To ensure a systematic and integrated approach to defense safety management, individual safety management regulations have been consolidated into the National Defense Safety Directive. However, despite being enacted after the enforcement of the Severe Accident Punishment Act, the National Defense Safety Directive does not incorporate the contents of the Serious Accident Punishment Act. This omission is likely to cause confusion in safety management. In this paper, a PDCA analysis of the Severe Accident Punishment Act and the National Defense Safety Directive was conducted to identify area for improvement and supplementation in the Directive. Chapter 3 proposes amendments to clearly define the scope and responsibilities of safety management, implement serious accident prevention measures and inspections, and establish the penalties for those involved. These amendments aim to ensure faithful compliance with the Severe Accident Punishment Act. Chapter 4 emphasizes the implementation and inspection of risk assessments to enhance the effectiveness of safety accident prevention and preparation, thereby ensuring the completeness of the PDCA cycle.

The separation of zirconium and hafnium using tributyl phosphate (TBP)-Dodecane extractants in nitric acid medium was performed. Zirconium oxychloride, used as extraction feed, was obtained from the synthesis of Kalimantan zircon sand concentrate smelted using NaOH. The extraction process was carried out by dissolving chloride-based metals in nitric acid media in the presence of sodium nitrate using TBP-Dodecane as an extractant. Some of the extraction parameters carried out in this study include variations in organic phase and aqueous phase (O/A), variations in contact time, and variations in nitric acid concentration. Extraction was carried out using a mechanical shaker according to the parameter conditions. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used for elemental (Zr and Hf) composition analysis of the aqueous solution. The results showed that zirconium was separated from hafnium at optimum conditions with an organic/aqueous ratio of 1:5, contact time of 75 min, and an HNO3 concentration of 7 M. The resulting separation factor of zirconium and hafnium using TBP-Dodecane was 14.4887.

This review explores the potential of pillared bentonite materials as solid acid catalysts for synthesizing diethyl ether, a promising renewable energy source. Diethyl ether offers numerous environmental benefits over fossil fuels, such as lower emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon oxides (COx) gases and enhanced fuel properties, like high volatility and low flash point. Generally, the synthesis of diethyl ether employs homogeneous acid catalysts, which pose environmental impacts and operational challenges. This review discusses bentonite, a naturally occurring alumina silicate, as a heterogeneous acid catalyst due to its significant cation exchange capacity, porosity, and ability to undergo modifications such as pillarization. Pillarization involves intercalating polyhydroxy cations into the bentonite structure, enhancing surface area, acidity, and thermal stability. Despite the potential advantages, challenges remain in optimizing the yield and selectivity of diethyl ether production using pillared bentonite. The review highlights the need for further research using various metal oxides in the pillarization process to enhance surface properties and acidity characteristics, thereby improving the catalytic performance of bentonite for the synthesis of diethyl ether. This development could lead to more efficient, environmentally friendly synthesis processes, aligning with sustainable energy goals.

India has been a member of the BRICS group since 2009. It has been a staunch advocate for the synergistic power. Their summits have focused on a wide range of topics, all of which share the common goal of reorganizing the global economic and political order. The BRICS nations have together accomplished several significant milestones which include the establishment of the New Development Bank, the BRICS Payment System, collaborative anti-terror programs, climate mitigation, green energy, and other such initiatives. South Africa played home to the 15th BRICS Summit, which took place in the August of 2023 and was centered around the theme of “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.” This essay considers issues from an Indian perspective that may pop up in the future BRICS summit.

We have intended and preparation of hierarchically absorbent materials were covered with a NiMn2O4 and acts as a catalyst for azo dye degradation. The polyaromatic-based (PA) absorbent compounds were initially constructed by bromomethylated aromatic hydrocarbons which undergo self-polymerization in presence of ZnBr as a reagent and cross linker is bromomethyl methyl ether. The absorbent black materials with a 3D network were prepared by direct carbonization and activation of the as-prepared PA. The hydrothermal method was adapted for the preparation of carbon hybrid material C@NiMn2O4 powder's catalytic activity is effective in reducing p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol and decolorizing carbon-based dyes like methyl orange (MO), methyl yellow (MY), and Congo red (CR) in aqueous media at 25 °C when NaBH4 is added. UV–visible spectroscopy was used to analyze the dyes' breakdown at regular interval.

