A study on the denitrification of reverse osmosis(RO) concentrated wastewater from sewage reuse treatment plant in P city was conducted using waste desulfurization agent obtained from desulfurization process. Sulfur-based autotrophic denitrifying carrier comprises the predetermined amount of waste iron sulfide (FeS, Fe2S3), mine drainage sludge and elemental sulfur showing mesoporisity with 9.9 nm (99 Å) of average pore size. Sulfur denitrifying bacteria and sulfur reducing bacteria were implanted into the pores of sulfur denitrifying carrier. Nitrate was not affected by empty bed contact time (EBCT). It is probably due to larger reducing capacity of the carrier than the concentration of nitrate in RO concentrated wastewater. Total nitrogen (T-N) removal efficiency exhibited about 90% after 4 days. Sulfate ion was surprisingly decreased with sulfur autotropic process due to the reduction of sulfate ion to HS- and S2- by sulfur reducing bacteria. Sulfide and hydrogen sulfide ions were then taken by Fe(OH)3, main component of mine drainage sludge, releasing OH-. Alkalinity was therefore maintained between 7.5 and 8.5 in pH by the released OH-. Also, it had the effect of suppressing the production of H2S, which causes bad odor.

This study aimed to determine the optimal method by analyzing how different fining agents affect the quality of Muscat of Alexandria (MoA) wine. In the initial investigation, MoA wine underwent treatment with bentonite, egg white, icing glass, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), silica, and gelatin. General quality characteristics (pH, total acidity, sugar content, specific gravity, alcohol, volatile acidity), functional components (total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, tannins), and L*, a*, b* values were analyzed. Following the analysis, bentonite demonstrated the best color improvement, while silica and gelatin exhibited high total acidity and effective color enhancement. Consequently, bentonite, gelatin, and silica were deemed suitable for MoA wine and were selected for further investigation. In the second clarification test, varied experiments were conducted on bentonite, silica, and gelatin selected in the first clarification test. Analysis of general quality characteristics and functionality by fining type and time after treatment for MoA wine showed no significant changes before and after treatment. However, an analysis of turbidity after 8 months for each fining agent revealed a superior turbidity improvement effect of 0.040 ± 0.001 in the bentonite treatment group. Additionally, the L value was favorable in the bentonite and silica treatments. Regarding the improvement effect of the b value, silica treatment demonstrated the best results, followed by gelatin treatment.

아스팔트는 점성이 높은 도로포장 재료로서 골재와 채움재를 결합시키는 역할을 하는 중요한 재료이다. 아스팔트 콘크 리트는 생산 및 시공 과정에서 혼합물이 장비에 부착되는 현상이 발생하여 생산 효율 및 성능 저하를 유발하기도 한다. 이와 같은 문제를 해결하기 위하여 석유류와 식물성 기름을 부착방지제(Asphalt Release Agent)로 사용하고 있다. 하지 만 석유류는 단시간에 아스팔트를 용해시켜 혼합물의 성능 저하를 유발할 수 있고, 발생하는 유증기로 인해 작업자를 위 험에 노출시킬 수 있다. 식물성 기름은 석유류에 비해 아스팔트에 대한 용해력은 다소 작지만 석유류와 동일한 문제를 야기하며 제품 단가로 인해 높은 비용을 발생시킨다. 이에 따라 아스팔트 혼합물 생산 및 시공현장에서 저독성이며 친환 경적인 부착방지제의 중요도가 상승하고 있다.

Curing agents are critical components of aqueous epoxy resin systems. Unfortunately, its uses and applications are restricted because of its low emulsifying yields. Epoxy resins are frequently used in electrical devices, castings, packaging, adhesive, corrosion resistance, and dip coating. In the presence of curing agents, epoxy resins become rigid and infusible. Eco-friendliness and mechanical functionality have emerged as vulcanization properties. Curing agents are used for surface modification, thermodynamic properties, functional approaches to therapeutic procedures, and recent advances in a variety of fields such as commercial and industrial levels. The curing agent has superior construction and mechanical properties when compared to the commercial one, which suggests that it has the potential for use as the architectural and industrial coatings. The thermal stability of cured products is good due to the presence of the imide group and the hydrogenated phenanthrene ring structure. Over the course of the projection period, it is anticipated that the global market for curing agents will continue to expand at a steady rate. The growth of the market is mainly driven by its expanding range in future applications such as adhesives, composites, construction, electrical, electronics, and wind energy. This review focused on the most recent advancements in curing techniques, emphasizing their thermal and mechanical properties. The review also presents a critical discussion of key aspects and bottleneck or research gap of the application of curing agents in the industrial areas.

