• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.143-163
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• 2023

This study aims to analyze the impact of ESG activities on the corporate performance of logistics companies in Korea. To achieve this, the study examines the factors influencing the adoption and implementation of ESG activities, assesses the extent to which ESG activities enhance corporate trust and image, and empirically analyzes the effect of ESG implementation on the corporate performance of logistics companies. An online survey was conducted using Google Forms for Korean logistics companies, and a total of 463 data sets were utilized for PLS structural equation analysis using the SmartPLS 4.0 software tools. The findings of the study are as follows: Firstly, external pressure, specifically government pressure, significantly influences environmental responsibility activities, while investor pressure significantly affects social responsibility activities and governance responsibility activities. Additionally, internal management pressures significantly impact environmental responsibility activities, and employees have a significant influence on all ESG responsibility activities. Secondly, environmental responsibility activities positively affect corporate image, whereas social and governance responsibility activities influence trust and corporate image. Thirdly, trust and corporate image demonstrate significant effects on both financial and non-financial performance. Fourthly, trust significantly mediates the relationship between social responsibility, governance responsibility, and non-financial performance, while image mediates the connection between ESG responsibility and both financial and non-financial performance. The contribution of this study lies in providing practical insights for logistics companies to actively promote ESG activities, thereby establishing a reputation for being environmentally, socially, and governance responsible and gaining customer trust. By doing so, this study aims to raise awareness of the importance of ESG activities in the logistics industry and help companies recognize their significance for sustainable management

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.63-76
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• 2023

Investors should understand and actively consider factors like location, future value, policies, pricing, market trends, and their income, as these elements can shift with changing local, social, economic, and policy environments. This study seeks to clarify the impact of investment factors on the performance and reinvestment intentions of Sejong City investors by surveying those who have invested in real estate. This study employs a structural equation model with confirmatory factor analysis, focusing on four aspects: value, economic and policy, psychological, and financial. We find that the investment value factor has the largest impact on investment performance, indicating that investors prioritize the investment value of real estate in Sejong City. In addition, factors increasing asset value and expected satisfaction were significant, indicating that real estate investment in Sejong City yields high returns and investor satisfaction. with a positive outlook for future reinvestment.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.515-521
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• 2023

In this study, waste carbon fiber obtained by pyrolysis of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) was used to produce carbon fluoride through vapor phase fluorination and recycled as a reducing electrode material for lithium primary batteries. First, the physicochemical properties of the waste carbon fiber obtained by pyrolysis were determined, and the structural and chemical properties of carbon fluoride were analyzed to evaluate the effect of vapor phase fluorination on the waste carbon fiber. XRD analysis confirmed that the hexagonal network carbon laminated structure (002 peak) of the waste carbon fiber was gradually converted into a carbon fluoride structure (CF_X, 001 peak) as the temperature of gas phase fluorination increased. The discharge capacity of the lithium primary battery produced using this carbon fluoride was up to 862 mAh/g. This was compared to the discharge capacity of carbon fluoride-based Li-ion batteries made of other carbon materials. These results suggest that carbon fluoride made from waste CFRP-based carbon fibers can be used as a reducing electrode material for Li-ion batteries.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.47-60
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• 2023

At present, in South Korea, there is a growing concern regarding solar power facilities installed on slopes because they are prone to damage caused by natural disasters, such as heavy rainfall and typhoons. Each year, these solar power facilities experience soil erosion due to heavy rainfall and foundation damage or detachment caused by strong wind loads. Despite these challenges, the interaction between the ground and structures is not adequately considered. Current analyses primarily focus on the structural stability under external loads; the overall facility site's stability-excluding the solar structures-in relation to its surrounding slopes is neglected. Therefore, in this study, we use finite-difference method analysis to simulate the behavior of the foundation and piles to assess changes in lateral displacement and bending stress in piles, as well as the safety factor of sloped terrains, in response to various influencing factors, such as pile diameter, spacing between piles, pile-embedding depth, wind loads, and dry and wet conditions. The analysis results indicate that pile spacing and wind loads significantly influence lateral displacement and bending stress in piles, whereas pile-embedding depth strongly influences the safety factor of sloped terrains. Moreover, we found that under certain conditions, the design criteria in domestic standards may not be met.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.119-129
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• 2024