In the current study, the epoxy material was mixed with 10%, and 30% weight percent carbon material as filler in different thicknesses (1 cm, 1.5 cm, and 2 cm). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements showed the average size of the nano-carbon was 20 nm with a standard deviation of 5 nm. The morphology of samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed the flatness of the epoxy surface, and when the content of carbon increases, the connection between the epoxy array and carbon increases. The compression test indicates the effect of nano-size on enhancing the mechanical properties of the studied samples. To survey the shielding properties of the epoxy/carbon composites using gamma-rays emitted from Am-241, Ba-133, Cs-137, Co-60, and Eu-152 sources, which covered a wide range of energies from 0.059 up to 1.408 MeV, the gamma intensity was measured using the NaI (Tl) detector. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients were calculated by obtaining the area under each peak of the energy spectrum observed from Genie 2000 software in the presence and absence of the sample. The experimental results obtained were compared theoretically with XCOM software. The comparison examined the validity of experimental results where the relative division rate ranged between 0.02 and 2%. Also, the measurement of the relative division rate between linear attenuation coefficients of microand nano-composites was found to range from 0.9 to 21% The other shielding parameters are calculated at the same range of energy, such as a half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), tenth-value layer (TVL), effective atomic number (Zeff), and the buildup factors (EBF and EABF). The data revealed a consistent reduction in the particle size of the shielding material across various weight percentages, resulting in enhanced radiation shielding capabilities. The sample that contains 30% nano-carbon has the lowest values of TVL (29.4 cm) and HVL (8.85 cm); moreover, it has the highest value of the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), which makes it the best in its ability to attenuate radiation.

There has been increasing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields. This phenomenon calls for human resources to be equipped with the knowledge and skills of AI and data. The Korean Ministry of Education has opened up introductory courses in AI to high school students since the second half of 2021. It will also include AI education in the 2022 revised curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students. Despite these efforts to enhance students’ digital literacy through the innovation of the national curriculum, opportunities for taking advantage of AI and data education should be reached for more diverse learners. At the same time, the courses need to be designed with not only theoretical but practical contents and activities based on learner needs. Under these circumstances, the Science Data Education Center at the Korean Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) has been providing AI and data education programs either online or face-to-face for university members, such as undergraduates, graduates, researchers, and professors. In this study, we aim to present cases of educational programs on AI and data operated by the Science Data Education Center, especially regarding those for the university components. Pertinent implications derived from the results of operating the programs will be discussed.

A series of ZIF-67-C-IL catalysts were prepared using ZIF-67 and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] imide ([ BMIM]NTf2) ionic liquid as precursors. The structure of the catalysts was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM and XPS. The catalytic performance of the catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated in a three-electrode system. The results confirmed that the high-temperature treatment of the precursors resulted in the formation of N, S codoped carbon-encapsulated Co9S8 nanoparticles. To create N, S co-doped carbon coated Co9S8 nanoparticle catalysts, ionic liquids are used as sulfur and nitrogen sources. The catalytic activity of ORR can be improved using N, S co-doped carbon to prevent the aggregation of Co9S8 nanoparticles. Graphitized and N, S co-doped carbon shells are optimal for achieving high activity stability. Optimal 600-ZIF-67-C(1:1.5)-30IL catalytic activity was observed for ORR. The half-wave potential of ORR was 0.88 V vs. RHE in 0.1 mol L− 1 KOH, with a limit current density of 4.70 mA cm− 2. Similar ORR electrocatalytic activity was observed between this catalyst and commercial Pt/C (20 wt%).

