• Composites Research
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.435-440
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• 2023

This study aimed to enhance the thermal conductivity of B₄C/Al composite materials, commonly used in transport/storage containers for spent nuclear fuel, by incorporating both boron carbide (B₄C) and cubic boron nitride(cBN) as reinforcing agents in an aluminum (Al) matrix. The composite materials were successfully manufactured through a stir casting process and practical neutron-absorbing materials were obtained by rolling the fabricated composite ingot. The evaluation of the thermal conductivity of the fabricated composites was carried out because thermal conductivity is critical for neutron absorbing materials. The thermal conductivity measurement results indicated an approximately 3% increase in thermal conductivity under the same volume fraction when compared to composite materials using only B₄C particles. Through neutron absorption cross-sectional area calculations, it was confirmed that the neutron absorption capability decreased to a negligible level. Based on the findings of this study, new design approaches for neutron absorption materials are proposed, contributing to the development of high-performance transport/storage containers.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.45-68
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• 2021

As the influence of online reviews on consumer decision-making increases, concerns about review manipulation are also increasing. Fake reviews or review manipulations are emerging as an important problem by posting untrue reviews in order to increase sales volume, causing the consumer's reverse choice, and acting at a high cost to the society as a whole. Most of the related prior studies have focused on predicting review manipulation through data mining methods, and research from a consumer perspective is insufficient. However, since the possibility of manipulation of reviews perceived by consumers can affect the usefulness of reviews, it can provide important implications for online word-of-mouth management regardless of whether it is false or not. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed whether there is a difference between the review evaluated by the consumer as being manipulated and the general review, and verified whether the manipulated review negatively affects the review usefulness. For empirical analysis, 34,711 online book reviews on the LibraryThing website were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression analysis and Poisson regression analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was found that there were differences in product level, reviewer level, and review level factors between reviews that consumers perceived as being manipulated and reviews that were not. In addition, manipulated reviews have been shown to negatively affect review usefulness.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2024

This study were conduced experimentally to analyze the heat-generating performance, flexural strength, and microstructure of conductive mortar mixed with micro steel fiber and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). In the conductive mortar heat-generating performance and flexural strength tests, the mixing concentration of MWCNT was selected as 0.0wt%, 0.5wt%, and 1.0wt% relative to the weight of cement, and micro steel fibers were mixed at 2.0vol% relative to the volume. The performance experiments were conducted with various applied voltages (DC 10V, 30V, 60V) and different electrode spacings (40 mm, 120 mm) as parameters, and the flexural strength was measured at the curing age of 28 days and compared and analyzed with the normal mortar. Furthermore, the surface shape and microstructure of conductive mortar were analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The results showed that the heat-generating performance improved as the mixing concentration of MWCNT and the applied voltage increased, and it further improved as the electrode spacing became narrower. However, even if the mixing concentration of MWCNT was added up to 1.0 wt%, the heat-generating performance was not significantly improved. As a result of the flexural strength test, the average flexural strength of all specimens except the PM specimen and the MWCNT mixed specimens was 4.5 MPa or more, showing high flexural strength due to the incorporation of micro steel fibers. Through FE-SEM image analysis, Through FE-SEM image analysis, it was confirmed that a conductive network was formed between micro steel fibers and MWCNT particles in the cement matrix.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2024

The volume of shells, a prominent form of marine waste, is steadily increasing each year. However, a significant portion of these shells is either discarded or left near coastlines, posing environmental and social concerns. Utilizing shells as a substitute for traditional aggregates presents a potential solution, especially considering the diminishing availability of natural aggregates. This approach could effectively reduce transportation logistics costs, thereby promoting resource recycling. In this study, we explore the feasibility of employing wasted shell aggregates in 3D concrete printing technology for marine structures. Despite the advantages, it is observed that 3D printing concrete with wasted shells as aggregates results in lower strength compared to ordinary concrete, attributed to pores at the interface of shells and cement paste. Microstructure characterization becomes essential for evaluating mechanical properties. We conduct an analysis of the mechanical properties and microstructure of 3D printing concrete specimens incorporating wasted shells. Additionally, a mix design is proposed, taking into account flowability, extrudability, and buildability. To assess mechanical properties, compression and bonding strength specimens are fabricated using a 3D printer, and subsequent strength tests are conducted. Microstructure characteristics are analyzed through scanning electron microscope tests, providing high-resolution images. A histogram-based segmentation method is applied to segment pores, and porosity is compared based on the type of wasted shell. Pore characteristics are quantified using a probability function, establishing a correlation between the mechanical properties and microstructure characteristics of the specimens according to the type of wasted shell.

