• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.127-133
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• 2021

Background: Phosphogypsum is material produced as a byproduct in fertilizer industry and is generally used for building materials. This material may contain enhanced radium-226 (²²⁶Ra) activity concentration compared to its natural concentration that may lead to indoor radon accumulation. Therefore, an accurate measurement method is proposed in this study to determine ²²⁶Ra activity concentration in phosphogypsum sample, considering the potential radon leakage from the sample container. Materials and Methods: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) phosphogypsum reference material was used as a sample in this study. High-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry was used to measure the activity concentration of the ²²⁶Ra decay products, i.e., ²¹⁴Bi and ²¹⁴Pb. Marinelli beakers sealed with three different sealing methods were used as sample containers. Due to the potential leakage of radon from the Marinelli beaker (MB), correction to the activity concentration resulted in gamma spectrometry is needed. Therefore, the leaked fraction of radon escaped from the sample container was calculated and added to the gamma spectrometry measured values. Results and Discussion: Total activity concentration of ²²⁶Ra was determined by summing up the activity concentration from gamma spectrometry measurement and calculated concentration from radon leakage correction method. The results obtained from ²¹⁴Bi peak were 723.4 ± 4.0 Bq·kg^-1 in MB1 and 719.2 ± 3.5 Bq·kg^-1 in MB2 that showed about 5% discrepancy compared to the certified activity. Besides, results obtained from ²¹⁴Pb peak were 741.9 ± 3.6 Bq·kg^-1 in MB1 and 740.1 ± 3.4 Bq·kg^-1 in MB2 that showed about 2% difference compared to the certified activity measurement of ²²⁶Ra concentration activity. Conclusion: The results show that radon leakage correction was calculated with insignificant discrepancy to the certified values and provided improvement to the gamma spectrometry. Therefore, measuring ²²⁶Ra activity concentration in TENORM (technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material) sample using radon leakage correction can be concluded as a convenient and accurate method that can be easily conducted with simple calculation.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2024

Objectives Alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme in the liver and then acetaldehyde is metabolized to acetone by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in the liver. There are two main ALDH enzymes which metabolize the acetaldehyde produced during ethanol oxidation. In particular, in the presence of the ALDH2 1^*2 allele, the activity of the ALDH 2 enzyme is lowered. As a result, acetaldehyde metabolism is slowed down and acetaldehyde accumulates in the body compared to the ALDH2 1^*1 allele. There are many studies that have investigated the blood acetaldehyde concentration according to the ALDH2 genotype, but there are few studies to compare this with age. So we investigated the blood acetaldehyde concentration according to ALDH2 genotype, age and gender. Methods According to the ALDH2 genotype, we divided the group by gender and age. We divided the age group in to three groups which ranged from 20 to 34 years old, from 35 to 49 years old, and lastly from 50 to 64 years old. And then we collected blood samples after 15 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr, 5 hr and 15 hr of after drinking to measure the blood acetaldehyde concentration. Results In ALDH2 1^*2 allele group, there are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups. In ALDH2 1^*2 allele and male group, there are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups. Conclusions There are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups according to ALDH2 genotype. Also, there are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups with male gender and ALDH2 1^*2 allele. Studies about other factors that may influence the blood acetaldehyde concentration are needed.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.721-733
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• 2009

To examine the fluctuations of aerosol number concentration with different size in the boundary layer of marine area during summer season, aerosol particles were assayed in the Ieodo Ocean Research Station, which is located 419 km southwest of Marado, the southernmost island of Korea, from 24 June to 4 July, 2008. The Laser Particle Counter (LPC) was used to measure the size of aerosol particles and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and sounding data were used to analyze the synoptic condition. The distribution of aerosol number concentration had a large variation from bigger particles more than 3 ${\mu}m$ in diameter to smaller particles more than 1 ${\mu}m$ in diameter with wind direction during precipitation. The aerosol number concentration decreased with increasing temperature. An increase (decrease) of small size of aerosol (0.3${\sim}$0.5 ${\mu}m$ in diameter) number concentration was induced by convergence (divergence) of the wind fields. The aerosol number concentration of bigger size more than 3 ${\mu}m$ in diameter after precipitation was removed as much as 89${\sim}$94% compared with aerosol number concentration before precipitation. It is considered that the larger aerosol particles would be more efficient for scavenging at marine boundary layer. In addition, the aerosol number concentration with divergence and convergence could be related with the occurrence and mechanism of aerosol in marine boundary layer.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.23 no.1 s.29
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• pp.43-56
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• 1990

