• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.175-188
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• 2023

Global interest in hydrogen energy is increasing as an eco-friendly future energy that can replace fossil fuels. Accordingly, a next-generation hydrogen production technology using microorganisms, nuclear power, etc. is being developed, while a lot of time and effort are still required to overcome the cost of hydrogen production based on fossil fuels. As a way to minimize greenhouse gas emissions in the hydrocarbon-based hydrogen production process, methane direct decomposition technology has recently attracted attention. In order to improve the economic feasibility of the process, the simultaneous production of value-added carbon materials with hydrogen can be one of the most essential aspects. For that purpose, various studies on catalysis related to the quality and yield of high-value carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In terms of process technology, a number of the research and development of fluidized-bed reactors capable of continuous production and improved gas-solid contact efficiency has been attempted. Recently, methane direct decomposition technology using a fluidized bed has been developed to the extent that it can produce 270 kg/day of hydrogen and 1000 kg/day of carbon. Plus, with the development of catalyst regeneration, separation and recirculation technologies, the process efficiency can be further improved. This review paper investigates the recent development of catalysts and fluidized bed reactor for methane direct pyrolysis to identify the key challenges and opportunities.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.1A
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• pp.69-78
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• 2008

In this study, in order to verify the reinforcement effects of the cracked concrete tubes and culverts, static load test was conducted. After the load carrying capacity of the original concrete tubes (nominal diameter 0.8 m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m) and box culverts (inner width 2.0 m. 2.5 m) was reduced by the cracking test, the cracked concrete specimens were strengthened by installing profile with steel stiffener and high strength mortar. And then, the maximum load tests were conducted the renewal concrete tubes and box culverts. According to the method application, the load carrying capacity increased 1.66~3.50 times than it of the original tubes before applying the method. In case of the original box culverts, the load carrying capacity increased 1.66~3.10 times than the case before installing profile and high strength mortar. Also non-linear analysis was carried out by using the commercial FEM program of ABAQUS 6.6. Solid (C3D8R) elements and concrete damage plasticity option was applied to the analysis. For reflecting confined reinforcing bars in the analysis, the composite material properties were used.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.509-516
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• 2023

The use of sulfur(S) in concrete has been variously studied as a way to improve salt resistance in concrete. However, sulfur is a solid material and is difficult to powder, which has disadvantages in its usability as an admixture or mixture for cement and concrete. For these problem, polymers such as dicyclopentadiene have been used to modify sulfur, but this also exists in a sticky state after modifying and does not improve the fundamental problem. So, reforming sulfur with slaked lime and the effect on cement hydration was examined by reforming sulfur with slaked lime, and the following conclusions were obtained. Depending on the reaction conditions, slaked lime modified bio-sulfur exists in a slurry state containing unreacted sulfur, unreacted slaked lime, calcium-sulfur(Ca-S) compounds and water. When slaked lime modified bio-sulfur is used as a cement mixture, salt resistance of concrete with slaked lime modified bio-sulfur is to be superior to that of plain concrete. This is believed to be because structure of cement hydrates with slaked lime modified bio-sulfur is to be more dense to that of plain cement hydrates by the continued presence of ettringite and can be used as a cement mixture in concrete.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.515-532
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• 2023

Bentonite, predominantly consists of expandable clay minerals, is considered to be the suitable buffering material in high-level radioactive waste disposal repository due to its large swelling property and low permeability. Additionally, the bentonite has large cation exchange capacity and specific surface area, and thus, it effectively retards the transport of leaked radionuclides to surrounding environments. This study aims to review the thermodynamic sorption models for four radionuclides (U, Am, Se, and Eu) and eight bentonites. Then, the thermodynamic sorption models and optimized sorption parameters were precisely analyzed by considering the experimental conditions in previous study. Here, the optimized sorption parameters showed that thermodynamic sorption models were related to experimental conditions such as types and concentrations of radionuclides, ionic strength, major competing cation, temperature, solid-to-liquid ratio, carbonate species, and mineralogical properties of bentonite. These results implied that the thermodynamic sorption models suggested by the optimization at specific experimental conditions had large uncertainty for application to various environmental conditions.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.80-86
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• 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of rape stalk (RAS) as a raw material for the production of solid bio-fuels. RAS was immersed in an aqueous solution with acetic acid concentration of 1 percent, The content of reducing sugars separated from the RAS was analyzed. Glucose showed the highest content followed by xylose, galactose, arabinose and mannose. The immersed and non-immersed RAS were used for producing pellets with a pilot-scaled flat-die pellet mill. Bulk density and calorific values of the pellets improved with the use of the immersed RAS and the addition of wood particles. The values exceeded the minimum requirements for the A-grade of non-woody pellets (≧600 kg/m³ & ≧ 14.5 MJ/kg) designated by the ISO. Ash content of the pellets reduced with the immersion of RAS and the value satisfied the A-grade level (≦6.0%) of the ISO standard. The durability of the immersed RAS-based pellets was much higher than that of non-immersed IRS-based pellets, and the values were increased with the addition of wood particles. However, the durability did not meet the acceptance level for the B-grade of non-woody pellets (≧96.0%) designated by the ISO. These results suggested that the addition of binders in the production of non-woody pellets using an RAS immersed in acetic acid-based aqueous solution is required for the commercialization of the pellets.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.1168-1176
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• 2024

