• 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.

• Clean Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2024

Nanoplastics (NP) exhibit distinct material properties compared to microplastics (MP), necessitating their separate recognition. Review of research outcomes and policy documents on NP reveals that most policy frameworks predominantly define MPs as solid synthetic polymer materials measuring 5 mm or less, but do not distinguish them from NP. However, recent revisions in regulations by the EU classify NPs as particles that range in size from 1 to 1,000 nm, as confirmed by some academic studies. Research on NPs often relies on experimental investigations centered around water systems, with a focus on high-concentration experimental conditions using spherical polystyrene-based NPs in behavior and impact studies. Notably, the environmental behavior characteristics of NP show differences in influence depending on the NP type, emphasizing the need for field simulation research. These challenges are mirrored in Korean society, so it is necessary to redefine NP to be distinct from MP in both research and policy. This study aimed to assess the current state of NP management globally and domestically and highlight policy considerations and issues in the existing response to NP. Upon comprehensive review, it becomes apparent that reaching an international agreement on MP faces methodological limitations, which could potentially burden efforts to precisely define NP size. Therefore, referencing the EU's recent regulatory revisions is crucial in domestic policy. Specific adjustments should commence from the MP concept through insights from the domestic industry, guidance from the academic community, and thorough discussions to ensure social acceptance.

• Journal of Advanced Technology Convergence
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.25-31
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• 2024

In recent industrialization and development due to information and communication technology, modern women in modern society are exposed to physical and mental health due to numerous stresses. Popular inflammations are attributable to a decrease in lactic acid bacteria, frequent antibiotic use, and a decrease in immunity. It is necessary to develop products that are helpful and reflected. The inner care gel currently introduced on the market can increase beneficial bacteria and maintain a healthy y-zone. The inner gel contains a hydrogel component. 90% is made up of water, and other components act as support for supporting water and are formed through crosslinking between polymer chains. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a hydroxyethyl ethylenetel of cellulose. The purpose of use is to act as a binder, an emulsion stabilizer, a viscosity enhancer (water-soluble), and a film forming agent. CA (crosslinker) is a crosslinking agent and serves to bind. Hydrogel in the beauty field acts as a film forming agent that gently wraps around the skin by forming a thin film and serves as an emulsion stabilizer that helps to prevent separation of other raw materials. It also acts as a thickener by increasing viscosity in cosmetics. In addition, it is used for glucose monitoring, nursing care, cell transplantation, and wound treatment in the bio field. Currently, it is understood that no products using functional hydrogel have been released, so in this study, a Y zone care hydrogel solution was manufactured to find out the antibacterial properties of the functional hydrogel, and a new solution was developed. As a result, it was confirmed that the appropriate Ph was applied to the Y zone, and after culturing Candida albicans in PDB medium, all three products of the Y zone care hydrogel solution showed an antibacterial effect of 0.5-1.0mm

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.209-214
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• 2024

Graphene oxide (GO), known for its high stiffness, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity, is being utilized as a reinforcement in nanocomposite materials. This study evaluates the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites incorporating GO and edge modified GO (E-GO), which has hydroxyl groups substituted only on its edges. GO/E-GO was uniformly dispersed in epoxy resin using ultrasonic dispersion, and mechanical properties were assessed through tensile testing. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles increased both tensile strength and toughness. The tensile strength of the epoxy without nanoparticles was 74.4 MPa, while the highest tensile strength of 90.7 MPa was observed with 0.3 wt% E-GO. Additionally, the modulus increased from 2.55 GPa to 3.53 GPa with the addition of nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surface revealed that the growth of cracks was impeded by the nanoparticles, preventing complete fracture and causing the cracks to split in multiple directions. E-GO, with surface treatment only on the edges, exhibited higher mechanical properties than GO due to its superior dispersion and surface treatment effects. These results highlight the importance of nanoparticle surface treatment in developing high-performance nanocomposite materials.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.684-689
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• 2012

