• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.408-413
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• 2023

The incidence of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a prominent geriatric disease, is increasing because of the extended lifespan of companion animals. Various complementary therapies have been proposed for the management of CCDS. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of the Brain Six Complex Extract^ⓒ in dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Fifteen dogs with CDS were included, and four to five drops of Brain Six Complex Extract^ⓒ, composed of herbal extracts, were applied around the dorsal neck of all dogs twice daily for 1-3 months. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using the CCDS scale, and serum β-amyloid oligomer concentrations were measured before and after administration of the extract. The CCDS scale score significantly decreased after administration in dogs with CDS (p = 0.0313), compared to pre-administration levels. Although the serum β-amyloid oligomer concentration decreased after administration, the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A notable decrease was observed between pre- and post-administration in dogs with β-amyloid levels >300 pg/mL (p = 0.0313). The laboratory results showed no remarkable adverse effects of the extract. This study suggests that Brain Six Complex Extract^ⓒ extract could be an adjunctive treatment for dogs with CDS.

• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.115-124
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• 2024

In advancing Li-ion battery (LIB) technology, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is critical for enhancing battery longevity and performance. Formed during the charging process, the SEI layer is essential for controlling ion transport and maintaining electrode stability. This research provides a detailed analysis of how vinylene carbonate (VC) influences SEI layer formation. The integration of VC into the electrolyte markedly improved SEI properties. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed a connection between electrolyte decomposition and battery degradation, linked to the EMC esterification and dicarboxylate formation processes. VC facilitated the formation of a more uniform and chemically stable SEI layer enriched with poly(VC), thereby enhancing mechanical resilience and electrochemical stability. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of electrolyte additives in SEI formation, offering a promising strategy to improve the efficiency and lifespan of LIBs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2024

This study analyzes the impact of regular preventive maintenance (PM) on reducing the failure rate and occurrence of falling accidents of industrial overhead doors. A reliable safety device model with an additional safety device, which is installed to replace a defective one, is proposed. The research methodology involves collecting breakdown and falling accident records, comparing and analyzing data before and after regular PM implementation, and experimenting with two types of retrofittable safety devices. Key findings are as follows. 1. Regular PM implementation significantly reduces the failure rate of old overhead doors. 2. A parallel structured model with two alternative safety devices can minimize falling accident risks. The study's contributions include the following. 1. The positive impact of PM on extending overhead door lifespan is quantified. 2. A general safety device model that can be retrofitted and used as replacement with a fail-safe function is proposed.

• Journal of Wind Energy
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.57-67
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate differences in turbulence intensity and turbine loads among onshore wind farms located in various types of terrain. To achieve this, simulations were conducted for two onshore wind farms with identical wind turbines and capacity but situated on complex and flat terrains. The simulations used meteorological data gathered over a 10-year period from automatic weather stations nearest to the wind farms. WindSim and WindPRO software tools were employed for wind field and load analysis, respectively. The simulation results revealed that wind farm A, situated on complex terrain, exhibited significantly higher effective turbulence intensity than wind farm B on flat terrain, as expected. Consequently, the load indices of several wind turbines exceeded 100 % in wind farm A, indicating that the turbines could not reach their design lifespan. From the simulation study, aimed at reducing both the effective turbulence intensity and turbine loads, it became evident that while increasing turbine spacing could decrease effective turbulence intensity to some extent, it couldn't completely resolve the issue due to the inherently high ambient turbulence intensity on complex terrain. The problem with wind turbine loads could only be completely resolved by using wind turbines with a turbine class of A+, corresponding to a reference turbulence intensity of 0.18.

• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2024

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is the world's best and largest renewable energy that generates electricity with infinite sunlight. Solar cell modules are a component of photovoltaic power generation and must have a long-term durability of at least 25 years. The development of processes and equipment that can be recovered through the recycling of metals and valuable metals when the solar module's lifespan is over has been completed to the level of commercialization, but few processes have been developed that require repair due to initial defects. This is mainly due to the economic problems caused by remaking. However, if manufacturing processes such as repairing solar cell modules that have been proven to be early defects are established and the technical review of long-term reliability and durability reaches a certain level, it is considered that it will be a recommended process technology for environmental economics. In this paper, assuming that a defective solar cell module occurs artificially, a manufacturing process for replacement of solar cells was developed, and a technical verification of the manufacturing technology was conducted through long-term durability evaluation in accordance with KS C 8561. Through this, it was determined that remanufacturing technology for solar cell replacement of solar cell modules that occurred in a short period of time after installation was possible, and the research results were announced through a journal to commercialize solar modules using manufacturing technology in the solar market in the future.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.16-23
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• 2024

