• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.494-499
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• 2022

It is reported that genome-wide RNA-seq profiles has potential as biomarkers of aging. A number of researches achieved promising prediction performance based on gene expression profiles. We develop an age prediction method based on the transcriptome of human dermal fibroblasts by selecting a proper age interval. The proposed method executes multiple rules in a sequential manner and a rule utilizes a classifier and a regression model to determine whether a given test sample belongs to the target age interval of the rule. If a given test sample satisfies the selection condition of a rule, age is predicted from the associated target age interval. Our method predicts age to a mean absolute error of 5.7 years. Our method outperforms prior best performance of mean absolute error of 7.7 years achieved by an ensemble based prediction method. We observe that it is possible to predict age based on genome-wide RNA-seq profiles but prediction performance is not stable but varying with age.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.164-170
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• 2021

Frequency-domain and time-domain induced polarization methods can provide spectral information about subsurface media. Analysis of spectral characteristics has been studied mainly in the frequency-domain, however, time-domain induced polarization research has recently become popular. In this study, assuming a homogeneous half-space model, an inversion method was developed to extract Cole-Cole parameters from the measured secondary potential or electrical resistivity. Since the Cole-Cole parameters of chargeability, time constant, and frequency index are not independent of each other, various problems, such as slow convergence rate, initial model problem, local minimum problem, and divergence, frequently occur when conventional nonlinear inversion is applied. In this study, we developed an effective inversion method using the initial model close to the true model by introducing a grid search method. Finally, the validity of the developed inversion method was verified using inversion experiments.

• Textile Coloration and Finishing
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.280-287
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• 2021

Generating electricity by using water in many energy harvesting system is due to their simplicity, sustainability and eco-friendliness. Evaporation-driven moist-electric generators (EMEGs) are an emergent technology and show great potential for harvesting clean energy. In this study, we report a transpiration driven electro kinetic power generator (TEPG) that utilize capillary flow of water in an asymmetrically wetted cotton fabric coated with carbon black. When water droplets encounter this textile EMEG, the water flows spontaneously under capillary action without requiring an external power supply. First carbon black sonicated and dispersed well in three different solvent system such as dimethylformamide (DMF), sodiumdedecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS-anionic surfactant) and cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB-cationic surfactant). A knitted cotton/PET fabric was coated with carbon black by conventional pad method. Cotton/PET fabrics were immersed and stuttered well in these three different systems and then transferred to an autoclave at 120 ℃ for 15 minutes. Cotton/PET fabric treated with carbon black dispersed in DMF solvent generated maximum current up to 5 µA on a small piece of sample (2 µL/min of water can induce constant electric output for more than 286 hours). This study is high value for designing of electric generator to harvest clean energy constantly.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2023

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is known to be effective in improving symptoms of numerous diseases such as depression and epilepsy by increasing vagus nerve activity through electrical stimulation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of vagus nerve stimulation on the activity of autonomic nervous system and the changes in postprandial blood glucose levels. Seven healthy adults participated in a non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation experiment. taVNS (25 Hz, 200 ㎲, biphasic pulse) was applied to the cymba concha (taVNS group) or the earlobe (Sham-taVNS group) of the left ear. As autonomic nervous system signals, skin conductance level, skin temperature, and heart rate were recorded during the application of taVNS. Postprandial blood glucose changes due to food intake were recorded at 5 min intervals for 25 minutes after taVNS or sham-taVNS. The taVNS showed a significantly lower skin conductance level than the shamtaVNS (p < 0.05). The increase rate of postprandial blood glucose was significantly lower in the taVNS than in the sham-taVNS (p < 0.05). These results showed that taVNS reduced the activity of the sympathetic nerve system and alleviated early rise in postprandial blood glucose. Although further studies in diabetic patients are needed, this study suggest that taVNS has a potential for clinical use to improve postprandial blood glucose.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.434-444
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• 2022

Corrosion inhibitors based on Zn-Al hydrotalcites containing benzoate (ZnAlHB) with different molar ratios of Zn/Al were prepared with a co-precipitation process. Compositions and structures of the resulting hydrotalcites were studied with suitable spectroscopic methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and surface zeta potential measurements, respectively. Results of physico-chemical studies showed that crystallite sizes, compositions of products, and surface electrical properties were significantly changed when the molar ratio of Zn/Al was increased. The release of benzoate from hydrotalcites also differed slightly among samples. Anticorrosion abilities of hydrotalcites intercalated with benzoate at a concentration of 3 g/L on carbon steel were analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), polarization curve, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and SEM. Corrosion inhibition abilities of benzoate modified hydrotalcites in 0.1 M NaCl showed an upward trend with increasing Zn/Al ratio. The reason for the dependence of corrosion resistance on the Zn/Al ratio was discussed, including changes in the microstructure of hydrotalcites such as crystal size, density, uniformity, and formation of ZnO.

• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.434-439
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• 2021

Graphene and polyaniline with thermoelectric properties are one of the potential substitutes for inorganic materials for flexible thermoelectric applications. In this study, we studied the photo-induced thermoelectric effect of graphene-polyaniline composites. The graphene-polyaniline composites were synthesized by introducing an amine functional group to graphene oxide for covalently connecting graphene and polyaniline, reducing the graphene oxide, and then polymerizing the graphene oxide with aniline. Graphene-polyaniline composites were prepared by changing the aniline contents in order to expect an optimal photothermoelectric effect, and their structural properties were confirmed through FT-IR and Raman analysis. The photocurrent and photovoltage characteristics were analyzed by irradiating light asymmetrically without an external bias and the current and voltage with various aniline contents. While the photocurrent trends to the electrical conductivity of the graphene-polyaniline composites, the photovoltage was related to the temperature change of the graphene-polyaniline composite, which was converted into thermal energy by light.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.341-349
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• 2021

We studies to verify results similar to those of previous experiments, and their potential as a lighting device through optical characteristics experiments and resonance and optical characteristics simulations of array devices. The photonic quantum ring (PQR) device having a mesa diameter of 40 ㎛ and an internal hole diameter of 3 ㎛ was fabricated. Through the near-field observation of the fabricated device, it was found that the PQR device operates even at ㎂, and also that the mesa and hole devices are driven independently of each other. As a result of measuring the wavelength spectrum of the device according to the location, the coupling phenomenon due to mesa and holes was confirmed.

• Clean Technology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.97-102
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• 2022

Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted considerable attention as a promising candidate for next-generation power sources due to their high theoretical energy density, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, the poor electrical conductivity of sulfur and its insoluble discharging products (Li₂S₂/Li₂S), large volume changes, severe self-discharge, and dissolution of lithium polysulfide intermediates result in rapid capacity fading, low Coulombic efficiency, and safety risks, hindering Li-S battery commercial development. In this study, a three-dimensionally (3D) connected hierarchical porous carbon framework (HPCF) derived from waste sunflower seed shells was synthesized as a sulfur host for Li-S batteries via a chemical activation method. The natural 3D connected structure of the HPCF, originating from the raw material, can effectively enhance the conductivity and accessibility of the electrolyte, accelerating the Li⁺/electron transfer. Additionally, the generated micropores of the HPCF, originated from the chemical activation process, can prevent polysulfide dissolution due to the limited space, thereby improving the electrochemical performance and cycling stability. The HPCF/S cell shows a superior capacity retention of 540 mA h g^-1 after 70 cycles at 0.1 C, and an excellent cycling stability at 2 C for 700 cycles. This study provides a potential biomass-derived material for low-cost long-life Li-S batteries.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.241-248
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• 2022

Background: The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Paralympic Games (WPG) being one of the most successful Paralympic Games (PG) in modern athletic world history, hosted the largest number of elite athletes representing 49 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs). Objects: The present investigation highlighted the demographic and clinical characteristics of injured athletes and non-athletes and the physiotherapy services provided during the PyeongChang 2018 WPG. Methods: Prospective descriptive epidemiology study, in which the study group comprised of 201 participants (51 athletes and 150 non-athletes) who were admitted to and utilized the polyclinic physiotherapy service of 2018 PyeongChang WPG in Physiotherapy Department of Paralympic Village from March 1, 2018 to March 20, 2018. Results: Qualitative frequency analysis of injury type demonstrated highest number of chronic injuries (51%, n = 100) in athletes and non-athletes. Anatomical injury site analysis revealed that the spine and shoulder areas were affected with equal frequency for athletes (54.9%, n = 14), whereas for non-athletes, the frequencies of spine and shoulder area injuries were 36.7% (n = 55) and 26% (n = 39), respectively. The Pyeongchang WPG showed a high rate of athletes visiting the physiotherapy service during the pre-competition period (33.3%, n = 50), which may have led to smaller incidence rate of traumatic injury. The physiotherapy treatment service analysis demonstrated that manual therapy (35.4%, n = 230) was most commonly utilized, followed by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation/interference current therapy (TENS/ICT), therapeutic massage and therapeutic exercise. Conclusion: We established the importance of prophylactic and preventive physiotherapy services to reduce the risk of sports injuries during WPG.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.104-111
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• 2023

Rolling stock maintenance, which focuses on preventive maintenance, is typically implemented considering the potential harm that may be inflicted to passengers in the event of failure. The cost of preventive maintenance throughout the life cycle of a rolling stock is 60%-75% of the initial purchase cost. Therefore, ensuring stability and reducing maintenance costs are essential in terms of economy. In particular, private railroad operators must reduce government support budget by effectively utilizing railroad resources and reducing maintenance costs. Accordingly, this study analyzes the reliability characteristics of components using field data. Moreover, it resolves the problem of determining an economical replacement interval considering the timing of scrapping railroad vehicles. The procedure for determining the optimal replacement interval involves five steps. According to the decision model, the optimal replacement interval for the onboard signal device components of the "A" line train is calculated using field data, such as failure data, preventive maintenance cost, and failure maintenance cost. The field data analysis indicates that the mileage meter is 9 years, which is less than the designed durability of 15 years. Furthermore, a life cycle in which the phase signal has few failures is found to be the same as the actual durability of 15 years.