• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.97-108
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• 2024

This research delves into the escalating concerns of accidents and fatalities in the construction industry over the recent five-year period, focusing on the development of a Safety Perception Model to augment safety measures. Given the rising percentage of elderly workers and the concurrent drop in productivity within the sector, there is a pronounced need for leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to bolster safety protocols. The study comprises an in-depth analysis of statistical data regarding construction-related fatalities, aiming to shed light on prevailing safety challenges. Central to this investigation is the formulation of a Safety Perception Model tailored for small-scale construction projects. This model facilitates the quantification of safety risks by evaluating safety grades across construction sites. Utilizing the DWM1000 module, among an array of wireless communication technologies, the model enables the real-time tracking of worker locations and the assessment of safety levels on-site. Furthermore, the deployment of a safety management system allows for the evaluation of risk levels associated with individual workers. Aggregating these data points, the Safety Climate Index(SCLI) is calculated to depict the daily, weekly, and monthly safety climate of the site, thereby offering insights into the effectiveness of implemented safety measures and identifying areas for continuous improvement. This study is anticipated to significantly contribute to the systematic enhancement of safety and the prevention of accidents on construction sites, fostering an environment of improved productivity and strengthened safety culture through the application of the Safety Perception Model.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.107-117
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• 2024

The objective of this study is to estimate riverbed fluctuations and the volume of aggregate extraction attributable to climate change. Rainfall-runoff modeling, utilizing the SWAT model based on climate change scenarios, as well as long-term riverbed fluctuation modeling, employing the HEC-RAS model, were conducted for the Nonsan River basin. The analysis of rainfall-runoff and sediment transport under the SSP5-8.5 scenario for the early part of the future indicates that differences in annual precipitation may exceed 600 mm, resulting in a corresponding variation in the basin's sediment discharge by more than 30,000 tons per year. Additionally, long-term riverbed fluctuation modeling of the lower reaches of the Nonsan Stream has identified a potential aggregate extraction area. It is estimated that aggregate extraction could be feasible within a 2.455 km stretch upstream, approximately 4.6 to 6.9 km from the confluence with the Geum River. These findings suggest that the risk of climate crises, such as extreme rainfall or droughts, could increase due to abnormal weather conditions, and the increase in variability could affect long-term aggregate extraction. Therefore, it is considered important to take into account the impact of climate change in future long-term aggregate extraction planning and policy formulation.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2024

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of chronic hyperglycaemia affecting normal kidney functioning. The ayurvedic medicine curcumin (CUR) is pharmaceutically accepted for its vast biological effects. Objectives: The Curcuma-derived diferuloylmethane compound CUR, loaded on Poly (lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles was utilized to combat DN-induced renal apoptosis by selectively targeting and modulating Bcl2. Methods: Upon in silico molecular docking and screening study CUR was selected as the core phytocompound for nanoparticle formulation. PLGA-nano-encapsulated-curcumin (NCUR) were synthesized following standard solvent displacement method. The NCUR were characterized for shape, size and other physico-chemical properties by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy studies. For in vivo validation of nephro-protective effects, Mus musculus were pre-treated with CUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. and NCUR at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. (dose 1), 12.5 mg/kg b.w (dose 2) followed by alloxan administration (100 mg/kg b.w) and serum glucose levels, histopathology and immunofluorescence study were conducted. Results: The in silico study revealed a strong affinity of CUR towards Bcl2 (dock score -10.94 Kcal/mol). The synthesized NCUR were of even shape, devoid of cracks and holes with mean size of ~80 nm having -7.53 mV zeta potential. Dose 1 efficiently improved serum glucose levels, tissue-specific expression of Bcl2 and reduced glomerular space and glomerular sclerosis in comparison to hyperglycaemic group. Conclusion: This study essentially validates the potential of NCUR to inhibit DN by reducing blood glucose level and mitigating glomerular apoptosis by selectively promoting Bcl2 protein expression in kidney tissue.

• Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.103-110
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• 2023

Invasive species are organisms that are introduced into places outside of their natural distribution range. The global pet trade is facilitating the introduction of invasive species into new countries and areas. Among the introduced alien species, turtles are one of the most common animal groups whether lives in wetland ecosystems, such as wetlands or reservoirs. Like other countries around the world, exotic turtles is becoming a growing concern for the wetland ecosystem in South Korea. In this study, we report new reports of subspecies of Painted turtle (Chrysemysspp.): Chrysemys picta marginata, C. p. bellii and C. dorsalis, from the reservoirs in downtown Cheongju and Gwangju, South Korea. We used morphological features, such as the characteristics of the legs, plastron, and carapace, to identify the turtles. It is assumed that all turtles were artificially released into nature. Considering the increasing number of reports on the introduction of alien invasive turtles in Korean wetlands, we recommend the formulation of an immediate and systematic management plan for pet trades and organized continuous monitoring programs.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.19-24
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• 2024

The future military combat environment is rapidly expanding the role and importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in defense, aligning with the current trends of declining military populations and evolving dynamics. Particularly, in the civilian sector, AI development has surged into new domains based on foundation models, such as OpenAI's Chat-GPT, categorized as Super-Giant AI or Hyperscale AI. The U.S. Department of Defense has organized Task Force Lima under the Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO) to conduct research on the application of Large Language Models (LLM) and generative AI. Advanced military nations like China and Israel are also actively researching the integration of Super-Giant AI into their military capabilities. Consequently, there is a growing need for research within our military regarding the potential applications and fields of application for Super-Giant AI in weapon systems. In this paper, we compare the characteristics and pros and cons of specialized AI and Super-Giant AI (Foundation Models) and explore new application areas for Super-Giant AI in weapon systems. Anticipating future application areas and potential challenges, this research aims to provide insights into effectively integrating Super-Giant Artificial Intelligence into defense operations. It is expected to contribute to the development of military capabilities, policy formulation, and international security strategies in the era of advanced artificial intelligence.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2024

In this study, we analyzed the water temperature variability in the sea area of the Korean Peninsula in August, before and after the typhoon inflow through Typhoon Soulik, the 19th in 2018 that turned right around the Korean Peninsula and passed through the East Sea, and Typhoon Bavi, the eighth in 2020 that advanced north and passed through the Yellow Sea. The data used in this study included the water temperature data recorded in the real-time information system for aquaculture environment provided by the National Institute of Fisheries Science, wind data near the water as recorded by the automatic weather system, and water temperature data provided by the NOAA/AVHRR satellite. According to the analysis, when typhoons with different movement paths passed through the Korean Peninsula, the water temperature in the East Sea repeatedly upwelled (northern winds) and downwelled (southern winds) depending on the wind speed and direction. In particular, when Typhoon Soulik passed through the East sea, the water temperature dropped sharply by around 10 ℃. When Typhoon Bavi passed through the center of the Yellow Sea, the water temperature rose in certain observed areas of the Yellow Sea and even in certain areas of the South Sea. Warmer water flowed into cold water regions owing to the movement of Typhoon Bavi, causing water temperature to rise. The water temperature appeared to have recovered to normal. By understanding the water temperature variability in the sea area of the Korean Peninsula caused by typhoons, this research is expected to minimize the negative effects of abnormal climate on aquaculture organisms and contribute to the formulation of damage response strategies for fisheries disasters in sea areas.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.170-178
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• 2024

