• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2023

Despite the easing of social distancing, demand for non-face-to-face services continues to rise. Recently, the EU is pursuing a comprehensive plastic use reduction by expanding the scope of plastic use regulations for packaging plastics according to the New Cyclical Economy Action Plan(NCEAP). In response to this trend, the packaging industry is moving away from conventional non-degradable/petroleum-based plastics and conducting research on packaging materials using biodegradable plastics such as PLA(Poly Lactic Acid), PBAT(Poly Butylene Adipate-co-butylene Terephthalate). On the other hand, ginkgo leaves occur in large quantities in Korea and act as a cause of slip accidents and flooding. In this study, a method to utilize ginkgo biloba leaf as a new alternative biomass resource was proposed by producing lactic acid through pretreatment, enzymatic saccharification, and fermentation processes. For the efficiency of lactic acid production, a comparative analysis of lignin content from before and after browning was performed. In addition, the degree of glucan extraction was evaluated by applying a pretreatment method using three catalysts: hot water, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide. It is difficult to expect high production of lactic acid with single process. Therefore, an integrated process operation using both the pretreated hydrolyzate and the residual solid enzymatic saccharification solution must necessarily be applied.

• Journal of the Korea Society for Simulation
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.103-112
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• 2009

In a nuclear power plant (NPP), periodic sensor calibrations are required to assure sensors are operating correctly. However, only a few faulty sensors are found to be calibrated. For the safe operation of an NPP and the reduction of unnecessary calibration, on-line calibration monitoring is needed. In this paper, principal component-based Auto-Associative support vector regression (PCSVR) was proposed for the sensor signal validation of the NPP. It utilizes the attractive merits of principal component analysis (PCA) for extracting predominant feature vectors and AASVR because it easily represents complicated processes that are difficult to model with analytical and mechanistic models. With the use of real plant startup data from the Kori Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3, SVR hyperparameters were optimized by the response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover the statistical techniques are integrated with PCSVR for the failure detection. The residuals between the estimated signals and the measured signals are tested by the Shewhart Control Chart, Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA), Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) and generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) to detect whether the sensors are failed or not. This study shows the GLRT can be a candidate for the detection of sensor drift.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.402-417
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• 2023

Objective: Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound-healing response and the final common pathway of chronic inflammatory injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract (RW) and silymarin in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis model. Methods: The liver fibrosis mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of TAA (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2-3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg) three times per week for eight weeks. Animal experiments were conducted in five groups; Normal, Control (TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice), Sily (silymarin 50 mg/kg), RSL (RW 50 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg), and RSH (RW 100 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses were measured in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ammonia levels. Liver inflammatory cytokines and fibrous biomarkers were measured by Western blot analysis, and liver histopathology was evaluated through tissue staining. Results: A significant decrease in the liver function markers AST and ALT and a reduction in ammonia and total bilirubin were observed in the group treated with RSL and RSH. Measurement of reactive oxygen species and MDA revealed a significant decrease in the RSL and RSH administration group compared to the TAA induction group. The expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I alpha 1, was likewise significantly decreased. All drug-administered groups had increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 but a decreasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. RSL and RSH exerted a significant upregulation of NADPH oxidase 2, p22^phox, and p47^phox, which are oxidative stress-related factors. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin-1β were markedly suppressed through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation. Conclusions: The administration of RW and silymarin suppressed the NADPH oxidase factor protein level and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation-related enzymes. These results suggest that the combined administration of RW and silymarin improves acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.538-548
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• 2023

