Sulfur powder utilization and denitrification efficiency in an elemental sulfur-based membrane bioreactor with coagulant addition.

The integration of elemental sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification with membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology offers a cost-effective solution for nitrate removal; however, stable operation demands efficient sulfur utilization and phosphorus management. This study explores sulfur consumption dynamics and the impacts of coagulant injection on denitrification efficiency. Sulfur consumption was closely correlated with nitrate removal rates, highlighting the critical role of stoichiometric sulfur availability for sustained denitrification.

The Detection System for a Danger State of a Collision between Construction Equipment and Workers Using Fixed CCTV on Construction Sites.

According to data from the Ministry of Employment and Labor in Korea, a significant portion of fatal accidents on construction sites occur due to collisions between construction workers and equipment, with many of these collisions being attributed to worker negligence. This study introduces a method for accurately localizing construction equipment and workers on-site, delineating areas prone to collisions as 'a danger area of a collision', and defining collision risk states. Utilizing advanced deep learning models which specialize in object detection, video footage obtained from strategically placed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras across the construction site is analyzed.

Tiered human health risk assessment of antibacterial quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in dishwashing detergents.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used in consumer products because of their unique antibacterial properties, and dishwashing detergents are a major source of exposure through oral, inhalation, and dermal routes. The three classes of QACs, including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), n-alkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADEBAC), and di-n-alkyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), in spray and non-spray types of dishwashing detergents were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A tiered risk assessment approach was also considered.

Ultra-fast PCR method for the distinguishing between and .

Unlabelled: The mi-iuy croaker has immense commercial value in the Republic of Korea. The red drum is widely produced by aquaculture, although its price is approximately 25% that of . has black spots on its tail, enabling it to be distinguished from based on appearance.

Shape memory alloy-driven undulatory locomotion of a soft biomimetic ray robot.

The objective of this study was to imitate undulatory motion, which is a commonly observed swimming mechanism of rays, using a soft morphing actuator. To achieve the undulatory motion, an artificial muscle built with shape memory alloy-based soft actuators was exploited to control the shape-changing behavior of a soft fin membrane. Artificial undulating fins were divided into two categories according to the method of generating the wave motion: single and multiple actuator-driven fins.

Development of a Method for Simultaneous Analysis of Allergenic Flavoring Agents in Cigarettes and Quantitative Risk Assessment for Consumer Safety.

Flavoring agents are added to cigarettes to improve taste. There are mostly permitted food additives, but some of them are restricted for use in food, cosmetics, and toys, since they can cause allergic reactions. Previous studies have investigated the levels of flavoring agents in tobacco but none has focused on their content in filter tips and capsules.

Probabilistic risk assessment of preservatives in dishwashing detergents and wet wipes for Korean consumers.

Preservatives are essential additives in dishwashing detergents and wet wipes. Ensuring the safe use of preservatives in products is important for public health, as some preservatives are associated with health issues. In this study, the content of 12 preservatives in 105 dishwashing detergents and 105 wet wipes was determined, where these compounds are commonly found, among consumer products.

Development of a Ga-labelled PET tracer for carbonic anhydrase IX-overexpressed tumors using the artificial sweetener saccharin.

In this study, we developed a saccharin (SAC)-based radiopharmaceutical ( Ga-NOTA-SAC) and evaluated the possibility of its application as a PET tracer in the diagnosis of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX)-overexpressed tumors. We did a water-soluble tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry analysis to identify the cell viability decrease by SAC. The radiochemical purity and stability of Ga- NOTA-SAC in human and mouse serum was greater than 98%.

Design and characterization of cereblon-mediated androgen receptor proteolysis-targeting chimeras.

Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated protein degradation is a rapidly emerging therapeutic intervention that induces the degradation of targeted proteins. Herein, we report the design and biological evaluation of a series of androgen receptor (AR) PROTAC degraders for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Predominantly, instead of thalidomide, we utilized the TD-106 scaffold, a novel cereblon (CRBN) binder that was identified in our previous study.

Survey of characteristics of exposure to mainstream cigarette smoke using discarded cigarette butts from Korean smokers.

Evaluating the characteristics of exposure to mainstream cigarette smoke is an essential field in tobacco research because of the large risk burden among smokers. Detailed evaluation of the complex factors pertaining to the exposure of smokers to mainstream cigarette smoke was attempted by analysis of discarded cigarette butts. A total of 5475 samples of discarded cigarette butts was collected to investigate the exposure characteristics in relation to Korean smokers.

An optimised method for the rapid analysis of condensed phosphates in fishery and processed marine food products using ion chromatography and microwave sample processing.

Condensed phosphates are deliberately added to the fishery and processed marine food products on purpose to increase the weight of products. However, excessive intake overwhelming bodily homoeostasis can result in phosphate toxicity such as mineral and bone disorders, associated with chronic kidney diseases, and cardiovascular events. Rapid analysis for condensed phosphates is required to detect the illegal adulteration of processed marine products.

Cuvette-Type LSPR Sensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of Melamine in Infant Formulas.

