Carbon dots (CDs) are versatile nanomaterials with tunable luminescent properties. We used a natural plant kaempferol as a carbon source to synthesize multicolor CDs by reacting it with various nitrogen sources. Blue, green, and red CDs (B-CDs, G-CDs, and R-CDs) with emission wavelengths of 445 nm, 510 nm, and 600 nm respectively were successfully synthesized. Their photoluminescence quantum yields of are up to 37.4%, 20.1%, and 30.8%, respectively. Surface analysis revealed abundant nitrogen groups influencing luminescence. B-CDs and G-CDs show excitation-dependent emissions, indicating a potential correlation between their luminescence and particle sizes, while R-CDs exhibit excitation-independent emission, suggesting they belong to molecular state CDs. All three CDs exhibit stable luminescent performance, as well as good salt resistance and photobleaching resistance. The practical application of multicolored CDs in anti-counterfeiting fluorescent inks was further explored. This work offers a straightforward, eco-friendly route to synthesize multicolor CDs.

Sulfamonomethoxine (SMM) is widely used to inhibit Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and improper use of SMM is detrimental to human health and ecological stability. Therefore, a sensitive determination method is of great importance for monitoring SMM residues in water, meat, milk, eggs, etc. Herein, a Pt-functionalized S-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Pt/Sg- C3N4) was constructed for the electrochemical determination of SMM. The as-developed Pt3/ S3-g-C3N4 sensor showed a significant SMM determination performance. The electrochemical oxidation of SMM on Pt3/ S3-g-C3N4/GCE involves two electron transference and was limited by a diffusion process. The as-developed Pt3/ S3-g-C3N4/GCE sensor has good linearity in a wide range of 0.1–120 μmol/L and a remarkably low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.026 μmol/L for SMM determination. In addition, the sensor has high selectivity and anti-interference properties for SMM detection. Furthermore, this Pt3/ S3-g- C3N4/GCE sensor has good reproducibility and stability. Moreover, the recoveries were in the range of 89.6–112.2% for the detection of the SMM in a real sample of egg. The proposed Pt3/ S3-g-C3N4/GCE sensor shows great potential for practical applications in detecting trace amounts of antibiotics.

This paper presents the construction and characterization of an amperometric immunosensor based on the graphene/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/GO) nanocomposite for the detection of the bladder cancer biomarker, apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1). The morphological analysis of the AuNPs/GO nanocomposite demonstrated an almost spherical shape of AuNPs and the successful coverage of their surface by graphene oxide. An increased G peak and decreased D peak after the association of AuNPs with GO, implied a reduction in graphene defects. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated a significant decrease in the quantity of oxygen-containing functional groups in the AuNPs/GO nanocomposite, as compared to the original GO. Furthermore, the developed sensor demonstrated commendable sensitivity and selectivity, with a wide linear range for Apo-A1 detection. Importantly, the immunosensor exhibited remarkable stability over a period of 14 days, signifying its potential for practical applications.

인도 태평양 지역의 지정학적 긴장이 고조됨에 따라 안보 연구에서 쿼 드의 중요성이 점점 더 커지고 있다. 이 글에서는 일본이 쿼드를 다시 주창하기로 한 원인을 살펴본다. 연구에 따르면 쿼드에 대한 일본의 입 장은 쿼드의 소다자주의적 특성과 일본의 국내 정치라는 두 가지 요인에 의해 영향을 받는 것으로 나타났다. 소다자주의적 특성은 쿼드가 일본이 참여하기에 '편리한' 플랫폼이라는 점을 시사하며, 국내 정치 측면에서는 아베 총리가 두 번의 임기 동안 주장한 가치 외교가 쿼드와 잘 부합한다 는 점을 드러낸다. 결과적으로 쿼드는 일본에게 실질적인 지정학적 '도구 '로 기능하고 있다.

The presence of tetracycline (TC) has been detected in the human living environment, and its complex structure makes it difficult to degrade. The green and efficient utilization of electroactivated persulfate advanced oxidation technology for the degradation of tetracycline remains a challenge. In this study, N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) was prepared using a hydrothermal treatment method with urea as the nitrogen source. Four different mass ratios of graphene oxide (GO) to urea were synthesized, and the optimal mass ratio was determined through degradation experiments of tetracycline. The N-rGO/EC/PMS three-dimensional electrocatalytic system was constructed, and the influence of the experimental data on TC degradation, such as initial pH, PMS dosage and voltage, was determined. Characterization analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and other methods was conducted. The efficient catalytic ability of N-rGO was demonstrated through the generation of hydrogen peroxide ( H2O2) and consumption of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The superiority of the three-dimensional (3D) electrochemical advanced oxidation process was proposed by combining different systems. Furthermore, the presence of hydroxyl radicals (.OH), persulfate radicals ( SO4 ·−), and singlet oxygen (1O2) was identified using electron spin resonance (ESR) technology. The utilization of N-rGO as a three-dimensional electrode, coupled with the advantages of PMS activation and electrochemical oxidation processes, is a promising method for treating organic pollutants in wastewater.

