• Title/Summary/Keyword: environmentally sustainable

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A study on the adsorption characteristic and safety assessment of railway subsoil material (철도 노반 재료의 중금속 흡착특성과 안전성에 관한 연구)

  • Paek, Seoungbong;Gil, Kyungik
    • Journal of Wetlands Research
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    • v.17 no.2
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    • pp.146-154
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    • 2015
  • Domestic railway industry has grown in numbers, scale of railway ndustrial and operation because was focused on an environmentally sustainable transportation. However, it is not enough to treat and prevent heavy metals which occur as the railway operation increases. The heavy metals occurred when the operating railway and it will be flow into water system with rainfall effluent during rainfall. will flow out along with the rainfall effluent when rainfall comes. In case of a railway bridge, In particular, heavy metals were flow into the water system without any treatment from railway bridges where located nearby rivers and lakes. So, rainfall effluent from railway facilities was occurred pollution of water system. For the prevent of heavy metal runoff during rainfall, the adsorptivity of material in railway roadbed is important.In this study, adsorptivity of gravel which is main gravel and blast-furnace slag were conducted adsorption test and deducted Freundlich's and Langmuir's isothermal adsorption equations. Safety as railway subbase course material was evaluated using modeling. As a result, absorption amount of slag, Cd and Cu, was shown higher than gravel and Pb along with Zn showed higher absorption amount of gravel. However, absorption amount of slag was shown higher than gravel used as railway subbase course material as time passes by. Absorption features had more suitable determination coefficient of heavy metals in warm absorption type such as Langnmuir compared to warm absorption type like Freundlich. To add, they showed less transformation by about 10% compared to gravel in safety evaluation through modeling. This is a railway subbase course material that prevents water outflow of heavy metal thus we can know slag is needed to be used.

Development of Novel Materials for Reduction of Greenhouse Gases and Environmental Monitoring Through Interface Engineering

  • Hirano, Shin-Ichi;Gang, Seok-Jung L.;Nowotny, Janusz-Nowotny;Smart, Roger-St.C.Smart;Scrrell, Charles-C.Sorrell;Sugihara, Sunao;Taniguchi, Tomihiroi;Yamawaki, Michio;Yoo
    • Korean Journal of Materials Research
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    • v.9 no.6
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    • pp.635-653
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    • 1999
  • The present work considers work considers research strategies to address global warming. Specifically, this work considers the development of technologies of importance for the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and, especially, the materials that are critical to these technologies. It is argued that novel materials that are essential for the production of environmentally friendly energy may be developed through a special kind of engineering: interface engineering, rather than through classical bulk chemistry. Progress on the interface engineering requires to increase the present state of understanding on the local properties of materials interfaces and interfaces processes. This, consequently, requires coordinated international efforts in order to establish a strong background in the science of materials interfaces. This paper considers the impact of interfaces, such as surfaces and grain boundaries, on the functional properties of materials. This work provides evidence that interfaces exhibit outstanding properties that are not displayed by the bulk phase. It is shown that the local interface chemistry and structure and entirely different than those of the bulk phase. In consequence the transport of both charge and matter along and across interfaces, that is so important for energy conversion, is different than that in the bulk. Despite that the thickness of interfaces is of an order to a nanometer, their impact on materials properties is substantial and, in many cases, controlling. This leads to the conclusion that the development of novel materials with desired properties for specific industrial applications will be possible through controlled interface chemistry. Specifically, this will concern materials of importance for energy conversion and environmental monitoring. Therefore, there is a need to increase the present state of understanding of the local properties of materials interfaces and the relationship between interfaces and the functional properties of materials. In order to accomplish this task coordinated international efforts of specialized research centres are required. These efforts are specifically urgent regarding the development of materials of importance for the reduction of greenhouse gases. Success of research in this area depends critically on financial support that can be provided for projects on materials of importance for a sustainable environment, and these must be considered priorities for all of the global economies. The authors of the present work represent an international research group economies. The authors of the present work represent an international research group that has entered into a collaboration on the development of the materials that are critical for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

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Strategic GSCM of the Multinational Enterprises and its impact on the Market Performance (다국적기업의 전략적 그린 SCM 구축과 시장성과에 관한 실증적 연구)

  • Kim, Gil-Sung
    • International Area Studies Review
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    • v.15 no.3
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    • pp.513-532
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    • 2011
  • Green supply chain management(GSCM) has emerged as a key approach for firms seeking to become sustainable environmentally. GSCM is a system in which the firm takes life cycle responsibility of the products through material recycling, environment-friendly production, and reverse logistics in addition to the classical operations in a supply chain. This paper endeavors to identify the relationship between the GSCM practice implementation and firms' performance among a sample of Korean manufacturing firms. Based on a literature review, eight hypotheses are put forward. First of all, a factor analysis was conducted to derive groupings of GSCM practice from the survey data which included 54 responses. Then, the first regression was conducted to examine the link between GSCM practice implementation and firms' financial performance. The result shows that green purchasing and green production are significant. The second regression was conducted to examine the impact of GSCM practice implementation on the firms' competitiveness. The result reveals that green purchasing, green production, and reverse logistics are positively signifiant.