Abstract Purpose : This study analyzed physical properties using 1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) as an additive to improve functionality of hydrogel lens such as durability. It was checked whether HDDA can be applied as a crosslinking agent in place of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Methods : Polymerization used thermal polymerization and photopolymerization methods, and HDDA was added to each polymerization method at a ratio of 1∼20%. Optical and physical characteristics of the manufactured lens were evaluated by measuring spectral transmittance, refractive index, water content, tensile strength, contact angle, and AFM. Results : Regardless of the polymerization method, the tensile strength ranged from 0.232~0.408 kgf/mm2 in thermal polymerization and from 0.146~0.429 kgf/mm2 depending on the addition ratio of HDDA. In addition, as a result of using HDDA instead of EGDMA, it was confirmed that the physical characteristics of the lens were similar to that of EGDMA, and in the case of tensile strength, HDDA was much improved. Conclusion : HDDA has been shown to be effective in improving the functionality of hydrogel lens and to improve stability and durability. In addition, it is believed that it can be used in various ways as an ophthalmic material as well as a photopolymerization crosslinking agent. Key words : Crosslinking agent, Tensile strength, 1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate, Hydrogel lens

Chelating agents, such as EDTA, NTA, and citric acid, possess the capacity to establish complexes with radionuclides, potentially enhancing the migration of such radionuclides from the disposal sites. Hence, quantification of these chelating agents in radioactive wastes is required to ensure secure disposal protocols. The determination of chelating agents in radioactive wastes is mainly composed of two steps, e.g. extraction and detection. However, there are little information on the extraction of the chelators in various radioactive wastes. We endeavored to optimize the extraction conditions for citric acid (CA) found within concrete, a prevalent component in the context of dismantled waste materials. Given the inherent high solubility of CA in water, we applied an aliquot of deionized water to the concrete and conducted a one-hour ultrasonic leaching procedure to facilitate chelate extraction. Subsequently, following the preparation of the concrete leachate via vacuum filtration and centrifugation to yield a clarified solution, we quantified the concentration of CA within the solution using Ion Chromatography (IC). To enhance leaching efficiency, we examined the % recovery variation with respect to the pH of the leaching solution. The optimized extraction method will be applied to diverse chelating agents and radioactive waste categories.

Chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) are widely used in industry and agriculture as water softeners, detergents, and metal chelating agents. In wastewater treatment plants, a significant amount of chelating agents can be discharged into natural waters because they are difficult to degrade. Since those compounds affect the mobility of radionuclides or heavy metals in decontamination operations at nuclear facilities and radioactive waste disposal, quantification of the amount of ligand is very important for safe nuclear waste management. To predict the behavior of the main complexation in sample matrices of radioactive wastes, it is essential to evaluate the distribution of the metal-chelating species and their stabilities in order to develop analytical techniques for quantifying chelating agents. We have investigated to collect information on the pH speciation of metal chelation and the stability constants of metal complexes depending on three chelating agents (EDTA, DTPA, and NTA). For example, Zhang’s group recently reported that the initial coordination pH of Cu(II) and EDTA4− is delayed with the addition of Fe(III), and the pH range for the stable existence of [Cu(EDTA)]2− is narrowed compared to when it is alone in the sample matrix. The addition of Fe(III) clearly impacts the chemical states of the Cu(II)-EDTA solution. Additionally, Eivazihollagh’s group demonstrated differences in the speciation and stability of Cu(II) species between Cu(II) and three chelating ligands (EDTA, DTPA, and NTA). This study will be greatly helpful in identifying the sample matrix for binding major chelating agents and metals as well as developing chemically sample pretreatment and separation methods based on the sample matrix. Finally, these advancements will enable reliable quantitative analysis of chelating agents in decommissioning radioactive wastes.

