• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.246-251
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• 2003

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is composed of the brain capillaries, which are lined by endothelial cells displaying extremely tight intercellular junctions. Several attempts at creating an in vitro model of the BBB have been met with moderate success as brain capillary endothelial cells lose their barrier properties when isolated in cell culture. This may be due to a lack of recreation of the in vivo endothelial cellular environment in these models, including nearly constant contact with astrocyte foot processes. This work is motivated by the hypothesis that growing endothelial cells on one side of an ultra-thin, highly porous membrane and differentiating astrocyte or astrogliomal cells on the opposite side will lead to a higher degree of interaction between the two cell types and therefore to an improved model. Here we describe our initial efforts towards testing this hypothesis including a procedure for membrane fabrication and methods for culturing endothelial cells on these membranes. We have fabricated a 1 $\mu\textrm{m}$ thick, 2.0 $\mu\textrm{m}$ pore size, and 55% porous membrane with a very narrow pore size distribution from low-stress silicon nitride (SiN) utilizing techniques from the microelectronics industry. We have developed a base, acid, autoclave routine that prepares the membranes for cell culture both by cleaning residual fabrication chemicals from the surface and by increasing the hydrophilicity of the membranes (confirmed by contact angle measurements). Gelatin, fibronectin, and a 50/50 mixture of the two proteins were evaluated as potential basement membrane protein treatments prior to membrane cell seeding. All three treatments support adequate attachment and growth on the membranes compared to the control.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.294-303
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the profitability of four selective mechanization systems in rice cultivation. Methods: Field experiments were conducted in the farmers' field during the wet season (June to November) of 2015 in Bangladesh. Mechanization systems were applied to evaluate four different selective levels (treatment) in eleven consequent operations. Seedlings were raised in a traditional seedbed and trays for manual and mechanical transplanting, respectively. Land preparation, irrigation, fertilizer, pesticide, carrying, and threshing and cleaning operations were performed using the same method in all the experimental plots. The mechanical options in the transplanting, weeding, and harvesting operations were changed. The mechanization systems were $S_1$ = hand transplanting + hand weeding + harvesting by sickle, $S_2$ = mechanical transplanting + Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) weeder + reaper, $S_3$ = mechanical transplanting + BRRI power weeder + reaper, and $S_4$ = mechanical transplanting + herbicide + reaper. This experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Power tiller, rice transplanter, BRRI weeder, BRRI power weeder, self-propelled reaper, BRRI open drum thresher, and BRRI winnower were used in the respective operations. Accordingly, the techno-economic performances of the different technologies were calculated and compared with those of the traditional system. Results: The mechanically transplanted plot produced 6-10% more yield than the hand transplanted plot because of the use of tender-aged seedlings. Mechanical transplanting reduced 61% labor and 18% cost compared to manual transplanting. The BRRI weeder, BRRI power weeder, and herbicide application reduced 74, 91, and 98% labor, respectively. The latter also saved 72, 63, and 82% cost, respectively, compared to hand weeding. Herbicide application reduced the substantial amount of labor and cost in the weeding operation. Mechanical harvesting also saved 96% labor and 72% cost compared to the traditional method of harvesting using sickle. Selective mechanization saved 15-17% input cost compared to the traditional method of rice cultivation. Conclusions: Mechanical transplanting with the safe use of herbicide and harvesting by reaper is the most cost- and labor-saving operation. The method might be the recommended set of selective mechanization for enhancing productivity.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.550-555
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• 2018

This study aims to identify and compare contents and keywords used in articles related to blockchain applications to various industries. The text mining and Semantic Network Analysis, as methods of keyword network analysis, were used to analyze articles including terms of 'finance' 'energy' and 'logistics', which media and government frequently mentioned as areas that can apply blockchain technologies. For this study, data were collected from 43,093 articles from January, 2017 through July, 2018. Data crawling was carried out by using Python BeautifulSoup and data cleaning was performed in order to eliminate mutual redundancies of the three terms. After that, text mining and semantic network analysis were performed using Textom and UCInet for network analysis between keywords. The results showed that all the three terms were similar in terms of 'technology', but there were differences in the contents of 'government policy' or 'industry' issues. In addition, there were differences in frequencies and centralities of these terms.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.274-285
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• 2019

