• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.83-101
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• 2005

This paper summarizes the application of a rational methodology for the structural assessment of older reinforced concrete Tunisian bridges. This methodology is based on ambient vibration measurement of the bridge, identification of the structure's modal signature and finite element model updating. The selected case study is the Boujnah bridge of the Tunis-Msaken Highway. This bridge is made of a continuous four-span simply supported reinforced concrete slab without girders resting on elastomeric bearings at each support. Ambient vibration tests were conducted on the bridge using a data acquisition system with nine force-balance accelerometers placed at selected locations of the bridge. The Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition technique was applied to extract the dynamic characteristics of the bridge. The finite element model was updated in order to obtain a reasonable correlation between experimental and numerical modal properties. For the model updating part of the study, the parameters selected for the updating process include the concrete modulus of elasticity, the elastic bearing stiffness and the foundation spring stiffnesses. The primary objective of the paper is to demonstrate the use of the Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition technique combined with model updating to provide data that could be used to assess the structural condition of the selected bridge. The application of the proposed methodology led to a relatively faithful linear elastic model of the bridge in its present condition.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.275-280
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• 2018

Companies are now rapidly entering the realm of the realtime economy named 'Now Economy'. 'Now Economy' features the measurement and assessment, accelerating speed of decision making about business. According to this, companies intend to change their disposition to be able to make quick and accurate decision by gathering informations rapidly and correctly, and then by processing that. Applications of ICT can be possible to change the new decision system of companies. In this thesis, the new decision system through amalgamations of BPMS, Mobile, Cloud Service, Hadoop, BI and AI is presented. It will be able to make decision quickly and accurately by collecting all information between the most efficiently managed process and formal and informal data inside company through this, and then by combining changes with situations outside company.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.939-953
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• 2017

For the development of flow duration curves for the management of 41 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) units of the Nakdong River basin, first, an equation for estimating daily flow rates as well as the level of correlation (correlation and determination coefficients) was extrapolated through regression analysis of discrete (Ministry of Environment) and continuous (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation) measurement data. The equation derived from the analysis was used to estimate daily flow rates in order to develop flow duration curves for each TMDL unit. By using the equation, the annual flow duration curves and flow curves, for the entire period and for each TMDL unit of the basin, were developed to be demonstrated in this research. Standard flow rates (abundant-, ordinary-, low- and drought flows) for major flow duration periods were calculated based on the annual flow duration curves. Then, the flow rates, based on percentile ranks of exceedance probabilities (5, 25, 50, 75, and 95%), were calculated according to the flow duration curves for the entire period and are suggested in this research. These results can be used for feasibility assessment of the set values of primary and secondary standard flow rates for each river system, which are derived from complicated models. In addition, they will also be useful for the process of implementing TMDL management, including evaluation of the target level of water purity based on load duration curves.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.495-507
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to find the effects of the dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise on functional recovery of low back pain patients. The subjects were consisted of sixty patients who had nonspecific subacute low back pain. All subjects randomly assigned to dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise group. Williams exercise group and modalities treatment group. The dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise group received modalities treatment with dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise. Williams exercise group received modalities treatment with Williams flexion exercise and modalities treatment group received modalities treatment without exercise. The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire was used to measure disability of low back pain. Assessment was carried out before treatment fur obtain baseline measurement of low back pain and reassessment were carried out at after 20 and 40 treatment sessions. The results of this study were as following: 1. The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire scores were significantly decreased after 20th and 40th treatment in dynamic lumber stabilization exercise group(p<.05). 2. The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire scores were significantly decreased after 20th and 40th treatment in Williams exercise group(p<.05). 3. The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire scores were significantly decreased after 20th and 40th treatment in modalities treatment group(<.05). 4. There were no statistical difference between the 3 groups at pre-treatment with Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire scores(p>.05). 5. There were no statistical difference between the 3 groups after 20th treatment with Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire scores(p>.05). 6. There were statistical difference between the 3 groups after 40th treatment with Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire scores(p<.05). 7. The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire scores were significantly decreased after 40th treatment in all 3 groups and the decrement were greater in order of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise group. Williams exercise group and modalities treatment group.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6011-6016
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• 2012