The research has been conducted on the isolation of antimicrobial compounds from plant natural extracts and their potential application in oral health care products. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial mechanism by analyzing the changes in gene expression of Streptococcus mutans, a major oral pathogen, in response to complex compounds extracted from Aralia continentalis and Arctii Semen using organic solvents. Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) revealed that both natural extracts commonly upregulated or downregulated the expression of various genes associated with different metabolic and physiological activities. Three genes (SMU_1584c, SMU_2133c, SMU_921), particularly SMU_921 (rcrR), known as a transcription activator of two sugar phosphotransferase systems (PTS) involved in sugar transport and biofilm formation, exhibited consistent high expression levels. Additionally, component analysis of the A. continentalis extract was performed to compare its effects on gene expression changes with the A. Semen extract, and two active compounds were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the active fraction. The n-hexane fraction (ACEH) from the A. continentalis extract exhibited antibacterial specificity against S. mutans, leading to a significant reduction in the viable cell counts of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii among the tested multi-species bacterial communities. These findings suggest the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of the A. continentalis extract and provide essential foundational data for the development of customized antimicrobial materials by elucidating the antibacterial mechanism of the identified active compounds.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.817-823
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• 2023

Manufacturing plants face the challenge of reducing energy use in response to climate change. Reducing energy consumption can be seen as one of the most important issues, such as reducing production costs and improving efficiency. Among manufacturing industries, the increase in energy consumption in the food industry is gradually increasing along with the improvement of the standard of living and the increase in population. In order to save energy in food processing plants, it is important to identify and analyze energy consumption characteristics in energy-consuming processes. Prior to this, it is necessary to monitor and analyze existing energy consumption to derive reduction measures. In this study, a small and medium-sized food processing plant producing processed meat products was used as a case study to identify and analyze the energy consumption structure at typical cycle/stage level of the batch heating process. From this, we tried to establish realistic and quantitative goals that can be obtained under individual process operating conditions. The results of this study will be used as basic data for the development of diffusion and pervasive energy saving FEMS technology for common core processes of food factories of small and medium-sized enterprises in the future.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.5-11
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• 2023

Due to frequent occurrences of concentrated heavy rainfall caused by abnormal climate conditions in recent years, collapses of steep slopes have been occurring frequently due to surface erosion and increased pore water pressure. Various methods are being applied to prevent slope collapses, such as increasing the resistance to movement and reducing pore water pressure. Research on these methods has been consistently conducted as they provide an efficient response to slope collapses by satisfying both the conditions of resistance to movement and pore water pressure simultaneously. Therefore, in this study, we propose an upward slope reinforcement method by burying drainage materials with an upward slope inclination, instead of the conventional horizontal application. This approach aims to satisfy both slope reinforcement and drainage functions effectively, offering a comprehensive solution for slope stabilization. Furthermore, to determine the optimal burial angle that exhibits the most effective reinforcement and drainage effects of the proposed method, we investigated the reinforcement and drainage effects under conditions where the horizontal drainage materials were set at angles ranging from 0° to 60° in increments of 10° on a representative cross-section. Additionally, indoor model experiments were conducted under the conditions of 40°, which showed the most outstanding drainage effect, and 20°, which exhibited the highest safety factor, to validate the numerical analysis results. The results showed that the burial angle of 40° exhibits a relatively higher drainage effect as with the numerical analysis results, while the angle of 20° results in inadequate drainage and observed slope collapse.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.4D
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• pp.485-492
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• 2008

This study presents a viscoelastic characterization of flexible pavement subjected to moving loads. A series of field tests have been conducted on three pavement sections (A2, A5, and A8) at the Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) test road. The effect of vehicle speed on the responses of each test section was investigated at three speeds: 25 km/hr, 50 km/hr, and 80 km/hr. During the test, both longitudinal and lateral strains were measured at the bottom of asphalt layers and in-situ measurements were compared with the results of finite element (FE) analyses. A commercial FE package, ABAQUS was used to model each test section and a step loading approximation has been adopted to simulate the effect a moving vehicle. For viscoelastic analysis, relaxation moduli of asphalt mixtures were obtained from laboratory test. Field responses reveals the strain anisotropy (i.e., discrepancy between longitudinal and lateral strains) and the amplitude of strain normally decreases as the vehicle speed increases. In most cases, lateral strain was smaller than longitudinal strain, and strain reduction was more significant in lateral direction.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.43-57
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• 2023

