• Title/Summary/Keyword: Eco-friendly products

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Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles to the microbiological corrosion deterrence of oil and gas pipelines buried in the soil

  • Zhi Zhang;Jingguo Du;Tayebeh Mahmoudi
    • Advances in nano research
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    • v.15 no.4
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    • pp.355-366
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    • 2023
  • Biological corrosion, a crucial aspect of metal degradation, has received limited attention despite its significance. It involves the deterioration of metals due to corrosion processes influenced by living organisms, including bacteria. Soil represents a substantial threat to pipeline corrosion as it contains chemical and microbial factors that cause severe damage to water, oil, and gas transmission projects. To combat fouling and corrosion, corrosion inhibitors are commonly used; however, their production often involves expensive and hazardous chemicals. Consequently, researchers are exploring natural and eco-friendly alternatives, specifically nano-sized products, as potent corrosion inhibitors. This study aims to environmentally synthesize silver nanoparticles using an extract from Lagoecia cuminoides L and evaluate their effectiveness in preventing biological corrosion of buried pipes in soil. The optimal experimental conditions were determined as follows: a volume of 4 ml for the extract, a volume of 4 ml for silver nitrate (AgNO3), pH 9, a duration of 60 minutes, and a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. Analysis using transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 28 nm, while X-ray diffraction patterns exhibited suitable peak intensities. By employing the Scherer equation, the average particle size was estimated to be around 30 nm. Furthermore, antibacterial studies revealed the potent antibacterial activity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. This property effectively mitigates the biological corrosion caused by bacteria in steel pipes buried in soil.

Development of a Returnable Folding Plastic Box RFID Module for Agricultural Logistics using Energy Harvesting Technology (에너지 하베스팅 기술을 활용한 농산물 물류용 리턴어블 접이식 플라스틱 상자 RFID 모듈 개발)

  • Jong-Min Park;Hyun-Mo Jung
    • KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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    • v.29 no.3
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    • pp.223-228
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    • 2023
  • Sustainable energy supplies without the recharging and replacement of the charge storage device have become increasingly important. Among various energy harvesters, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has attracted considerable attention due to its high instantaneous output power, broad selection of available materials, eco-friendly and inexpensive fabrication process, and various working modes customized for target applications. In this study, the amount of voltage and current generated was measured by applying the PSD profile random vibration test of the electronic vibration tester and ISTA 3A according to the time of Anodized Aluminum Oxide (AAO) pore widening of the manufactured TENG device Teflon and AAO. The discharge and charging tests of the integrated module during the random simulated transport environment and the recognition distance of RFID were measured while agricultural products (onion) were loaded into the returnable folding plastic box. As a result, it was found that AAO alumina etching processing time to maximize TENG performance was optimal at 31 min in terms of voltage and current generation, and the integrated module applied with the TENG module showed a charging effect even during the continuous use of RFID, so the voltage was kept constant without discharge. In addition, the RFID recognition distance of the integrated module was measured as a maximum of 1.4 m. Therefore, it was found that the surface condition of AAO, a TENG element, has a great influence on the power generation of the integrated module, and due to the characteristics of TENG, the power generation increases as the surface dries, so it is judged that the power generation can be increased if the surface drying treatment (ozone treatment, etc.) of AAO is applied in the future.

Evaluation of communication effectiveness of cruelty-free fashion brands - A comparative study of brand-led and consumer-perceived images - (크루얼티 프리 패션 브랜드의 커뮤니케이션 성과 분석 - 브랜드 주도적 이미지와 소비자 지각 이미지에 대한 비교 -)

