• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.114-118
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• 2011

Even though the carbon paste electrode bound with mineral oil is useful for research about the characteristics of enzymes, it remains far from practical uses because the lack of mechanical hardness limits its practical use. When the rubber liquefied in toluene was used as a binder of carbon powder in lab, it is confirmed that the mechanical robustness of the electrode is guaranteed. In order to confirm whether it shows quantitative electrochemical behaviors or not, its kinetic parameters, e.g. the symmetry factor (${\alpha}=0.28$), the exchange current density ($i_0=4.06{\mu}A/cm^2$), the capacity of the double layer ($C_d=2.11{\times}10^{-3}F$), the Michaelis constant ($K_M=2.45{\times}10^{-3}M$), and the time constant (${\tau}_B=0.077sec$) were investigated. Our experimental observations prove that the chloroprene rubber is a promising binder for the practical use of a carbon paste electrode.

• Current Applied Physics
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.1403-1409
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• 2018

In the present study, the $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphors has been synthesized through hydro-thermal co-precipitation method, and single factor and orthogonal experiment method was adopted to find optimal synthesis condition. It is interesting to note that hydro-thermal temperature is a prominent effect on the luminescent intensity of $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ red phosphor, followed by co-precipitation temperature, calcining time, and the doping amount of $Eu^{3+}$. The optimal synthesis conditions were obtained: hydro-thermal temperature is $145^{\circ}C$, co-precipitation temperature is $35^{\circ}C$, the calcining time is 2.5 h, and the doping amount of activator $Eu^{3+}$ is 25%. Subsequently, the crystalline particle size, phase composition and morphology of the synthesized phosphors were evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that these phosphors possess a scheelite-type tetragonal structure, and the particle size is about $0.2{\mu}m$. Spectroscopic investigations of the synthesized phosphors are carried out with the help of photo-luminescence excitation and emission analysis. The studies reveal that $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphor efficiently convert radiation of 394 nm-592 and 616 nm for red light, and the luminescence intensity of $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphors is improved. $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphors may be a potential application for enhancing the efficiency of white LEDs.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.672-682
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• 2008

The resistance spot welding of TRIP590 steels was investigated to enhance understanding of weld fracture during tensile-shear strength (TSS) test. The main failure modes for spot welds of TRIP590 steels were nugget pullout and interfacial fracture. The peak load to cause a weld interfacial failure was found to be related to fracture toughness of the weld and the weld diameter. Although interfacial fracture occurred in the samples, the load carrying capacity of the weld was high and not significantly affected by the fracture mode. Substantial part of the weld exhibits the characteristic dimple (or elongated dimple) fractures on interfacial fractured surface, in spite of the high hardness values associated with the martensite microstructures. The high load-bearing ability of the weld is directly associated with the area of ductile fracture occurred in weld. Therefore, the judgment of the quality of resistance spot welds in TRIP590 steels, the load carrying capacity of the weld should be considered as an important factor than fracture mode.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.508-519
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• 2021

In this study, a model was developed to predict the peak particle velocity (PPV) that affects people and the surrounding environment during blasting. Four machine learning models using the k-nearest neighbors (kNN), classification and regression tree (CART), support vector regression (SVR), and particle swarm optimization (PSO)-SVR algorithms were developed and compared with each other to predict the PPV. Mt. Yogmang located in Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do was selected as a study area, and 1048 blasting data were acquired to train the machine learning models. The blasting data consisted of hole length, burden, spacing, maximum charge per delay, powder factor, number of holes, ratio of emulsion, monitoring distance and PPV. To evaluate the performance of the trained models, the mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE) were used. The PSO-SVR model showed superior performance with MAE, MSE and RMSE of 0.0348, 0.0021 and 0.0458, respectively. Finally, a method was proposed to predict the degree of influence on the surrounding environment using the developed machine learning models.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.809-818
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• 2022

Background: The non-saponin fraction (NSF) of Korean Red Ginseng is a powder in which saponin is eliminated from red ginseng concentrate by fractionation. In this study, we examined the effect of NSF on age-associated sarcopenia in old mice. Methods: NSF (50 or 200 mg/kg/day) was administered orally daily to young (3-6-month-old) and old (20-24-month-old) C57BL/6 J mice for 6 weeks. Body weight and grip strength were assessed once a week during the oral administration period. The gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle were excised, and the muscle fiber size was compared through hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, the effect of NSF on sarcopenia and inflammation/oxidative stress-related factors in hindlimb muscles was investigated by western blotting. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of NSF on immune homeostasis. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture, and the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and glutathione were evaluated. Results: NSF significantly alleviated muscle strength, mass, and also fiber size in old mice. Age-associated impairment of immune homeostasis was recovered by NSF through retaining CD11b⁺F4/80⁺ macrophages and regulating inflammatory biomarkers. NSF also decreased the age-induced expression of oxidative stress factors. Taken together, NSF showed the effect of improving sarcopenia by inhibiting low-grade chronic inflammatory/oxidative stress factors. Conclusion: NSF exhibited anti-sarcopenia effects by regulating chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in old mice. Thus, we suggest that NSF is a promising restorative agent that can be used to improve sarcopenia in the elderly as well as maintain immune homeostasis.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.295-301
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• 2023

