• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.77-81
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• 2020

Resistive RAM (ReRAM) is a strong candidate for the next-generation nonvolatile memories which use the resistive switching characteristic of transition metal oxides. The resistive switching behaviors originate from the redistribution of oxygen vacancies inside of the oxide film by applied programming voltage. Therefore, controlling the oxygen vacancy inside transition metal oxide film is most important to obtain and control the resistive switching characteristic. In this study, we introduced an applying electric field into photochemical metal-organic deposition (PMOD) process to control the oxidation state of metal oxide thin film during the photochemical reaction by UV exposure. As a result, the surface oxidation state of FeOx film could be successfully controlled by the electric field-assisted PMOD (EFAPMOD), and the controlled oxidation states were confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) I-V characteristic. And the resistive switching characteristics with the oxidation-state of the surface region could be controlled effectively by adjusting an electric field during EFAPMOD process.

• KEPCO Journal on Electric Power and Energy
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.161-165
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• 2021

In general, SOFCs mainly use Ni-YSZ cermet, a mixture of Ni and YSZ, as an anode material, which is stable in a high-temperature reducing atmosphere. However, when SOFCs have operated at a high temperature for a long time, the structural change of Ni occurs and it results in the problem of reducing durability and efficiency. Accordingly, a development of a new anode material that can replace existing nickel and exhibits similar performance is in progress. In this study, SrTiO₃, which is a perovskite-based mixed conductor and one of the candidate materials, was used. In order to increase the electrical conduction properties, Y_0.08Sr_0.92Fe_0.3Ti_0.7O₃, doped with 0.08 mol of Y³⁺ in Sr-site and 0.03 mol of transition metal Fe³⁺ in Ti-site, was synthesized and its chemical diffusion coefficient and reaction constant were measured. Its electrical conductivity changes were also observed while changing the oxygen partial pressure at a constant temperature. The performance as a candidate electrode material was verified by predicting the defect area through the electrical conductivity pattern according to the oxygen partial pressure.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.87-93
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• 2021

Modern society shows rapid growth that is different from that of the development of existing technologies. The development of these technologies has led to the tendency of buildings to become dense, large and advancing. Regarding fire hazards, the possibility of large-scale fires causing fatal damage, due to the rapid spread of fire, increases. Therefore, for this reason, fire defense, i.e. detection and fire extinguishing facilities, in buildings are essential and well applied. But there are always limitations to that. Based on this reason, we would like to suggest the introduction of a new concept of a fire safety system. The method presented here is not only to use a single system for fire detection and fire extinguishing systems but to jointly use it in the environment and energy management fields within the building. However, an important step is required before introducing a system of these technologies. The fire extinguishing method proposed by this system is a method of extinguishing by blocking oxygen flowing into the space where the fire occurred. However, a sufficient basis is needed for this system to be applied in practice. Therefore, in this study, we intend to conduct a preliminary experiment to introduce the new concept of fire detection and extinguishing. The experiment used ethanol with a relatively simple combustion reaction and a high possibility of complete combustion. As a result, it was confirmed how the internal values changed during a fire using ethanol. Resultingly, we obtained the internal oxygen concentration and internal environmental changes according to the initial flame size. Lastly, the data accumulated in this study can be used as data for application in an automatic fire extinguishing system.

• New & Renewable Energy
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.50-58
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• 2021

We proposed an MEA development methodology that accurately measures intrinsic MEA performance while considering the uneven reaction environments formed inside a large-area BP. To facilitate measurement of the inherent MEA performance, we miniaturized the active area of the MEA to 3 cm², and prepared two MEAs with different ionomer contents of 0.65 and 0.80 (I/C). By simulating the operating conditions of a 100 cm² BP at the inlet (I), center (C), and outlet (O), the oxygen concentration and relative humidity were determined to be 20.7, 13.8, 11.7%, and 50, 66.1, and 70.1% respectively. We measured the performance and electrochemical analysis of the prepared MEAs under the three simulated conditions. Based on the results of statistical analysis of the evaluated MEA performance data, I/C 0.65 MEA had a higher average performance and lower performance deviation than I/C 0.80 MEA. Hence, it can be concluded that an I/C 0.65 MEA is a more effective MEA for large-area BP. Based on the above research process, we confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed MEA development methodology.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• 제6권3호
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• pp.227-235
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• 2022

To investigate the aging-related physiological functions of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), we examined mRNA expression changes in aging-related genes due to oxidative stress inhibition by 630-nm red light OLEDs. As a result of irradiating 630-nm OLED with an intensity of 5 mW/cm² for 15 min, the viability of dermal fibroblasts significantly increased by 1.3-fold. In addition, reactive oxygen species generated by H₂O₂ were significantly reduced about 4.9-fold by irradiation with 630-nm OLED. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results showed that 630-nm OLEDs altered aging-related gene mRNA expression levels through antioxidant activity. The mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase1 (MMP1) and MMP9 decreased significantly, by about 2.2- and 2.5-fold, compared to the control group, whereas those of collagen, type I, and alpha 1 increased significantly, by 4.9-fold. The mRNA expression levels of cancer suppression genes p16 and p53 in dermal fibroblasts were also significantly reduced by 630-nm OLED irradiation, by about 1.4- and three-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Overall, it was confirmed that 630-nm OLED irradiation lowered the level of ROS formation induced by H₂O₂ in dermal fibroblasts, and that this antioxidant effect could regulate the mRNA expression levels of aging- and tumor suppression-related genes. This study shows a link between 630-nm OLED irradiation and anti-aging physiological functions such as antioxidant function, and suggests the potential of OLEDs as a useful light source for skin care.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제36권7호
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• pp.1120-1129
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to determine the protective efficacy of Buddha's Temple (BT) extract against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative stress in Gallus gallus chicken embryo fibroblast cell line (DF-1) and its effects on the cell lipid metabolism. Methods: In this experimental study, Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells were pretreated with BT 10^-7 for 24 hours, followed by their six-hour exposure to t-BHP (100 μM). Water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 (WST-8) assays were performed, and the growth curve was computed. The intracellular gene expression changes caused by BT extract were confirmed through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Flow cytometry, oil red O staining experiment, and thin-layer chromatography were performed for the detection of intracellular metabolic mechanism changes. Results: The WST-8 assay results showed that the BT pretreatment of Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cell increased their cell survival rate by 1.08%±0.04%, decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 0.93%±0.12% even after exposure to oxidants, and stabilized mitochondrial activity by 1.37%±0.36%. In addition, qPCR results confirmed that the gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-beta (TICAM1), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were regulated, which contributed to cell stabilization. Thin-layer chromatography and oil red O analyses showed a clear decrease in the contents of lipid metabolites such as triacylglycerol and free fatty acids. Conclusion: In this study, we confirmed that the examined BT extract exerted selective protective effects on Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells against cell damage caused by t-BHP, which is a strong oxidative inducer. Furthermore, we established that this extract significantly reduced the intracellular ROS accumulation due to oxidative stress, which contributes to an increase in poultry production and higher incomes.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제54권12호
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• pp.4514-4521
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• 2022

