• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.441-449
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• 2023

Heavy metals, widely present in the environment, have become significant pollutants due to their excessive use in industries and technology. Their non-degradable nature poses a persistent environmental problem, leading to potential acute or chronic poisoning from prolonged exposure. Recent research has focused on separating heavy metals, particularly from industrial and mining sources. Industries such as metal plating, mining operations, tanning, wood and chipboard production, industrial paint and textile manufacturing, as well as oil refining, are major contributors of heavy metals in water sources. Therefore, removing heavy metals from water is crucial, especially for safe water supply in swimming and water sports. Iron oxide nanoparticles have proven to be highly effective adsorbents for water contaminants, and efforts have been made to enhance their efficiency and absorption capabilities through surface modifications. Nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts can effectively bind with heavy metal ions by modifying the nanoparticle surface with plant components, thereby increasing the efficiency of heavy metal removal. This study focuses on removing lead from industrial wastewater using environmentally friendly, cost-effective iron nanoparticles synthesized with Genovese basil extract. The synthesis of nanoparticles is confirmed through analysis using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction, validating their spherical shape and nanometer-scale dimensions. The method used in this study has a low detection limit of 0.031 ppm for measuring lead concentration, making it suitable for ensuring water safety in swimming and water sports.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.128-132
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• 2023

Investment authorities are broad financial institutions that carefully manage investments on behalf of the national government using a long-term value development approach. To provide a stronger structure or framework for In-vestment Authorities to govern the distribution of funds to public and private markets, we've started research to create a blockchain-based prototype for managing and tracking numerous finances of such authorities. We have taken the case study of Oman Investment Authority (OIA) of Sultanate of Oman. Oman's wealth is held in OIA. It is an organization that oversees and utilizes the additional capital generated by oil and gas profits in public and private markets. Unlike other Omani funds, this one focus primarily on assets outside the Sultanate. The operation of the OIA entails a huge number of transactions, necessitating a high level of transparency and administration among the parties involved. Currently, OIA relies on various manuals to achieve its goals, such as the Authorities and Responsibilities manual, the In-vestment Manual, and the Code of Business Conduct, among others. In this paper, we propose a Blockchain based framework to manage the operations of OIA. Blockchain is a part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and it is re-shaping every industry. The main components of every blockchain are assets and participants. The funds are the major assets in the proposed study, and the participants are the various fund shareholders/recipients. The block-chain's transactions are all safe, secure, and immutable, and it's part of a trustless network. The transactions are simple to follow and verify. By replacing intermediary firms with smart contracts, blockchain-based solutions eliminate any middlemen in the fund allocation process.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1531-1541
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• 2023

Lipase is a well-known and highly in-demand enzyme. During the last decade, several lipase optimization studies have been reported. However, production costs have always been a bottleneck for commercial-scale microbial enzyme production. This research aimed to optimize the conditions for lipase production by Limtongozyma siamensis DMKU-WBL1-3 via a One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) approach combined with statistical methods while using a low-cost substrate. Results suggest that low-cost substrates can be substituted for all media components. An optimal medium was found, using response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD), to consist of 0.50% (w/v) sweet whey, 0.40% (w/v) yeast extract (food grade), and 2.50% (v/v) palm oil with the medium pH adjusted to 4 under shaking flask cultivation. From an economic point of view, this work was successful in reducing production costs while increasing lipase productivity. The medium costs were reduced by 87.5% of the original cost while lipase activity was increased by nearly 6-fold. Moreover, lipase production was further studied in a 2-L stirred-tank fermentor. Its activity was 1,055.6 ± 0.0 U/ml when aeration and agitation rates were adjusted to 1 vvm and 170 rpm, respectively. Interestingly, under this optimal lipase production, the yeast showed accumulated lipids inside the cells. The primary fatty acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) that is typically linked to health benefits. This study hence reveals promising lipase production and lipid accumulation by L. siamensis DMKU-WBL1-3 that are worthy of further study.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Heat Treatment
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2024