To evaluate the difference of concentration and mutagenicity of organic pollutants between residential and traffic area of Seoul, air samples were collected in Bulkwang (residential) and Shinchon (traffic) area. Samples were analyzed to measure the concentration of extractable organic matters (EOM) and their subfractions and mutagenicities were tested using Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also measured by gas-chromatography and compared between two areas. The results were as follows ; 1. While the concentration of total suspended particulate (TSP) in residential area was below the environmental standard in annual average, the concentration in traffic area was above the standard and was up to its maximum $256{\mu}g/m^3$ in November. The difference of TSP concentrations in both areas of each month was statistically significant (P<0.05). 2. The concentration of fine particle in traffic area was significantly higher compare to that in residential area and showed statistically significant monthly difference in both areas (P<0.05). The proportion of concentration of fine particle to TSP was 55-68%. 3. Mean concentrations of EOM in residential and traffic areas were $4.3{\mu}g/m^3\;and\;5.3{\mu}g/m^3$ respectively. The proportion of amount of EOM from fine particle to EOM from TSP was 70-88%. 4. While the percentage of polar neutral organic compounds (POCN) of fine particle in Bulkwang's sample was higher compare to Shinchon's sample, the percentage of aliphatic compounds of fine particle in Shinchon's sample was higher compare to Bulkwang's sample. The percentages of PAH fraction were as low as 6-10% in both areas. 5. The mutagenic activity of nit concentration of organic matters extracted from fine particle was higher compare to that of coarse particle and was increased when metabolically activated with S9. Mutagenicities with metabolic activation calculated by unit air volume were significantly different between residential and traffic area, $17\;revertants/m^3$\;and\;22\;revertants/m^3$ respectively. 6. The concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene in fine particle of traffic and residential areas were $3.10ng/m^3\;and\;2.02ng/m^3$ respectively. Sixteen PAHs were higher in samples of traffic area compare to residential area and also concentrations of PAHs in fine particle were higher compare to coarse particle.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1473-1479
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• 2013

Entropy is a measure of disorder or uncertainty. This terminology is qualitatively used in the understanding of its correlation to pollution in the environmental area. In this research, three different entropies were defined and characterized in order to quantify the qualitative entropy previously used in the environmental science. We are dealing with newly defined distinct entropies $E_1$, $E_2$, and $E_3$ originated from Shannon entropy in the information theory, reflecting concentration of three major green house gases $CO_2$, $N_2O$ and $CH_4$ represented as the probability variables. First, $E_1$ is to evaluate the total amount of entropy from concentration difference of each green house gas with respect to three periods, due to industrial revolution, post-industrial revolution, and information revolution, respectively. Next, $E_2$ is to evaluate the entropy reflecting the increasing of the logarithm base along with the accumulated time unit. Lastly, $E_3$ is to evaluate the entropy with a fixed logarithm base by 2 depending on the time. Analytical results are as follows. $E_1$ shows the degree of prediction reliability with respect to variation of green house gases. As $E_1$ increased, the concentration variation becomes stabilized, so that it follows from linear correlation. $E_2$ is a valid indicator for the mutual comparison of those green house gases. Although $E_3$ locally varies within specific periods, it eventually follows a logarithmic curve like a similar pattern observed in thermodynamic entropy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.269-276
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• 2003

We studied the gel properties of porcine collagen with microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) as a catalyst. A creep meter was used to measure the mechanical properties of gel. The results showed samples with high concentration of MTGase gelled faster than those with a low concentration of MTGase. The gel strength increased with incubation time and the peaks of breaking strength for 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5% MTGase were obtained at 40, 20 and 10 min incubation time, respectively. According to SDS-PAGE, the MTGase was successfully created a collagen polymer with an increase in molecular weight, whereas no change in formation was shown without MTGase. The sample with 0.5% MTGase began to polymerize after 10 or 20 min incubation at $50^{\circ}C$, and complete polymerization occurred after 40-60 min incubation. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the gel of porcine collagen in the presence of MTGase produced an extremely well cross-linked network. The differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed the peak thermal transition of porcine collagen gel was at $36^{\circ}C$, and that with MTGase no peak was detected during heating from 20 to $120^{\circ}C$. The melting point of porcine collagen gel could be controlled by MTGase concentration, incubation temperature and protein concentration. Knowledge of the structural and physicochemical properties of porcine collagen gel catalyzed with MTGase could facilitate their use in food products.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.618-622
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• 2017

