• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.237-257
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• 2020

The role of nano bio-composites precursor to chitosan are innumerable and are known for having different applications in various branches of physical sciences. The application to the sensor development is relatively new, where only few literature works are available to address the specific and critical analysis of nanocomposites in the subject area. The bio-composites are potential and having greater affinity towards the heavy metals and several micro-pollutants hence, perhaps are having wider implications in the low or even trace level detection of the pollutants. The nano-composites could show good selectivity and suitability for the detection of the pollutants as they are found in the complex matrix. However, the greater challenges are associated using the bio-composites, since the biomaterials are prone to be oxidized or reduced at an applied potential and found to be a hinderance for the detection of target pollutants. In addition, the materials could proceed with a series of electrochemical reactions, which could produce different by-products in analytical applications, resulting in several complex phenomena in electrochemical processes. Therefore, this review addresses critically various aspects of an evaluation of nano bio-composite materials in the electrochemical detection of heavy metals and micro-pollutants from aqueous solutions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.389-395
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• 2016

Objectives: Acute methanol poisonings known to be typical occupational diseases occurring in developing countries broke out in sub-contract manufacturers in the early 2016. The present paper attempted to identify underlying causes which hide under apparent findings, and suggest alternative policies to prevent recurrence of similar intoxication Methods: We evaluated occupational health and safety characteristics of workers in micro-enterprises similar to workplaces with methanol poisoning by in depth-interview of employers, workers, and labor inspectors, and literature review. Results: The common findings of workplaces with methanol poisoning were addressed; First, the victims were illegal agency workers. Second, the workplaces were sub-contract micro-manufacturers with less than 5 employees. Investigators found that local ventilations did not work, while most of workers did not wear any proper personal respiratory protective equipment in the workplace. In addition, periodic environmental monitoring and medical check-ups were not done. However, these apparent findings do not appear to be root causes of methanol poisoning. Our in depth-analysis clarified a root cause; micro-enterprises with less than 5 employees are exempted with essential regulations of OSH Act, and employers do not know about OSH Act. Conclusions: We suggest occupational health policies to prevent recurrence of similar intoxication; First, government should introduce programs so that all employers should know about employers' responsibilities in OSH Act from the start of business. Second, even manufacturers with less than 5 employees should not be exempted with essential regulations of OSH Act. Finally, employers should take responsibilities for health and safety of all the workers including agency workers working in workplaces.

• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.161-167
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• 2014

This paper describes reinforcement method of reinforced earth wall near the abutment. The excessive displacement of a case affected by reduction of bearing capacity due to macro-environment condition like a coast. That is, the front displacement of reinforced earth wall has been happening continuously due to strength reduction of foundation ground. The micro pile is applied to reinforcement method, in order to secure a bearing capacity and global slope stability of reinforced earth wall. The results of numerical analysis confirmed that reinforcement method based on micro pile can secure a stability of structure, while the reconstruction of reinforced earth wall is impossible by construction and macro-environment condition.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.2A
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• pp.121-127
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• 2011

Spatial distribution of void space in concrete materials strongly affects mechanical and physical behaviors. Therefore, the identification of characteristic void distribution helps understand material properties and is essential to estimate the integrity of material performance. The 3D micro CT (X-ray microtomography) is implemented to examine and to quantify the void distribution of a lightweight aggregate concrete using an image analysis technique and probabilistic approach in this study. The binarization and subsequent stacking of 2D cross-sectional images virtually create 3D images of targeting void space. Then, probability distribution functions such as two-point correlation and lineal-path functions are applied for void characterization. The lightweight aggregates embedded within the concrete are individually analyzed to construct the intra-void space. Results shows that the low-order probability functions and the density distribution based on the 3D micro CT images are applicable and useful methodology to characterize spatial distribution of void space and constituents in concrete.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1111-1124
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• 2017

This study aimed to understand the distribution of vegetation in the eastern and western sides of the Baekdudaegan (ridge) dividing the Odaesan National Park, as influenced by its topography and climate. The actual vegetation, topography and climate for each side were used in the overlay analysis. The results of the analysis of actual vegetation showed a high distribution rate of Quercus mongolica forest on both the eastern and western sides. On the eastern side, the distribution rate of Pinus densiflora forest and P. densiflora-Q. variabilis forest was high, while the western side had a high distribution rate of deciduous broad-leaved tree forest and Abies hollophylla forest. A clear trend was identified for vegetation distribution with respect to elevation but not with respect to slope or aspect. The results of micro-landform analysis showed that the P. densiflora forests in the ridge and slope and the deciduous broad-leaved tree forest in the valley were respectively distributed with a high ratio. In terms of climate, the eastern side revealed an oceanic climate, with a relatively high average annual temperature, while the western side was characterized by relatively high average annual humidity and average annual precipitation. The distribution rate of P. densiflora forest was found to be high on the eastern side of the mountain range.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.211-219
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• 2023

