• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.8-12
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• 2023

In this work, we investigated the thickness of Ag precursor layer to improve the performance of flexible CIGSe solar cells grown on stainless steel (STS) substrates through three-stage co-evaporation with Ga grading followed by alkali treatments. The small amount of incorporated Ag in CIGSe films showed enhancement in the grain size and device efficiency. With an optimal 6 nm-thick Ag layer, the best cell on the STS substrate yielded more than 16%, which is comparable to the soda-lime glass (SLG) substrate. Thus, the addition of controlled Ag combined with alkali post-deposition treatment (PDT) led to increased open-circuit voltage (VOC), accompanied by the increased built-in potential as confirmed by capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. It is related to a reduction of charge recombination at the depletion region. The results suggest that Ag alloying and alkali PDT are essential for producing highly efficient flexible CIGSe solar cells.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.1841-1857
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• 2023

CenterNet, a novel object detection algorithm without anchor based on key points, regards the object as a single center point for prediction and directly regresses the object's height and width. However, because the objects have different sizes, directly regressing their height and width will make the model difficult to converge and lose the intrinsic relationship between object's width and height, thereby reducing the stability of the model and the consistency of prediction accuracy. For this problem, we proposed an algorithm based on the regression of the diagonal half-length and the center angle, which significantly compresses the solution space of the regression components and enhances the intrinsic relationship between the decoded components. First, encode the object's width and height into the diagonal half-length and the center angle, where the center angle is the angle between the diagonal and the vertical centreline. Secondly, the predicted diagonal half-length and center angle are decoded into two length components. Finally, the position of the object bounding box can be accurately obtained by combining the corresponding center point coordinates. Experiments show that, when using CenterNet as the improved baseline and resnet50 as the Backbone, the improved model achieved 81.6% and 79.7% mAP on the VOC 2007 and 2012 test sets, respectively. When using Hourglass-104 as the Backbone, the improved model achieved 43.3% mAP on the COCO 2017 test sets. Compared with CenterNet, the improved model has a faster convergence rate and significantly improved the stability and prediction accuracy.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.385-394
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• 2023

Objectives: Firefighters could be exposed to a range of toxic chemicals during firefighting. When tyre burns, various toxic chemicals including volatile organic compounds(VOCs) could be emitted. In this study, the researchers assessed the VOC exposure of firefighters during tyre fire suppression through biomonitoring. Methods: There was a big tyre fire on 12 March 2023. Of the responding firefighters, we recruited 14 participants to collect their urine after firefighting. One week later, researchers collected firefighters' urine again right after their off-duty period. We analyzed each metabolite of benzene, toluene, xylene, and styrene in urine and compared their exposure level based on sampling time. Results: The detection rate for metabolite of benzene, toluene, styrene, and xylene in urine sampled at each time was 43%-64%, 100%, 86%-100%, and 100%, respectively. Except for the benzene, metabolite levels measured in urine after firefighting were similar to that from off-duty period. However, the median concentration of benzene metabolite in urine sampled after firefighting was three times higher compared to that from off-duty period(34.2 ㎍/g crea. and 10.9 ㎍/g crea., respectively.) The estimated airborne concentration of benzene calculated from metabolite level in urine was 0.16 ppm, which exceeded the recommended exposure level set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Conclusions: This study shows that firefighters could be exposed to the high level of VOCs including benzene during their firefighting especially at tyre fire. These results could be used as a valuable data to prove firefighters' exposure to hazardous chemicals during their duty.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.227-240
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• 2024

Trees improve air quality through the accumulation of air pollutants in their leaves; however, the responses of different tree species to air pollution varies. Hence, this study evaluated the responses to air pollution of selected tree species in the Swamp Forest Research Station, Onne. Ten tree species (Cola pachycarpa, Khaya grandifoliolia, Irvingia gabonensis, Garcinia kola, Chrysophyllum albidum, Treculia africana, Dacryodes edulis, Tectonia grandis, Gmelina aborea, and Nauclea diderrichii) were selected based on their abundance in the area. Leaves were collected from all sides in 3 replicates for each tree species. Laboratory analysis was carried out using standard procedures. Portable Multi Gas Detector was used to determine the concentrations of air pollutants. One-way analysis of variance was employed to test for significant difference (p≤0.05) in biochemical parameters among the tree species while Pearson's correlation was utilized to determine the level of association between different biochemical parameters and APTI; heavy metals and APTI. Results showed high concentration of PM₁₀, CO, moderate concentration of NO₂, PM_2.5, and VOC, and low concentration of ground O₃. Heavy metals - Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Nickel and Copper were all present in the tree species at varying rates. There were significant differences in the biochemical parameters and APTI values. C. pachycarpa exhibited the highest APTI value (89.88), while D. edulis had the lowest APTI value (8.24). C. pachycarpa, K. grandifoliolia, C. albidum, G. kola, T. africana, and N. diderrichii were identified as tolerant tree species to air pollution. G. aborea, T. grandis, and I. gabonensis were considered intermediate tolerant species, while D. edulis was the only tree species sensitive to air pollution. Ascorbic Acid, Chlorophyll, Hg and Ni had positive correlations with APTI; Cd and Cu had negative association with APTI at the 0.05 significance level. C. pachycarpa, T. africana, K. grandifoliolia, C. albidum, N. diderrichii and G. kola, are recommended for planting in pollution-prone areas.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2024