Pure SnO2 has proven very difficult to densify. This poor densification can be useful for the fabrication of SnO2 with a porous microstructure, which is used in electronic devices such as gas sensors. Most electronic devices based on SnO2 have a porous microstructure, with a porosity of > 40%. In pure SnO2, a high sintering temperature of approximately 1300°C is required to obtain > 40% porosity. In an attempt to reduce the required sintering temperature, the present study investigated the low-temperature sinterability of a current system. With the addition of TiO2, the compositions of the samples were Sn1-xTixO2-CoO(0.3wt%)-CuO(2wt%) in the range of x ≤ 0.04. Compared to the samples without added TiO2, densification was shown to be improved when the samples were sintered at 950°C. The dominant mass transport mechanism appears to be grain-boundary diffusion during heat treatment at 950°C.

Background: The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), a method of lumbar stabilization training, is an effective neuromuscular intervention for lumbar instability associated with low back pain (LBP). Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 2-week period of the ADIM and tensor fasciae latae-iliotibial band (TFL-ITB) self-stretching on lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity during active prone hip lateral rotation. Methods: Twenty-two subjects with lumbar extension rotation syndrome accompanying shortened TFL-ITB (16 males and 6 females) were recruited for this study. The subjects were instructed how to perform ADIM training or ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching program at home for a 2-week period. A 3-dimensional ultrasonic motion analysis system was used to measure the lumbopelvic rotation angle and lumbopelvic rotation movement onset. An independent t-test was used to determine between-group differences for each outcome measure (lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity). Results: The results showed that ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching decreased the lumbopelvic rotation angle, delayed the lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, and elongated the TFL-ITB significantly more than did ADIM training alone. Pain intensity was lower in the ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching group than the ADIM training alone group; however, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching performed for a 2-week period at home may be an effective treatment for modifying lumbopelvic motion and reducing LBP.

Background: Limitations of shoulder range of motion (ROM), particularly shoulder internal rotation (SIR), are commonly associated with musculoskeletal disorders in both the general population and athletes. The limitation can result in connective tissue lesions such as superior labrum tears and symptoms such as rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement syndrome. Maintaining the center of rotation of the glenohumeral joint during SIR can be challenging due to the compensatory scapulothoracic movement and anterior displacement of the humeral head. Therefore, observing the path of the instantaneous center of rotation (PICR) using the olecranon as a marker during SIR may provide valuable insights into understanding the dynamics of the shoulder joint. Objects: The aim of the study was to compare the displacement of the olecranon to measure the rotation control of the humeral head during SIR in individuals with and without restricted SIR ROM. Methods: Twenty-four participants with and without restricted SIR ROM participated in this study. The displacement of olecranon was measured during the shoulder internal rotation control test (SIRCT) using a Kinovea (ver. 0.8.15, Kinovea), the 2-dimensional marker tracking analysis system. An independent t-test was used to compare the horizontal and vertical displacement of the olecranon marker between individuals with and without restricted SIR ROM. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Vertical displacement of the olecranon was significantly greater in the restricted SIR group than in the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the horizontal displacement of the olecranon (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that individuals with restricted SIR ROM had significantly greater vertical displacement of the olecranon. The results suggest that the limitation of SIR ROM may lead to difficulty in rotation control of the humeral head.

Background: The serratus anterior (SA) is a muscle that performs protraction of the scapulothoracic joint and plays a role in stabilizing the scapula. Imbalances or weaknesses in SA activation are associated with a variety of shoulder dysfunctions, making selective SA strengthening important for rehabilitation. Objects: We aimed to compare the muscle activation of the pectoralis major (PM), SA, external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) during the push-up plus (PUP) exercise with isometric hip adduction (HA) and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). Methods: Nineteen healthy male participants performed three PUP exercises: standard PUP, PUP with ADIM, and PUP with HA. Surface electromyography was used to measure and analyze the muscle activity for PM, SA, EO, and IO. Results: PUP with HA showed the lowest PM activity and highest SA activity, and no significant difference was observed between PUP and PUP with ADIM. PUP with ADIM showed significantly the highest EO and IO activity, followed by PUP with HA and PUP. Additionally, PUP with HA showed the lowest PM/SA ratio, and no significant difference was noted between PUP and PUP with ADIM. Conclusion: PUP with HA was able to show high SA muscle activity while reducing PM muscle activity. In addition, PUP with HA can lead to higher EO and IO muscle activity than standard PUP. This exercise could be used as a practical exercise method to selectively strengthen SA and improve scapular muscle stability during early shoulder rehabilitation.