The conventional degreasing process involves removing oil and contaminants at temperatures above 80℃, resulting in excessive energy consumption, increased process costs, and environmental issues. In this study, we aimed to find the optimal degreasing conditions for the pre-treatment process of electro-galvanizing cold-rolled steel sheets, conducted efficiently at room temperature without the need for a separate heating device. To achieve this, we developed a room temperature degreasing solution and a brush-type degreasing tool, aiming to reduce energy consumption and normalize the decrease in degreasing efficiency caused by temperature reduction. Alkaline degreasing solution were prepared using KOH, SiO₂, NaOH, Na₂CO₃, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, with KOH and NaOH as the main components. To enhance the degreasing performance at room temperature, we manufactured additives including sodium oleate, sodium stearate, sodium palmitate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, silicone emulsion, and EDTA-Na. Room temperature additives were added to the alkaline degreasing solution in quantities ranging from 0.1 to 20 wt.%, and the uniformity of degreasing and the adhesion of the galvanized layer were evaluated through Dyne Test, T-bending Test, OM, SEM, and EDS analyses. The results indicated that the optimal degreasing solution composition consisted of NaOH (30 g/L), Na₂CO₃ (30 g/L), SLS (6 g/L), and room temperature additives (≤1 wt%).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2024

Hydrogen-based electricity and transportation systems are widely recognized as sustainable power sources. However, the low ignition energy of hydrogen, only 1/10th that of conventional fossil fuels, poses a safety concern involving the risk of ignition due to electrostatic discharge from facility workers. Therefore, anti-static systems are imperative for hydrogen-based electricity facilities. To address this, we propose a reliable conductive rubber mat (CRM) to ensure the safety of these facilities. Unlike conventional anti-static floors that utilize conductive paint (CP), the CRM features a uniform distribution of conductive components in chemically and mechanically stable rubber. As a result, the CRM is unyielding to polar solvents (such as ethanol and hydrosulfuric acid) and non-polar solvents (like mineral oil) without increasing its resistance. Moreover, the CRM can withstand mechanical stress. Consequently, the human-body voltage of workers on the CRM would be sufficiently low enough to protect them from hydrogen explosions, thereby enhancing overall safety.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.387-398
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• 2024

Euphorbia humifusa Willd (Euphorbiaceae) is a functional raw material with various pharmacological activities. This study aimed to validate the inhibitory effect of Euphorbia humifusa extract (EHE) on adipocyte differentiation in vitro and in a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced mouse model to evaluate the E.a humifusa as a novel anti-obesity and lipid metabolism enhancer agent. EHE effects on obesity and lipid metabolism were assessed in HFD-induced obese mice after 4-week treatments. Results were compared among four treatment groups (n = 7/group): low fat diet (LFD), high fat diet (HFD), and HFD-induced obese mice treated with either 100 or 200 mg/kg/day EHE (EHE100 and EHE200, respectively). EHE (50 to 200 ㎍/ml) and quercetin (50 ㎍/ml) significantly reduced 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation (p < 0.001), in a concentration-dependent manner. EHE affected lipid metabolism, as evidenced by changes in serum lipid components. The HFD-EHE100 and HFD-EHE200 groups exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) reduced triglycerides (TG, 97.50 ± 6.56 and 82.50 ± 13.20 mg/dL, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c: 40.25 ± 4.99 and 41.25 ± 6.36 mg/dL, respectively) compared to the HFD group (TG: 129.25 ± 19.81 mg/dL; LDL-c: 51.75 ± 11.59 mg/dL). Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Oil red O staining showed that EHE markedly reduced lipid accumulation and inhibited lipogenesis in the liver. Interestingly, EHE significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the expression of adipogenic transcription factors in liver tissue. Our results indicated that EHE has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for addressing obesity and lipid metabolism.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.346-352
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• 2020