Thermoelectric (TE) energy harvesting, which converts available thermal resources into electrical energy, is attracting significant attention, as it facilitates wireless and self-powered electronics. Recently, as demand for portable/wearable electronic devices and sensors increases, organic-inorganic TE films with polymeric matrix are being studied to realize flexible thermoelectric energy harvesters (f-TEHs). Here, we developed flexible organic-inorganic TE films with p-type Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ powder and polymeric matrices such as poly(3,4-eethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The fabricated TE films with a PEDOT:PSS matrix and 1 wt% of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) exhibited a power factor value of 3.96 µW·m^-1·K^-2 which is about 2.8 times higher than that of PVDF-based TE film. We also fabricated f-TEHs using both types of TE films and investigated the TE output performance. The f-TEH made of PEDOT:PSS-based TE films harvested the maximum load voltage of 3.4 mV, with a load current of 17.4 µA, and output power of 15.7 nW at a temperature difference of 25 K, whereas the f-TEH with PVDF-based TE films generated values of 0.6 mV, 3.3 µA, and 0.54 nW. This study will broaden the fields of the research on methods to improve TE efficiency and the development of flexible organic-inorganic TE films and f-TEH.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.285-294
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• 2023

Porous ceramics are used in various industrial applications based on their physical properties, including isolation, storage, and thermal barrier properties. However, traditional manufacturing environments require additional steps to control artificial pores and limit deformities, because they rely on limited molding methods. To overcome this drawback, many studies have recently focused on fabricating porous structures using additive manufacturing techniques. In particular, the binder jet technology enables high porosity and various types of designs, and avoids the limitations of existing manufacturing processes. In this study, we investigated process optimization for manufacturing porous ceramic filters using the binder jet technology. In binder jet technology, the flowability of the powder used as the base material is an important factor, as well as compatibility with the binder in the process and for the final print. Flow agents and secondary binders were used to optimize the flowability and compatibility of the powders. In addition, the effects of the amount of added glass frit, and changes in sintering temperature on the microstructure, porosity and mechanical properties of the final printed product were investigated.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.338-345
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• 2023

Bacillus spp. and Saccharomyces spp. are effective microorganisms that are applied as microbial fertilizers for crops in Korea. Mixed organic fertilizer (MOF) has been used in the Korean organic agriculture to supply nutrients to crops. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of MOF containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HSOB-7 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae HSOB-8 (MOFBS) on the soil chemical properties and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Growth factors of lettuce were higher after applying different formulation types of MOFBS, such as powder and pellet, than those of NF, and not significantly different than those of control (microbe-free MOF). Compared with the control, application of recommended amount of MOFBS (MOFBS 250 kg/10a, MOFBS treatment) and double the recommended amount (MOFBS 500 kg/10a, 2MOFBS treatment) did not significantly change the growth factors of lettuce. After the application of two formulation types or two different amounts of MOFBS, soil chemical properties such as electrical conductivity, organic matter (OM), exchangeable Ca, and cation exchangeable cation (CEC) increased. These results indicated that although the application of MOFBS improved soil fertility including OM and CEC, it did not significantly affect lettuce growth.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.727-738
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• 2023

In concrete, the interface between the aggregate and cement paste is often the most critical factor in determining strength, representing the weakest zone. Lightweight aggregate, produced through expansion and firing of raw materials, features numerous surface pores and benefits from low density; however, its overall aggregate strength is compromised. Within concrete, diminished aggregate strength can lead to aggregate fracture. When applying lightweight aggregate to concrete, the interface strength becomes critical due to the potential for aggregate fracture. This study involved coating the surface of the aggregate with blast furnace slag fine powder to enhance the interfacial strength of lightweight aggregate. The impedance of test specimens was measured to analyze interface changes resulting from this surface modification. Experimental results revealed a 4% increase in compressive strength following the coating of the lightweight aggregate surface, accompanied by an increase in resistance values within the impedance measurements corresponding with strength enhancement.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.3-8
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• 1994

Recently, sound and mechanical vibration are becoming important problems in our life. In the present study, the measurement of vibration absorption characteristics of barium titanate ceramics and the investigation of its relationship to microstructures were carried out. The barium titanate ceramics is expected to be better vibration absorption material owing to its chemical and physical stability than other conventional vibration absorbers like glasswool board. Barium titanate ceramics were prepared by sintering fiberous $BaTiO_{3}$ crystallites in order to enhance the vibration absorption characteristics. The fiberous $BaTiO_{3}$ ceramics were prepared through the ionic exchange after the preparation of fiberous $K_2Ti_4O_9$ with 0.2$\mu\textrm{m}$, 1.2$\mu\textrm{m}$, 2.0$\mu\textrm{m}$, diameter length by KDC method. The fiberous crystallites were oriented in a plane perpendicular to the press direction and sintered. The investigation of the grain diameters of the sintered ceramics, equivalent factor, electromechanical coupling factor($k_1$), and the generated voltage(V) shows that the grain's diameter decreases with the increase of the diameter of the used fiberous crystallites. The vibration absorption increases the crystallites' diameter. That means that the vibration absorption increases with the internal friction of grain boundary. Which was identified by the investigation of the equivallent circuit.