• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.315-325
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• 2022

Reinforced concrete structures are exposed throughout their lifetime to the phenomenon of carbonation, which considerably influences their durability by causing corrosion of the reinforcements. The fight against this phenomenon is usually ensured by anti-carbonation coatings which have the possibility of limiting the permeability to carbon dioxide or with coatings which absorb the CO₂ present in the air. A coating with good crack-bridging (sealing) capacity will prevent water from entering through existing cracks in concrete. Despite the beneficial effect of these coatings, their durability decreases considerably over time with temperature and humidity. In order to use coatings made from local materials, not presenting any danger, available in abundance in our country, very economical and easy to operate is the main objective of this work. This paper aim is to contribute to the formulation of a corrected dune sand-based mortar as an anti-carbonation coating for concrete. The results obtained show that the cement mortar based on dune sand formulated has a very satisfactory compressive strength, a very low water porosity compared to ordinary cement mortar and that this mortar allows an improvement in the protection of the concrete against the carbonation of 60% compared to ordinary cement mortar based on alluvial sand. Moreover, the formulated cement mortars based on dune sand have good adhesion to the concrete support, their adhesion strengths are greater than 1.5MPa recommended by the standards.

• Composites Research
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.23-28
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• 2006

Carbon nanotubes reinforced copper matrix laminated nanocomposites were developed and the mechanical properties were evaluated by using micro-tensile testing system. Sandwich-type laminated structure constituted with carbon nanotube layers as a reinforcement and electroplated copper matrix were fabricated by a new processing approach based on selective dip-coating of carbon nanotubes. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites were improved due to an enhanced load sharing capacity of carbon nanotubes homogeneously distributed within the in-plane direction, as well as a bridging effect of carbon nanotubes along the out-of-plane direction between the upper and lower matrices. The universality of the layering approach is applicable to a wide range of functional materials, and here we demonstrate its potential use in reinforcing composite materials.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.433-442
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• 2023

This study presents the visually observed behavior of fibers embedded in concrete samples that were subjected to a flexural bending test. Three types of fibers such as macro polypropylene, macro polyethylene, and the hybrid of steel and polyvinyl alcohol were mixed with cement by a designated mix ratio to prepare a total of nine specimens of each. The bending test was conducted by following ASTM C1609 with a net deflection of 2, 4, and 7 mm. The X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was carried out for 7 mm-deflection specimens. The original XCT images were post-processed to denoise the beam-hardening effect. Then, fiber, crack, and void were semi-manually segmented. The hybrid specimen showed the highest toughness compared to the other two types. Debonding based on 2D XCT sliced images was commonly observed for all three groups. The cement matrix near the crack surface often involved partially localized breakage in conjunction with debonding. The pullout was predominant for steel fibers that were partially slipped toward the crack. Crack bridging and rupture were not found presumably due to the image resolution and the level of energy dissipation for poly-fibers, while the XCT imaging was advantageous in evaluating the distribution and behavior of various fibers upon bending for fiber-reinforced concrete beam elements.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.467-484
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• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.52-64
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• 2021