ㅊThis study aims to analyze fashion design cases using traditional elements based on the research and analysis of traditional folk cultural paper-cutting crafts in China, and to expand the area of fashion design using traditional elements by developing 3D digital fashion design. For herein, the techniques and characteristics of Chinese paper-cutting crafts were investigated. This survey facilitated an analysis of the formative characteristics of battery crafts in contemporary fashion design. As for the analysis case, the case of using battery crafts expressed in modern fashion for 10 years from 2010 to 2024 S/S was selected. The results are as follows. First, the typical characteristics of Chinese paper cutting technology—relief, micro-carved, combined with relief and micro-carved expressive techniques of engraving art effect— can be explored by analyzing contemporary fashion case collections through the perspective and trend of leading traditional culture. Second, in the traditional paper cutting process, most paper-cutting works are expressed in red, but white and black are mainly used in fashion, in addition to the active use of the five colors. Third, the characteristics of contemporary fashion patterns primarily utilize the paper-cutting process, incorporating elements such as plants, animals, and geometric patterns. Fourth, the utilization of paper cutting in 3D digital design offers time and economic benefits, allowing for quick adjustments to various design developments. In contemporary fashion, it is expected that the use of paper cutting can provide useful creativity and value for the inheritance and modernization of traditional culture.

In this paper, iron ore tailings (IOT) were separated from the tailings field and used to prepare cement stabilized macadam (CSM) with porous basalt aggregate. First, the basic properties of the raw materials were studied. Porous basalt was replaced by IOT at ratios of 0, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 % as fine aggregate to prepare CSM, and the effects of different cement dosage (4 %, 5 %, 6 %) on CSM performance were also investigated. CSM’s durability and mechanical performance with ages of 7 d, 28 d, and 90 d were studied with the unconfined compression strength test, splitting tensile strength test, compressive modulus test and freeze-thaw test, respectively. The changes in Ca2+ content in CSM of different ages and different IOT ratios were analyzed by the ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) titration method, and the micro-morphology of CSM with different ages and different IOT replaced ratio were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that with the same cement dosage, the strengths of the IOT-replaced CSM were weaker than that of the porous basalt aggregate at early stage, and the strength was highest at the replaced ratio of 60 %. With a cement dosage of 4 %, the unconfined compressive strength of CSM without IOT was increased by 6.78 % at ages from 28 d to 90 d, while the splitting tensile strength increased by 7.89 %. However, once the IOT replaced ratio reached 100 %, the values increased by about 76.24 % and 17.78 %, which was better than 0 % IOT. The CSM-IOT performed better than the porous basalt CSM at 90 d age. This means IOT can replace porous basalt fine aggregate as a pavement base.

In this study, four different samples of Se60Ge40-xBix chalcogenides glasses were synthesized by heating the melt for 18 h in vacuum Pyrex ampoules (under a 10-4 Torre vacuum), each with a different concentration (x = 0, 10, 15, and 20) of high purity starting materials. The results of direct current (DC) electrical conductivity measurements against a 1,000/T plot for all chalcogenide samples revealed two linear areas at medium and high temperatures, each with a different slope and with different activation energies (E1 and E2). In other words, these samples contain two electrical conduction mechanisms: a localized conduction at middle temperatures and extended conduction at high temperatures. The results showed the local and extended state parameters changed due to the effective partial substitution of germanium by bismuth. The density of extended states N(Eext) and localized states N(Eloc) as a function of bismuth concentration was used to gauge this effect. While the density of the localized states decreased from 1.6 × 1014 to 4.2 × 1012 (ev-1 cm-3) as the bismuth concentration increased from 0 to 15, the density of the extended states generally increased from 3.552 × 1021 to 5.86 × 1021 (ev-1 cm-3), indicating a reduction in the mullet’s randomness. This makes these alloys more widely useful in electronic applications due to the decrease in the cost of manufacturing.

