• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.128-132
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• 2021

Advances in screen printing technology have been led to development of high efficiency silicon solar cells. As a post PERx structure, an n-type wafer-based rear side TOPCon structure has been actively researched for further open-circuit voltage (Voc) improvement. In the case of the metal contact of the TOPCon structure, the poly-Si thickness is very important because the passivation of the substrate will be degraded when the metal paste penetrates until substrate. However, the thin poly-Si layer has advantages in terms of current density due to reduction of parasitic absorption. Therefore, poly-Si thickness and firing temperature must be considered to optimize the metal contact of the TOPCon structure. In this paper, we varied poly-Si thickness and firing peak temperature to evaluate metal induced recombination (Jom) and contact resistivity. Jom was evaluated by using PL imaging technique which does not require both side metal contact. As a results, we realized that the SiN_x deposition conditions can affect the metal contact of the TOPCon structure.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.138-145
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• 2022

Today, graphene loaded textiles are being considered promising smart clothing due to their high conductivity. In this study, we reported reduced graphene oxide(r-GO) deposited pure cotton fabrics fabricated with a colloidal solution of graphene(GO), using a one-step aerosol spray pyrolysis(ASP) process and their potential application on smart textiles. The ASP process is advantageous in that it is easily implementable and can be applied for continuous processing. Moreover, this process has never been applied to deposit r-GO on pure cotton fabric. The field emission-scanning microscopy (FE-SEM) observation, Fourier transform-infrared(FT-IR) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis, and ultraviolet transmittance(UVT) were used to evaluate material properties of the r-GO colloids. The resistance was also measured to evaluate the electrical conductivity of the specimens. The results revealed that the r-GO was successfully deposed on specimens, and the specimen with the highest electrical conductivity demonstrated an electrical resistance value of 2.27 kΩ/sq. Taken together, the results revealed that the ASP method demonstrated a high potential for effective deposition of r-GO on cotton fabric specimens and is a prospect for the development of conductive cotton-based smart clothing. Therefore, this study is also meaningful in that the ASP process can be newly applied by depositing r-GO on the pure cotton fabric.

• Journal of Korean Society of Disaster and Security
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.15-21
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the sedimentation area and runout distance in the downstream when debris flow occurred on a mountain slope through an experimental performance. Super typhoons and torrential rains caused by climate change cause large-scale debris flow disasters in the downstream areas of mountainous areas, mainly where sediments are deposited and flowed downstream. To analyze the characteristics of the sediment deposited downstream, the disposition area and runout distance were investigated through experiments in the case of a straight channel and channel with berm, respectively. As experimental conditions, changes in sediment volume concentration and channel slope, and channel with or without berm, reduction rates in sedimentation area and runout distance were investigated. In the straight channel, the steeper the channel slope and the lower the sedimentation concentration, the sedimentation area and runout distnace were increased. In a channel with berm, the runout distance and sediment area increased as the slope became steeper and the sediment area decreased.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.119-119
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• 2003

Plasma polymerized organic thin films were deposited on Si(100) glass and Copper substrates at 25 ∼ 100 $^{\circ}C$ using cyclohexane and ethylcyclohexane precursors by PECVD method. In order to compare physical and electrochemical properties of the as-grown thin films, the effects of the RF plasma power in the range of 20∼50 W and deposition temperature on both corrosion protection efficiency and physical properties were studied. We found that the corrosion protection efficiency (P$\_$k/), which is one of the important factors for corrosion protection in the interlayer dielectrics of microelectronic devices application, was increased with increasing RF power. The highest P$\_$k/ value of plasma polymerized ethylcyclohexane film (92.1% at 50 W) was higher than that of the plasma polymerized cyclohexane film (85.26% at 50 W), indicating inhibition of oxygen reduction. Impedance analyzer was utilized for the determination of I-V curve for leakage current density and C-V for dielectric constants. To obtain C-V curve, we used a MIM structure of metal(Al)-insulator(plasma polymerized thin film)-metal(Pt) structure. Al as the electrode was evaporated on the ethylcyclohexane films that grew on Pt coated silicon substrates, and the dielectric constants of the as-grown films were then calculated from C-V data measured at 1㎒. From the electrical property measurements such as I-V ana C-V characteristics, the minimum dielectric constant and the best leakage current of ethylcyclohexane thin films were obtained to be about 3.11 and 5 ${\times}$ 10$\^$-12/ A/$\textrm{cm}^2$ and cyclohexane thin films were obtained to be about 2.3 and 8 ${\times}$ 10$\^$-12/ A/$\textrm{cm}^2$.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2023