Objectives: The safety of distributed masks has been widely investigated following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Although the unpleasant odor from masks is concerning, research on the toxicity of volatile organic compounds emitted from them is limited. Here, we aimed to quantify the VOCs emitted from masks and explore strategies for safe mask usage. Methods: The VOCs emitted from 15 masks in five categories were measured. Proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS, IONICON, Austria), which can rapidly and sensitively detect complex mixtures, was conducted. The test chamber connected to the equipment was comprised of uninterrupted acrylic and glass. PTR-TOF-MS data were analyzed using Tofware (PTR-MS Viewer 3.3, IONICON, Austria). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver. 20 to determine the highest, lowest, and average concentrations of the VOCs (IBM SPSS Inc., USA). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare the VOCs emitted from different masks. Results: A total of 25 VOCs were detected among the 15 masks. The peak concentrations of formaldehyde, acrolein, isoprene, and benzene were higher than the exposure standards (Ceiling). The average concentrations of these compounds differed significantly among the mask samples (p < 0.05). The VOC concentration decreased gradually after approximately one hour. Conclusions: Higher concentrations of VOCs were emitted from healthy, printed, and surgical masks compared to industrial masks. Further research is required to determine the factors affecting VOCs, such as mask material, temperature, and humidity. For safety, masks must be ventilated for at least an hour before usage.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.580-587
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• 2017

Woodfiber insulation board can be considered as a one of the key material for low energy consumption, comfortable and safety construction of residential space because of its eco-friendly and high thermal insulation performance. This study was carried out to investigate the formaldehyde (HCHO) total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) emission properties and combustion shapes by flame test of low density fiberboards (LDFs) prepared with different adhesives. HCHO TVOC emission and combustion properties of LDFs prepared by melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF), phenol formaldehyde (PF), emulsified methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (eMDI) and latex resin adhesives were measured by desiccator method, 20 L chamber method, and flame test, respectively. As results, LDFs manufactured by MUF, eMDI and latex resin adhesives satisfied the Super $E_0$ grade of HCHO emission performance except PF resin. Furthermore, TVOC emission of all LDFs were satisfied the Korean indoor air quality standard (below $400{\mu}g/m^2{\cdot}h$). Especially, LDF with eMDI resin adhesive showed the lowest HCHO and TVOC emissivity, that $0.14mg/{\ell}$, $12{\mu}g/m^2{\cdot}h$, respectively. However, eMDI emitted the small amount ($3{\mu}g/m^2{\cdot}h$) of toluene in VOC components. In the flame test, LDF with MUF resin adhesives showed the most favorable shape after flame test compare to LDFs prepared other adhesives. Based on HCHO and TVOC emission, and combustion shapes, MUF resin adhesive may be recommended to prepare LDF for insulation purpose.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.114-125
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• 2016

In this study, 165 wastewater discharge facilities in 10 business types were investigated with regard to 24 specific hazardous substances that included heavy metals, VOCs, CN, and phenol in the Gwangju city. Cu in the range from from 0.008 to 35.420 mg/L was detected in all business types and the detection rate was 46.8 %. Other heavy metals, such as Cd, As, Hg, Pb, and Cr⁺⁶ were detected as well. However, their detection rates ranged between 0.6 and 1.8 %. CN and phenol were detected in one and five facilities, respectively. 12 species of VOCs were detected: chloroform 80.6 % (0.42 to 81.60 μg/L), benzene 16.4 % (1.49 to 3.31 μg/L), trichloroethylene 11.5 % (1.78 to 6.02 μg/L), 1,1-dichloroethylene 10.3 % (1.23 to 5.89 μg/L), and dichloromethane 8.5 % (0.28 to 968.86 μg/L) in the detection rate order. The concentration of VOCs was detected in trace amounts, except for dichloromethane that exceeded the effluent quality standard in three business types, namely, metal manufacturing, food industry, and car washing facility. Chloroform was detected in all business types, where 24.88 μg/L were detected in the laundry business and 53.41 μg/L in the water supply business; the mean concentration of chloroform in these two business types was higher than elsewhere. Therefore, for the disposal of non-degradable specific hazardous substances in industrial wastewater, it is necessary to introduce physical and chemical processes, such as activated carbon adsorption, fenton oxidation, ozone treatment, as well as photocatalyst and the UV radiation.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.377-392
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• 2017