The cutaneous lymphatic system in humans plays a crucial role in draining interstitial fluid and activating the immune system. Environmental factors, such as ultraviolet light and natural aging, often affect structural changes of such lymphatic vessels, causing skin dysfunction. However, some limitations still exist because of no alternatives to animal testing. To better understand the skin lymphatic system, a biomimetic microfluidic platform, skin-lymph-on-a-chip, was fabricated to develop a novel in vitro skin lymphatic model of humans and to investigate the molecular and physiological changes involved in lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels. Briefly, the platform involved co-culturing differentiated primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs) in vitro. Based on our system, Lymphanax^TM, which is a condensed Panax ginseng root extract obtained through thermal conversion for 21 days, was applied to evaluate the lymphangiogenic effect, and the changes in molecular factors were analyzed using a deep-learning-based algorithm. Lymphanax^TM promoted healthy lymphangiogenesis in skin-lymphon-a-chip and indirectly affected HDELCs as its components rarely penetrated differentiated NHEKs in the chip. Overall, this study provides a new perspective on Lymphanax^TM and its effects using an innovative in vitro system.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.126-137
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• 2024

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using three distinct zinc salts: zinc acetate, zinc chloride, and zinc nitrate. These ZnONPs were subsequently utilized in the fabrication of carrageenan-ZnONPs (Car-ZnONPs) composite films. The study assessed influence of the various ZnONPs on the morphological, water vapor barrier, color, optical, and antimicrobial properties of the Car-ZnONPs composite films. The surface morphology and UV-blocking attributes of the composite films were affected by the type of ZnONPs used, but their surface color, transparency, and chemical structure remained unaltered. The composite film's thickness and elongation at break (EB) significantly increased, while the tensile strength significantly decreased. In contrast, film's elastic modulus (EM) and water vapor permeability coefficient (WVP) showed no significant difference. All the composite films with added ZnONPs demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes . Among the carrageenan-based composite films, Car-ZnONPs^ZC showed the highest antibacterial and UV-blocking properties, and its elongation at break was significantly higher than that of the pure carrageenan films. This suggests that ZnONPs composite films have the potential to be used as an active packaging film, preserve the safety of the packaged food and extend shelf life.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.281-298
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• 2024

Stainless steel bolts (SSB) are increasingly utilized in bolted steel connections due to their good mechanical performance and excellent corrosion resistance. Fire accidents, which commonly occur in engineering scenarios, pose a significant threat to the safety of steel frames. The post-fire behavior of SSB has a significant influence on the structural integrity of steel frames, and neglecting the effect of temperature can lead to serious accidents in engineering. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the performance of SSB at elevated temperatures and their residual strength after a fire incident. To investigate the mechanical behavior of SSB after fire, 114 bolts with grades A4-70 and A4-80, manufactured from 316L austenitic stainless steel, were subjected to elevated temperatures ranging from 20℃ to 1200℃. Two different cooling methods commonly employed in engineering, namely cooling at ambient temperatures (air cooling) and cooling in water (water cooling), were used to cool the bolts. Tensile tests were performed to examine the influence of elevated temperatures and cooling methods on the mechanical behavior of SSB. The results indicate that the temperature does not significantly affect the Young's modulus and the ultimate strength of SSB. Up to 500℃, the yield strength increases with temperature, but this trend reverses when the temperature exceeds 500℃. In contrast, the ultimate strain shows the opposite trend. The strain hardening exponent is not significantly influenced by the temperature until it reaches 500℃. The cooling methods employed have an insignificant impact on the performance of SSB. When compared to high-strength bolts, 316L austenitic SSB demonstrate superior fire resistance. Design models for the post-fire mechanical behavior of 316L austenitic SSB, encompassing parameters such as the elasticity modulus, yield strength, ultimate strength, ultimate strain, and strain hardening exponent, are proposed, and a more precise stress-strain model is recommended to predict the mechanical behavior of 316L austenitic SSB after a fire incident.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.643-650
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• 2024