This study proposes a hybrid composite where a thin copper film (Cu film) is embedded in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and quantum annealing is applied to derive the combination of Cu film placement that maximizes the through-thickness thermal conductivity. The correlation between each ply of CFRP and the Cu film is analyzed through finite element analysis, and based on the results, a combination optimization problem is formulated. A formalization process is conducted to embed the defined problem into quantum annealing, resulting in the formulation of objective functions and constraints regarding the quantity of Cu films that can be inserted into each ply of CFRP. The formulated equations are programmed using Ocean SDK (Software Development Kit) and Leap to be embedded into D-Wave quantum annealer. Through the quantum annealing process, the optimal arrangement of Cu films that satisfies the maximum through-thickness thermal conductivity is determined. The resulting arrangements exhibit simpler patterns as the quantity of insertable Cu films decreases, while more intricate arrangements are observed as the quantity increases. The optimal combinations generated according to the quantity of Cu film placement illustrate the inherent thermal conductivity pathways in the thickness direction, indicating that the transverse placement freedom of the Cu film can significantly affect the results of through-thickness thermal conductivity.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.120-132
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary information for the utilization extension of Chinese artichoke(Stachys sieboldii Miq) as a functional food material. The effects of the addition of Chinese artichoke powder(0, 3, 6, 9, and 12%) in white bread formulation on phenolics content and antioxidant properties, and sensory analysis(seven-point hedonic test) were examined. The contents of total polyphenols(TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and tannins(TTC) in Chinese artichoke powder were $139.09{\pm}1.97mg\;GAE/g\;dw$, $74.33{\pm}2.69mg\;QE/g\;dw$, and $40.41{\pm}2.54 mg\;TAE/g\;dw$, respectively. As the amount of Chinese artichoke powder increased, the phenolics contents also significantly increased(p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001 on TPC, TFC, and TTC, respectively), the highest TPC($104.27{\pm}0.13mg\;GAE/g\;dw$), TFC($71.03{\pm}1.75mg\;QE/g\;dw$), and TTC($8.76{\pm}0.12mg\;TAE/g\;dw$) were achieved in the white bread having the highest percentage of Chinese artichoke powder(12%). The $IC_{50}$ values of Chinese artichoke extract for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid(ABTS) radical scavenging activities were 1.42 mg/mL and 1.57 mg/mL, respectively. Scavenging activities of DPPH and ABTS radicals of white bread were significantly increased according to the levels of added Chinese artichoke powder(p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In the acceptance test, the white bread containing 9% Chinese artichoke powder was ranked significantly higher than the other groups according to all sensory parameters such as appearance, flavor, taste, texture, and the overall acceptability. Overall, Chinese artichoke enhanced white bread could be developed as an antioxidant-enriched bread with good sensorial properties.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.241-247
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• 2015

This study has been conducted to verify the applicability of FT-NIR (Fourier Transform Near Infrared) to prove coidentity between market agrochemical products and registered prescriptions. The spectrum correlations were investigated on 83 registered samples and there market products, 23 products which had same formulation and active ingredients and 68 products which had different active ingredients. In 83 samples/products, the primary differentiated spectrum correlation values were 95.86~100%, which mean that all samples qualified over 95% threshold. In 23 products which had same active ingredients and formulations, correlation values were 29.09~99.83%. 3 products over 99.0% were proved to have same active/inert ingredients and formulations although they're from different manufacturers. The rest products except the 3 items were under 95%. In 68 products had different active ingredients, correlation values varied from 2.00% to 93.70%. Higher correlation is supposed to come from similarity of inert ingredients despite different active ingredients. They can be decided to unqualify under 95% threshold. So applicability of FT-NIR has been verified on qualitative distinction of coidentity between registered market agrochemicals.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.21-30
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• 2011

As well known, dowel bars are used to transfer traffic load acting on one edge to another edge of concrete slab in concrete pavement system. The dowel bars widely used in South Korea are round shape steel bar and they shows satisfactory performance under bending stress which is developed by repetitive traffic loading and environment loading. However, they are not invulnerable to erosion that may be caused by moisture from masonry joint or bottom of the pavement system. Especially, the erosion could rapidly progress with saline to prevent frost of snow in winter time. The problem under this circumstance is that the erosion not only drops strength of the steel dower bar but also comes with volume expansion of the steel dowel bar which can reduce load transferring efficiency of the steel dowel bar. To avoid this erosion problem in reasonable expenses, dowers bars with various materials are being developed. Fiber reinforced plastic(FRP) dower that is presented in this paper is suggested as an alternative of the steel dowel bar and it shows competitive resistance against erosion and tensile stress. The FRP dowel bar is developed in tube shape and is filled with high strength no shrinkage. Several slab thickness designs with the FRP dowel bars are performed by evaluating bearing stress between the dowel bar and concrete slab. To calculated the bearing stresses, theoretical formulation and finite element method(FEM) are utilized with material properties measured from laboratory tests. The results show that both FRP tube dowel bars with diameters of 32mm and 40mm satisfy bearing stress requirement for dowel bars. Also, with consideration that lean concrete is typical material to support concrete slab in South Korea, which means low load transfer efficiency and, therefore, low bearing stress, the FRP tube dowel bar can be used as a replacement of round shape steel bar.