Disposable masks manufactured in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused environmental problems due to improper disposal methods such as landfilling or incineration. To mitigate environmental pollution, we suggest a new process for recycling these disposable masks for ultimate application as a conductive material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In our work, the masks were chemically processed via amine functionalization and sulfonation, followed by carbonization in a tube furnace in the Ar atmosphere. The residual weight percentages, as evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), of the chemically modified masks were 30.6% (600 °C, C-600), 24.5% (750 °C, C-750), and 24.1% (900 °C, C-900), respectively, thereby demonstrating the possibility of using our proposed method to recycle masks intended for disposal. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated carbonized materials was assessed by fabricating silicon/graphite (20:80) anodes incorporating these materials as additives for use in LIBs. Using a coin-type half-cell system, cells with the aforementioned carbonized materials exhibited initial capacities of 553 mAh/g, 607 mAh/g, and 571 mAh/g, respectively, which are comparable to those of commercial Super P (591 mAh/g). Cell cycled at the rate of 0.33 C with C-600, C-750, and C-900 as additives demonstrated capacity retention of 53.2%, 47.4%, and 51.1%, respectively, compared with that of Super P (48.3%). In addition, when cycled at rates from 0.2 to 5 C, the cells with anodes containing the respective additives exhibited rate capabilities similar to those of Super P. These results might be attributable to the unique surface properties and morphologies of the carbonized materials derived from the new recycling procedure, such as the size and number of heteroatoms on the surface.

This study analyzed requirements for medical masks and difference in satisfaction based on demographic characteristics and side effects experience caused by wearing medical masks. Three factors related to requirements for medical masks were identified: wearing comfort and usability, blocking function for harmfulness, and design. As a result of the difference analysis for requirements of medical masks based on demographic characteristics, all three factors showed a significant difference in gender and occupation. Design did in age and monthly income. As a result of the presence or absence of breathing difficulties experience, design factor was significant. As a result of the presence or absence of skin trouble experience, wearing comfort and usability showed a significant difference. As a result of the difference in satisfaction with medical masks based on demographic characteristics and side effect experience caused by wearing medical masks, breathing, ear string tightness, blocking harmful substances, price, and over all wearing comfort showed a significant difference by gender, marital status, age, occupation, and monthly income, and the presence of absence of breathing difficulty experience and skin trouble experience, respectively. As a result of the interaction effect analysis between demographic characteristics and side effects experience caused by wearing medical masks, it showed a significant interaction effect between gender and monthly income, between marital status and monthly income, between monthly income and breathing difficulties experience, and between monthly income and skin trouble experience.

We report the use of face mask materials as a carbon precursor for the synthesis of multi- and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an open-loop chemical recycling process. Novel surgical mask precursors were suspended in toluene and injected into a chemical vapor deposition reactor previously optimized for CNT production using liquid injection. The CNTs were collected and characterized using resonant Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before being turned into fibrils that were tested for electrical conductance. Once confirmed and repeated for statistical accuracy, a CNT-based Ethernet cable was manufactured and tested using iPerf3 for uplink and downlink speeds exceeding broadband standards worldwide. Radial breathing modes from Raman spectroscopy indicate single walled CNTs (SWCNTs) with diameters ranging from 0.8 to 1.55 nm and this matches well with TEM observations of SWCNTs with 1.5 nm diameter. This work pushes the horizon of feedstocks useful for CNT and SWCNT production in particular; this work demonstrates upcycling of materials fated for disposal into materials with positive net value and plenty of real-world applications.

This study aims to design a new sizing system for hygienic masks to protect against COVID-19-related respiratory disorders. The product sizes were collected from 70 commercially available hygienic masks, and 18 head measurements were obtained from the three-dimensional (3D) scan data of 2,048 men and women aged 20 to 69 years from the 6th Size Korea Survey. The statistical analysis was performed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 28.0 program. The “bitragion-subnasale arc” and “menton-sellion length” were chosen as the key body dimensions for the hygienic mask sizing system. The linear regressions with 18 3D head measurements were analyzed, and it was determined that the key body dimensions were useful for statistically predicting other 3D head measurements related to hygienic masks. A new sizing system was proposed for two types of masks, “masks with a tight fit” and “masks with a loose fit,” taking into account the existing Korean Industrial Standards (KS) and the shortcomings of the sizes of hygienic masks on the market. The sizing system for tight-fitting masks consisted of the key body dimensions, with their sizes indicated by a pair of numbers. The sizing system for loose-fitting masks consisted solely of the bitragion-subnasale arc, with their sizes denoted by letters such as S, M, and L (denoting small, medium, and large, respectively). Future studies should consider this mask sizing system for different age groups, such as children and adolescents.