• Design & Manufacturing
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.33-41
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• 2023

Excessive use of plastic bottles contributes to a significant environmental issue due to the high volume of plastic waste generated. To address this, efforts are needed to reduce the weight of plastic bottles. However, indiscriminate weight reduction may compromise the essential rigidity required for plastic bottles. Extensive research on rib shape for pressure vessels are exists, but there is a few research of rib shapes to enhance the stiffness of plastic bottles. The following results were obtained from the analyses conducted in this study. 1) Among the rib cross-sections of square, trapezoid, and triangle, the buckling critical load of PET bottles with square-shaped ribs is improved by about 14% compared to the buckling critical load of PET bottles without ribs. 2) The buckling critical load is improved by about 18% when a square-shaped rib with an aspect ratio of 0.2 is applied, compared to the buckling critical load of the bottle without the rib. 3) When longitudinal and transverse square ribs were applied to the axial direction of the PET bottle, the buckling critical load was improved by about 32% and 58% compared to the buckling critical load of the PET bottle without ribs, respectively, indicating that applying longitudinal ribs is effective in reinforcing the stiffness of PET bottles. 4) When 14 transverse ribs were applied, the maximum improvement was about 48% compared to the buckling critical load of the plastic bottle without ribs. 5) When 3 longitudinal ribs were applied on each side, the maximum improvement was about 76% compared to the buckling critical load of the bottle without ribs. Therefore, it was concluded that for effective stiffness reinforcement of a 500ml square bottle with a thickness of 0.5mm, 3 square-shaped ribs with an aspect ratio of 0.2 should be applied in the longitudinal direction relative to the axial direction of the bottle.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.374-383
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• 2024

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance and image quality of 1.5-mm slice thickness MRI with deep learningbased image reconstruction (1.5-mm MRI + DLR) compared to routine 3-mm slice thickness MRI (routine MRI) and 1.5-mm slice thickness MRI without DLR (1.5-mm MRI without DLR) for evaluating temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 117 MR image sets comprising 1.5-mm MRI + DLR, 1.5-mm MRI without DLR, and routine MRI from 117 consecutive patients (mean age, 41 years; 61 female; 34 patients with TLE and 83 without TLE). Two neuroradiologists evaluated the presence of hippocampal or temporal lobe lesions, volume loss, signal abnormalities, loss of internal structure of the hippocampus, and lesion conspicuity in the temporal lobe. Reference standards for TLE were independently constructed by neurologists using clinical and radiological findings. Subjective image quality, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were analyzed. Performance in diagnosing TLE, lesion findings, and image quality were compared among the three protocols. Results: The pooled sensitivity of 1.5-mm MRI + DLR (91.2%) for diagnosing TLE was higher than that of routine MRI (72.1%, P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, 1.5-mm MRI + DLR showed higher sensitivity for hippocampal lesions than routine MRI (92.7% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.001), with improved depiction of hippocampal T2 high signal intensity change (P = 0.016) and loss of internal structure (P < 0.001). However, the pooled specificity of 1.5-mm MRI + DLR (76.5%) was lower than that of routine MRI (89.2%, P = 0.004). Compared with 1.5-mm MRI without DLR, 1.5-mm MRI + DLR resulted in significantly improved pooled accuracy (91.2% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.010), image quality, SNR, and CNR (all, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of 1.5-mm MRI + DLR enhanced the performance of MRI in diagnosing TLE, particularly in hippocampal evaluation, because of improved depiction of hippocampal abnormalities and enhanced image quality.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.709-718
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• 2019

Objective: To investigate the association of myocardial blood flow (MBF) quantified by dynamic computed tomography (CT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with troponin level and left ventricle (LV) function in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five STEMI patients who successfully had undergone reperfusion treatment within 1 week of their infarction were consecutively enrolled. All patients were referred for dynamic CT-MPI. Serial high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured by echocardiography were recorded. Twenty-six patients with 427 segments were included for analysis. Various quantitative parameters derived from dynamic CT-MPI were analyzed to determine if there was a correlation between hs-TnT levels and LVEF on admission and again at the 6-month mark. Results: The mean radiation dose for dynamic CT-MPI was 3.2 ± 1.1 mSv. Infarcted territories had significantly lower MBF (30.5 ± 7.4 mL/min/100 mL versus 73.4 ± 8.1 mL/min/100 mL, p < 0.001) and myocardial blood volume (MBV) (2.8 ± 0.9 mL/100 mL versus 4.2 ± 1.1 mL/100 mL, p = 0.044) compared with those of reference territories. MBF showed the best correlation with the level of peak hs-TnT (r = -0.682, p < 0.001), and MBV showed a moderate correlation with the level of peak hs-TnT (r = -0.437, p = 0.026); however, the other parameters did not show any significant correlation with hs-TnT levels. As for the association with LV function, only MBF was significantly correlated with LVEF at the time of admission (r = 0.469, p = 0.016) and at 6 months (r = 0.585, p = 0.001). Conclusion: MBF quantified by dynamic CT-MPI is significantly inversely correlated with the level of peak hs-TnT. In addition, patients with lower MBF tended to have impaired LV function at the time of their admission and at 6 months.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.145-151
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• 2023

