• Advances in nano research
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.657-665
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• 2021

The present work aimed to explore green approach via aqueous leaves extract of Murraya koenigii (ALEMk) for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPsMk) in single step. The synthesis process was visualized with a color change and monitored by employing UV/Visible spectroscopy and a clear peak attained at 420 nm confirming the synthesis of AgNPsMk. The possible functional groups present in the extract which participated in the synthesis of AgNPsMk were identified with the help of FTIR spectroscopy. Further characterization using TEM images revealed the spherical shape of AgNPsMk with average particle size of 20 nm displaying well dispersion throughout the solution. Pronounced antioxidant activities of AgNPsMk at increased concentrations observed which evidencing strong radical scavenging ability. Moreover, AgNPsMk exhibited strong antibacterial behavior when tested against bacterial strains of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Moving ahead, in vitro cytotoxicity work revealed potent cell viability loss appearing in AU565 and HeLa cancer cell lines on exposure to AgNPsMk at increased concentration. Finally, in vivo assessment carried out inside male Wistar rats indicated non toxic effect on examined liver tissues besides biochemical analysis including bilirubin, alkaline phosphtase (ALP) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) which found within the normal range when compared with control. The prior research work profoundly apprises the potential of green synthesized AgNPsMk to play a significant role in biomedical applications and formulations.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.1049-1061
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• 2022

Neutron and gamma-ray shielding properties of Inconel 718 reinforced B₄C (0-25 wt%) were investigated using PSD software. Mean free path (MFP), linear and mass attenuation coefficients (LAC,MAC), tenth-value and half-value layers (TVL,HVL), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factors (EBF), and fast neutron removal cross-sections (FNRC) values were calculated for 0.015-15 MeV. It was found that MAC and LAC increased with the decrease in the content of B₄C compound by weight in Inconel 718. The EBFs were computed using G-P fitting method for 0.015-15 MeV up to the penetration depth of 40 mfp. HVL, TVL, and FNRC values were found to range between 0.018 cm and 3.6 cm, between 2.46 cm and 12.087 cm, and between 0.159 cm^-1 and 0.194 cm^-1, respectively. While Inconel 718 provides the maximum photon shielding property since it offered the highest values of MAC and Z_eff and the lowest value of HVL, Inconel 718 with B₄C(25 wt%) was observed to provide the best shielding material for neutron since it offered the highest FNRC value. The study is original in terms of several aspects; moreover, the results of the study may be used in nuclear technology, as well as other technologies including nano and space technologies.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

Aggressive environmental conditions, and especially the acidic effects of sulfate ion penetration, have reduced the lifetime of concrete structures in some areas, especially coastal and marine areas. In this research, at first, samples made of type II and V cement were kept in a solution of magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) for a period of 90 and 180 days, the change of appearance. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), were used to analyze the microstructure and the complex mineral composition of the concrete after exposure to corrosive environments. Then solving the differential equation governing the sulfate ion penetration, which is based on the second Fick law, it has been tried to determine the concentration of sulfate ions inside the concrete. In the following, an attempt has been made to improve the prediction of sulfate ion concentration in concrete by using Crank's penetration equation. At the same time, the coefficient in the Crank's solution have been optimized by using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO algorithm). The comparison between the results shows that the values obtained from Crank's relation are closer to the experimental results than the equation obtained from Fick's second law and shows a more accurate prediction.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.267-278
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• 2011

Objectives: A great number of hazardous agents can be emitted from various types of art-creation in a fine arts college, but little data on exposure assessment has been published. A variety of processes encompassing toxic or non-toxic materials, tools, and components are involved in a sculptor work at a fine art college. The aim of this study was to assess exposure levels to particulates and noise during sculpture classes in a college of fine arts. Methods: Students in sculpture classes participated in this study. Mass, number, and surface area concentrations of particulates, noise level, temperature and relative humidity were monitored by both personal and area sampling during the tasks of metal, wood, and stone sculpting. Results: The number and surface concentration of particulates was the highest in the task of wood sculpting, followed by metal and stone work. The mass concentration of particulates was the highest in stone sculpting (personal GM 3.0 mg/$m^3$, GSD 3.0), followed by wood (personal GM 1.5 mg/$m^3$, GSD 1.8) and metal work (personal GM 0.95 mg/$m^3$, GSD 1.51) in that order. Occupational exposure limits (OEL) for particulates depends on the type of particulate. For wood dust, 86% (six subjects) of the personal samples and all area samples exceeded the Korean OEL for wood dust (1 mg/$m^3$), while 20% (two subjects) among stone sculpting students were exposed above the Korean OEL (10 mg/$m^3$). In contrast, metal sculpting did not exceed the OEL (5 mg/$m^3$). For noise level, metal sculpting students (Leq 95.1 dB(A) in the morning, 85.3 dB(A) in the afternoon) were exposed the most, followed by stone sculpting (88.3 dB(A)), and wood sculpting (84.8 dB(A)) in that order. Compared with the 90 dB(A) of the Korean OEL and 85 dB(A) of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' threshold limit value (ACGIH-TLV) for noise, 100% of the subjects (five subjects) and area samples during metal sculpting in the morning session exceeded both OELs, but only three subjects (60%) exceeded the ACGIH-TLV in the afternoon session. For stone sculpting, 50% (one subject) and 100% (two subjects) exceeded the Korean OEL and ACGIH-TLV, respectively, but the area sample did not exceed either OEL. During wood sculpting, two subjects (40%) exceeded ACGIH TLV. Conclusions: This work evaluated the sculptors' exposure to particulate matter and noise in fine art college, and revealed a poor working environment for the participating students. Effective measures should be supplemented by the administration of colleges.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.864-873
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• 2018

