• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.331-337
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• 2012

Electrical properties as a function of composition in silicon nitride ($SiN_x$) films grown at low temperatures ($<200^{\circ}C$) were studied for applications to photonic devices and thin film transistors. Both silicon-rich and nitrogen-rich compositions were successfully produced in final films by controlling the source gas mixing ratio, $R=[(N_2\;or\;NH_3)/SiH_4]$, and the RF plasma power. Depending on the film composition, the dielectric and optical properties of $SiN_x$ films varied substantially. Both the resistivity and breakdown field strength showed the maximum value at the stoichiometric composition (N/Si = 1.33), and degraded as the composition deviated to either side. The electrical properties degraded more rapidly when the composition shifted toward the silicon-rich side than toward the nitrogen-rich side. The composition shift from the silicon-rich side to the nitrogen-rich side accompanied the shift in the photoluminescence characteristic peak to a shorter wavelength, indicating an increase in the band gap. As long as the film composition is close to the stoichiometry, the breakdown field strength and the bulk resistivity showed adequate values for use as a gate dielectric layer down to $150^{\circ}C$ of the process temperature.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.691-699
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• 2008

Electrochemical characteristics of Ti-30Ta-xZr alloys coated with HA/TiN by using magnetron sputtering method were studied. The Ti-30Ta containing Zr(3, 7, 10 and 15wt%) were 10 times melted to improve chemical homogeneity by using a vacuum furnace and then homogenized for 24hrs at $1000^{\circ}C$. The specimens were cut and polished for corrosion test and coating, and then coated with HA/TiN, respectively, by using DC and RF-magnetron sputtering method. The analyses of coated surface and coated layer were carried out by using optical microscope(OM), field emission scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM) and X-ray diffractometer(XRD). The electrochemical characteristics were examined using potentiodynamic (-1,500 mV~ + 2,000 mV) and A.C. impedance spectroscopy(100 kHz ~ 10 mHz) in 0.9% NaCl solution at $36.5{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. The microstructure of homogenized Ti-30Ta-xZr alloys showed needle-like structure. In case of homogenized Ti-30Ta-xZr alloys, a-peak was increased with increasing Zr content. The thickness of TiN and HA coated layer showed 400 nm and 100 nm, respectively. The corrosion resistance of HA/TiN-coated Ti-30Ta-xZr alloys were higher than that of the non-coated Ti-30TaxZr alloys, whic hindicate better protective effect. The polarization resistance($R_p$) value of HA/TiN coated Ti-30Ta-xZr alloys showed $8.40{\times}10^5{\Omega}cm^2$ which was higher than that of non-coated Ti-30Ta-xZr alloys.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.477-481
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• 2008

The secondary hardening and fracture behavior in P/M high speed steels bearing V content of 9 to 10 wt% have been investigated in terms of austenitizing temperature and precipitation behavior. Austenitizing was conducted at 1,100 and $1,175^{\circ}C$ of relatively low and high temperatures. Coarse primary carbides retained after austenitization were mainly V-rich MC type. They give a significant influence on hardeness and toughness, as well as wear resistance. Tempering was performed in the range of $500{\sim}600^{\circ}C$. The peak hardness resulting from the precipitation of the fine MC secondary carbides was observed near 520, irrespective of austenitizing temperature. Aging acceleration(or deceleration) did not occur with increasing austenitizing temperature because it mainly influences contents of V and C of matrix through the dissloution of coarse primary MC containing lots of V and C. The precipitation of secondary MC carbides, which also contain V and C, did not change the aging kinetics itself. In the 10V alloy containing much higher C content, the impact toughness was lower than 9V alloy, because of the larger amount of primary carbide and high hardness.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.120-129
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• 2021