  • Yeong-Hyeon Choi;Sangyung Lee
    • The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.247-259
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    • 2024
  • This study assessed the effectiveness of brand image communication on consumer perceptions of cruelty-free fashion brands. Brand messaging data were gathered from postings on the official Instagram accounts of three cruelty-free fashion brands and consumer perception data were gathered from Tweets containing keywords related to each brand. Web crawling and natural language processing were performed using Python and sentiment analysis was conducted using the BERT model. By analyzing Instagram content from Stella McCartney, Patagonia, and Freitag from their inception until 2021, this study found these brands all emphasize environmental aspects but with differing focuses: Stella McCartney on ecological conservation, Patagonia on an active outdoor image, and Freitag on upcycled products. Keyword analysis further indicated consumers perceive these brands in line with their brand messaging: Stella McCartney as high-end and eco-friendly, Patagonia as active and environmentally conscious, and Freitag as centered on recycling. Results based on the assessment of the alignment between brand-driven images and consumer-perceived images and the sentiment evaluation of the brand confirmed the outcomes of brand communication performance. The study revealed a correlation between brand image and positive consumer evaluations, indicating that higher alignment of ethical values leads to more positive consumer assessments. Given that consumers tend to prioritize search keywords over brand concepts, it's important for brands to focus on using visual imagery and promotions to effectively convey brand communication information. These findings highlight the importance of brand communication by emphasizing the connection between ethical brand images and consumer perceptions.

Enhanced extraction of copper and nickel based on the Egyptian Abu Swayeil copper ore

  • Somia T. Mohamed;Abeer A. Emam;Wael M. Fathy;Amany R. Salem;Amr B. ElDeeb
    • Analytical Science and Technology
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    • v.37 no.1
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    • pp.63-78
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    • 2024
  • The continuous increasing of the global demand of copper and nickel metals raises the interest in developing alternative technologies to produce them from copper sulfide ore. Also, in line with Egypt's vision 2030 for achieving the sustainable socioeconomic development which aims at developing alternative and eco-friendly technologies for processing the Egyptian ores to produce these strategic products instead of its importing. These metals enhance the advanced electrical and electronic industries. The current work aims at investigating the recovery of copper and nickel from Abu Swayeil copper ore using pug leaching technique by sulfuric acid. The factors affecting the pug leaching process including the sulfuric acid concentration, leaching time and temperature have been investigated. The copper ore sample was characterized chemically using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX). A response surface methodology develops a quadratic model that expects the nickel and copper leaching effectiveness as a function of three controlling factors involved in the procedure of leaching was also investigated. The obtained results showed that the maximum dissolution efficiency of Ni and Cu are 99.06 % and 95.30%, respectively which was obtained at the following conditions: 15 % H2SO4 acid concentration for 6 hr. at 250 ℃. The dissolution kinetics of nickel and copper that were examined according to heterogeneous model, indicated that the dissolution rates were controlled by surface chemical process during the pug leaching. The activation energy of copper and nickel dissolution were 26.79 kJ.mol-1 and 38.078 kJ.mol-1 respectively; and the surface chemical was proposed as the leaching rate-controlling step.

Helenkaminski's Positive Luxury Brand Product Planning for Sustainable Fashion (Helenkaminski의 지속가능 패션을 위한 포지티브 럭셔리 브랜드의 상품기획)

  • Soojin Lee;KeumHee Lee
    • Journal of Fashion Business
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.92-108
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    • 2024
  • This study examines the measures and implementation strategies needed to develop sustainable design from an international perspective, using examples of sustainability practices and product planning from Helen Kaminski, a representative fashion brand of positive luxury. The research method includes a literature study on positive luxury, a case study on positive luxury brands, and an empirical study where the researcher participated in the development of Helen Kaminski's design. The study identifies the following measures needed to develop designs for sustainable products: First, the development of designs that increase circularity; Second, the use of certified materials and strict adherence to material usage; Third, the simplification of production methods or development of new technologies for this purpose; Fourth, ensuring that design development incorporate the traditions and unique handicraft techniques of the local community. The implementation strategies required for a sustainable product planning process are as follows. First, changes in the product planning stage and expansion of participating members are needed. Second, securing and conducting prior inspections of the supply chain for ethical sourcing is required. Third, prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials and material development. Fourth, establishing a stage for selecting and evaluating objects that will become representative designs with sustainability. As a result, this study can serve as basic data to strengthen corporate competitiveness and establish itself as a fashion brand for sustainability through actionable strategies applicable to the domestic fashion industry in the future.

