• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.613-618
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• 2023

Modern society spends more than 80% of its daily life indoors, emphasizing the need for attention to indoor air pollution due to the improvement in living standards. In this study, the performance and reaction characteristics of the Pt/TiO₂ catalysts prepared by liquid-phase reduction for the removal of formaldehyde (HCHO), one of the indoor air pollutants, at room temperature without the need for additional light or heat were investigated. As a result, it showed that catalysts prepared by the same method showed approximately 40~80% various activities depending on the type of TiO₂. XRD, BET, and XPS analyses were performed to investigate the particle size, crystal structure, specific surface area, and O/Ti molar ratio of the support material, and it revealed that the correlation between the properties and performance was insignificant. To explore the oxidation reaction pathway of formaldehyde (HCHO), in situ DRIFT analysis using carbon monoxide and H₂-TPR was perfomed. The results revealed that the performance was demonstrated by the oxidation state of the active metal and the adsorption-desorption characteristics of the adsorbate species.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.1108-1119
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• 2018

As the interest on the air pollution is gradually rising at home and abroad, automotive and fuel researchers have been studied on the exhaust and greenhouse gas emission reduction from vehicles through a lot of approaches, which consist of new engine design, innovative after-treatment systems, using clean (eco-friendly alternative) fuels and fuel quality improvement. This research has brought forward two main issues : exhaust emissions (regulated and non-regulated emissions, PM particle matter) and greenhouse gases of vehicle. Exhaust emissions and greenhouse gases of automotive had many problem such as the cause of ambient pollution, health effects. In order to reduce these emissions, many countries are regulating new exhaust gas test modes. Worldwide harmonized light-duty vehicle test procedure (WLTP) for emission certification has been developed in WP.29 forum in UNECE since 2007. This test procedure was applied to domestic light duty diesel vehicles at the same time as Europe. The air pollutant emissions from light-duty vehicles are regulated by the weight per distance, which the driving cycles can affect the results. Exhaust emissions of vehicle varies substantially based on climate conditions, and driving habits. Extreme outside temperatures tend to increasing the emissions, because more fuel must be used to heat or cool the cabin. Also, high driving speeds increases the emissions because of the energy required to overcome increased drag. Compared with gradual vehicle acceleration, rapid vehicle acceleration increases the emissions. Additional devices (air-conditioner and heater) and road inclines also increases the emissions. In this study, three light-duty vehicles were tested with WLTP, NEDC, and FTP-75, which are used to regulate the emissions of light-duty vehicles, and how much emissions can be affected by different driving cycles. The emissions gas have not shown statistically meaningful difference. The maximum emission gas have been found in low speed phase of WLTP which is mainly caused by cooled engine conditions. The amount of emission gas in cooled engine condition is much different as test vehicles. It means different technical solution requires in this aspect to cope with WLTP driving cycle.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.108-117
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• 2010

In this study, ambient particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$) levels were measured and their chemical and physical properties were characterized. Two sites in Gwangju were sampled once a month from December 2008 to November 2009. The annual mean concentrations of $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ were $26.9\;{\mu}g/m^3$ and $46.3\;{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively, in Nongseongdong and $26.1\;{\mu}g/m^3$ and $44.8\;{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively, in Duam-dong. $PM_{2.5}$ levels were 1.8 times higher than the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) national ambient air quality standard for $PM_{2.5}$ ($15\;{\mu}g/m^3$). The average $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$ ratio of 0.58 suggested that $PM_{2.5}$ is a significant component of the ambient particle pollution. The order of concentration of metallic elements in $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ was Si > Al > Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Mn. Cd was not detected. The earth crustal enrichment factors for Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in $PM_{2.5}$ were higher than those in $PM_{10}$. When the earth crustal enrichment factors for Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were higher than 10, this suggested influence from anthropogenic sources. The soil contribution ratios for $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ were 11.3% and 16.4%, respectively, and were higher in the fall and winter. Anions (${SO_4}^{-2}$, ${NO_3}^-$, and $Cl^-$) comprise 28.7% of $PM_{2.5}$ and 21.4% of $PM_{10}$. The correlation coefficient of Zn-Fe, Mn-Cu, Fe-Cu and Fe-Mn in $PM_{2.5}$ was high in the sampling sites, and metallic elements were primarily from anthropogenic sources such as fuel combustion and vehicle emissions.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.713-718
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• 2009