The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a native species in East Asia specialized in box trees (Buxus sp.) but has recently invaded most European countries. Due to the absence of its natural enemies in Europe, the economic impact is serious in most countries. In order to find parasitoids as biological control agents in Korea, C. perspectalis larvae were collected from ornamental and native box trees from various regions of the country from 2022 to 2023. While rearing them in the insectary, several parasitoids emerged from the larvae. We found at least six larval parasitoids, including five wasp species and one fly species. Molecular diagnosis using the nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) showed that most samples were 90–97% identical to the data in the NCBI database. Further studies are required to determine biological and parasitic characteristics, such as developmental rate, fecundity, host specificity, and parasitic rate, to clarify the suitability of parasitoids as biological control agents.

A one-year-old, female, Maltese dog was presented with head tilting, horizontal nystagmus, and tetraparesis. Blindness was first identified, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning revealed diffuse lesion which was hyperintense on T2-weighted image over the cerebellum and brainstem. The immunosuppressive therapy had been administered, but the patient had no improvement. Re-performed MRI revealed the progression of the pre-existed inflammatory lesions. Treatment with prednisolone, leflunomide, cyclosporine, and cytosine arabinoside was initiated. However, neurological signs had been progressive, and the patient was euthanized. The histopathological examination revealed the disseminated granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME). This GME case suggests the importance of initiation of treatment at the appropriate time.

AI recommendation service is adopted in consumption consulting such as high-tech and fashion consumption (Thapliyal & Ahuj, 2021). Now, for high-tech and fashion products, the advance selling strategy is widely adopted. Thus, this study targets to detective the consumers’ preference toward AI agents comparing human agents under advance selling and spot selling. The independent variable of this study is consumption type: Pre-sale Products vs. Spot Products. Pre-sale Products are quite popular currently, especially technological products. Construal-level theory (CLT) offers a valuable framework to explain the mechanisms that trigger evaluations, predictions, and behaviors by linking the degree of mental abstraction (the construal level) to psychological distance (Trope & Liberman, 2000; 2003; 2010). Four dimensions including temporal, special, social, and probability distance are argued to present the psychological distance (Trope et al., 2007). Liberman et al. (2022) discuss the time distance and argue the distant-future events are represented in a more abstract, structured, high-level manner than near-future events. Kim & Duhachek (2020) draw on a dimension of persuasion by AI agents to posit that AI agents are perceived as low-construal agents because of the fact that people hold a lay theory that AI agents do not have superordinate goals and cannot learn from their experiences or possess consciousness like humans do. Consequently, they find that individuals perceive greater appropriateness and are more persuaded when an AI agent’s persuasive messages highlight low-construal as opposed to high-construal features. Moreover, consumers prefer abstract information related to a certain product rather than concrete information when a purchase is to take place in the distant future or when construal levels are high (Hernandez et al., 2015). Thus, this research hypothesizes: When consumers buy pre-sale products (vs. spot products), human agents will be the more favorable service provider than AI agents since the consumer is under a high level of construal. This research proposes to adopt a 2 (Advance Selling vs. Spot Selling) x 2 (Short Psychological Distance vs. Far Psychological Distance) x 2 (AI Agents vs. Human Agents) between groups experimental study to test the main effects and mechanism (H1). Furthermore, this study would identify the key moderating effects to discuss the boundary effects of the mechanism for establishing marketing strategies with AI services for managers.

With the evolution of Artificial intelligence (AI), emotional artificial intelligence service agents (AISA) have become common in service industry. However, how artificial empathy of AISA contributes to customer acceptance remains an open question. This study draws on Anthropomorphism Theory and Customer AI Experience Theory to examine whether and how artificial empathy has influence on customer acceptance of AISA. Evidence from three experiments (N=1057) designed by the Experimental vignette method (EVM) shows that: (1) artificial empathy including perspective-taking, empathic concern and emotional contagion has a positive impact on customer acceptance of AISA (study 1); (2) customer AI experience (emotional experience quality, social experience activation and social experience quality) mediates the relationship between artificial empathy and customer acceptance of AISA (study 2); (3) artificial empathy for hedonic (vs. utilitarian) services leads to a stronger effect on customer acceptance of AISA (study 3). This paper enriches our understanding of artificial empathy and provides practical guidance for practitioners strategically managing AISA services in AI-enabled marketing interactions.