The effect of Fe and BO₃ doping on structure, thermal, and electrical properties of Li_1+xFe_xTi_2-x(PO₄)_3-y(BO₃)_y (x = 0.2, 0.5)-based glass and glass ceramics was investigated. In addition, their crystallization behavior during sintering and ionic conductivity were also investigated in terms of sintering temperature. FT-IR and XPS results indicated that Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions in Li_1+xFe_xTi_2-x(PO₄)_3-y(BO₃)_y glass worked as a network modifier (FeO₆ octahedra) and also as a network former (FeO₄ tetrahedra). In the case of the glass with low substitution of BO₃, boron formed (PB)O₄ network structure, while boron preferred BO₃ triangles or B₃O₃ boroxol rings with increasing the BO₃ content owing to boic oxide anomaly, which can result in an increased non-bridging oxygen. The glass transition temperature (GTT) and crystallization temperature (CT) was lowered as the BO₃ substitution was increased, while Fe²⁺ lowered the GTT and raised the CT. The ionic conductivity of Li_1+xFe_xTi_2-x(PO₄)_3-y(BO₃)_y glass ceramics were 8.85×10^-4 and 1.38×10^-4S/cm for x = 0.2 and 0.5, respectively. The oxidation state of doped Fe and boric oxide anomaly were due to the enhanced lithium ion conductivity of glass ceramics.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects on abdominal muscle thickness and breathing by applying trunk strength exercise and deep stabilization exercise along with breathing exercise, which is the main respiratory muscle during breathing, to present an efficient exercise method with diaphragm breathing. Methods : This study was performed on normal 6 females and 14 males subjects. They were divided into 2 groups which trunk strength exercise and deep stabilization exercise group. The trunk strength exercise group (TSE) attended prone press-up, crunch and pelvic tiling. The deep stabilization exercise group (DSE) attended abdominal drawing, horizontal side-support and bridging exercise. Breathing exercise was performed for each set break time for 1 minute. Results : First, in the comparison of the change in the thickness of the abdominal muscle between the trunk strength training group and the deep stabilization group before and after exercise, there was a statistically significant difference in the comparison of transverse abdominis (TrA), rectus femoris (RF), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference in any comparison between groups (p>.05). Second, in the comparison of changes in respiratory function between the trunk strength exercise group and the deep stabilization exercise group before and after exercise, there were statistically significant differences in the exerted forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the comparison before and after the experiment (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference in any comparison between groups (p>.05). Conclusion : As a result of this study, it can be said that both trunk strength exercises and deep stabilization exercises along with diaphragm breathing are exercises that strengthen deep and superficial muscles, and have a positive effect on breathing function as well as muscle strength. However, it is not known which exercise was more effective, and because it was combined with breathing exercise, the interference effect appeared.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2005

This study was performed to investigate the effect of humic acid on the adsorption of arsenic onto hematite and its binding mechanism through the chemical speciation modeling in the binary system and the adsorption modeling in the ternary system. The complexation modeling of arsenic and humic acid was suitable for the binding model with the basis of the electrostatic repulsion and the effect of bridging metal. In comparison with the experimental adsorption data in the ternary system, the competitive adsorption model from the binary intrinsic equilibrium constants was consistent with the amount of arsenic adsorption. However, the additive rule showed the deviation of model in the opposite way of cationic heavy metals, because the reduced organic complexation of arsenic and the enhanced oxyanionic competition diminished the adsorption of arsenic. In terms of the reaction mechanism, the organic complex of arsenic, neutral As(III) and oxyanionic As(V) species were transported and adsorbed competitively to the hematite surface forming the inner-sphere complex in the presence of humic acid.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.595-605
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• 2000

Dental ceramics have good aesthetics, biocompatibility, low thermal conductivity, abrasion resistance, and color stability. However poor resistance to fracture and shrinkage during firing process have been limiting factors in their use, particularly in multiunit ceramic restorations. A new method for making all-ceramic crowns that have high strength and low processing shrinkage has been developed and is referred to as the Vita In-Ceram method. This study was performed to investigate the effect of $CeO_2$ addition in borosilicate glasses on the strength of alumina-glass composites. Porous alumina compacts were prepared by slip casting and sintered at $1,100^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours. Dense composites were made by infiltration of molten glass into partially sintered alumina at $1,140^{\circ}C$ for 4 hours. Specimens were polished sequentially from #800 to #2000 diamond disk. and the final surface finishing on the tensile side was received an additional polishing sequence through $1{\mu}m$ diamond paste. Biaxial flexure test was conducted by using ball-on-three-ball method at a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min. To examine the microstructural aspect of crack propagation in the alumina-glass composites, Vickers-produced indentation crack was made on the tensile surface at a load of 98.0 N and dwell time of 15 sec, and the radial crack patterns were examined by an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The results obtained were summarized as follows; 1. The porosity rates of partially sintered alumina decreased with the rising of firing temperature. 2. The maximum biaxial flexure strength of 423.5MPa in alumina-glass composites was obtained with an addition of 3 mol% $CeO_2$ in glass composition and strength values showed the aspect of decrease with the increase of $CeO_2$ content. 3 The biaxial flexure strength values of alumina-glass composites were decreased with rising the firing temperature. 4. Observation of the fracture surfaces of alumina-glass composites indicated that the enhancement of strength in alumina-glass composites was due to the frictional or geometrical inter-locking of rough fracture surfaces and ligamentary bridging by intact islands of materials left behind the fracture front.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.71-81
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• 2018