The development of thermoelectric (TE) materials to replace Bi2Te3 alloys is emerging as a hot issue with the potential for wider practical applications. In particular, layered Zintl-phase materials, which can appropriately control carrier and phonon transport behaviors, are being considered as promising candidates. However, limited data have been reported on the thermoelectric properties of metal-Sb materials that can be transformed into layered materials through the insertion of cations. In this study, we synthesized FeSb and MnSb, which are used as base materials for advanced thermoelectric materials. They were confirmed as single-phase materials by analyzing X-ray diffraction patterns. Based on electrical conductivity, the Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity of both materials characterized as a function of temperature, the zT values of MnSb and FeSb were calculated to be 0.00119 and 0.00026, respectively. These properties provide a fundamental data for developing layered Zintl-phase materials with alkali/alkaline earth metal insertions.

After the permanent shut down of Kori Unit 1, various decommissioning activities will be implemented, including decontamination, segmentation, waste management, and site restoration. During the decommissioning period, waste management is among the most important activities to ensure that the process proceeds smoothly and within the expected timeframe. Furthermore, the radioactive waste generated during the operation should be sent to a disposal facility to complete the decommissioning project. Square and cylindrical concrete re-package drums were generated during the 1980s and 1990s. The square, containing boron concentrates, and cylindrical, containing spent resin, concrete re-package drums have been stored in a radioactive waste storage building. Homogeneous radioactive waste, including boron concentrates, spent resin, and sludge, should be solidified or packaged in high-integrity containers (HICs). This study investigates the sequential segmentation process for the separation of contaminated and non-contaminated regions, the re-packaging process of segmented or crushed cement-solidified boron concentrate, and re-packaging in HICs. The conceptual design evaluates the re-packaging plan for the segmented and crushed cement-solidified waste using HICs, which is acceptable in a disposal facility, and the quantity of generated HICs from the treatment process.

By the recent fast growth of e-commerce markets, it has been stimulated to study order picking systems to improve their efficiency in distribution centers. Many companies and researchers have been developed various types of order picking systems and pursued the corresponding optimal operation policies. However, the performances of the systems with the optimal policies often depend on the structures of the centers and the operation environments. Based on a simulation model that mimics a unique zone picking system operated by a real company in the Republic of Korea, this study compares several operation policies and finds the most appropriate order selection rule and worker assignment policy for the system. Under all scenarios considered in this study, simulation results show that it is recommendable to assign more efficient workers to the zones with heavier workload. It also shows that selecting the order with the maximum number of non-repeatedly visited zones from the order list provides the most consistent and stable performances with respect to flow time, makespan, and utilization of the system even under the scenario with the breakdown zones. On the other hand, selecting the order with the minimum ratio of penalty to the number of zones performs the worst in all scenarios considered.

Sprout products, such as broccoli, alfalfa, and cabbage, have positive health effects. Thus far, sprout foods have attracted attention owing to their good bioavailability. In particular, young broccoli sprouts exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. They contain 100 times more chemoprotective substances than adult broccoli. This study examined the anti-inflammatory effects of freeze-dried young sprout broccoli (FD-YB) in vitro using RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The FDYB powder antioxidant ability test showed that the radical-scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity increased in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, FD-YB was not cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cells, and nitric oxide production decreased after the FD-YB treatment of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, FD-YB significantly decreased the expression of inflammation-related proteins (Cyclooxygenase-2, Inducible nitric oxide synthase, and Prostaglandin E Synthase 2) and cytokines (Tumor necrosis factor- and Interleukin-6). In conclusion, FD-YB can be a potential nutraceutical for preventing and regulating excessive immune responses during inflammation.

Concrete structures must maintain their shielding abilities and structural integrity over extended operational periods. Despite the widespread use of dry storage systems for spent nuclear fuel, research on the properties of deteriorated concrete and their impact on structural performance remains limited. To address this significant research gap, static and dynamic material testing was conducted on concrete specimens carefully extracted from the outer wall of the High-flux Advanced Neutron Application ReactOr (HANARO), constructed approximately 30 years ago. Despite its age, the results reveal that the concrete maintains its structural integrity impressively well, with static compression tests indicating an average compressive strength exceeding the original design standards. Further dynamic property testing using advanced high-speed material test equipment supported these findings, showing the consistency of dynamic increase factors with those reported in previous studies. These results highlight the importance of monitoring and assessing concrete structures in nuclear facilities for long-term safety and reliability.

Zooplankton biomass is essential for understanding the quantitative structure of lake food webs and for the functional assessment of biotic interactions. In this study, we aimed to propose a biomass (dry weight) estimation method using the body length of cyclopoid copepods. These copepods play an important role as omnivores in lake zooplankton communities and contribute significantly to biomass. We validated several previously proposed estimation equations against direct measurements and compared the suitability of prosomal length versus total length of copepods to suggest a more appropriate estimation equation. After comparing the regression analysis results of various candidate equations with the actual values measured on a microbalance-using the coefficient of variation, mean absolute error, and coefficient of determination-it was determined that the Total Length-DW exponential regression equation [W=0.7775×e2.0183L; W (μg), L (mm)] could be used to calculate biomass with higher accuracy. However, considering practical issues such as the morphological similarity between species and genera of copepods and the limitations of classifying copepodid stages, we derived a general regression equation for the pooled copepod community rather than a species-specific regression equation.