Solid-Liquid Equilibria and Excess Molar Volumes, Refractive Indices and Deviation in Viscosity for Binary Systems of C3-C6 Carboxylic Acids (Carboxylic acid 이성분계의 고-액 상평형과 과잉물성, 굴절률 및 점도 편차)

  • Gu, Ji-Eun;Oh, Ha-Young;Park, So-Jin
    • Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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    • v.57 no.1
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    • pp.78-84
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    • 2019
  • Recently, bio-butanol is being promoted as environmentally friendly sustainable energy. However, some problems are still obstacle for commercialization of bio-butanol: the development of cheap biomass and enhancement of fermentation ratio and preparation of economical separation process for fermented products. In the conventional ABE biobutanol fermentation process, organic acids with acetone, butanol, and ethanol are produced. Therefore, it is necessary to study phase equilibrium data and mixture properties for the design and operation of separation process. However, there is lack of design data for organic acids except acetic acid contained system. In this study, therefore, binary solid-liquid equilibria (SLE) and mixture properties: the excess molar volumes ($V^E$), molar refraction deviation (${\Delta}R$) and deviation of viscosity (${\Delta}v$) at 298.15 for $C_3-C_6$ organic acid were reported. The experimental SLE data were correlated with the NRTL and UNIQUAC activity coefficient model with less than 0.5 K of root mean square deviation (RMSD). In addition, $V^E$, ${\Delta}R$ and ${\Delta}v$ for the same binary systems were satisfactorily fitted using the Redlich-Kister polynomial with less than ca. 0.004 standard deviation.

What Is Cultured Meat? (배양육이란 무엇인가?)

  • Huh, Man Kyu
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.31 no.6
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    • pp.587-594
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    • 2021
  • By 2050, 70% more food will be needed to fulfill the demands of a growing population. Among the solutions, cultured meat or clean meat is presented as a sustainable alternative for consumers. Scientists have begun to leverage knowledge and tools accumulated in the fields of stem cell and tissue engineering in efforts aimed at the development of cell-based meat. Cultured meat has to recreate the complex structure of livestock muscles with a few cells. Cells start to divide after they are cultured in a culture medium, which provides nutrients, hormones, and growth factors. An initial problem with this type of culture is the serum used, as in vitro meat aims to be slaughter free. Thus, it is contradictory to use a medium made from the blood of dead calves. The serum is expensive and affects to a large extent the production cost of the meat. A positive aspect related to the safety of cultured meat is that it is not produced from animals raised in confined spaces and slaughtered in inhumane conditions. Thus, the risk of an outbreak is eliminated, and there is no need for vaccinations and animal welfare issues. The production of cultured meat is presented as environmentally friendly, as it is supposed to produce less greenhouse gas, consume less water, and use less land in comparison to conventional meat production.

Overview of Appropriate Technology Research Organizations in France (프랑스의 적정기술 관련 연구기관 개요 및 주요 활동 소개)

  • Kim, Byoung-Yoon;Choi, Kyeong-Il;Kim, Eunjung;Kim, Dowon;Shim, Changhyun
    • Journal of Appropriate Technology
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    • v.7 no.2
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    • pp.144-150
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    • 2021
  • The purpose of this paper is to introduce representative appropriate technology research organizations operating in France. Among them, we would like to investigate and introduce five institutions that have acquired a lot of experience due to their long history. Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) is a government-funded institution that strengthens science and technology infrastructure in Africa and overseas territories with the aim of supporting and educating science communities in developing countries, and conducts collaborative research with more diverse developing countries. Antenna France is an NGO organization whose main activity is to improve malnutrition in Africa. Ingénieurs sans frontiers is an NGO organization that sets sustainable development as the main goal of the association's activities and leads various activities such as education. Terre & Humanism is an NGO organization that practices ecological agriculture and carries out a social change movement urging to respect life and land, and to constitute an alternative society. Humanitarian Design Bureau is a corporation concept company that mainly carries out R&D for environmentally friendly products necessary for NGO activities.

Electrical Conductivity, Optical Transmittance, and Oxidation Stability of Transparent Conductive Polymer Film Coated With Layered Pristine Single-walled Carbon Nanotube and Silver Nanowire (무정제 단일벽 탄소나노튜브와 은나노와이어가 적층으로 코팅된 투명전도성 고분자 필름의 전기 전도성, 광학 투과도 및 산화안정성)

  • Young Sil Lee
    • Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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    • v.61 no.3
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    • pp.456-462
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    • 2023
  • An electrically conductive and transparent electrode was created by applying a dispersion of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and silver nanowires to a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film using a bar coating method. The SWCNTs were added to increase the electrical conductivity and transmittance of the silver nanowires while also preventing the haze from increasing due to the stacking of multiple layers containing SWCNTs and silver nanowires on the PET substrate. The silver nanowires in the electrode were also found to be stable against oxidation. The transparent electrode displayed excellent electrical and optical properties, with a sheet resistance of 47 Ω/□, transmittance of 96.72%, and haze of 1.93%. Additionally, the sheet resistance of the electrode remained stable over time, with a change of only 6.4% after a constant temperature and humidity test, making it suitable for long-term use. A hybrid transparent electrode that is economically feasible and environmentally sustainable has been developed through the utilization of pristine SWCNT and silver nanowire.

