• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.317-324
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• 2024

We demonstrate a direct growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of LiFePO₄ (LFP) powders for use in lithium-ion batteries (LIB). LFP has been widely used as a cathode material due to its low cost and high stability. However, there is a still enough room for development to overcome its low energy density and electrical conductivity. In this study, we fabricated novel structured composites of LFP and CNTs (LFP-CNTs) and characterized the electrochemical properties of LIB. The composites were prepared by direct growth of CNTs on the surface of LFP using a rotary chemical vapor deposition. The growth temperature and rotation speed of the chamber were optimized at 600 ℃ and 5 rpm, respectively. For the LIB cell fabrication, a half-cell was fabricated using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and carbon black as binder and conductive additives, respectively. The electrochemical properties of LIBs using commercial carbon-coated LFP (LFP/C), LFP with CNTs grown for 10 (LFP/CNTs-10m) and 30 min(LFP/CNTs-30m) are comparatively investigated. For example, after the formation cycle, we obtained 149.3, 160.1, and 175.0 mAh/g for LFP/C, LFP/CNTs-10m, and LFP/CNTs-30m, respectively. In addition, the improved rate performance and 111.9 mAh/g capacity at 2C rate were achieved from the LFP/CNTs-30m sample compared to the LFP/CNTs-10m and LFP/C samples. We believe that the approach using direct growth of CNTs on LFP particles provides straightforward solution to improve the conductivity in the LFP-based electrode by constructing conduction pathways.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.149-160
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• 2024

Severe casualties and property damage are occurring due to urban floods caused by extreme rainfall. However, there is a lack of research on preparedness, appropriate estimation of flood damages, assessment of losses, and compensation. Particularly, the flood damage estimation methods used in the USA and Japan show significant differences from the domestic situation, highlighting the need for methods tailored to the Korean context. This study addresses these issues by developing an optimized flood damage estimation technique based on the building characteristics. Utilizing the flood prediction solution developed by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), we have established an optimal flood damage estimation technology. We introduced a methodology for flood damage estimation by incorporating vulnerability curves based on the inventory of structures and apply this technique to real-life cases. The results show that our approach yields more realistic outcomes compared to the flood damage estimation methods employed in the USA and Japan. This research can be practically applied to procedures for flood damage in urban basement residences, and it is expected to contribute to establishing appropriate response procedures in cases of public grievances.

• The Journal of Bigdata
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.101-113
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• 2024

Federated learning has garnered attention as an efficient method for training machine learning models in a distributed environment while maintaining data privacy and security. This study proposes a novel FedRFBagging algorithm to optimize the performance of random forest models in such federated learning environments. By dynamically adjusting the trees of local random forest models based on client-specific data characteristics, the proposed approach reduces communication costs and achieves high prediction accuracy even in environments with numerous clients. This method adapts to various data conditions, significantly enhancing model stability and training speed. While random forest models consist of multiple decision trees, transmitting all trees to the server in a federated learning environment results in exponentially increasing communication overhead, making their use impractical. Additionally, differences in data distribution among clients can lead to quality imbalances in the trees. To address this, the FedRFBagging algorithm selects only the highest-performing trees from each client for transmission to the server, which then reselects trees based on impurity values to construct the optimal global model. This reduces communication overhead and maintains high prediction performance across diverse data distributions. Although the global model reflects data from various clients, the data characteristics of each client may differ. To compensate for this, clients further train additional trees on the global model to perform local optimizations tailored to their data. This improves the overall model's prediction accuracy and adapts to changing data distributions. Our study demonstrates that the FedRFBagging algorithm effectively addresses the communication cost and performance issues associated with random forest models in federated learning environments, suggesting its applicability in such settings.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.466-474
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• 2023

In recent years, the government has strongly promoted multi-purpose utilization of paddy field. However, poor drainage causes waterlogging stress in upland crops, requiring subsurface drainage technology, resulting in high installation and management costs. To address this issue, a low-cost and high-efficiency technique was developed that utilizes wasted coir substrates which have characteristics of high porosity and good drainage, for upland crop cultivation in paddy fields. Soybeans were grown in both paddy soil and wasted coir slab with two planting densities (80×20 cm and 60×20 cm). The results showed that the coir substrates had better performance than the paddy soil in terms of soil physical and chemical properties and the growth and yield of upland crops are improved. The treatments using wasted coir substrate showed a 41.4% increase in yield and a 21.3% increase in protein content compared to PS treatment. Our findings demonstrate that recycling waste coir substrates to grow upland crops is a positive cultivation strategy to solve some drainage problems in paddy fields. This approach offers a sustainable solution for upland crop production while also addressing the issue of waste management in agriculture.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.317-327
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• 2024