Rotavirus A (RVA) is recognized as a major etiology responsible for the development of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to perform the molecular characterization of RVA. A total of 323 stool specimens collected from hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Rai, Thailand, in 2016-2018 were identified for G- and P-genotypes through RT-PCR analysis. RVA was more prevalent in 2017-2018 (37.8%) than in 2016-2017 (23.2%). The seasonal peak of RVA occurred from March to April. G3P[8] was predominant in 2016-2017 (90.6%) and 2017-2018 (58.6%). Other genotypes including G1P[8], G8P[8], G9P[8], and mixed infections were also identified. G3P[8] strains clustered together in the same lineage with other novel human equine-like G3P[8] strains previously identified in multiple countries and presented a genotype 2 constellation (G3-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2). Several amino acid differences were observed in the antigenic epitopes of the VP7 and VP8* capsid proteins of the equine-like G3P[8] compared with those of the RVA vaccine strains. The homology modeling of the VP7 and VP8* capsid proteins of the equine-like G3P[8] strains evidently exhibited that these residue differences were present on the surface-exposed area of the capsid structure. The emergence of the equine-like G3P[8] strains in Thailand indicates the rapid spread of strains with human and animal gene segments. Continuous surveillance for RVA is essential to monitor genotypes and genetic diversity, which will provide useful information for selecting rotavirus strains to develop a safe and effective RVA vaccine that is efficacious against multiple genotypes and variants.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1656-1666
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• 2021

Dental pathogens lead to chronic diseases like periodontitis, which causes loss of teeth. Here, we examined the plausible antibacterial efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using Cupressus macrocarpa extract (CME) against periodontitis-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of CME-CuNPs were then assessed against oral microbes (M. luteus. B. subtilis, P. aerioginosa) that cause periodontal disease and were identified using morphological/ biochemical analysis, and 16S-rRNA techniques. The CME-CuNPs were characterized, and accordingly, the peak found at 577 nm using UV-Vis spectrometer showed the formation of stable CME-CuNPs. Also, the results revealed the formation of spherical and oblong monodispersed CME-CuNPs with sizes ranged from 11.3 to 22.4 nm. The FTIR analysis suggested that the CME contains reducing agents that consequently had a role in Cu reduction and CME-CuNP formation. Furthermore, the CME-CuNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against different isolates which was superior to the reported values in literature. The antibacterial efficacy of CME-CuNPs on oral bacteria was compared to the synergistic solution of clindamycin with CME-CuNPs. The solution exhibited a superior capacity to prevent bacterial growth. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of CME-CuNPs with clindamycin recorded against the selected periodontal disease-causing microorganisms were observed between the range of 2.6-3.6 ㎍/ml, 4-5 ㎍/ml and 0.312-0.5, respectively. Finally, the synergistic antimicrobial efficacy exhibited by CME-CuNPs with clindamycin against the tested strains could be useful for the future development of more effective treatments to control dental diseases.

• KEPCO Journal on Electric Power and Energy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.329-333
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• 2021

V2G (Vehicle to Grid) technology for an EV (Electric Vehicle) has been assumed as so promising in a near future for its useful energy resource concept but still yet to be developed around the world for specific service purposes through various R&BD projects. Basically, V2G returns power stored in vehicle at a cheaper or unused time to the grid at more expensive or highly peaked time, and is accordingly supposed to provide such roles like peak shaving or load levelling according to customer load curve, frequency regulation or ancillary reserves, and balancing power fluctuation to grid from the weather-sensitive renewable sources like wind or solar generations. However, it has recently been debated over its prominent usage as diffusing EVs and the required charging/discharging infrastructure, partially for its addition of EV ownership costs with more frequent charging/discharging events and user inconvenience with a relative long-time participation in the previously engaged V2G program. This study suggests that a Korean DR (Demand Response) service integrated V2G system especially based upon a dynamic charge/pause/discharge scheme newly proposed to ISO/IEC 15118 rev. 2 can deal with these concerns with more profitable business model, while fully making up for the additional component (ex. battery) and service costs. It also indicates that the optimum economic, environmental, and grid impacts can be simulated for this V2G-DR service particularly designed for EV aggregators (V2G service providers) by proposing a specific V2G engagement program for the mediated DR service providers and the distributed EV owners.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.534-540
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• 2022

Liquid hydrogen has the best storage capacity per unit mass and is economical among storage methods for using hydrogen as fuel. As the demand for hydrogen increases, the need to develop a storage and supply system of liquid hydrogen is emphasizing. In order to liquefy hydrogen, it is necessary to pre-cool it to a maximum inversion temperature of -253℃. The Gifford-McMahon (GM) refrigerator is the most reliable and commercialized refrigerator among small-capacity cryogenic refrigerators, which can extract high-efficiency hydrogen through liquefied hydrogen production and boil of gas re-liquefaction. Therefore, in this study, the optimal conditions for liquefying gas hydrogen were sought using the GM cryocooler. The process was simulated by PRO/II under various cooling capacities of the GM refrigerator. In addition, the flow rate of hydrogen was calculated by comparing with specific refrigerator capacity depending on the pressure and flow rate of a refrigerant medium, helium. Simulations were performed to investigate the optimal values of the liquefaction flow rate and compression pressure, which aim for the peak refrigeration effect. Based on this, a liquefaction system can be selected in consideration of the cycle configuration and the performance of the refrigerator.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.16-22
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• 2021

