• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.39-46
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• 2020

Composite electrodes for rechargeable batteries generally consist of active material, electric conductor, and polymeric binder. And their composition and distribution within the composite electrode determine the electrochemical activity in the electrochemical systems. However, it is not easy to quantify the physical properties of composite electrodes themselves using conventional experimental analysis tools. So, 3D structural modeling and simulation can be an efficient design tool by looking into the contact areas between particles and electric conductivity within the composite electrode. In this study, while maintaining the composition (LiCoO₂ : Super P Li^® : Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVdF) = 93 : 3 : 4 by wt%) and loading level (13 mg cm^-2) of the composite electrode, the effects of LiCoO₂ size (10 ㎛ and 20 ㎛) and electrode density (2.8 g cm^-3, 3.0 g cm^-3, 3.2 g cm^-3, 3.5 g cm^-3, 4.0 g cm^-3) on the physical properties are investigated using a GeoDict software. With this tool, the composite electrode can be efficiently designed to optimize the contact area and electric conductivity.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.587-601
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• 2010

This review attempted to overview characteristics of nanocellulose from various sources, its isolation methods, and properties of nanocellulose-based nanocomposites. Currently, nanocelluloses could be obtained from a variety of cellulose sources, including wood pulp, tunicate, bacterial cellulose etc., and are isolated by various ways such as chemical, physical, or biological methods. The length and width of nanocellulose is in the range of 100~300 nm long and 5~50 nm wide although characteristics of nanocellulose shows a wide variability, depending on sources and isolation method. Nanocellulose is also being used as a reinforcement in the nanocomposites via various methods. Many water soluble polymers were reinforced by the incorporation of nanocellulose, which significantly improves tensile and storage moduli of the nanocomposites. In order to be used for hydrophobic polymers, the surface of nanocellulose was modified. Even though there is a significant progress in the utilization of nanocellulose as a reinforcement of polymers, further research is required to find a niche market of nanocellulose-reinforced nanocomposites. In addition, isolation methods of producing the nanocellulose in a large quantity for commercial applications should be developed to extend the application of nanocellulose-based bio-nanocomposites in future.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2020

The Asan Bay, which has semi-diurnal tide with macro-tidal range, is affected by both freshwater discharge from the sluice gates in the sea dikes and tidal seawater inputs from the Yellow sea. Understanding water quality change in response to tides is important since tides can impact the short-term variations in physical and chemical water properties as well as the response of biological properties. The diel variations in water quality were seasonally investigated at 2 hour intervals from a fixed station in the Asan Bay. In the results, water temperature and salinity consistently fluctuated in phase or out of phase with tidal height. Especially salinity was positively correlated with tidal height. The concentrations of total suspended solids were higher in the bottom water than in the surface and fluctuated greatly over the tidal cycle recording higher values at low tide than at high tide. Nitrite+nitrate levels also fluctuated out of phase with tidal height and correlated negatively with tidal height. Other nutrients also showed a similar pattern. The pattern was distinct in July when freshwater was discharged before the field sampling. The concentrations of organic materials, total nitrogen and total phosphorus greatly fluctuated over the tidal cycle and were generally out of phase with tidal height. Most materials except particulate organic forms were correlated with salinity indicating that freshwater inputs were sources for the materials similarly to the dissolved inorganic nutrients. The results suggest that water quality (except dissolved oxygen and pH) and nutrients including organic materials was largely affected by tides in the Asan Bay.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.209-222
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• 2024

The Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is widely used for underground tunnel construction for its advantages, such as eliminating the need for additional facilities compared to the slurry shield TBM, which requires Slurry Treatment Plant (STP). During EPB shield TBM excavation, a soil conditioning technique is employed to enhance the physical properties of the excavated soil by injecting additives, thus broadening the range of applicable ground conditions to EPB shield TBMs. This study explored the use of xanthan gum, a type of biopolymer, as an alternative to the commonly used polymer additive. Biopolymers, derived from biological sources, are fully biodegradable. In contrast to traditional polymers such as polyacrylic acid, which contain environmentally harmful components, xanthan gum is gaining attention as an eco-friendly material due to its minimal toxicity and environmental impact. Test conditions with similar workability were established through slump tests, and the rheological characteristics were assessed using a laboratory pressurized vane shear test apparatus. The experiments demonstrated that, despite exhibiting similar workability, the peak strength in the flow curve decreased with increasing the content of xanthan gum. Consequently, a correlation between the xanthan gum content and peak strength was established. Replacing the traditional polymers with xanthan gum could enable stable EPB shield TBM operation by reducing equipment load, in addition to offering environmental benefits.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2007