Currently, many studies are being conducted to cope with climate changes due to global warming and abnormal weather. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of weather on the growth, yield components, and quality of soybeans using weather data from 2017 and 2018. The average temperature in 2018 was higher than that in 2017 from R1 to R5 of the growth stage for all cultivars. On the other hand, precipitation in 2018 was reduced compared to that in 2017 for Daewon and Daepung-2ho. It was observed that the flowering date in 2018 was earlier than that in 2017 for Daewon and Daepung-2ho, but the flowering date for Pungsannamul in 2018 was similar to that in 2017. Simulating soil water content with the estimation model (AFKAE0.5) determined that there were fewer drought dates in 2017 than those in 2018, and drought lasted from R1 to early R5 of the growth stage in 2018. Soybean growth in 2017 was better than that in 2018, and seed yield and 100-seed weight of soybean were higher in 2017 than those in 2018 for all cultivars. The seed size in 2017 was larger than that in 2018 for all cultivars. Oil content in 2017 was higher than that in 2018; in particular, the difference between both years was observed for Daewon and Daepung-2ho. Protein content was higher in 2018 than that in 2017; however, there were different levels for each cultivar. Thus, these results indicate that the yield component and quality of soybeans are affected by high temperature and drought.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.665-676
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• 2003

To investigate the chemical characteristics of PM$\_$2.5/ in Seoul, Korea, atmospheric particulate matters were collected using a PM$\_$10/ dichotomous sampler including PM$\_$10/ and PM$\_$2.5/ inlet during the period of October 2000 to September 2001. The Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectromety (ICP-MS), ion Chromatography (IC) methods were used to determine the concentration of both metal and ionic species. A statistical analysis was performed for the heavy metals data set using a principal component analysis (PCA) to derived important factors inherent in the interactions among the variables. The mean concentrations of ambient PM$\_$2.5/ and PM/sub10/ were 24.47 and 45.27 $\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥, respectively. PM$\_$2.5/ masses also showed temporal variations both yearly and seasonally. The ratios of PM$\_$2.5/PM$\_$10/ was 0.54, which similar to the value of 0.60 in North America. Soil-related chemical components (such as Al, Ca, Fe, Si, and Mn) were abundant in PM$\_$10/, while anthropogenic components (such as As, Cd, Cr, V, Zn and Pb) were abundant in PM2s. Total water soluble ions constituted 30∼50 % of PM$\_$2.5/ mass, and sulfate, nitrate and ammonium were main components in water soluble ions. Reactive farms of NH$_4$$\^$+/were considered as NH$_4$NO$_3$ and (NH$_4$)$_2$SO$_4$ during the sampling periods. In the results of PCA for PM$\_$2.5/, we identified three principal components. Major contribution to PM$\_$2.5/ seemed to be soil, oil combustion, unidentified source. Further study, the detailed interpretation of these data will need efforts in order to identify emission sources.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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• 2000.11a
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• pp.44-63
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• 2000