본 연구는 안면 마스크 착용에 따른 피부 스트레스 인식도와 뷰티 케어 현황조사를 목적으로 2021년 3월 11일-3월 27일 까지 210명을 대상으로 온라인과 오프라인을 이용하여 설문조사를 실시하였다. 수집된 자료는 SPSS 25.0을 이용하여 Cronbach's α, Frequency Analysis, chi-square test, One way Anova로 분석하였다. 코로나19 기간 중 일일 평균 마스크 착용 시간은 43.8%가 7시간 이상이며, 마스크 착용에 의한 피부 스트레스 인식도는 30대(M=4.27)와 서비스직(M=4.64)이 가장 높고 여드름, 피부 트러블(M=4.47) 고민이 있는 사람이 스트레스를 높게 인식하였다. 홈 케어 시 중요 요소는 클렌징(67.6%)이, 뷰티 케어 현황에서는 피부 관리(36.7%)가 가장 높았다. 뷰티 케어 선택 시 고려 사항은 서비스 및 고객관리 능력이 54.3%, 체형관리를 위한 방법은 운동이 45.7%로 가장 높게 나타났다. 본 연구 결과 안면 마스크의 장시간 사용으로 인해 피부 스트레스가 많이 인식되고 있으며 코로나 상황에 의해 피부 관리실 이용이 불안해짐에 따라 홈 케어 관리가 늘어난 것으로 나타났다.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the obligatory wearing of masks has led to increased consumer demand and the diversification of mask design. Accordingly, it is necessary to understand the inner meaning and characteristics of masks in the pandemic situation. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze the characteristics of fashionable masks and their new cultural meaning under the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is based on literature review and empirical research. Drawing on an investigation of the historical evolution of masks and their transition under the pandemic (exhibiting differences in mask culture among countries and regions), this study analyzed 54 distinctive fashion masks designed by fashion brands and influencers that appeared from January 2020 to January 2021. The characteristics of fashion masks identified under the influence of the pandemic are as follows: Message delivery on political issues and human rights; psychological defense and expression of individuality; and conspicuous display via luxurious materials and luxury brand logos; moreover, the design of the mask uses the same material, color, pattern, decoration, and other methods as clothing to achieve the overall style. Over the course of the pandemic (and even in post-pandemic lifestyle), fashion masks are becoming more diversified conveying new social and cultural meanings.

본 연구는 고밀도폴리에틸렌 코편을 마스크에 적용 후 MRI 검사에 사용하여 SNR의 변화를 측정하고 만족도를 평가하였다. 연구 방법은 팬텀을 이용하여 HDPE 마스크 적용 전 후의 SNR 측정과 KF 94 마스크 적용 전 후의 SNR 측정을 하였고, 사용한 기법은 T1WI, T2WI, DWI였다. 또한 HDPE 마스크 착용군의 T2 mDixon, 3D T1영상 획득 후 안와와 교뇌의 SNR을 측정하였고, 설문을 통하여 MRI 검사 시 답답함 정도와 호흡의 용이성, HDPE 마스크의 선호도 평가를 하였다. 팬텀 실험 결과 HDPE 마스크 사용 전과 후의 SNR은 유의한 차이가 없었으며(p>0.05), KF 94 마스크는 적용 전 값과 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.05). HDPE 마스크 착용군의 SNR 측정 결과에서는 미착용군과 유의한 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). 마스크 착용 후 답답한 정도 측정 결과 착용군은 3.53 ± 0.73, 미착용군은 3.83 ± 0.75이었고, 호흡의 용이성 측정 결과 HDPE 마스크 착용군은 3.1 ± 0.89, 미착용군은 3.27 ± 0.91으로 나타났고, 두 조사 결과 모두 유의한 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). HDPE 마스크의 선호도는 4.48 ± 0.54으로 선호도가 높은 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과 HDPE 마스크는 착용 후에도 MRI 영상의 신호 변화 없이 정확한 검사가 가능하고 환자의 만족도 또한 높게 평가되었기에 검사 중 호흡기 감염 예방을 위해 적극적으로 사용되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.