Background: Single-leg squat (SLS)s are commonly used as assessment tool and closed kinetic exercises are useful for assessing performance of the lower extremities. Pronated feet are associated with foot pressure distribution (FPD) during daily activities. Objects: To compare the FPD during SLSs between groups with pronated and normal feet. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 participants (15 each in the pronated foot and control groups) are recruited in this study. The foot posture index was used to distinguish between the pronated foot and control groups. The Zebris FDM (Zebris Medical GmbH) stance analysis system was used to measure the FPD on the dominant side during a SLS, which was divided into three phases. A two-way mixed-model ANOVA was used to identify significant differences in FPD between and within the two groups. Results: In the hallux, the results of the two-way mixed-model ANOVAs revealed a significant difference between the group and across different phases (p < 0.05). The hallux, and central forefoot were significantly different between the group (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant differences across different phases were observed in the hallux, medial forefoot, central forefoot, lateral forefoot, and rearfoot (p < 0.05). The post hoc t-tests were conducted for the hallux and forefoot central regions. In participants with pronated foot, the mean pressure was significantly greater in hallux and significantly lower, in the central forefoot during the descent and holding phases. Conclusion: SLSs are widely used as screening tests and exercises. These findings suggest that individuals with pronated feet should be cautious to avoid excessive pressure on the hallux during the descent-to-hold phase of a SLS.

Background: Lateral instability of the ankle is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal ankle injuries. The peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) contribute to ankle stability. In early rehabilitation, isometric exercises have been selected for improvement of ankle stability. To effectively train the peroneal muscles during eversion, it is important to consider ankle and body posture. Objects: This study aimed to compare activation of the PL, PB, and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during eversion in different ankle postures (neutral [N], plantarflexed [PF]) and body postures (sitting and side-lying). Methods: Thirty healthy individuals with no history of lateral ankle sprains within the last 6 months were included in the study. Maximal isometric strength of eversion and muscle activation were measured simultaneously. Muscle activation at submaximal eversion was divided by the highest value obtained from maximal isometric eversion among the four postures (percent maximal voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]). To examine the differences in muscle activation depending on posture, a 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. Results: There were significant interaction effects of ankle and body postures on PL muscle activation and evertor strength (p < 0.05). The PL muscle activation showed a significantly greater difference in the side-lying and PF conditions than in the sitting and N conditions (p < 0.05). Evertor strength was greater in the N compared to the PF condition regardless of body posture (p < 0.05). In the case of PB and BF muscle activation, only the main effects of ankle and body posture were observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the four postures, the side-lying-PF posture produced the highest muscle activation. The side-lying-PF posture may be preferred for effective peroneal muscle exercises, even when considering the BF muscle.

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) is a free-floating perennial herbaceous plant with rosette leaves and a stem. Although this plant multiplies and has adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, it can be used for biological purification of polluted water and production of valuable substances as a traditional medicine. In this study, we report a protocol to establish an in vitro micropropagation method based on direct shoot organogenesis from stem explants. In media comprising two types of basal medium and different growth regulators, multiple shoot organogenesis was observed on stems. The micropropagation method was most effective on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium with 1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid and 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine supplemented with 30 g/L sucrose, on which all explants produced multiple shoots. The shoots rooted spontaneously on solid half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) and SH media without growth regulators (1/2MSO and 1/2SHO). However, roots developed more vigorously in liquid media. Regenerated plants colonized and grew more rapidly in SH basal medium than in MS basal medium and produced 6–8 stolons within 2 weeks on 1/2SHO. In summary, we established a method for micropropagation in vitro through direct organogenesis of water lettuce, which shows the potential of water lettuce as a model aquatic plant for phytochemical and pharmacological research.