• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.467-484
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• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.153-166
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• 2023

Purpose - This research empirically analyzes the influence of economic policy uncertainty and free trade agreements (FTAs) on bilateral trade volumes between Korea and its trading partners. The study investigates whether fluctuations in the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index (EPUI) for both Korea and its trading partners significantly impact trade volumes and whether the implementation of FTAs mitigates these effects. Design/methodology - The study employs dynamic panel data analysis using the system generalized method of moments (system GMM) estimation method to achieve its research objectives. It utilizes country-month-level panel data, including the EPUI, trade volume between Korea and its trading partner countries, and other pertinent variables. The use of system GMM allows for the control of potential endogeneity issues and the incorporation of country-specific and time-specific effects. Findings - The analysis yields significant results regarding the impact of economic policy uncertainty on Korea's exports and imports, particularly before the implementation of FTAs. An increase in the EPUI of trading partners leads to a notable increase in Korea's exports to them. Conversely, an increase in Korea's EPUI negatively affects its imports from trading partners. However, post-FTA implementation, the influence of each country's EPUI on trade volume is neutralized, with no significant difference observed. Originality/value - This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the interaction effects between economic policy uncertainty and FTAs on bilateral trade volumes. The study's uniqueness lies in its examination of how FTAs mitigate the impact of economic uncertainty on trade relations between countries. The findings underscore the importance of trade agreements as mechanisms to address economic risks and promote international trade relations. In a world where global market uncertainties persist, these insights can aid policymakers in Korea and other countries in enhancing their trade cooperation strategies and navigating challenges posed by evolving economic landscapes.

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.23-29
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• 2023

As an effort to maximize the immersiveness of user experience in virtual reality, there have been constant efforts to provide a user with tactile sensation by providing haptic feedback. Most of the haptic feedback methods, however, can create only limited or unrealistic haptic sensations since they utilize affordable actuators such as a vibrotactile actuator. When it comes to martial arts training or a game, the limitation of such haptic feedback is apparent due to the significant difference between the physical impact of hitting an object and the sensation departed from a vibrotactile actuator. Noting this, we proposed a haptic impact system that can create a haptic impact when the user hits a virtual object with the fist. The haptic interface uses a quick-return mechanism that can deliver haptic impact feedback to a user's fist. The realism of the haptic impact was evaluated by conducting a human-subject experiment. The results indicate a significant effect of haptic feedback on the realism of the virtual impact.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.150-160
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• 2023

This study aimed to identify the actor and partner effects of parenting efficacy, spousal support on parenting stress and depression in couples with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Participants were 103 couples (103 husbands, 103 wives) with children with ADHD visiting child adolescent psychiatry clinic or community mental health center in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0 program. Results: The parenting efficacy of husbands and wives had direct actor effect (β=-.69, p=.004; β=-.60, p=.004) and partner effect (β=-.22, p=.007; β=-.18, p=.026) on their parenting stress. In addition, husbands and wives's parenting efficacy had a direct actor effect (β=-.25, p=.031; β=-.21, p=.025) on their depression and indirect actor effect (β=-.25, p=.004; β=-.34, p=.004) through parenting stress on their depression. However, parenting stress did not show a partner effect on depression. Husband and wife's parenting efficacy had a direct effect (β=.46, p=.004; β=.25, p=.009) on perceived spousal support. The effects of husbands and wives were the same in actor effect size (χ² differences=0.74, p=.390) and partner effect size (χ² differences=0.20, p=.652) of parenting efficacy on parenting stress. In addition, the effect sizes of husbands and wives were the same in actor effect size (χ² differences=0.93, p=.334) and partner effect size (χ² differences=0.15, p=.704) for parenting stress and depression. Conclusion: The results of this study may provide the foundation for developing a nursing intervention program that can maximize interaction between couples with ADHD children.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.85-94
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• 2024

The optimization of deacetylation process parameters for producing chitosan from isolated chitin shrimp shell waste was investigated using response surface methodology with central composite design (RSM-CCD). Three independent variables viz, NaOH concentration (X₁), radiation power (X₂), and reaction time (X₃) were examined to determine their respective effects on the degree of deacetylation (DD). The DD of chitosan was also calculated using the baseline approach of the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of the yields. RSM-CCD analysis showed that the optimal chitosan DD value of 96.45 % was obtained at an optimized condition of 63.41 % (w/v) NaOH concentration, 227.28 W radiation power, and 3.34 min deacetylation reaction. The DD was strongly controlled by NaOH concentration, irradiation power, and reaction duration. The coefficients of correlation were 0.257, 0.680, and 0.390, respectively. Because the procedure used microwave radiation absorption, radiation power had a substantial correlation of 0.600~0.800 compared to the two low variables, which were 0.200~0.400. This independently predicted robust quadratic model interaction has been validated for predicting the DD of chitin.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.225-232
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• 2024