Introduction: Epidemiological studies suggest a protective role for ${\beta}$-carotene with several malignancies. Esophageal adenocarcinoma frequently arises from Barrett's esophagus (BE). We postulated that ${\beta}$-carotene therapy maybe protective in BE. Materials and Method: We conducted a prospective study in which 25 mg of ${\beta}$-carotene was administered daily for six-months to six patients. Each patient underwent upper endoscopy before and after therapy and multiple mucosal biopsies were obtained. Additionally, patients completed a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms questionnaire before and after therapy and severity score was calculated. To study the effect of ${\beta}$-carotene at molecular level, tissue extracts of the esophageal mucosal biopsy were subjected to assessment of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70). Results: A significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean GERD symptoms severity score from $7.0{\pm}2.4$ to $2.7{\pm}1.7$ following ${\beta}$-carotene therapy was noted. Measurement of Barrett's segment also revealed a significant reduction in mean length after therapy. In fact, two patients had complete disappearance of intestinal metaplasia. Furthermore, marked enhancement of HSP70 expression was demonstrated in biopsy specimens from Barrett's epithelium in four cases that were tested. Conclusions: Long-term ${\beta}$-carotene therapy realizes amelioration of GERD symptoms along with restitution of the histological and molecular changes in esophageal mucosa of patients with BE, associated with concurrent increase in mucosal HSP70 expression.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.sup3
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• pp.77-80
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• 2016

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the ten most common causes of cancer death worldwide. Assessment of molecular changes can help detect and control lesions. The aim of this study was evaluation of salivary levels of ErbB2 and CEA in OSCC patients. In this case-control study, 27 OSCC patients and 26 healthy controls participated. After obtaining consent and filling out a questionnaire, unstimulated saliva samples were collected from people in the morning for measurement of the two markers using ELISA. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney U test in SPSS 19 software with P<0.05 considered significant. Subjects were in the age range of 40 to 65 years. \Salivary level CEA was elevated in OSCC samples ($42.6{\pm}21.1ng/ml$) as compared to those of controls ($22.6{\pm}22.1ng/ml$) (p< 0.01), but no significant variation was noted for ErbB2 ($5.2{\pm}1.8ng/ml$ and $4.93{\pm}2.14ng/ml$, p=0.28). The role of ErbB2 as a tumor marker in patients with OSCC must still be regarded as controversial and needs further studies to clarify any significance for early detection or screening. In contrast the salivary level of CEA may find application for early detection of patients.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.361-368
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• 1994

Radiographic planning is needed for implant placement in order to determine implant length, jaw bone volume, anatomical stucture and so on. Radiographic examination includes conventional radiography, conventional tomography and CT scan. The most accurate mesurement can be obtained from CT scan. For the cross-sectional view of mandible, CT scan reconstruction is generally needed. But the cross-sectional view of mandible can be reformed by personal computer. This study was performed to examine the clinical usefulness of reformed image using personal computer in comparison with CT scan reconstructed image. CT axial slices of 4 mandibles of 4 volunteers were used. Digital imaging system was composed of Macintosh Ⅱ ci computer, high resolution Sony XC-77 CCD camera, Quick Capture frame grabber board and 'NIH Image' program. Seven reconstructed cross-sectional images within CT machine(CT group) were obtained. And seven reformed cross-sectional images(PC group) after digitization of CT axial slices into the personal computer were obtained. PC group was compared with CT group in the objective and subjective aspects. The results were as follow: 1. Measurement of mandibular height & width in both group showed insignificant difference(P>0.05). 2. Subjective assessment of the mandibular canal in both group showed insignificant difference(P>0.05). 3. Image reformation using personal computer could provide panoramic view, which could not be obtained in CT scan reconstruction.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.715-727
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• 2004