Statement of problem: Recently, anodic oxidation of cp-titanium is a popular method for treatment of titanium implant surfaces. It is a relatively easy process, and the thickness, structure, composition, and the microstructure of the oxide layer can be variably modified. Moreover the biological properties of the oxide layer can be controlled. Purpose: In this study, the roughness, microstructure, crystal structure of the variously treated groups (current, voltage, frequency, electrolyte, thermal treatment) were evaluated. And the specimens were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) to evaluate the effects of the surface characteristics and the oxide layers on the bioactivity of the specimens which were directly related to bone formation and integration. Materials and methods: Surface treatments consisted of either anodization or anodization followed thermal treatment. Specimens were divided into seven groups, depending on their anodizing treatment conditions: constant current mode (350V for group 2), constant voltage mode (155V for group 3), 60 Hz pulse series (230V for group 4, 300V for group 5), and 1000 Hz pulse series (400V for group 6, 460V for group 7). Non-treated native surfaces were used as controls (group 1). In addition, for the purpose of evaluating the effects of thermal treatment, each group was heat treated by elevating the temperature by $5^{\circ}C$ per minute until $600^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour, and then bench cured. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM), porous oxide layers were observed on treated surfaces. The crystal structures and phases of titania were identified by thin-film x-ray diffractmeter (TF-XRD). Atomic force microscope (AFM) was used for roughness measurement (Sa, Sq). To evaluate bioactivity of modified titanium surfaces, each group was soaked in SBF for 168 hours (1 week), and then changed surface characteristics were analyzed by SEM and TF-XRD. Results: On basis of our findings, we concluded the following results. 1. Most groups showed morphologically porous structures. Except group 2, all groups showed fine to coarse convex structures, and the groups with superior quantity of oxide products showed superior morphology. 2. As a result of combined anodization and thermal treatment, there were no effects on composition of crystalline structure. But, heat treatment influenced the quantity of formation of the oxide products (rutile / anatase). 3. Roughness decreased in the order of groups 7,5,2,3,6,4,1 and there was statistical difference between group 7 and the others (p<0.05), but group 7 did not show any bioactivity within a week. 4. In groups that implanted ions (Ca/P) on the oxide layer through current and voltage control, showed superior morphology, and oxide products, but did not express any bioactivity within a week. 5. In group 3, the oxide layer was uniformly organized with rutile, with almost no titanium peak. And there were abnormally more [101] orientations of rutile crystalline structure, and bonelike apatite formation could be seen around these crystalline structures. Conclusion: As a result of control of various factors in anodization (current, voltage, frequency, electrolytes, thermal treatment), the surface morphology, micro-porosity, the 2nd phase formation, crystalline structure, thickness of the oxide layer could be modified. And even more, the bioactivity of the specimens in vitro could be induced. Thus anodic oxidation can be considered as an excellent surface treatment method that will able to not only control the physical properties but enhance the biological characteristics of the oxide layer. Furthermore, it is recommended in near future animal research to prove these results.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.437-446
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• 2012

