• Journal of the Korea Furniture Society
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.335-342
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• 2016

In previous study, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission characteristics were highly affected by coating materials for wood finishing. Natural based coating materials showed that about 15~46% lower TVOC emission than typical products. In this study, long-term changes of VOCs emission characteristics from pine panel with three types of coating treatments were determined. Non-treated pine panel emitted $604.7{\mu}g/m^2{\cdot}h$ of TVOC that contained 66% of NVOC ($399.7{\mu}g/m^2{\cdot}h$) at 0 month. After 10 month, TVOC reduced 88% and 93% reduction on NVOC was observed. Natural oil and waterborne stain treated pine panel showed 61% and 77% lower TVOC, respectively, than non-treated pine panel. However, TVOC from finished pine panels showed higher TVOC emission than non-treated pine panel. All samples satisfied the VOC emission regulation (below $4,000{\mu}g/m^2{\cdot}h$) by Korean Ministry of Environment. Toluene emission regulation (below $80{\mu}g/m^2{\cdot}h$) was passed on all sample without varnish treated pine panel at 0 month. According to HB qualification standard for construction materials by Korea Air Cleaning Association (KACA), wood is not qualified to get the best tag due to high TVOC emission. At the 10 months, only non-treated pine panel could get the best tag of HB from KACA.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.170-183
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate a technology to reduce hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in sewage odor using microbial deodorant. Methods: After injecting five commercially available microbial deodorants into fresh sewage, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide over time was measured using the headspace method. H₂S concentration in odor samples was measured using gas chromatograph/FPD. Calculated odor concentration and calculated odor intensity by H₂S concentration remaining after treatment with microbial deodorant were evaluated theoretically. Results: The rate of H₂S abatement by microbial deodorant differed depending on the experimental conditions and the type of deodorant, but it was found to range from 63 to 82%. Especially, two deodorants showed high H₂S reduction rates of over 80% on average. However, based on the best deodorant, the theoretically calculated odor concentration by H₂S after microbial deodorant treatment was 4,400 OU_k, and the theoretical odor intensity was also rated at 4 degrees or higher. Conclusions: In conclusion, microbial deodorant is considered to have a relatively high effect on reducing H₂S in sewage odor. However, even after treatment with microbial deodorant, calculated odor concentration and calculated odor intensity were relatively high. This is thought to be caused by other odorous substances besides H₂S.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.110-115
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• 2011

The effect of $TiO_2$ nanotube (TNT) and nanoparticle (TNP) composite photoelectrode and the role of TNT to enhance the photo conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) have investigated in this study. Results demonstrated that the increase of the TNT content (1-15 %) into the electron collecting TNP film increases the open-circuit potential ($V_{oc}$) and short circuit current density ($J_{sc}$). Based on the impedance analysis, the increased $V_{oc}$ was attributed to the suppressed recombination between electrode and electrolyte or dye. Photochemical analysis revealed that the increased Jsc with the increased TNT content was due to the scattering effect and the reduced electron diffusion path of TNT. The highest $J_{sc}$ (12.6 mA/$cm^2$), Voc (711 mV) and conversion efficiency (5.9%) were obtained in the composite photoelectrode with 15% TNT. However, $J_{sc}$ and $V_{oc}$ was decreased for the case of 20% TNT, which results from the significant reduction of adsorbed dye amount and the poor attachment of the film on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). Therefore, application of this composite photoelectrode is expected to be a promising approach to improve the energy conversion efficiency of DSSC.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.162-173
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• 2013

The purpose of this paper is to classify VOC gases by emulating the characteristics found in biological olfaction. For this purpose, we propose new signal processing method based a polymeric chemical sensor array consisting of 4096 sensors which is created by NEUROCHEM project. To remove unstable sensors generated in the manufacturing process of very large scaled chemical sensor array, we used discrete wavelet transformation and cosine similarity. And, to remove the supernumerary redundancy, we proposed the method of selecting candidates of representative sensor representing sensors with similar features by Fuzzy c-means algorithm. In addition, we proposed an improved algorithm for selecting representative sensors among candidates of representative sensors to better enhance classification ability. However, Classification for very large scaled sensor array has a great deal of time in process of learning because many sensors are used for learning though a redundancy is removed. Throughout experimental trials for classification, we confirmed the proposed method have an outstanding classification ability, at transient state as well as steady state.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.517-533
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• 2018

We utilize the CAMx (Comprehensive Air Quality Model with eXtensions) system and the PSAT (Particulate Source Apportionment Technology) diagnostic tool to determine the $PM_{2.5}$ concentration and to perform its source apportionment in the southeastern region of South Korea. For a year-long simulation, eight local authorities in the region such as Pohang, Daegu, Gyeongju, Ulsan, Busan-Gimhae, Gosung-Changwon, Hadong, and all remaining areas in Gyeongsangnam-do, are selected as source areas based on the emission rates of $NO_x$, $SO_x$, VOC, and primary PM in CAPSS (Clean Air Policy Support System) 2013 emissions inventory. The CAMx-PSAT simulation shows that Pohang has the highest $PM_{2.5}$ self-contribution rate (25%), followed by Hadong (15%) and Busan-Gimhae (14%). With the exception of Pohang, which has intense fugitive dust emissions, other authorities are strongly affected by emissions from their neighboring areas. This may be measured as much as 1 to 2 times higher than that of the self-contribution rate. Based on these estimations, we conclude that the efficiency of emission reduction measures to mitigate $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in the southeastern region of South Korea can be maximized when the efforts of local or regional emission controls are combined with those from neighboring regions. A comprehensive control policy planning based on the collaboration between neighboring jurisdictional boundaries is required.