The globalization of food distribution has made necessary to secure safe products to the general consumers through the rapid detection of harmful additives on the field. For this purpose, we developed a cuvette-type localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor that can be easily used by consumers with conventional ultraviolet-visible light spectrophotometer for measurements. Gold nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on a transparent substrate via a self-assembly method to obtain a plasmonically active chip, and the chemical receptor p-nitroaniline (-NA) was functionalized to stabilize the device sensitivity under external temperature and pH conditions.

Highly Sensitive Solvent-free Silver Nanoparticle Strain Sensors with Tunable Sensitivity Created Using an Aerodynamically Focused Nanoparticle Printer.

We developed and presented highly sensitive solvent-free silver nanoparticle strain sensors fabricated using the aerodynamically focused nanoparticle (AFN) printer. The nanoparticles were printed in various conductive patterns. We explored how printer scan velocity affected pattern geometry and sensor sensitivity.

Risk assessment of toxicants on WHO TobReg priority list in mainstream cigarette smoke using human-smoked yields of Korean smokers.

Recently, the World Health Organization Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation (WHO TobReg) announced a priority list of 38 toxicants among the more than 7000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, building upon previous lists of toxicants in cigarette smoke. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study on the quantitative exposure and risk characterization of these priority toxicants in mainstream cigarette smoke listed by the WHO TobReg. The human-smoked toxicant yields estimated from spent cigarette butts of a total of 361 smokers using the part-filter method (PFM) were applied to current exposure and risk estimation for the first time.

Mixture risk assessment of selected mainstream cigarette smoke constituents generated from low-yield cigarettes in South Korean smokers.

A total of 38 hazardous constituents in mainstream cigarette smoke of low-yield cigarettes sold in Korea were selected and analyzed using established methods. Risk calculations were performed using risk algorithms employed in previous studies and Korean population-based exposure parameters. The median cumulative incremental lifetime cancer risk of male smokers could vary from 828 × 10 to 2510 × 10, and that of female smokers could range from 440 × 10 to 1300 × 10, depending on the smoking regimens.

Quantitative analysis of menthol and identification of other flavoring ingredients in capsule cigarettes marketed in Korea.

Currently, capsule cigarettes have been introduced by tobacco industries and their sales have increased exponentially. However, the capsule flavoring ingredients and their safety are still unknown. Although the contents of menthol and other ingredients directly added to cigarettes have been determined extensively, no analogous study exists for menthol-containing cigarette capsules.

Design and Fabrication of Soft Morphing Ray Propulsor: Undulator and Oscillator.

A soft morphing ray propulsor capable of generating an undulating motion in its pectoral fins was designed and fabricated. The propulsor used shape memory alloy for actuation, and the body was made with soft polymers. To determine the effects of undulation in the fins, two models that differed in terms of the presence of undulation were fabricated using different polymer materials.

A synthetic cannabinoid JWH-210 reduces lymphoid organ weights and T-cell activator levels in mice via CB receptors.

The problem of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is emerging globally. However, the immunotoxicity of synthetic cannabinoids is not evaluated extensively yet. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-210 and JWH-030) induce adverse effects on lymphoid organs, viability of splenocytes and thymocytes, and immune cell activator and cytokines in mice.

Potential for Dependence on Lisdexamfetamine - and Aspects.

Although lisdexamfetamine is used as a recreational drug, little research exists regarding its potential for dependence or its precise mechanisms of action. This study aims to evaluate the psychoactivity and dependence profile of lisdexamfetamine using conditioned place preference and self-administration paradigms in rodents. Additionally, biochemical techniques are used to assess alterations in the dopamine levels in striatal synaptosomes following administration of lisdexamfetamine.

Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Immunosuppression Augments Cerebellar Dysfunction in Tetanus-Toxin Treated Mice.

Synthetic cannabinoids are one of most abused new psychoactive substances. The recreational use of abused drug has aroused serious concerns about the consequences of these drugs on infection. However, the effects of synthetic cannabinoid on resistance to tetanus toxin are not fully understood yet.

P21 (Cdc42/Rac)-activated kinase 1 (pak1) is associated with cardiotoxicity induced by antihistamines.

Astemizole, a non-sedating histamine H receptor blocker, is widely known to cause cardiac arrhythmia, which prolongs the QT interval. However, the precise molecular mechanism involved in antihistamine-induced cardiovascular adverse effects other than hERG channel inhibition is still unclear. In this study, we used DNA microarray analysis to detect the mechanisms involved in life-threatening adverse effects caused by astemizole.

Synthetic cannabinoid, JWH-030, induces QT prolongation through hERG channel inhibition.

The problem of new psychoactive substance (NPS) abuse, which includes synthetic cannabinoids, is emerging globally, and the cardiotoxicity of these synthetic cannabinoids has not yet been evaluated extensively. In the present study, we investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on the cytotoxicity, human Ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel, action potential duration (APD), and QT interval. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that JWH-030 was more cytotoxic than JWH-210, JWH-250, and RCS4 in H9c2 cells at 0.