The Asynchronous indivisual learning offer advantages such as allowing learners to study at their preferred times without spatial constraints. However, since these classes are not conducted in real-time, there are limitations in conveying learners' feedback on problematic or inadequately explained course content to the instructors. This paper proposed a system for relaying feedback information from learners who view course content to the instructors. Learners can investigate the reasons for pausing online recorded class content, and they can transmit these pause reasons along with the time information of the paused content to the instructors. Instructors receive feedback information and pause times of learners' online recorded class videos in graphical form, making it easier to identify areas with numerous issues in the course content at a glance. Instructors can incorporate this feedback to re-upload the content, resulting in higher-quality course materials, which, in turn, can enhance learners' academic achievements.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.973-979
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• 2024

In the framework of the Generation IV research and development project, in which the French Commission of Alternative and Atomic Energies (CEA) is involved, a main objective for the design of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) is to meet the safety goals for severe accidents. Among the severe ones, the Unprotected Transient OverPower (UTOP) accidents can lead very quickly to a global melting of the core. UTOP accidents can be considered either as slow during a Control Rod Withdrawal (CRW) or as fast. The paper focuses on fast UTOP accidents, which occur in a few milliseconds, and three different scenarios are considered: rupture of the core support plate, uncontrolled passage of a gas bubble inside the core and core mechanical distortion such as a core flowering/compaction during an earthquake. Several levels and rates of reactivity insertions are also considered and the thermal-mechanical behavior of an ASTRID fuel pin from the ASTRID CFV core is simulated with the GERMINAL code. Two types of fuel pins are simulated, inner and outer core pins, and three different burn-up are considered. Moreover, the feedback from the CABRI programs on these type of transients is used in order to evaluate the failure mechanism in terms of kinetics of energy injection and fuel melting. The CABRI experiments complete the analysis made with GERMINAL calculations and have shown that three dominant mechanisms can be considered as responsible for pin failure or onset of pin degradation during ULOF/UTOP accident: molten cavity pressure loading, fuel-cladding mechanical interaction (FCMI) and fuel break-up. The study is one of the first step in fast UTOP accidents modelling with GERMINAL and it has shown that the code can already succeed in modelling these type of scenarios up to the sodium boiling point. The modeling of the radial propagation of the melting front, validated by comparison with CABRI tests, is already very efficient.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.217-231
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• 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of workaholism according to personality on the job satisfaction of organizational members. Design/methodology/approach - Workaholism was defined as excessive working and compulsive work, suggesting a negative impact on job satisfaction, while predicting that conscientiousness would alleviate this effect and presented as a hypothesis. The unbalanced panel data constructed based on 19,283 samples of 6,863 people from the Korea Labor Institute's Korea Labor Panel Survey was used. Findings - Both excessive working and compulsive working were found to have a direct negative effect on job satisfaction. Additionally, as a result of verifying the interaction effect of conscientiousness, it was found that the negative impact of excessive work on job satisfaction was moderated and alleviated by conscientiousness. In other words, for employees with high conscientiousness, the negative impact of excessive work on job satisfaction is alleviated and the negative impact of overworking is offset, whereas for employees with low conscientiousness, the negative impact of overworking on job satisfaction is strengthened. Research implications or Originality - This study shows that the impact of workaholism on job satisfaction varies depending on personality. While existing research has treated personality only as a determinant of workaholism, this study contributes to previous research in that it expands the role of personality. In addition, in practical terms, it is suggested that differential treatment based on individual values or personality is necessary.

• Informatization Policy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.32-52
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• 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality agents as foreign language instructors with focus on the impact of different native language backgrounds and instructional roles. The agents were first distinguished as native or non-native speakers treated as a between-subject factor, and then assigned roles as either teachers or salespersons considered within-subject factors. An immersive virtual environment was developed for this experiment, and a 2×2 mixed factorial design was carried out. In an experimental group of 72 university students, statistically significant interactions were found in learning satisfaction, memory, and recall between the native/non-native status of the agents and their roles. With regard to learning confidence and presence, however, no statistically significant differences were observed in both interaction effects and main effects. Contextual learning in a virtual environment was found to enhance learning effectiveness and satisfaction, with the nativeness and the role of agents influencing learners' memory; thus highlighting the effectiveness of using virtual reality agents in foreign language learning. This suggests that varied approaches can have positive cognitive and emotional impacts on learners, thereby providing valuable theoretical and empirical implications.

• Journal of Drive and Control
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.44-52
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• 2024

In this study, we predicted PTO power requirements based on torque predicted by the discrete element method and the multi-body dynamics coupling method. Six different scenarios were simulated to predict PTO power requirements in different soil conditions. The first scenario was a tillage operation on cohesionless soil, and the field was modeled using the Hertz-Mindlin contact model. In the second through sixth scenarios, tillage operations were performed on viscous soils, and the field was represented by the Hertz-Mindlin + JKR model for cohesion. To check the influence of surface energy, a parameter to reproduce cohesion, on the power requirement, a simple regression analysis was performed. The significance and appropriateness of the regression model were checked and found to be acceptable. The study findings are expected to be used in design optimization studies of agricultural machinery by predicting power requirements using the discrete element method and the multi-body dynamics coupling method and analyzing the effect of soil cohesion on the power requirement.