• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.437-442
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• 2023

This research aims to enhance the efficiency of Pt/C catalysts due to the limited availability and high cost of platinum in contemporary fuel cell catalysts. Nano-sized platinum particles were distributed onto a carbon-based support via the polyol process, utilizing the metal precursor H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O. Key parameters such as pH, temperature, and RPM were carefully regulated. The findings revealed variations in the particle size, distribution, and dispersion of nano-sized Pt particles, influenced by temperature and pH. Following sodium hydroxide treatment, heat treatment procedures were systematically executed at diverse temperatures, specifically 120, 140, and 160 ℃. Notably, the thermal treatment at 140 ℃ facilitated the production of Pt/C catalysts characterized by the smallest platinum particle size, measuring at 1.49 nm. Comparative evaluations between the commercially available Pt/C catalysts and those synthesized in this study were meticulously conducted through cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM EDS) methodologies. The catalyst synthesized at 160 ℃ demonstrated superior electrochemical performance; however, it is imperative to underscore the necessity for further optimization studies to refine its efficacy.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.336-344
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• 2024

In this study, a Ni_0.9Co_0.05Mn_0.05(OH)₂ precursor used as an anode active material using a black powder leaching solution of a recycled lithium ion battery was prepared through coprecipitation synthesis with co-precipitation time, NH₄OH concentration, pH, and stirring time as variables. The characteristics of the prepared powder were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size analysis (PSA), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). It was confirmed that the single crystal thickness of the LiNi_1-x-yCo_xMn_yO₂ (NCM) precursor changes depending on the NH₄OH concentration and reaction pH value, and thicker single crystals are formed at 2 M NH₄OH compared to 1 M and at pH 10.8-11.8 compared to pH 11.8-12.0. NCM precursor particles increased with coprecipitation time, and it was confirmed that the 72 hours NCM precursor had the largest particle size. Through ICP-OES analysis, it was confirmed that the NCM precursor was synthesized with the target composition of Ni²⁺:Co²⁺:Mn²⁺=90:5:5.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.562-569
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• 2024

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes a devastating bacterial leaf blight in rice. Here, the antimicrobial effects of ᴰ-limonene, ᴸ-limonene, and its oxidative derivative carveol against Xoo were investigated. We revealed that carveol treatment at ≥ 0.1 mM in liquid culture resulted in significant decrease in Xoo growth rate (> 40%) in a concentration-dependent manner, and over 1 mM, no growth was observed. The treatment with ᴰ-limonene and ᴸ-limonene also inhibited the Xoo growth but to a lesser extent compared to carveol. These results were further elaborated with the assays of motility, biofilm formation and xanthomonadin production. The carveol treatment over 1 mM caused no motilities, basal level of biofilm formation (< 10%), and significantly reduced xanthomonadin production. The biofilm formation after the treatment with two limonene isomers was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, but the degree of the effect was not comparable to carveol. In addition, there was negligible effect on the xanthomonadin production mediated by the treatment of two limonene isomers. Field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) unveiled that all three compounds used in this study cause severe ultrastructural morphological changes in Xoo cells, showing shrinking, shriveling, and holes on their surface. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR revealed that carveol and ᴰ-limonene treatment significantly down-regulated the expression levels of genes involved in virulence and biofilm formation of Xoo, but not with ᴸ-limonene. Together, we suggest that limonenes and carveol will be the candidates of interest in the development of biological pesticides.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.371-386
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• 2024

