Evaluation of Setting Times of Concrete Using Electro-Mechanical Impedance Sensing Technique.

This study presents a novel approach to assessing the setting time of concrete using the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) sensing technique. The proposed method involves the continuous monitoring of EMI changes by embedding a piezoelectric (PZT) sensor directly in the concrete. A comparative analysis was conducted with the conventional penetration resistance test, which utilizes mortar samples extracted from the concrete.

Setting Process Monitoring of Cement Paste Using Electromechanical Impedance of Piezoelectric Patch.

Electromechanical impedance (EMI) sensing is typically applied to monitor the setting of fresh cement paste. In this study, an experimental test is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of EMI sensing for monitoring the setting time of fresh cement paste. A square piezoelectric (PZT) patch was embedded in fresh cement paste and the EMI of PZT patch was continuously monitored for 12 h.

Cost-Effective Production of TiO with 90-Fold Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity Via Facile Sequential Calcination and Ball Milling Post-Treatment Strategy.

Titanium dioxide (TiO), the golden standard among the photocatalysts, exhibits a varying level of photocatalytic activities (PCA) amongst the synthetically prepared and commercially available products. For commercial applications, superior photoactivity and cost-effectiveness are the two main factors to be reckoned with. This study presents the development of simple, cost-effective post-treatment processes for a less costly TiO to significantly enhance the PCA to the level of expensive commercial TiO having demonstrated superior photoactivities.

Recent Progress in the Abatement of Hazardous Pollutants Using Photocatalytic TiO-Based Building Materials.

Titanium dioxide (TiO) has been extensively investigated in interdisciplinary research (such as catalysis, energy, environment, health, etc.) owing to its attractive physico-chemical properties, abundant nature, chemical/environmental stability, low-cost manufacturing, low toxicity, etc. Over time, TiO-incorporated building/construction materials have been utilized for mitigating potential problems related to the environment and human health issues.

Manganese and Graphene Included Titanium Dioxide Composite Nanowires: Fabrication, Characterization and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities.

We report the detailed microstructural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic studies of graphene (G) and manganese (Mn) co-doped titanium dioxide nanowires (TiO(G-Mn) NWs) prepared through facile combined electrospinning-hydrothermal processes. The as-prepared samples were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). XRD studies reveal the formation of mixed anatase-rutile phases or rutile phase depending on the dopant (Mn) precursor concentrations in the electrospinning dope and calcination temperature.

Mixed Copper/Copper-Oxide Anchored Mesoporous Fullerene Nanohybrids as Superior Electrocatalysts toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Developing a highly active, stable, and efficient non-noble metal-free functional electrocatalyst to supplant the benchmark Pt/C-based catalysts in practical fuel cell applications remains a stupendous challenge. A rational strategy is developed to directly anchor highly active and dispersed copper (Cu) nanospecies on mesoporous fullerenes (referred to as Cu-MFC ) toward enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis. The preparation of Cu-MFC involves i) the synthesis of ordered MFC via the prevalent nanohard templating technique and ii) the postfunctionalization of MFC with finely distributed Cu nanospecies through incipient wet impregnation.

Effects of taping and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for stance phase duration of stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of taping and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients who were diagnosed with hemiparalysis due to stroke were selected as subjects of study. Experiment group 1 patients had Kinesio taping applied before applying the PNF, while experiment group 2 patients had McConell taping applied before applying the PNF.

Enhancement of thermal neutron shielding of cement mortar by using borosilicate glass powder.

Concrete has been used as a traditional biological shielding material. High hydrogen content in concrete also effectively attenuates high-energy fast neutrons. However, concrete does not have strong protection against thermal neutrons because of the lack of boron compound.

Effect of Microorganism Sporosarcina pasteurii on the Hydration of Cement Paste.

Years of research have shown that the application of microorganisms increases the compressive strength of cement-based material when it is cured in a culture medium. Because the compressive strength is strongly affected by the hydration of cement paste, this research aimed to investigate the role of the microorganism Sporosarcina pasteurii in hydration of cement paste. The microorganism's role was investigated with and without the presence of a urea-CaCl2 culture medium (i.

Comparison of Abdominal Muscle Activity in Relation to Knee Angles during Abdominal Drawing-in Exercises Using Pressure Biofeedback.

[Purpose] The leg angles that are the most effective for abdominal muscle activation were investigated by performing abdominal drawing-in exercises at different leg angles with a biofeedback pressure unit. [Methods] Subjects were asked to adopt a supine position, and the tip of the biofeedback pressure unit was placed under the posterior superior iliac spine. Then, the pressure was adjusted to 40 mmHg while referring to the pressure gauge connected to the biofeedback pressure unit.

Feasibility of producing ethanol from food waste.

Food waste generated in Korea is rich in carbohydrate as high as 65% of total solids. Using the food waste, the feasibility of ethanol production was investigated in a lab-scale fermentor. Pretreatment with hydrolyzing enzymes including carbohydrase, glucoamylase, cellulase and protease were tested for hydrolysis of food waste.