A Study on Increased Properties of Cellulose-Based Biodegradable Polymer Composites (셀룰로오스 기반 생분해성 고분자 복합재의 물성 증가에 관한 연구)

  • Sangjun Hong;Ajeong Lee;Sanghyeon Ju;Youngeun Shin;Teahoon Park
    • Composites Research
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    • v.36 no.2
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    • pp.126-131
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    • 2023
  • Growing environmental concerns regarding pollution caused by conventional plastics have increased interest in biodegradable polymers as alternative materials. The purpose of this study is to develop a 100% biodegradable nanocomposite material by introducing organic nucleating agents into the biodegradable and thermoplastic resin, poly(lactic acid), to improve its properties. Accordingly, cellulose nanofibers, an eco-friendly material, were adopted as a substitute for inorganic nucleating agents. To achieve a uniform dispersion of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) within PLA, the aqueous solution of nanofibers was lyophilized to maintain their fibrous shape. Then, they were subjected to primary mixing using a twin-screw extruder. Test specimens with double mixing were then produced by injection molding. Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to confirm the reinforced physical properties, and it was found that the addition of 1 wt% CNFs acted as a reinforcing material and nucleating agent, reducing the cold crystallization temperature by approximately 14℃ and increasing the degree of crystallization. This study provides an environmentally friendly alternative for developing plastic materials with enhanced properties, which can contribute to a sustainable future without consuming inorganic nucleating agents. It serves as a basis for developing 100% biodegradable green nanocomposites.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth Promotion by Various Plant Extracts Produced Using Different Extraction Methods

  • Ei Ei;Hyun Hwa Park;Yong In Kuk
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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    • 2022.10a
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    • pp.53-53
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    • 2022
  • Modem agricultural production needs to provide sustainable management practices that are eco-friendly and low cost. Plant extracts are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic plant growth regulators. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the effects of various plant extracts produced using different extraction methods on the vegetative growth of rice under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. For this study, seventeen plant extracts were made from plant species such as leaves of M. arvense, C. asiatica, M. oleifera, V. radiata, V. unguiculate, P. guajava, A. vera, and A. tuberosum, aboveground plant parts of C. rotundus, M. sativa, and P. frutescens, roots of R. undulatum, tubers of A. sativum, leaves and stems of G. max (cv. Taegwang) as well as rice straw and hulls (cv. Hopyeong). As a test crop, we applied these extracts to rice plants. For the purpose of making our extracts, some plant materials and species were collected in fields and others were purchased from Chonnam Hanyaknonghyup Cooperation (South Korea). Leaves, roots, and aboveground plant parts of plant species were dried, ground, extracted (water, boiling water and ethanol) and fermented. Rice growth promotion effects were determined using plant extracts at 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1% concentrations under petri dish conditions. Seven selected plant extracts were applied to rice seeds with soil drench application or seedling at 3-4 leaf stages with soil and foliar applications under greenhouse conditions. For comparison with extracts, we used urea at 0.6%. Of the 17 water extracts used in this study, 10 extracts reduced rice growth, but the other 7 extracts (P. guajava, A. vera, A. tuberosum, M. sativa, A. sativum, and G. max) increased growth by 40-60% on compared to the control in Petri dish bioassay. Thus, these 7 extracts were selected for further study. Under greenhouse conditions, rice growth also increased by 20-40% when the same 7 extracts were applied to rice seeds using soil drench application. Furthermore, at the 3-4 leaf stage rice growth also increased 30-80% or 30-60% when the same 7 extracts were applied using soil and foliar applications. Overall, the 7 extracts produced higher rates of growth promotion when soil drench application was used than when foliar application was used. In the case of boiling water and ethanol extracts, rice growth increased only 20% in response to both soil drench and foliar application of the same 7 extracts. Rice growth promotion was greater when extracts were produced using water extraction method than boiling water and ethanol extraction methods. Most notably, the 7 water extracts used in this study produced higher rates of growth promotion than urea at 0.6% which is typically used for crop growth promotion. Overall, the 7 water extracts when applied using soil drenching method can be used as effective growth promotors of rice in organic agriculture.

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The Impact of ESG Activities on the Corporate Performance : Focused on Logistics Companies (ESG 활동이 기업성과에 미치는 영향: 물류기업을 중심으로)

  • Kim, Young-Soo
    • 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