Currently, South Korea is grappling with a paradoxical situation characterized by simultaneous labor shortages and job shortages. Within this context, retirees are citing conflicts with supervisors/colleagues and dissatisfaction with organizational culture as the primary reasons for their departure, with these issues disproportionately affecting the MZ generation. In response, scholars have conducted preliminary studies to understand the relationships between organizational culture and other variables specifically concerning the MZ generation. However, most of these studies are based on a unified theory of the MZ generation, failing to satisfy the practical demands for distinguishing between Generations M and Z. Therefore, this research aims to explore the differences in variable relationships between these two groups within the hospitality industry. Surveys were conducted among 170 individuals from Generation M and 110 from Generation Z, and the data were analyzed using AMOS structural equation modeling. The analysis confirmed that both hierarchical culture and generational conflict significantly define relationships across all generations, with generational conflict adversely affecting organizational commitment. Additionally, while a relationship-oriented culture negatively impacts generational conflict for Generation M, no such effect was observed for Generation Z. This study successfully identifies the differential impacts between Generation M and Generation Z.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2024

Purpose: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Koreans, with breast cancer being the most common among women. Breast cancer readily metastasizes, and the existing treatment processes impose a significant burden on patients. This study examined whether pomegranate-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PNVs) have anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell infiltration and metastasis while increasing apoptosis on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: Initially, exosome-like nanovesicles were isolated from pomegranate using ultracentrifugation. Subsequently, the size range of these nanovesicles was confirmed using nanoparticle tracking analysis. The ability of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to internalize these natural nanovesicles was assessed with flourescence microscope. The anti-cancer effects of the PNVs were confirmed by applying various concentrations of PNVs (10, 50, 100 ㎍/mL) to MDA-MB-231 cells and systematically assessing their impact on cell viability and migration. Results: The round shape of the lipid bilayer in the PNVs was confirmed, providing crucial insights into their structural properties. We demonstrate that PNVs-associated DiD dye can be efficiently internalized by the MDA-MB-231 cells. The data showed that the PNVs inhibited cell viability, invasion rates, and migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, PNVs were absorbed into the MDA-MB-231 cells, leading to an increased expression of apoptosis proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3 and phosphorus-JNK, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a reduction in cell infiltration and decreased expression of the transition markers MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins were observed. Conclusion: For the first time, this study suggests that PNVs may be useful in the prevention or treatment of breast cancer by inhibiting the infiltration and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells and inducing apoptosis.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 2024

Plastics are widely used in industries in human society and because of their structural stability, degradation is a serious global issue. To estimate the degradation of plastic, 31 edible mushrooms were cultured with the selected plastic films (polyethylene [PE], polystyrene [PS], and poly(ethylene terephthalate) [PET]) for 3 months at 25 ℃. Measuring the weight of the films showed that four species of mushrooms, namely Porostereum spadiceum, Ganoderma lucidum, Coprinellus micaceus, and Pleurotus ostreatus, exhibited the highest degrees of plastic degradation. In addition, the mushrooms and fungi that exhibited the most significant plastic degradation were cross-cultured to promote this degradation. As a result, cross-cultivation of G. lucidum and Aspergillus niger showed a weight loss of 2.49% for the PET film. For the PS film, Aspergillus nidulans showed a weight loss of 4.06%. Cross-cultivation of A. nidulans and C. micaceus, which showed a weight loss of 2.95%, was noted as an alternative for PS biodegradation, but is harmful to humans. These bio-degradation effects of edible mushroom will contribute to the development of alternatives for eco-friendly plastic degradation.