• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.3076-3083
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• 2024

In this work, single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) were fabricated using the standard 180 nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor process. Their small size of 15-16 µ m and low operating voltage made it possible to easily integrate them with readout circuits for compact on-chip sensors, particularly those used in the radiation sensor network of a nuclear plant. Four architectures were proposed for the SPADs, with a shallow trench isolation (STI) guard ring and different depletion regions designed to demonstrate the main performance parameters in each experimental configuration. The wide absorption region structure with PSD and a deep N-well could achieve a uniform electric field, resulting in a stable dark count rate (DCR). Additionally, the STI guard ring was implanted to mitigate the premature edge breakdown. A breakdown voltage was achieved for a low operating voltage of 10.75 V. The DCR results showed 286.3 Hz per ㎛² at an excess voltage of 0.04 V. A photon detection probability of 21.48% was obtained at 405 nm.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.3155-3166
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• 2024

While several nuclear energy newcomer (NEN) countries have shown interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential energy source, this interest can generate new uncertainties regarding future nuclear weapons proliferation risks. Therefore, this research seeks to determine whether future SMR deployment in NEN countries will contribute to nuclear weapons proliferation, and how the risks can be mitigated. This research uses the Bayesian network statistical approach in conjunction with surveys of experts to assess nuclear proliferation risks when NEN countries deploy SMRs or a large commercial nuclear reactor. The results indicate that an NEN with a strong commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation norms and a stable security environment will experience a lower probability of having higher proliferation risks relative to the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, we demonstrate that experts anticipate a minimal escalation in proliferation risks across different SMR types. Instead, the results show that enrichment or reprocessing (E&R) facilities, if associated with an SMR, exert a substantial influence on proliferation risks. Lastly, implementing a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) retrieval system could serve as an option to mitigate proliferation risks in an NEN country. These findings offer insights for leading nuclear supplier countries to alleviate the potential proliferation risks by NEN countries.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.179-186
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• 2024

This paper investigates the impact of Riemannian Procrustes Analysis (RPA) on enhancing the classification performance of SPD-Net when applied to EEG signals across different sessions and subjects. EEG signals, known for their inherent individual variability, are initially transformed into Symmetric Positive Definite (SPD) matrices, which are naturally represented on a Riemannian manifold. To mitigate the variability between sessions and subjects, we employ RPA, a method that geometrically aligns the statistical distributions of these matrices on the manifold. This alignment is designed to reduce individual differences and improve the accuracy of EEG signal classification. SPD-Net, a deep learning architecture that maintains the Riemannian structure of the data, is then used for classification. We compare its performance with the Minimum Distance to Mean (MDM) classifier, a conventional method rooted in Riemannian geometry. The experimental results demonstrate that incorporating RPA as a preprocessing step enhances the classification accuracy of SPD-Net, validating that the alignment of statistical distributions on the Riemannian manifold is an effective strategy for improving EEG-based BCI systems. These findings suggest that RPA can play a role in addressing individual variability, thereby increasing the robustness and generalization capability of EEG signal classification in practical BCI applications.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.309-323
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• 2024

Purpose - This study investigates whether firms engage in Real Earnings Management surrounding preliminary earnings announcements when experiencing a reversal of accounting earnings signs. Design/methodology/approach - We use ordinary least squares regression analysis to examine the association between the reversal of accounting earnings signs and three measures of REM(abnormal operating cash flows, abnormal discretionary expenses, and abnormal production costs). Findings - Our findings indicate that both profit-to-loss and loss-to-profit reversals are positively associated with all three measures of REM. This suggests that managers use various REM activities to mitigate negative consequences or enhance positive perceptions associated with earnings reversals. Research implications or Originality - This study provides new insights into the relationship between preliminary earnings announcements and REM by documenting that the reversal of accounting earnings signs is a significant determinant of managers' REM decisions. Our findings highlight the importance of scrutinizing REM activities surrounding preliminary earnings announcements, particularly when firms experience a reversal of accounting earnings signs.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.125-132
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• 2024

Objective: The purpose of this research was to analyze the effects of applying functional electrical stimulation (FES) on function of the ankle joint and gait ability of the elderly. Method: In this research, 12 male participants over 65 who have no musculoskeletal disorder were recruited as research subjects. For this research, in order to analyze the function of the ankle joint and gait ability of the elderly depending on the application of FES, all subjects were tested WF (with FES) and WOF (without FES) in random order and 72-hour of resting was assigned between the conditions. For WF condition, 30-minute of FES treatment (frequency 90 Hz, pulse width 400 ㎲, on-off ratio 1:1) on ankle joint basal flexor muscle was implemented, and afterwards, Isokinetic muscle function on the ankle joint and gait ability were conducted for each condition. Results: The result showed that the maximum strength of ankle joint basal flexion motion WF statistically significantly increased compared to WOF. The single support ratio of gait motion WF statistically significantly decreased compared to that WOF. Conclusion: Thus, applying FES is considered to mitigate the functional decline of basal flexor of the elderly, and furthermore, it is considered to have positive effect on improvement of gait ability.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.509-527
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of Generative AI in the workplace, focusing on both enablers and inhibitors. By employing the dual factor theory, this research examines how knowledge support, customization, entertainment, perceived risk, realistic threat, and identity threat impact the intention to adopt Generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT. Methods: Data were collected from 192 participants via MTurk, all of whom had experience using Generative AI. The survey was conducted in June 2024, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to ensure the validity and reliability of the measurement model. Attention-check questions were used to ensure data quality, and participants provided demographic information at the end of the survey. Results: : The findings reveal that knowledge support and entertainment significantly enhance the intention to adopt Generative AI, whereas realistic threat poses a substantial barrier. Customization, perceived risk, and identity threat did not significantly affect adoption intentions. Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the gap in understanding the adoption mechanisms of Generative AI in professional settings. It highlights the importance of promoting AI's knowledge support and entertainment capabilities while addressing employees' concerns about job security. Organizations should emphasize these benefits and proactively mitigate perceived threats to foster a positive reception of Generative AI technologies. The findings offer practical implications for enhancing user acceptance and provide a foundation for future research in this area.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.11
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• pp.1970-1978
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• 2024