Advanced industries-IT, BT, NT and ET are rapidly developing in 21 century. And the cement industry is becoming the principal factor in air pollution because of the creation of $CO_2$ during manufacturing. Also, the cement industry will be faced with a crisis due to the exhaustion of natural resources. In this study, nano cement by Bottom-up method of a chemical synthesis was developed. The generation of $CO_2$ during the plasticization process of cement manufacturing was avoided. The purpose was to produce building materials that have both high strength and durability as the high value-added growth engine industry of the 21 century. The nano cement was developed using hydrothermal synthesis. This is a method of mixing after ripening, by manufacturing the high density gel and low gel, which does not require special test equipment or pressure conditions to produce. Particle size, SEM, EDX, and porosity tests were conducted. This study investigated the compressive strength of concrete with various compositions. Specimens were tested for compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The medium-sized (50% by weight) cement particles created by chemical synthesis were less than 168 nm. The compressive strength of the mortar prepared using this cement was 53.9 MPa. But it was judged that succeeding study will be necessary for development of nano building materials with high ability and economical analysis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2023

Background: Air pollution has led to an increased exposure of all living organisms to fine dust. Therefore, research efforts are being made to devise preventive and therapeutic remedies against fine dust-induced chronic diseases. Methods: Research of the respiratory protective effects of KRG extract in a particulate matter (PM; aerodynamic diameter of <4 ㎛) plus diesel exhaust particle (DEP) (PM4+D)-induced airway inflammation model. Nitric oxide production, expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and IRAK-1, TAK-1, and MAPK pathways were examined in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. BALB/c mice exposed to PM4+D mixture by intranasal tracheal injection three times a day for 12 days at 3 day intervals and KRGE were administered orally for 12 days. Histological of lung and trachea, and immune cell subtype analyses were performed. Expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung were measured. Immunohistofluorescence staining for IRAK-1 localization in lung were also evaluated. Results: KRGE inhibited the production of nitric oxide, the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and expression and phosphorylation of all downstream factors of NF-κB, including IRAK-1 and MAPK/AP1 pathway in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. KRGE suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and number of immune cells, histopathologic damage, and inflammatory symptoms in the BALF and lungs induced by PM4+D; these included increased alveolar wall thickness, accumulation of collagen fibers, and TNF-α, MIP2, CXCL-1, IL-1α, and IL-17 cytokine release. Moreover, PM4 participates induce alveolar macrophage death and interleukin-1α release by associating with IRAK-1 localization was also potently inhibited by KRGE in the lungs of PM4+D-induced airway inflammation model. KRGE suppresses airway inflammatory responses, including granulocyte infiltration into the airway, by regulating the expression of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines via inhibition of IRAK-1 and MAPK pathway. Conclusion: Our results indicate the potential of KRGE to serve as an effective therapeutic agent against airway inflammation and respiratory diseases.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.218-227
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• 2023