[Purpose] Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is a well-known condition among endurance athletes at low altitudes. The incidence of EAH during ultramarathons at high altitudes warrants further investigation. This prospective observational study was conducted on the participants of the Leadville Trail 100 run, a 161-km race held at a high altitude (2,800 m-3,840 m). [Methods] Venous blood samples were collected before and immediately after the race. The participants completed an electronic survey after the race. Our main outcome measure was the post-race serum sodium ([Na⁺]) level. [Results] Of the 672 athletes who started the race, 351 (52%) successfully completed the event within the 30-hour cut-off. Post-race blood samples were collected from 84 runners (66 finishers). Both pre- and post-race blood samples were collected from 37 participants. Twenty percent of the post-race participants had EAH. Only one post-race participant had a [Na⁺] level of <130 mmol/L. All participants with EAH were asymptomatic. One participant had an abnormal pre-race [Na⁺] level (134 mmol/L). Female participants had a significantly higher rate of EAH than male participants (40% vs. 16%; p=0.039). Age, body mass index, weight changes, race completion status, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and urine specific gravity were not associated with the development of EAH. Lower postrace [Na⁺] levels were associated with higher serum creatine kinase values (R²=0.1, p<0.005). [Conclusion] High altitude (3,840 m peak) does not appear to enhance the incidence of EAH after an ultramarathon footrace. This suggests that ambient temperature (low temperatures reduce risk), sex (female predilection), endurance running, and overhydration are more prominent risk factors for EAH than high altitude.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.170-178
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing post-traumatic stress disorder in intensive care unit nurses in dedicated hospitals for coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) during the peak of the outbreak. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional correlational design. A total of 100 participants completed questionnaires comprising the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), coping strategy indicator, social support, and post-traumatic growth. Post-traumatic stress disorder was classified as normal, mild risk, and high risk. Data were analyzed using 𝛘² test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test with multiple comparison analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multinominal logistic regression analysis. Results: Fifty seven nurses (57.0%) had a high risk of post-traumatic stress. Higher levels of post traumatic stress were associated with higher levels of social support seeking, and higher levels of avoidance, and lower levels of social support from supervisors. Higher post traumatic growth was correlated with higher social support for seeking coping, and problem solving coping strategies, and social support from supervisors and colleagues. Post-traumatic stress risk was associated with social support seeking and supervisors' social support. In addition, a higher risk of post-traumatic stress was related to COVID-19 work duration and supervisors' social support. Conclusion: Supportive programs, including increasing social support and building coping skills, may be suggested to safeguard the mental health of critical care nurses during the pandemic.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.308-318
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• 2022

Noise is a serious issue. While sending images via electronic communication, Impulse noise, which is created by unsteady voltage, is one of the most common noises in digital communication. During the acquisition process, pictures were collected. It is possible to obtain accurate diagnosis images by removing these noises without affecting the edges and tiny features. The New Average High Noise Density Median Filter. (HNDMF) was proposed in this paper, and it operates in two steps for each pixel. Filter can decide whether the test pixels is degraded by SPN. In the first stage, a detector identifies corrupted pixels, in the second stage, an algorithm replaced by noise free processed pixel, the New average suggested Filter produced for this window. The paper examines the performance of Gaussian Filter (GF), Adaptive Median Filter (AMF), and PHDNF. In this paper the comparison of known image denoising is discussed and a new decision based weighted median filter used to remove impulse noise. Using Mean Square Error (MSE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structure Similarity Index Method (SSIM) metrics, the paper examines the performance of Gaussian Filter (GF), Adaptive Median Filter (AMF), and PHDNF. A detailed simulation process is performed to ensure the betterment of the presented model on the Mini-MIAS dataset. The obtained experimental values stated that the HNDMF model has reached to a better performance with the maximum picture quality. images affected by various amounts of pretend salt and paper noise, as well as speckle noise, are calculated and provided as experimental results. According to quality metrics, the HNDMF Method produces a superior result than the existing filter method. Accurately detect and replace salt and pepper noise pixel values with mean and median value in images. The proposed method is to improve the median filter with a significant change.