Advancing the estrous cycle of mares is an essential breeding strategy that is routinely conducted by Thoroughbred breeders to improve economic outcomes. For this purpose, Equilume light masks have been developed as an alternative to existing technologies such as artificial lighting or hormonal treatments because they are considered as valid as existing methods with additional animal welfare advantages. For example, with the Equilume light masks, horses can be let out into the pasture, whereas they have to be kept indoors during lighting treatment. Because the function of Equilume light mask on the estrous cycle of mares is influenced by environmental factors such as nutrition condition and temperature, Equilume light mask should be studied in various environments. The objective of the present study was thus to verify the effect of Equilume light masks on the onset of the estrous cycle in Thoroughbred mares in South Korea. Mares were randomly selected and separated into two groups at two Thoroughbred horse breeding farms. The mares in the treatment group were equipped with Equilume light masks from November 18 to February 10 the following year. The body condition, the number and size (> 35 mm) of uterine follicles, and the uterine horn score of the mares were assessed on January 6 and February 10. The body condition scores were not different between the two groups. The treatment with the Equilume light mask had no positive effects on developing follicles and the reproductive tract. In conclusion, the use of Equilume light masks did not influence the seasonal resumption of the estrus cycles in Thoroughbred mares in South Korea.

본 논문에서 필자는 예이츠의 초기시에 나타난 신화를 가면으로 보고, 그가 왜 초기시에서 신화의 인물들을 자신의 가면으로 사용하는지를 라깡의 ‘구술치료’를 원용하여 밝혀 보고자 하였다. 본 논문에서는 특히 아일랜드 신화가 투영된 시들을 분석하였다. 예이츠의 신화 사용에서 주목할 점은 그가 신화를 변용하였다는 것이다. 이것은 곧 시인이 신화를 변용함으로써 자신의 어떤 의도를 거기에 투영하였다는 것이다. 초기시에 나오는 신화의 인물들은 세 부류로 나뉘어진다: Fergus and King Goll, Aengus and Oisin, and Cuchulain. 퍼거스와 골왕의 신화는 젊은 시인의 시적 추구의 한 모습을 나타내며, 앵거스와 어신의 신화는 모드 곤과의 사랑의 드라마를 투영한 것이며, 쿠훌린은 시인이 바라는 이상적인 영웅상을 그린 것이다. 예이츠는 이러한 신화의 이야기를 통해 현실에서 바라지만 쉽게 이룰 수 없는 욕망들을 투영하고자 한 것이다. ‘Unity of being’은 예이츠가 평생동안 추구한 화두이다. 초기시에 나타난 신화의 인물들도 모두 이 주제로 통합될 수 있다. 시인은 이상적인 자아와 실제의 자아 사이에서 끊임없이 갈등하였다. 식민지 조국에 대한 갈등, 이루어지지 않는 사랑에 대한 갈등을 겪어야 했다. 현실에서의 좌절을 극복하고 결핍을 채우기 위해 시인이 택한 것은 가면이었다. 이를 통해 시인은 자신의 바라는 바를 충족할 수 있었을 것이다. 그러나 시인이 바라는 가면을 쓴다고 할지라도, 실제의 자아와 이상적인 자아와의 틈은 영원히 채워질 수 없다. 끊임없이 다다르려고 할 뿐 쉽게 이를 수 없는 예이츠의 장미와 같다. 그러나 이러한 욕망과 결핍의 드라마 또는 비극성이 시인에게는 오히려 창조의 힘이 된다. 그렇기에 시인이 택하는 가면은 완전한 해결책은 아니었을지라도, 최선의 해결책인 것이다. 그런 의미에서 예이츠의 초기시에 등장하는 가면들은 보다 나은 reality 또는 unity of being에 이르고자 하는 시인의 시적 추구의 도구인 것이다.