• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.263-285
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• 2022

This study presented the factor analysis on constructing the new factors affecting the middle school students' online learning behaviors from the questionnaires employed among middle school students. A total of 204 students participated and the data were collected in South Korea. The sample of middle school ninth-grade students was selected and used through purposive sampling. Findings from the factor analysis provided evidence for the eight-factor solution for the 35-items accounting for 66.15% of the shared variance. A wide range of factors has been considered to identify students' online learning behaviors. The appropriate experience and use of e-learning in the middle school period is also important as it will be a critical stepstone for future education. This research provides information that has been taken into account for advancing online learning to enhance the quality of e-learning systems for middle school students. The study results provided eight new factors affecting the middle school students' online learning behaviors; that is 1) communication using social media as a learning tool, 2) intention to share information using ICT, 3) addiction of technology, 4) adoption of technology, 5) seeking information using ICT, 6) use of social media learning, 7) information search using ICT, and 8) immersion of technology. This study confirmed that middle school students prefer communication using social media as a learning tool, and value intention to share information using ICT for the most part. The data obtained based on factor analysis can highlight the online learning behaviors towards a mixture of social media learning and ICT to ensure a new educational platform for the future of e-learning. This research expects to be useful for both middle schools of online learning to better understand students' online learning behaviors and design online learning environments and information professionals to better assist students who particularly need digital literacy.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.267-276
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• 2023

The main purpose of the current research is to develop an efficient two variables trigonometric shear deformation beam theory to investigate the buckling behavior of symmetric and non-symmetric functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) beam resting on an elastic foundation with various boundary conditions. The proposed theory obviates the use to shear correction factors as it satisfies the parabolic variation of through-thickness shear stress distribution. The composite beam is made of a polymeric matrix reinforced by aligned and distributed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with different patterns of reinforcement. The material properties of the FG-CNTRC beam are estimated by using the rule of mixture. The governing equilibrium equations are solved by using new analytical solutions based on the Galerkin method. The robustness and accuracy of the proposed analytical model are demonstrated by comparing its results with those available by other researchers in the existing literature. Moreover, a comprehensive parametric study is presented and discussed in detail to show the effects of CNTs volume fraction, distribution patterns of CNTs, boundary conditions, length-to-thickness ratio, and spring constant factors on the buckling response of FG-CNTRC beam. Some new referential results are reported for the first time, which will serve as a benchmark for future research.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.337-348
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• 2023

The central objective of this study is to curtail the leakage of mortar or cement paste, often resultant of ill-constructed formwork, by implementing thixotropy in the formulation of high-fluidity, standard-strength concrete. When such concrete is utilized in smaller scale construction projects, instances of formwork gaps due to suboptimal construction precision may lead to significant leakage of mortar and paste, a problem not typically encountered with traditional slump-flow concrete. In this investigation, Polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA) and borax are incorporated into the concrete mixture to induce thixotropy. The experimental design includes varying methodologies for integrating PVA and borax, while assessing alterations in diverse concrete performances, including thixotropy and leakage reduction potential that simulates formwork gap conditions. Under the experimental conditions defined within this study, it was found that replacing, rather than merely adding PVA and borax, aids in averting water addition via suspensions. This approach yielded promising results in terms of concrete properties and proved efficacious in stemming leakage in concrete possessing sufficient thixotropy. Notably, when a 6% PVA suspension was substituted, a significant reduction in leakage was observed. Consequently, it is projected that construction quality can be ensured, even with lower precision formwork, by applying thixotropy to concrete through the use of PVA and borax.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.352-361
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• 2023

Steam methane reforming is currently the most widely used technology for producing hydrogen, a clean fuel. Hydrogen produced by steam methane reforming contains impurities such as carbon monoxide, and it is essential to undergo an appropriate post-purification step for commercial usage, such as fuel cells. Recently, membrane separation technology has been gaining great attention as an effective purification method; in this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using commercial polysulfone membranes for biogas upgrading to separate and recover hydrogen from a hydrogen/carbon monoxide gas mixture. Initially, we examined the physicochemical properties of the commercial membrane used. We then conducted performance evaluations of the commercial membrane module under various conditions using mixed gas, considering factors such as stage-cut and operating pressure. Finally, based on the evaluation results, we carried out simulations for process design. The maximum H₂ permeability and H₂/CO separation factor for the commercial membrane process were recorded at 361 GPU and 20.6, respectively. Additionally, the CO removal efficiency reached up to 94%, and the produced hydrogen concentration achieved a maximum of 99.1%.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.97-104
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• 2023

The aim of this study was to produce polymer cement composites (PCCs) composed of polymer dispersion and cement as crack repair materials for RC structures, and to investigate their fundamental properties. The test mixtures for the study were based on EVA and SAE polymer dispersions, and the water-cement ratio was determined while varying the polymer-cement ratio(P/C) in four different levels (20%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) to achieve the desired viscosity of PCCs considering their fillability as crack repair materials. Additionally, silica fume was incorporated into P/C 80% and 100% specimens to enhance their stiffness. The basic properties of PCCs as crack repair materials, such as viscosity, flowability, fillability, tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity, were examined. The results showed that P/C depending on the type of polymer significantly affected the viscosity and flowability, and appropriate w/c ratios were needed to achieve the desired viscosity for the mixture design with consideration of fillability as crack repair materials for RC structures. All designed mixtures in this study exhibited excellent fillability. The tensile strength and elongation of PCCs satisfied the KS regulation for cement- polymer modified waterproofing coatings. The incorporation of silica fume improved the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of PCCs. Depending on the type of polymer, mixtures using SAE showed better fundamental properties as crack repair materials for RC structures compared to those using EVA. In conclusion, SAE-based P/C 80% or 100% with the addition of up to 30% silica fume can be recommended as suitable mixtures for crack repair of RC structures.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 2024