Objective: As a charismatic species, cashmere goats have rich genetic resources. In the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, there are three cashmere goat varieties named and approved by the state. These goats are renowned for their high cashmere production and superior cashmere quality. Therefore, it is vitally important to protect their genetic resources as they will serve as breeding material for developing new varieties in the future. Methods: Three breeds including Inner Mongolia cashmere goats (IMCG), Hanshan White cashmere goats (HS), and Ujimqin white cashmere goats (WZMQ) were studied. IMCG were of three types: Aerbas (AEBS), Erlangshan (ELS), and Alashan (ALS). Nine DNA samples were collected for each population, and they were genomically re-sequenced to obtain high-depth data. The genetic diversity parameters of each population were estimated to determine selection intensity. Principal component analysis, phylogenetic tree construction and genetic differentiation parameter estimation were performed to determine genetic relationships among populations. Results: Samples from the 45 individuals from the five goat populations were sequenced, and 30,601,671 raw single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained. Then, variant calling was conducted using the reference genome, and 17,214,526 SNPs were retained after quality control. Individual sequencing depth of individuals ranged from 21.13× to 46.18×, with an average of 28.5×. In the AEBS, locus polymorphism (79.28) and expected heterozygosity (0.2554) proportions were the lowest, and the homologous consistency ratio (0.1021) and average inbreeding coefficient (0.1348) were the highest, indicating that this population had strong selection intensity. Conversely, ALS and WZMQ selection intensity was relatively low. Genetic distance between HS and the other four populations was relatively high, and genetic exchange existed among the other four populations. Conclusion: The Inner Mongolia cashmere goat (AEBS type) population has a relatively high selection intensity and a low genetic diversity. The IMCG (ALS type) and WZMQ populations had relatively low selection intensity and high genetic diversity. The genetic distance between HS and the other four populations was relatively high, with a moderate degree of differentiation. Overall, these genetic variations provide a solid foundation for resource identification of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region cashmere goats in the future.

• Clean Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2024

Nanoplastics (NP) exhibit distinct material properties compared to microplastics (MP), necessitating their separate recognition. Review of research outcomes and policy documents on NP reveals that most policy frameworks predominantly define MPs as solid synthetic polymer materials measuring 5 mm or less, but do not distinguish them from NP. However, recent revisions in regulations by the EU classify NPs as particles that range in size from 1 to 1,000 nm, as confirmed by some academic studies. Research on NPs often relies on experimental investigations centered around water systems, with a focus on high-concentration experimental conditions using spherical polystyrene-based NPs in behavior and impact studies. Notably, the environmental behavior characteristics of NP show differences in influence depending on the NP type, emphasizing the need for field simulation research. These challenges are mirrored in Korean society, so it is necessary to redefine NP to be distinct from MP in both research and policy. This study aimed to assess the current state of NP management globally and domestically and highlight policy considerations and issues in the existing response to NP. Upon comprehensive review, it becomes apparent that reaching an international agreement on MP faces methodological limitations, which could potentially burden efforts to precisely define NP size. Therefore, referencing the EU's recent regulatory revisions is crucial in domestic policy. Specific adjustments should commence from the MP concept through insights from the domestic industry, guidance from the academic community, and thorough discussions to ensure social acceptance.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.13 no.1 s.53
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• pp.195-204
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• 2009

