• Composites Research
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.349-354
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• 2023

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is a conjugated polymer that is highly soluble in organic solvents and is readily available. However, its electrical properties as an active channel in electronic devices are not enough for practical applications, necessitating further improvement in the properties. In this study, we demonstrate that the blending of two P3HT polymers (i.e., regio-regular (RR) P3HT and regio-random (RRa) P3HT) with different regioregularities can significantly improve charge transport characteristics of the blend films. The morphological and electrical properties of the blend films were systematically investigated by varying the ratio between two P3HT polymers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis) were employed to evaluate the morphological and optoelectronic properties of the blend films. The crystallinity of the blend films increased with increasing the content of RRa-P3HT to 20 wt% and gradually decreased as the content increased to 80%. Consistently, the highest charge carrier mobility was obtained from the blend films containing 20 wt% RRa-P3HT, which value was measured to be 0.029 cm²/V·s. The values gradually decreased to 0.0007 cm²/V·s with increasing the content of RRa-P3HT to 80 wt%.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• 제53권12호
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• pp.843-854
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: We evaluated the effect of diabetes on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent implantation. Methods: A total of 6,688 patients who underwent PCI were selected from five different registries led by Korean Multicenter Angioplasty Team. They were categorized according to their BMI into the following groups: underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight to obese (≥25.0 kg/m²). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and target-vessel revascularization, were compared according to the BMI categories (underweight, normal and overweight to obese group) and diabetic status. All subjects completed 1-year follow-up. Results: Among the 6,688 patients, 2,561 (38%) had diabetes. The underweight group compared to normal weight group had higher 1-year MACCE rate in both non-diabetic (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-4.84; p=0.039) and diabetic patients (adjusted HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.61-5.07; p<0.001). The overweight to obese group had a lower MACCE rate than the normal weight group in diabetic patients (adjusted HR, 0.67 [0.49-0.93]) but not in non-diabetic patients (adjusted HR, 1.06 [0.77-1.46]), with a significant interaction (p-interaction=0.025). Conclusions: Between the underweight and normal weight groups, the association between the BMI and clinical outcomes was consistent regardless of the presence of diabetes. However, better outcomes in overweight to obese over normal weight were observed only in diabetic patients. These results suggest that the association between BMI and clinical outcomes may differ according to the diabetic status.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권8호
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• pp.1007-1017
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of our study was to investigate the predictive abilities of clinical and computed tomography (CT) features for outcome prediction in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: The clinical and CT data of 238 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in our two hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. One hundred sixty-six patients (103 males; age 43.8 ± 12.3 years) were allocated in the training cohort and 72 patients (38 males; age 45.1 ± 15.8 years) from another independent hospital were assigned in the validation cohort. The primary composite endpoint was admission to an intensive care unit, use of mechanical ventilation, or death. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to identify independent predictors. A nomogram was constructed based on the combination of clinical and CT features, and its prognostic performance was externally tested in the validation group. The predictive value of the combined model was compared with models built on the clinical and radiological attributes alone. Results: Overall, 35 infected patients (21.1%) in the training cohort and 10 patients (13.9%) in the validation cohort experienced adverse outcomes. Underlying comorbidity (hazard ratio [HR], 3.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67-6.71; p < 0.001), lymphocyte count (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.04-0.38; p < 0.001) and crazy-paving sign (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.03-4.48; p = 0.042) were the independent factors. The nomogram displayed a concordance index (C-index) of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.76-0.88), and its prognostic value was confirmed in the validation cohort with a C-index of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82-0.96). The combined model provided the best performance over the clinical or radiological model (p < 0.050). Conclusion: Underlying comorbidity, lymphocyte count and crazy-paving sign were independent predictors of adverse outcomes. The prognostic nomogram based on the combination of clinical and CT features could be a useful tool for predicting adverse outcomes of patients with COVID-19.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.324-333
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• 2021

Objective: The clinical course of an individual patient with heart failure is unpredictable with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) only. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived myocardial fibrosis extent and to determine the cutoff value for event-free survival in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) who had severely reduced LVEF. Materials and Methods: Our prospective cohort study included 78 NICM patients with significantly reduced LV systolic function (LVEF < 35%). CMR images were analyzed for the presence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as a composite of cardiac death, heart transplantation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge for major arrhythmia, and hospitalization for congestive heart failure within 5 years after enrollment. Results: A total of 80.8% (n = 63) of enrolled patients had LGE, with the median LVEF of 25.4% (19.8-32.4%). The extent of myocardial scarring was significantly higher in patients who experienced MACE than in those without any cardiac events (22.0 [5.5-46.1] %LV vs. 6.7 [0-17.1] %LV, respectively, p = 0.008). During follow-up, 51.4% of patients with LGE ≥ 12.0 %LV experienced MACE, along with 20.9% of those with LGE ≤ 12.0 %LV (log-rank p = 0.001). According to multivariate analysis, LGE extent more than 12.0 %LV was independently associated with MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.71; 95% confidence interval, 2.54-17.74; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In NICM patients with significantly reduced LV systolic function, the extent of LGE is a strong predictor for long-term adverse cardiac outcomes. Event-free survival was well discriminated with an LGE cutoff value of 12.0 %LV in these patients.