This paper presents analytical insights regarding into the occurrence of gold within organic matter, which is hosted by solid bitumen and closely associated with uranium ores in the Late Permian Kővágószőllős Sandstone Formation in Western Mecsek, South-West Hungary. The study utilizes a range of analytical techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) for comprehensive mineralogical and elemental analysis; organic petrography and electron microprobe analysis for characterizing organic matter; and an organic elemental analyzer for identifying organic compounds. A three-step sequential extraction method was used to liberate gold from organic matter and sulfide minerals, employing KOH, HCl, and aqua regia, followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to quantify gold contents. The organic matter is identified as comprising two vitrinite types (telinite V1 and reworked V2) and three solid bitumen forms: nonfluorescing (B1) and fluorescing (B2) fillings within the V1, as well as homogenous pyrobitumen (PB) occupying narrow cracks and voids within globular quartz. Despite the samples exhibiting low total organic carbon content (<1 wt%), they display high sulfur content (up to 6 wt%) and the sequentially extracted noble metal content from the organic matter is found to total 7.45 ppm gold. The research findings suggest that organic matter plays crucial roles in ore mineralization processes. Organic matter acts as an active component in the migration of gold, uranium, and hydrocarbons within sulfur-rich hydrothermal fluids. Additionally, organic matter contributes to the entrapment and enrichment of gold in hetero-atomic organic fractions, forming metal-organic compounds. Moreover, uranium inclusions are observed as oxide/phosphate minerals within solid bitumen and associated vitrinite particles. These insights into the occurrence and distribution of gold within organic matter highlight substantial exploration potential, guiding additional research activities focused on organic matter within the Kővágószőllős Sandstone Formation at the Western Mecsek deposit.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.120-125
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of mesenchymal stem cell proliferation on recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta (rhTGF-${\beta}2$) / poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) treated titanium discs by electrospray. Materials and methods: Anodized titanium surface coated with PLGA was used for a control group to compare anodized titanium surface coated with 125 ng/ml and 500 ng/ml rhTGF-${\beta}2$ as test groups. Atomic force microscope (AFM) test was utilized to determine the difference in coating surface roughness, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was taken to visualize even distribution of coating particles on titanium discs. The mesenchymal stem cell proliferation was tested by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay on 1st, 4th, 7th days. Results: According to AFM results, there was no statistically significant difference in titanium discs treated with PLGA and with rhTGF-${\beta}2$/PLGA (P>.05). MTT assay test results showed that there was statistically significant difference in mesenchymal stem cell proliferation on test groups compared to control groups at 7th day, and cell viability on discs coated with rhTGF-${\beta}2$ was significantly higher than control groups (P<.05). Conclusion: Titanium surface coated with rhTGF-${\beta}2$/PLGA shows statistically significant higher cell proliferation and the titanium surface coated with the higher concentration of rhTGF-${\beta}2$ presents faster cell growth activity.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.278-286
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• 2008

Many studies regarding Casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate(CPP-ACP) have demonstrated the remineralization ability on the demineralized enamel surface. A question is still remained that how deep can the calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) ions supplied by the CPP-ACP paste penetrate into the enamel subsurface. The aims of this study were to measure the penetrating depth of Ca and P ions in the demineralized human enamel in vitro, and were to determine the amount and depth of Ca and P ions according to the duration. The amount and depth of Ca and P ions were measured by microscopic observation with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM; LEO SUPRA 55, Carl Zeiss, Germany) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS; GENESIS 2000, EDAX, USA: Linescan of Calcium and Phosphorus). Freshly extracted four human 1st premolars were obtained from the Dept. of Pediatric Dent., Kyung Hee Univ. Buccal surfaces of the 1st premolars were covered with nail varnish to form a window on the middle third of buccal surface. All of the teeth with enamel windows were immersed in a solution of 0.1 M lactic acid, Carbopol C907 (carboxypolymethylene BF Goodrich, Cleveland, OH, USA) at pH 4.8, and then incubated for 7 days. Each tooth crown was sawn in half through the midline of buccal window along the long axis of premolar. The four blocks of premolars were immersed in a 10-times diluted solution of CPP-ACP paste (Tooth Mousse, GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan) for 1, 2, 3 and 5 weeks while the rests were immersed in a placebo solution (distilled water) for the same duration. Each specimen was embedded in epoxy resin, and was sectioned perpendicular to the window, using a water-cooled diamond blade saw. The spectrum density indices of Ca and P were measured in the sound, de- and remineralized enamels by FE-SEM and EDS. The Student's t test was performed to compare the Spectrum Density Indices (SDI) of sound, re-and demineralized enamels, and to compare the differences among the durations. Followings are the conclusion : 1. The penetration depth of the remineralizing ions (Ca & P) of CPP-ACP paste is related to the depth of demineralized enamel (approximately $1050{\sim}1350{\mu}m$). It is revealed that the penetration depth of both ions reaches full thickness of decalcification and even slightly into the sound enamel. 2. The Ca & P levels of remineralized enamels in 1, 2 weeks were significantly higher than those of the sound enamels (p<0.05). 3. No statistically significant difference of Ca & P levels was found in relation with the increasing duration of remineralization (p>0.05).

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.986-993
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• 2010

In this study, sorption characteristics of thermally treated activated alumina (AA) for fluoride were investigated. Sorption experiments have been conducted in equilibrium and kinetic batch conditions. Also, effects of solution pH and anions on fluoride removal have been observed. The properties of thermally treated ( $700^{\circ}C$) activated alumina (AA700) and untreated activated alumina (UAA) were compared using field-emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. From the experiments using AA thermally treated at different temperatures (100, 300, 500, $700^{\circ}C$), it was found that at high fluoride concentrations (50, 100, 200 mg/L) the sorption capacity of thermally treated AA increased with increasing thermal treatment temperature. At an initial fluoride concentration of 200 mg/L, the sorption capacity of AA700 was 3.67 times greater than that of UAA. The BET analysis showed that the specific surface area of UAA was about 2 times larger than that of AA700. The XRD analysis indicated that UAA was composed of both boehmite (AlOOH) and bayerite ($Al(OH)_3$) while AA700 was $Al_2O_3$. The reason that fluoride sorption capacity of AA700 increased despite of decrease in specific surface area compared to UAA could be attributed to the change of crystal structure. The kinetic sorption test showed that fluoride sorption to AA700 arrived at equilibrium after 24 h. The equilibrium test demonstrated that the maximum sorption capacity of AA700 was 5.70 mg/g. Additional batch experiments indicated that fluoride sorption to AA700 was the highest at pH 7, decreasing at both acidic and basic solution pHs. Also, fluoride sorption to AA700 decreased in the presence of anions such as phosphate, nitrate, and carbonate. This study demonstrated that thermal treatment of AA at high temperature could increase its sorption capacity for fluoride.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2021