Purpose - Our research aims to investigate the mediating effect of employee creativity on the relationship between intrinsic motivation and job performance using relationship using Chinese department salespeople samples. Another objective of this study is to be clear boundary conditions that strengthen or weaken the effects of intrinsic motivation on work outcomes (i.e., employee creativity and job performance). Drawing on JD-R theory, we suggest that the two types of coworker support play differential moderating roles in the intrinsic motivation, employee creativity relationship by increasing or decreasing job resources and demands in different ways. Research design, data, and methodology - This empirical study data were collected from gathered from a sample of full time salespeople in China. A total of 550 questionnaires were distributed and 300 responses were collected, indicating a response rate of 84.0%. Working with a sample of 300 salespeople working in a department store in China. SPSS 18.0, Process 2.16 Macro, and M-Plus 8.0 software were used in the data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the distribution of the employee profiles and correlations between variables. M-Plus 8.0 software was used to test the model fit, validity and reliability of the variables. Finally, all research hypotheses was estimated by SPSS Macro 2.16. Results - To test our research hypotheses, we employed an analytical strategy suggested by Hayes (2013; 2015) and Shrout and Bolger (2002). In this study, we tested the relationship between intrinsic motivation and job performance throughout employee creativity. Results showed intrinsic motivation and job performance was partially mediated by employee creativity. The positive relationship between intrinsic motivation and employee creativity when coworker emotional support was high than when it was low. In contrast, the positive association between intrinsic motivation and employee creativity was stronger when coworker instrumental support was low than when it was high. Coworker emotional and instrumental support further moderated the indirect effect of intrinsic motivation on job performance through employee creativity. Conclusions - This study extends the conceptual model and empirical researches in coworker supports literature by representing a fundamental mechanism of how salespeople's intrinsic motivation and job performance throughout employee creativity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.569-576
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• 2007

Four hundred and fifty tilapias ($6.77{\pm}0.23$ g) were assigned randomly to six groups to evaluate the feasibility of the tested antibacterial peptides (ABPs) and oligosaccharides as substitutes for antibiotics. The control group was fed with a commercial tilapia diet; other five groups were fed with the same commercial diet supplemented with konjac glucomannan (KGLM), cluster bean galactomannan (CBGAM), and three animal intestinal ABPs derived from chicken, pig and rabbit at 100 mg/kg respectively. After 21 days of feeding, growth, disease resistance, and in vivo anti-adherence were determined. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of tested agents on adhesion of Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria (A.vbs) strain BJCP-5 to tilapia enteric epithelia in vitro was assessed by cell-ELISA system. As a result, the tested agents supplemented at 100 mg/kg show significant benefit to tilapia growth and disease resistance (p<0.05), and the benefit may be correlated with their interfering in the contact of bacteria with host mucosal surface. Although none of the tested agents did inhibit the growth of BJCP-5 in tryptic soy broth at $100{\mu}g/ml$, all of them did inhibit the adhesion of A.vbs to tilapia enteric epithelia in vivo and in vitro. In vitro mimic assays show that three ABPs at low concentrations of $25{\mu}g/ml$ and $2.5{\mu}g/ml$ have the reciprocal dose-dependent anti-adherence effect. The inhibition of ABPs may be correlated with a cation bridging and/or receptor-ligand binding, but not with hydrophobicity. The KGLM and CBGAM inhibited the adherence of BJCP-5 to tilapia enteric epithelia with dose-dependent manner in vitro, and this may be through altering bacterial hydrophobicity and interfering with receptor-ligand binding. Our results indicate that the anti-adherence of the tested ABPs and oligosaccharides may be one of the mechanisms in promoting tilapia growth and resistance to A.vbs.