This study analyzes the changes in the physical properties of grout by irradiating it with ultrasonic energy and assesses the injectability of the grout into deep rock fractures. The materials used in the research are OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) and MC (Micro Cement), and are irradiated depending on the water/cement ratio. After irradiating the grout with ultrasonic energy, viscosity, compressive strength, and particle size are analyzed, and the results of the particle size analysis were applied to Nick Barton's theory to evaluate the injectability of the grout into deep rock fractures under those conditions. It was found that the viscosity of the grout decreased after ultrasonic wave irradiation, and the rate of viscosity reduction tended to decrease as the water/cement ratio increased. Additionally, an increase in compressive strength and a decrease in particle size were observed, indicating that the grout irradiated with ultrasonic energy was more effective for injection into rock fractures.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.107-116
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• 2014

This study aimed to synthesize dispersed and reactive nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) with poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVP/VA), nontoxic and biodegradable stabilizer. The nZVI used for the experiments was prepared by reduction of ferric solution in the presence of PVP/VA with specific weight ratios to iron contents. Colloidal stability was investigated based on the rate of sedimentation, hydrodynamic radius and zeta potential measurement. The characteristic time, which demonstrated dispersivity of particles resisting aggregation, increased from 21.2 min (bare nZVI) to 97.8 min with increasing amount of PVP/VA (the ratios of 2). For the most stable nZVI coated by PVP/VA, its reactivity was examined by nitrate reduction in a closed batch system. The pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constants for the nitrate reduction by the nanoparticles with PVP/VA ratios of 0 and 2 were 0.1633 and $0.1395min^{-1}$ respectively. A nitrogen mass balance, established by quantitative analysis of aqueous nitrogen species, showed that the addition of PVP/VA to nZVI can change the reduction capacity of the nanoparticles.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.447-452
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• 2011

In this study, the polymeric membrane module is used as a diffuser and an image analysis technique based on visual information is applied to get bubble characteristics. The bubble size generated passed through polymeric membrane module was smaller from 30 to 64% than that of air stone, and bubble volume over 70% was ranged from 0.2 to 0.82 mm. But over 80% the bubbles from air stone diffuser ranged from 0.77 to 1.08 mm. The air stone and polymeric membrane module used as diffuser for a flotation system. The floc size inside the flotation reactor using air stone diffuser was bigger than that of the polymeric membrane module, which means that the micro-bubbles generated from polymeric membrane module could provide better opportunities for collisions between colloidal particles than those from air stone diffuser. Therefore, there is a possibility to apply the polymeric membrane module as a diffuser to increase the removal efficiency in the flotation process. Also, the image analysis technique used in this study could be applied as a useful analytical tool for acquisition of an information about the bubble characteristic.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers Conference
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• 2005.10a
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• pp.187-192
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• 2005

Pleurotus eryngii(King oyster) is one of the most promising mushrooms being produced on the domestic farms. The quality as well as quantity of Eryngii is sensitively affected by micro climate factors. To safely produce high-quality Eryngii all the year round, it is required that the environmental factors be carefully controlled by well designed structures equipped with various facilities and control systems. This study was carried out at the commercial mushroom cultivation houses to find out reasonable range of each environmental factor and yield together with economic and safe structures influencing on the optimal productivity of Eryngii. This experiment was conducted from Nov. 10, 2004 to Aug. 27, 2005 in Eryngii. cultivation houses. The environmental factors measured for this study were inside/outside temperature, relative humidity and $CO_2$ concentration in Pleurotus eryngii medium. In addition, the yield and quality of mushroom were made investigation. But the optimal productivity will be evaluated by considering the quality and quantity of mushroom production, energy requirements, facility construction and management cost, etc.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.17 no.1 s.50
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• pp.135-142
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• 2007

Although rock itself has high strength or low permeability, engineering properties of rock masses are significantly influenced by discontinuities such as cracks and joints. Considered with possibility of groundwater flow in massive rock mass of deep subsurface, the connectivity of micro cracks should be analyzed as a conduit of ground-water flow. The objective of this study is to estimate permeability characteristics of granite dependent on damage process with application of joint distribution analysis and modeling of permeability analysis in rock masses. In case of average permeability coefficients, the modeling results based on micro cracks data are well matched with the results from permeability tests. Based on the visualization result of three dimensional model, the average permeability coefficients through the discharge plane have a positive relationship with the number of microcrack induced by rock damage.