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) microspheres is one of the widely-used polymeric materials for the bio-field application and the electric materials. For the synthesis of PAA microspheres, the polymerization technique using surfactants is applied. After the synthesis, the purification and separation processes are required for the removal of surfactant. When general organic solvents were used, many problems, such as huge amount of waste solvent, additional separation processes, and the possibility of residual media, were occurred. Thus, High-pressure Soxhlet extraction using liquid $CO_2$ was developed to solve these problems. In this study, High-pressure Soxhlet extraction of the synthesized PAA microspheres using liquid $CO_2$ was conducted for the removal of Monasil PCA which is used for the dispersion polymerization of acrylic acid in compressed liquid Dimethyl ether (DME). The morphology of the extracted PAA particles was checked by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and the residual concentration of Monasil PCA was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). For studying the effect of the solvent effect, Soxhlet extraction was conducted using n-hexane, liquid DME, and liquid $CO_2$. In case of n-hexane, some extracted PAA microspheres were produced. However, deformation was also occurred due to the high thermal energy of n-hexane vapor. Liquid DME could not remove Monasil PCA. When using liquid $CO_2$, the extracted PAA microspheres which were free for the residual solvent were produced without deformation. For finding the optimum operating condition, high-pressure Soxhlet extraction was conducted for 8 hours with changing the temperature of reboiler and condenser. When the extractor temperature is $19.6{\pm}0.2^{\circ}C$ and the pressure is $51.5{\pm}0.5$ bar, the best removal efficiency was obtained.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.193-202
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was performed in order to assess the effect of the surface treatment methods and the use of bonding agent on the shear bond strength (SBS) between the aged CAD-CAM (computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing) hybrid materials and added composite resin. Materials and methods: LAVA Ultimate (LU) and VITA ENAMIC (VE) specimens were age treated by submerging in a $37^{\circ}C$ water bath filled with artificial saliva (Xerova solution) for 30 days. The surface was ground with #220 SiC paper then the specimens were divided into 9 groups according to the combination of the surface treatment (no treatment, grinding, air abrasion with aluminum oxide, HF acid) and bonding agents (no bonding, Adper Single Bond 2, Single Bond Universal). Each group had 10 specimens. Specimens were repaired (added) using composite resin (Filtek Z250), then all the specimens were stored for 7 days in room temperature distilled water. SBS was measured and the fractured surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). One-way ANOVA and Scheffe test were used for statistical analysis (${\alpha}=.05$). Results: Mostly groups with bonding agent treatment showed higher SBS than groups without bonding agent. Among the groups without bonding agent the groups with aluminum oxide treatment showed higher SBS. However there was no significant difference between groups except two subgroups within LU group, which revealed a significant increase of SBS when Single Bond Universal was used on the ground LU specimen. Conclusion: The use of bonding agent when repairing an aged LAVA Ultimate restoration is recommended.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2016.02a
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• pp.388-388
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• 2016

Chemical mist deposition (CMD) of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was investigated with cavitation frequency f, solvent, flow rate of nitrogen, substrate temperature $T_s$, and substrate dc bias $V_s$ as variables for efficient PEDOT:PSS/crystalline (c-)Si heterojunction solar cells (Fig. 1). The high-speed camera and differential mobility analysis characterizations revealed that average size and flux of PEDOT:PSS mist depend on f, solvent, and $V_s$. The size distribution of mist particles including EG/DI water cosolvent is also shown at three different $V_s$ of 0, 1.5, and 5 kV for a f of 3 MHz (Fig. 2). The size distribution of EG/DI water mist without PEDOT:PSS is also shown at the bottom. A peak maximum shifted from 300-350 to 20-30 nm with a narrow band width of ~150 nm for PEDOT:PSS solution, whose maximum number density increased significantly up to 8000/cc with increasing $V_s$. On the other hand, for EG/water cosolvent mist alone, the peak maximum was observed at a 72.3 nm with a number density of ~700/cc and a band width of ~160 nm and it decreased markedly with increasing $V_s$. These findings were not observed for PEDOT:PSS/EG/DI water mist. In addition, the Mie scattering image of PEDOT:PSS mist under white bias light was not observed at $V_s$ above 5 kV, because the average size of mist became smaller. These results imply that most of solvent is solvated in PEDOT:PSS molecule and/or solvent is vaporized. Thus, higher f and $V_s$ generate preferentially fine mist particle with a narrower band width. Film deposition occurred when $V_s$ was impressed on positive to a c-Si substrate at a Ts of $30-40^{\circ}C$, whereas no deposition of films occurred on negative, implying that negatively charged mist mainly provide the film deposition. The uniform deposition of PEDOT:PSS films occurred on textured c-Si(100) substrate by adjusting $T_s$ and $V_s$. The adhesion of CMD PEDOT:PSS to c-Si enhanced by $V_s$ conspicuously compared to that of spin-coated film. The CMD PEDOT:PSS/c-Si solar cell devices on textured c-Si(100) exhibited a ${\eta}$ of 11.0% with the better uniformity of the solar cell parameters. Furthermore, ${\eta}$ increased to 12.5% with a $J_{sc}$ of $35.6mA/cm^2$, a $V_{oc}$ of 0.53 V, and a FF of 0.67 with an antireflection (AR) coating layer of 20-nm-thick CMD molybdenum oxide $MoO_x$ (n= 2.1) using negatively charged mist of 0.1 wt% 12 Molybdo (VI) phosphoric acid n-Hydrate) $H_3(PMo_{12}O_40){\cdot}nH_2O$ in methanol. CMD. These findings suggest that the CMD with negatively charged mist has a great potential for the uniform deposition of organic and inorganic on textured c-Si substrate by adjusting $T_s$ and $V_s$.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.660-665
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• 1999