Implant-fixed prostheses and removable partial dentures are standard treatments for partially edentulous patients. Recently, implant-assisted removable partial dentures have become popular as a cost-effective and practical solution, especially for patients who cannot receive full-arch fixed prostheses. This method enhances retention, support, and stability, particularly in cases with few remaining teeth that are biomechanically disadvantaged. This case report presents a partially edentulous patient who had lost multiple teeth and implants in the maxilla and had an uneven occlusal plane. Considering the patient's general health and oral hygiene capability, the treatment plan was adjusted to avoid additional surgeries. Instead, the remaining teeth and Locator (Locator attachments, Zest Anchors LLC, Escondido, CA, USA) attachments were used to create an implant-supported removable partial denture. The Functionally Generated Path (FGP) technique was used to customize the occlusal surfaces of the artificial teeth. The outcomes were satisfactory for both the clinician and the patient, suggesting the effectiveness and practicality of this approach. This case highlights the potential benefits of these methods.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.30-37
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• 2024

The valuation of infrastructure assets is typically conducted using the straight-line method, which employs the depreciated replacement cost as a basis. However, this approach has the limitation of failing to accurately reflect the actual value of the facility. In light of these considerations, the performance-based depreciation (PBD) method has been proposed as a means of evaluating the asset value of bridges on the basis of their performance, although it is not designed to take account of the environmental characteristics of individual bridges. This study proposes a hazard-performance based depreciation (HPBD) method that considers the risk level of individual bridges in the PBD method proposed in previous studies. The applicability of the proposed method was evaluated on more than 8,000 bridges. The risk factors for deterioration of bridges were selected, the hazard level of individual bridges was evaluated, and weights based on the hazard level were applied to the PBD method. The evaluation resulted in a present value comparable to that of the PBD method and a relatively high future value. It is postulated that the HPBD method, which considers the risk characteristics of individual bridges, can be used for a more reasonable evaluation and decision-making process.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.11
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• pp.4905-4913
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• 2024

This study focuses on the Structure, System, and Components (SSC) of G.A Siwabessy Multipurpose Reactor (RSG-GAS), emphasizing the integration of reliability improvement within asset management optimization. The research aims to derive Maintenance Priority Index (MPI) values, contributing to system reliability ratings, crucial for assessing component functionality and estimating Remaining Useful Life (RUL) The methodology involves measuring critical aspects of system quality, safety, and cost. The MPI value, representing 10 % of SSC critical components, guides subsequent reliability calculations. Utilizing failure data from RSG-GAS components (2010-2018) and reactor core configurations (70th-96th core), SSC reliability is simulated using Monte Carlo simulation, with RUL based on real data. High MPI values are identified for critical components such as KBE01/AP01-02_B in the primary purification system, JE-01/AP01-02_A in the primary cooling system, and PA01-02/CR001_A in the secondary cooling system. Maintenance intervals of 100 days are recommended for KBE01/AP 01-02_B and JE-01/AP01-02_A, exceeding 50 % reliability, while PA01-02/CR001_A maintenance can extend to 75 days. Monte Carlo simulation results, with 1000 samples, closely align with real reliability values. The RUL result projects operational lifetimes of 225.6, 221.4, and 171.5 days for KBE01/AP 01-02_B, JE-01/AP01-02_A, and PA01-02/CR001_A components. This study improves asset management, offering practical insights for critical safety system component maintenance planning.

• Korean Security Journal
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• no.10
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• pp.189-213
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• 2005

Risk management should be controlled systematically by effectively evaluating and suggesting countermeasures against the various risks which are followed by the change of the society and environment. These days, enterprise risk management became a new trend in the field. The first step in risk analysis is to recognize the risk factors, that is to verify the vulnerabilities of loss in the security facilities. The second step is to consider the probability of loss in assessing the risk factors. And the third step is to evaluate the criticality of loss. The security manager will determine the assessment grades and then the risk levels of each risk factor, on the basis of the result of risk analysis which includes the assessment of vulnerability, the provability of loss and the criticality. It is of great importance to put the result of risk analysis in mathematical statement for a scientific approach to risk management. Using the risk levels gained from the risk analysis, the security manager can develop a comprehensive and supplementary security plan. In planning the risk management measures to prepare against and minimize the loss, insurance is one of the best loss-prevention programs. However, insurance in and of itself is no longer able to meet the security challenges faced by major corporations. The security manager have to consider the cost-effectiveness, to suggest the productive risk management alternatives by using the security files which contains every information about the security matters. Also he/she have to reinforce the company regulations on security and safety, and to execute education repeatedly on security and risk management. Risk management makes the most efficient before-the-loss arrangement for and after-the-loss continuation of a business. So it is very much important to suggest a best cost-effective and realistic alternatives for optimizing risk management above all, and this function should by maintained and developed continuously and repeatedly.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.33-47
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• 2011