Gasoline is a widely used product as a source for energy in homes, the automotive industry, and for industrial power generation, and it is also a product with a high risk of fire and explosion. In this study, to examine the risk for explosion for gasoline, PG, MG and RG, which are categorized according to octane number, were used as test specimens to measure their explosion limit according changes in oxygen concentration. The explosion limit for 21% oxygen concentration in air were confirmed to be 1.5~10.9%, 1.4~8.1%, and 1.3~7.6%, respectively, and the MOC for each of the test sample were confirmed to be 10.9%. The explosion limit measured in the test performed in this study confirmed between a 1.2%~7.6% wider explosion limit for the currently accepted MSDS for gasoline, and therefore it is considered that the results of this study can provide significant reference for preventing fires and explosions for process used gasoline.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.193-200
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• 2013

Purpose: In this study, in order to provide objective standard of the mixed concentration of the zirconia coloring-liquids, compare the shade differences after colored zirconia blocks from different concentrations. Methods: After immersion for 2 minutes zirconia specimen ($1.5{\times}1.5{\times}0.6{\pm}0.01mm$) in coloring-liquids that produced different concentrations, were sintered in furnace dedicated. Then, it was measured in spectrophotometer and Shadepilot. It has been determined mean and standard deviation of the color difference for each group, and verified by one-way ANOVA using the (version12.0) SPSS WIN Program the difference in shade according to the concentration at the significance level of 95% confidence, it conducted a Tukey's multiple range test to post-test. Results: The mean of $L^*$ was decreased toward LN35 group, however the mean of $a^*$ and $b^*$ was increased(p<.05). There is a statistically significant difference in the results of $L^*$ post hoc test of each group was LN15-LN30/LN35, LN20-LN30/LN35, LN25-LN30/LN35, and LN30-LN35 group. The $a^*$ group, it was found that there is a statistically significant difference in all groups for each(p<.05). The $b^*$ group, it was found that there is a statistically significant difference in all groups except the LN25-LN30(p<.05). Conclusion: In order to make effective use of the coloring-liquids of zirconia, the device objective, accurate concentration measurement is required, from the present study, we presented evidence basic to this.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.249-260
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• 2012

Monitoring of climate change and atmospheric environment by satellite measurements has been increased in recent years. In this study, nitrogen dioxide ($NO_2$) measurements from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) were compared with surface measurements over the Korean peninsula. $NO_2$ from OMI measurements showed high values and also showed seasonal variations such as high concentration in winter and low in summer over metropolitan areas while $NO_2$ concentration at national background station was low and did not clearly show seasonal variations. Surface measurements showed similar temporal and spatial variations to those of satellite measurement. The comparison between satellite measurements and surface measurements showed that the correlation between them was higher in urban area (r=0.64 at Seoul and r=0.63 at Daegu) than in national background stations (r=0.37 at Jeju) because the concentration in urban area was relatively high so that the variation of $NO_2$ concentration could be detected better than at national background stations by satellite. Satellite can effectively measure the emission and transport of pollutants with no limitations in spatial coverage.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.343-349
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• 2019

According to a report in 2011, hexagonal boron nitride demonstrated good solubility in pure water, even without surfactants or organic functionalization. Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets are an effective lubricant additive, and their solubility in pure water has motivated lubrication engineers to utilize aqueous solutions containing these nanosheets as water-based lubricants. In this study, we measure the width and height of the hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets dispersed in pure water by using the Zetasizer and atomic force microscopy. Without surfactants or functionalization, aqueous solutions containing 0.10, 0.07, 0.05, and 0.01 wt% of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets are synthesized via sonication-assisted hydrolysis. The Zetasizer provides only a one-dimensional size of approximately 410 nm, regardless of the concentration of the solution. Thus, it does not allow the estimation of the shape of the nanosheet. To acquire the three-dimensional size of the nanosheets, atomic force microscopy is employed. The aqueous solutions containing 0.10, 0.07, 0.05, and 0.01 wt% of the hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets show average values of 740, 450, 700, and 610 nm in width, and 37, 26, 33, and 32 nm in thickness, respectively. No significant trend is observed between the concentration of the solution and size of the nanosheets. Therefore, when preparing a water-based lubricant, it may be appropriate to adjust conditions such as ultrasonication time rather than the concentration.