104.8%, 87.9%, 101.5%, 94.9%, 99.9%, respectively. Thus, in treatment plan, there was no significant difference between the customized bolus and 1 cm bolus. However, the normal tissue nearby the GTV showed relatively lower radiation dose. Conclusion : The customized bolus developed by 3D printers was effective in minimizing the air gap, especially when it is used against the treatment area with irregular surface. However, the air gap between branded bolus and skin was not enough to cause a change in target dose. On the other hand, in the chest wall could confirm that dose decrease for small the air gap. Customized bolus production period took about 3 days and the development cost was quite expensive. Therefore, the commercialization of customized bolus developed by 3D printers requires low-cost 3D printer materials, adequate for the use of bolus.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 1976

This study has been made to make an observation regarding present status of the coal mine props which is desperately needed for coal production, despite of great shortage of the timber resources in this country, and investigate the effects of diffusion process on the decay resistances of the mine props as applied preservatives of Malenit and chromated zinc chloride. The results are as follows. 1. Present status of the coal mine props Total demand of coal mine props in the year of 1975 was approximately 456 thousand cubic meters. The main species used for mine props are conifer (mainly Pinus densiflora) and hardwood (mainly Quercus). Portions between them are half and half. With non fixed specification, wide varieties of timber in size and form are used. And volume of wood used per ton-of coal production shows also wide range from 0.017 cubic meter to 0.03 cubic meter. 2. Decay resistance test a) The oven dry weight decreased between untreated specimen and treated specimen has not shown any significantly, although it has shown some differences in average values between them. It may be caused by the shorter length of the test. b) The strength of compression test between untreated specimen and treated specimen has also shown the same results as shown in case of weight decrease. Reasons assumed are the same. c) The amounts of the extractives in one percent of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) between untreated and treated specimen have shown the large value in case of untreated specimen than that of treated. 3. The economical benifit between untreated and treated wood when applied in field has seen better in long term base in case of treated wood, although the primary cost of treated wood add a little bit more cost than that of the untreated wood.