The electrolysis for extracting magnesium from seawater or brine primarily involves recovery of magnesium via precipitation as the form of magnesium hydroxide. The technology is classified into cation-exchange membranes (CEM), anion-exchange (AEM) membranes, electrodialysis, and membraneless methods. Recent research has focused on enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of magnesium recovery from seawater or brine containing magnesium, with expectations of effective magnesium recovery even with normal seawater. In a future, the optimization of the selective and efficient recovery of magnesium and various valuable substances through long-term operation of scaled-up systems is crucial with enhancing economic and environmental viability. It is essential to realistically estimate operational costs considering the membrane's lifespan and replacement cycle. Also, detailed and practical process models should be developed based on monitoring data on various factors.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.11
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• pp.4191-4203
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• 2023

Robotics applications are greatly needed in hazardous locations, e.g., fusion and fission reactors, where robots must perform delicate and complex tasks under ionizing radiation conditions. The drawback is that some robotic parts, such as active electronics, are susceptible to radiation. It can lead to unexpected failures and early termination of the robotic operation. This paper analyses the ionizing radiation effect from 0.09 to 1.5 Gy/s in robotic components (microcontrollers, servo motors and temperature sensors). The first experiment compares the performance of various microcontroller types and their actuators and sensors, where different mitigation strategies are applied, such as using Radiation-Hardened (Rad-Hard) microcontrollers or shielding. The second and third experiments analyze the performance of a 3-Degrees of Freedom (DoF) robotic arm, evaluating its components' responses and trajectory. This study enhances our understanding and expands our knowledge regarding radiation's impact on robotic arms and components, which is useful for defining the best strategies for extending the robots' operational lifespan, especially when performing maintenance or inspection tasks in radiation environments.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.197-207
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Endoscopic visualization of the microscopic anatomy can facilitate the real-time diagnosis of pancreatobiliary disorders and provide guidance for treatment. This study aimed to review the technique, image classification, and diagnostic performance of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of CLE in pancreatic and biliary ducts of humans, and have provided a narrative of the technique, image classification, diagnostic performance, ongoing research, and limitations. Results: Probe-based CLE differentiates malignant from benign biliary strictures (sensitivity, ≥89%; specificity, ≥61%). Needle-based CLE differentiates mucinous from non-mucinous pancreatic cysts (sensitivity, 59%; specificity, ≥94%) and identifies dysplasia. Pancreatitis may develop in 2-7% of pancreatic cyst cases. Needle-based CLE has potential applications in adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and pancreatitis (chronic or autoimmune). Costs, catheter lifespan, endoscopist training, and interobserver variability are challenges for routine utilization. Conclusions: CLE reveals microscopic pancreatobiliary system anatomy with adequate specificity and sensitivity. Reducing costs and simplifying image interpretation will promote utilization by advanced endoscopists.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.334-342
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• 2024

The need for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions has emerged due to a rapidly increasing energy demand and growing concerns about environmental issues. Among various energy storage methods, lithium secondary batteries are widely used in a variety of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and large-scale power storage systems due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and cost competitiveness. Recently, all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have attracted great attention because they can reduce the risk of fire associated with liquid electrolytes. Additionally, using high-capacity alternative anodes and cathodes in ASSBs can enhance energy density. However, ASSBs that use solid electrolytes experience a degradation in their electrochemical performances due to resistance at solid-solid interfaces. These interfaces can also result in poor physical contact and the presence of products formed from chemical and electrochemical reactions. Solving this interface problem is a critical issue for the commercialization of ASSBs. This review summarizes interfacial reactions between the cathode and solid electrolyte, along with research aimed at improving these interactions. Future development directions in this field are also discussed.

• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.370-376
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• 2024

Load variations reduce the lifespan of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). To analyze the impact of load variations on durability of PEFCs, two stacks were built and operated continuously for 400 hours, one under load variations and the other under constant current condition with the same energy output. Using the example model provided by Mathworks, we obtained load variation data for the experiments. The performance curves were measured every 100 hours and analyzed by current interruption method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The degradation comparison shows a much larger decrease in performance under the load variation. The activation resistance, electrical resistance, and mass transfer resistance are all found to increase more.