• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.115-123
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• 2012

As the market of lithium secondary batteries moves from mobile IT devices to large-format electric vehicles or energy storage systems, the strengthened battery specifications such as long-term reliability longer than 10 years, pack-level safety and tough competitive price have been required. Moreover, even though high power properties should also be achieved for hybrid electric vehicles, it is not easy to measure accurate power values at various conditions. Because it is difficult to choose a proper measurement method and its experimental condition is more complex comparing to capacity measurement. In addition, the power values are very sensitive to power duration time, state-of-charge (SOC) of cells, cut-off voltages, and temperatures, whereas capacity values are not. In this paper, we introduce three kinds of power measurement methods, hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC) suggested by US FreedomCar, so-called J-pulse by Japan electric vehicle association standards (JEVS) and constant power measurement, respectively. Moreover, with pouch-type unit cells for HEV, experimental power data are discussed in order to compare each power measurement.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2006

Yam has been recognized as healthy food due to its various biological activities, such as anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anticancer and immuno-stimulation activities, and its consumption has been increased during last decades. In this study, to investigate low-temperature, long-term storage of yam and to develop processed yam products, yam-putrefactive psychrotrophic bacteria were isolated from rotted yam and identified based on BBL identification system, fatty acid analysis in cell membrane and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The putrefaction activity of isolated thirteen bacteria was evaluated using yam-slices (NaOCl-treated, autoclaved yam and without treatment), and YAM-10 and YAM-12 were identified as major psychrotrophic putrefactive bacteria. Both YAM-10 (Pseudomonas cepacia) and YAM-12 (Pseudomonas rhodesiae) bacteria grew well at 4$\sim$12$^{\circ}C$ and showed strong activity of polymer degrading enzymes, especially amylase, carboxy methyl cellulase and xylanase, at 20$^{\circ}C$. But they failed to grow at acidic pH (<5) or alkaline pH (>10). Our results suggested that the control of psychrotrophic Pseudomonas sp. by pH change and inhibition of polymer degrading enzymes, such as amy-lase, are necessary to long-term storage of yam.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.595-610
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• 2016

This study investigates the parameters that affect the choice of Korean medical services, as well as the relationship between the cultural characteristics and the behavioral intention to use Korean medical services. The cultural characteristics of Chinese and Russian individuals have an impact on the national image and image of Korea's medical services, and that this affects their behavioral intention to use Korean medical services. Nevertheless, there were differences among the cultural characteristics, in terms of specific elements. Among Chinese individuals, the national image is affected by 'power distance', 'individualism-collectivism', and 'long-term orientation'; for Russians, it is affected by 'individualism-collectivism', 'power distance', 'uncertainty avoidance', and 'long-term orientation'. On the other hand, for Chinese, the image of Korean medical services is affected by 'power distance' and 'long-term orientation', while for Russians it is affected by 'power distance' and 'uncertainty avoidance'. These in turn influence their behavioral intention to use Korean medical services. As such, by recognizing these cultural properties, and by designing and offering suitable services with these in mind, Korean medical institutions can nurture among foreign visitors greater satisfaction and a desire to revisit.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.591-600
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• 2018

The probabilistic characterization of wind field characteristics is a significant task for fatigue reliability assessment of long-span railway bridges in wind-prone regions. In consideration of the effect of wind direction, the stochastic properties of wind field should be represented by a bivariate statistical model of wind speed and direction. This paper presents the construction of the bivariate model of wind speed and direction at the site of a railway arch bridge by use of the long-term structural health monitoring (SHM) data. The wind characteristics are derived by analyzing the real-time wind monitoring data, such as the mean wind speed and direction, turbulence intensity, turbulence integral scale, and power spectral density. A sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm-based finite mixture modeling method is proposed to formulate the joint distribution model of wind speed and direction. For the probability density function (PDF) of wind speed, a double-parameter Weibull distribution function is utilized, and a von Mises distribution function is applied to represent the PDF of wind direction. The SQP algorithm with multi-start points is used to estimate the parameters in the bivariate model, namely Weibull-von Mises mixture model. One-year wind monitoring data are selected to validate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling method. The optimal model is jointly evaluated by the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and coefficient of determination, $R^2$. The obtained results indicate that the proposed SQP algorithm-based finite mixture modeling method can effectively establish the bivariate model of wind speed and direction. The established bivariate model of wind speed and direction will facilitate the wind-induced fatigue reliability assessment of long-span bridges.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 2010

To understand the situation of water contamination with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in the northern region of Portugal, we have established a long-term program aimed at pinpointing the sources of surface water and environmental contamination, working with the water-supply industry. Here, we describe the results obtained with raw water samples collected in rivers of the 5 hydrographical basins. A total of 283 samples were analyzed using the Method 1623 EPA, USA. Genetic characterization was performed by PCR and sequencing of genes 18S rRNA of Cryptosporidium spp. and $\beta$-giardin of Giardia spp. Infectious stages of the protozoa were detected in 72.8% (206 of 283) of the water samples, with 15.2% (43 of 283) positive for Giardia duodenalis cysts, 9.5% (27 of 283) positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, and 48.1% (136 of 283) samples positive for both parasites. The most common zoonotic species found were G. duodenalis assemblages A-I, A-II, B, and E genotypes, and Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium hominis, and Cryptosporidium muris. These results suggest that cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are important public health issues in northern Portugal. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the concentration of environmental stages of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in raw water samples in the northern region of Portugal.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.147-154
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• 2003

Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites were isolated from the blood of an ocular patient, and have been successfully passaged in the laboratory, for over a year, by peritoneal inoculation in mice. The isolated parasite was designated the Korean Isolate-1 (KI-1) and its characteristics were compared with those of the RH strain, a well-known virulent strain originating from a child who suffered from encephalitis. The morphology, pathogenicity, infectivity and cell culture characteristics of the KI-1 were similar to those of the RH strain. Both RH and KI-1 antigens were detected by an anti-T gondii monoclonal antibody (mAb), Tg563, against the major surface protein SAG1 (30 kDa), whereas no reaction was observed against an anti-Neospora caninum mAb, 12B4. The KI-1 was confirmed as an isolate of T. gondii. A long-term laboratory maintenance and characterization of a local T gondii isolate is reported for the first time in the Republic of Korea.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.371-378
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• 2016

An aim of current study was to investigate the prevalence and the mechanism of quinolone-resistance in E. coli isolates obtained from chicken cecum in Korea. In addition, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was also performed for the molecular characterization of E. coli isolates. In an antimicrobial susceptibility test by the disk diffusion method, the 63.5% (54/85) of E. coli isolates showed the resistance to quinolone group of antimicrobial agents. All of the 54 E. coli isolates showing resistant to quinolone group had sense mutations in gyrA gene and point mutations at the $57^{th}$, $80^{th}$, or $84^{th}$ residues in parC gene were detected in 90.7% of the isolates. Interestingly, E. coli ST was closely related to amino acid substitutions in parE gene. Our results indicated that the long-term use of antimicrobial agents in food-producing animals was strongly associated with a prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in commensal Enterobacteriaceae, suggesting the need for continuous surveillance and monitoring of antimicrobial resistant determinants in bacterial isolates from food animals.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.151-159
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• 2015

PURPOSE. To describe and characterize the surface topography and cleanliness of CAD/CAM manufactured zirconia abutments after steaming and ultrasonic cleaning. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 12 ceramic CAD/CAM implant abutments of various manufacturers were produced and randomly divided into two groups of six samples each (control and test group). Four two-piece hybrid abutments and two one-piece abutments made of zirconium-dioxide were assessed per each group. In the control group, cleaning by steam was performed. The test group underwent an ultrasonic cleaning procedure with acetone, ethyl alcohol and antibacterial solution. Groups were subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to verify and characterize contaminant chemical characterization non- quantitatively. RESULTS. All zirconia CAD/CAM abutments in the present study displayed production-induced wear particles, debris as well as organic and inorganic contaminants. The abutments of the test group showed reduction of surface contamination after undergoing an ultrasonic cleaning procedure. However, an absolute removal of pollutants could not be achieved. CONCLUSION. The presence of debris on the transmucosal surface of CAD/CAM zirconia abutments of various manufacturers was confirmed. Within the limits of the study design, the results suggest that a defined ultrasonic cleaning process can be advantageously employed to reduce such debris, thus, supposedly enhancing soft tissue healing. Although the adverse long-term influence of abutment contamination on the biological stability of peri-implant tissues has been evidenced, a standardized and validated polishing and cleaning protocol still has to be implemented.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.73-89
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• 2014

PURPOSES : The objective of this study is to investigate the current state of the practice, examining the steps in the process recommended by various agencies and the Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA)-namely mix design, structural design, structural capacity evaluation, and material characterization-in order to better understand the implications of hot in-place recycling (HIR). METHODS : In addition, the current practice of state departments of transportation (DOTs) is here reviewed with the purpose of learning from successful past experiences so as to forestall any difficulties that may emerge under similar circumstances. Also, HIR benefits, including reduced costs, improved construction processes, and environmental friendliness are presented, as well as advantages and disadvantages of HIR application. RESULTS : Most of the United States highway system is now deteriorating so that rehabilitation or reconstruction techniques are required for the most distressed roads, taking into account ways to increase the effectiveness of existing budgets. Several options are available in rehabilitating distressed roads, and the choice among these depends on many factors, including pavement distress condition, funding, and design life. Among these techniques, Hot In-Place Recycling (HIR) has emerged as a cost-effective treatment for deteriorated pavements, and has been proven an effective long-term strategy for pavement rehabilitation.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.217-223
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• 2017

PURPOSE. This study investigated the effects of silver nanoparticle (SN) loading into hydraulic calcium silicate-based Portland cement on its mechanical, antibacterial behavior and biocompatibility as a novel dental bone substitute. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Chemically reduced colloidal SN were combined with Portland cement (PC) by the concentrations of 0 (control), 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt%. The physico-mechanical properties of silver-Portland cement nanocomposites (SPNC) were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), setting time, compressive strength, solubility, and silver ion elution. Antimicrobial properties of SPNC were tested by agar diffusion against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Cytotoxic evaluation for human gingival fibroblast (HGF) was performed by MTS assay. RESULTS. XRD certified that SN was successfully impregnated in PC. SPNC at above 3.0 wt% significantly reduced both initial and final setting times compared to control PC. No statistical differences of the compressive strength values were detected after SN loadings, and solubility rates of SPNC were below 3.0%, which are acceptable by ADA guidelines. Ag ion elutions from SPNC were confirmed with dose-dependence on the concentrations of SN added. SPNC of 5.0 wt% inhibited the growth of Streptococci, whereas no antimicrobial activity was shown in control PC. SPNC revealed no cytotoxic effects to HGF following ISO 10993 (cell viability > 70%). CONCLUSION. Addition of SN promoted the antibacterial activity and favored the bio-mechanical properties of PC; thus, SPNC could be a candidate for the futuristic dental biomaterial. For clinical warrant, further studies including the inhibitory mechanism, in vivo and long-term researches are still required.