• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.173-187
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• 2021

In the present research, a simple electrochemical sensor based on a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with ZnO-Zn₂SnO₄-SnO₂ and graphene (ZnO-Zn₂SnO₄-SnO₂/Gr/CPE) was developed for the direct, simultaneous and individual electrochemical measurement of Acetaminophen (AC), Caffeine (Caf) and Ascorbic acid (AA). The synthesized nano-materials were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were applied for electrochemical investigation ZnO-Zn₂SnO₄-SnO₂/Gr/CPE, and the impact of scan rate and the concentration of H⁺ on the electrode's responses were investigated. The voltammograms showed a linear relationship between the response of the electrode for individual oxidation of AA, AC and, Caf in the range of 0.021-120, 0.018-85.3, and 0.02-97.51 μM with the detection limit of 8.94, 6.66 and 7.09 nM (S/N = 3), respectively. Also, the amperometric technique was applied for the measuring of the target molecules in the range of 0.013-16, 0.008-12 and, 0.01-14 μM for AA, AC and, Caf with the detection limit of 6.28, 3.64 and 3.85 nM, respectively. Besides, the ZnO-Zn₂SnO₄-SnO₂/Gr/CPE shows an excellent selectivity, stability, repeatability, and reproducibility for the determination of AA, AC and, Caf. Finally, the proposed sensor was successfully used to show the amount of AA, AC and, Caf in urine, blood serum samples with recoveries ranging between 95.8% and 104.06%.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.515-527
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• 2022

The application of fibers in concrete obviously enhances the properties of concrete, also the application of natural fibers in concrete is raising due to the availability, low cost and environmentally friendly. Besides, predicting the mechanical properties of concrete in general and shear strength in particular is highly significant in concrete mixture with fiber nanocomposite reinforced concrete (FRC) in construction projects. Despite numerous studies in shear strength, determining this strength still needs more investigations. In this research, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) have been employed to determine the strength of reinforced concrete with fiber. 180 empirical data were gathered from reliable literature to develop the methods. Models were developed, validated and their statistical results were compared through the root mean squared error (RMSE), determination coefficient (R²), mean absolute error (MAE) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Comparing the RMSE of PSO (0.8859) and ANFIS (0.6047) have emphasized the significant role of structural parameters on the shear strength of concrete, also effective depth, web width, and a clear depth rate are essential parameters in modeling the shear capacity of FRC. Considering the accuracy of our models in determining the shear strength of FRC, the outcomes have shown that the R² values of PSO (0.7487) was better than ANFIS (2.4048). Thus, in this research, PSO has demonstrated better performance than ANFIS in predicting the shear strength of FRC in case of accuracy and the least error ratio. Thus, PSO could be applied as a proper tool to maximum accuracy predict the shear strength of FRC.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.52-57
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• 2023

This study is a basic research for the development of high performance flexible electrode material. To enhance its electrochemical property, CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were introduced and dispersed on surface of CNT fiber through electrochemical deposition method. The CNT fiber/CuO NPs electrode was fabricated and applied to electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensor. Surface morphology and elemental composition of the CNT fiber/CuO NPs electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). And its electrochemical characteristics were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. The CNT fiber/CuO NPs electrode exhibited the good sensing performance for glucose detection such as high sensitivity, wide linear range, low detection limit and good selectivity due to synergetic effect of CNT fiber and CuO NPs. Based on the unique property of CNT fiber, CuO NPs were provide large surface area, enhanced electrocatalytic activity, efficient electron transport property. Therefore, it is expected to develop high performance flexible electrode materials using various nanomaterials.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.87-93
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• 2023

Electrodialysis (ED) is essential in separating ions through an ion exchange membrane. The disposal of brine generated from seawater desalination is a primary environmental concern, and its recycling through membrane separation technology is highly efficient. Alkali is produced by several chemical industries such as leather, electroplating, dyeing, and smelting, etc. A high concentration of alkali in the waste needs treatment before releasing into the environment as it is highly corrosive and has a chemical oxygen demand (COD) value. The concentration of calcium and magnesium is almost double in brine and is the perfect candidate for carbon dioxide adsorption, a major environmental pollutant. Sodium hydroxide is essential for the metal carbonation process which, is easily produced by the bipolar membrane electrodialysis process. Various strategies are available for its recovery, like reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), ultrafiltration (UF), and ED. This review discusses the ED process by ion exchange membrane for alkali recovery are discussed.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.295-304
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• 2023

