The influence of surface modifications on the mechanical properties of epoxy-hexagonal boron nitride nanoflake (BNNF) nanocomposites is investigated. Homogeneous distributions of boron nitride nanoflakes in a polymer matrix, preserving intrinsic material properties of boron nitride nanoflakes, is the key to successful composite applications. Here, a method is suggested to obtain noncovalently functionalized BNNFs with 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) molecules and to synthesize epoxy-BNNF nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties. The incorporation of noncovalently functionalized BNNFs into epoxy resin yields an elastic modulus of 3.34 GPa, and 71.9 MPa ultimate tensile strength at 0.3 wt%. The toughening enhancement is as high as 107% compared to the value of neat epoxy. The creep strain and the creep compliance of the noncovalently functionalized BNNF nanocomposite is significantly less than the neat epoxy and the nonfunctionalized BNNF nanocomposite. Noncovalent functionalization of BNNFs is effective to increase mechanical properties by strong affinity between the fillers and the matrix.

Polymeric organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are promising candidates for low-cost, high-performance energy sources due to their low material and processing costs, flexibility, and ease of manufacturing by solution processes. However, low power-conversion efficiency (PCE) has impeded the development of OPV cells. The low PCE in OPV solar cells has been attributed to low carrier mobility, which is related to the transport length of the charge carriers within active layers. Graphene can be an ideal material for assisting the charge transport in the active layer of OPV cells due to its excellent charger carrier mobility, thermal and chemical stability, and compatibility with the solution process. In this work, we demonstrated for the first time an improvement of the PCE (up to 40%) in OPV bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) cells by incorporating charge-selective graphene flakes into the BHJ active layer. The charge selectivity of graphene flakes was achieved by nitrogen doping (N-doped graphene). The N-doped graphene, when mixed in the active layer (N-doped graphene/polymer:fullerene composites), provided transport pathways exclusively to specific charge carriers through the modulation of band-gap structures. We discuss further the enhancement of the PCE in OPV cells with respect to charge-carrier mobility.

The influence of surface modifications on the mechanical properties of epoxy-hexagonal boron nitride nanoflake (BNNF) nanocomposites is investigated. Homogeneous distributions of boron nitride nanoflakes in a polymer matrix, preserving intrinsic material properties of boron nitride nanoflakes, is the key to successful composite applications. Here, a method is suggested to obtain noncovalently functionalized BNNFs with 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) molecules and to synthesize epoxy-BNNF nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties. The incorporation of noncovalently functionalized BNNFs into epoxy resin yields an elastic modulus of 3.34 GPa, and 71.9 MPa ultimate tensile strength at 0.3 wt%. The toughening enhancement is as high as 107% compared to the value of neat epoxy. The creep strain and the creep compliance of the noncovalently functionalized BNNF nanocomposite is significantly less than the neat epoxy and the nonfunctionalized BNNF nanocomposite. Noncovalent functionalization of BNNFs is effective to increase mechanical properties by strong affinity between the fillers and the matrix.

Polymeric organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are promising candidates for low-cost, high-performance energy sources due to their low material and processing costs, flexibility, and ease of manufacturing by solution processes. However, low power-conversion efficiency (PCE) has impeded the development of OPV cells. The low PCE in OPV solar cells has been attributed to low carrier mobility, which is related to the transport length of the charge carriers within active layers. Graphene can be an ideal material for assisting the charge transport in the active layer of OPV cells due to its excellent charger carrier mobility, thermal and chemical stability, and compatibility with the solution process. In this work, we demonstrated for the first time an improvement of the PCE (up to 40%) in OPV bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) cells by incorporating charge-selective graphene flakes into the BHJ active layer. The charge selectivity of graphene flakes was achieved by nitrogen doping (N-doped graphene). The N-doped graphene, when mixed in the active layer (N-doped graphene/polymer:fullerene composites), provided transport pathways exclusively to specific charge carriers through the modulation of band-gap structures. We discuss further the enhancement of the PCE in OPV cells with respect to charge-carrier mobility.

Cervical cancer (CVC) remains one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies, necessitating the development of more effective therapeutic strategies to reduce tumor burden and prevent metastasis or recurrence. Conventional chemotherapy often causes severe side effects such as myelosuppression and leukopenia. This study aimed to develop a novel nanoparticle-based formulation to improve anticancer efficacy while minimizing toxicity. We synthesized a polymeric micelle formulation incorporating (S)-ibuprofen ((S)-IP) and 2'-hydroxy-2,3,5'-trimethoxychalcone (DK143), termed (S)-IP-DK143 NP. <i>In vitro</i> cytotoxicity assays were performed in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Mechanistic studies included intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, analysis of mitochondrial dynamics, and assessment of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation. Nanoparticle uptake was visualized using fluorescence microscopy. (S)-IP-DK143 NP demonstrated superior anticancer activity compared to the non-nanoparticle formulation, significantly reducing the IC₅₀ value in HeLa cells. The formulation induced ROS-mediated apoptosis, disrupted mitochondrial dynamics, and activated MAPK signaling, particularly via p38 phosphorylation. Fluorescence imaging confirmed rapid nanoparticle uptake within 1 h, suggesting efficient intracellular delivery. Our findings suggest that (S)-IP-DK143 NP enhances drug bioavailability and cytotoxicity through targeted delivery and ROS-mediated apoptotic signaling. The combination of pH-sensitive polymeric micelles and chalcone-based chemotherapy represents a promising approach for cervical cancer treatment. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to validate its potential as an injectable anticancer formulation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the structural relations among teacher’s right, teacher core competencies, occupational identity and occupational turnover intention of Korean language teachers. Methods: The subjects of this study were 400 Korean language teachers working at Korean language education institutions in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. The relationship between variables was analyzed by applying a structural equation model to the collected data. Results: The teacher’s rights of Korean language teachers had a positive (+) effect on empathy and unity, a positive (+) influence relationship between teacher core competencies and the sub-variables of occupational identity. The influence of the sub-variable of occupational identity has a negative (-) effect on individual-job conformity and unity, and empathy has a positive (+) effect. As a result of verifying the mediating effect of the sub-variable of occupational identity, the indirect effect of the teacher’s right of Korean language teachers on the occupational turnover intention through empathy was positively (+) significant, and the indirect effect on the occupational turnover intention through the medium of unity was negatively (-) significant. The indirect effect of the teacher core competency on the occupational turnover intention through the medium of individual-job conformity and unity was negatively (-) significant, and the indirect effect of the teacher core competency on the occupational turnover intention through empathy was positively (+) significant. Conclusion: The results suggest that effective management and support, and the development and implementation of programs to strengthen job identity are necessary to find ways to establish teacher’s rights for Korean language teachers, improve teacher core competencies.