This study was carried out to evaluate non-smoker's exposure levels to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the air of offices in urban areas. A total of 65 offices were selected from two large cities, i.e. Daegu and Daejeon. The field sampling was conducted repeatedly in summer (1999) and winter (1999～2000). The measured ETS markers included respirable suspended particles (RSP as PM$_{40}$ ), vapor and particulate phase ETS markers, including nicotine, 3-ethnyl pyridine (3-EP), ultraviolet absorbing particulate matter (UVPM), fluorescing particulate matter (FPM), and solanseol in ETS particles (SolPM). RSP was measured gravimetrically by a microbalance. The particle samples were then used for the determination of particulate ETS markers by HPLC, while vapor phase markers determined by GC/NPD. The analytical methods were validated for repeatability, linearity, detection limits, and duplication precision. The concentrations of RSP and other ETS markers were significantly higher in smoking offices than non-smoking offices. Despite the similar smoking strength in each office for different seasons, the concentration levels of ETS components appeared to be higher in winter than summer. The contributions of ETS to RSP concentrations based on SolPM, FPM, and UVPM methods were estimated to be in the range of 15.2 ～ 25.3% in smoking offices, whereas 2.4 ～ 15.9% in non-smoking offices. The cooling and heating types did not affect significantly the concentrations of RSP and other ETS markers. Finally, further research issues were suggested to obtain more scientific information on the non-smoker's exposure to ETS with respect to the frame of risk assessment..

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.86-90
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• 2015

Background: Although there are several methods for evaluating bone quality, Hounsfield units (HU), a standardized computed tomography (CT) attenuation coefficient, provide a useful tool for estimating focal bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study is to investigate the HU for evaluating the degree of osteoporosis in greater tuberosity with regard to anchor positioning. Methods: Forty patients diagnosed as normal on shoulder CT were included and categorized according to age and gender. Axially sectioned CT images were processed to 3-dimensional models containing information about bone quality using Mimics (14.11 platform v14.1.1.1 Materialise). Three-dimensional anchors were simulated and positioned according to 6 regions of interest (ROI) in the greater tuberosity classified using Tingart's system. Mean HU of intra-anchor volumes in the 6 regions was measured. Results: A significant decrease in HU was observed with increasing age (p=0.0001) and menopause (p<0.001). A significant difference in HU was found between male and female groups with males showing the higher values (p=0.0001). HU of proximal areas of ROI was higher than those of distal areas (p<0.005). However, although mean HU of distal posterior ROI showed the lowest values, no statistically significant difference was found between anterior, middle, and posterior regions (p=0.087). Conclusions: Mean HU of ROIs provides a tool for preoperative assessment of focal BMD, which is a factor of suture anchor stability and can be used to aid decision-making regarding secure anchor positioning for rotator cuff repair. Our data support that the most secure point is the proximal regions of ROI.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.147-154
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• 2005

Objective: In this study, the effects of Liriope Platyphylla against LPS-induced inflammation was investigated. Methods: Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. To identify expressions of COX-2 and iNOS mRNA, RT-PCR was performed. Assessment of PGE2 synthesis was performed using the PGE2 immunoassay. Measurement of NO synthesis was performed using the NO detection. Result : The MTT assay revealed that Liriope Platyphylla exerted no significant cytotoxicity in the microglial BV2 cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS were significantly decreased in the LPS- and 5 mg/ml Liriope Platyphylla treated group. From the PGE2 immunoassay and NO detection, PGE2 and NO synthesis was significantly suppressed in the LPS- and 5 mg/ml Liriope Platyphylla treated group. Conclusion : In these study, Liriope Platyphylla was shown to suppress PGE2 and NO production by inhibiting LPS-stimulated enhancement of COX-2 enzyme activity and iNOS expression. It is very possible that Liriope Platyphylla can offer a valuable mode of therapy for the treatment of brain inflammatory diseases.