• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.35 no.7
• /
• pp.457-463
• /
• 2013

The removal of sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) by activated carbon was investigated by using granular activated carbon (GAC) tests and density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The GAC absorption tests show the removal efficiency of 68.4~90.7% and 99.0~99.9% in 1 and 24 hours, respectively. In both GAC tests, the removal efficiency of sulfamethazine (SMZ) was the highest followed by those of sulfathiazole (STZ) and sulfamethoxazole (SMTZ): SMZ > STZ > SMTZ. In DFT adsorption simulations, we found that the 4-aminobenzenesulfonamide parts of SMZ and STZ and the 3-methyl-1,2-oxazol-5-amine part of SMTZ are preferentially adsorbed on the edges of graphene model, provided that the adsorbates keep their structures without dissociation upon adsorption process. The adsorption energies of SMZ, STZ, and SMTZ are -4.91, -4.64, and -4.62 eV, respectively. This adsorption strength (SMZ > STZ > STMZ) agrees with the trend of the removal efficiency of SAs by GAC. In addition, dissociative adsorption configurations of SAs are discussed.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.196-201
• /
• 2014

We investigated defects and surface polarity in AlN and GaN by using wet chemical etching. Therefore, the effectiveness and reliability of estimating the single crystals by defect selective etching in NaOH/KOH eutectic alloy have been successfully demonstrated. High-quality AlN and GaN single crystals were etched in molten NaOH/KOH eutectic alloy. The etching characteristics and surface morphologies were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The etch rates of AlN and GaN surface were calculated by etching depth as a function of etching time. As a result, two-types of etch pits with different sizes were revealed on AlN and GaN surface, respectively. Etching produced hexagonal pits on the metal-face (Al, Ga) (0001) plane, while hexagonal hillocks formed on the N-face. On etching rate calibration, it was found that N-face had approximately 109 and 15 times higher etch rate than the metal-face of AlN and GaN, respectively. The size of etch pits increased with an increase of the etching time and they tend to merge together with a neighbouring etch pits. Also, the chemical mechanism of each etching process was discussed. It was found that hydroxide ion ($OH^-$) and the dangling bond of nitrogen play an important role in the selective etching of the metal-face and N-face.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.83-91
• /
• 2012

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system, which is used by many bacteria to regulate diverse gene expression in response to changes in population density. Bacteria recognize the differences in cell density by sensing the concentration of signal molecules such as N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) and autoinducer-2 (AI-2). In particular, QS plays a key role in biofilm formation, which is a specific bacterial group behavior. Biofilms are dense aggregates of packed microbial communities that grow on surfaces, and are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). QS regulates biofilm dispersal as well as the production of EPS. In some bacteria, biofilm formations are regulated by c-di-GMP-mediated signaling as well as QS, thus the two signaling systems are mutually connected. Biofilms are one of the major virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria. In addition, they cause numerous problems in industrial fields, such as the biofouling of pipes, tanks and membrane bioreactors (MBR). Therefore, the interference of QS, referred to as quorum quenching (QQ) has received a great deal of attention. To inhibit biofilm formation, several strategies to disrupt bacterial QS have been reported, and many enzymes which can degrade or modify the signal molecule AHL have been studied. QQ enzymes, such as AHL-lactonase, AHL-acylase, and oxidoreductases may offer great potential for the effective control of biofilm formation and membrane biofouling in the future. This review describes the process of bacterial QS, biofilm formation, and the close relationship between them. Finally, QQ enzymes and their applications for the reduction of biofouling are also discussed.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
• /
• v.18 no.5 s.95
• /
• pp.589-594
• /
• 2006

The recycling of industrial wastes in the concrete manufacturing is of increasing interest worldwide, due to the high environmental impact of the cement and concrete industries and to the rising demand of infrastructures, both in industrialized and developing countries. The production of municipal wastes in the South Korea is estimated at about 49,902 ton per day and only 14.5% of these are incinerated and principally disposed of in landfill. These quantities will increase considerably with the growth of municipal waste production, the progressive closing of landfill, so the disposal of municipal solid waste incinerator(MSWI) ashes has become a continuous and significant issue facing society, both environmentally and economically. MSWI ash is the residue from waste combustion processes at temperature between $850^{\circ}C\;and\;1,000^{\circ}C$. And the main components of MSWI ash are $SiO_2,\;CaO\;and\;Al_2O_3$. The aim of this study is to find a way to useful application of MSWI ash(after treatment) as a structural material and to investigates the hydraulic activity, compressive strength development composition variation of such alkali-activated MSWI ashes concrete. And it was found that early cement hydration, followed by the breakdown and dissolving of the MSWI-ashes, enhanced the formation of calcium silicate hydrates(C-S-H). The XRD and SEM-EDS results indicate that, both the hydration degree and strength development are closely connected with a curing condition and a alkali-activator. Compressive strengths with values in the 40.5 MPa were obtained after curing the activated MSWI ashes with NaOH+water glass at $90^{\circ}C$.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
• /
• v.39 no.8
• /
• pp.633-643
• /
• 2015