• Journal of the Korean Solar Energy Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.16-21
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• 2010

It is well-known that Boron-doped Cz Si solar cells suffer light-induced degradation due to boron-oxygen defect which is responsible of a reduction in lifetime and hence efficiency. In this paper, we assume that PV solar cell has been connected with variable load to account the real operating condition and it shows different light-induced degradation of Si solar cell. To evaluate the effect of light-induced degradation for solar cell with various load, Single crystalline solar cells are connected with open and short circuits during light exposure. Isc-Voc curve evaluate light induced degradation of solar cells and the reason is explained as a change for serial resistance. From the results, Electrical characteristics of solar cells show better performance under short circuit conditions, after light exposure.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.142-153
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine environmental chemical exposure related to residential and personal lifestyle characteristics in the adult Korean population. The observations of this study can provide information useful for developing reduction approaches for exposure to chemicals among the general adult population. Methods: The second stage of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNHES) was conducted from 2012 to 2014, with 6,478 persons participating. Using the results of the survey, the relationship between exposure levels of heavy metals and organic chemicals and exposure factors, e.g. residential and personal lifestyle characteristics, were analyzed. Results: The exposure levels of VOCs and PAHs were significantly lower in participants living at a distance of more than 100 m from roads versus living closer to roads. Home ventilation lowered VOC and PAH exposure but did not lower chemical exposure from household products. Use of public transportation showed lower exposure to heavy metals, VOCs, and PAHs. Current smoker was significantly higher for levels of heavy metals, VOCs, and PAHs, and the exposure trend was similar for current drinkers. Physical activity was related with higher exposure to phthalates and environmental phenols. Conclusion: Our observations based on a nationally representative population for Korea show that exposure to chemicals varies by residential and personal lifestyle, and this should be considered for developing appropriate mitigation measures and policies. Given the health concerns surrounding environmental chemicals, it is necessary to develop comprehensive measures to reduce chemical exposure.

• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.128-132
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• 2021

Advances in screen printing technology have been led to development of high efficiency silicon solar cells. As a post PERx structure, an n-type wafer-based rear side TOPCon structure has been actively researched for further open-circuit voltage (Voc) improvement. In the case of the metal contact of the TOPCon structure, the poly-Si thickness is very important because the passivation of the substrate will be degraded when the metal paste penetrates until substrate. However, the thin poly-Si layer has advantages in terms of current density due to reduction of parasitic absorption. Therefore, poly-Si thickness and firing temperature must be considered to optimize the metal contact of the TOPCon structure. In this paper, we varied poly-Si thickness and firing peak temperature to evaluate metal induced recombination (Jom) and contact resistivity. Jom was evaluated by using PL imaging technique which does not require both side metal contact. As a results, we realized that the SiN_x deposition conditions can affect the metal contact of the TOPCon structure.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.202-210
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• 2022

Aflatoxin contamination in rice has been documented in a number of studies, and has a high incidence in Asian countries, and as such, there has been a growing interest in alternative biocontrol strategies to address this issue. In this study, 147 strains of yeasts and yeast-like fungi were screened for their potential to produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) active against Aspergillus flavus strains that produce aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). Five strains within four different genera showed greater than 50% growth inhibition of some strains of A. flavus. These were Anthracocystis sp. DMKU-PAL124, Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL120, Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL144, Rhodotorula sp. DMKU-PAL99, and Solicococcus keelungensis DMKU-PAL84. VOCs produced by these microorganisms ranged from 4 to 14 compounds and included alcohols, alkenes, aromatics, esters and furans. The major VOCs produced by the closely related Aureobasidium strains were found to bedistinct. Moreover, 2-phenylethanol was the most abundant compound generated by Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL120, while methyl benzeneacetate was the major compound emitted from Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL144. On the other hand, 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol were significant compounds produced by the other three genera. These antagonists apparently inhibited A. flavus sporulation and mycelial development. Additionally, the reduction of the AFB1 in the fungal-contaminated rice grains was observed after co-incubation with these VOC-producing strains and ranged from 37.7 ± 8.3% to 60.3 ± 3.4%. Our findings suggest that these same microorganisms are promising biological control agents for use against aflatoxin-producing fungi in rice and other agricultural products.

• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.8-12
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• 2023

In this work, we investigated the thickness of Ag precursor layer to improve the performance of flexible CIGSe solar cells grown on stainless steel (STS) substrates through three-stage co-evaporation with Ga grading followed by alkali treatments. The small amount of incorporated Ag in CIGSe films showed enhancement in the grain size and device efficiency. With an optimal 6 nm-thick Ag layer, the best cell on the STS substrate yielded more than 16%, which is comparable to the soda-lime glass (SLG) substrate. Thus, the addition of controlled Ag combined with alkali post-deposition treatment (PDT) led to increased open-circuit voltage (VOC), accompanied by the increased built-in potential as confirmed by capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. It is related to a reduction of charge recombination at the depletion region. The results suggest that Ag alloying and alkali PDT are essential for producing highly efficient flexible CIGSe solar cells.