As composite materials are used in many applications, the modern world looks forward to significant progress. An overview of the application of composite fiber materials in sports equipment is provided in this article, focusing primarily on the advantages of these materials when applied to sports equipment, as well as an Analysis of the influence of sports equipment of fiber-reinforced composite material on social sports development. The present study investigated surface morphology and physical and mechanical properties of S-glass fiber epoxy composites containing Al₂O₃ nanofillers (for example, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%). A mechanical stirrer and ultrasonication combined the Al₂O₃ nanofiller with the matrix in varying amounts. A compression molding method was used to produce sheet composites. A first physical observation is well done, which confirms that nanoparticles are deposited on the fiber, and adhesive bonds are formed. Al₂O₃ nanofiller crystalline structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction, and its surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the experimental test, nanofiller content was added at a rate of 1, 2, and 3% by weight, which caused a gradual decrease in void fraction by 2.851, 2.533, and 1.724%, respectively, an increase from 2.7%. The atomic bonding mechanism shows molecular bonding between nanoparticles and fibers. At temperatures between 60 ℃ and 380 ℃, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) analysis shows that NPs deposition improves the thermal properties of the fibers and causes negligible weight reduction (percentage). Thermal stability of the composites was therefore presented up to 380 ℃. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) spectrum confirms that nanoparticles have been deposited successfully on the fiber.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.5B
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• pp.483-491
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• 2009

In this study, a jetty construction is taken into account for the reduction of sediment diffusive concentration incoming from the upstream river due to the urbanization and industrial development and to minimize the effects on the coastal ecosystems. The field observation and numerical calculation are conducted to analyze the diffusion zone of sediment concentration in the small estuary and coastal area. The specification of the installed jetty which is able to control the sediment concentration was decided based on the prediction of the dispersion area changes in space and time. The selected size and layout for the jetty design were examined for the dispersion zone by numerical calculation and field observation. As a result, the jetties constructed in the estuary retarded the dispersion rate of sediment concentration, so that the effect area of sediment dispersion was obviously decreased. In addition, the measured field data indicated that the sediment deposition in the inside of dikes could be controlled and the right side area of jetties could be preserved without influx sediment diffusion.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1128-1142
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inonotus obliquus has been used as antidiabetic herb around the world, especially in the Russian and Scandinavian countries. Diabetes is widely believed to be a key factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is widely considered to be type III diabetes. To investigate whether I. obliquus can also ameliorate AD, it would be interesting to identify new clues for AD treatment. We tested the anti-AD effects of raw Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) in a mouse model of AD (3×Tg-AD transgenic mice). MATERIALS/METHODS: SPF-grade 3×Tg-AD mice were randomly divided into three groups (Control, Metformin, and raw IOP groups, n = 5 per group). β-Amyloid deposition in the brain was analyzed using immunohistochemistry for AD characterization. Gene and protein expression of pertinent factors of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. RESULTS: Raw IOP significantly reduced the accumulation of amyloid aggregates and facilitated UPS activity, resulting in a significant reduction in AD-related symptoms in an AD mouse model. The presence of raw IOP significantly enhanced the expression of ubiquitin, E1, and Parkin (E3) at both the mRNA and protein levels in the mouse hippocampus. The mRNA level of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1, a key factor involved in UPS activation, also increased by approximately 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Raw IOP could contribute to AD amelioration via the UPS pathway, which could be considered as a new potential strategy for AD treatment, although we could not exclude other mechanisms involved in counteracting AD processing.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.161-171
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• 2024