Is it Enough to Have an 'Ethical Product' Label?: the Effects of Brand Reputation and Perceived Ethicality on Ethical Consumers' Choice ('윤리적 제품', 이름만으로 충분한가? 브랜드 명성과 지각된 윤리성의 정도가 소비자의 선택에 미치는 영향)

  • Lee, Cheonglim;Cha, Moon-Kyung
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.527-541
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    • 2020
  • Consumers' favorable attitude toward ethical brands, and the rise of ethical consumers, is a recent global trend. Nevertheless, prior studies have emerged that favoring ethical products does not necessarily lead to consumers' purchase. Focusing on this, authors attempted to explore what perceptions of the brand lead to purchase behavior. Three experiments were conducted for this purpose. Results are as follows. First, even in ethical products, consumers choose the product when it is perceived as more ethical. This tendency has been shown for both eco-friendly type and donation type products. Second, when there was no noticeable difference in ethicality, ethical consumers consider brand reputation as an important factor in choice. Third, results remains regardless of consumer individual characteristics (consumer altruism, conspicuousness). Note that, unexpectedly, the underdog effect was not observed among altruistic consumers. Several implications, limitations of research, and suggestions for future research were discussed.

Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles and Application of Natural Products on Fabric and Filters as an Alternative (은나노 입자의 독성 메커니즘 및 천연물을 활용한 은나노 대체 항균 소재 연구)

  • Karadeniz, Fatih;Kim, Han Seong
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.28 no.7
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    • pp.864-873
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    • 2018
  • There has been increasing attention and research in various nanoparticle applications. Nanoparticles have been used for a variety of purposes in different departments including but not limited to cosmetics, food, machinery, and chemical. A highly sought-after field to use nanoparticles, especially natural or artificial silver nanoparticles (SNPs), is the utilization of their significant antimicrobial properties in daily items such as fabrics, indoor air filters, and, water filtration units where abundant bacterial and fungal growth are inevitable. These applications of SNPs, however, have enabled continuous human exposure and hence paved the way for potential SNP toxicity depending on exposure method and particle size. This potential toxicity has led to researches on safer antimicrobial solutions to be utilized in textile and filtration. In this context, products of natural origin have gained expanding interest due to their eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biologically safe properties along their promising antibacterial and antifungal activities. Natural product-applied fabrics and filters have been shown to be comparable to those that are SNP-treated in terms of ease production, material durability, and antimicrobial efficiency. This article summarizes and assesses the current state of in vitro and in vitro toxicity of SNPs and discusses the potential of natural products as an alternative.

Effect of Medicinal Plant By-products Supplementation to Total Mixed Ration on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Economic Efficacy in the Late Fattening Period of Hanwoo Steers

  • Lee, S.J.;Kim, D.H.;Guan, Le Luo;Ahn, S.K.;Cho, K.W.;Lee, Sung S.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.28 no.12
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    • pp.1729-1735
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    • 2015
  • This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of medicinal plant by-products (MPB) supplementation to a total mixed ration (TMR) on growth, carcass characteristics and economic efficacy in the late fattening period of Hanwoo steers. Twenty seven steers (body weight [BW], $573{\pm}57kg$) were assigned to 3 treatment groups so that each treatment based on BW contained 9 animals. All groups received ad libitum TMR throughout the feeding trial until slaughter (from 24 to 30 months of age) and treatments were as follows: control, 1,000 g/kg TMR; treatment 1 (T1), 970 g/kg TMR and 30 g/kg MPB; treatment 2 (T2), 950 g/kg TMR and 50 g/kg MPB. Initial and final BW were not different among treatments. Resultant data were analyzed using general linear models of SAS. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were higher (p<0.05) for T1 than control, but there was no difference between control and T2. Plasma albumin showed low-, intermediate- and high-level (p<0.05) for control, T1 and T2, whereas non-esterified fatty acid was high-, intermediate- and high-level (p<0.05) for control, T1 and T2, respectively. Carcass weight, carcass rate, backfat thickness and rib eye muscle area were not affected by MPB supplementation, whereas quality and yield grades were highest (p<0.05) for T1 and T2, respectively. Daily feed costs were decreased by 0.5% and 0.8% and carcass prices were increased by 18.1% and 7.6% for T1 and T2 compared to control, resulting from substituting TMR with 30 and 50 g/kg MPB, respectively. In conclusion, the substituting TMR by 30 g/kg MPB may be a potential feed supplement approach to improve economic efficacy in the late fattening period of Hanwoo steers.

Physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid profiles of muscle tissues from Hanwoo steers fed a total mixed ration supplied with medicinal plant by-products

  • Lee, Shin Ja;Kim, Do Hyung;Yang, Han Sul;Nam, Ki Chang;Ahn, Seung Kyu;Park, Sung Kwon;Choi, Chang Weon;Lee, Sung Sill
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.30 no.10
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    • pp.1388-1395
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    • 2017
  • Objective: Using medicinal plant by-products (MPBP) as feed additives may be an eco-friendly option as substitutes for feedstuffs and may assist in reducing the improper disposal of MPBP. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influences of MPBP on the meat quality of Hanwoo steers fed a total mixed ration (TMR). Methods: Twenty seven steers (body weight = $573{\pm}57kg$) were randomly divided into three treatments with a control group and two tested groups as follows: control, 1,000 g/kg TMR; treatment 1 (MPBP30), 970 g/kg TMR and 30 g/kg MPBP; treatment 2 (MPBP50), 950 g/kg TMR and 50 g/kg MPBP. Results: Average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage $L^*$ of muscle were improved (p<0.05, respectively) by MPBP30. Stearic acid ($C_{18:0}$) was decreased (linear effect, p = 0.012), while oleic acid ($C_{18:1}$) was increased (linear effect, p = 0.055) by MPBP level. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were decreased for MPBP50 while unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were increased for MPBP 50. USFA and SFA ratio was increased for MPBP50 as well. Conclusion: These results indicated that MPBP supplementation in Hanwoo steers fed a TMR increased feed efficiency and meat color (lightness) with altering fatty acid proportions. Therefore, MPBP may be successfully used in ruminant feeding.

A Survey on the Perception of Agricultural Food Accreditation and Traditional Food Quality Certification (농식품 인증 및 전통식품 품질인증에 관한 인식조사)

  • Huh, Jung-In;Jin, So-Yeon
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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    • v.26 no.3
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    • pp.220-229
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    • 2011
  • This study attempted to understand the perception and the degree of trust that consumers had in the national agricultural food accreditation system, to inquire into and examine the consumers' perception of traditional food quality certification performed for the protection of excellent traditional food, and to propose the right direction for the policies on the traditional food quality certification system and the plans to improve consumers' perception of the system. According to the results of this survey performed in married women, based on the 'the recognition of accreditation system' and 'the recognition of certification marks' of 'the seventh national agricultural food accreditation system' presently being used by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the household food purchasers showed high recognition for eco-friendly agricultural product accreditation, processed food KS certification, and organically processed food certification in that order. Meanwhile, it was shown that they indicated low recognition for the traditional food-related accreditation systems such as 'traditional food quality certification' and 'food grand master'. It was found that reliability of the certification mark provided by the agricultural food accreditation system gained 3.54 points (on a 5-point scale), and 68.1% of the study subjects referred to the certification marks while purchasing agricultural foods. And most of them answered to the question of 'why they referred to the certification marks' saying that it was done 'to choose safe food'. The most frequent answer to question of 'the means to recognize the traditional food quality certification system' was 'broadcasting, advertising'. 57.3% of the subjects had a previous experience of buying a product certified by the traditional food quality certification system, and 93.2% of all the subjects had the intention to buy a product certified by the traditional food quality certification system later. And most of them answered that 'strengthening government policies' would be the most ideal way to inform the public of the traditional food quality certification system. According to the results of this study, while 'relying on the traditional food quality certification system in general' was relatively high among the consumers, 'intention to buy quality certified products by visiting a distantly located store' was low; thus, from this analysis, it can be seen that there is a need for diversification of places selling these quality certified products and to establish a distribution network for these products.