• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.8
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• pp.2828-2839
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• 2022

This study developed a safety assessment tool for geological disposal systems called APro, a systemically integrated modeling system based on modularizing and coupling the processes which need to be considered in a geological disposal system. Thermal, hydraulic, chemical, canister failure, radionuclide release and transport processes were considered in the current version of APro. Each of the unit processes in APro consists of a single Default Module, and several Alternative Modules which can increase the flexibility of the model. As an initial stage of developing the modularization concept and modeling interface, the Default Modules of each unit process were described, with one Alternative Module of chemical process. The computation part of APro is mainly a MATLAB workspace controlling COMSOL and PHREEQC, which are coupled by an operator splitting scheme. The APro model domain is a stylized geological disposal system employing the Swedish disposal concept (KBS-3 type), but the repository layout can be freely adjusted. In order to show the applicability of APro to the total system performance assessment of geological disposal system, some sample simulations were conducted. From the results, it was confirmed that coupling of the thermal and hydraulic processes and coupling of the canister failure and the radionuclide release processes were well reflected in APro. In addition, the technical connectivity between COMSOL and PHREEQC was also confirmed.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.12
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• pp.4460-4473
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• 2022

The behaviour of the fission gas plays an important role in the fuel rod performance. In a previous work, we presented a physics-based model describing intra- and inter-granular behaviour of radioactive fission gas. The model was implemented in SCIANTIX, a mesoscale module for fission gas behaviour, and assessed against the CONTACT 1 irradiation experiment. In this work, we present the multi-scale coupling between the TRANSURANUS fuel performance code and SCIANTIX, used as mechanistic module for stable and radioactive fission gas behaviour. We exploit the coupled code version to reproduce two integral irradiation experiments involving standard fuel rod segments in steady-state operation (CONTACT 1) and during successive power transients (HATAC C2). The simulation results demonstrate the predictive capabilities of the code coupling and contribute to the integral validation of the models implemented in SCIANTIX.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.1513-1525
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• 2024

An improved mitigation system for thermally-induced steam generator tube rupture accidents was introduced to prevent direct environmental release of fission products bypassing the containment in the OPR1000. This involves injecting bypassed steam into the containment, cooling, and decontaminating it using a water coolant tank. To evaluate its performance, a severe accident analysis was performed using the MELCOR 2.2 code for OPR1000. Simulation results show that the proposed system sufficiently prevented the release of radioactive nuclides (RNs) into the environment via containment injection. The pool scrubbing system effectively decontaminated the injected RN and consequently reduced the aerosol mass in the containment atmosphere. However, the decay heat of the collected RNs causes re-vaporization. To restrict the re-vaporization, an external water source was considered, where the decontamination performance was significantly improved, and the RNs were effectively isolated. However, due to the continuous evaporation of the feed water caused by decay heat, a substantial amount of steam is released into the containment. Despite the slight pressurization inside the containment by the injected and evaporated steam, the steam decreased the hydrogen mole fraction, thereby reducing the possibility of ignition.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.223-227
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• 2017

Background Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by hand surgeons. The authors created a surgical simulation of open carpal tunnel release utilizing a mobile and rehearsal platform app. This study was performed in order to validate the simulator as an effective training platform for carpal tunnel release. Methods The simulator was evaluated using a number of metrics: construct validity (the ability to identify variability in skill levels), face validity (the perceived ability of the simulator to teach the intended material), content validity (that the simulator was an accurate representation of the intended operation), and acceptability validity (willingness of the desired user group to adopt this method of training). Novices and experts were recruited. Each group was tested, and all participants were assigned an objective score, which served as construct validation. A Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to gauge face, content, and acceptability validity. Results Twenty novices and 10 experts were recruited for this study. The objective performance scores from the expert group were significantly higher than those of the novice group, with surgeons scoring a median of 74% and medical students scoring a median of 45%. The questionnaire responses indicated face, content, and acceptability validation. Conclusions This mobile-based surgical simulation platform provides step-by-step instruction for a variety of surgical procedures. The findings of this study help to demonstrate its utility as a learning tool, as we confirmed construct, face, content, and acceptability validity for carpal tunnel release. This easy-to-use educational tool may help bring surgical education to a new- and highly mobile-level.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.57-71
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• 2004