The efficient management of pain and discomfort is essential for successful dental treatment and patient compliance. Dental professionals are commonly evaluated for their ability to perform treatment with minimal patient discomfort. Despite advancements in traditional local dental anesthesia techniques, the pain and discomfort associated with injections remain a concern. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on novel dental anesthetics and associated devices designed to alleviate pain and discomfort during dental procedures. The Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were used to prepare the review. Six databases and two sources of gray literature were searched. This review analyzed 107 sources from 1994 to 2023. Local anesthesia devices were grouped into computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) systems, intraosseous anesthesia (IOA), vibratory stimulation devices, and electronic dental anesthesia (EDA). CCLAD systems, particularly the Wand and Single-Tooth Anesthesia, have been the most researched, with mixed results regarding their effectiveness in reducing pain during needle insertion compared to traditional syringes. However, CCLAD systems often demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain during anesthetic deposition, especially during palatal injections. Limited studies on IOA devices have reported effective pain alleviation. Vibrating devices have shown inconsistent results in terms of pain reduction, with some studies suggesting their primary benefit is during needle insertion rather than during the administration phase. EDA devices are effective in reducing discomfort but have found limited applicability. These findings suggest that the CCLAD systems reduce injection pain and discomfort. However, the evidence for other devices is limited and inconsistent. The development and research of innovative technologies for reducing dental pain and anxiety provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and improved patient care in dental practice.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.328-337
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• 2023

We investigated the effects of single and combined administrations of Lactobacillus species (L. plantarum, LP; L. gasseri, LG; L. casei, LC) on blood lipid metabolism and obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The mice were continuously supplemented with LP, LP/LG, or LP/LG/LC, along with HFD, for 12 weeks. The consumption of HFD led to significant increases in body weight, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to the normal control group. However, administration of LP, LP/LG, or LP/LG/LC to HFD-fed mice reduced body weight gain and showed a tendency to suppress the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol, while increasing HDL-cholesterol levels. The HFD group exhibited increased abdominal fat weight and larger adipocytes in the epididymal adipose tissue compared to the NC group. However, the administered probiotics led to a significant reduction in adipocyte size with decreasing tendency in abdominal fat weight compared with the HFD group. Additionally, the deposition of giant vesicular fat cells in the liver of the HFD group considerably decreased in the probiotic-administered group. Microbiome analysis revealed an imbalance in intestinal microbes in the HFD group, characterized by lower Bacteroidetes and higher Proteobacteria ratios. However, probiotic administration tended to restore the microbial distribution by controlling the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, resulting in decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria/Bacteroidetes ratios. These results suggest that single and combined administration of LP and other probiotics holds enormous potential in reducing obesity in HFD-fed mice as they regulate lipid metabolism, reduce adipocyte size, and restore the balance of intestinal microbes.

• Journal of Power System Engineering
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.75-82
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• 2016

In this paper, we developed a 3D printing system using a photo-curing resin in order to reduce the surface roughness of a sculpture produced with the 3D printer. Using the pattern of the resulting variable thickness, that gave rise to a stepped shape, and the area error of the photo-curable sculpture, a study was carried out for the process to reduce the surface roughness. At a given value of stage velocity (40~70 mm/s) and output air pneumatic pressure (20~60 kPa), the minimum pattern thickness of the pattern was achieved $65{\mu}m$ and the maximum pattern thickness of up to $175{\mu}m$. To increases the pattern resolution to about $40{\mu}m$, the process conditions should be optimized. 3D surface Nano profiler was used to find the surface roughness of the sculpture that was measured to be minimum $4.7{\mu}m$ and maximum $8.7{\mu}m$. The maximum surface roughness was reduced about $1.2{\mu}m$ for the maximum thickness of the pattern. In addition, a FDM was used to fabricate the same sculpture and its surface roughness measurements were also taken for comparison with the one fabricated using photo-curing. Same process conditions were used for both fabrication setups in order to perform the comparison efficiently. The surface roughness of the photo-curable sculpture is $5.5{\mu}m$ lower than the sculpture fabricated using FDM. A certain circuit patterns was formed on the laminated surface of the photo-curable sculpture while there was no stable pattern on the laminated surface of the FDM based sculpture the other hand.