Permeability monitoring of underground concrete structures using elastic wave characteristics with modified Biot's model.

This study aims to develop a theoretical model for predicting the permeability of concrete in underground structures using compressive elastic waves. This research is motivated by the necessity of monitoring the permeability of concrete used in critical underground infrastructure, such as tunnels and radioactive waste disposal sites, to ensure their long-term safety. Increased permeability owing to crack generation can lead to groundwater inflow, undermining the structural integrity of these facilities. Traditional methods for permeability monitoring face challenges at depths of 500 m-1 km owing to high temperatures, high pressures, and limited space conditions. To address these issues, Biot's model, which correlates the P-wave characteristics with the properties of porous media, was applied in this study. The P-wave velocity and attenuation were studied according to the permeability of concrete based on Biot's model. Subsequently, concrete specimens were prepared to measure the permeability, P-wave velocity, and attenuation. The permeability results from the experiment were compared with those obtained from the model for validation. The findings indicate that the modified Biot's model can effectively monitor permeability through elastic wave characteristics, offering a non-destructive and reliable method for assessing the condition of concrete structures in underground environments. This approach is expected to enhance the safety of underground infrastructure through accurate permeability monitoring.

Quantum asymmetric key crypto scheme using Grover iteration.

Here, we propose a quantum asymmetric key cryptography scheme using Grover's quantum search algorithm. In the proposed scheme, Alice generates a pair of public and private keys, keeps the private keys safe, and only discloses public keys to the outside. Bob uses Alice's public key to send a secret message to Alice and Alice uses her private key to decrypt the secret message. Furthermore, we discuss the safety of quantum asymmetric key encryption techniques based on quantum mechanical properties.

Electrical Resistivity Measurement with Spherical-Tipped Cylindrical Electrode Embedded on Two Layers.

Complex geological processes form multiple layers and change pore water chemistry, saturation level, and temperature. Eventually, the strata hinder interpreting electrical resistivity data. There are no studies that theoretically explore the effects of electrode geometries and multiple layered systems on laboratory electrical resistivity measurements. This study formulates a theoretical electrical resistance between half spherical-tipped cylindrical electrodes embedded on two horizontal layers. The electrical resistivity of each layer is considered separately in the general electrical potential equation with different equipotential surface areas. The finite element analysis is conducted to validate the theoretical equation. Further interpretation provides insights into the distribution of electrical current flow under electrical resistivity mismatch for discussion.

Optical scheme for generating hyperentanglement having photonic qubit and time-bin via quantum dot and cross-Kerr nonlinearity.

We design an optical scheme to generate hyperentanglement correlated with degrees of freedom (DOFs) via quantum dots (QDs), weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities (XKNLs), and linearly optical apparatuses (including time-bin encoders). For generating hyperentanglement having its own correlations for two DOFs (polarization and time-bin) on two photons, we employ the effects of optical nonlinearities using a QD (photon-electron), a parity gate (XKNLs), and time-bin encodings (linear optics). In our scheme, the first nonlinear multi-qubit gate utilizes the interactions between photons and an electron of QD confined in a single-sided cavity, and the parity gate (second gate) uses weak XKNLs, quantum bus, and photon-number-resolving measurement to entangle the polarizations of two photons. Finally, for efficiency in generating hyperentanglement and for the experimental implementation of this scheme, we discuss how the QD-cavity system can be performed reliably, and also discuss analysis of the immunity of the parity gate (XKNLs) against the decoherence effect.

Preparation of quantum information encoded on three-photon decoherence-free states via cross-Kerr nonlinearities.

We present a scheme to encode quantum information (single logical qubit information) into three-photon decoherence-free states, which can conserve quantum information from collective decoherence, via nonlinearly optical gates (using cross-Kerr nonlinearities: XKNLs) and linearly optical devices. For the preparation of the decoherence-free state, the nonlinearly optical gates (multi-photon gates) consist of weak XKNLs, quantum bus (qubus) beams, and photon-number-resolving (PNR) measurement. Then, by using a linearly optical device, quantum information can be encoded on three-photon decoherence-free state prepared. Subsequently, by our analysis, we show that the nonlinearly optical gates using XKNLs, qubus beams, and PNR measurement are robust against the decoherence effect (photon loss and dephasing) in optical fibers. Consequently, our scheme can be experimentally implemented to efficiently generate three-photon decoherence-free state encoded quantum information, in practice.

Distribution of hybrid entanglement and hyperentanglement with time-bin for secure quantum channel under noise via weak cross-Kerr nonlinearity.

We design schemes to generate and distribute hybrid entanglement and hyperentanglement correlated with degrees of freedom (polarization and time-bin) via weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities (XKNLs) and linear optical devices (including time-bin encoders). In our scheme, the multi-photon gates (which consist of XKNLs, quantum bus [qubus] beams, and photon-number-resolving [PNR] measurement) with time-bin encoders can generate hyperentanglement or hybrid entanglement. And we can also purify the entangled state (polarization) of two photons using only linear optical devices and time-bin encoders under a noisy (bit-flip) channel. Subsequently, through local operations (using a multi-photon gate via XKNLs) and classical communications, it is possible to generate a four-qubit hybrid entangled state (polarization and time-bin). Finally, we discuss how the multi-photon gate using XKNLs, qubus beams, and PNR measurement can be reliably performed under the decoherence effect.

Implementation of controlled quantum teleportation with an arbitrator for secure quantum channels via quantum dots inside optical cavities.

We propose a controlled quantum teleportation scheme to teleport an unknown state based on the interactions between flying photons and quantum dots (QDs) confined within single- and double-sided cavities. In our scheme, users (Alice and Bob) can teleport the unknown state through a secure entanglement channel under the control and distribution of an arbitrator (Trent). For construction of the entanglement channel, Trent utilizes the interactions between two photons and the QD-cavity system, which consists of a charged QD (negatively charged exciton) inside a single-sided cavity. Subsequently, Alice can teleport the unknown state of the electron spin in a QD inside a double-sided cavity to Bob's electron spin in a QD inside a single-sided cavity assisted by the channel information from Trent. Furthermore, our scheme using QD-cavity systems is feasible with high fidelity, and can be experimentally realized with current technologies.

Current health issues in Korean adolescents.

During the adolescent period, they experience rapid physical, emotional, cognitive developments while they establish their lifestyle and habitual routines that strongly influence adult health and life. Recent rapid economic growth in Korea, and the earlier onset of physical, sexual, and psychological maturation of adolescents, has resulted in changes in the health status of adolescents from many years ago. Risk-taking behaviors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and sexual experiences are critical issues that affect the health of, adolescents. Therefore, it is important for pediatricians to note the that risk-taking behaviors of adolescents in Korea that are caused by individual psychosocial factors. This review article illustrates the current health status of Korean adolescents and provides an overview of risk-taking behaviors, to inform pediatricians about some of the key issues.