There has been increasing attention and research in various nanoparticle applications. Nanoparticles have been used for a variety of purposes in different departments including but not limited to cosmetics, food, machinery, and chemical. A highly sought-after field to use nanoparticles, especially natural or artificial silver nanoparticles (SNPs), is the utilization of their significant antimicrobial properties in daily items such as fabrics, indoor air filters, and, water filtration units where abundant bacterial and fungal growth are inevitable. These applications of SNPs, however, have enabled continuous human exposure and hence paved the way for potential SNP toxicity depending on exposure method and particle size. This potential toxicity has led to researches on safer antimicrobial solutions to be utilized in textile and filtration. In this context, products of natural origin have gained expanding interest due to their eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biologically safe properties along their promising antibacterial and antifungal activities. Natural product-applied fabrics and filters have been shown to be comparable to those that are SNP-treated in terms of ease production, material durability, and antimicrobial efficiency. This article summarizes and assesses the current state of in vitro and in vitro toxicity of SNPs and discusses the potential of natural products as an alternative.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.51-63
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• 1999

Exposure of the root surface due to gingival recession after periodontal surgery, elicit pain response when exposed to mechanical, heat, chemical or osmotic irritation. Especially patients treated with periodontal surgery, show high frequency. There have been reports that the 1 out of 7 patients complains of dentinal hypersensitivity. There have been many studies on the clinical effects of various materials on the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of sodium chloride and potassium oxalate and to observe the relationship between the dentinal hypersensitivity and surface characteristics such as dentinal tubule size and number. This study included 20 teeth which were scheduled for extraction and had no pulpal disease. These teeth were divided into Root planing group, EDTA group, NaCl group and Oxalate group. Dentinal hypersensitivity is measured by tactile, pressured air and cold water using NRS (Numerical Rating Scales). Teeth were extracted under local anesthesia and each specimen was sectioned to a size about 3 X 5 mm and was examined under the scanning electron microscope (X2,000) The results were as follows, 1. The EDTA group exhibited significantly increased dentinal hypersensitivity comparing with the other groups. 2. The NaCl and Oxalate groups showed significantly reduced dentinal hypersensitivity comparing with the EDTA group. 3. As a method for dentinal hypersensitivity measurement, it was presumed thet tactile sensitivity test was not sensitive method but air blast test and cold water test were adequate method. 4. In a SEM study, the root planing group exhibited amorphous smear layer and showed no dentinal tubule orifice, but the EDTA group showed the large number of dentinal tubules. On the other hand, the NaCl and Oxalate groups did not show exposed dentinal tubules. The NaCl group showed more rough root surface than the EDTA group, and the Oxalate group showed many participates to be presumed as calcium oxalate particle. As the results from this study, root planing couldn't expose the dentinal tubule and NaCl and potassium oxalate occluded exposed dentinal tubule effectively. Dentinal hypersensitivity has close relationship with the exposure of dentinal tubules, especially with it's size and number.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.2 s.75
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• pp.192-198
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• 2006

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and adverse cardiopulmonary effects. Despite the epidemiological proof, the pathogenesis of DEP-related pulmonary diseases remain poorly understood. So, comprehensive in vivo and in vitro researches are required to know the effects of DEP on diverse lung diseases. Alveolar macrophages (AM) and airway epithelial cells are known as important cellular targets in DEP-induced lung diseases. Other studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in particle matter induced lung injury. The present study was undertaken to determine whether DEP has an synergistic effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO formation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with nitrotyrosilated-protein formation in cultured primary alveolar macrophages. The formation of NO was determined through the Griess reaction in the cultured medium and iNOS with nitrotyrosilated-proteins are analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and Western analysis. The results indicate that DEP exposure does not induce NO formation by itself, however DEP showed significant synergistic effects on LPS-induced NO formation. So, our results suggest that DEP inhalation could aggravate inflammatory lung disease through NO formation.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.28
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• pp.7.1-7.9
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• 2013