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), which is a material removal process involving chemical surface reactions and mechanical abrasive action, is an essential manufacturing process for obtaining high-quality semiconductor surfaces with ultrahigh precision features. Recent rapid growth in the industries of digital devices and semiconductors has accelerated the demands for processing of various substrate and film materials. In addition, to solve many issues and challenges related to high integration such as micro-defects, non-uniformity, and post-process cleaning, it has become increasingly necessary to approach and understand the processing mechanisms for various substrate materials and abrasive particle behaviors from a tribological point of view. Based on these backgrounds, we review recent CMP R&D trends in this study. We examine experimental and analytical studies with a focus on substrate materials and abrasive particles. For the reduction of micro-scratch generation, understanding the correlation between friction and the generation mechanism by abrasive particle behaviors is critical. Furthermore, the contact stiffness at the wafer-particle (slurry)-pad interface should be carefully considered. Regarding substrate materials, recent research trends and technologies have been introduced that focus on sapphire (${\alpha}$-alumina, $Al_2O_3$), silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride (GaN), which are used for organic light emitting devices. High-speed processing technology that does not generate surface defects should be developed for low-cost production of various substrates. For this purpose, effective methods for reducing and removing surface residues and deformed layers should be explored through tribological approaches. Finally, we present future challenges and issues related to the CMP process from a tribological perspective.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.379-385
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• 2018

Purpose: Postharvest handling of onions (harvesting, cleaning, grading, cooling, storing, and transport) should be performed continually to reduce costs and improve quality. The purpose of this study is to a) determine the design parameters and operating conditions of anion auto-dumping that constitutes a key component of the postharvest bulk handling machinery system, and b) to perform a performance test with the auto-dump prototype system. Methods: Kinematic analyses and computer simulations of the auto-dump mechanism were applied to analyze the operating conditions and design parameters. Results: The optimum working condition for the auto-dump was determined from kinetic analyses. In addition, the interaction between the velocity of the hydraulic cylinder and the angular velocity of the auto-dump were analyzed in order to control the bulk handling machinery system. The acting forces and optimum operating conditions of the hydraulic cylinder were determined by analyzing the forces related to the mass of inertia of the auto-dump assembly during rotation. The method of controlling the feeding rate of onions in terms of the uniformity of the stacking pattern and the control of the entire system was better than the two-stage method of controlling the rotational speed of the auto-dump. Based on the performance test with the prototype for the auto-dump, the stacking pattern and rigidity of the system were analyzed. Conclusions: These results would be of great importance in the postharvest bulk handling machinery system for onions.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.320-330
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the harvesting performance of a prototype small combine for buckwheat and adlay. Methods: The prototype small combine was designed and constructed. Its ratio of grain loss, ratio of output components in the grain outlet, and field capacity for harvesting buckwheat and adlay were analyzed through field tests. Results: The prototype small combine required a working width of about 0.6 to 0.7 m to harvest buckwheat. The maximum travel speed was about 0.36 m/. The total ratio of grain loss was about 21.6%, which consisted of 8.8% at the header and 12.8% at the dust outlet. The grain and the material other than grain (MOG) ratios at the grain outlet were 94.1% and 5.9% respectively. In the case of adlay harvest, the maximum working width was about 1.2 m, that is, two rows. The range of maximum travel speed was about 0.45 to 0.46 m/s. When adlay was harvested in one row, the total ratio of grain loss ranged from 36.3 to 42.8% according to the cutting height. The cutting height of 30 cm resulted in a higher total ratio of grain loss than 60 cm and 90 cm. When the cutting height was 60 cm, there was no significant change in the total ratio of grain loss according to the number of working rows and the stage of the primary transmission shift. The total ratio of grain loss ranged from 35.2 to 37.7%. The grain and the MOG ratios at the grain outlet ranged from 93.1 to 95.8% and from 4.2 to 6.9%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in relation to cutting height, number of working rows, and the stage of the primary transmission shift. Conclusions: The prototype small combine for harvesting miscellaneous cereal crops showed good potential for the efficient harvesting of buckwheat and adlay. However, to improve the harvesting performance, there seems to be a need to develop new crop varieties suitable for machine-based harvesting and improve the transmissions, reels, separation/cleaning systems.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.296-302
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine appropriate threshing and selection conditions for sorghum harvesting using a rice combine-harvester. Methods: Sorghum harvesting performance was tested using an actual rice combine. Through this test, the grain loss rate and the composition of crops according to the engine and fan speeds of the combine were investigated. Furthermore, the optimal threshing and selection conditions were determined by carrying out a harvest test based on the opening size factor of the concave in a test field. Results: The grain loss rate for the sorghum using a concave ($18{\times}18mm$) of the rice combine was the lowest at 0.1% at a chaffer angle of $40^{\circ}$, engine speed of 2000 rpm, and fan speed of 20 m/s, but the sorting sieve clogged frequently. Furthermore, as the engine speed and fan speed increased, the grain loss rate also increased. The sorghum harvesting test results of the combine according to the concave opening size showed that the grain loss rate was 0.5% at a driving speed of 0.5 m/s, with a concave opening diameter of 13 mm, a chaffer angle of $40^{\circ}$, a concave sieve oscillation frequency of 4.8 Hz, a fan speed of 20 m/s, and an engine speed of 2000 rpm. Conclusions: Findings showed that sorghum could be harvested using a head feeding rice combine.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.311-319
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a small combine for harvesting miscellaneous cereal crops. Methods: A prototype small combine was designed and constructed. Its specifications and basic performance were investigated. Results: The prototype small combine for harvesting miscellaneous cereal crops was designed and constructed to reflect similar specifications as those of the conventional combine. The prototype small combine comprises a diesel engine with the rated power/speed of 22.0 kW/2,600 rpm, three-stage primary and two-stage speed range transmission shifts, and a double acting threshing part. The maximum travel speeds of the prototype combine are approximately 0.72 m/s, 2.50 m/s, 0.30 m/s at the low, high speed range shifts in the forward direction, and while traversing in the reverse direction, respectively. The minimum radius of turning was approximately 1.50 m. In a static lateral overturning test, the prototype combine overturned neither to the right nor to left on a $30^{\circ}$ slope. The results of an oilseed rape harvesting test included the maximum operating speed of 0.32 m/s, the grain loss ratio of approximately 9.0%, and the effective field capacity of approximately 10.3 a/h. Additionally, among the outputs in grain outlet, the whole grains, damage grains, and materials other than grain (MOG) ratios accounted for 97.4%, 0.0%, and 2.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The prototype small combine for harvesting miscellaneous cereal crops indicates good driving ability and stability. The results of the oilseed rape harvesting test reveal that the harvesting performance must be enhanced such that the separating and cleaning parts are more suitable for each type of crop, thus reducing grain loss and foreign substances among the outputs in grain outlet. An improved small prototype combine could be used effectively to mechanize the harvesting of miscellaneous cereal crops in small family farms or semi-mountainous areas.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2019