A set of BFM (Brute Force Method) simulations with the CMAQ (Community Multiscale Air Quality) model were conducted in order to estimate self-contributions and conversion rates of PPM (Primary $PM_{2.5}$), $NO_x$, $SO_2$, $NH_3$, and VOC emissions to $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations over the SMA (Seoul Metropolitan Area). CAPSS (Clean Air Policy Support System) 2013 EI (emissions inventory) from the NIER (National Institute of Environmental Research) was used for the base and sensitivity simulations. SCCs (Source Classification Codes) in the EI were utilized to group the emissions into area, mobile, and point source categories. PPM and $PM_{2.5}$ precursor emissions from each source category were reduced by 50%. In turn, air quality was simulated with CMAQ during January, April, July, and October in 2014 for the BFM runs. In this study, seasonal variations of SMA $PM_{2.5}$ self-sensitivities to PPM, $SO_2$, and $NH_3$ emissions can be observed even when the seasonal emission rates are almost identical. For example, when the mobile PPM emissions from the SMA were 634 TPM (Tons Per Month) and 603 TPM in January and July, self-contributions of the emissions to monthly mean $PM_{2.5}$ were $2.7{\mu}g/m^3$ and $1.3{\mu}g/m^3$ for the months, respectively. Similarly, while $NH_3$ emissions from area sources were 4,169 TPM and 3,951 TPM in January and July, the self-contributions to monthly mean $PM_{2.5}$ for the months were $2.0{\mu}g/m^3$ and $4.4{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. Meanwhile, emission-to-$PM_{2.5}$ conversion rates of precursors vary among source categories. For instance, the annual mean conversion rates of the SMA mobile, area, and point sources were 19.3, 10.8, and $6.6{\mu}g/m^3/10^6TPY$ for $SO_2$ emissions while those rates for PPM emissions were 268.6, 207.7, and 181.5 (${\mu}g/m^3/10^6TPY$), respectively, over the region. The results demonstrate that SMA $PM_{2.5}$ responses to the same amount of reduction in precursor emissions differ for source categories and in time (e.g. seasons), which is important when the cost-benefit analysis is conducted during air quality improvement planning. On the other hand, annual mean $PM_{2.5}$ sensitivities to the SMA $NO_x$ emissions remains still negative even after a 50% reduction in emission category which implies that more aggressive $NO_x$ reductions are required for the SMA to overcome '$NO_x$ disbenefit' under the base condition.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.325-345
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• 2020

Determination of Best available technology (BAT) was suggested to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a petrochemical industrial complex, by conducting human health risk, environmental, and economic assessment based on multimedia fugacity model. Fate and distribution of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) was predicted by the multimedia fugacity model, which represent VOCs emitted from the industrial complex in U-city. Media-integrated human health risk assessment and sensitivity analysis were conducted to predict the human health risk of BTEX and identify the critical variable which has adverse effects on human health. Besides, the environmental and economic assessment was conducted to determine the BAT for VOCs reduction. It is concluded that BTEX highly remained in soil media (60%, 61%, 64% and 63%), and xylene has remained as the highest proportion of BTEX in each environment media. From the candidates of BAT, the absorption was excluded due to its high human health risk. Moreover, it is identified that the half-life and exposure coefficient of each exposure route are highly correlated with human health risk by sensitivity analysis. In last, considering environmental and economic assessment, the regenerative thermal oxidation, the regenerative catalytic oxidation, the bio-filtration, the UV oxidation, and the activated carbon adsorption were determined as BAT for reducing VOCs in the petrochemical industrial complex. The suggested BAT determination methodology based on the media-integrated approach can contribute to the application of BAT into the workplace to efficiently manage the discharge facilities and operate an integrated environmental management system.

• Clean Technology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.232-240
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• 2014

The significance of thermoplastic polyolefin polypropylene (PP) lies in its potential to replace polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the most widely used material for automobile interiors (door trim, dash board), which discharges harmful compounds in certain conditions. Another benefit of PP (0.855 amorphous - 0.946 crystalline $g/cm^3$) is its low density compared to that of PVC ($1.1-1.45g/cm^3$), which reduces vehicle weight. Market demand for eco-friendly water-based adhesive/coating material is rising significantly as a substitute for solvent-based adhesive/coating material which emits VOC and causes harmful working conditions. Under such context, in this study, a series of eco-friendly waterborne polyurethane-urea primer (a paint product that allows finishing paint to adhere much better than if it were used alone) for hydrophobic PP were prepared from different mix of DMPA content, NCO/OH molar ratio, various wt% of silicone diol and various soft segment content, among which DMPA of 21 mole %, NCO/OH molar ratio of 1.2, modified silicone diol of 5 wt% and soft segment content of 73 wt% led to good adhesion strength. Additionally, the incorporation of optimum content of additives (0.5 wt% dispersing agent, 0.5 wt% levelling agent, 1.5 wt% antifoaming agent, 3.0 wt% matting agent) into the optimum waterborne polyurethane-urea also enabled good stability, levelling, antifoaming and non-glossy.