Application of steel plates is one of widely used methods for shear strengthening of reinforced concrete beams that are insufficient of shear capacity. While the existing method applying solid steel plates provides good shear rigidity, however, it is concerned by brittle bond failure patterns, inefficient material usage, and low constructability. The use of strap type steel plates has also shortcomings of low strenthening effect due to small interface bonding area and ununified behavior between plates and main body. Therefore, this study aims to introduce the shear strengthening method using slit type steel plate, which can solve out the problems aforementioned, and to verify its strengthening effects on shear capacity. A total of 13 specimens strengthened by slit type steel plates were fabricated with primary test parameters of plate width, slit spacing, and plate thickness. The test results from this study were also compared to those from the existing research on RC beams strengthened by strap type steel plates, and the strengthening effects on shear capacity of specimens having bonded slit type steel plates were quantitatively analyzed. The test results showed that the RC beams strengthened by slit type steel plates had greater shear capacities than those with strap type steel plates, which is considered to be the effects of improved composite behavior and larger interface bonding area in the RC beams strengthened by the slit type steel plates.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.68-79
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary information relating to the applicability of Chinese soybean as functional food material. This study compared the manufacturing characteristics, phenolic compounds contents, and antioxidative activities of soymilk prepared with Korean(Jinpumkong) and Chinese Heinong 48) soybean. Antioxidative activities were measured by in vitro models such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-crylhydrazyl DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-ulfonic acid ABTS) radical scavenging activity. The physicochemical properties(solid contents, pH, and color) and suspension stability of soymilk were not significantly different between the types of raw soybean. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of soymilk prepared with Chinese cultivar($20.71{\pm}0.34GAE\;mg/g\;dw$ and $6.31{\pm}0.11QE\;mg/g\;dw$, respectively) were significantly higher than those of soymilk prepared with Korean cultivar $^{***}p<.001$ and $^{**}p<0.01$, respectively). Total tannin content of soymilk prepared with Korean cultivar($2.29{\pm}.22TAE\;mg/g\;dw$) was significantly higher than that of soymilk prepared with Chinese cultivar($^{***}p<0.01$). The electron donating ability(EDA) of soymilk was significantly increased in a dose dependent manner(p<0.05); the soymilk prepared with Chinese cultivar showed significantly higher EDA on the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL(p<0.01) and 10.0 mg/mL(p<0.05) than that of soymilk prepared with Korean cultivar. The antioxidative activities of soymilk were significantly increased in a dose dependent manner on ABTS radical scavenging(p<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the types of raw soybean. These results suggest that Chinese soybean, which contains plenty of phenolic compounds and has superior antioxidant activity, may have great potential as a raw material for functional beverage preparation.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.599-612
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• 2017

Human hair (HH) is produced as a waste from beauty parlor and barbershop. HH-based adhesives were formulated with NaOH-hydrolyzed HH, $H_2SO_4$-hydrolyzed chicken blood (CB) and PF as a crosslinking agent. Physicochemical properties and retention rate against hot water of the adhesives were measured to investigate the potential of HH as a raw material of wood adhesives. HH was composed of keratin-type protein of 80% and over. Ash of less than 0.1% was contained in HH. Among the amino acids included in HH, glutamic acid showed the highest content, followed by cysteine, serine, arginine and threonine. Solid content of the adhesives ranged from 33.2% to 41.8% depending on hydrolysis conditions of HH and PF type. Viscosity at $25^{\circ}C$ ranged from 300 to $600mPa{\cdot}s$ resulting in a sprayable adhesive. Retention rate against hot water measured to evaluate the water resistance of adhesives was the highest in the cured resin formulated with 5% NaOH-hydrolyzed HH and 5% $H_2SO_4$-hydrolyzed CB. Meanwhile, the molar ratio of formaldehyde to phenol in PF did not have a significant impact on the retention rate of HH-based adhesives. When the retention rates of HH-based adhesives were compared to those of conventional wood adhesive resins used for the production of wood-based panels extensively, HH-based adhesives formulated with 30 wt% PF showed lower retention rate than commercial urea-formaldehyde resin. However, when PF content was increased to 35 wt%, the retention rate greatly increased and approached to that of commercial melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin. Except for the results mentioned above, the analysis of economic feasibility suggests that HH-based adhesives can be used for the production of wood-based panels if HH is hydrolyzed in proper conditions and then the HH-based adhesives are formulated by the HH hydrolyzates with 35 wt% PF.