In this study, we develop a highly efficient conical-air diffuser that generates fine bubble. By inserting a sufficient number of aerotropic microorganisms with dissolved oxygen from an air diffuser and minimizing the air-channel blockages within the air diffuser, we expect to improve the efficiency and durability of the decomposition process for organic waste. To upgrade the conventional air diffuser, we perform experiments and numerical analysis to develop a conical-type that generates fine bubble, and which is free from nozzle blockage. We complement the air-diffuser design by numerically analyzing the internal air-flow pattern within the diffuser. Then, by applying the diffuser to a mockup bioreactor, we experimentally and numerically study the bubble behavior observed in the diffuser and the 2-phase fluid flow in the bioreactor. The results obtained include statistics of the cord length and increased velocity, and we investigate the mechanisms of the fluid-flow characteristics including bubble clouds. Throughout the study, we systemize the design procedures for the design of efficient air diffusers, and we visualize the fluid-flow patterns caused by bubble generation within the mockup bioreactor. These results will provide a meaningful basis for further study as well as the detection of oxygen transfer and fluid-flow characteristics in real-scale bio-reactors using sets of air diffusers.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.31-36
• /
• 2018

This research scrutinizes the reason of failure after pressure cooker test (PCT) for DRAM device. We use the physical inspecting tools, such as microscope, SEM and TEM, and finally find the discolor phenomenon, corrosion of Al and delamination of inter-metal dielectric (IMD) in the failed devices after PCT. Furthermore, we discover the abnormal $Al_XO_Y$ layer on Al through the careful additional measurements. To find the reason, we evaluate the effect of package ball size and pinhole in passivation layer. Unfortunately, those aren't related to the problems. We also estimate halide effect of Al. The halogens such like Cl are contained within EMC material. Those result in the slight improving of PCT characteristics but do not perfectly solve the problems. We make a hypothesis of Galvanic corrosion. We can find the residue of Ti at the edge of pad open area. We can see the improving the PCT characteristics by the time split of repair etch. The possible mechanism of the PCT failure can be deduced as such following sequence of reactions. The remained Ti reacts on the pad Al by Galvanic corrosion. The ionized Al is easily react with the $H_2O$ supplied under PCT environment, and finally transfers to the abnormal $Al_XO_Y$ layer.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
• /
• 1999.07a
• /
• pp.151-151
• /
• 1999

금속-산화막-반도체(MOS) 소자를 이용하는 집적회로의 발전은 게이트 금속의 규격 감소를 필요로 한다. 규격감소에 따른 저항 증가가 중요한 문제점으로 대두되었으며, 그동안 여러 연구자들에 의하여 금속 게이트에 관련된 연구가 진행되어 왔다. 특히 저항이 낮으며 녹는점이 매우 높은 내화성금속(refractory metal)인 텅스텐(tungsten, W)이 차세대 MOS 소자의 유력한 대체 게이트 금속으로 제안되었다. 텅스텐은 스퍼터링(sputtering)과 화학기상 증착(CVD) 방식을 이용하여 성장시킬 수 있다. 스퍼터링에 의한 텅스텐 증착은 산화막과의 접착성은 우수한 반면에 증착과정 동안에 게이트 산화막(SiO2)에 손상을 주어 게이트 산화막의 특성을 열화시킬 수 있다. 반면, 화학기상 증차에 의한 텅스텐 성장은 스퍼터링보다 증착막의 저항이 상대적으로 낮으나 산화막과의 접착성이 좋지 않은 문제를 해결하여야 한다. 본 연구에서는 감압 화학기상 증착(LPCVD)방식을 이용하여 텅스텐 게이트 금속을 100~150$\AA$ 두께의 게이트 산화막(SiO2 또는 N2O 질화막)위에 증착하여 물리 및 전기적 특성을 분석하였다. 물리적 분석을 위하여 XRD, SEM 및 저항등이 증착 조건에 따라서 측정되었으며, 텅스텐 게이트로 구성된 MOS 캐패시터를 제작하여 절연 파괴 강도, 전하 포획 메커니즘 등과 같은 전기적 특성 분석을 실시하였다. 특히 텅스텐의 접착성을 증착조건의 변화에 따라서 분석하였다. 텅스텐 박막의 SiO2와의 접착성은 스카치 테이프 테스트를 실시하여 조사되었고, 증착시의 기판의 온도에 민감하게 반응하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 또한, 40$0^{\circ}C$ 이상에서 안정한 것을 볼 수 있었다. 텅스텐 박막은 $\alpha$ 및 $\beta$-W 구조를 가질 수 있으나 본 연구에서 성장된 텅스텐은 $\alpha$-W 구조를 가지는 것을 XRD 측정으로 확인하였다. 성장된 텅스텐 박막의 저항은 구조에 따라서 변화되는 것으로 알려져 있다. 증착조건에 따른 저항의 변화는 SiH4 대 WF6의 가스비, 증착온도에 따라서 변화하였다. 특히 온도가 40$0^{\circ}C$ 이상, SiH4/WF6의 비가 0.2일 경우 텅스텐을 증착시킨 후에 열처리를 거치지 않은 경우에도 기존에 발표된 저항률인 10$\mu$$\Omega$.cm 대의 값을 얻을 수 있었다. 본 연구를 통하여 산화막과의 접착성 문제를 해결하고 낮은 저항을 얻을 수 있었으나, 텅스텐 박막의 성장과정에 의한 게이트 산화막의 열화는 심각학 문제를 야기하였다. 즉, LPCVD 과정에서 발생한 불소 또는 불소 화합물이 게이트의 산화막에 결함을 발생시킴을 확인하였다. 향후, 불소에 의한 게이트 산화막의 열화를 최소화시킬 수 있는 공정 조건의 최저고하 또는 대체게이트 산화막이 적용될 경우, 개발된 연구 결과를 산업체로 이전할 수 있는 가능성이 높을 것을 기대된다.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.179-208
• /
• 2004