Objectives We investigated the particle mass size distribution and chemical properties of air pollution particulate matter (PM) in the urban area and its capacity to induce cytotoxicity in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Methods To characterize the mass size distributions and chemical concentrations associated with urban PM, PM samples were collected by a 10-stage Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor close to nearby traffic in an urban area from December 2007 to December 2009. PM samples for in vitro cytotoxicity testing were collected by a mini-volume air sampler with $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ inlets. Results The PM size distributions were bi-modal, peaking at 0.18 to 0.32 and 1.8 to $3.2{\mu}m$. The mass concentrations of the metals in fine particles (0.1 to $1.8{\mu}m$) accounted for 45.6 to 80.4% of the mass concentrations of metals in $PM_{10}$. The mass proportions of fine particles of the pollutants related to traffic emission, lead (80.4%), cadmium (69.0%), and chromium (63.8%) were higher than those of other metals. Iron was the dominant transition metal in the particles, accounting for 64.3% of the $PM_{10}$ mass in all the samples. We observed PM concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects on BEAS-2B cells. Conclusions We found that exposure to $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ from a nearby traffic area induced significant increases in protein expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). The cell death rate and release of cytokines in response to the $PM_{2.5}$ treatment were higher than those with $PM_{10}$. The combined results support the hypothesis that ultrafine particles from vehicular sources can induce inflammatory responses related to environmental respiratory injury.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.233-244
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• 2006

Of many volatile organic detergents for metals, benzine(CAS No. 8030-30-6), of which the toxicity has not yet been proven, has been used as an alternative of the halide compounds in the consideration of toxic effects, global warming and the destruction of ozone layer. In order to evaluate the effects of the benzine on human body by investigating the subchronic inhalation toxicity, to obtain the basic data for establishing the criteria of exposure in working environments and to classify the hazardousness in compliance with the Industrial Safety and Health Act by evaluating the hazardousness, repeated inhalation exposure test was carried with SD rats. The rats were grouped by 10 females and males each. The repetitive inhalation exposures were carried out at 4 levels of concentration of 0 ppm, 60 ppm, 300 ppm, and 1,500 ppm, for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 13 weeks. The results are described hereunder. 1. No death of the animals of the exposed and controlled groups in the test period. Not any specific clinical symptoms, change in feed intake quantity, abnormality in eye test, or change in activity were observed. 2. In the 300 ppm and 1,500 ppm groups, weight reduction in the female groups and weight increase of liver and kidney in the male groups compared with control group were observed with statistical significance(p<0.05). 3. In the blood test, the HCT increased in the male 300 ppm group and the number of hematocyte increased, MCV and MCH decreased in the male 1,500 ppm group. In the female 1,500 ppm group, the HB decreased and the distribution width of the hematocyte particle size increased. In the blood biochemistry test, the TP in the male 1,500 ppm group and the LDH in the female 1,500 ppm group were increased with statistical significance(p<0.05). 4. Under the test conditions of the present study with SD rats, the NOEL was evaluated to be from 60 ppm to 300 ppm for both male and female groups. By extrapolation, the NOEL for human who work 8 hours a day was evaluated to be from 128 ppm to 640 ppm 5. Since the NOEL evaluated in this study do not exceed 60ppm(0.184 mg/L) the test material does not belong to the classification of the hazardous substance "NOEL${\leq}$0.5mg/L/6hr/90day(rat), for continuous inhalation of 6hours a day for 90 days" nor to the basic hazardous chemical substance class 1(0.2 mg/L/6hr/90day(rat) defined by the GHS which is a criteria of classification and identification of chemical compounds. However, considering the boiling point($30-204^{\circ}C$), flashing point($-40^{\circ}C$), vapor pressure(40 mmHg), and the inflammable range(1.0 - 6.0 %), sufficient care should be taken for handling in the safety aspects including fire or explosion.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.8 no.8
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• pp.751-756
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• 1998

Effects of remote hydrogen plasma cleaning process parameters on the removal of Fe impurities on Si surfaces and the Fe removal mechanism were investigated. Fe removal efficiency is enhanced with decreasing the plasma exposure time and increasing the rf-power. The optimum plasma exposure time and rf-power are 1 min and 100W. respectively, in the range below 10 min and 100W. Fe removal efficiency is better under lower pressures than higher pressures, and the optimum $\textrm{H}_2$ flow rate was found to be 20 and 60sccm, respectively, under a low and a high pressure. The post-RHP(remote hydrogen plasma) annealing enhanced metallic contaminants removal efficiency, and the highest efficiency was achieved at $600^{\circ}C$. According to the AFM analysis results Si surface roughness was improved by 30-50%, which seems to be due to the removal of particles by the plasma cleaning. Also. Fe impurities removal mechanisms by remote hydrogen plasma are discussed.