The impacts of waste tire rubber (WTR) on the bending conduct of reinforced concrete beams (RCBs) are investigated in visualization of experimental tests and 3D finite element model (FEM) using both ANSYS and SAP2000. Several WTR rates are used in total 4 various full scale RCBs to observe the impact of WTR rate on the rupture and bending conduct of RCBs. For this purpose, the volumetric ratios (Vf) of WTR were chosen to change to 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% in the whole concrete. In relation to experimental test consequences, bending and rupture behaviors of the RCBs are observed. The best performance among the beams was observed in the beams with 2.5% WTR. Furthermore, as stated by test consequences, it is noticed that while WTR rate in the RCBs is improved, max. bending in the RCBs rises. For test consequences, it is clearly recognized as WTR rate in the RCB mixture is improved from 0% to 2.5%, deformation value in the RCB remarkably rises from 3.89 cm to 7.69 cm. This consequence is markedly recognized that WTR rates have a favorable result on deformation values in the RCBs. Furthermore, experimental tests are compared to 3D FEM consequences via using ANSYS software. In the ANSYS, special element types are formed and nonlinear multilinear misses plasticity material model and bilinear misses plasticity material model are chosen for concrete and compression and tension elements. As a consequence, it is noticed that each WTR rates in the RCBs mixture have dissimilar bending and rupture impacts on the RCBs. Then, to observe the impacts of WTR rate on the constructions under near-fault ground motions, a reinforced-concrete building was modelled via using SAP2000 software using 3-D model of the construction to complete nonlinear static analysis. Beam, column, steel haunch elements are modeled as nonlinear frame elements. Consequently, the seismic impacts of WTR rate on the lateral motions of each floor are obviously investigated particularly. Considering reduction in weight of structure and capacity of the members with using waste tire rubber, 2.5% of WTR resulted in the best performance while the construction is subjected to near fault earthquakes. Moreover, it is noticeably recognized that WTR rate has opposing influences on the seismic displacement behavior of the RC constructions.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.41-57
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• 2023

The drybulk shipping market has high freight rate volatility in the chartering market and various and complex factors affecting the market. In the unstable economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the BDI plunged due to a decrease in trade volume, but turned from the end of 2020 and maintained a booming period until the end of 2022. The main reason for the market change is the decrease in the available fleet that can actually be operated for cargo transport due to port congestion by the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of the fleet and trade volume volatility that have affected the drybulk shipping market in the past. A decrease in the actual usable fleet due to vessel waiting at port by congestion led to freight increase, and the freight increase in charting market led to an increase in second-hand ship and new-building ship price in long-term equilibrium relationship. In the past, the drybulk shipping market was determined by the volatility of fleet and trade volume. but, in the future, available fleet volume volatility by pandemics, environmental regulations and climate will be the important factors affecting BDI. To response to the IMO carbon emission reduction in 2023, it is expected that ship speed will be slowed down and more ships are expected to be needed to transport the same trade volume. This slowdown is expected to have an impact on drybulk shipping market, such as a increase in freight and second-hand ship and new-building ship price due to a decrease in available fleet volume.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.785-796
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• 2023

The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance(ESG) practices in domestic construction firms is predominantly driven by major corporations. These companies not only publish reports on their ESG management but also engage in a meticulous process of identifying key issues and setting priorities. This process entails an in-depth evaluation of the severity of various issues and the gathering of insights from experts in the field. Interestingly, a comparative analysis of ESG assessments for construction companies, both domestically and internationally, reveals significant discrepancies in outcomes. These differences stem from the varied evaluation methodologies and criteria employed by different assessing bodies. Addressing this gap, our study proposes a suite of strategies aimed at bolstering ESG management within the construction sector. We advocate for enhanced policy support and financial backing, especially targeting small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) to facilitate their engagement in ESG practices. A critical step forward involves the standardization and transparent disclosure of ESG evaluation criteria, tailored to reflect the unique aspects of the construction industry. Moreover, the standardization and publication of ESG assessments for subcontractors are essential, equipping them with the necessary tools for effective ESG management and evaluation. Given the global nature of construction projects, particularly those commissioned by the European Union in regions like Africa and East Asia, adherence to ESG standards is imperative. Our long-term vision includes the development of a comprehensive database detailing ESG regulations and their impacts, segmented by region and country. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for companies venturing into international construction projects.