• Composites Research
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.238-245
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• 2024

In this study, as part of the development of a monitoring system for the efficient maintenance of steel pipes, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the performance of steel pipes treated with modified polyethylene coating. In the case of the conventional mechanical pre-coating method, there was a deterioration in polyethylene adhesion during expansion testing, which led to the application of a chemical pre-treatment process using a calcium-mixed phosphate zinc film to resolve this issue. SEM and EDX analyses showed that the densest structure was observed at a Zn/Ca ratio of 1.0, and improved heat resistance compared to the conventional method was confirmed. Additionally, to prevent coating detachment during expansion, an evaluation of adhesion and elongation was conducted on steel pipes with modified polyethylene coating, incorporating materials such as elastomers based on maleic anhydride grafting, metal oxides, blocking agents, and slip agents. Experimental results showed that the specimen (S4) containing all modified materials exhibited more than a 25% performance improvement compared to the specimen (S2) containing only metal oxides. Lastly, the development and performance evaluation of wedge-shaped socketing and pressing wheels, which are part of the pipe fixing accessories, were conducted to prevent surface coating damage on the completed pipes.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제50권5호
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• pp.595-608
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• 2024

In this study, aluminum lathe waste was used by replacing aggregates in certain proportions in order to obtain expansive concrete using recycled materials. For this reason, five different aluminum wastes of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% were selected and also reference without aluminum waste was produced. Based on the mechanical tests conducted, which included slump, compression, splitting tensile, and flexural tests, it was evident that the workability of the material declined dramatically once the volume ratio of aluminum exceeded 2%. As determined by the compressive strength test (CST), the CS of concrete (1% aluminum lathe wastes replaced with aggregate) was 11% reducer than that of reference concrete. It was noted that the reference concrete's CS values, which did not include aluminum waste, were greater than those of the concrete that contained 5% aluminum. When comparing for splitting tensile strength (STS), it was observed that the results of STS generally follow the parallel inclination as the CS. The reduction in these strengths when 1% aluminum is utilized is less than 10%. These ratios modified 18% when flexural strength (FS) is considered. Therefore, 1% of aluminum waste is recommended to obtain expansive concrete with recycled materials considering minimum loss of strength. Moreover, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis was performed and the results also confirm that there was expansion in the aluminum added concrete. The presence of pores throughout the concrete leads to the formation of gaps, resulting in its expansion. Additionally, for practical applications, basic equations were developed to forecast the CS, STS, and FS of the concrete with aluminum lathe waste using the data already available in the literature and the findings of the current study. In conclusion, this study establishes that aluminum lathe wastes are suitable, readily available in significant quantities, locally sourced eco-materials, cost-effective, and might be selected for construction using concrete, striking a balance among financially and ecological considerations.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 1999

To find pertinent soil type and maintenance method for artificial planting ground, the effects of soil compositions{sandy loam(S), vermiculite(V), sandy loam+vermiculite+sand(SVS), sandy loam+ carbonized rice husk+sand(SCS), sandy loam+humus sawdust+sand(SHS)}, and fertilizers (organic, chemical) on plant(kentuckyblue grass) growth were measured and compared from the field experiment. The results are summarized as follows 1. the highest germination rate is found from "vermiculite(V)" and the lowest from "sandy loam(S)" among tested 5 soil compositions. 2. "sandy loam+vermiculite+sand(SVS)" composition shows the highest plant height growth effect (5cm growth during tested 3 months) comparing to other 4 compositions. 3. "sandy loam+vermiculite+sand(SYS)" composition shows the highest ground covering rate after first two months, but it concede its order to "sandy loam+humus sawdust+sand(SHS)" composition after next one month growing. 4. the effects of fertilizers are follows 1) Among the blocks where no fertilizer was tried, the predominant height growth was obvious in "sandy loam+carbonized rice husk+sand(SCS)" and "sandy loam+humus sawdust+sand(SHS)" composition. 2) Among the blocks where chemical fertilizer was tried, relatively positive results were found from "vermiculite(V)" and "sandy loam+vermiculite+sand(SYS)" blocks on germination and growth rate. But on the ground coverage ratio, the effect of "sandy loam+carbonized rice husk+sand(SCS)" composite precede that of those 2 composites. 3) Among the blocks where organic fertilizer was tried, "sandy loam+humus sawdust+sand(SHS)" and "vermiculite(V)" blocks show relatively high ground coverage rate, growth rate than others. 4) When compositional differences were not considered, the block where organic fertilizer was tried shows most positive effects on all 3 measurements-germination ratio, height growth and ground covering.