실내 벽면녹화용으로 많이 이용되고 있는 덩굴식물 스킨답 서스(Epipremnum aureum)는 줄기의 상·하 유인방향에 생장 차이를 보이는 것으로 알려져 있으나 그 원인에 대해서는 구 체적으로 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구에서는 광원의 위치(상· 하)와 줄기 유인방향(상·하)에 따른 스킨답서스의 생장반응을 15주간 조사하였다. 그 결과 정상적인 식물 생장 환경조건인 광원이 위에 있고 줄기를 위로 유인한 처리를 제외하고는 광 원이 아래에 위치하거나 줄기를 아래로 유인한 처리에서는 굴 곡과 뒤틀림 정도가 매우 컸다. 이것은 굴광성과 항굴지성에 대한 식물체 지상부의 반응 결과이며, 굴광성과 항굴지성의 경합반응은 식물체 아래 광원이 위치하고 줄기를 아래로 유인 했을 때 더욱 뚜렷하였다. 광원의 위치와 줄기 유인방향에 따 른 스킨답서스의 생장 반응은 굴광성과 항굴지성으로 설명 가 능하며 굴광성의 영향이 상대적으로 높게 나타났다.

As the complexity and uncertainty of international construction projects increase, the importance of risk management capabilities in the construction industry has become more pronounced. Accordingly, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) has become a widely adopted approach among organizations as a new way for more effective risk management. Despite its growing application, research related to ERM is still in its infancy, and most of the existing studies have been limited to financial industries. Therefore, this study aims to empirically examine the influence of ERM’s core elements on project risk management (PRM) and project performance within construction firms. Our findings indicate that the key ERM components—organization, policy, and culture—significantly enhance PRM processes, underscoring their critical role and importance. Additionally, effective PRM positively affects project outcomes, highlighting its significance for construction companies engaged in international projects. While ERM does not directly impact project performance, it indirectly improves outcomes through enhanced PRM capabilities. It suggests that ERM will contribute to the firm’s performance by improving the firm’s PRM capability through policies and a risk-focused culture corresponding to the adopted ERM organization and system..

Antimicrobial resistance significantly threatens human and animal health globally, with considerable mortality and economic impact. This study investigated antimicrobial usage in small animal clinics in South Korea, focusing on understanding the trends in prescriptions for therapeutic and preventive purposes. Data were collected from 12 small animal clinics that were analyzed for antimicrobial prescriptions from 2018–2020. A comprehensive dataset was used, including patient signalment, clinical notes, and prescription details, and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The results indicated that most antimicrobials (93.1%) were prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases, with a smaller portion (6.9%) used for preventive measures, such as surgery. High prescription rates were observed for the treatment of cutaneous and otological diseases, which may reflect common diseases in companion animals. The study highlighted a higher prescription rate for adult age groups, possibly because of the higher prevalence in those groups. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into common prescription patterns in veterinary practice and underscores the need for more stringent antimicrobial stewardship to curb the rise of antimicrobial resistance. This suggests that ongoing surveillance and education on appropriate antimicrobial use are crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and minimizing the development of resistance.

The experiment was conducted to determine the changes in seed productivity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) according to nitrogen fertilization levels in the southern region of Korea. Italian ryegrass (IRG) variety 'Green Call' was sown in the fall of 2021 in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. The experiment consisted of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (100, 120, and 140 N kg/ha) with three replications using a randomized complete block design. Harvesting was done approximately 30 days after heading on May 18th. There was no difference in heading date among treatments, which occurred on April 18th. The longest IRG was observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment, but there was no significant difference. No significant differences were observed in lodging, disease resistance, and cold tolerance among treatments, but lodging was severe in all treatments. The length of the spike averaged 44.95 cm, with no difference among treatments, and the number of seeds per spike was highest in the 120 N kg/ha treatment. Seed yield increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels, averaging 3,707 kg/ha (as-fed basis). DM content of seed and straw averaged 76.95% and 62.19%, respectively, with no significant differences among treatments. The remaining straw after harvesting averaged 6,525 kg/ha on a dry matter basis, with the highest value observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment. Overall, considering the results, the optimal nitrogen fertilizer application rate for seed production of Italian ryegrass in the southern region when sown in autumn was found to be 120 N kg/ha.