In order to extend shelf life for rockfish fillets by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), different package atmospheres were compared in the product quality preservation. Firstly, CO₂ solubility was measured at 0, 5, 10, and 15℃ to be incorporated into the mathematical model to predict the volume and CO₂ concentration of the package at expected storage temperature. The CO₂ solubility given in Henry's constant decreased with temperature to be fitted with a linear equation. Then air packaging as control and four MAP conditions of 100 g fillets were prepared and stored for duration of 5 days at 10℃ to compare them in the quality preservation effect. Four MAP conditions employed were CO₂(60):O₂(30):N₂(10), CO₂(60):O₂(0):N₂(40), CO₂(30):O₂(30):N₂(40) andCO₂(30):O₂(0):N₂(70). MAP conditions with high CO₂ concentration inhibited total aerobic bacteria, and the conditions containing O₂ led to low TVB-N. MAP of CO₂(60):O₂(30):N₂(10) was found to be the best condition for rockfish fillet preservation considering total aerobic bacteria growth and nitrogenous volatiles production.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to identify the role of each party in relation to the contract farming of cabbage which is taking place under the contract between the local trader of agricultural produce that supplies raw cabbage to company "D," a manufacturer of kimchi, and the cabbage farm where the cabbage is grown, and to describe the changes brought by the contract farming to the agriculture of the contract area. As a result of the study, it was discovered that, while the farming of cabbage in the contract area used to be led by farmers, it is now increasingly being controlled by the local traders of agricultural produce. First, as the key player in the decision-making related to the cabbage farming in the main cabbage producing areas, local traders of agricultural produce are replacing the role of farmers by supervising the entire production process and controlling the overall cabbage farming in the contract area. Second, in the main cabbage producing areas, local traders of agricultural produce are becoming a key farming entity by carrying out functions that are comparable to those of farmers and playing a major role in the second half of the agricultural work at the farms in the contract area. This can be considered as the result of the balance between the demands of the local traders of agricultural produce who need to secure contract volume and manage the quality of their produce and the demands of the farmers in key cabbage producing areas who are facing difficulties due to the increase in the number of elderly farmers and a shortage of manpower.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.3
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• pp.333-344
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• 2024

Objective : Markers of neuroinflammation during ischemic stroke are well characterized, but additional markers of neural damage are lacking. The study identified associations of behavioral disorders after stroke with histologic neural damage and molecular biological change. Methods : Eight-week-old, 25 g male mice of the C57BL/6J strain were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to induce ischemic stroke. The control group was a healthy wild type (WT), and the experimental group were designed as a low severity MCAO1 and a high severity MCAO2 based on post-stroke neurological scoring. All groups underwent behavioral tests, realtime polymerase chain reaction, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze statistical significance between groups. Results : In TTC staining, MCAO1 showed 29.02% and MCAO2 showed 38.94% infarct volume (p<0.0001). The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (WT 0.44 vs. MCAO1 2.69 vs. MCAO2 5.02, p<0.0001). From the distance to target in the Barnes maze test, WT had a distance of 178 cm, MCAO1 had a distance of 276 cm, and MCAO2 had a distance of 1051 (p=0.0015). The latency to target was 13.3 seconds for WT, 27.9 seconds for MCAO1, and 87.9 seconds for MCAO2 (p=0.0007). Prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (p=0.0004). Doublecortin (Dcx) was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (p<0.0001). Conclusion : The study demonstrated that histological damage to neural cells and changes in brain mRNA expression were associated with behavioral impairment after ischemic stroke. Prox1 and Dcx may be biomarkers of neural damage associated with long-term cognitive decline, and increased expression at the mRNA level was consistent with neural damage and long-term cognitive dysfunction.