Current desulfurization and denitrification technologies have reached a considerable level in terms of reduction efficiency. However, when compared with the simultaneous reduction technology, the individual reduction technologies have issues such as economic disadvantages due to the difficulty to scale-up apparatus, secondary pollution from wastewater/waste during the treatment process, requirement of large facilities for post-treatment, and increased installation costs. Therefore, it is necessary to enable practical application of simultaneous SOx and NOx treatment technologies to remove two or more contaminants in one process. The present study analyzes a technology capable of maintaining simultaneous treatment of SOx and NOx even at low temperatures due to the electrochemically generated strong oxidation of the wet-pulse complex system. This system also reduces unreacted residual gas and secondary products through the wet scrubbing process. It addresses common problems of the existing fuel gas treatment methods such as SDR, SCR, and activated carbon adsorption (i.e., low treatment efficiency, expensive maintenance cost, large installation area, and energy loss). Experiments were performed with varying variables such as pulse voltage, reaction temperature, chemicals and additives ratios, liquid/gas ratio, structure of the aeration cleaning nozzle, and gas inlet concentration. The performance of individual and complex processes using the wet-pulse discharge reaction were analyzed and compared.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.265-274
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• 2019

Background: Methyl alcohol poisoning in mobile phone-manufacturing factories during 2015-2016 was caused by methyl alcohol use for cleaning in computerized numerical control (CNC) processes. To determine whether there were health complications in other workers involved in similar processes, the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute conducted a survey. Methods: We established a national active surveillance system by collaborating with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and National Health Insurance Service. Employment and national health insurance data were used. Overall, 12,048 employees of major domestic mobile phone companies and CNC process dispatch workers were surveyed from 2016 to 2017. We investigated methyl alcohol poisoning by using the national health insurance data. Questionnaires were used to investigate diseases due to methyl alcohol poisoning. Results: Overall, 24.9% of dispatched workers were employed in at least five companies, and 23.9% of dispatched workers had missing employment insurance history data. The prevalence of blindness including visual impairment, optic neuritis, visual disturbances, and alcohol toxicity in the study participants was higher than that reported in the national health insurance database (0.02%, 0.07%, 0.23%, and 0.03% versus 0.01%, 0.07%, 0.13%, and 0.01%, respectively, in 2015). Moreover, 430 suspicious workers were identified; 415 of these provided an address and phone number, of whom 48 responded (response rate, 11.6%). Among the 48 workers, 10 had diseases at the time of the survey, of whom 3 workers were believed to have diseases related to methyl alcohol exposure. Conclusion: This study revealed that active surveillance data can be used to assess health problems related to methyl alcohol poisoning in CNC processes and dispatch workers.