Structure of water soluble chitosan (WSC) was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometer and thermal analyser. The viscosity average molecular weight of WSC ranged from $3.0{\times}10^{4}$ to $4.5{\times}10^{4}$. Using the WSC having viscosity average molecular weight of $3.0{\times}10^{4}$, the antimicrobacterial effects against microorganism and oral microorganism showed 81.7% and 80.6% for Staphyloccus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, while the anitmicrobacterial effect exhibited 100% and 73.8% against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis, respectively. Therefore it is concluded that WSC is more effective against oral microorganism that microorganism in terms of antimicrobacterial effects. WSC sample with the viscosity average molecular weight of $4.5{\times}10^{4}$ exhibited a half of the antimicrobacterial effect of the low MW sample, indicating that the WSC with low MW was better than that with high MW. Chitin and chitosan showed a drastic decrease of acidity from pH 7.0 to 4.9 after 8 minute incubation time and reached an equilibrium after that. WSC, however, restrained pH of the sample from lowering up to about 16 minutes of incubation and reached an equilibrium after that. WSC obviously showed a buffering effect against pH change.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.398-408
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• 2015

Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication, arising from CO from an ignited charcoal briquette (ICB), is a popular means of committing suicide in Korea. Most CO intoxications are related to suicide attempts; however, the possibility of a homicide disguised as a suicide cannot be ruled out. Therefore, forensic investigation of the deceased and the crime scene is crucial to confirm that the deceased committed suicide. Detection of the components of an ICB on the objects suspected of being contacted by the deceased, such as the hands, nostrils, and doorknobs, is essential for linking the crime scene to the victim in the case of suicides by ignited ICBs. The traces from an ICB were analyzed by investigating the morphological characteristics and obtaining elemental compositions. The ICBs were completely different from blackened wood, as detected by discriminant analysis with the elements of carbon and oxygen. We analyzed one case of CO intoxication to demonstrate an excellent procedure for verifying whether a suicide occurred with an ICB. We employed SEM-EDX for the analysis of an ICB, microscope-FT/IR and pyrolysis-GC/MS for a partly burnt resin-type substance, GC/MS for diphenhydramine (a sleeping drug), and GC/TCD for the CO-Hb level. We detected traces of an ICB on the hands, nostrils, and doorknobs, which were all discriminated into an ICB group. Detection of ICB traces from the nostrils could indicate that the deceased started the fire themselves to commit suicide. The partially burnt black material was analyzed as an acrylronitrilestyrene polymer, which is normally used to make bags for carrying or wrapping and could be assumed to have been used to transport the ICB. Diphenhydramine, a sleeping drug, was detected at a level of 2.3 mg/L in the blood, which was lower than that in fatal cases (8-31 mg/L; mean 16 mg/L). A CO-Hb level of 79% was found in the blood, which means that the cause of death was CO intoxication. The steps shown here could represent an ideal method for reaching a verdict of suicide by CO intoxication produced by burning an ICB in a sealed room or a car.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 1991

An interstitial radiofrequency needle electrode system was constructed for interstitial heating of brain tissue. Radiofrequency electrodes with Thermotron RF 8 were tested in an agar phantom and in a normal canine brain to determine how variations in physical factors affected temperature distributions. Temperature distributions were checked after heating with 1 mm diameter needle electrode implants on the corners of 1 and 2 cm squares in a phantom and plot isotherms for various electrodes arrangement. We observed that the 1 cm square array would heat a volume with a 1.25 cm radius circular field cross section to therapeutic temperatures ($90\%$ relative SAR using Tm) and the 2 cm square array with a 1.75 cm radius rectangular field with central inhomogeneity. With 2 cm long electrode implants, we observed that the 1 cm square array would heat a 3 cm long sagittal section to therapeutic temperature ($90\%$ relative SAR using Tm). We found that radiofrequency electrodes could be selected to match the length of the heating area without affecting its performance. The histopathological changes associated with RF heating of normal canine brains have been correlated with thermal distributions. RF needle electrode heating was applied for 50min to generate tissue temperatures of $43^{\circ}C$. We obtained a quarter of the heated tissue material immediately after heating and sacrificed at intervals from $7\sim30$days. The acute stage (immediately after heating) was demonstrated by liquefactive necrosis, pyknosis of neuronal element in the gray matter and by some polymer-phonuclear leukocytes infiltration. The appearance of lipid-laden macrophages surrounding the area of liquefaction necrosis was demonstrated in all three sacrificed dogs. Mild gliosis occurring around the necrosis was demonstrated in the last sacrificed (Days 30) canine brain.