Adopting an engine igniter with high efficiency and ignition performance is essential for reliable operation of liquid rocket engines. In this study, we developed a spark torch igniter for a 450 N-scale methane-oxygen liquid rocket engine by conducting numerical analyses, igniter manufacturing and validation. Specifically, we conducted a parametric study for maximizing the enthalpy at the igniter exit, specifically by adjusting the mass flow rate, nozzle area ratio, fuel-oxidizer mixture ratio, and the igniter length-to-diameter. The heat transferred via the igniter nozzle exit was computed using 3-dimensional numerical simulations. We also manufactured and tested the igniter based on a deduced design to confirm ignition performance of the designed spark torch igniter. The igniter developed through this study could contribute to the development of practical propulsion systems such as upper-stage engines of small launch vehicles.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.541-554
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• 2023

The utilization of underground spaces in relation to tunnels and energy/waste storage is on the rise. To ensure the stability of underground spaces, it is crucial to reinforce rock fractures and discontinuities. Discontinuities, such as joints, can weaken the strength of the rock and lead to groundwater inflow into underground spaces. In order to enhance the strength and stability of the area around these discontinuities, rock grouting techniques are employed. However, during rock grouting, it is impossible to visually confirm whether the grouting material is being smoothly injected as intended. Without proper injection, the expected increases in strength, durability, and degree of consolidation may not be achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to predict in advance whether the grouting material is being injected as designed. In this study, we aimed to assess the injection performance based on injection variables such as the water/cement mixture ratio, injection pressure, and injection flow using UDEC (Universal Distinct Element Code) numerical program. Additionally, numerical results were validated by the lab experiment. The results of this study are expected to help optimize variables such as injection material properties, injection time, and pump pressure in the grouting design in the field.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.12-23
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• 2024

In this study, a structural concrete square beam was developed using the centrifugal molding technique. In order to secure the bending stiffness of the cross section, the hollow rate of the cross section was set to 10% or less. Instead of using the current poor mixture of concrete and a concrete mixing ratio with a high slump (150-200) and a design strength of 100 MPa or more was developed and applied. In order to investigate the durability of centrifugally formed PSC square beams to be used as the superstructure of the avalanch tunnel or ramen bridge, the durability performance of ultra-high-strength centrifugally formed concrete with a compressive strength of 100 MPa was evaluated in terms of deterioration and chemical resistance properties.Concrete durability tests, including chloride penetration resistance, accelerated carbonation, sulfate erosion resistance, freeze-thaw resistance, and scaling resistance, were performed on centrifugally formed square beam test specimens produced in 2022 and 2023. Considering the information verified in this study, the durability of centrifugally molded concrete, which has increased watertightness in the later manufacturing stage, was found to be superior to that of general concrete.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.104-126
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• 2024

Buffer and backfill play an essential role in isolating high-level radioactive waste and retard the migration of leaked radionuclides in deep geological disposal system. A bentonite mixture, which exhibits a swelling property, is considered for buffer and backfill materials, and excessive groundwater inflow from surrounding rock mass may affect stability and efficiency of their role as an engineered barrier. Therefore, stringent quality control as well as in-situ installation management and inflow water constrol for buffer and backfill are required to ensure the safety of deep disposal facilities. In this study, we analyzed the design requirements of buffer and backfill by examining various laboratory tests and a field study of the Steel Tunnel Test at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory in Sweden. We introduced how to control the quality of buffer and backfill construction in-field, and also presented how to handle excessive groundwater inflow into disposal caverns, validating the groundwater retention capacity of bentonite pellets and the effectiveness of geotexile use.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.38 no.12
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• pp.656-661
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• 2016

Manufacturing membrane materials with high selectivity and permeability is quite desirable but practically not possible, since the permeability and selectivity are usually inversely proportional. From the viewpoint of reducing the cost of $CO_2$ capture, module performance is even more important than the performance of membrane materials itself, which is affected by the permeance of the membrane (P, stagecut) and selectivity (S). As a typical example, when the mixture with a composition of 13% $CO_2$ and 87% of $N_2$ is fed into the module with 10% stage cut and selectivity 5, in the 10 parts of the permeate, $CO_2$ represents 4.28 parts and $N_2$ represents 5.72 parts. In this case, the $CO_2$ concentration in the permeate is 42.8% and the recovery rate of $CO_2$ in this first separation appears as 4.28/13 = 32.9%. When permeance and selectivity are doubled, however, from 10% to 20% and from 5 to 10, respectively, the $CO_2$ concentration in the permeant becomes 64.5% and the recovery rate is 12.9/13 = 99.2%. Since in this case, most of the $CO_2$ is separated, this may be the ideal condition. For a given feed concentration, the $CO_2$ concentration in the separated gas decreases if permeance is larger than the threshold value for complete recovery at a given selectivity. Conversely, for a given permeance, increasing the selectivity over the threshold value does not improve the process further. For a given initial feed gas concentration, if permeance or selectivity is larger than that required for the complete separation of $CO_2$, the process becomes less efficient. From all these considerations, we can see that there exists an optimum design for a given set of conditions.