This study explores the role of the digital communication in determining customers’ e-service agent use behavior and examines whether perceived communicator authority interacts with communication style toward strengthening or weakening future e-service agent use intention. The results of this study provide pioneering evidence on the effects of digital service communication strategies. This study contributes to digital service research by exploring the communication strategies of e-service agents. Results also provide implications for practitioners on how to achieve most out of deploying digital communications in the digital customer service platform.

Despite numerous advances in in-vitro embryo production (IVP), many documented factors have been shown to influence the development of mammalian preimplantation embryos and the success of IVP. In this sense, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) correlate with poor outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) due to oxidative stress (OS), which results from an imbalance between ROS production and neutralization. Indeed, excessive production of ROS compromises the structural and functional integrity of gametes and embryos both in vivo and in vitro. In particular, OS damages proteins, lipids, and DNA and accelerates cell apoptosis. Several in-vivo and in-vitro studies report an improvement in qualityrelevant parameters after the use of various antioxidants. In this review, we focus on OS and the source of free radicals and their effects on oocytes, sperm, and the embryo during IVP. In addition, antioxidants and their important role in IVP, supplementation during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro culture (IVC), and semen extenders were discussed. Nevertheless, various methods for determining the level of ROS in germ cells have been briefly described. Still, it is crucial to develop standardized antioxidant supplement systems to improve overall IVP success. Further studies should explore the safety, efficacy, mechanism of action, and combination of different antioxidants to improve IVP outcomes.

The organic complexing agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and isosaccharinic acid (ISA) can enhance the radionuclides’ solubility and have the potential to induce the acceleration of radionuclides’ mobility to a far-field from the radioactive waste repository. Hence, it is essential to evaluate the effect of organic complexing agents on radionuclide solubility through experimental analysis under similar conditions to those at the radioactive waste disposal site. In this study, five radionuclides (cesium, cobalt, strontium, iodine, and uranium) and three organic complexing agents (EDTA, NTA, and ISA) were selected as model substances. To simulate environmental conditions, the groundwater was collected near the repository and applied for solubility experiments. The solubility experiments were carried out under various ranges of pHs (7, 9, 11, and 13), temperatures (10°C, 20°C, and 40°C), and concentrations of organic complexing agents (0, 10-5, 10-4, 10-3, and 10-2 M). Experimental results showed that the presence of organic complexing agents significantly increased the solubility of the radionuclides. Cobalt and strontium had high solubility enhancement factors, even at low concentrations of organic complexing agents. We also developed a support vector machine (SVM) model using some of the experimental data and validated it using the rest of the solubility data. The root mean square error (RMSE) in the training and validation sets was 0.012 and 0.016, respectively. The SVM model allowed us to estimate the solubility value under untested conditions (e.g., pH 12, temperature 30°C, ISA 5×10-4 M). Therefore, our experimental solubility data and the SVM model can be used to predict radionuclide solubility and solubility enhancement by organic complexing agents under various conditions.

Low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste for permanent disposal often contains organic complexing agents, so-called chelating agents. Organic complexing agents, which are polycarboxylic acids, can increase the mobility of radionuclides into the environment by forming water-soluble complexes with most heavy metals. Therefore, analyzing the complexing agents in radioactive waste is crucial for comprehensive management of nuclear wastes. According to regulatory guidelines, specifically Notice No. 2021-16 issued by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, the determination of chelating agent content in radioactive waste materials is required to ensure proper management and safe disposal. However, only a few methods are available to analyze the chelators in various matrices such as concrete, metals, soil, and mixed solid wastes like plastics, vinyl, and rubber. Recently, we found a UV-Vis method based on an enzymatic reaction is inadequate for analyzing citric acid in radioactive waste with a complex matrix like concrete. To address this, we developed a method to determine the contents of EDTA and NTA using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and citric acid using ion chromatography. The results showed good validity and reliability to determine the chelating agents in various radioactive wastes.