The objective of this study was to provide a better understanding of SUPAC-IR and its application in handling postapproval changes to immediate release solid oral dosage forms. Originally, SUPAC-IR was aimed at reducing the regulator burdern of the industry when they were making postapproval changes, but still at maintaining the formulation quality and performance of a drug product. The postapproval changes that were covered under SUPAC-IR included variations in the components ad composition of formulation, the site of manufacturing, batch size, manufacturing equipment, and manufacturing process. The guidance defined levels of changes, based on the likelihood of risk ocurrence and potential impact of postapproval changes upon the safety and efficacy of a drug product I suggested what a type of fing report should be submitted to the FDA for each level of change. Chemist, manufacturing, and control tests to be executed were also recommended for each change level The important tests specified in the guidance included batch release, stability, in vitro dissolution, and in vivo bioequivalence tests. However, there have been strong demands on revising the current SUPAC-IR in order to resolve some issues and to improve its usefulness in evaluating postapproval changes to immediate release solid oral dosage forms. In particular, the rigorous requirement of case C dissolution test and the definition of batch size were challenged by both academia and the industry. A revision work was in progress to reflect these inputs and to expand the utility of SUPAC-IR. As a result of these concerted efforts, an updated 2nd version of SPAC-IR would be likely to be issued ver soon to the public.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.59-63
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• 2009

Soybean phosphatidylcholine microparticles loaded with cyclosporin A (CsA) were prepared by the modified emulsion solvent diffusion and ionic gelation method, in which chitosan on the surface of the microparticles was crosslinked with various concentrations of tripolyphosphate (TPP). The morphology of the particles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The change of particle size and zeta-potential by chitosan on the surface of the lipid microparticles were systematically observed. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of CsA in the particles were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro release kinetics was studied using the dialysis method. In the results, the mean particle size and the zeta-potential of lipid microparticles increased when the attached chitosan was cross-linked (from 2.5 to 6.2 ${\mu}m$ and from -37.0 to +93.0 mV, respectively). The cyclosporin A-loaded lipid microparticles appeared discrete and spherical particles with smooth surfaces. The encapsulation efficiency of CsA was between 79% and 90% while the loading capacity was between 41% and 56%. In vitro release study showed that the crosslinkage of chitosan by TPP significantly delayed the release of CsA from the particles in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, the release of CsA from the lipid microparticles could be controlled by tripolyphosphate used as a cross-linking agent.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.653-660
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare selected kinematic variables between male medalists and a Korean male javelin thrower at the IAAF World Championships, Daegu 2011. The three medalists and one Korean javelin thrower that participated in the Championships were videotaped using three high-speed cameras (300 frames/s, EX-F1 Exilim, Casio, Japan). The results showed that the release and attitude angles of the Korean male javelin thrower (KMJT) were greater than that of the medalists, whereas the attack angle of the KMJT was smaller than that of the medalists. This study also found that the KMJT clearly had a lower release height than the medalists. As a possible adaptation of his physique to the skill, the KMJT used a small trunk inclination angle and produced greater inclination angles at his upper extremities. These results may be linked to an increase in the release angle of the KMJT. There were some difference between the KMJT and the medalists in terms of the length and duration of the delivery phase. In harmony with the shorter length of the delivery phase, its duration was shorter for the KMJT in comparison to the medalists. Because the delivery stride is considered to be a primary generator of endpoint speed, this decrease in the delivery phase time would decrease the javelin velocity at release. The amount of time taken in the delivery phase may be a critical factor to enhance a javelin thrower's performance. Thus, rhythmic movement training specifically designed for the KMJT will help him attain an optimal throwing position.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.117-123
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• 2003