Background: Since 2019, the Ministry of Environment has implemented a seasonal fine dust management system from December to March, targeting high PM_2.5 levels with the aim of reducing PM_2.5 concentrations and protecting public health. The focus of improving the seasonal management system lies in the atmospheric PM_2.5 levels. Considering the primary goal of protecting public health, it is necessary to analyze the policy effects from an exposure perspective rather than a concentration-based approach. Objectives: This study aims to quantitatively assess the improvement of indoor PM_2.5 levels and the health impacts of the seasonal management system by comparing the periods before and during its implementation in residential environments. Methods: PM_2.5 concentrations within residential environments in a metropolitan area were measured using an optical particle counter (IAQ-C7, K-weather, Ltd, Korea) at one-minute intervals during the pre-implementation period (November 21~25, 2022) and during the implementation period (December 19~23, 2022). Based on the measured PM_2.5 concentrations, a quantitative evaluation of cancer and mortality risks was conducted according to age and gender. Results: The results of comparing indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations before and during the implementation of the seasonal management system showed a decrease of approximately 56.6% and 47.9%, respectively. Health risk assessments revealed that both the safety-limit-based and safety-target-based Hazard Quotients (HQ) exceeded the threshold of 0.1 for children under 19 years of age, both before and after the implementation. The mortality risk decreased by approximately 47.9% after the implementation, with children aged 0-9 showing the highest mortality risk at 0.9%. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the positive health impacts of the seasonal management system across all age groups, particularly children under 19 who are more vulnerable to fine dust exposure.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.203-216
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Epidemiological investigations have shown positive correlations between increased diesel exhaust particles (DEP) in ambient air and adverse health outcomes. DEP are the major constituent of particulate atmospheric pollution and have been shown to induce proinflammatory responses both in the lung and systemically. Here, we report the effects of DEP exposure on the properties of human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs), including stemness, regeneration, and immunomodulation. Methods and Results: Non-apoptotic concentrations of DEP (10 ㎍/ml) inhibited the migration and osteogenic differentiation capacity of WJ-MSCs. Gene expression profiling showed that DEP increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of pro-inflammatory and metabolic-process-related genes including cFos. Furthermore, WJ-MSCs cultured with DEP showed impaired suppression of T cell proliferation that was reversed by inhibition of ROS or knockdown of cFos. ERK inhibition assay revealed that DEP-induced ROS regulated cFos through activation of ERK but not NF-κB signaling. Overall, low concentrations of DEP (10 ㎍/ml) significantly suppressed the stemness and immunomodulatory properties of WJ-MSCs through ROS/ERK/cFos signaling pathways. Furthermore, WJ-MSCs cultured with DEP impaired the therapeutic effect of WJ-MSCs in experimental colitis mice, but was partly reversed by inhibition of ROS. Conclusions: Taken together, these results indicate that exposure to DEP enhances the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune responses through a mechanism involving the ROS/ERK/cFos pathway in WJ-MSCs, and that DEP-induced ROS damage impairs the therapeutic effect of WJ-MSCs in colitis. Our results suggest that modulation of ROS/ERK/cFos signaling pathways in WJ-MSCs might be a novel therapeutic strategy for DEP-induced diseases.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2014

The $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ samples were collected at Gosan Site of Jeju Island, and analyzed, in order to investigate the size distribution and pollution characteristics of their components. $NH{_4}{^+}$, nss-$SO{_4}^{2-}$, $K^+$, and $CH_3COO^-$ were mostly existed in fine particles. Meanwhile, $NO{_3}{^-}$ was distributed in both fine and coarse particles, and $Na^+$, $Cl^-$, $Mg^{2+}$, nss-$Ca^{2+}$ were rich in coarse particle mode. The concentrations of nss-$Ca^{2+}$ and $NO{_3}{^-}$ were increased 36.7 and 3.2 times in coarse particles, and 15.0 and 3.1 times in fine particles during the Asian Dust periods. Especially, the concentrations of crustal elemental species such as Al, Fe, Ca, K, Mg, Ti, Mn, Sr, Ba were highly increased for those periods. In the haze events, the concentrations of secondary air pollutants were increased 1.3~2.6 and 1.5~4.2 times in coarse and fine particles, respectively. Moreover, the remarkable increase of $NO{_3}{^-}$ concentration was also observed in fine particle mode. The factor analysis showed that the composition of coarse particles was influenced mainly by marine sources, followed by soil and anthropogenic sources. On the other hand, the fine particles were influenced by anthropogenic sources, followed by marine and soil sources.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.275-281
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• 2018

It is known that he pollutant emitted from the combustion process of marine fuel oil causes air pollution and harmful effects to the human body. Accordingly, IMO regulates pollutants emitted from ships. However, the regulation of Particulate Matter (PM) is still in the process of debate, so preemptive action is needed. Fundamental research on PM is essential. In this study, the Dimensionless Light Extinction Constant ($K_e$) of fuel oil used in marine diesel engines was measured and analyzed to construct the basic data of the PM generated from marine-based fuel oil. The fuel oil used in the land diesel engine was measured in the same way for character comparison. Both fuel oils differ in sulfur content and density. The $K_e$ was measured via the optical method using a 633 nm laser and was determined by using the volume fraction of PM collected by the gravimetric filter method. The $K_e$ of the PM discharged from marine fuel oil is 8.28, and the land fuel oil is 8.44. The $K_e$ of two fuel oils was similar within the measurement uncertainty range. However, it was found by comparison with the value obtained by the Rayleigh-Limit solution that the light scattering portion could be large. Also, it was found that light extinction characteristics could be different due to the relationship between light transmittance and collected mass.