In this paper, a powerful photocatalyst based on carbon nanocomposite is developed in order to obtain a new material applicable in water treatment and especially for the discoloration of effluents used in the textile industry. For that, TiO₂-graphene nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized by a mixture of Functionalized Graphene Sheet (FGS) and tetrachlorotitanium complexes to form FGS-TiO₂ nanocomposite. In the presence of an anionic surfactant, we used a new chemical process to functionalize graphene sheets in order to make them an excellent medium for blocking and preventing the aggregation of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The components of these nanocomposites are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which confirms the successful formation of the FGS-TiO₂ nanocomposite. It was found that the TiO₂ nanoparticles were dispersed uniformly on the graphene plane which possesses better charge separation capability than pure TiO₂. The FGS-TiO₂ nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO₂ for the removal of three dyes: such as Methylene Blue (MB), Bromophenol Blue (BB) and Alizarin Red-S (AR) in water. The removal process was fast and more efficient with FGS-TiO₂ nanocomposite in daylight (in the absence of UV irradiation) compared to pure TiO₂ nanoparticles without and under UV in all pH range.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.215-226
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• 2024

This study presents an experimental investigation into the performance of self-sensing grout formulated with a high volume of ultra-fine fly ash(UHFA). To explore the potential benefits of alternative cementitious materials, the research examined the effect of substituting UHFA with equal parts of blast furnace slag(BFS) fine powder. Both UHFA and BFS are byproducts generated in significant quantities by industrial processes. The evaluation focused on the fresh properties of the grout, including its flow characteristics, as well as the hardened properties such as compressive strength, dimensional stability(length change rate), and electrical properties. The experimental results demonstrated that incorporating UHFA resulted in a substantial reduction in the plastic viscosity of the grout, translating to improved flowability. Additionally, the compressive strength of the UHFA-modified grout surpassed that of the reference grout(without UHFA substitution) at all curing ages investigated. Interestingly, the electrical characteristics, as indicated by the relationships between FCR-stress and FCR-strain, exhibited similar trends for both grout mixtures.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.175-183
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• 2024

Geopolymer, also known as alkali aluminum silicate, is used as a substitute for Portland cement, and it is also used as a binder because of its good adhesive properties and heat resistance. Since Davidovits developed Geopolymer matrix composites (GMCs) based on the binder properties of geopolymer, they have been utilized as flame exhaust ducts and aircraft fire protection materials. Geopolymer structures are formed through hydrolysis and dehydration reactions, and their physical properties can be influenced by reaction conditions such as concentration, reaction time, and temperature. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of silica size and aging time on the mechanical properties of composites. Commercial water glass and kaolin were used to synthesize geopolymers, and two types of silica powder were added to increase the silicon content. Using carbon fiber mats, a fiber-reinforced composite material was fabricated using the hand lay-up method. Spectroscopy was used to confirm polymerization, aging effects, and heat treatment, and composite materials were used to measure flexural strength. As a result, it was confirmed that the longer time aging and use of nano-sized silica particles were helpful in improving the mechanical properties of the geopolymer matrix composite.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.567-579
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• 2004

To investigate the spatial distribution and community structure of heterotrophic protists, we collected water samples at 23 stations of central Barents Sea in August, 2003. This study area was divided into three area with physico-chemical and chi-a distribution characteristics: Area I of warm Atlantic water mass, Area III of cold Arctic water mass and Area II of mixed water mass. Chl-a concentration ranged from 0.18 to $1.04{\mu}g\;l^{-1}$ and was highest in Area I. The nano-sized chi-a accounted fur more than 80% of the total chi-a biomass in this study area. The contribution of nano-sized chi-a to total chi-a was higher in Area I than in Area II. Communities of heterotrophic protists were classified into three groups such as heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), ciliates and heterotrophic dinoflagellates (HDF). During the study periods, carbon biomass of heterotrophic protists range from 11.3 to $38.7{\mu}gC\;l^{-1}$ (average $21.0{\mu}gC\;l^{-1}$), and were highest in Area I and were lowest in Area III. The biomass of ciliates ranged from 4.2 to $19.3{\mu}gC\;l^{-1}$ and contributed 31.5-66.9% (average 48.1%) to the biomass of heterotrophic protists. Ciliates to heterotrophic protists biomass accounted fur more than 50% in Area I. Heterotrophic dinoflagellates biomass ranged from 5.7 to $18.4{\mu}gC\;l^{-1}$ and contributed 27.1 to 56.3% (average 42.8%) of heterotrophic protists. Heterotrophic dinoflakellates to heterotrophic protists biomass accounted fur about 50% in Area III. Heterotrophic nanoflageltate biomass ranged from 0.5 to $3.4{\mu}gC\;l^{-1}$ and contributed 3.2 to 19.6% (average 9.2%) of heterotrophic protists. Heterotrophic nanoflagellates to heterotrophic protists biomass accounted fur more than 10% in Area III. These results indicate that the relative importance and structure of heterotrophic protists may vary according to water mass. Heterotrophic protists and phytoplankton biomass showed strong positive correlation in the study area The results suggest that heterotrophic protists are important consumers of phytoplankton, and protists might play a pivotal role in organic carbon cycling In the pelagic ecosystem of this study area during the study period.

• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.449-469
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• 2011

This article reviews the papers published in the Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineering during 2010. It is intended to understand the status of current research in the areas of heating, cooling, ventilation, sanitation, and indoor environments of buildings and plant facilities. Conclusions are as follows. (1) Research trends of thermal and fluid engineering have been surveyed as groups of general thermal and fluid flow, fluid machinery, and new and renewable energy. Various topics were presented in the field of general thermal and fluid flow. Research issues mainly focused on the thermal reliability of axial fan and compressor in the field of fluid machinery. Studies on the design of ground source heat pump systems and solar chemical reactors were executed in the field of new and renewable energy. (2) Research works on heat transfer area have been reviewed in the categories of heat transfer characteristics and industrial heat exchangers. Researches on heat transfer characteristics included heat transfer in thermoelectric cooling/power generation systems, combined heat and power systems, carbon nano fluid with PVP, channel filled with metal foam and smoke ventilation in a rescue station of a railroad tunnel. Also the studies on flow boiling of R123/oil mixture in a plain tube bundle and R410A charge amount in an air cooled mini-channel condenser were reported. In the area of industrial heat exchangers, researches on plate heat exchanger, shell and tube heat exchanger, enthalpy exchanger, micro channel PCHE were performed. (2) Research works on heat transfer area have been reviewed in the categories of heat transfer characteristics and industrial heat exchangers. Researches on heat transfer characteristics included heat transfer in thermoelectric cooling/power generation systems, combined heat and power systems, carbon nano fluid with PVP, channel filled with metal foam and smoke ventilation in a rescue station of a railroad tunnel. Also the studies on flow boiling of R123/oil mixture in a plain tube bundle and R410A charge amount in an air cooled mini-channel condenser were reported. In the area of industrial heat exchangers, researches on plate heat exchanger, shell and tube heat exchanger, enthalpy exchanger, micro channel PCHE were performed. (3) Refrigeration systems with alternative refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, mixed refrigerants, and CO2 were studied. Performance improvement of refrigeration systems are tried applying various ideas of refrigerant subcooling, dual evaporator with hot gas bypass control and feedforward control. The hybrid solar systems combining the solar collection devices with absorption chillers or compression heat pumps are simulated and studied experimentally as well to improve the understanding and the feasibility for actual applications. (4) Research trend in the field of mechanical building facilities has been found to be mainly focused on field applications rather than performance improvements. Various studies on heating and cooling systems, HVAC facilities, indoor air environments and energy resources were carried to improve the maintenance and management of building service equipments. In the field of heating and cooling systems, papers on a transformer cooling system, a combined heat and power, a slab thermal storage and a heat pump were reported. In the field of HVAC facilities, papers on a cooling load, an ondol and a drying were presented. Also, studies on HVAC systems using unutilized indoor air environments and energy resources such as air curtains, bioviolence, cleanrooms, ventilation, district heating, landfill gas were studied. (5) In the field of architectural environment and energy, studies of various purposes were conducted such as indoor environment, building energy, renewable energy and green building. In particular, renewable energy and building energy-related researches have mainly been studied reflecting the global interest. In addition, many researches which related the domestic green building certification of school building were performed to improve the indoor environment of school.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

The greatest and major cost for cut rose production during winter seasons in Korea is cost of heating the greenhouse. A study was conducted on a cost-efficient heating system to reduce expenses of cut rose growers in times of high energy prices. An infrared heating system utilizing radiant energy has an obvious advantage over other heating methods in that the energy is first used to raise temperatures of plants and other objects and subsequently that of the atmosphere, resulting in faster reaching to desired plant temperatures at a reduced heating cost. In this study the heating effect and heating cost saving of a nano-carbon fiber infrared heating system (NCFIHS) installed in cut rose greenhouses in Gimhae, Gyeongnam Province were analyzed comparatively. In addition growth, quality, and vase life of 'Orange Fresh' roses grown in greenhouses heated by NCFIHS against those grown in greenhouses heated by so called an electrical heating system. In greenhouses with a NCFlHS with a set point air temperature of $20^{\circ}C$, plant temperature was maintained at $1{\sim}2^{\circ}C$ higher than the air temperature, and temperatures of growing bed surface and root zone were maintained at $17{\sim}19^{\circ}C$ throughout cold winter nights. The cost for heating in NCFIHS was about 25 and 51% of that of an electrical heating system and a hot water heating system heated by petroleum, respectively. Growth of roses harvested in greenhouses with a NCFIHS was similar to those grown in greenhouses with an electrical heating system. However, cut roses with more intense petal and leaf colors and a longer vase life (fresh weight and amount of water uptake) were harvested in greenhouses with a NCFIHS as compared to those harvested in greenhouses with an electrical heating system.