As a part of establishing suitability classification for forage production, use of the national soil and climate database was attempted for Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., IRG) in Gangwon Province. The soil data base were from Heugtoram of the National Academy of Agricultural Science, and the climate data base were from the National Center for Agro-Meteorology, respectively. Soil physical properties including soil texture, drainage, slope available depth and surface rock contents, and soil chemical properties including soil acidity and salinity, organic matter content were selected as soil factors. The crieria and weighting factors of these elements were scored. Climate factors including average daily minimum temperature, average temperature from March to May, the number of days of which average temperature was higher than $5^{\circ}C$ from September to December, the number of days of precipitation and its amount from October to May of the following year were selected, and criteria and weighting factors were scored. The electronic maps were developed with these scores using the national data base of soil and climate. Based on soil scores, the area of Goseong, Sogcho, Gangreung, and Samcheog in east coastal region with gentle slope were classified as the possible and/or the proper area for IRG cultivation in Gangwon Province. The lands with gentle or moderate slope of Cheolwon, Yanggu, Chuncheon, Hweongseong, Pyungchang and Jeongsun in west side slope of Taebaeg mountains were classified as the possible and/or proper area as well. Based on climate score, the east coastal area of Goseong, Sogcho, Yangyang, Gangreung and Samcheog could be classified as the possible or proper area. Most area located on west side of the Taebaeg mountains were classified as not suitable for IRG production. In scattered area in Chuncheon and Weonju, where the scores exceeded 60, the IRG cultivation should be carefully managed for good production. For better application of electronic maps.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.6-11
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• 2013

Objectives There are only a limited number of studies on instruments assessing fatigue in university students, although fatigue exerts negative influences on their health and academic performances and fatigue-related complaints are more frequently reported in young adults than middle-aged adults. The aim of this study was to validate the 9-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) among university students including both undergraduate and graduate students in South Korea. Methods A total of 176 university students completed a battery of self-report questionnaires, including the FSS, the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 2 (MOS-SF36v2), and the Inclusion of Community in the Self Scale (ICS). The data were collected from February of 2012 to June of 2012. The reliability, convergent validity, divergent validity, and exploratory factor analyses were conducted to assess psychometric properties of the FSS. Results The mean FSS score was 3.20 (standard deviation = 1.43). The FSS demonstrated an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ = 0.93) and item-total correlations ranged from 0.56 to 0.90. Correlations of the FSS with the BFI (r = 0.71, p < 0.01), BDI-II (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), BAI (r = 0.46, p < 0.01), MOS-SF36v2 physical component summary (r = -0.28, p < 0.01), MOS-SF36v2 mental component summary (r = -0.55, p < 0.01), and ICS (Spearman's rho = -0.07, p = 0.33) showed acceptable convergent and divergent validity. Exploratory factor analysis defined one underlying factor (eigenvalue = 5.67) that explained 93.50% of the total variance. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate reliability and validity of the FSS in university students. The FSS exhibits good psychometric properties for evaluation of fatigue among university students in South Korea. Since the FSS is easy to administer, score, and interpret, it could be a useful tool in research and practice for assessing fatigue among university students.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.242-256
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• 1997

The physico-chemical properties and possible biological functionalities of commercially available persimmon vinegars were studied by measuring the specific gravity, turbidity, color, pH, total acidity, reducing sugars, alcohols, total nitrogen content, composition of organic acids and amino acids, soluble pectin, soluble tannin, ascorbic acid, acetoinic compounds, electron donating ability and nitrite scavenging ability. Persimmon vinegars had low specific gravity(1.005-1.0200) and lightness(40.03-54.95), but high turbidity (0.12-1.311, absorptivity at 660 nm), redness(1.65--0.64) and yellowness(4.54-8.14) compared to the other fruit vinegars reported. These physical property values of the individiual product differed greatly. The tested persimmon vinegars contained relatively large amount of reducing sugars(0.45-0.84%, w/v), alcohol(0.16-3.18%, w/v) and total nitrogen(30-60mg%, w/v). The pH values (average 3.70) of products were relatively high and the total acidities(average 3.04%, w/v) of the tested persimmon vinegars were lower than that($TA{\geq}4.0%$) specified by the Korean standard for fruit vinegar. The major organic acids identified in the tested products were acetic acid(17.6-72.9%) and lactic acid(25.1-74.1%). The acetic acid contents in the 5 products out of the 7 tested persimmon vinegars were lower than lactic acid content. The level of free amino acids of the persimmon vinegars were relatively high in arginine, methionine and threonine. Persimmon vinegars contained relatively large amount of soluble pectin(91.8-232.8mg%, w/v), soluble tannin(49.0-161.7mg%, w/v) and ascorbic acid(12.8-29.6mg%, w/v). The persimmon vinegars were high in 2,3-butanediol (average 166.90ppm) and acetoin(average 111.43ppm). The persimmon vinegars showed strong electron donating ability and nitrite scavenging ability.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.78-99
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• 2020