Situated close to Heathrow Airport, and adjacent to the M4 and M25 Motorways, the site at Axis Park is considered a prime location for business in the UK. In consequnce two of the UK's major property development companies, MEPC and Redrew Homes sought the expertise of Intergeo to remediate the contaminated former industrial site prior to its development. Industrial use of the twenty-six hectare site, started in 1936, when Hawker Aircraft commence aircraft manufacture. In 1963 the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Company purchased part of the site. Ford commenced vehicle production at the site in the mid-1970's and production was continued by Iveco Ford from 1986 to the plant's decommissioning in 1997. Geologically the site is underlain by sand and gravel, deposited in prehistory by the River Thames, with London Clay at around 6m depth. The level of groundwater fluctuates seasonally at around 2.5m depth, moving slowly southwest towards local streams and watercourses. A phased investigation of the site was undertaken, which culminated in the extensive site investigation undertaken by Intergeo in 1998. In total 50 boreholes, 90 probeholes and 60 trial pits were used to investigate the site and around 4000 solid and 1300 liquid samples were tested in the laboratory for chemical substances. The investigations identified total petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil up to 25, 000mg/kg. Diesel oil, with some lubricating oil were the main components. Volatile organic compounds were identified in the groundwater in excess of 10mg/l. Specific substances included trichloromethane, trichloromethane and tetrachloroethene. Both the oil and volatile compounds were widely spread across the site, The specific substances identified could be traced back to industrial processes used at one or other dates in the sites history Slightly elevated levels of toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also identified locally. Prior to remediation of the site and throughout its progress, extensive liaison with the regulatory authorities and the client's professional representatives was required. In addition to meetings, numerous technical documents detailing methods and health and safety issues were required in order to comply with UK environmental and safety legislation. After initially considering a range of options to undertake remediation, the following three main techniques were selected: ex-situ bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils, skimming of free floating hydrocarbon product from the water surface at wells and excavations and air stripping of volatile organic compounds from groundwater recovered from wells. The achievements were as follows: 1) 350, 000m3 of soil was excavated and 112, 000m3 of sand and gravel was processed to remove gravel and cobble sized particles; 2) 53, 000m3 of hydrocarbon contaminated soil was bioremediated in windrows ; 3) 7000m3 of groundwater was processed by skimming to remove free floating Product; 4) 196, 000m3 of groundwater was Processed by air stripping to remove volatile organic compounds. Only 1000m3 of soil left the site for disposal in licensed waste facilities Given the costs of disposal in the UK, the selected methods represented a considerable cost saving to the Clients. All other soil was engineered back into the ground to a precise geotechnical specification. The following objective levels were achieved across the site 1) By a Risk Based Corrective Action (RBCA) methodology it was demonstrated that soil with less that 1000mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbons did not pose a hazard to health or water resources and therefore, could remain insitu; 2) Soils destined for the residential areas of the site were remediated to 250mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbons; in the industrial areas 500mg/kg was proven acceptable. 3) Hydrocarbons in groundwater were remediated to below the Dutch Intervegtion Level of 0.6mg/1; 4) Volatile organic compounds/BTEX group substances were reduced to below the Dutch Intervention Levels; 5) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals were below Inter-departmental Committee for the Redevelopment of Contaminated Land guideline levels for intended enduse. In order to verify the qualify of the work 1500 chemical test results were submitted for the purpose of validation. Quality assurance checks were undertaken by independent consultants and at an independent laboratory selected by Intergeo. Long term monitoring of water quality was undertaken for a period of one year after remediation work had been completed. Both the regulatory authorities and Clients representatives endorsed the quality of remediation now completed at the site. Subsequent to completion of the remediation work Redrew Homes constructed a prestige housing development. The properties at "Belvedere Place" retailed at premium prices. On the MEPC site the Post Office, amongst others, has located a major sorting office for the London area. Exceptionally high standards of remediation, control and documentation were a requirement for the work undertaken here.aken here.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.498-506
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• 2019

This study is based on a coating method that provides utilization value as a micronised powder for cosmetic raw materials using natural minerals buried in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea. The mineral powder name is called Buseok, and chemical name is pumice powder. The results of a study on the efficacy of cosmetics are reported by the development of particulate powder to assess the performance of this powder. First of all, in order to coat the surface of this powder with oil, aluminum hydroxide was coated on the particulate surface and then coated with alkylsilan. In addition, it was coated with vegetable oil to prevent condensation of the powder and increase the dispersion in the oil phase. First; the particle size of pumice powder was from 10 to 50mm having porous holes on the surface of the particles. Second; The components of this powder contained $SiO_2$, $Al_2O_3$, $Fe_2O_3$, MgO, CaO, $K_2O_2$, $Na_2O$, $TiO_2$, $TiO_2$, MnO, $Cr_2O_3$, $V_2O_5$. Third: The particles of this powder have a planetary structure and are reddish-brown with porosity through SEM and TEM analysis. Fourth; the far-infrared radiation rate of this parabolic powder was $0.924{\mu}m$, and the radiative energy was $3.72{\times}102W/m^2$ and ${\mu}m$. In addition, the anion emission is 128 ION/cc, which shows that the coating remains unchanged. Based on these results, it is expected to be widely applied to basic cosmetics such as BB cream, cushion foundation, powderfect, and other color-coordinated cosmetics, sunblock cream, wash-off massage pack as an application of cosmetics. (Small and Medium Business Administration: S2601385)