With the outbreak of the financial crisis in mid-1997, the Korean government has removed a majority of M&A-related regulations in order to facilitate M&A transactions. This was based upon the belief that M&As are one of the most efficient ways to restructure financially distressed firms compared to other government-driven restructuring programs. In this paper, we try to empirically assess the role of M&A in restructuring distressed firms in Korea following the financial crisis. In doing so, three empirical analyses have been conducted. The first analysis attempts to identify financial characteristics of the insolvent M&A targets. The second exercise directly tests the change in performance of insolvent M&A targets before and after such M&A transactions. The third analysis is a more general assessment on the role of M&A transactions to determine if being involved in an M&A transaction (regardless of its motivate) has reduced the probability of becoming insolvent in the future. Overall, we find some evidence supporting that M&A activities after the financial crisis have played a positive role in restructuring financially distressed firms in Korea.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.131-140
• /
• 2004

T7 bacteriophage gp4 is the replicative DNA helicase that unwinds double-stranded DNA by utilizing dTTP hydrolysis energy. The quaternary structure of the active form of T7 helicase is a hexameric ring with a central channel. Single-stranded DNA passes through the central channel of the hexameric ring as the helicase translocates $5'\rightarrow3'$ along the single-stranded DNA. The DNA unwinding was measured by rapid kinetic methods and showed a lag before the single-stranded DNA started to accumulate exponentially. This behavior was analyzed by a kinetic stepping model for the unwinding process. The observed lag phase increased as predicted by the model with increasing double-stranded DNA length. Trap DNA added in the reaction had no effect on the amplitudes of double-stranded DNA unwound, indicating that the $\tau7$ helicase is a highly processive helicase. Global fitting of the kinetic data to the stepping model provided a kinetic step size of 10-11 bp/step with a rate of $3.7 s^{-1}$ per step. Both the mechanism of DNA unwinding and dTTP hydrolysis and the coupling between the two are unaffected by temperature from $4∼37^{\circ}C$. Thus, the kinetic stepping for dsDNA unwinding is an inherent property of tile replicative DNA helicase.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.93-100
• /
• 2013

Many researches have been carried out to reduce and/or to capture the major global warming gases. Especially, the hydrate formation mechanisms were intensively investigated for carbon dioxide sequestration and storage process applications. In this study, the characteristics of film-type crystal growth mechanism of carbon dioxide hydrate were comprehensively examined. Carbon dioxide hydrate crystal was formed in semi-batch type stir reactor at various pressure conditions while the temperature was fixed to be constant to reduce and minimize the guest gas solubility effects. A supply gas composition was 99.999 % of Carbon dioxide, the observation data was collected by optical microscope adopted CCD camera (Nikon DS-5M/Fi1/2M-U2). This study revealed that the guest gas pressure changes significantly altered the crystal growth mechanism and film growth rate of carbon dioxide hydrate crystal. The critical pressure of the carbon dioxide hydrate of crystal growth mechanism change was found to be 2.0 MPa. The capillary force and gas concentration gradient also significantly changed the film-type crystal growth mechanism of carbon dioxide hydrate crystal.