In this study; the ignition and heat release rate characteristics of rigid polyurethane foam were investigated in accordance with setchkin ignition tester and cone calorimeter which is using oxygen consumption principle. In the ignition temperature study; flash-ignition temperature was $383^{\circ}C$-$390^{\circ}C$, self-ignition temperature was$ 493^{\circ}C$∼495$^{\circ}C$. The self-ignition temperature of rigid polyurethane foam was about $100^{\circ}C$ higher than the flash-ignition temperature. In the cone calorimeter study, the time to ignition of rigid polyurethane foam was faster as the external heat flux increase. In the same heat flux level, the time to ignition was faster as the density of rigid polyurethane foam decrease. Also the heat release rate was the largest value at the heat flux of /$50 ㎾\m^2$ and had a tendency of increase as the heat flux level and density increase. In the standpoint of time to ignition and heat release rate, the fire performance of rigid polyurethane foam was influenced by the applied heat flux level and density and the flashover propensity classified by Petrella's proposal was high.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.1376-1383
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• 2023

Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of 12-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid (12-KETE)-induced placenta release on the performance of mother cows (milk yield, ovarian function, and blood plasma biochemical properties). Methods: Experimental treatments were as follows: i) natural delivery including natural placental release (control cows); ii) induced calf delivery with placental retention (RP cows); and iii) induced calf delivery and 12-KETE-induced placental release (KE cows). Delivery in pregnant KE cows was induced with dexamethasone and prostaglandin. These cows were injected with 12-KETE after calf discharge, resulting in the release of the fetal placenta. RP cows were not treated with 12-KETE after inducing delivery, resulting in placental retention. Results: The milk yield in RP cows during the first 50 days after delivery was significantly lower than that in control cows (p<0.05), whereas KE cows exhibited a similar milk yield to that of control cows. The postpartum plasma progesterone levels of control cows increased 14 days after delivery on average; however, its increase was delayed by 10 days in RP cows. Meanwhile, the 12-KETE treatment (KE cows) brought the timing of progesterone increase forward to the normal level (control cows). Among the 20 biochemical parameters examined, the total cholesterol levels in blood plasma 14 days after delivery were lower in RP cows than that in the other two treatment groups (control cows and KE cows) (p<0.05). In addition, the plasma level of haptoglobin tended to be low in cows that discharged their placentas shortly after delivery. Conclusion: These findings indicate that 12-KETE treatment can alleviate the disorder caused by placental retention.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.487-497
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• 2017

Semi-active devices use the building's own motion to produce resistive forces and are thus strictly dissipative and require little power. Devices that independently control the binary open/closed valve state can enable novel device hysteresis loops that were not previously possible. However, some device hysteresis loops cannot be obtained without active analog valve control allowing slower, controlled release of stored energy, and is presents an ongoing limitation in obtaining the full range of possibilities offered by these devices. This in silico study develops a proportional-derivative feedback control law using a validated nonlinear device model to track an ideal diamond-shaped force-displacement response profile using active analog valve control. It is validated by comparison to the ideal shape for both sinusoidal and random seismic input motions. Structural application specific spectral analysis compares the performance for the non-linear, actively controlled case to those obtained with an ideal, linear model to validate that the potential performance will be retained when considering realistic nonlinear behaviour and the designed valve control approach. Results show tracking of the device force-displacement loop to within 3-5% of the desired ideal curve. Valve delay, rather than control law design, is the primary limiting factor, and analysis indicates a ratio of valve delay to structural period must be 1/10 or smaller to ensure adequate tracking, relating valve performance to structural period and overall device performance under control. Overall, the results show that active analog feedback control of energy release in these devices can significantly increase the range of resetable, valve-controlled semi-active device performance and hysteresis loops, in turn increasing their performance envelop and application space.