The Buddha triad and 16 Arhat statues carved on the rock surface at Seongbulsa temple is the only domestic remaining example of all 16 Arhats, so its academic value is very high. However, it is severely damaged and so required a stability evaluation through study of digital documentation and precise diagnosis for the purpose of comprehensive conservation. This process established that the Buddha statues were of similar scale, while the Arhats showed a wide variety of sizes, and the two kith and kin in the volume were larger than the Arhats. It was estimated that the statues of food for Buddha are similar to the Arhat statues, and most of the statues are well-formed. The rock used to carve the Buddha statues is banded gneiss with distinct foliation, alternating between white bands of quartz and feldspar and black bands composed of biotite. The Buddha statues have been damaged by physical weathering, discoloration, and biological contamination. In damage evaluations, joint (3.6 crack index), peeling (5.2%), exfoliation (1.7%), and falling off (0.1%) were observed on the rock surface of the Buddha statues. In particular, due to severe biological weathering, stage 9 and 10 biological coverage of the rock surface accounted for 57.5% of the total area, and stages 5 to 8 also accounted for a high share at 22.3%. The discoloration factors were shown to be dark brown and white with Fe, Ca, and S, and a large amount of C detected in the blackened contaminants, and the damage weight high in all areas. Discontinuities in different directions were identified in the rock surface. Analysis of potential rock failure types indicated that there is a possibility of plane and toppling failure, but wedge failure is unlikely to occur. The mean ultrasonic velocity of the main rock surface was 2,463m/sec, the lower part of the left side with a large number of joints was relatively low, and the highly weathered (HW) type to the completely weathered (CW) type concentrated distribution, showing weak properties. For the Buddha statues, conservation treatment is required for about 14.9% of micro cracks and 58.9% of exfoliation cracks. In addition, in order to improve the conservation environment of the Buddha statues, maintenance of drainage and ground preparations for the rock surface gradient and plants are necessary, and protection facilities should be reviewed for long-term conservation and management purposes.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.227-235
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• 2009

Many of the protective functions of saliva can be attributed to the biological, physical, structural, and rheological characteristics of salivary glycoproteins. Therefore, the development of ideal saliva substitutes requires understanding of the rheological as well as biological properties of human saliva. In the present study, we investigated the changes of salivary enzymatic activities by saliva substitutes and compared viscosity of saliva substitutes with human saliva. Five kinds of saliva substitutes such as Moi-Stir, Stoppers4, MouthKote, Saliva Orthana, and SNU were used. Lysozyme activity was determined by the turbidimetric method. Peroxidase activity was determined with an NbsSCN assay. $\alpha$-Amylase activity was determined using a chromogenic substrate, 2-chloro-p-nitrophenol linked with maltotriose. The pH values of saliva substitutes were measured and their viscosity values were measured with a cone-and-plate digital viscometer at six different shear rates. Various types of saliva substitutes affected the activities of salivary enzymes in different ways. Stoppers4 enhanced the enzymatic activities of hen egg-white lysozyme, bovine lactoperoxidase (bLP), and $\alpha$-amylase. Saliva Orthana and SNU inhibited bLP activity and enhanced $\alpha$-amylase activity. MouthKote inhibited $\alpha$-amylase activity. Moi-Stir inhibited the enzymatic activities of bLP and $\alpha$-amylase. The pH values were very different according to the types of saliva substitutes. Stoppers4, MouthKote, and Saliva Orthana showed lower values of viscosity at low shear rates and higher values of viscosity at high shear rates compared with unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. Moi-Stir and SNU displayed much higher values of viscosity than those of natural whole saliva. Collectively, our results indicate that each saliva substitute has its own biological and rheological characteristics. Each saliva substitute affects the enzymatic activity of salivary enzyme and finally oral health in different ways.