TiO2 has been used in various fields such as solar cells, dental implants, and photocatalysis, because it has high physical and chemical stability and is harmless to the body. TiO2 nanofibers which have a large specific surface area also show a good reactivity in bio-friendly products and excellent photocatalysis in air and water purification. To fabricate TiO2 nanofibers, an electrospinning method was used. To observe the diameter of TiO2 nanofibers with fabrication variables, the fabrication variables was divided into precursor composition variables and process variables and microstructure was analyzed. The concentrations of PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) and TTIP (Titanium(IV) isopropoxide) were selected as precursor composition variables, and inflow velocity and voltage were also selected as process variables. Microstructure and crystal structure of TiO2 nanofibers were analyzed using FE-SEM (Field emission scanning electron microscope) and XRD (X-ray diffraction), respectively. As-spun TiO2 nanofibers with an average diameter of about 0.27 ㎛ to 1.31 ㎛ were transformed to anatase TiO2 nanofibers with an average diameter of about 0.22 ㎛ to 0.78 ㎛ after heat treatment of 3 hours at 450℃. Anatase TiO2 nanofibers with an average diameter of 0.22 ㎛ can be expected to improve the photocatalytic properties by increasing the specific surface area. To change the average diameter of TiO2 nanofibers, the control of precursor composition variables such as concentrations of PVP and TTIP is more efficient than the control of electrospinning process variables such as inflow velocity and voltage.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2023

The nucleation mechanism was studied using a calcium ion selective electrode (Ca ISE) to observe the formation of CaCO₃, a representative mineral in the CO2 cycle, and to analyze the effect of the Mg/Ca-ratio and temperature on the formation of pre-nucleation cluster (PNC) and CaCO₃. As a result of the experiment, a small amount of crystal was formed. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used for surface element analysis, and a field emission scanning-electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used for the morphology analysis of synthesized carbonates. These results showed that various shapes of crystalline CaCO₃ (calcite, aragonite, etc.) were observed for each Mg/Ca ratio and temperature. In addition, the calibration plot obtained from Ca ISE showed information on the formation process of CaCO₃. Our results showed that as magnesium ions interfered with the binding of calcium and carbonate ions and delayed the aggregation between PNCs, the nucleation and formation of CaCO₃ were delayed. On the other hand, the temperature showed an opposite trend as compared to the effect of magnesium under our experimental conditions, indicating that temperature accelerated the formation of CaCO₃. Furthermore, the morphology of CaCO₃ clearly changed according to the Mg/Ca ratio and temperature, and it was confirmed that the two factors are very important for CaCO₃ formation in that they could affect the overall process.

• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.181-188
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• 2008

A.C. impedance properties of HA/Ti compound layer coated Ti-30Ta-($3{\sim}15$)Nb alloys have been studied by electrochemical method. Ti-30Ta binary alloys contained 3, 7, 10 and 15 wt% Nb were manufactured by the vacuum furnace system. And then specimen was homogenized at $1000^{\circ}C$ for 24 hrs. The sample was cut and polished for corrosion test and coating. It was coated with HA/Ti compound layer by magnetron sputter. The non-coated and coated morphology of Ti alloy were analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and filed emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The corrosion behaviors were investigated using A.C. impedance test (PARSTAT 2273, USA) in 0.9% NaCl solution at $36.5{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. Ti-30Ta-($3{\sim}15\;wt%$)Nb alloys showed the ${\alpha}+{\beta}$ phase, and $\beta$ phase peak was predominantly appeared in the case of increasingly Nb contents. The microstructures of Ti alloy were transformed from needle-like structure to equiaxed structure as Nb content increased. From the analysis of coating surface, HA/Ti composite surface uniformed coating layer with 750 nm thickness. The growth directions of film were (211), (112), (300) and (202) for HA/Ti composite coating on the surface after heat treatment at $550^{\circ}C$, whereas, the growth direction of film was (110) for Ti coating. The polarization resistance ($R_p$) of HA/Ti composite coated Ti-alloys were higher than those of the Ti and HA coated samples in 0.9% NaCl solution at $36.5{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. Especially, corrosion resistance of Ti-Ta-Nb system increased as Nb content increased.