In this study, the effects of heat and radiation on the degradation behaviour of fluoroelastomer under simulated normal operation and a severe accident environment were investigated using sequential testing of gamma irradiation and thermal degradation. Tensile properties and Shore A hardness were measured, and thermogravimetric analysis was used to evaluate the degradation behaviour of fluoroelastomer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the structural changes of the fluoroelastomer. Heat and radiation generated in nuclear power plant break and deform the chemical bonds, and fluoroelastomer exposed to these environments have decreased C-H and functional groups that contain oxygen and double bonds such as C-O, C=O and C=C were generated. These functional groups were formed by auto oxidation by reacting free radicals generated from the cleaved bond with oxygen in the atmosphere. In this auto oxidation reaction, crosslinks were generated where bonded to each other, and the mobility of molecules was decreased, and as a result, the fluoroelastomer was hardened. This hardening behaviour occurred more significantly in the severe accident environment than in the normal operation condition, and it was found that thermal stability decreased with the generation of unstable structures by crosslinking.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.140-146
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• 2023

Water quality is crucial for human health and the environment. Accurate measurement of the quantity of organic carbon in water is essential for water quality evaluation, identification of water pollution sources, and appropriate implementation of water treatment measures. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis is an important tool for this purpose. Although other methods, such as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) are also used to measure organic carbon in water, they have limitations that make TOC analysis a more favorable option in certain situations. For example, COD requires the use of toxic chemicals, and BOD is time-consuming and can produce inconsistent and unreliable results. In contrast, TOC analysis is rapid and reliable, providing accurate measurements of organic carbon content in water. However, common methods for TOC analysis can be complex and energy-intensive because of the use of high-temperature heaters for liquid-to-gas phase transitions and the use of acid, which present safety risks. This study focuses on a TOC analysis method using TiO₂ photocatalysis, which has several advantages over conventional TOC analysis methods, including its low cost and easy maintenance. For TiO₂, rutile and anatase powders are mixed with an inorganic binder and spray-coated onto a glass fiber substrate. The TiO₂ powder and inorganic binder solutions are adjusted to optimize the photocatalytic reaction performance. The TiO₂ photocatalysis method is a simple and low-power approach to TOC analysis, making it a promising alternative to commonly used TOC analysis methods. This study aims to contribute to the development of more efficient and cost-effective approaches for water quality analysis and management by exploring the effectiveness and reliability of the developed equipment.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권10호
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• pp.1281-1291
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• 2023

Infectious diseases caused by drug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) pose a critical concern for medical institutions as they can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, amygdalin exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as other potentials. However, whether it could influence the drug-resistant E. coli-infected cells remained unanswered. Amygdalin was therefore tested in a cellular model in which human macrophages were exposed to resistant E. coli. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Western immunoblotting and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to quantify interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages was detected by ROS kit. The expression of pan-apoptotic proteins in macrophages was measured by qRT-PCR and Western immunoblotting. Drug-Resistant E. coli inhibited cell viability and enhanced apoptosis in the cellular model. In cells treated with amygdalin, this compound can inhibit cell apoptosis and reduce the expression of pro - inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-6. Additionally, it decreases the production of PANoptosis proteins, Furthermore, amygdalin lowered the levels of reactive oxygen species induced by drug-resistant E. coli, in cells, demonstrating its antioxidant effects. Amygdalin, a drug with a protective role, alleviated cell damage caused by drug-resistant E. coli in human macrophages by inhibiting the PANoptosis signaling pathway.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제61권4호
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• pp.418-427
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• 2023

Toxoplasma gondii infections are primarily diagnosed by serological assays, whereas molecular and fluorescence-based techniques are garnering attention for their high sensitivity in detecting these infections. Nevertheless, each detection method has its limitations. The toxoplasmosis detection capabilities of most of the currently available methods have not been evaluated under identical experimental conditions. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with various doses of T. gondii ME49. The detection of toxoplasmosis from sera and brain tissues was markedly enhanced in mice subjected to high infection doses (200 and 300 cysts) compared to those subjected to lower doses (10 and 50 cysts) for all the detection methods. Additionally, increased B1 gene expression levels and cyst sizes were observed in the brain tissues of the mice. Importantly, IHC, IF, and ELISA, but not RT-PCR, successfully detected T. gondii infections at the lowest infection dose (10 cysts) in the brain. These findings may prove beneficial while designing experimental methodologies for detecting T. gondii infections in mice.