• Composites Research
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.71-78
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• 1999

To determine the effect of chemical structure of linear amine curing agents on thermal and mechanical properties, standard epoxy resin DGEBA was cured with diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM), diaminodiphenyl sulphone (DDS) in a stoichiometrically equivalent ratio. From this work, the effect of aromatic amine curing agents. In contrast, the results show that the DGEBA/DDS cure system having the sulfone structure between the benzene rings had higher values in the conversion of epoxide, density, shrinkage (%), glass transition temperature, tensile modulus and strength, flexural modulus and strength than the DGEBA/DDM cure system having methylene structure between the benzene rings, whereas the DGEBA/DDM cure system presented higher values in the maximum exothermic temperature, thermal expansion coefficient, and thermal stability. These results are caused by the relative effects of sulfone group having strong electronegativity and methylene group having (+) repulsive property and stem from the effect of the conversion ratio of epoxide group. The result of fractography shows that the each grain size of the DDM/DGEBA system with feather-like structure is larger than that of the DDS/DGEBA system.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.173-178
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• 2009

Epidemiological studies showed that high trans-fat consumption is closely associated with getting the risks of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to produce trans-free fat through lipase-catalyzed interesterification, as a substitute for the cream margarine commonly used in industry. Optimum conditions for interesterification in a packed bed enzyme bioreactor (PBEB) were determined using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design. Three kinds of reaction variables were chosen, such as substrate flow rate (0.4-1.2 mL/min), reaction temperature (60-70$^{\circ}C$), and ratio of fully hydrogenated canola oil (FHCO, 35-45%) to evaluate their effects on the degree of interesterification. Optimum conditions from the standpoint of solid fat content (SFC) were found to be as follows: 0.4 mL/min flow rate, 64.7$^{\circ}C$ reaction temperate, and 42.8% (w/w) ratio of FHCO, respectively. The half-life of immobilized lipase in PBEB with two stages at 60$^{\circ}C$ ($1^{st}$ stage) and 55$^{\circ}C$ ($2^{nd}$ stage) was about more than 30 days as estimated by extrapolating the incubation time course of tristearoyl glycerol (TS) conversion, whereas the half-life of the enzyme in PBEB with single stage at 65$^{\circ}C$ was only about 15 days. Finally, the results from SFC analysis suggest that trans-free fat produced in this study seems to be a suitable substitute for the cream margarine commonly used in industry.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.650-658
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• 2006

The recycling of TDA from solid waste of TDI plant(TDI-R) by near-critical hydrolysis reaction had been studied by means of a statistical design of experiment. The main and interaction effects of process variables had been defined from the experiments in a batch reactor and the correlation equation with process variables for TDA yield had been obtained from the experiments in a continuous pilot plant. It was confirmed that the effects of reaction temperature, catalyst type and concentration, and the weight ratio of water to TDI-R(WR) on TDA yield were significant. TDA yield decreased with increases in reaction temperature and catalyst concentration, and increased with an increase in WR. As a catalyst, NaOH was more effective than $Na_2CO_3$ for TDA yield. The interaction effects between catalyst concentration and temperature, WR and temperature, catalyst type and reaction time on TDA yield had been defined as significant. Although the effect of catalyst concentration on TDA yield at $300^{\circ}C$ as subcritical water was insignificant, the TDA yield decreased with increasing catalyst concentration at $400^{\circ}C$ as supercritical water. On the other hand, the yield increased with an increase in WR at $300^{\circ}C$ but showed negligible effect with WR at $400^{\circ}C$. The optimization of process variables for TDA yield has been explored with a pilot plant for scale-up. The catalyst concentration and WR were selected as process variables with respect to economic feasibility and efficiency. The effects of process variables on TDA yield had been explored by means of central composite design. The TDA yield increased with an increase in catalyst concentration. It showed maximum value at below 2.5 of WR and then decreased with an increase in WR. However, the ratio at which the TDA yield showed a maximum value increased with increasing catalyst concentration. The correlation equation of a quadratic model with catalyst concentration and WR had been obtained by the regression analysis of experimental results in a pilot plant.