One of the most fundamental jobs of contemporary government is to look into various ways of providing its citizens with the best service work. This study aims to establish a procedure through which to consign the management of city parks to private companies, thus inviting participation and satisfaction on the part of citizens. In particular, this procedure includes creating a system of selecting private managing companies, for instance, specifying standards of selection and assembling selection committees. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. First, city parks can be managed better by private companies than by local governments in terms of cost cuts, personnel training, business efficiency, and know-how accumulation. The legal background for this is found in central and local legal articles. Second, it is recommended that the selection committee be composed of 6 to 9 members, both insiders and outsiders. In addition to selecting private managing companies for contracting-out, the committee should under take the role of consulting on how to perform and revise selecting standards, so that they can continue to improve these procedures. Third, the decision on private management should be noticed in advance and be made based on standards considering each local government's condition. These standards should consider the aspects of the public good, cost saving, quality of service, managing supervision, and citizen participation. The committee's assessment takes into account both the quality and the quantity of the standards. Fourth, the contracting-out for city park management should follow the order of: announcing consignment and receiving applicants, organizing selection committees and assessing applications, selecting and contracting, midterm evaluation, and re-announcement and re-consignment. To run city parks through the contracting-out is expected to increase the number of park visitors. Additionally, private consignment will involve a participation of diverse citizenship, thus playing an important role in city parks' building of a green-culture community.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.173-178
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• 2010

A privately held, third generation family owned company, Boom Technologies, Inc. (BTI), a provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications and contractor markets, continues to make progress in exporting. Although export sales only equaled 5% of total revenue in 2008, BTI has an entire export division. Their export division's Managing Director reveals the trial and errors of a privately held company and their quest for success overseas. From its inception, BTI has always believed its greatest asset is its employees. When export sales struggled due to lack of strategy and direction, BTI hired a Managing Director for its export division. With leadership and guidance from BTI's president and from the Managing Director, they utilized the department's skills and knowledge. Structural changes were made to expand their market presence abroad and increase export sales. As a result, export sales increased four-fold, area managers in new countries were added and distribution networks were successfully cultivated. At times, revenue generation was difficult to determine due to the structure of the company. Therefore, in 1996, the export division was restructured as a limited liability company. This allowed the company to improve the tracking of revenue and expenses. Originally, 80% of BTI's export sales came from two countries; therefore, the initial approach to selling overseas was not reaching their anticipated goals of expanding their foreign market presence. However, changes were made and now the company manages the details of selling to over 80 countries. There were three major export expansion challenges noted by the Managing Director: 1. Product and Shipping - The major obstacle for BTI was product assembly. Originally, the majority of the product was assembled in the United States, which increased shipping and packaging costs. With so many parts specified in the order, many times the order would arrive with parts missing. The missing parts could equate to tens of thousands of dollars. Shipping these missing parts separately in another shipment also cost tens of thousands of dollar, plus a delivery delay time of six to eight weeks; all of which came out of the BTI's pockets. 2. Product Adaptation - Safety and product standards varied widely for each of the 80 countries to which BTI exported. Weights, special licenses, product specification requirements, measurement systems, and truck stability can all differ from country to country and can serve as a type of barrier to entry, making it difficult to adapt products accordingly. Technical and safety standards are barriers that serve as a type of protection for the local industry and can stand in the way of successfully pursuing foreign markets. 3. Marketing Challenges - The importance of distribution creates many challenges for BTI as they attempt to determine how each country prefers to operate with regard to their distribution systems. Some countries have competition from a small competitor that only produces one competing product; whereas BTI manufactures over 100 products. Marketing material is another concern for BTI as they attempt to push marketing costs to the distributors. Adapting the marketing material can be costly in terms of translation and cultural differences. In addition, the size of paper in the United States differs from those in some countries, causing many problems when attempting to copy the same layout and With distribution being one of several challenges for BTI, the company claims their distribution network is one of their competitive advantages, as the location and names of their distributors are not revealed. In addition, BTI rotates two offerings yearly: training to their distributors one year and then the next is a distributor's meeting. With a focus on product and shipping, product adaptation, and marketing challenges, the intricacies of selling overseas takes time and patience. Another competitive advantage noted is BTI's cradle to grave strategy, where they follow the product from sale to its final resting place, whether the truck is leased or purchased new or used. They also offer service and maintenance plans with a detailed cost analysis provided to the company prior to purchasing or leasing the product. Expanding abroad will always create challenges for a company. As the Managing Director stated, "If you don't have patience (in the export business), you better do something else." Knowing how to adapt quickly provides BTI with the skills necessary to adjust to the changing needs of each country and its own unique challenges, allowing them to remain competitive.