Objective: This research aimed to analyze the prevalence, molecular characteristics, toxinotyping, alpha toxin production potential, and antibiotic resistance pattern of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) isolates in meat samples collected from various sources. Methods: Sixty meat samples were screened for alpha toxin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, revealing a positivity rate of 13.3%, predominantly in raw poultry meat. Subsequent culturing on Perfringens agar identified nine samples harboring characteristic C. perfringens colonies, primarily isolated from raw poultry meat. Molecular confirmation through 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing authenticated twelve isolates as C. perfringens, with nine strains exhibiting genetic resemblance to locally isolated strains. Toxinotyping assays targeting alpha toxin-specific genes confirmed all nine isolates as type A C. perfringens, with no detection of beta or epsilon toxin genes. Hemolytic assays demonstrated varying alpha toxin production potentials among isolates, with accession number OQ721004.1 displaying the highest production capacity. Moreover, antibiotic resistance profiling revealed multi-drug resistance patterns among the isolates. Results: The study identified distinct clusters within C. perfringens strains, indicating variations. Phylogenetic analysis delineated genetic relatedness among strains, elucidating potential evolutionary paths and divergences. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for robust surveillance and control measures to mitigate the risk of C. perfringens contamination in meat products, particularly in raw poultry meat. Enhanced monitoring and prudent antimicrobial stewardship practices are warranted in both veterinary and clinical settings to address the observed antibiotic resistance profiles and prevent foodborne outbreaks.

• Korean Medical Education Review
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.174-183
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• 2024

Among Asian nations, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea exemplify countries with high standards of medical quality. This review explores the differences in medical education policies between Japan and Singapore, particularly concerning governance, and discusses the implications for South Korea's medical education policies. Relevant documents were analyzed by referencing scholarly articles and data from governmental and expert organizations in each country. In Japan, advances in medical education policies include initiatives such as the regional quota system and the core curriculum model, which emphasize stakeholder engagement and transparency. However, challenges persist due to limited stakeholder participation, necessitating a transition toward a more equitable governance paradigm. Singapore's model features robust public-private partnerships with minimal direct governmental intervention, emphasizing innovation and community integration, as seen in the Healthier SG project. These case studies demonstrate effective governance involving significant stakeholder collaboration and strategic financial investments. Conversely, South Korea's medical education policies face challenges from a predominantly government-centric approach, with an absence of cohesive governance structures and inadequate involvement from essential professional stakeholders. This situation has led to policy inconsistencies and a deficit of strategic direction, exacerbated by insufficient financial support for educational infrastructure and program development. The experiences of Japan and Singapore indicate that it would be beneficial for South Korea to adopt integrated governance frameworks that prioritize transparency and collaboration. Furthermore, increasing financial investment in medical education could mitigate existing deficiencies and improve the quality and effectiveness of its healthcare education system.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.398-405
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• 2024

In this study, ZnO nanoparticle treatments were applied to stainless steel 304 to mitigate the generation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) under pressurized water reactor (PWR)-simulated conditions, focusing on temperature and pressure (300℃, 150 bar), specifically simulating temperature and pressure. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via plasma discharge in an aqueous solution, with sizes ranging from 355 ± 142 nm to 25.7 ± 7.2 nm along the long axis, controlled by adjusting the voltage parameters. After treatment with 25 nm ZnO nanoparticle treatment, the surface of stainless steel 304 was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirming the formation of a compact and dense ZnCr₂O₄ spinel oxide film with a thickness of approximately 65 nm. Corrosion potential tests conducted using a Potentiostat/Galvanostat revealed that corrosion resistance improved as ZnO nanoparticle size decreased. Additionally, U-bend tests under accelerated corrosion conditions showed significantly reduced SCC in samples treated with 25 nm ZnO nanoparticles. These findings suggest that ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via plasma discharge could be effectively applied for SCC mitigation in the nuclear industry.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.956-973
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• 2024

Vegans, known for their stringent ethical standards concerning animal welfare and environmental concerns, exhibit a profound commitment to ethical practices. This study delves into the multifaceted motivational factors driving the practices of vegans, while concurrently scrutinizing the distinctive clothing behaviors specific to veganism across various phases of the clothing life cycle. These behaviors encompass the domains of clothing acquisition and utilization, laundering and maintenance, as well as disposal and discard. This research reveals the pervasive integration of vegan principles throughout these stages, underscored by discernible shifts in clothing-related behaviors subsequent to individuals adopting a vegan lifestyle. The core motivations underpinning these practices are rooted in a collective aspiration to safeguard animal welfare, mitigate environmental pollution, and curtail the generation of waste. In contrast to previous research, this study concentrates its focus on discrete facets of clothing behaviors within the context of veganism, providing nuanced insights into the intricacies of vegan practices. By elucidating the intricate interplay between motivations and clothing life cycle practices within the realm of veganism, this research augments our comprehension of the underlying motivations that drive vegan lifestyles.